Albany, OR

This is a good FYI from the National Assoication of Realtors on the home buyer tax credits that are now law. I liked the chart and visual representation, as well as the FAQ's just thought I would share the link:

http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/realtor-party/documents/2009-NAR-Issue-Brief-Homebuyer-Tax-Credit-Changes-1104-1107.pdf

Do you believe that home staging only applies to high end or custom homes? Regardless of sales price, staging can help a home sell quicker and for more $$.

Nearly 90% of all home buyers look first on the internet for homes. It’s a proven statistic that listings with photos get more views online. Photos are key to marketing properties in all price ranges.

Most home buyers are looking for more than a house. They are shopping for a "home" and the lifestyle this home can offer them. What do your listing photos say about the lifestyle your home provides? Is it one of comfort and luxury? Well maintained and desirable?

How compelled would you be to make an appointment to visit this home? Does it look inviting and make you want to see more? To get more views - photos need to have some VaVoom!

To see full blog and the before/after shots please click here!

What a crazy market we are in! A house can be priced "right" now & overpriced in a month. Staging is important, yet pricing trumps it every time.

I think the most important thing to know is that right now, bank owned properties (REOs) and Short Sales are driving the market down for the most part. Even appraisers right now are having to use comps from foreclosed properties to determine home value.

It's a great market anyway though, because the buyers are out there! That's the exciting part. There are people looking to buy. Don't be discouraged, just keep plugging along & keep in contact with your agent. Unless of course, you don't have one... :)

Kristin Smith
Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette
www.callkdsmith.com

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but in Albany, OR, you can't keep good properties down! This week I had a client call me about a house for sale just about half a mile from my house. It's currently bank owned & had only been on the market for 5 days. I called right away when he told me that the asking price was about $89,000. When I was finally able to talk to the broker, he'd already received 6 offers on the property! To top it all off, when I went by, there wasn't even a SIGN in the yard!

If you know of any great homes needing to be sold quickly in Albany, let me know! I'm doing my best to help these clients find a smokin deal! They're looking for a good, solid starter home for $130K or less. Call me if you have something that would meet their needs & let's talk business!

Cheerfully,
Kristin

Have a beautiful but dirty chandelier? Light fixtures can be a focal point and beautiful feature for a dining room, but when dusty and spotted, they are a eyesore not a selling feature! Cleaning a chandelier can be a chore if each crystal is removed, cleaned and replaced. We've used this cleaning product in homes with great success and recommend it!

Cover the area below the chandelier. Using a duster, remove cobwebs and excessive dust. Turn off the lights before spraying and be sure bulbs are cool. Spray well with the cleaner -- allowing it to drip on the towels beneath the fixture.

Leaves chandeliers amazingly clean and sparkling! Its a great product and time saver!

Creative Concepts and Contracting provides quality home staging and contracting services for Salem Oregon and surrounding areas. By knowing the HOW to get things done easier, our clients prepare to sell quickly and effectively! Contact us for information on preparing your home for a quicker sale at 503-881-0886!