knttjot

So, your selling your home. Prepare yourself both physically and mentally for the agony of the endless phone calls and interruptions to your daily schedule. But more importantly, prepare your home for the ever critical eye of each person walking through the door. For it is not their goal to see the good in your home, but to see each and every flaw that has ever been. What can you do as a seller to minimize these flaws and highlight your homes best features? Let's take a look at several reasons why your home may not be selling and some easy-to-do remedies.

Reason #1 - Curb Appeal. Stand across the street and critically evaluate your front yard. Is it weed free? What about the "For Sale" sign? Is it easily visible from the street with current information? Do you have flyers available? Seems small, but this is actually a "biggie".

Reason #2 - Clutter. From the front yard to the back gate, get rid of everything that takes up space (everything that you can live without). You're moving into your new home (soon), so why not start packing now? Home buyers are looking for cabinets, closets and kitchen space. Home sellers need to reduce, reduce, reduce!

Reason #3 - Clean. How long has it been since you had a professional cleaning service do the job right? Having the property cleaned by someone who is not emotionally attached to the property is the only way to go. Not only do they see things that you don't, they're especially detailed oriented in cleaning the home.

Reason #4 - Color. "Real Estate Beige" comes in many different shades these days, but whatever shade of neutral you decide to go with, make sure it is properly applied. If painting over dark colors, be sure to use a primer. Hiring quality contracts to paint for you is worth the money. Walls in good condition are important, but so are walls that buyers can see.

Reason #5 - Compromise. Pick challenges with your children based on what is truly important. The kids room need to be organized, but it's more important that the dirty clothes are out of sight.

Reason #6 - Creativity. Setting matching accessories together and displaying nice towels are not labor intensive or expensive. It's using what you alreayd own to highlight the home.

Reason #7 - Consistency. Make sure the home is prepared daily for buyers. Put wet towels in the dryer during the day (running the dryer before heading off to work). Dirty clothes need to be picked up and put in the laundry basket. Used dishes should also be put in the dishwasher each morning. Remember, people will recall what they saw, more than what they didn't see.

Reason #8 - Check Your Senses. How do the house smell? (Cinnamon? Vanilla? Wet dog?) What do you hear? (Leaky faucets? Soft music?) What's the first thing you see when you open the door? (Nice entry, clean floors? Walls with cracks? Stained carpet?)

Remember, buyers will make their decision within the first few seconds of driving up to your house. It is your responsibility to give them an invitation to come in!

posted by nwwhimy  # 9:51 PM 0 comments

A birthday party doesnt have to be a boring affair that everyone dreads coming to. Jazz it up with a theme and something memorable for all of the guests. If you want to stick with Happy Birthday as your theme, make it a famous one.

Find pictures of famous people celebrating birthdays - A movie star blowing out candles or a musician throwing their own party. Make them into posters and hang around the room or house hosting the party. Make it a game and have the guests guess who each actor and star is. Another fun game would be to find all of the TV and song clips of stars singing and make it a guessing game. Without showing who is singing, have people guess. Some famous renditions include Shirley Temple and Marilyn Monroe.

To decorate for a birthday party you need balloons and streamers. A party supply store will have every color imaginable to match your theme. Paper products like cups, napkins, silverware and tablecloths are also available for purchase to match. If you need assistance, any party planner would be glad to help.

Birthday parties can serve a meal or snacks. If you are having a small party, dinner can be planned. If it is a large party, finger foods or appetizers are cheaper and easier to provide for everyone. They make less of a mess too!

Birthday parties also require a cake! Hire a cake baker or create one yourself using pans from the party supply store. They come in large and small and have pattern books if you are looking for ideas. Candles, frosting and other cake decorations are also available.

Remember to take pictures of all your guests to include in a thank you card. Whether it is a party where they bring gifts or not, send them a note thanking them for sharing in your big day.

posted by nwwhimy  # 6:05 PM 0 comments