Would you spend a dollar to make 2 dollars?

This is not a trick question!  Of course you would, but think how many of your clients focus on the upfront $1 cost, rather than the $2 return.   That’s the time to remind them of the benefits of selling quickly, and why they should invest in staging to guarantee themselves a quick sale. 

 

Sellers don’t “own” the equity in their house; they have to “earn” it in the sale by enticing someone to buy the house.  If they don’t stage and their house lingers on the market, they’ll pay more in mortgage payments, taxes and utility bills than if they sell quickly.  (Staging, by the way, is tax-deductible as an advertising expense, reducing the capital gains tax on the sale of the house.) Their house will earn a reputation as hard to sell, and very likely they will have to reduce the price to attract a buyer.  Staging ALWAYS costs less than a price reduction.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; 

Cottage Makeover
69 Lake Shore Drive, South Salem, NY (MLS# is 2713749)

Our thanks this month to Frank Haymson of Prudential Holmes and Kennedy for the opportunity to stage this wonderful weekend home on Lake Truesdale! This comfortable 3-bedroom cottage needed refreshing before listing. Showcase Your Space furnished the house to keep the emphasis on the views of the lake. This is our favorite "after" photo. CLICK ON IT to see the full before/after makeover from staging.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

 

Featured "Helper": Upstairs Downstairs Moving

Help your homeowners reduce clutter by beginning the packing process! Remember that movers can move out and store some items before the big moving day, so the house is pared down for the sale. Upstairs Downstairs Moving takes every move personally. They are a family-owned and operated business, and their employees are English-speaking, educated members of the moving team. Give our friend Vincent McDade a call. He's the owner, and he makes sure every move is done professionally, on time, and on budget. Phone 212.472.6683 or 914-674-0700.  Email inquiries: estimates@upstairsdownstairs.com.  Web: www.upstairsdownstairsmoving.com.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; 

Tip of the Month

Buyers prefer homes with ample storage space.  So homeowners should prepare for selling by half-emptying their closets, cabinets and drawers.  Organize what remains by color and size.  Then the buyer will see that when he lives here, his belongings will fit easily and neatly into the house!

 ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

"The Broker Open House was very well attended and feedback from everyone was excellent. You're certainly going to be hearing from other agents from this, and that makes us all very pleased! You have helped tremendously in doing just what was needed to assist a busy family get their home ready for showing at its best. And, yes lots of interest…"

Rosemary C., agent