[dharmagirl]

Recordsclerk,

I don’t quite agree with you. Unless PatB’s house is going for a bargain basement price, I think he needs to spiff it up a bit.

Even in a crappy market, there is still that certain “something” that attracts buyers – I think much of it is psychological.

I’ve been told that buyers make up their mind about a place within the first 10-15 seconds of walking in the door.

When we told our realtor what to list the townhouse at (which we sold in another state), she was skeptical. She even said, “be prepared to wait a while.”

We listed the place for $25K more than her suggested price and spent about $2500 on staging, furniture rental, etc. In the end, we sold the place FAST and got our price.

If we hadnt staged it, we are convinced it would have stayed on the market longer (thus, more mortgage payments) and probably would have garnered a lower sales price.

Many buyers talked about how “inviting” the house felt, etc. Some buyers also noted that in a sea of townhomes, ours really stood out and made an impression.

Clearly, if a seller HAS to sell fast you do what you have to do.

Maybe PatB will get lucky and find a buyer who has imagination and vision.

I still believe a few changes would make a big difference.

[dharmagirl]

Recordsclerk,

I don’t quite agree with you. Unless PatB’s house is going for a bargain basement price, I think he needs to spiff it up a bit.

Even in a crappy market, there is still that certain “something” that attracts buyers – I think much of it is psychological.

I’ve been told that buyers make up their mind about a place within the first 10-15 seconds of walking in the door.

When we told our realtor what to list the townhouse at (which we sold in another state), she was skeptical. She even said, “be prepared to wait a while.”

We listed the place for $25K more than her suggested price and spent about $2500 on staging, furniture rental, etc. In the end, we sold the place FAST and got our price.

If we hadnt staged it, we are convinced it would have stayed on the market longer (thus, more mortgage payments) and probably would have garnered a lower sales price.

Many buyers talked about how “inviting” the house felt, etc. Some buyers also noted that in a sea of townhomes, ours really stood out and made an impression.

Clearly, if a seller HAS to sell fast you do what you have to do.

Maybe PatB will get lucky and find a buyer who has imagination and vision.

I still believe a few changes would make a big difference.

[dharmagirl]

Recordsclerk,

I don’t quite agree with you. Unless PatB’s house is going for a bargain basement price, I think he needs to spiff it up a bit.

Even in a crappy market, there is still that certain “something” that attracts buyers – I think much of it is psychological.

I’ve been told that buyers make up their mind about a place within the first 10-15 seconds of walking in the door.

When we told our realtor what to list the townhouse at (which we sold in another state), she was skeptical. She even said, “be prepared to wait a while.”

We listed the place for $25K more than her suggested price and spent about $2500 on staging, furniture rental, etc. In the end, we sold the place FAST and got our price.

If we hadnt staged it, we are convinced it would have stayed on the market longer (thus, more mortgage payments) and probably would have garnered a lower sales price.

Many buyers talked about how “inviting” the house felt, etc. Some buyers also noted that in a sea of townhomes, ours really stood out and made an impression.

Clearly, if a seller HAS to sell fast you do what you have to do.

Maybe PatB will get lucky and find a buyer who has imagination and vision.

I still believe a few changes would make a big difference.

[dharmagirl]

Recordsclerk,

I don’t quite agree with you. Unless PatB’s house is going for a bargain basement price, I think he needs to spiff it up a bit.

Even in a crappy market, there is still that certain “something” that attracts buyers – I think much of it is psychological.

I’ve been told that buyers make up their mind about a place within the first 10-15 seconds of walking in the door.

When we told our realtor what to list the townhouse at (which we sold in another state), she was skeptical. She even said, “be prepared to wait a while.”

We listed the place for $25K more than her suggested price and spent about $2500 on staging, furniture rental, etc. In the end, we sold the place FAST and got our price.

If we hadnt staged it, we are convinced it would have stayed on the market longer (thus, more mortgage payments) and probably would have garnered a lower sales price.

Many buyers talked about how “inviting” the house felt, etc. Some buyers also noted that in a sea of townhomes, ours really stood out and made an impression.

Clearly, if a seller HAS to sell fast you do what you have to do.

Maybe PatB will get lucky and find a buyer who has imagination and vision.

I still believe a few changes would make a big difference.

[dharmagirl]

Recordsclerk,

I don’t quite agree with you. Unless PatB’s house is going for a bargain basement price, I think he needs to spiff it up a bit.

Even in a crappy market, there is still that certain “something” that attracts buyers – I think much of it is psychological.

I’ve been told that buyers make up their mind about a place within the first 10-15 seconds of walking in the door.

When we told our realtor what to list the townhouse at (which we sold in another state), she was skeptical. She even said, “be prepared to wait a while.”

We listed the place for $25K more than her suggested price and spent about $2500 on staging, furniture rental, etc. In the end, we sold the place FAST and got our price.

If we hadnt staged it, we are convinced it would have stayed on the market longer (thus, more mortgage payments) and probably would have garnered a lower sales price.

Many buyers talked about how “inviting” the house felt, etc. Some buyers also noted that in a sea of townhomes, ours really stood out and made an impression.

Clearly, if a seller HAS to sell fast you do what you have to do.

Maybe PatB will get lucky and find a buyer who has imagination and vision.

I still believe a few changes would make a big difference.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

[dharmagirl]

I think your house is nice – like the staircase, wood floors and some of the touches.

However, if I may be blunt…you need to do a better job of staging it. The house looks too sterile. Some specific suggestions:

1. Gussy up those bedrooms. As a buyer, I would see those bedrooms and run for the hills. There is nothing comfortable or inviting about the rooms. Go to Marshalls, Home Goods or TJ Maxx and buy “bed in a bag” (neutral) and some pillows. Buyers love beds that look inviting and comfortable.

2. I think your yellow kitchen is a turnoff. I would have painted that a neutral color. I also think in your price range, updated appliances would be more appropriate. But, I dont know if that’s how Oklahomans feel…I would also take that dish rack off the counter. Put a couple of interesting things on the counter – for example, a bowl of fruit, flowers, etc.

3. I would rent a few pieces of furniture to do SOMETHING with that big, empty bonus room. Buyers appreciate seeing how space is used.

4. I would make that DR table more appealing. I’ve gone as far as to put entire place settings with lovely napkins at each place. But some inexpensive placemats, a vase with silk flowers will go a long way.

I hope you dont mind my feedback. Take it for what it’s worth. Last year, I sold a house in another declining real estate market.

Homes in the area languished on the market for months. Ours sold in two weeks and I had THREE offers fighting over it. I attribute my success to the staging that we did. I hired a stager. I listened to her concerns. I paid her to use some of her bigger items. For the smaller touch, I opted NOT to pay her $2000 for rental – instead I spent half a day at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJM, etc. and bought the stuff myself – most of it on clearance -for about $500.

When the house sold (we had already moved to CA), my realtor dropped off the items at Goodwill and got a donation slip for me.

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