Selling in Fall

Selling in Fall

OK, so we have gone over the market predictions for this fall, we have gone over Pros and Cons of buying in the fall and now we are going to talk about what you can do to make your home easier to sell in the fall.

Clean up Yard

Rake leaves, trim hedges, weed and clean walkways to make your yard look neat and clean.

Create Autumn Curb Appeal

Place pots of marigolds or mums on steps or along the sidewalk to add a nice fall color or add pumpkins or other squash as accents on your porch.  Little touches make a big difference.

Clean Out the Fireplace

Nothing smells like autumn then a wood burning fire place or if you have a gas fireplace light it for potential buyers but make sure it’s clean of cobwebs and streaks.  You could even place candles in the fireplace in order to bring attention to a great feature. 

Utilize Autumn Accent Colors

Throw some bright red, orange or yellow pillows or throw blankets on the sofa and chairs.  Clear away the clutter and depersonalize your home then add a bold colored centerpiece in the dining room with pine cones and nuts maybe even add a few bright leaves from the yard you just raked. 

Turn on the lights

As the days grow shorter it’s harder to make the space look bright so pull up the blinds, push back the drapes and turn on those lights.

These are just a few ideas on how to make your home stand out during the fall selling season.  Ask your agent for some others and good luck.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner 
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

How to Boost Your Curb Appeal this Summer!

How to Boost Your Curb Appeal this Summer

                With the summer selling season getting as hot as the weather, how do you keep your house in the running with buyers?  One great way is curb appeal. Here are some really easy and really fun tips to upgrade your curb appeal and get your house more attention than the rest.

Driveway & Entrance

Adding outdoor lighting to your walkway and driveway is not only chic, but it also provides safety and security. Adding some colorful potted plants around your porch and walkway is an easy way to add color and life to the front of your house without spending a ton of money or time.  Painting your front door, hanging a flag, and maybe adding some seasonal accents to your entryway are all great ways to grab attention and still leave your mark on your home.

Windows

Some well-placed flower boxes can make a ton of difference in your curb appeal.  Adding shutters are also a great attention-grabber for the front of your home. Just a simple touch like a solar powered candle in each window can really make people take a second look at your house.

Porch

If you have a covered porch, some hanging plants can really spruce things up.  Adding some inviting features like a bench or Adirondack chairs can really speak to a buyer.  If your porch is too small for a porch swing, a little chair and table with a nice potted plant or pretty tea set will all send the same message.

Yard

There are the obvious tasks: mowing and seeding the lawn, weeding and cutting back shrubs and bushes.  But there are some really cool ways to make your yard stand out but still look neat.  If you have a grass path to a back gate, lay some stone and create a walkway or outline bushes and shrubs with a border of stone or rocks.  You could always add a few fence posts to the edge of your yard and give it that picket fence feel. 

Remember, just like with the inside of your house, you don't want it to be too personalized as that will make it difficult for buyers to see themselves living there. You do, however, want it to stand out and be both different and inviting.  Good luck and happy summer!

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

What Mom really wants.

Happy Mother's Day

What does Mom really want on Mother's Day?  Flowers are nice and chocolate is always welcome but there are some things that I know would make Mom really smile.  

A clean car! Yes that's right, I said a clean car.  Take your Mom's car to get detailed.  Cleaning the car is one of those tasks that Mom hates to do but loves when it's done.  Most Moms spend hours in the car taking kids to school, commuting, car pooling; the list goes on and on.  It's so nice to get into a clean car you didn't have to break your back to get that way.

Plant the Flowers she really wants in the front of the house!  How many times have you heard your Mom say, "I would like to plant gardenias this year" but she never seems to have the time.  Well do it for her. Give her the curb appeal she wants without the back ache she doesn't want.

   

Clean out the Garage!  You know what Mom would really love, to not have to bring in the groceries in the rain because her car won't fit in the garage any more. 

Clean the House!  Its great to let Mom sleep in and make her breakfast in bed, but it kind of defeats the whole idea when Mom has to get up and do all her regular chores (to include the dishes she just ate off )  Vacuum, swept, and yes clean the toilets so Mom doesn't have to.  Oh and its free.

Take her someplace fun!  Sunday brunch is very nice but mini-golf and ice cream is FUN!  Whatever your Mom's thing is, take her to do that.   Not what you want to do, but what you know she wants to do.  It's just a few hours out of your life and it will make her so happy to be able to share her stuff with you.

Now go clean, plant and plan something fun for your Mom, she deserves it.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner 
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com