Tips on Preparing a Home for Sale and Staging a Home for Sale

"Realizing that you only have one opportunity to make a 'good first impression' in today's over-supplied real estate market is a compelling reason for home owners to properly clean, paint, de-clutter, and stage their single greatest financial investment for introduction to the marketplace. In this market, buyers have many choices and are the engine driving the real estate train. Sellers must look at their property through the eyes of prospective buyers, see the shortcomings, and correct as much as possible as quickly as possible. In this way, sellers will ensure their home is prepared for introduction into a real estate market that is not as favorable to them as it once was.

Here are some specific suggestions on preparing a home for sale:

• Minimize furnishings and accessories to showcase the size of the home.


• Wash all windows (inside and out) to let as much sunshine in as possible.


• Remove old carpeting and shine up those hardwood floors.


• Scrub the tub and replace loose caulking and grout.


• Invest in paint! Buyers today don't appreciate wallpapered walls.


• Sweat equity is now the responsibility of the seller -- not the buyer!


• Perhaps re-purposing some furnishings to different rooms will give a fresh look.


• If you aren't Martha Stewart inspired, contact a staging specialist to get the job done.


• Make certain all systems are in good repair.


• If the seller isn't the best dressed for the ball, they'll end up the wallflower!

Remember ... the presentation of the property is something that you can control. Take charge and invest some effort and a bit of capital. You will increase your dividends many times over!"

Mary Ellen Galaris
Web Site: www.megsteam.com
Email: maryellen@MegsTeam.com
Phone: (978) 882-4464

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"In this new market, it is important than ever to make sure your home shows nicely so it will sell quickly. These are the helpful hints that I tell sellers that they need to do to make their home show well and sell:

1. If your home is decorated in dark or unusual colors, you will need to paint it neutral colors.


2. Clean or paint appliances. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house.


3. Paint the front door and make sure you have a nice pot of flowers near the entryway, especially if spring is in the air.


4. Make sure there is no clutter in the home. Make sure the closets are organized.


5. Have a garage sale, or start packing unwanted items to make the home feel spacious.


6. Clean all windows so that they sparkle.


7. When showing your home, if you have curtains or drapes that are closed for privacy, make sure they are pulled back to let in light.


8. If your home has any history or some unique features, write them down, and also tell us about the neighborhood. This creates an image in the buyer's mind of how it would be to live in your home.


9. If you have furry family members, make sure they are out of the way when a buyer is looking at your home. Even if the buyer is an animal lover, it might take away from showing your home.


10. Make sure that your home is priced correctly in this market. Buyers are very educated today with prices of homes for sale, and if you are overpriced you will only help sell your competition.


11. Help the buyer with some closing costs. That will make your home stand out.


12. In the warmer weather, make sure your lawn is green and the yard is not full with clutter, and if your shrubs are overgrown, cut them back to feature the home.

The most important principle to understand about selling your home is that 'presentation is everything.'"

Sean K Connelly
Web Site: www.MoveInNewEngland.com
Email: sean@seankconnelly.com
Phone: 781-479-4479

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"I consistently give sellers this advice on preparing a home for sale:

Don't put your house on the market until it is 'show ready.' To me this means: take care of those repairs you never got around to, make sure the furnace has been serviced recently, that the dripping faucet has been fixed, that the yard is weeded, and free of junk. De-clutter!

I usually bring in an interior designer who will walk around with the homeowner and make suggestions on what should stay and what should go, maybe re-arrange some of the furniture, and suggest paint colors if painting is recommended.

Sometimes I will suggest a pre-sale inspection if the house is old or in poor shape. This pre-sale inspection would be so that we know what the issues are and the homeowner can make repairs or price the house accordingly.

Also, de-personalize the house, which may mean putting away a lot of those family photos or personal collections. Buyers want to visualize themselves in the space, which is hard to do with too many reminders of the current occupants.

Finally, clean! Make it shine. The reason we call it 'staging' is because your house is 'on stage' - competing with other homes for the hearts and minds of the potential buyers. All that work up front will put you in the best position for a successful sale."

Tina McManus
Web Site: www.YourNorthShoreHome.com
Email: TinaMcManus@Remax.net
Phone: 978-882-4387

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"Here are some tips for preparing a home for sale that we tell our sellers:

• Decluttering is the most important.


• Kitchen counters should be clear of everything.


• Basements, garages and attics should be cleaned out and items condensed.


• Store away most personal belongings ie photos, toys, knick knacks.


• Clean out closets and arrange them in an orderly fashion.


• Clean the carpets and windows.


• Keep the paint colors neutral and touch up any areas.


• Yard should be mowed and shrubs trimmed.


• Keep animal scents under control."

Jennifer Anderson and Ron Goulart
Web Site:www.jenandron.com
Email:jen@jenandron.com
Phone:978-281-1260

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Things to Love About Marblehead, Massachusetts

1. The Spirit of '76. The original of this famous painting hangs in Abbot Hall.


2. Yacht clubs. You don't need a boat to join the Dolphin Yacht Club: Enjoy a summer of waterfront fine dining and multiple events for the whole family! Other yacht clubs include Boston Yacht Club and Eastern Yacht Club


3. Spend a long Fourth of July weekend at the Marblehead Festival of Arts with multiple art mediums in many downtown venues and loads of things to do for the whole family.


4. Great Restaurants.
   
   Italian restaurant recommendations include:
   Pellinos Fine Italian Dining and Caffe Italia Trattoria & Bar.
   
   For breakfast, try The Driftwood.
   
   If you enjoy seafood and waterfront dining, either The Barnacle or The Landing might be for you.
   
   Another popular local restaurant and hang out is Maddie’s Sail Loft.


5. The beaches. Devereux Beach, Gas House Beach, and Grace Oliver Beach are a few favorites.


6. Along with being a short ride to Boston and Logan Airport, Marblehead itself offers the amenities of most cities with a small town feel. There are plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance of each other. The town has done a tremendous job upgrading its education infrastructure with a new high school and renovated middle school. As a property owner, the tax rate is low relative to nearby towns, yet the public services are terrific.


7. In the summer, visit the Marblehead Farmer's Market every Saturday morning where fine vegetables, fruit, flowers, bread, cheese, and countless other goodies from local farms are available under tents at the Veteran's Middle School. Stick around for a time while you enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a tasty muffin or enjoy the weekly entertainment as you chat with neighbors and friends. It’s definitely a social event not to be missed!


8. Marblehead Little Theater is a very successful, well-supported community theater group that just celebrated its 50th birthday. The membership is devoted to putting on a musical and a drama each year. The local area is enriched by the quality of the productions. Whether you are performing, working back stage, or sitting in the audience - MLT makes a difference in the culture and quality of life for people in Marblehead and surrounding towns.
   
   Recently MLT took over an unused fire station in Marblehead. Years later and many hundreds of thousand dollars later, this charming building is being transformed into a wonderful black box theater where dramatic productions, classes for children, movie nights and special events take place. The building is still being updated, but significant progress has been made in this exciting facility. Large scale musical productions take place at other venues in the area.


9. Historian Betty Hunt’s walking tours of Olde Town. Betty not only knows the history of many homes, but many of the local tales as well. The Olde Town area is well worth visiting on your own as well.


10. Go back in time with a tour of the beautiful Jeremiah Lee Mansion that provides a taste of wealth from bygone years.


11. Watching a sunrise over Children's Island and the Lighthouse from historic Fort Sewall. Fort Sewall served as the safe haven for the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) when it was being pursued by two British war ships.


12. See the transformation of Abbot Hall when it is magically bedecked for the Holiday Pops Concert and enjoy the wonderful orchestra ringing in the season!


13. Be sure to visit the Marblehead Historical Society and Gallery!


14. Visit the Marblehead Art Association and Gallery in the King Hooper Mansion.


15. Crocker Park.


16. Gatchell Playground.


17. Redd’s Pond and the Sawmill at Redd’s Pond.


18. Old Burial Hill


19. Old Powder House


20. Black Joe’s Pond


21. Marblehead Christmas Walk (1st week in December)


22. Marblehead Fourth of July Fireworks

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The following RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate agents contributed to this list:

Carole Bouchat
Web Site: www.bouchatproperties.com
Email: carole@bouchatproperties.com

Claire Dembowski
Web Site: www.liveneartheshore.com
Email:claire@liveneartheshore.com

Cyndi Kilbarger
Web Site: www.cyndinorthshore.com
Email: cyndi@cyndinorthshore.com

Terry and Kathy Sullivan
Web Site: www.sullivanteam.com
Email: terry@sullivanteam.com
Email: kathy@sullivanteam.com

Jody Watts
Web Site: www.rwhometeam.com
Email: jody@rwhometeam.com

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RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate's Marblehead, Massachusetts office:
74 Atlantic Ave.
Marblehead, MA 01945
781-631-2330

Things to Love About Peabody, Massachusetts

1. The Northshore Mall is one of the many reasons Peabody is a favorite destination for shoppers.


2. Great location. Peabody is conveniently and centrally located near major highways route 128, route 95, route 1, and route 93. This convenient location leaves many residents feeling like they live in “the center of the world.” Want to get to Boston? Only 30 minutes or less during normal traffic. How about ski country? Just up the road a couple of hours and you are on the slopes in no time. Peabody is just a short distance from Logan International Airport and close to Beverly Municipal airport.


3. Brooksby Farm is an orchard and working farm that’s owned and managed by the City of Peabody. Brooksby Farm offers over 275 acres for cross country skiing, high school track races, and trails for walking.
   
   Truly, Brooksby Farm is a local favorite all year round. In the fall residents and visitors pick their own apples and enjoy hayrides. Children visit the outside stables and watch the animals roam. There is also a petting zoo. During the summer a camp program is offered on site. During the winter the retail store is open.
   
   Brooksby Farm is conveniently located near the North Shore Mall, so it’s easy to stop at the farm for fresh vegetables and fruit on your way home after a shopping trip. Brooksby Farm is available for weddings and other functions as well.


4. Low property taxes. Peabody has one of the lowest tax rates on the North Shore. The property taxes are currently only $7.76 per thousand. Peabody is partly able to create these low property tax rates due to the mix of industry and businesses that gives the city a strong commercial tax base. Some important areas for jobs and businesses are the North Shore Mall, Centennial Park, and Lahey Clinic.


5. Peabody has its own Municipal Light Plant that has the lowest rates on the North Shore. In addition to great rates, a 20% discount is granted if you pay your bill early. That’s quite a savings.


6. Peabody has its own water treatment plant and several pumping stations making Peabody self sufficient for its water supply.


7. Peabody is known for its annual International Festival, held every September. The International Festival is sponsored by the city and attracts people from all over New England to experience ethnic foods, music, dance, and art. The event usually attracts over 50,000 people each year. The International Festival is a showcase for and celebration of the deeply multi-cultural community of Peabody and its various ethnicities. This year's festival will take place Sunday, September 9, 2007 from 11:30AM to 5:30PM in downtown Peabody.


8. Excellent restaurants. Specific recommendations include:
   
   
   • Petrillo's. Great Italian food. They also have a take-out that's great
     when you're in a hurry. You need reservations on weekends.
   
   
   • Wardhurst. This family-owned restaurant specializes in Greek cuisine and has been a long time favorite for many Peabody residents.
   
   
   • Land 'n Sea. Famous throughout the North Shore. Their fried clams are some of the best you can find anywhere and their famous roast beef sandwiches are great too.
   
   
   • Su Chang's. "The best" Chinese food with great atmosphere and service to go along with it.
   
   
   • Other recommended restaurants are: Legal Seafoods, Brothers Cuisine, Joe's American Bar and Grill, Carraba's, Bertucci's, Family Fare, and Century House.
   
   
9. Golf. The Meadow at Peabody is a public golf course owned and operated by the city. The course is challenging and the views are spectacular, especially in the fall. In 2005 and 2006, the Boston Business Journal rated The Meadow at Peabody the 8th Public Best Golf Course in the state. Peabody also hosts a private golf course owned by Salem Country Club.
   


10. A new Peabody / Lynnfield YMCA just opened its doors last fall. This state of the art facility offers swimming (inground pool), exercise programs, activities, and summer camp programs. A great addition to the city and a great place for families.


11. Peabody has a transfer station where residents can bring up to 1500 pounds a year at no charge and the Department of Public Works has a recycling center at its base on Farm Avenue. Peabody also hosts a Household Hazardous Waste Day every June for disposal of hazardous materials. There are also two composting sites owned by private companies where residents can bring their organic recycling materials.
    


12. Peabody is a city of 50,000 people but has a small town feeling to it. Peabody is a melting pot of various ethnic groups coming together.


13. Public transportation convenience. Options include commuter shuttle bus, MBTA bus (with a direct route to Boston), Coach co. service, Logan Express service, and commuter rail service.


14. The city of Peabody boasts one of the most popular elderly programs around. The Torrigian Center sponsors everything from knitting to exercise programs. A wonderful way for our elderly community members to be social and productive.


15. Within the last 3 years, Peabody has built 2 new elementary schools and boasts at least one registered nurse in every school.


16. The Christmas concert held each year at the Peabody City Hall is a very enjoyable evening which features a symphony orchestra. Last year the Boston Symphony Orchestra gave a free concert there.


17. Peabody provides terrific recreational programs for adults, children, and teens of all ages. Sports programs such as basketball, soccer and baseball are among favorites not to mention football as well. The sports programs for the children are excellent in quality and have produced several professional baseball players and an Olympic Medal swimmer. If you want to move to the grove there are programs as well. Art progams also are a big hit. The local libraries also have programs that they sponsor as well for all ages.


18. George Peabody House.


19. Peabody City Tanner Common Summer Concert Series.


20. Peabody Historical Society.


21. City of Peabody 4th of July Events.


22. North Shore Computer Society.


23. Three Peabody Library branches: Main Street, South Branch, West Peabody Branch.


24. Perfecto’s Coffee Shop.


25. Woodbridge Assisted Living


26. Brooksby Village

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The following RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate agents contributed to this list:

Donna Baigelman
Web Site: www.NorthShoreHomeInfo.com
Email: donna@NorthShoreHomeInfo.com

Kate Fabrizio
Web Site: www.northshorehomes4u.com
Email: kate@katefabrizio.com

Todd Finn
Web Site: www.toddfinn.com
Email: todd@toddfinn.com

Bernie and Anita Horowitz
Web Site: www.NorthShoreHomeInfo.com
Email: bernie@NorthShoreHomeInfo.com
Email: anita@NorthShoreHomeInfo.com

Judy Lima
Web Site: www.hometeamnewengland.com
Email:judithlima@comcast.net

Karyn Reardon
Web Site: www.megsteam.com
Email: karynreardon@comcast.net

Also contributing:

Colleen Bertolino, assistant to Kate Fabrizio

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RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate's Peabody, Massachusetts office:
515 Lowell Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Phone: 978-535-3122
Fax: 978-535-6087