10 Stellar Staging Tips Before An Open House or Showing

Preparing your home to sell can be a challenge. The following are some tips to help your home stand out in the competitive market in our area:

Stellar Staging Tips

1. Clean out your closets and the clutter. Have a yard sale or donate unwanted household goods to charity.

2. Pack up extra toys, linens, small kitchen appliances, and the like and store them offsite or in the garage.

  

3. Be sure the trees are trimmed, the shrubs are pruned, and the lawn is mowed and watered regularly. Turn on the sprinklers for five minutes 30 minutes before the open house. It makes the lawn and driveway sparkle.

4. Refrain from cooking anything that leaves a distinctive odor (fish, garlic, cabbage) and from introducing any other unappealing odors into the home.

5. Have a professional service clean the home, including the carpets and the windows.

6. Set the dining room table with attractive linens, dishes, and stemware.

7. Serve cookies and coffee at an open house; people will linger longer.

8. Arrange fresh flowers throughout the home and have a fire in the fireplace in fall and winter.

9. Add extra lamps in dark rooms or dark corners, and turn on the lights when you show the

home to prospective buyers.

10. Remove stacks of magazines, ashtrays, sports trophies, family photographs, and other distractions.

Three are staging consultants that can help place furniture and accessories in the best locations for making your home stand out. Contact me at todd@toddnelson.com for more information on these type of consultants.

What are some selling points of living in your neighborhood?

Living in the Huntington area offers residents some positive benefits.  Certain neighborhoods in the Huntington area may be more convenient to local shops, hospitals, schools, etc.  Others may be closer to the park, the Ohio River, and other recreational opportunities.  Some residents may prefer to be in town where others may prefer having more land and privacy.  What are some selling points of living in your neighborhood?  Respond to my blog and let me know what you like about living in the Huntington area.  I like the convenience of where I live being near shops, schools, and many other places that I go frequently.

Time For School

The month of August is finally upon us. With this new month comes many things like the last full month of summer and the summer solstice. However, there is one event in particular that most families with children are aware of. This, of course, is none other than the beginning of the new school year! Very soon, if not already, parents and children alike will be raiding the shelves of their local retail stores to pick up the various school supplies that everyone loves to shop for. If you have children in school, encourage them to do their best this year so they can become the next great lawyer, teacher, doctor, or one of the many other professions! I hope the transition to the new school year goes smoothly for you and your family!

Ritter Park, Huntington's Gem That Invites All Guests to Make Lasting Memories

City Parks are common in cities throughout the country.  Ritter Park is a gem located in the city of Huntington that has been used for recreation since 1908.  For over 100 years, residents have enjoyed having picnics, playing tennis and various other sports there, watching concerts and plays at the amphitheater, taking strolls down the tree lined paths, smelling the beautiful roses at the rose garden, and enjoying many other features the park has to offer.

For prospective residents considering Huntington becoming their new home, Ritter Park continues to stand out in their tour of our great city.  For long time residents of the Huntington area, take time to enjoy Ritter Park this coming summer.  Check out the upcoming summer season at the amphitheater at Ritter Park.  HART in the Park is offering shows like Nunsense and Willy Wonka for everyone's entertainment.

Visit the following link for more details on the upcoming season:

https://www.facebook.com/HARTInThePark

Visit the following link about more details on Ritter Park and other parks in the area:

http://www.ghprd.org/

Low Cost Spruce Ups

Spring is now upon us.  In my opinion, we have seen enough snow for this winter. As the weather improves, homeowners will begin to look around the house at some possible home improvements. Below are some low cost spruce ups that can make your home more appealing especially if you are considering to sell your home:

1. Trim bushes so they don't block windows and cut down on light.
2. Buy a new doormat.
3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.
4. Put new doorknobs on your doors.
5. Put a fresh coating on your driveway.
6. Edge the grass around walks and trees.
7. Keep your garden tools out of site.
8. Be sure kids put away their toys.
9. Buy a new mailbox.
10. Upgrade the outside lighting.
11. Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.
12. Polish or replace your house numbers.
13. Clean your gutters.
14. Put out potpourri or burn scented candles.
15. Buy new pillows for the sofa.
16. Buy a flowering plant and put it in a window you pass by frequently.
17. Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers.
18. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.
19. Buy new towels
20. Put a seasonal wreath on your door.

These items could not only make your home more appealing to a buyer, but also could make your home feel a little nicer for you if you plan on staying for many more years.

If you have any questions or an idea for a real estate related story, email me at todd@toddnelson.com.

Countdown Until Spring 2014!

This winter has been one to remember.  Various snow storms, cold weather, and the list goes on of what the local area has endured.  The holiday along with with the ski season is something I have looked forward to.  The beginning of spring is something that I am really looking forward to this year.  The blooming of flowers, trees, and green grass are just around the corner.  Then we can get out in the yard and work on our landscaping and the exterior of our homes.  Has anyone been thinking about what projects that they might do this year?  I have been thinking about adding some exterior landscape lighting.  I planted a lot of perennial flowering bulbs so it will be nice to see how they turned out.  Huntington In Bloom planted various flowers throughout the city and it will be a welcome sight to see how they grow this year as well.  Feel free to post on my blog what you are considering to do outside at your home this year.  It would be nice to hear what plans you might have in store.  At least it keeps our minds off this cold winter weather.

For your enjoyment, below is a countdown until spring just in case that you were wondering how far off Spring was from us.  Have a great week!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

It is hard to believe that 2013 is coming to an end and Christmas is upon us.  In just days many will celebrate the Christmas Holiday.  One tradition that many people like to take part in is to decorate their homes for Christmas.  Various Christmas decorations can be viewed on homes in our area during this time of year.  I know that my family like to see homes that have been decorated at Christmas time.  One particular neighborhood in the Huntington area that usually has a large amount of homes with beautiful decorations is located in the South east hills area called Stamford Park.  There are other places in our area as well.   Do you know of any other areas that have a large amount of homes with decorations?  Feel free to comment or even post a picture of your home that has been decorated as well.  I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

In the Process of Moving? Some Helpful Tips To Reduce Stress

Making the last days before the closing as stress-free as possible for all parties will work to ensure a smooth closing.

Moving Checklist

The trauma of moving can be an added stress for buyers and sellers. The following is advice to make things calmer before closing.

1. Weed out items you won’t be moving; hold a garage sale or donate them to charity.
2. Get estimates from moving companies.
3. Make a list of people and organizations—credit cards, magazines, college alumni associations—that will need to be notified of the move.
4. Look at schools and day care facilities in new area. Forward school records.
5. Complete change-of-address forms.
6. Contact doctors and ask for referrals if you’re moving to a new city. Forward medical records.
7. Check homeowners’ policy to see if possessions are covered during the move.
8. Decide how you’ll move valuables.
9. Get information on driver's license, insurance policy, license plates, and auto stickers if you’re moving to a new city.
10. Contact utility companies—gas and electric—in both cities.
11. Register with an Internet service provider.
12. Contact phone service—see if your long distance, cellular, and pager carriers operate in the area.
13. Contact satellite and cable TV providers.
14. Empty and defrost refrigerator.
15. Map out driving route to new city.TIP: Pack one or two boxes of must-haves—children’s toys, toilet articles and towels, can opener, flashlight, light bulbs, paper plates and cups—and carry it with you so you can find it fast after the move.

Tips of Handling Moving Trauma

1. Recognize that regardless of the reason for a move—an exciting job transfer or a great new house—moving can elicit feelings of bereavement.
2. There are practical suggestions about reducing stress—eating and sleeping properly and using stress management techniques, such as yoga or breathing exercises.
3. Don’t use panaceas like, “There, there, everything will be fine.”

The above suggestions were obtained from Old Colony Realtors website. For more helpful tips, email me or stay tuned for another future entry in my real estate blog.

How To Improve Your Chances Of Selling Your Home In A Buyer's Market

As market conditions change, homes may become more challenging to sell in a buyer's market. What is a buyer's market? This type of market exists when there are a lot more seller's trying to sell their home than buyers looking to buy a home. A seller must be pro-active to make necessary changes to help bring about a sell. A seller can do some of the following steps to help in bringing about a sell:



1. Hire a real estate professional to market their home. You typically do not represent yourself as a lawyer or act as your own doctor. Why represent yourself in selling a home? It is a great idea to have a real estate professional represent you, especially in a buyer's market. They should be able to give you needed advice on what can be done to help sell your home. This could translate into more money in your pocket.


2. Clean and de-clutter your home. If you are a collector, please try to go ahead and remove unneeded items from your home and place into moving boxes. You will need to pack when you move anyway so why not go ahead and have some of the packing done. Place the packed boxes in the garage, an outbuilding, or rent a storage unit. If you have a lot of things, after you remove some of them, the rooms should seem larger. Also, clean well so that the home will shine for prospective buyers.


3. You might hire a home stager. There are some staging services offered by actual staging professionals in our area. Some realtors also can offer advice on what needs to be done to help stage yotodd@toddnelson.com.
ur home. I can offer a no cost staging consultation if you have not already listed your home with another realtor. Contact me if you are interested at


4. Improve the curb appeal. Make sure the flower beds are mulched and weeded. Clean off your porch and put some fresh flowers in a decorative flower pot on the front porch. Clean the windows and remove any trash from the front of the home.


5. Stay informed with current market conditions of comparable homes. Keep up to date on what comparable homes are selling for why you are trying to sell your own home. Drive by the homes that are on the market competing with your home to get an idea about your competition. You want to stand out, so see what you have to do to make your home shine.


6. Price your home competitively. The number one reason a home sells is its price. If you are overpriced, it will be harder to sell your home.


These items above are some steps that you can implement to help bring about a sale of your home. Please feel free to contact me at todd@toddnelson.com or visit my website at http://www.toddnelson.com/ for more information.

Preparing for an Open House

Preparing for an Open House

1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.
2. Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.
3. Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money. Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.
4. Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.
5. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or bath), and let the salesperson know where to find them.
6. Leave. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

Make Your Home Irresistible at an Open House

1. Put fresh or silk flowers in principal rooms for a touch of color.
2. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and new guest soaps to every bath.
3. Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell.
4. Set the table with pretty dishes and candles.
5. Buy a fresh doormat with a clever saying.
6. Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of
spaciousness.
7. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space.
8. Depersonalize the rooms by putting away family photos, mementos, and distinctive
artwork.
9. Turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes to make the lawn sparkle.

Feel free to contact a Realtor for more information or me at todd@toddnelson.com
The above information was obtained from an Old Colony Realtors resource.

Will Huntington In Bloom Help Property Values In Huntington?

Over the recent weeks, residents of Huntington have been working on beautifying the city that we call home. Various front yards of homes have been spruced up along with flowers that have been planted in numerous locations.  In my opinion, no matter whether Huntington wins the beautification contest or not, Huntington has won.  Just like when a homeowner prepares their home to sell by sprucing things up and planting flowers to make their home more presentable,  Huntington has taken similar steps.  

A question the Huntington residents might ask themselves is will this project help property values?  The answer may not be a definite yes, but the steps that have been taken could only help in providing a better appearance for prospective homebuyers considering Huntington their home.    

Another question that might be asked is what more can be done to make our city shine? Visit http://www.huntingtoninbloom.org/ for additional information about the project and for additional ideas well.  Have a great weekend!

Spring Is Here, What home improvement projects do you have planned?

Spring is here and those home improvement projects that you might have been planning can be started now.  You may have been planning some landscaping projects, some painting, or something more dramatic like a kitchen remodel.  I plan on adding some additional trees in our yard among other projects this spring.  Have you ever considered if what you are about to do will provide any additional return on your investment.  Before doing a large improvement project, you might consider speaking to a Realtor.  Another opinion could help save you money and get more money back when you sell it in the years to come.  Call a local Realtor to see what advice they might be able to offer with your plans.  Feel free to comment on my blog and let me know what home improvements that you might be planning this year.  Enjoy your spring!

New Construction Starting Off Better in 2013

Nationally there are positive signs in the real estate market.  When reviewing recent home construction, building permits are up so far in 2013.

According to a recent story from CNN Money, Home Construction has started off real well this year.  In January 2013, builders filed for the greatest number of permits in more than four years.

Builders filed for permits at an annual rate of 925,000, up about 2% from December and up 35% from last year.  January was the best month for permits since June 2008.  

Interest rates remain low and spring is just around the bend.  If you are considering building a new home, right now may be a great time to consider building your dream home.  Call a local Realtor today or Home Builder to learn more about what options are available in the Huntington area.

15 BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE

The specialty of buyer’s representation not only requires knowledge of real estate markets and transactions, but insight into consumer behavior. The goal of a buyer’s representative is to find the perfect point of connection between the homes available in the market and the needs and financial capacity of the buyers. Organizations such as the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTOR®'s Real Estate Buyer’s Agency Council, which has more than 40,000 members, offer specialized training and designations for those who work with buyers.

15 BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE

Let your buyer-clients know how you can save them time by:

1. Locating suitable properties.
2. Previewing properties.
3. Verifying the properties’ condition.
4. Suggesting necessary inspections by experts.
5. Helping buyers determine what they can afford.
6. Helping to verify property taxes and utilities.
7. Helping to determine the value of the property.
8. Advising clients on structuring an offer.
9. Presenting the offer to the sellers’ representative.
10. Negotiating favorable contract terms for the buyer.
11. Explaining legal documents needed for closing and helping secure them. (Obtaining the current owner's deed to give to the closing attorney for the title search could help with a smoother transaction)
12. Assisting in securing financing.
13. Assisting buyers and their attorney in clarifying title, zoning, building codes, and access easements.
14. Referring them to qualified vendors.
15. Analyzing the future salability of the property.

The above suggestions were obtained from Old Colony Realtors website. For more helpful tips, email me or stay tuned for another future entry in my real estate blog.

Paul Ambrose Trail To Become A Great Asset For City

We are days away from the New Year and Huntington will soon witness a great new addition to the city's positive attributes in 2013. The Paul Ambrose Trail has been in development for some time, but the results of many individuals’ time and effort will be realized soon. Ground was broken back in November and residents should be able to utilize some of the trail by spring. This should become a great asset for the city. The trail will not only provide recreational opportunities for residents, but it also will assist in promoting healthy living. In my opinion, living near the trails should become another positive attribute for living in the city. Residents will be able to enjoy the great views along the trail of the Ohio River, spend time with family and/or friends while utilizing the trail system, and have another feature to enjoy of our great city. How close will your home be to the trail system? Check out the following website for some useful information on the Paul Ambrose Trail at http://paulambrosetrail.org/. Join the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/paulambrosetrail. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!