Winnipeg's Real Estate Blog

Home-Staging with Eco-Friendly Lighting

bokauffmann@remax.net (Bo Kauffmann) — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:25:53 PDT

When putting your home on the market, home staging is crucial in order to make a great first impression. By presenting your home in the best possible light, you greatly increase your chances of receiving a firm offer. There are many different approaches one can take to prepare their home for home staging. One the best new selling points to utilize in 2009 is the eco-friendly home. Environmental concerns are at an all time high in the United States and by making some simple “green” home improvements; you can market your home as environmentally friendly to help capture the attention of potential buyers.

One of the easiest ways to go green is through the use of energy efficient home lighting. By investing in lighting options that are better for the environment, you can assure people that they will be buying a home that has Mother Nature’s best interests at heart. You can start by replacing your old fashioned light bulbs with more efficient Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs or CFL for short. These distinctive swirly looking light bulbs last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs and use roughly 25% energy. While they may cost a little more up front, they will save you money on your electric bill in the long run.

While upgrading your light bulbs is a great start, you should also consider replacing the lighting fixtures that are used most often in your home. Renowned lighting brands like Minka and Murray Feiss have done their best to earn the Energy Star seal of approval, which is only given to products that meet certain energy efficiency standards. These light fixtures range from table lamps to flood lights and everything in between. Most people are not aware that their homes can produce more emissions than their car. If every home in the United States switched out just 5 light fixtures for ones featuring the Energy Star seal, then each family would save more than $60 on their annual electric bill. That would help keep 1 trillion pounds of greenhouse gases from entering our atmosphere.

By addressing the concerns that potential buyers may have about the impact your home poses on the environment, you create yet another point in your favor over the competition. You can remind prospective buyers that they will be saving money on their utility bills whilst simultaneously helping protect the environment. When it comes to selling your home, every little bit helps and by jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon you are placing your home one step above the competition.

Home Sellers: Not all buyers love pets.

bokauffmann@remax.net (Bo Kauffmann) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:13:00 PDT

Yes, home sellers love their pets. But many buyers can be afraid of dogs big and small, allergic to cats and turned off by lingering pet odors. It's sometimes difficult explaining to a home seller the importance of taming their pets when marketing a home. Here are some tips to help sellers keep focused on their goal - - selling their home.

What You Should Do:

Have carpets and area rugs cleaned before showing your home to potential buyers. Those allergic to animal dander and hair, even if they can't see your pet, will know when their eyes and nose start to alert them to an allergic reaction. Many will not purchase a home that poses strong allergy problems.

Clean litter boxes daily and replace litter before it's time to show the house. Urine smells permeating from litter boxes are a turn-off to home buyers.

Vacuum pet hair off carpets, rugs and furniture before every showing. No one likes to leave a home tour covered with pet hair.

Brush your pets daily to keep ahead of shedding hair.

Verify that old pet urine mishaps in carpets and under rugs on hardwood floors are gone for good.

Train pets not to jump up on strangers, furniture and countertops. It is distracting for buyers to see cats running in food preparation areas and dogs mauling quality clothing.

Clean up and buy new dog bowls before placing your home on the market. Fresh pet bowls filled with fresh food and water finish off a pristine home.

What You Shouldn't Do:

Leave pets unattended for property showings especially when you know they can be aggressive or territorial around strangers.

Take for granted that you have never seen your pet be aggressive around new people, scents, and noises. They could show a side you've never seen.

Overlook picking up dog droppings in the yard.

Underestimate how a barking dog or overly friendly cats can kill a showing. Be pro-active and take your pets off site for showings. Hire a dog walker to occupy pets if you can't be home.

Forget to groom your animals more regularly when your home is for sale. Dog breath and wet dog hair aren't becoming to buyers, even if they love dogs.

Leave chewed window sills and door frames in that condition. It's hard for buyers to get past this type of property damage. Especially if you have young children in the house.

Consult with your real estate agent if you have uncommon pets such as reptiles, spiders, and talking birds. Believe it or not these can cause more anguish to those not accustomed to being around them.

Written by Mark Nash

This article has been re-published from my Electronic Newsletter titled "Real Estate Update". For a complete look at my newsletter, go to http://realtytimes.com/c/bokauffmann

How to choose a Listing Agent for your home!

bokauffmann@remax.net (Bo Kauffmann) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:40:15 PDT

Home-owners sometimes interview 2 or 3 REALTORS before choosing one to list their home.

This video explains the main criteria by which to choose the REALTOR who is right for you. Hint: "How much is my Home worth", is a valid question, but NOT a great criteria by which to choose your Listing Agent.

Great information for anyone thinking of selling or listing their house or condo in Winnipeg.

Be sure to visit my website at www.WinnipegHomeFinder.com.

Also, read the blog at www.rivercityrealestateblog.com

Catch me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bokauffmann

HomeSeller Question #1: Full-Price Offer

bokauffmann@remax.net (Bo Kauffmann) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:28:40 PDT

Winnipeg Home Seller asks the question: "If I list with a REALTOR and get a full-price offer, am I obligated to accept that offer?"

This video explains the answer, and is aimed at anyone thinking of selling their home or condo in Winnipeg.

Be sure to visit my website at www.WinnipegHomeFinder.com.

Also, read the blog at www.rivercityrealestateblog.com

Catch me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bokauffmann

Episode 15: Home Improvement Tips and Market Update

bokauffmann@remax.net (Bo Kauffmann) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:33:37 PDT

In a more level market, homeowners need to compete for buyers. To do so, your home needs to show its best side. Here are some home improvement suggestions which provide the most 'bang for your buck', and help bring top-dollar for your home.

For a look at my website, go to http://www.winnipeghomefinder.com

My monthly newsletter is at http://realtytimes.com/c/bokauffmann

Catch me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bokauffmann