Thanks to everyone who commented on my last two blog postings regarding the importance of staging. It is very exciting to see the enthusiasm in our real estate community when it comes to servicing our clients. After all, our job is to get that home listed and sold as quickly as possible. We are doing our best to make sure the property is as marketable as possible. Which leads me to my next blog posting . . .
THE IMPORTANCE OF CURB APPEAL! The process can be as simple as planting a few flowers and cleaning off the cob webs. Here are some of the main components to good curb appeal. First, a well groomed lawn (other than winter time -- then we're talking cleaning off the snow in the cold climates)! It's important that your client is aware of a nicely manicured front setting in order to get the buyer traffic through. Next, some nice flowers that are easy to maintain. Make sure to use climate-friendly plantings! If there are foundation problems with the walkway or driveway, they should be patched or professionally replaced. I have seen this issue be a show-stopper!
Some other areas are near the front door. If the paint is peeling on the front door, sand it and repaint it. A TASTEFUL, bright color can attract the eye of a buyer. Also, have your client spend the $10 and buy a new front door mat. It just makes you feel more welcome. If there is space, put a nice planter of flowers on or next to the front porch or deck. It's another great welcoming tool! No one likes to see dirt or cobwebs hanging. Regularly, have them broom off the front entrance as well as the sidewalk and driveway. Don't forget to replace the entrance lightbulbs or put up a fresh light fixture for added appeal.
Why do I spend so much time on the topic of STAGING? Here is a perfect example. I stage and sell real estate in the state of Michigan. Most of you are aware that our real estate economy is not very strong, to say the least. A friend of mine asked me to stage a home for her to "potentially" list (I do perform my business services separately and jointly). I spent 3+ hours going through the home with the homeowners telling them room by room what they should do to prepare their home for listing (and I was paid for my services that day). They carefully noted in detail what I asked them to do. Approximately 4-5 weeks later I contacted my friend to see if she received the listing. Unfortunately, she did not get the listing . . . they chose another local agent, and the home sold in 14 days! That's unheard of in our market! But, they priced it right, they listened to an impartial party and they implemented the changes. Wouldn't we all like a success story like that every now and then (as long as we are the listing agent)!
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