Home Staging During The Real Estate Slump

Within the first 90 seconds, people decide if they could live in your home. The problem is that there are so many homes on the market right now, that if yours doesn't catch their eye immediately, then they have other choices - lots of other choices!

In order to sell your house, you have to take your home out of it! You can do this by taking down family pictures and collections and vacation memorabilia. All of this will make your house feel like something a buyer could turn into their home.

Other easy to make changes include removing all area rugs because the eye stops when it comes to a rug. You want the buyer's eyes to take in the full floor plant. You can also remove practically everything from the kitchen counter tops and absolutely everything from above the kitchen cabinets. You don't want your buyers to be looking up. Instead you want them to notice the features of the kitchen. And having clear counter tops lets them see all your kitchen has to offer.

According to StagedHomes.com, staging your home will save you money. A professionally staged home is on the market 33 days or less, according to the site, versus an unstaged home, which is usually on the market for up to 165 days. Not only that, but staged homes sell for more. Selling your home faster and for more - home staging is the perfect solution.

To learn more about home staging, buy 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home Now and For More Money Than You Thought.

Teri B Clark is Interviewed by First 30 Days!

Hi all! Iwas interviewed by First Thirty Days at first30days.com after the editor read 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought. In my interview, I discussed using a home stager so that the first 30 days as a home seller would go more smoothly. The First Thirty Days mission is to inspire others to find the positive in any change . They want to be the first place you think of in times of change, a place full of optimism and a place where you feel informed and inspired.

Luke Kozikowski, the interviewer, had this to say:

When it comes to getting your home ready to sell, you want the advice of Teri B. Clark. The writer has become quite a specialist on the home selling front—her book, 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought has helped many sellers through a tough market, and the book was recently awarded the Eric Hoffer Award, given to excellent titles from independent publishers. Here, Clark tells us the common pitfalls home sellers encounter, and how you can come out on top.

You can view my interview here.

Teri B. Clark's Book on Home Staging Awarded "First Runner Up" in the Eric Hoffman Book Awards 2008.

Teri B. Clark's Book on Home Staging Awarded "First Runner Up" in the Eric Hoffman Book Awards 2008.

301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought by Teri B Clark is a First Runner Up in the 2008 Eric Hoffer Award.

“We are very excited about using our international award program to honor the memory one of America’s greatest freethinkers,” said Christopher Klim, the managing editor of Best New Writing, which publishes the results of the Eric Hoffer Award for books and
prose. “This year’s Hoffer winners bring us to a new height.”

The Eric Hoffer Award for short prose and books was established at the start of the 21st century as a means of opening a door to writing of significant merit. It honors the memory of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing.

The Hoffer Award exists as a platform to honor independent books of exceptional merit. Since its inception as the Writers' Notes Award, the Hoffer Award has grown in prominence each year. Multiple books in many categories and various press types are given prizes, "Hoffer" honors, and worldwide media exposure.

Category distinctions were awarded on three levels in descending order: Winner, First Runner-Up, and Notables. The Eric Hoffer Book Award grants a $1,500 annual grand prize and separate distinctions for the best academic, small, and micro press, the best self-published book, and various winners in 14 categories that cover the entire publishing spectrum. Also, the Montaigne Medal is awarded to the most though-provoking books.

Poor Housing Market and Home Staging

The struggling housing market is forcing people to take more drastic measures to sell their homes. A local credit union held a class aimed at helping homeowners attract buyers. Many homeowners say they need all the help they can get. With the struggling housing industry, many homeowners have to do a lot more than a sign to market their homes. When the market is not good, you have to do things to make your house stand out.

Home Staging is the way to make your house stand out from the crowd. To learn more about home staging, buy 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought.

Should You Home Stage Without Professional Help?

The purpose of home staging is to emphasize your home's best attributes and sway potential buyers. This can be done with just a few accessories or with a whole house of new furnishings, paint, and accessories.

But can you do it alone? That depends. You must be able to be objective. Staging your home isn't about your own tastes. It is about making the home appealing to the general population. And it isn't really about function. You may use all those products in your tub, but when it comes to selling your home, none of them should be seen.

Whether you go it alone or use a stager, you have to have the attitude that your home is no longer your home. Instead, you must be able to see it as your investment.

To learn more about home staging, buy 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home Now and For More Money Than You Thought.