When my hubbie announced that we were to visit Mesa Verde near Cortez Co as part of our fall foliage trip I was less than excited. I mean really, looking at houses is my business, do I really have to do the same on vacation??
Well, I determined whining would not do, just suck it up and get it done became my motto.
Gladly these ancient dwellings were quit fascinating.
The Anasazi were a matriarchal society so it is not wonder then had so many wonderful amenities!
Natural refrigeration for food storage, a wonderful heating system for the winter and a short commute to work up a short series of hand and toe hold grooves cut in the rock face.
The real design challenges I saw were the Kiva's round design. Furniture placement is a bit difficult in a round room, but since the tribe probably sat on the floor for ceremony's and education sessions that were held there it was no problem!
All said and done I got some exercise climbing up and down the ladders to get to the cliff dwellings and kept up my 'design skills' while vacationing..... I wonder if this part of the trip would count as a business deduction?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
What to do with the neigbors?
Well your selling your house, it's updated, fresh and ready for the first showing.....but the neighbors house is another story.
Maybe it needs paint, the landscape is shabby or maybe the dogs bark like mad everytime a squirrel runs up a tree. What are you going to do to get your house sold?
I will tell my story.
In 2005 our house was going up for sale. We had purchased the 'ugly duckling' of the cul-de-sac and turned it into the 'swan'. Curb to back fence, room by room it was fabulous.
The neighbor's house was a hot mess! It had not been painted in 15 years plus. Some of the fascia trim was rotten and the over grown shrubs had been removed leaving the house with not one bit of curb appeal.
We wanted top dollar and a quick sale. What were we to do?
My very wise husband approached the neighbor about our painting her house. I will add this piece of information, she was a single mother of 4 children who was in terrible financial distress.
We rallied the other neighbors for their assistance, bought the paint, some wood trim and got busy.
In one weekend that house was transformed. Was the investment in material and time worth it? Absolutely!!! The neighborhood was thrilled to have that house painted.
The single mom had a new lease on life, and even scraped together enough cash to mulch her flower beds and plant a couple of flats of annuals.
Best of all when our house went on the market it sold in 10 days!
I would encourage sellers to help the neighbors improve their curb appeal when you can, mow their front lawn when you mow yours. Offer to weed the flower beds, buy them some fresh mulch when you buy your own.
Ask if they can park their trailers, campers and such off-sight during the sale of your home. Maybe you can provide inexpensive ideas for that or spring for the storage yourself for a month or two.
Barking dogs...can you offer to walk the dogs during your showings so they are not disturbing the buyers? Can you pay a neighbor kid to be the dog walker? Can you treat them to a little doggie daycare?
Never over estimate the power of food. If you need your neighbors help, a few homemade goodies may just do the trick in getting their full cooperation and you a quick sale!
Maybe it needs paint, the landscape is shabby or maybe the dogs bark like mad everytime a squirrel runs up a tree. What are you going to do to get your house sold?
I will tell my story.
In 2005 our house was going up for sale. We had purchased the 'ugly duckling' of the cul-de-sac and turned it into the 'swan'. Curb to back fence, room by room it was fabulous.
The neighbor's house was a hot mess! It had not been painted in 15 years plus. Some of the fascia trim was rotten and the over grown shrubs had been removed leaving the house with not one bit of curb appeal.
We wanted top dollar and a quick sale. What were we to do?
My very wise husband approached the neighbor about our painting her house. I will add this piece of information, she was a single mother of 4 children who was in terrible financial distress.
We rallied the other neighbors for their assistance, bought the paint, some wood trim and got busy.
In one weekend that house was transformed. Was the investment in material and time worth it? Absolutely!!! The neighborhood was thrilled to have that house painted.
The single mom had a new lease on life, and even scraped together enough cash to mulch her flower beds and plant a couple of flats of annuals.
Best of all when our house went on the market it sold in 10 days!
I would encourage sellers to help the neighbors improve their curb appeal when you can, mow their front lawn when you mow yours. Offer to weed the flower beds, buy them some fresh mulch when you buy your own.
Ask if they can park their trailers, campers and such off-sight during the sale of your home. Maybe you can provide inexpensive ideas for that or spring for the storage yourself for a month or two.
Barking dogs...can you offer to walk the dogs during your showings so they are not disturbing the buyers? Can you pay a neighbor kid to be the dog walker? Can you treat them to a little doggie daycare?
Never over estimate the power of food. If you need your neighbors help, a few homemade goodies may just do the trick in getting their full cooperation and you a quick sale!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Beg, Borrow...but please don't Steal
Sellers often times fear the staging process...
They have watched the TV shows where the designer brings in all new furniture to give the house a more appealing look. Often to the tune of thousands of dollars.
My goal when staging a listing first and foremost is to make it appeal to the widest array of buyers. Secondly, I try to work with the sellers existing possesions.
Often times I can shop the home and find things that can be used in new and interesting ways.
When there are bare spots that need to be filled with items not in the home I start by asking the seller, "Who can you beg and borrow from first. Who owes you a favor or who would like to owe a favor too." This is a very cost affective way of staging your listing.
Sometimes art and accessories are what is needed. Other times furniture is required. I have had serveral occasions were items have been borrowed and the stage turned out better than the seller could possible have imagined.
I even use the 'Beg and Borrow' method for sellers who need off-sight storage. Off-sight storage is always my first choice. Some seller simply can't afford to purchase storage. Your neighbors garage is a better spot for storage than yours.
Trailers and RV's/campers must go away and the further the better so 'borrow' a spot outside your immediate neighborhood. A friend in the country perhaps...
The 'Beg and Borrow' method can really save when staging your listing.
They have watched the TV shows where the designer brings in all new furniture to give the house a more appealing look. Often to the tune of thousands of dollars.
My goal when staging a listing first and foremost is to make it appeal to the widest array of buyers. Secondly, I try to work with the sellers existing possesions.
Often times I can shop the home and find things that can be used in new and interesting ways.
When there are bare spots that need to be filled with items not in the home I start by asking the seller, "Who can you beg and borrow from first. Who owes you a favor or who would like to owe a favor too." This is a very cost affective way of staging your listing.
Sometimes art and accessories are what is needed. Other times furniture is required. I have had serveral occasions were items have been borrowed and the stage turned out better than the seller could possible have imagined.
I even use the 'Beg and Borrow' method for sellers who need off-sight storage. Off-sight storage is always my first choice. Some seller simply can't afford to purchase storage. Your neighbors garage is a better spot for storage than yours.
Trailers and RV's/campers must go away and the further the better so 'borrow' a spot outside your immediate neighborhood. A friend in the country perhaps...
The 'Beg and Borrow' method can really save when staging your listing.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Color is were it's at!
I have just returned from a trip to Ireland.
Wow what a use of color! From the colorful front doors in Dublin, which has a historical story, to the small towns and inlets throughout the countryside, the Irish really use color.
So often color is neutralized in our homes when it is goes up for sale. This at times is necessary if our color choices are too bold and personal.
White walls are boring, beige is just so-so, but color is were it's at .... if it is used properly.
Kitchens that are painted in warm, yummy colors can evolve the emotion of being invited into a space. Color can even encourage or discourage appetite.
Master Suites when painted in those spa colors of sage greens, calming light blue grey and taupe are quite an asset. They create the peace and serenity we all long for in our lives.
Children's rooms often times are the place that need a bit of taming down especially it they are painted in bright crayons blues, reds and yellows. A much muted version of the color is my recommendation, because painting it beige would be a bore! Let the accessories be the colors that punch up the space.
Red is the color that so many times comes into question between sellers and their realtors. Before I recommend painting a few questions must be asked .... First where is it placed? What is the tone and shade? How much natural light does the room get? Can three walls be painted and one wall left to accent the space? Red can be used it used properly.
The 'cheapest' way to add color to a space is with paint. But the 'easiest' way to add color to a space is with accessories. Theses can be switched out quickly for an up-to-the-minute look or for a seasonal change.
Color is such an important part of our daily lives. It can create an emotional connection with space, surroundings and events.
Look around, drink it in, use some color in your space today!
Wow what a use of color! From the colorful front doors in Dublin, which has a historical story, to the small towns and inlets throughout the countryside, the Irish really use color.
So often color is neutralized in our homes when it is goes up for sale. This at times is necessary if our color choices are too bold and personal.
White walls are boring, beige is just so-so, but color is were it's at .... if it is used properly.
Kitchens that are painted in warm, yummy colors can evolve the emotion of being invited into a space. Color can even encourage or discourage appetite.
Master Suites when painted in those spa colors of sage greens, calming light blue grey and taupe are quite an asset. They create the peace and serenity we all long for in our lives.
Children's rooms often times are the place that need a bit of taming down especially it they are painted in bright crayons blues, reds and yellows. A much muted version of the color is my recommendation, because painting it beige would be a bore! Let the accessories be the colors that punch up the space.
Red is the color that so many times comes into question between sellers and their realtors. Before I recommend painting a few questions must be asked .... First where is it placed? What is the tone and shade? How much natural light does the room get? Can three walls be painted and one wall left to accent the space? Red can be used it used properly.
The 'cheapest' way to add color to a space is with paint. But the 'easiest' way to add color to a space is with accessories. Theses can be switched out quickly for an up-to-the-minute look or for a seasonal change.
Color is such an important part of our daily lives. It can create an emotional connection with space, surroundings and events.
Look around, drink it in, use some color in your space today!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Depersonalize Part 2- Collections
Many of us have items for which we have a great fondness.
Maybe it is our lladro figurines or those cute cows in our kitchen that somehow have turned into a 'herd' that continues to grow with each gift giving occassion!
Collections can be distracting to buyers for many reasons. For example, they may have a few of theses same pieces and be admiring yours or the collections are just the opposite of their taste and they just can't understand your choices at all.
Sports memorbilia can also fall into this catagory and should be packed especially if they are signed and 'touchably' displayed.
Show the space not the stuff! A few well placed pieces are best.
If the collections are valuable or irreplaceable they should be packed without question.
Collections are really decor choices and can be quite personal in nature.
Pre-pack to appeal to the widest array of buyers.
Maybe it is our lladro figurines or those cute cows in our kitchen that somehow have turned into a 'herd' that continues to grow with each gift giving occassion!
Collections can be distracting to buyers for many reasons. For example, they may have a few of theses same pieces and be admiring yours or the collections are just the opposite of their taste and they just can't understand your choices at all.
Sports memorbilia can also fall into this catagory and should be packed especially if they are signed and 'touchably' displayed.
Show the space not the stuff! A few well placed pieces are best.
If the collections are valuable or irreplaceable they should be packed without question.
Collections are really decor choices and can be quite personal in nature.
Pre-pack to appeal to the widest array of buyers.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Depersonalize Part 1---Remove the Photos
The need to depersonalize a home for sale leaves many homesellers feeling that their home is now devoid of all personality. The object is to show the space not the stuff.
The importance of this task must be understood as an exercise in psychology.
It is hard for buyers to visualize themselves in a home that is full of YOUR family. Depersonalizing benefits the seller as well, once your 'family' is packed away you start to emotionally detach from the house and mentally move on.
Start by packing photos from the main living areas of the home. The large family portraits must go. This will leave an empty space that needs to be filled. Art, of some sort, should be used to replace these photos. Consider borrowing the art instead of making a purchase.
Smaller, colorful photos are are next on my list too pack. People get caught up in your lives actvities and forget to look at the house. They may remember that you went to see the great pyramids in Egypt but forget the beautiful built-in bookcase in the family room!
Black and white photos are the exception to the rule. They come across like art so they are perfectly fine for most areas in the home as long as they are not used to excess.
If you're having a hard time packing all of your family photos, the hallway is the best place to display them. The reason being, this is a pass through and not a room to be viewed for space or living. The gallery should be kept to a minimum.
By pre-packing photos you allow the buyers to see themselves living in your house making their own memories.
The importance of this task must be understood as an exercise in psychology.
It is hard for buyers to visualize themselves in a home that is full of YOUR family. Depersonalizing benefits the seller as well, once your 'family' is packed away you start to emotionally detach from the house and mentally move on.
Start by packing photos from the main living areas of the home. The large family portraits must go. This will leave an empty space that needs to be filled. Art, of some sort, should be used to replace these photos. Consider borrowing the art instead of making a purchase.
Smaller, colorful photos are are next on my list too pack. People get caught up in your lives actvities and forget to look at the house. They may remember that you went to see the great pyramids in Egypt but forget the beautiful built-in bookcase in the family room!
Black and white photos are the exception to the rule. They come across like art so they are perfectly fine for most areas in the home as long as they are not used to excess.
If you're having a hard time packing all of your family photos, the hallway is the best place to display them. The reason being, this is a pass through and not a room to be viewed for space or living. The gallery should be kept to a minimum.
By pre-packing photos you allow the buyers to see themselves living in your house making their own memories.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Valuable or irreplaceable...you decide
When I give consultations occasionally the same verbage I use to describe the pre-sale preparations start to bore me. So I will change my synonyms a bit to make the consultation 'fresh' for myself.
One phrase I hear myself say over and over without a single change, 'If it is valuable or irreplaceable go ahead and pack it '.
The intention is not to frighten the seller but make them aware of the potential for theft.
In the past I have had sellers ask if people really steal while 'house-shopping'. My response is 'Let's keep honest people honest'. Then a few weeks ago after repeating my afore mentioned phrase, Mr. 'Seller' tells me that he had name brand garments missing from his closet, after a showing, while his house was previously listed. I would never have thought to recommend packing designer clothing!
The items that fall into the catagory of valuable or irreplaceable vary from listing to listing.
Jewelery is a big one on the list.
Most people want some baubles and bling to adorn themselves with during the sale of the home. To these individuals I say conceal the jewels, out-of-sight out-of-mind, right!
Other sellers are ready to pack them off to the safe deposit box, which is a great idea in my opinion.
Great-grandma's vase on top of the buffet is another piece that should be packed away for safe-keeping, there is nothing like a shattered memory. And this goes for anything that can never be replaced. Why leave it to chance?
In the children's rooms all of their little collectibles and even some toys are so special they should be pre-packed.
As a stager I cannot always identify the possessions that a seller considers valuable or irreplaceable, my goal is to make them think about those special items in the home and keep them safe.
So until I come up with a way to convey this message in a different phrase, I will repeat this one ....
'If it is valuable or irreplaceable, go ahead and pack it!'
One phrase I hear myself say over and over without a single change, 'If it is valuable or irreplaceable go ahead and pack it '.
The intention is not to frighten the seller but make them aware of the potential for theft.
In the past I have had sellers ask if people really steal while 'house-shopping'. My response is 'Let's keep honest people honest'. Then a few weeks ago after repeating my afore mentioned phrase, Mr. 'Seller' tells me that he had name brand garments missing from his closet, after a showing, while his house was previously listed. I would never have thought to recommend packing designer clothing!
The items that fall into the catagory of valuable or irreplaceable vary from listing to listing.
Jewelery is a big one on the list.
Most people want some baubles and bling to adorn themselves with during the sale of the home. To these individuals I say conceal the jewels, out-of-sight out-of-mind, right!
Other sellers are ready to pack them off to the safe deposit box, which is a great idea in my opinion.
Great-grandma's vase on top of the buffet is another piece that should be packed away for safe-keeping, there is nothing like a shattered memory. And this goes for anything that can never be replaced. Why leave it to chance?
In the children's rooms all of their little collectibles and even some toys are so special they should be pre-packed.
As a stager I cannot always identify the possessions that a seller considers valuable or irreplaceable, my goal is to make them think about those special items in the home and keep them safe.
So until I come up with a way to convey this message in a different phrase, I will repeat this one ....
'If it is valuable or irreplaceable, go ahead and pack it!'
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