Good Morning Barbara Todaro - If I was an eagle, I would enjoy soaring with you. There is nothing puzzling about you. You are always respectful, helpful, kind, and good. You make people feel good about themselves and since the beginning of our friendship on ActiveRain, you have been trustworthy.
Thank you!
Lise Howe
Washington, DC
Good morning, Patricia... that front door issue raises its head many a time here. Most people here walk into their homes via the garage door and rarely use their front door. I'm forever pointing out issues with front doors... from bad locks and handles, to cobwebs, to stickiness, to faded paint... and telling sellers that's the first impression of the home and that it needs to be addressed before pictures and before buyers see a home. Always amazes me how often people really don't initially understand why a good front door matters.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
Lise Howe
Washington, DC
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Good morning!
These are all great tips that sellers should take to heart. Lots of light, everything clean and shiny, new hardware, a good door and door knob... All of these are minimally expensive but make a huge difference.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Nina Hollander - Front doors bug me a lot too. I have similar discussions with my Sellers. Here in TX we get mud daubers up there around the door. At the very least, Sellers should clean their front doors. It doesn't take a lot of time to paint a door and make the entry bug free, nest free, chipped paint free, and easy to open and close. When doors won't open or close properly, it's very hard to ignore when you're showing.
Nina Hollander
Charlotte, NC
Kat Palmiotti - Sometimes I think people spend too much time decorating to impress when it really is in between the doors that count. When a house goes on the market, it's all about lights, camera, action! Everything has to be exceptionally clean and function properly to make a great first impression. I love working with Sellers who are willing to accept my home improvement solutions without consulting on FB about what their friends think they should do or believing in what they hear on TV Reality shows that aren't real. My services that I bring to sellers does not include cutting corners but to help my client sell by doing the right thing.
Kat Palmiotti
Kalispell, MT
I replaced my front door recently because it really was coming apart literally - it made such a difference in how I feel as I walk in the door!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Hello Patricia - what an interesting quote and with an extra special meaning given it comes from Jim Morrison of The Doors. A nice introduction to your post that inspires us to think and imagine beyond the obvious.
Brian DeYoung
Ithaca, NY
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
You have so much expertise and knowledge to share, everyone in Flower Mound should want to know you! I am glad that I have the honor of calling you a friend!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
I love the advice in this post, Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP As usual, written in an entertaining and thoughtful manner. Last year, I painted our front door a lovely shade of slate blue and we purchased new aged pewter door hardware, what a simple, but fabulous upgrade. The door used to be a non-descript brown shade with unremarkable hardware. Everytime I use that door, I am pleased. Agree with Barbara Todaro's comment, you are the one to hire. D
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Lise Howe - When I had my soffits, fascia, chimney, and eaves painted I decided to have my door painted with a new doorknob, locks and keys. It made a huge difference to me and instantly changed my mood. I agree with you, when it's for the better, "how" you "feel" changes your attitude and the exterior improvements makes a statement about how you value your investment.
Michael Jacobs - Jim Morrison was much more than a Rock Star, Singer/Songwriter. Other quotes that are very pertinent today include the following:
"Whoever controls the media controls the mind."
"Some of the worst mistakes in my life were haircuts."
"This is the strangest life I've ever known."
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Brian England - It is an honor and a privilege to call you a friend too!
Thany you, for always being yourself and making others feel good about themselves too.
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - You'll never know how much I appreciated what you said about me. Recently, I seriously thought about quitting ActiveRain completely. Today, you made all the difference.
I'll bet your front door is absolutely stunning! I would venture to say, it looks rich and very expensive unlike any other door in your neighborhood. You truly are unique and original with star qualities that has to appeal to all your neighbors and friends. And not once, ever have I detected any super ego. Your brand, Nature as Neighbors is very, very true.
Debb Janes EcoBroker a...
Camas, WA
Hello Patricia, I like your creative tie in with the quote and reference to doors!
The front door and what is in between the doors.
The smallest of details count. If sellers expect top dollar for their home then sellers need to invest their time and money into making it worthy of receiving top dollar.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist - It's such an honor to have you visit my Blog Post today! Thank you for stopping by, your kindness, and taking time to comment. Also, thank you for noticing my "creative tie," to enhance my objective by getting right to the point for writing this one in the first place.
A Seller's Agent, will advocate for their client by helping them to maximize their goal of achieving "top dollar," by providing the highest quality service skills to them them to sell for all the right reasons.
That is definitely an interesting insight and I enjoyed your thoughts.
Happy Sunday Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Good evening Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP ,
So thrilled to see your featured post..Congratulations! You are so right there is so much for a seller to put their home on the market and you are the agent with your expertise to help them understandwhat is involved in "setting the stage" for buyers!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS - I'm not surprised by your comment and wanted to say thank you. Your inspirational posts always reflect insight and you make it easy for me to gain deeper awareness about life, business, or something personal that I need to work on. Plus your photographs always demonstrate you have a keen eye for something out of the ordinary. I find you to be a great asset to ActiveRain.
Paul S. Henderson, RE...
Tacoma, WA
Dorie Dillard CRS GRI ABR - Your zest for life and support for others shines through! I appreciate your comment and sincerity very much. Like many agents, when I first got started in the business, I toured many new listings and saw first hand what people did to their houses. Whether it was how they always lived or whether they paid someone to stage and/or decorate, I keenly took notice and realized it doesn't have to cost a fortune to get people to buy your property. Over the years, I usually start the process of coaching my sellers on information they need to know. They ask. I tell the truth. They share what they want and could afford. For me this is the most exciting part in the courtship of getting to build better relationships with people, especially when it's about them and their personal possessions. I never tell someone they need to rip out, tear down, or replace. We talk through it. I show them other houses to compare what their competition is. Then they decide what they can and can't do to make neglected repairs fixed, replaced, or redo with new improvements. I am always surprised what people can do with what they can afford. The results speak for themselves.
Patricia, the simple things make HUGE differences on how a property is perceived.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
George Souto - It all starts with the basics, clean, repair, refresh. Perception most often only gets one chance. Oh, what a difference that can make between making and breaking a deal.
Thanks, George. It's always great to hear from you. I hope the remainder of your Sunday evening is relaxing and comfortable.
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP Exactly. I do a lot of that with decluttering In particular ways and making room for things to be where they need to be and when they need to be there.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
We just don’t know what a person might go through fully. It’s important for all of us to take note of all of what you’re saying.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Here you are again giving everyone a shot of positivity! You have such a way of making people feel good
I will admit I thought the song was going to be Charlie Rich Behind Closed Doors
You got me with Jim Morrison!!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Renting to home ownership. Break on through to the other side Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP . When the music is over, shut out the lights. Shut out the lights.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Awe, thanks, Debra Leisek! I'm glad to know you were pleasantly surprised. By the way, I also love Charlie Rich's song Behind Closed Doors.
Jim Morrison was quite a singer/songwriter and when it comes to Real Estate, he nailed it! I hope you're doing great! I'm guessing you're moving into the Fall season?
Brian DeYoung
Ithaca, NY
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573 - Yes! Renters should seriously Break Out! You'll know and love the Owners. You won't have to wonder or care about Landlords.
Lock the door behind you. Shut off the lights. Sleep well in your new home!
The doors and whats in-between them...what a great quote Patricia.. There's so much more involved than just putting a for sale up!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Lawrence "Larry" & She...
Plainview, NY
Hi Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP - oh I'm delighted to hear you are sticking around. It's funny, as I had a similar experience - wondering if all the time in AR was really making sense. Turns out, the friendships and support are very worthwhile - I'd miss you - and others.
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Jill Sackler
Long Beach, NY
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Hi Patricia, I love how you have highlighted the importance of interior and exterior details, especially light fixtures and doors. I am fascinated with those two elements, too - I keep a collection of photos - kitchen light fixtures and entrance doors. So much creativity could go there.
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - You'll never know how good it is to know, you were having similar thoughts! I got misty when I read your comment.
Yes! I would miss you too!!! I have gained so much knowledge and support from other REALTORS who had to work in the trenches (like us) during the hard times when short sales and foreclosures were the news of the day. To understand what another REALTOR goes through. To share mutual respect. Ideas. Just spending a little bit of time on AR and hearing the Voices of others in the same boat who share motivation, inspiration, and camaraderie makes a for a quick recovery because they offer hope. And you do that, so well.
Kris Collis, Associate Broker - Remember when red walls were trending? Oh my gosh, it was as bad as removing wallpaper! You're right. Challenges are many and most are unthinkable! I once had a client who fell in love with a house, the location, and everything about it. BUT.... after moving in the owner hired a Feng Shui specialist to come to her house to help her decorate. All she wanted was a peaceful home and thought the specialist would provide information to help achieve her goal. I was there when the consultant arrived. Scared the new home owner out of her chair! Told my client her child was going to have a terrible accident because of the outdoor landscaping and the environment surrounding the property. Unfortunately, it didn't take long before the new house was back on the market.
Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
Steffy Hristova - Thank you! I'm delighted to hear what you have to say! Doors and Light Fixtures really do make a statement! Having an entryway door that makes it fashionable and interesting can be very inviting. It just has to be in good taste; yet stand out from the neighbors When the interior lighting sets the mood and creates a nice welcoming, people are more anxious to learn more about the house and many don't want to leave too quickly.
Steffy, you are smart to keep a collection of photos on hand!
Steffy Hristova
Tempe, AZ
"Clean, repair, refresh" are the basics when putting a property on the market and that includes the garden. Curb appeal is everything. I've seen cars slow down in front of a listing and then just speed off; instant decision, they don't even want to go in. Plus, of course, the front door. If it's all scratched up from the dog or faded or, to me what's worse, if you try to show it with your client and you can't get the door open! Reflects badly on everyone. You understand all that and I hope potential sellers will see your value and call you.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® - You're absolutely right. There's nothing worse that scheduleing an appointment to show a property to potential buyers who have their hearts on seeing something only to find out they won't get out of the car if the house or neighborhood doesn't appeal by making a good first impression.
Patricia, very clever lead in to a home improvement post with quote from Jim Morrison. All the commenters thought likewise, an attention getter.
Doors are so interesting, a feature addressed by Feng Shui stagers. A challenge arose with suggestion to paint door red to ward off negative energy from across street. Subject property was in desert climate subject to HOA restrictions about paint color.....
the tone of red inconsistent with desert scape. It took a workaround to tone down the color for feng shui and get the shade approved too!!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Kris Collis, Associate...
East Stroudsburg, PA
Hi Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP it's great to see you today! And what a great and informative post for home sellers. It's so important to have a top notch, experienced agent working for you - that agent is Patricia! Call her, I've known her for years and she is an expert at selling homes.
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Congratulations on the well deserved Feature Patricia! This is written so well and really gives buyers and sellers something to think about. I hope Buyers and Sellers in your area realize how much expertise you have and what a Professional you truly are. When looking for a Realtor in your area, I don't think there is a better one out there, not to mention the fact that you also care about everyone you come into contact with. That is a very special quality in a person and you have it! Have a beautiful evening!
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Steffy Hristova
Tempe, AZ
yup , I always liked the Charlie Rich song too.
Had not heard the Morrison quote before.
All the music aside, it was also a great post
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
We have been using this pandemic opportunity to fix the decks and paint the exterior of our house. It’s looking good and coming along nicely. You can never apply too much paint.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Oh, I couldn't agree more, Patricia! SO good to see you here (I've been abstaining also! LOL)
The lighting - OMG, SUCH a small investment can make a world of difference. It's something a good agent will coach his/her clients on!
Hope you're well and business is good for you...hugs, my friend!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Hi Patricia:
I so agree with you! And congrats on a well-deserved featured many should read!
Lighting is a big deal and should not be overlooked. And it's inexpensive!
And the issue with the front door! Hoe many times have we all had problems opening a front door?! What a welcoming message THAT is. And while you are fiddling with the front door buyers are checking out the front exterior and noticing all the other issues that need to be addressed!
Jeff
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Kris Collis, Associate Broker - Understanding culture and knowing beforehand the HOA regulations is something anyone who lives in an HOA should know before making exterior changes. Thanks for pointing this out. Have a wonderful day!
Anna Banana Kruchten Arizona's Top Banana! - It's wonderful to see you today too! I have enjoyed getting to know you over the years and appreciate your positive energy and support. You are always the sunshine even on a cloudy/rainy day like it is today in Flower Mound! I wish you all the best!!!
Anna Banana Kruchten C...
Phoenix, AZ
Brenda J. Andrew - How do I say thank you? You have touched my heart and soul! Getting to know you over the many years has been a genuine blessing. I feel the same way about you. I was at the doctor's office this morning but I wanted you to know, I am thinking of you and your loved ones as your area gets dumped with the pounding of the rain from Tropical Storm Beta. I wish you courage, super strength, and safety. God bless you one and all impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Brian DeYoung - Hello! It seems as if everyones head was jogged with the memory of Charlie Rich and Jim Morrison! The doors to our hearts who appreciated their music and lyrics will always be open - never closed! May you have a great day!
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089 - A smart man and woman always stays busy and knows how to use time wisely. I'll bet your deck is going to look as good as new! A woman like you knows how to make a triumph even under abnormal circumstances. I always believed your eyes are drawn to potential and beauty. During difficult times, you don't worry, you find something you know that needs to be done and you do it! I admire those qualities in you.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Debe Maxwell, CRS - I've been wondering how you are doing? Thank you, for stopping by and caring enough to write a few lines. It means a lot to me because I know you are very busy! May your superpowers never run out and always be charged and may the good Lord always be there when you need it the most. Also, thank you for the hug which I needed so badly.
Good lighting that is as bright and fresh as the rain after the the sun comes out after a storm always puts people in a good mood. Without it, buyers will sink out of the house as quickly as they can. We are guided by the light!
Take care and enjoy all the time you have as you continue to work magic at home and in business.
Jeff Dowler, CRS - Thank you for the congrats! All that you said is true. What homeowners don't know is that if their doors are a problem to open when it's on the market, it casts a bad light on buyers too. Buyers are so excited and most can't wait to see the right house and buy it. However, if the agent struggles to get inside, the buyer gets discouraged and their excitement begins to fizzle. They may think something is wrong with their Agent who can't even open up a door! Or they may be shifting their weight from foot to foot losing patience because they don't have a lot of time. Even worse, their mind may be racing about what else is wrong with this house, or lose interest if showing houses has to be this difficult.
Take care and have a wonderful day!
All good points, esp the front door, entryway. As the agent is getting the key out of the box and opening the home, buyers are looking around at the front of the house! A freshly painted door with clean windows is a great first impression.
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
Patricia, I love the way you analogized aspects of a home, such as hardware being the jewelry of cabintry. I have a feeling if departing homeowners would think of it like that, they might be more willing to make changes to make it more attractive.
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR - Thanks for your support. The front door is absolutely something owners should address when listing their home and fix any problems that can deter a buyer away. So many agents have issues with doors when showing properties. It really should be the owners responsibility.
Mike Cooper, GRI - thank you for the nice compliment! I appreciate it very much. I do my best to be reasonable and rational when working with Home Owners and listen carefully. I appreciate your support. Thanks again.
Roy Kelley - Good morning to you too! We have another cloudy day with showers. However, it's nothing like what's happening in Corpus Christi and the cities closer to the Gulf.
May you be blessed.
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
An AWESOME Home Staging themed post, Patricia!
Yes, Yes to all the suggestions.
Perception is key to buyers...what you show them is what creates their perceived value of the home.
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
All very good points. A home that needs overall tweaks does not mean a complete overahaul. Small projects can add up to make a big difference though.
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Carol Culkin, ReeceNichols - Yes! You're right. Once people get motivated and their house is clean and decluttered there is usually more fuel and energy stored to do more. A complete overhaul is rarely needed unless you plan to stay forever.
Thanks for your comment! I hope you have a nice day.
Hi Pete Xavier - I like what you had to say! There is poetry and inspiration in musical lyrics. That's why I named my daughter Carrie Ann! Like you said, "I knew what I had to do!"
Enjoy your day!
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
Love your quote! My daughter painted her front door royal blue before she sold it. Talk about a change in appearance! Now she's a successful realtor in Huntsville, AL. She knew those design tricks and I'm so proud of her! Great post Patricia!
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Thank you, Jan Green! Congratulations to your daughter's career move! I love that she is following in your footsteps while being on her own in another state. I wish her the best and you too!
Your new profile looks gorgeous!
Jan Green
Scottsdale, AZ
Thank you Patricia! You're such a doll! That was at my daughter's last month in Frisco. Very short weekend or I'd have called! My cousin and her daughter and family are also in fRisco. Just met them for the first time. My realtor daughter came with me to Dallas. Would love to catch up with you sometime!
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX
Jan Green - I completely understand. Family is everything! Respectfully, you did the right thing. When traveling, there really isn't enough time to do all the things we'd like to do. I do have to say, isn't it wonderful when our children become adults and we can share adult time with them and really have fun!
If we do have an opportunity to visit someday, I know it would be very enjoyable. Take care and enjoy all the opportunities you get, especially when family is involved!
Jan Green
Scottsdale, AZ
5,552,797
Good morning, Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP I was a listing agent for 40+ years.... when I say that homeowners in your area MUST use common sense and list with an agent who is well-versed with how to market a home properly....
that listing agent is you, Patricia..... you have experience and you're degree of expertise is far beyond what any homeowner expects.... you are superb at doing your job....
your job is to list, market and sell homes.... and no one does it as well as you.
Brenda J. Andrew
Corpus Christi, TX
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
Patricia Feager, MBA, ...
Flower Mound, TX