To Stage or Not To Stage, That is the ??

Here is a tale about a townhouse that had been on the market in Monmouth county. It was in a desirable area, close to the parkway for commuters, newer built 2001, had all the requirements for what most buyers want 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 1 car attached garage.

Following will be pictures to demonstrate how a staged house vs an unstaged house appeals to the buyer on the internet.

  not staged

  staged living room

   not staged

  staged kitchen  nothing on counters

  Not Staged Dining room staged not 2nd picture taken off and no personal stuff on clear tabletop        3 photos used for the family room

staged family room

  master bedroom not staged 

staged master bedroom with included picture of master bath below

      not staged finished basement

staged finished basement

Yes it is the same condo!!!!

This condo was on market unstaged for 198 days and at this point it was priced reasonable.

New agent, staging was on the market for 39 days went into contract and SOLD!!!

So what was different?

The condo was staged, the owners put away alot of their stuff. When you are SERIOUS about moving, then START PACKING!!!

You're going to have to do it, isn't it bettter to start sooner than later?

Of course PRICE is also very important!

So YOU TELL ME which condo would you be interested in?

JUST SOLD!

JUST SOLD!

38 Shore Drive Long Branch

Listed at $334,900

2 bedroom 2.5 bath attached garage.

When it's priced right it will sell in a short period of time!

This was listed at Thanksgiving and we had a contract in January!

What's Really going on with Real Estate

Here is a great example put together by "Data  Robert J. Shiller, Irrational Exuberance, 2nd. Edition, Princeton University Press,2005, Broadway Books 2006, as updated by author " .

It really puts a great perspective on interest rates and house prices.

2008 is the BEST MARKET TO BUY!!!

The prices have D
                            ropped and the interest rates are at their
                                                                                            lowest in 45 years!!!!

Next year YOU will be kicking your selves in the you know what because while the prices may still be low the interst rates will have risen.

I just came back from a seminar on statistics and what is really going on and he pretty much confirmed my above summation.

IN general Sellers if you want to wait for a better price expect to sit until 2015!

Since 2006 until to 2009 the price drop is to be approximately 19% total. So in order for you the seller to get the 2006 pricing we need to recoup the 19% and then increase, which will take about 4 to 5 years to recoup and then start gaining. Oh by the way if you sell now you will make more money NOW because when you buy you will buy LOW with LOW interest rate. Next year you will be even LOWER in Sale price and HIGHER in Interest Rate.

Ten Most Forgotten Items when moving

Ten Most Forgotten Items

With more than 43 million Americans planning to move this year, odds are even the most organized may not remember every detail of a move -- or every item. Remembering the “out of sight, out of mind” objects increases your success in moving all of your belongings. Mayflower suggests adding the following 10 points to the top of your preparation list:      

1. For the record -- Obtain copies of your and your family's medical records, including any dental and vaccine/immunization information, as well as any veterinary records for the family pet. In some cases, a notarized letter is required to receive official documentation; you may need to contact the American Medical Records Association to determine your new state's needs. You might also consider transferring current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
   
   Another record you'll want to be sure to have in hand is your child's permanent school record. School records are usually required when registering your child at his/her new school. Often, copies are not sufficient and require a raised seal
       
2. Buried treasure -- If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving. You should carry valuable items such as jewelry with you or keep them in a safe deposit box instead of packing them on the moving van.
            
3. Old phone numbers -- Pack phone books from your existing residence to take with you. You may think you'll remember the numbers you frequently call now, but more likely you'll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends or tie up loose ends.
            
4. Taken to the cleaners -- Remember to collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (for example, dry cleaning, shoes, watches, etc.). Also, remember to return library books, movie rentals and anything else you may have checked out.
            
5. What's your new address? -- Keep your new address handy in your wallet or purse. In the flurry of preparing for a move, you may forget your new address -- important information when forwarding periodicals, mail and credit card bills, as well as keeping in touch with old friends.
            
6. Spic and span -- Remember to leave out cleaning supplies for the final “once-over” before closing the door for good, or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean for you. To reduce the amount of things you take with you, if you are cleaning the home yourself, use up previously purchased cleaning products, and then throw away the empty containers when you leave.
            
7. The opener -- Many people often forget to take the electric garage door opener out of their automobile before leaving. Remember to leave the opener for the new residents.
            
8. Remember “Rover” -- In most cases, moving companies cannot transport animals or plants. Plan ahead and make arrangements for their safe transfer.
            
9. Bank on it – It's wise to open a checking account in your new town about a month prior to your move so that you have immediate access to your funds. It enables you to have a little cash on hand for unexpected expenses. On occasion, retailers will decline to cash “out-of-town” checks.
            
10. Keys to success – Remember the collection of spare house keys. Whether it means retrieving keys from neighbors or from under the rock next to the front door, don't forget to gather all sets before you depart.

for more information and checklists please go to Moving Tips at Mayflower

Internet Tips & Tricks

February 2008 Stealthlink Updates

· this is the future!

· remodeling -- cost vs.value

· get a human on the phone!

· be an instant wizard!

· evaluate charities with ease!

· would you make it in the big leagues?

· how stuff works!

· supercharge your browser!