Living in a “Staged Home” Part 2, the Cocktail

Since we’re staged for sale, I thought thepillow pyramid were bad, pulling all of the coffee stuff out at 5AM was a little rough. I set everything up and started brewing when I noticed that the pot was missing. I finally found it with the pots and pans. Cleaned up dumped the water and grounds and started all over again. The day continued to be fine.

At the end of the busy day, I returned home and wanted a cocktail. The new routine is to take a glass, hold it under the ice dispenser, get a few cubes and go to the closet (the same one with the coffee pot and toaster, etc.) pour 2 fingers, place the bottle back into the wine rack, return to the fridge and dispense filtered water. Same for a refill after the news.

Growing up we had an aunt who my dad referred to as a “Clost Drinker.” Little did he and I know that a half century later I would take that term to new heights (depths?).

With the Scotch away, buyers can imagine their beverage of choice on the counter, see themselves living there and be ready to give me more money for the privilege. It is only fair for Realtors to put up with what we preach.

Living in a “Staged Home”

So, you’re selling your home, you’ve de-cluttered, painted and it passes the “white glove test” and your mother-in-law’s eyebrows are only mildly elevated. Got those pictures, religeous artifacts, diplomas put away? Buyers don’t care, and you don’t want them to know, either. Can anyone tell that pets live there by the sniff test? Get it fixed, even if it means new carpet.

The counter tops are clear of all appliances, utensals, toiletries and the fancy towels are “do not touch” zones.” Your shoes are hidden, half of your clothes are in storage (the half you need!).

Let’s talk pillows! Your bed has 22 pillows arranged in a modified Mayan Pyramid formation. The sofa has throws, pillows and arm covers and forget the recliner, it’s in the garage.

How do you manage to live here and get everything showable in 15 minutes when you get a Realtor call, or worse, hear the dogs bark because they just pulled into the driveway with no notice. To avoid panic

Here are a few tips.

Put your regular life things into large tubs and baskets that are easily moved out of sight when not being used. That way, in the bathroom, your regular towels, toiletries etc. are easily accessable for daily use, but hidden from view after you’te done with them. Just like when you were at camp. The “civilian” towels are easily stored in a basket. They may make a colorful enough display that they can stay out. In the kitchen, same with he towels, potholders etc. Assemble “kits” for common uses, especially the coffee pot, grinder, filters and favorite mugs. Store them in a tub or on a tray for easy access and hiding.

Pillow displays are impossible to re-create without a designer’s memory. However, with a digital photo to guide the challenged, you’ll duplicate it every time. Keep the picture in a nearby drawer and just follow the picture. Number them if you must! Beware, the pillow people are easily bored and will create a new display at will. Fight back and follow the old picture! It will drive them nuts.

Keep the place looking like a model home.  A home buyer needs to ”see” themselves (not you) living in the home. It  will sell faster and for a better price.

Remember, if it’s driving you nuts, your home is staged right. If you can’t stand it send me a comment! We’ll make it as funny as we can. Perservere, even the “Pillow Nazi” will get tired of it. Remember, it means money in your pocket. The for 20th buyer, when they open the door, it’s thier first impression.

Senior Citizenship begins at 50!

Yeah, I know, you don’t feel old, you don’t act old and after 12 hours a day all week, you certainly aren’t retired. But, according to AARP and others you’re a senior at 50 or 55! Get used to it and take advantage of the vast amount of information and experience available to help you along the longevity highway.

Just like painting a a house, a quality retirement is ALL in the preparation. You will see senior’s posts from time to time. Frequently they will not be about buying and selling real estate. I will discuss preparation for the future. Estate, vesting and taxation issues.

Seniors are different because as we move further along in life we tend to earn less money and depend on incme from our assets. Also, there is less time to make up for a mistake or false move. This applies to choosing a retirement home, a vacation home and investments.

I will have more posts about these important issues that either are facing you now or later. Our parents and grandparents are certainly facing these issues and maybe your understanding and insight migt be a big help. After so many years of being “in charge,” seniors may not be as quick to ask for guidance.

 If you want the information all at once, contact me at cmeyer@chaseinternational.com and I’ll send an entire article on the subject.   

How to sell right in a Buyer’s Market

1.    The market is the market. In the first half of 2007 on the homes sold in Truckee and North Tahoe, median prices have declined about 13%, that’s $100,000. Today, there are only a few buyers (down over 30% from last year) shopping seriously in our market. They’re snapping up the best buys offered by those smart sellers who priced their homes right. Are you a seller or just a “lister”?

2.    Check your motivation. Why are you selling? Are you moving up or buying elsewhere? Giving up 5% on your sale and gaining 5% advantage on your higher priced replacement buy is good business. Are you changing investments? If your target investment is as good as you think it is, then getting into it sooner rather than later means more profit-sooner. Waiting too long means maybe no profit. Greed kills! Set your price at the best level you can live with. Buyers may make low ball offers. It is just a strategy. Countering their offers, secure in the knowledge that you cannot be forced to sell your home, will smoke out the real intentions. My job as an agent is to manage this process and protect you,

3.    Make your home easy to buy. Paint it, stage it, de-clutter it, spruce up the landscaping and make it easy to show.

4.    Lock up or remove the valuables, say yes to a lock box, open houses and Broker Tour.

5.    Demand that your well priced home is aggressively marketed to buyers as well as the other agents. Demand that agents are armed with the reasons it is a best buy for their buyers.

How to buy right in a Buyer’s Market

1. Median prices of homes sold in the first half of 2007 are down about 13% in Truckee and North Tahoe. That’s $100,000! This means that some buyers did what they were supposed to do, they BOUGHT! And, they got great values and are enjoying summer in the Sierra. Ironically, buyers often wait out a buyer’s market because they want the rock bottom price. Instead, they find themselves buying during rising prices, frequently paying more than they would have just months before. Why not short-circuit the process and get a great deal NOW!
2. Position yourself to negotiate a great deal. Here’s how: Fall in love with one home and “in like” with 2 others. With prices declining, a seller might be really motivated by the fear of the loss of your offer, especially when I tell his agent that I have your offers on two other properties signed and ready to present. Hint: We’re not allowed to lie about this.
3. Ask to see a “Best Buy.” A Best Buy is a nice home that is in a great neighborhood, is in great shape, has a good floor plan but maybe needs a little updating or landscaping. In today’s market with a large number of homes for sale, homes like this get overlooked and can prove to be bargains.
4. Buy from “Motivated Sellers.” These are sellers who have had their homes for sale for over 6 months in Truckee and Tahoe. They may have reduced their price, withdrawn, cancelled or allowed their listings to expire.
5. Be a focused negotiator. The issue is finding a home for a fair price, not about grinding out the last dollar or the personalities or styles of the people. The most important part of my job is to shield you from those distractions and keep our actions driven toward the goal of getting your home for the best price.