In Hollywood they are called stylists. They are fashion professionals who help celebrities shine by outfitting them in the right clothes and accessories. In the world of home buying and selling, real estate professionals fill the same role, but in this case the “star” is your home. Here are five things you can do to stage your home for sale.

Staging is an important part of the home sale process. Staging is presenting your home in its best and most appealing light to the majority of buyers. In the end, it may even lead to less time on the market and a better sales price.

1. De-clutter and de-personalize: Remove all clutter and reduce the number of personal pictures and mementos. You do not have to purge everything, but packing away items at a friend’s house or in storage might be a good idea.

2. Go for an updated look: If you have well-worn, wall-to-wall carpet, rip it up and replace it. If your kitchen cabinets are dated, spruce them up with new paint. Making your home look its best may take some money and some elbow grease.

3. Create a warm and cozy environment: You want your home to have a welcoming feel. Rearrange seating to create conversation areas. You want buyers to want to stay and relax.

4. Lighten up: Use table lamps to create a warm glow and mirrors to reflect the light around the room. Open up blinds and shades to let the sunshine in. A fresh coat of paint in an inviting, neutral tone will play up the sense of light and warmth.

5. Use accessories: Accent pillows, throw blankets, fresh cut flowers, bowls of polished fruit and artfully arranged books, can help you complete the sophisticated and inviting scene. Remember, you want buyers to imagine themselves living in this setting.

Your real estate professional is your greatest resource when it comes to preparing your home for sale. Work with them to create the home of your buyer’s dreams.

Please don’t hesitate to call CENTURY 21 Top Sale Realty
for all of your real estate needs.
You can reach us at (800) 362-2954 or visit www.topsalerealty.com.

Categories: Real Estate, Home Maintenance
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A house fire can put you and your family’s lives in great danger.  Yet, fire experts say you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death by just following these five simple safety tips:

1. Make sure your house number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you.  Consider using oversized reflective or illuminated numbers at the curb, preferably next to your mailbox.
2. Install smoke detectors in places where they will activate in time for you to save yourself and family.  This is usually within a foot of the ceiling.  Make sure you test them monthly by pressing the “test” button, and replace batteries at least once a year.  Don’t rely on the alarm to make an intermittent “beep” to change batteries.
3. Create a fire escape plan with an emergency route for each family member’s bedroom.  If bedrooms are on the second floor, purchase a simple chain ladder for escape from windows.  Arrange for a safe family meeting place outside the home in the event fire strikes.  This way you can account for each family member instantly.
4. Place an adequately sized fire extinguisher near the kitchen area of your home.  Also, place one at the opposite end of the home.  Most homes use undersized extinguishers.  Even if a small fire breaks out, you will want all the suppression you can get.
5. Remove all weeds, tree branches, leaves and litter away from the perimeter of your home.  Put a screen on your fireplace and keep it closed at all times.  It’s best to sleep with your bedroom door closed to give yourself more time to escape in case of a fire.  And teach your children what to do if their clothes catch fire:  Stop, Drop and Roll.

Please don’t hesitate to call CENTURY 21 Top Sale Realty
for all of your real estate needs.
You can reach us at (800) 362-2954 or visit www.topsalerealty.com.

Categories: Real Estate, Home Maintenance
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Protecting Home Base

When you own a home, you also need to protect its value. After all, for most people a home is their largest single asset. In fact, it can be the basis for securing funding for other endeavors, like college or the purchase of a second property. Here are four things you can do to help your property maintain its value.

1. Dedicate one weekend each quarter to home maintenance. Clear the calendar and make a list. Tasks may include power washing, painting, clearing out the attic / garage or

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Categories: Home Maintenance
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