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Issue: #56September 2011

 

 

Room to Breathe Home Organizing & Staging

 

                                                                              Simplifying Selling.

 

 

In This Issue
Save Your Money...Updates That Aren't Worth It

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 Testimonial

"Hi Jessica,

5 months later we decided to list our home for sale and used your plan to enhance our property. WOW!   We sold it in 36 hours at almost full price, and we are in a higher price range than average.
We followed your plan and the rest is history.
Thank you so much!"

Bob and Debra, State College

 
Simply.

It's how we do things.

Product of the Month

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Room to Breathe client is looking to sell her like new treadmill.

 

NordicTrack Durasoft Solaris II

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Only used a couple of times, like new and in excellent condition

 

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814.360.1063

 

When upgrading or updating, smart home owners will seek features that aren't only desirable to them, but also what will add value to the home when it comes time for resale.  It's important to know where you will see a return on your investments; especially if you know you won't be staying in one home for longer than 3-5 years.

 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing housing upgrades and updates for resale that may or may not be worth the expense: 

 

High maintenance houses. Most buyers aren't looking for homes that require too much upkeep and maintenance. The majority, also aren't looking to fix a house up.  They want move-in, start living ready! 

 

Swimming pools are a prime example of a high-maintenance feature that may turnoff many buyers.  They look at the upkeep of it as too costly and too much work.   

Another turn off can be extensive gardens and landscaping because buyers will view this as time consuming and too much upkeep.  If you do install extensive landscaping, you must make sure when you list that it looks absolutely pristine.  This helps buyers feel it may not need that much work and may get them over the hurdle.

 

Over-the-top. Home owners don't necessarily want to have the most upgraded home on the block. That's because when they go to sell it, they likely won't make all their money back on the upgrades if the home becomes overvalued for the neighborhood. So while granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and all the top finishes are always an attraction, home owners need to ask whether such features are too much for their neighborhood, particularly if the other homes just have moderately priced cabinets or features.

 

Too personal. Too many customized interior or exterior choices, such as a Nascar/Hunting/Sports/Antique/Italy themes (all things we've seen) taken to the extreme, may turn off buyers or attract low offers because buyers may have differing tastes see the decor and finishes as something they have to spend money on doing over before they can live in the house. 

 

 

It's never a bad idea to meet with your realtor or stager prior to making updates just to ensure you're on track to receive a good return on your investments.

Ask the Stager

Jessica:

 

We have had our home on the market since late last Spring with no offers and now diminishing showings.  Our realtor tells us its the market, but we're not so sure.  Her response is to constantly reduce the price.  It's frustrating because we thought it was priced correctly from the beginning.

 

Friends of ours recommended you after being highly successful in their sale. We've been reading your newsletter with piqued curiosity and are wondering if this is a service the realtor pays for or do we? 

 

Thanks!

 

Frustrated Seller
                                                                                      


 
Frustrated Seller,

Great question!  Each realtor we work with does things a bit differently.  We work very hard at creating a unique relationship with the realtor, seller, and our team to make sure it works the best it can for all.  This is slightly different for everyone.

 

We work with a handful of realtors that include an initial visit (up to one hour) and a Sure Sale Plan with each and every one of their listings.  It's simply part of their overall marketing plan.  Those that do this have the highest success rate.

 

We work with a only a couple that will pay for more than 1 hour and one has offered up to 5 hours for their seller. It's sometimes dependent on the house price, location, financial situation of seller, etc.

 

Some realtors will provide the upfront cost and receive reimbursement at closing from the seller.  This also has a high success rate because it allows sellers to really take full advantage of staging and all it has to offer.  There is some risk involved and we always suggest making sure there is a written agreement in place to ensure the realtor gets paid if the sale falls through.

 

You don't mention who you are working with (and that's okay), but you should ask her about providing you with at least an initial visit from a stager; hopefully it's us, but any good stager will do.  :)

 

Remember, staging is almost always less expensive than your first price reduction!

 

Good luck!

 

Simply,

Jessica

Where is Room to Breathe Speaking?

 
October 5: Entrepreneurial Women's Expo-EWE
 Seats are still available-www.EWEsc.com
  
October 11: Susquehanna Health System Life Center

Making The Move

     Are you overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing?  We'll show you how and where to start.

    Selling a house?  Learn what's new since the last time you moved to ensure a quicker sale at top dollar.

   Stressed by the moving and downsizing process?  We'll share tips and ideas to get you on your way to your new retirement home.


October 16: Lotus Center Yoga
 Topic TBD  
  
October 29: Suquehanna Health Systems-Spirit of Women Hospital
Topic to be determined
 
November 9: Dragonfly

Holiday Happiness

The holiday buzz starts early! November is the time to get started on our holiday preparations. Not only do we need the time, but it's fun to stretch out the holiday spirit. But there is no reason for it to overwhelm you.  Come learn  some easy tips and tricks to keep this holiday season memorable and not miserable.

 

 

 First Time Home SELLERS Workshop
For the first time a free workshop for first time sellers!  Come learn the ins and outs of preparing your house for successful sale and the selling process.
Location/Date/Time TBD
Contact us for information!



Scheduling Fall 2011 Speaking Engagements Now! 

twirl     

 

 

 

Thank Your Sellers and Buyers With Room to Breathe Gift Certificates!
 
What better way to thank your buyers and sellers than with a gift certificate to help them unpack, get organized, arrange furniture, receive a paint color consult or anything else RTB offers?!

 

The gift of simplicity.

      Buy Now