This is the first post in a new series about what you need to do to sell your home in this market. In virtually the entire country we are currently facing difficult times for sellers. The situation was enough to compel me to write a book about how to sell your home in this economy--and still make some money.
I decided to reach out across the country to get first-hand knowledge of the real estate situation and have had many realtors, designers, stagers and other professionals in the business share their experiences with me.
Bill Golden is a Re/Max Realtor in the Atlanta Metro Cityside region. He has been in the business for 22 years He can be reached at bill@billgoldenhomes.com and 404.634.7728. The following is our interview. Please feel free to post any comments to either Bill or myself on this blog and either of us will respond.
1. How would you describe the market in Atlanta on 1/23/09?
The market here is definitely slow, though it varies according to area and price range. The prices in most areas haven’t really dropped, but they have not appreciated as they have in the past.
2. What is the average length of time a house sits on the market before it is sold?
This too, depends on the area, but in the “intown” Atlanta market in the last 6 months, a single family residential home has sat on the market for an average of 76 days.
3. How does that compare to 5 years ago?
Five years ago, that number was most likely more like 45 days.
4. How does that compare to 10 years ago?
Ten years ago, the market was very strong here, so I would say it was closer to 30 days.
5. What is the average price paid for a home over or under the asking price?
In the same market for the last 6 months, the average List Price/Sale Price ratio was approximately 93%, which is definitely down. That number is usually around 96%.
6. When you list a home, do you make suggestions to seller on things they can do to improve home to sell it?
Absolutely!
7. If so, what are common recommendations that you make?
Usually a lot of de-cluttering, cleaning, fresh paint/carpet if necessary, freshened landscaping, staging if necessary.
8. What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when putting their home on the market?
Number one mistake people make is overpricing. Many times homeowners try to justify that by saying they’re not in a hurry. Unfortunately, that logic doesn’t work. If the home sits on the market a long time, you generally end up getting less than if you had priced it right from the start.
Of course, one of the other mistakes some folks make is trying to sell their home without a Realtor, or using a cut-rate service. In this difficult time, sellers need a professional marketing their home more than ever.
Another common mistake is spending money on “improvements” that they then want to recoup in the sales price. Before you make any improvements to sell your home, it’s best to contact a Realtor who knows the market and can tell you accurately what changes are worth making, and which ones aren’t.
9. Are buyers asking about green features in homes? (Solar panels, Energy Star rated appliances, programmable thermostats, sustainable wood floors, etc.)
I don’t see it that much in the market I work in, which is mostly comprised of older homes. I’m sure it has more of an impact on new homes.
10. Do homes with green features sell for more?
Unfortunately, no. At least not in my market. They may, however, help your home sell faster. In other words, a buyer may not pay more for those features, but they may choose a home with those features over one that doesn’t have them.
11. As a Realtor, do you point out green features (or are they written on the sell sheet)?
Absolutely, I will point out any green features of a home, and they should also be written on the flyer/brochure for the home.
12. What are the most popular features people are looking for in homes today?
As has been the case for a long time, kitchens and baths seem to really sell homes. Even if they’re not totally renovated, if they are clean and move-in ready, that’s appealing to a buyer. Also, most buyers like a floor plan where the kitchen is open to the family room or some other space where folks can gather.
Most buyers today prefer hardwood floors over carpet, and also a low-maintenance yard.
13. What are the most unpopular features?
Most buyers don’t want choppy floor plans where rooms don’t open to each other. They also don’t like laminate floors, stippled ceilings, or bathrooms with outdated “gold” fixtures.
14. Do people prefer carpet or wood flooring?
Definitely wood flooring.
15. What is the favored type of flooring?
Real wood floors.
16. Do beige walls really sell?
Not necessarily, but definitely when compared with strong colors.
17. What colors do you recommend on walls?
I generally recommend light, muted tones, in the khaki/green family, depending on the furnishings of the home. Also, white or very light moldings and trim.
18. Do you like particular colors for different rooms? For example, a yellow kitchen?
No. Each situation is different.
19. Do you think staging works to sell a home?
In some cases, absolutely. If a home has all fresh paint and gleaming hardwood floors, it may show just as well vacant. Staging definitely helps in cases where the home has an odd floor plan, or oddly shaped/sized rooms. It helps define those spaces. If a home is decorated in a very specific style, it may help to neutralize it somewhat, so a buyer is able to picture their own style in the home.
20. What elements of staging are most successful?
See above.
21. Do you think Feng Shui helps to sell a home?
I’ve never had it come up!
22. What elements make a home feel good?
Cleanliness and a pleasant smell.
23. What elements make a home feel bad?
Dirt, messiness, and bad odors.
24. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Only that in this market, where there is so much competition, a seller needs to make their home stand out, either with the presentation or the value. Or better yet, both!
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Very Super Cool Greeting Cards
I have an old dog. Her name is Toast and she is a 15 year old blind and deaf Pug. So it's no surprise that I love these greeting cards, as they feature old dogs.
Sue Rostvold and husband Allan Little launched their greeting card company in November of 2005. They have a wonderful assortment of holiday and just plain greeting cards to choose from.
The photographs by Sue are just incredible and I also love the quotes. Inside the cover featuring a Basset Hound the card reads: "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
The cards are printed on uncoated, 100% post consumer recycled paper. When compared side-by-side with coated, mass-produced, 30% recycled card stock, our cards consume 20% less total energy and 7.5% less solid waste.
The cards are available online and at select stores. Check them out:
http://www.verysupercool.com
Sue Rostvold and husband Allan Little launched their greeting card company in November of 2005. They have a wonderful assortment of holiday and just plain greeting cards to choose from.
The photographs by Sue are just incredible and I also love the quotes. Inside the cover featuring a Basset Hound the card reads: "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
The cards are printed on uncoated, 100% post consumer recycled paper. When compared side-by-side with coated, mass-produced, 30% recycled card stock, our cards consume 20% less total energy and 7.5% less solid waste.
The cards are available online and at select stores. Check them out:
http://www.verysupercool.com
Monday, December 1, 2008
Dark Turkey Meat Leftovers: Keema Masala
font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#243F60; font-weight:normal} -->Getting tired of turkey? If you have leftover dark turkey meat, try Keema Masala, an Indian dish that I usually make with chicken thighs, but this works great and if you're getting tired of the turkey deal, you'll never know you're eating it with this tasty dish.
1 lb dark turkey meat, ground in food processor or chopped
½ head garlic, minced
2 T ginger, minced
3 T olive or canola oil
1 lb dark turkey meat, ground in food processor or chopped
½ head garlic, minced
2 T ginger, minced
3 T olive or canola oil
Can coconut milk
2 inch chunk of tamarind, boil 1 cup water and pour over tamarind. Let sit until cool enough to loosen tamarind and mix with water. Squeeze and discard seeds
1 t hot chili powder
1 T salt
2 T coriander
2 T cumin
2 T tumeric
Handful cilantro, stems removed and chopped
1 can chick peas, drained
1 cup peas
Heat oil and add spices, garlic and ginger and sauté over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Add coconut milk and tamarind juice to taste. Add chicken, chick peas and peas and heat through. Add cilantro at end.
Serve with basmati rice and tossed salad or a cooked vegetable.
Go to Harmonious Environment website
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Attract Money Now!
A recent New York Times article wrote that psychics and astrologers are seeing a boom in their business as people flock to them to answer questions about their finances.
But, there is a better way to attract money and it begins in your home and office. There are definite steps to take to keep your money intact—or to make more.
Attracting money begins with a clean and clutter-free home. Clutter bogs us down and doesn’t allow us to perform as well as we should, Energy should flow into a home and glide effortlessly around the home. Having a lot of junk in the entry way, for example, is a good way to prevent this from happening. Even more importantly, clutter prevents us from thinking clearly, which prevents us from manifesting what we want—in this case, money.
Once your home is clean and free from clutter, Feng Shui can be used to bolster your finances. The Bagua is the sacred octagon used in Feng Shui and is one of the oldest methods for reading energy patterns. The eight sides of the octagon plus the center are the nine sections, or Guas, that correspond to one or more life areas.
The wealth area is in the upper left section of the Bagua. Superimpose the map over the entire home, or concentrate on important rooms, like the bedroom, office or entryway. The wealth corner of the desk is also important. You can bolster the wealth corner in one or all of the rooms in your home.
Depicting the flow of money, water objects like fountains or aquariums are the best choice in the wealth areas of the home or office. A photograph of water will also work. Add coins to a fountain for even more power. Heavy objects, depicting grounded finances, are also good. Choose plants, sculptures and other heavy objects. When you look at these objects, think about attracting good fortune and having as much money as you desire.
Finally, another key to attracting money is to think positively and to give energy, focus and attention to making it. Writing down your thoughts about how it feels to have plenty of money and feel what it’s like to be worry free about finances.
Try these tips before you spend your money on a psychic!
For more information on how to attract money, read the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie.
Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet is now in its second printing! Go to book to purchase your copy.
Go to Harmonious Environment website
Norma Lehmeier Hartie
But, there is a better way to attract money and it begins in your home and office. There are definite steps to take to keep your money intact—or to make more.
Attracting money begins with a clean and clutter-free home. Clutter bogs us down and doesn’t allow us to perform as well as we should, Energy should flow into a home and glide effortlessly around the home. Having a lot of junk in the entry way, for example, is a good way to prevent this from happening. Even more importantly, clutter prevents us from thinking clearly, which prevents us from manifesting what we want—in this case, money.
Once your home is clean and free from clutter, Feng Shui can be used to bolster your finances. The Bagua is the sacred octagon used in Feng Shui and is one of the oldest methods for reading energy patterns. The eight sides of the octagon plus the center are the nine sections, or Guas, that correspond to one or more life areas.
The wealth area is in the upper left section of the Bagua. Superimpose the map over the entire home, or concentrate on important rooms, like the bedroom, office or entryway. The wealth corner of the desk is also important. You can bolster the wealth corner in one or all of the rooms in your home.
Depicting the flow of money, water objects like fountains or aquariums are the best choice in the wealth areas of the home or office. A photograph of water will also work. Add coins to a fountain for even more power. Heavy objects, depicting grounded finances, are also good. Choose plants, sculptures and other heavy objects. When you look at these objects, think about attracting good fortune and having as much money as you desire.
Finally, another key to attracting money is to think positively and to give energy, focus and attention to making it. Writing down your thoughts about how it feels to have plenty of money and feel what it’s like to be worry free about finances.
Try these tips before you spend your money on a psychic!
For more information on how to attract money, read the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie.
Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet is now in its second printing! Go to book to purchase your copy.
Go to Harmonious Environment website
Norma Lehmeier Hartie
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Self-Published Book Beats Large Publishers’ books for Prestigious USA National Best Non-Fiction Book 2008
Self-Published Book Beats Large Publishers’ books for Prestigious
USA National Best Non-Fiction Book 2008
Lingham Press is proud to announce that Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, by Norma Lehmeier Hartie, won the coveted USA National Best Non-Fiction Book Award, against titles from publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Tarcher/Penguin, HarperCollins, Hyperion, and St. Martin’s Press. Earlier this year, the book also won the 15th Annual Writer's Digest International Book Awards.
Sales of the book were in the top 1% of all self-published books and the top 10% of all books sold in 2007. Harmonious Environment is consistently a best-seller on Amazon in the health, body and mind category. Part of the reason for strong sales and the book awards is the timeliness of the subject; how to green your home and your body.
Unlike many self-published books, Harmonious Environment is indistinguishable from a book that has been traditionally published, as only professionals worked creating it. “The advantage of self-publishing is that the author has complete control of the process,” says Norma Lehmeier Hartie. “I wanted to choose the look of the cover, for example. I ended up hiring a photographer who worked with the cover designer to create a memorable and beautiful look.”
Harmonious Environment focuses on how to create a beautiful, non-toxic and natural home and workspace; a sanctuary that will support, invigorate and nourish to enable the reader to flourish in all aspects of their lives-while being kind to the environment.
“In reading Harmonious Environment, we can only be inspired to beautify our lives, make the necessary changes that would make us happier, healthier, more at peace—on a personal, group, community or global level … a lovely book to keep and refer to often,” Judge from Writer’s Digest.
Norma Lehmeier Hartie is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence and Parsons School of Design and has been an interior designer for over 20 years. She is the creator of the practice of Harmonious Adjustments™. Ms. Hartie resides an hour from NYC. This is her first book.
Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie
ISBN 9780977963300, 300 pages, 8.5 x 8.5 trade paperback, $19.95, 2007
Lingham Press, http://www.linghampress.com
Contact: Norma Lehmeier Hartie at: 914-739-8966 or norma@HarmoniousEnvironment.com
Norma Lehmeier Hartie
Publisher
Lingham Press
Crugers, NY
Phone : 914-739-8966
USA National Best Non-Fiction Book 2008
Lingham Press is proud to announce that Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, by Norma Lehmeier Hartie, won the coveted USA National Best Non-Fiction Book Award, against titles from publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Tarcher/Penguin, HarperCollins, Hyperion, and St. Martin’s Press. Earlier this year, the book also won the 15th Annual Writer's Digest International Book Awards.
Sales of the book were in the top 1% of all self-published books and the top 10% of all books sold in 2007. Harmonious Environment is consistently a best-seller on Amazon in the health, body and mind category. Part of the reason for strong sales and the book awards is the timeliness of the subject; how to green your home and your body.
Unlike many self-published books, Harmonious Environment is indistinguishable from a book that has been traditionally published, as only professionals worked creating it. “The advantage of self-publishing is that the author has complete control of the process,” says Norma Lehmeier Hartie. “I wanted to choose the look of the cover, for example. I ended up hiring a photographer who worked with the cover designer to create a memorable and beautiful look.”
Harmonious Environment focuses on how to create a beautiful, non-toxic and natural home and workspace; a sanctuary that will support, invigorate and nourish to enable the reader to flourish in all aspects of their lives-while being kind to the environment.
“In reading Harmonious Environment, we can only be inspired to beautify our lives, make the necessary changes that would make us happier, healthier, more at peace—on a personal, group, community or global level … a lovely book to keep and refer to often,” Judge from Writer’s Digest.
Norma Lehmeier Hartie is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence and Parsons School of Design and has been an interior designer for over 20 years. She is the creator of the practice of Harmonious Adjustments™. Ms. Hartie resides an hour from NYC. This is her first book.
Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie
ISBN 9780977963300, 300 pages, 8.5 x 8.5 trade paperback, $19.95, 2007
Lingham Press, http://www.linghampress.com
Contact: Norma Lehmeier Hartie at: 914-739-8966 or norma@HarmoniousEnvironment.com
Norma Lehmeier Hartie
Publisher
Lingham Press
Crugers, NY
Phone : 914-739-8966
Green and Beautify Your Home for the Holidays
The EPA considers indoor air quality one of the greatest single factors contributing to ill health, and indoor air can easily be 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. Studies of indoor environments have shown that many modern materials and chemicals contribute to a growing list of environmentally induced illnesses. It is estimated that the scores of potentially harmful chemicals in our homes can be up to sixteen hundred times more potent when combined.
During the holidays, indoor air is of special concern, as we tend to spend large amounts of time inside and many decorations are unsafe.
How to figure out what products are safe is the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie. Harmonious Environment is the Grand Prize Winner of the 15th Annual Writer's Digest International Book Awards and won the coveted 2008 USA National Best Non-Fiction Book Award.
Harmonious Environment, published by Lingham Press, focuses on how to create a beautiful, non-toxic and natural home and workspace; a sanctuary that will support, invigorate and nourish to enable the reader to flourish in all aspects of their lives-while being kind to the environment.
“In reading Harmonious Environment, we can only be inspired to beautify our lives, make the necessary changes that would make us happier, healthier, more at peace—on a personal, group, community or global level … a lovely book to keep and refer to often,” Judge from Writer’s Digest.
Norma Lehmeier Hartie, creator of the Harmonious Adjustments™ system, has a road map for you: Cleanse a home of indoor air pollution, hidden harsh chemicals, harmful negative energy, and other toxic elements
• Organize your home to keep it uncluttered and easy to clean with Green methods
• Switch to an eco-friendly, healthier lifestyle with easy methods and products for personal care, household cleaning, cooking and eating (complete with tasty, nutritious easily prepared recipes)
• Learn secrets of Green lighting and interior decorating to inexpensively create attractive, warm, comfortable spaces
• Sleep better
• Improve your career, your organizational skills, even your love life
Norma Lehmeier Hartie is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence and Parsons School of Design and has been an interior designer for over 20 years. She is the creator of the practice of Harmonious Adjustments™. Ms. Hartie resides an hour from NYC. This is her first book.
Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie
ISBN 9780977963300, 300 pages, 8.5 x 8.5 trade paperback, $19.95, 2007
Lingham Press, http://www.linghampress.com
Contact: Norma Lehmeier Hartie at: 914-739-8966 or norma@HarmoniousEnvironment.com
###
Norma Lehmeier Hartie
Publisher
Lingham Press
Crugers, NY
Phone : 914-739-8966
During the holidays, indoor air is of special concern, as we tend to spend large amounts of time inside and many decorations are unsafe.
How to figure out what products are safe is the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie. Harmonious Environment is the Grand Prize Winner of the 15th Annual Writer's Digest International Book Awards and won the coveted 2008 USA National Best Non-Fiction Book Award.
Harmonious Environment, published by Lingham Press, focuses on how to create a beautiful, non-toxic and natural home and workspace; a sanctuary that will support, invigorate and nourish to enable the reader to flourish in all aspects of their lives-while being kind to the environment.
“In reading Harmonious Environment, we can only be inspired to beautify our lives, make the necessary changes that would make us happier, healthier, more at peace—on a personal, group, community or global level … a lovely book to keep and refer to often,” Judge from Writer’s Digest.
Norma Lehmeier Hartie, creator of the Harmonious Adjustments™ system, has a road map for you: Cleanse a home of indoor air pollution, hidden harsh chemicals, harmful negative energy, and other toxic elements
• Organize your home to keep it uncluttered and easy to clean with Green methods
• Switch to an eco-friendly, healthier lifestyle with easy methods and products for personal care, household cleaning, cooking and eating (complete with tasty, nutritious easily prepared recipes)
• Learn secrets of Green lighting and interior decorating to inexpensively create attractive, warm, comfortable spaces
• Sleep better
• Improve your career, your organizational skills, even your love life
Norma Lehmeier Hartie is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence and Parsons School of Design and has been an interior designer for over 20 years. She is the creator of the practice of Harmonious Adjustments™. Ms. Hartie resides an hour from NYC. This is her first book.
Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie
ISBN 9780977963300, 300 pages, 8.5 x 8.5 trade paperback, $19.95, 2007
Lingham Press, http://www.linghampress.com
Contact: Norma Lehmeier Hartie at: 914-739-8966 or norma@HarmoniousEnvironment.com
###
Norma Lehmeier Hartie
Publisher
Lingham Press
Crugers, NY
Phone : 914-739-8966
Live Within Your Means and Go Green!
| For many Americans, the current economy is a wake-up call to change their spending habits. For some, there is no choice, as people face layoffs, and banks that are unwilling to lend them money. Concurrently, Americans are becoming increasingly aware that our environment is in danger, that global warming and pollution threaten the planet and our health. The good news is that making green—or environmentally friendly choices—is a great way to cut your spending, too! There are literally hundreds of ways to cut spending and go green in every spending category: Home • Reduce electrical usage; replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL’s, replace old refrigerator with Energy Star efficient model • Reduce heating usage; lower thermostat, seal drafty windows and doors • Reduce cooling usage by adding fans • Purchase second-hand quality furniture if you cannot afford good quality new • Use VOC free paint instead of expensive and polluting wallpaper • Replace worn carpet that degrades air quality with sustainable bamboo or wood that will last a lifetime • Instead of buying impulse stuff made from nonrenewable materials, indulge in houseplants that clean the air of your home or flowers. Food • Compare the cost of buying whole foods that are organic, and local with conventional prepared food. Organic is healthier for you and the planet and whole foods are less expensive than prepared food. • Get a filter system for your tap water and use a stainless, reusable water bottle instead of buying expensive, wasteful bottled water. • Limit eating out. Learn to cook, if you don’t know how. Clothing • Limit purchases to what you really love and buy quality, natural fabrics that are better for the environment • Consider swapping clothes, especially for children Miscellaneous • Always purchase products made from renewable sources rather than nonrenewable (avail plastic whenever possible) • Buy best quality you can afford—stuff that lasts, stays out of landfill and that you buy once—not repeatedly, like furniture. Buy second-hand or go to Freecycle.org for free things. • If shopping is a hobby, find another one. • Swap stuff with friends and family, either temporarily or permanently. • Don’t buy on impulse. For many more tips, read the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie. Harmonious Environment is the Grand Prize Winner of the 15th Annual Writer's Digest International Book Awards and won the coveted 2008 USA National Best Non-Fiction Book Award. Norma Lehmeier Hartie is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence and Parsons School of Design and has been an interior designer for over 20 years. She is the creator of the practice of Harmonious Adjustments™. Ms. Hartie resides an hour from NYC. This is her first book. Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie ISBN 9780977963300, 300 pages, 8.5 x 8.5 trade paperback, $19.95, 2007 Lingham Press, http://www.linghampress.com Contact: Norma Lehmeier Hartie at: 914-739-8966 or norma@HarmoniousEnvironment.com ### | ||
| Norma Lehmeier Hartie Publisher Lingham Press Crugers, NY Phone : 914-739-8966 |
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