Pat Starnes' Snippets

 

Adding Character to a Vacant Home is So Important

 

I recently went on a couple of listing appointments, with my business partner Will Hamm, where the homes to be sold were sitting vacant.  There wasn’t one thing in the home, not even a roll of paper towels. 

 

Many homeowners feel that the best way to sell their vacant home is to remove every last item from the home.  This isn’t always a good idea and here’s why.

 

Buying a home is always an emotional experience as well as financial.  The buyers need to feel some emotion when they walk into the home and a stark empty home void of any character emits no emotion.  For men this isn’t always such a big deal, but isn’t the woman who usually makes the decision of which home to buy (even though most men don’t realize that)? 

 

Not everyone is creative when it comes to visualizing furniture in a vacant home.  Without furniture, rooms usually look smaller and the question arises of how much can fit into each room.  If the home is staged with appropriate furniture, there is no guess work.

 

Bathrooms are typically a cold room in the home without character.  Why not buy a nice shower curtain or drape to swag back and make the tub look inviting.  A few candles on the ledge with some nice smelling soaps wouldn’t hurt either.

 

The kitchen is the heart of most homes.  A vacant home with absolutely nothing on the counters doesn’t emit any warmth to the homebuyer.  Some knick knacks and colorful towels would spice up that kitchen.  I have also used a serving tray with a setting for two on the edge of the counter.  Coffee cups and pretty napkins are a nice touch. 

 

One of the folks we met with asked if staging his home would result in more money in his pocket.  I told him that staging his home would make his home sell faster which would effectively mean more money in his pocket because it would reduce the debt service on his home while it was sitting on the market. 

 

Stagers are artist.  Let them make your drab home look outstanding.  They are worth their weight in GOLD!!!

 

Belinda Spillman
Cornerstone Homes Realty
Metro Brokers Marina Square
(303) 884-2026
www.BelindaSellsColorado.com

Belinda1126@hotmail.com

It's one of those fall days around here that makes you think of getting the sweater closet organized. The leaves have turned a rich gold and vivid crimson. Everywhere I look people are putting their properties in order for the all too soon arrival of winter.

Fall can be a wonderful selling time if owners have prepared properly.

It's important that curb appeal is maintained and that includes having the leaves raked, bushes trimmed and the property put in good order. A seasonal decoration on the front door will add a cozy charm.

Halloween is approaching and a pumpkin or two is a welcome sight, but avoid elaborate Halloween decorations.

Keep the seasonal decorations simple and tasteful. Windows are often closed during the cooler weather. This can lead to unpleasant indoor odors from cooking, pets, cigarette smoke etc.. Be sure the home receives a good airing out before showing it off to potential buyers. Some smells can actually be positive such as vanilla, or pies baking in the oven. Some scented candles can have a turn off effect however.

Be sure the home is at a comfortable temperature. Chilly or damp conditions will quickly cool buyers' interest.

If the home is equipped with a wood burning fireplace, make sure it's clean. A cozy fire in the hearth during showings can have a positive effect.

Fall often produces darker days. Be sure to let plenty of light in through the windows and turn on the lights. As at any time of the year get rid of clutter and encourage the homeowner or give their home a good top to bottom cleaning.

Paint...Paint and more paint. Make the home look shiney and bright. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year. The rich colors of nature can accentuate the appearance of any home. Just be sure your client's home matches Mother Nature's beauty.