Creating a “Bedroom Oasis” Experience for Buyers

Posted by: Maureen Hayes Rossi
Posted on: Friday, July 6, 2007 at 8:51 am
Categories: Unique Homes, Lifestyle, Home Buying, Home Selling, Unique Homes, Lifestyle, Home Selling, Home Buying, West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Home Buying, Home Selling, Unique Homes, Likestyle, Roslindale

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What are some of the things buyers look for in a new home?  Often times, they look for things they do not presently have–such as a showcase bedroom.  What is a “showcase” bedroom.  It’s not what you may think only in that ANYONE can have a beautifully staged bedroom–and it doesn’t even have to be limited to the master bedroom–it just takes a little bedroom inspiration!

When a buyer comes looking, a bedroom should look like something right out of a brochure from a major department store–such as Ikea or Bed, Bath and Beyond.  The bureau tops need to be clean enough to pass the “white glove” test, the mirror and windows should be spot free, the closets de-cluttered, (take out everything + keep what you need for one month).  Put away any 3 seasons clothing, leaving only a few pairs of pants, tops, belts, shoes, etc.(there should be 1/4 empty space in the closet).  The bed linens should be fresh and plump and luxurious to the eye.  A new duvet cover in a plain stripe a couple of matching pillow shams propped up, a contrasting smaller pillow in the center. The linens folded back (1/2 way down the bed) and plumped up to add to the sense of “sinking into an oasis” of cool and calm. The color choices should pick up a color from the trim paint in the room, or a picture on the wall, or even a small rug on the floor.  Tie these colors together to form a cohesive, soothing palette.  Take away any exercise equipment and things that do not belong in a bedroom.  If the curtains are on the windows, in the summer they should be light weight sheers in a light color.  bed-clipart.jpg

Where do you put all the items you took from the closet…try using the plastic storage containers that will slide under the bed!  They will be at your finger tips and no one will look under your bed as they usually look inside closets for space.  If there is left over space in your closets they will think that all their clothes and other items will fit!

Bottom line: your home will sell quicker if you spend a little time and energy sprucing up the bedrooms.

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Preparing for that open House–Tips for Cleaning the Garage

Posted by: Maureen Hayes Rossi
Posted on: Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 6:06 am
Categories: Curb Appeal, Home Selling, Curb Appeal, Home Selling, Curb Appeal, Jamaica Plain, Home Selling, Uncategorized

“Honey, the garage needs to be straightened out for the open house next weekend!”

O.K., so what does “Honey” do now?

For folks selling their property, a scenario like this one and the question of how to prepare the whole property for showing (including the garage if you have one) is common.  Often, homeowners use their garage for additional storage so cleaning it up and preparing it for a public showing can indeed be a huge undertaking.

Let’s break it down into manageable steps.

Take out the car, lawn mowers, bikes, assorted sports equipment, gardening tools, snow implements, etc.

  1. Sweep the floor, wash the windows.  Decide on the items returning to the space. Before refilling put items into 3 piles:
    • return to garage or shed items that you will keep
    • give away/return to “real” owner
    • sell or consignment shop.

Will you be purchasing or making storage shelves or bins?

Organize items returning to the space that are similar, sports together, tools on another wall, etc.  If you are moving this is the opportunity to box and label. 

Well done!

Now, step back and decide if the exterior needs attention.  Do the gutters need to be cleaned and have leaves removed? The doors working properly, hinges oiled, does the outside need a paint job or touch up?  Provided you have followed these steps, you have now taken care of a very valuable asset to your property–and are ready to showcase it to he world….

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First Impressions Matter When Selling Your Home

Posted by: Maureen Hayes Rossi
Posted on: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 9:01 am
Categories: Uncategorized

Everyone loves to drive up to an attractive entrance. This can set the tone for a potential buyer’s first impression–the time when you really want to “Wow” them.  Here are some suggestions for creating “curb appeal” for both the urban and suburban dwellings.

Make sure the sidewalk and parking areas are free of any litter. If there is grass or shrubs they should be trimmed or shaped in a uniform manner.

When walking up to the entrance, is there an area that can be beautified with a planting container or small sculpture? If it is all “hardscape” (hard scape is considered to be items such as asphalt, concrete, granite, marble and brick) just think of placing even a small table or shelf in the area to put a  plant or sculpture on, even use it as a place to put down items you may be carrying. There are some classic items such as a crisp flying flag that might help improve your home’s curb appeal.

Have the doorway and threshold as well as knocker or doorbell been painted, polished or washed? These are your first impressions being created whether it is an urban studio condo or suburban 3 bedroom home.

Always ask yourself what are your guests may be thinking?

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