Staging Your Home to Sell

I am frequently amazed at how little thought many sellers put into preparing their home for sale ... Understandably, it's difficult to look at your home own objectively, and see the problem areas. Yet many times the greatest issue is a lack of cleanliness and an abundance of clutter!

Unfortunately, buyers have trouble seeing through the 'mess', and will often rule out a property based on their initial reaction. The following suggestions are fundamental and highly recommended when listing a property:

1. De-clutter ... Remove all excess furniture and knick-knacks. Clean off countertops in kitchen and bathrooms. Box up collections. Put away all personal items. Straighten closets. Rent a storage unit if necessary (do not fill the garage and basement with clutter, either!).
2. Clean thoroughly ... Wash fingerprints off walls, outlet covers and doors. Clean the baseboards and windows. Have carpets professionally cleaned, if necessary. Pay attention to the front door and entrance!
3. Touch up paint. Paint the front door if necessary. Paint over bright colors, and present a neutral palette.
4. Patch holes in walls, and make sure lightbulbs are replaced.
5. Arrange furniture for presentation purposes, rather than functional use. Create sitting 'areas', rather than lining furniture up against the walls.
6. Work on the landscaping ... water, weed, and mow! Add a large flower pot (or two) near the front door.
7. If you want to spend a bit of money, update fixtures, faucets, doorknobs, and/or flooring and countertops... though this is not always necessary!
8. Add special touches, such as fresh flowers and table settings on the dining table. Pay attention to smells, and room temperature.

Most of these things simply take time and effort ... and the reward is a quick sale of the property.

If you need help getting started, staging professionals will usually charge a low fee for a one-time walk through, in which they generate a list of suggestions. This is a great way to begin the process, without spending a lot of money!

As always, I am available for questions! And I appreciate your referrals as well!

New Listing !! Backs to huge open space!

SOLD :) !!

Foreclosure Alternatives

I recently read an article (provided by Land Title) that discussed alternatives to foreclosure, and thought it might be helpful information for those in a financial crisis. The most important point is that homeowners should be PROACTIVE in corresponding with the lender, and looking into other options, PRIOR to reaching foreclosure (as well as discussing the issues with their accountant and/or attorney) ... many alternatives are actually available, as long as you deal with the situation early on.

For example: The lender may be willing to work out a repayment plan for missed payments (Repayment Plan). The lender might reduce or suspend mortgage payments for a period of time (Forbearance). Or the loan could be permanently changed in regards to interest rate or term (Loan Modification).

Other options might include sale of the property and repayment of the loan upon sale; a 'Short Sale' (in which the lender agrees to accept less than the existing loan balance); a 'Deed-In-Lieu' situation, in which the homeowner voluntarily transfers title to the lender in exchange for cancellation of the loan; or personal bankruptcy.

For free assistance in Colorado:
1-877-601-HOPE
http://www.coloradoforeclosurehotline.org

And let me know if you need additional information or have questions!!