http://www.missioncustomhomes.com/

http://www.plantationhomes.com/

http://www.presidiocustomhomes.com/

http://www.guesshomes.com/

http://www.missiondellago.org/

Carver Communications - Index

Carver Communications - 8.1.08 - Index

By Stephanie Boyle
First Impressions Home Staging
Last Minute Tips To Sell That House…
You Still Have Time!
While the signs of a new school year
approaching may elicit feelings of excitement in
some, many may be feeling the anxiety of summers
end brought on by another sign; the “For
Sale” sign that has been stuck in their yard for the
past several months. As prime time for a summer
move dwindles down, home sellers may feel like
giving up. But don’t despair - there is still time to
sell!
You Need a New Plan
Before you give in to another price reduction,
take into consideration the following:
Plan: To re-assess, re-package and re-market
your home to sell quickly for the best price possible.
Re-Assess:
The real estate market is loaded with competition.
Your house must stand out above the others.
Study your competition by going to Open
Houses in your surrounding area and looking online
at listings in your zip code. If your home is not
comparable to others in your area or has been on
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the market with little interest, invest in changes that
will bring top dollar and a quick sale for your
home.
Grab a notebook, pencil and camera and
start thinking like a buyer.
Take a good look at your house - from
across the street! Compare your curb appeal to the
other homes on the block. Great curb appeal
equals love at first sight. When potential buyers
drive up they will decide at the curb whether or not
they want to come inside to see the rest of the
house.
Next, assess the interior of the home. By
looking at each room of your home through the
“eye” of the camera you will begin to see your
home as others do.
Re-Package
Home owners have a difficult time seeing
their home and possessions objectively. Ask your
agent to refer a professional Home Stager to you
or find one in your area through the internet
(www.stagedhomes.com has the largest directory
of professional Stagers). An accredited Staging
One coming soon
627-2224
www.missioncustomhomes.com
August 1, 2008 REAL ESTATE NEWSLINE 25
professional (ASP) will look at your house
through “buyers eyes”, consult with you on the
impression your home makes, and offer solutions
to enhance your home to its full potential. A
Staging professional is trained to package your
home to create the fabulous first impressions that
sells homes faster. San Antonio based staging
company First Impressions Home Staging, LLC
recommends the following tips for re-packaging
your home to sell at crunch time.
1.Grab them at the curb.
Keep the yard well maintained, green
grass and blooming color. Create a “Welcoming
entry“. Make sure house numbers can be easily
seen.
2. Make the most of every room
Each room in your house should have a
focal point that creates a fabulous first impression.
Highlight each rooms best quality - the fireplace,
bay windows, built-ins, etc.
3.Appeal to the senses
When looking for a new home, most buyers
prefer light and airy spaces. Let in as much natural
light as possible. A fresh, clean citrus fragrance
is more pleasing than overpowering candles
that give the impression you are trying to
cover up unwanted smells. Wall colors that are too
bright or dark turn buyers off. Choose a warm,
neutral color such as Macadamia by Sherwin-
Williams. Paint can also be a quick fix for outdated
wallpaper.
4. Clutter eats Equity
Remember, you are selling Real Estate.
Buyers want to see the house and the space it has
to offer. Remove personal collections, awards, etc.
2 ready for move-in
Isaac: 601-0490
www.plantationhomes.com
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RReeaallttoorr iinncceennttiivveess aavvaaiillaabbllee!!
3 ready for move-in
Mike: 573-2777
www.presidiocustomhomes.com
Rooms should look as large and open as possible
without looking sparse. Narrow down furnishings
and accessories to the essentials and arrange for
proper traffic flow. Buyers need to be able to
imagine their own belongings in this new space.
5.Well Maintained=Well Cared For
Now is the time to make repairs. WD-40
those squeaky doors, replace the mismatched
lighting and bathroom fixtures, clean dirty a/c
return ducts, etc. Have carpeting and tile grout professionally
cleaned. If your hardwood floors look
shabby, refinish them.
6. Make it sparkle.
Pretend your mother-in-law is coming to
visit. Mop, dust, vacuum, clean windows and mirrors,
baseboards, etc. People will be looking in
your closets and under the sinks.
Add a friendly touch with a vase of fresh
flowers …and a beautiful card that states,
“Welcome To Your New Home!“.
Re-Market
You made the changes now make sure
potential buyers see them. Ask your agent to take
new photos for fliers and on-line listings. Invite
your neighbors and friends over to view your repackaged
house. First Impressions Home Staging
will host an Open House and place photos of the
homes they have Staged on both their websites to
give their clients additional valuable internet exposure.
Many buyers search the internet before getting
in their cars. Your house could be only a
mouse click away from a sensational sale.
As summer comes to a close, don’t throw
in the towel on selling your home. Instead, reassess,
re-package and re-market. Call in the pro’s
and start packing!
1 ready for move-in
Henry: 410-2480
www.guesshomes.com
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1/4 mile south of Loop 410 and 281 interchange.
Clubhouse is on Mission Grande Rd.
www.missiondellago.org