When is an Irish Potato not an Irish Potato?

Posted on March 17, 2010 
Filed Under Valerie Zinger | Leave a Comment

When it is a French Fry.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

 

 

Photo credit:  french fries @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart_spivack/2932206250/

Zingers #90 - Five bottles of Toilet Duck

Posted on March 17, 2010 
Filed Under Staging Your Home, Valerie Zinger, Zingers | Leave a Comment

You have found deals on shampoo, deodorant, toilet cleaner, etc and bought several bottles of each.  If you are going to sell your house, stop buying large quantities of products.  A stockpile makes your space look cluttered.  Having two of each is like royalty… 

An Heir and a Spare is enough.

Ottawa Neighbourhood MLS® Sales 2009 - Golden Triangle

Posted on March 15, 2010 
Filed Under Comparable Properties Sales Statistics, Ottawa Neighbourhoods, Valerie Zinger | Leave a Comment

Golden Triangle MLS® Area 4104

 

Residential              17 Units

Detached                   6 Units; Average Price Sold $619,000, Average DOM – 27

Row                           8 Units; Average Price Sold $519,000, Average DOM – 31

Semi Detached        3 Units; Average Price Sold $697,000, Average DOM – 5

Condos                    29 Units; Average Price Sold $374,220, Average DOM – 25

 

Photo credit:  Adrice Smitton

The Purse or a Pocket Rule - Staging Your House

Posted on March 12, 2010 
Filed Under Listing and Selling Your Home | 1 Comment

I was recently doing a walk through on a potential listing.  The owners had a wonderful collection of little statues in a specific theme.  These were located on coffee tables, end tables in the living and family rooms.  I thought they were delightful but was worried on the owners’ behalf that these would be too tempting for Buyer visitors, especially when they bring children. 

In trying to convince the owners to pack these and all little ornaments and souvenirs, I said “Don’t leave anything out and available that could fit in a purse or pocket.”  It is not that the people house hunting are thieves.  In fact, so few things are stolen that one forgets that this could happen.  But…..  there is always a first time and no home owner wants this to happen to them.  

I also advise clients to put away anything of extreme value (vases, paintings, etc).  Buyers like to touch things and why risk damage to your valuables. 

My clients asked if I would follow every visitor during an Open House.  It is not possible to do this.  When more than one visitor arrives, it is better to be centrally located.  Often, visitors roam freely while agents locate themselves near the only exit.  It would be impossible to miss a TV going out the door but I have never heard of a purse being inspected or a pocket being turned inside out.

Why risk it?  Pack up your worries.

Photo credit:  My sister’s S&P Shaker Collection @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/randysonofrobert/2758366145/

Zingers #89 - Curtains

Posted on March 10, 2010 
Filed Under Staging Your Home, Valerie Zinger, Zingers | Leave a Comment

Did you know that you can wash the plastic liner behind your shower curtain.  After washing it in the machine with a few towels, rehang the curtain.  You know not to put it in the dryer.  Most mildew and spots on the curtain will be gone.  If not, an investment of less than $10 to buy a new liner will be well worth the money.  Boy can those curtains stink!

Why save $10 to lose a $289,000 sale?

Ottawa Neighbourhood MLS® Sales 2009 - Civic Hospital

Posted on March 8, 2010 
Filed Under Comparable Properties Sales Statistics, Ottawa Neighbourhoods, Valerie Zinger | Leave a Comment

Civic Hospital Area MLS® Area 4504

 

Residential              61 Units

Detached                 44 Units; Average Price Sold $550,660, Average DOM – 24

Row                           1 Unit

Semi Detached       16 Units; Average Price Sold $387,036, Average DOM – 29

Condos                    16 Units; Average Price Sold $334,593, Average DOM – 30

 

Photo credit:  Adrice Smitton

Dining Room Lighting - 3 Reasons to Change or Upgrade - Staging Your Home

Posted on March 5, 2010 
Filed Under Listing and Selling Your Home, Staging Your Home, Things Buyers May Notice, Valerie Zinger | Leave a Comment

Almost every house that I have taken Buyers to see has had some type of lighting fixture in the diningroom  Every Buyer has inspected the light fixture to determine how much they love it.  Knowing this, if you are putting your house on the market there are three reasons for upgrading and/or changing the dining room light fixture. 

The first reason is because you have a sentimental attachment to the current fixture and want to take it with you.  If so, take it down before the house goes on the market and replace is with something suitable for the home and the price you are asking. 

The second reason to upgrade the fixture is because the one you have now is old, dated and unsuitable for current design.  Go to a lighting store and see what is in style.  Find one within your budget. 

Finally, there are some newer homes where owners have never installed a light fixture.  There is a metal plate in the ceiling covering the opening for the installation.  If you have one of these, please find a nice new fixture and install it before putting your house on the market. 

There is almost nothing worse than a bad fixture except no fixture or the promise by the owner (through exclusions) that the one in the house will be removed before possession.  Good style does not have to cost a fortune. 

Photo credit:  dining room grandma’s light fixture @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/eponabri/2249768758/

Zingers #88 - This isn’t Kansas any more

Posted on March 3, 2010 
Filed Under Valerie Zinger, Zingers | 1 Comment

Have you heard of Toto plumbing fixtures?  Are you selling in an up market and want your bathroom to stand out among the competition?  Look for the Japanese bathroom fixture brand Toto.  They are enormously popular in high end homes and motels. It may be a case of “Snobism” but

A Toto may give you a Royal Flush

Ottawa Neighbourhood MLS® Sales 2009 - Stittsville

Posted on March 1, 2010 
Filed Under Comparable Properties Sales Statistics, Ottawa Neighbourhoods, Valerie Zinger | Leave a Comment

Stittsville MLS® Areas 8201, 8202, 8203 (including Fringewood)

 

Residential              363 Units

Detached                 297 Units; Average Price Sold $382,082, Average DOM – 34

Row                           52 Units; Average Price Sold $264,309, Average DOM – 24

Semi Detached       14 Units; Average Price Sold $316,978, Average DOM – 11

Condos                       49 Units (mostly row unit style) – Average Price Sold - $316,978, DOM - 26

 

Photo credit:  Adrice Smitton

When ratty looks tatty - Give it the slip

Posted on February 26, 2010 
Filed Under Listing and Selling Your Home, Staging Your Home, Things Buyers May Notice, Valerie Zinger | Leave a Comment

We all know that home Buyers are buying the house, not the contents.  However, Buyers are influenced by how the house is decorated.  It gives a message about lifestyle and care and attention.  If you have a couch that is beyond redemption but getting it re-upholstered  would be cost prohibitive, you have three choices:

How a house is staged with good pieces will influence how a Buyer will value the home. 

Photo credit:  i think i found it @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/themacinator/4015348619/

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