Delaware

Is it true? The economy is no longer in a tail spin? We're seing increased home sales in and around the Philadelphia suburbs and northern Delaware markets.

There is still excess inventory in some areas, and is it ever fun working through it - buyers have some great opportunities.

Our sellers aren't sitting in the market long if they have:

a) done a pre-list home inspection and either fixed any major issues or priced accordingly;

b) taken advantage of our professional staging services; and

c) priced it right - at or slightly under the market -

With gas prices above $2.50 per gallon buyers are still considering how far a commute they have when they choose - and they want move in condition (yes, Mr. and Mrs. Seller that means removing the psychodelic wallpaper in the living room)

by Theresa A. Minichiello, ASP, ASPM

Stage Right Home Staging, LLC

Wilmington Hockessin, Delaware

What is "virtual home staging," you ask? Well, after just hearing about this staging method myself, I just had to find out! Hey, I'm a computer savvy chick...I wanted in on VIRTUAL Staging! So, after some research, I found two different definitions:

1) A service in which a home stager provides recommendations based on photos and other details provided by the homeowner or real estate agent.

Translation: The home seller or Realtor® sends photos via email to the virtual home stager, who then makes recommendations on how to stage the house -- sight unseen. The stager suggests colors, furniture placement, and window treatments without ever having viewed the property in person.

The second definition is as follows:

2) A computer program is used to enhance photos of the house.

Translation: Using a computer program , virtual home stager take a digital picture of a house and alter it to their liking. This can involve everything from changing wall colors, air brushing out visible flaws, adding furnishings and wall art, etc. simply by doctoring the photo electronically.

As a professional Home Stager, both of these methods raise some concerns for me.

When hiring a Stager, an investment is being made to get your house sold. There is nothing that will ever compare to personal service and the human touch. Seeing only pictures, a "virtual stager's" view of the house is disjointed, and there is no feel for the flow of the house as a whole. A professional Stager will need to see the home in 3D in order to tie everything together for the most aesthetically pleasing finished product.

Also, with this "virtual" method, all recommendations by the stager are subject to personal interpretation. For example, let's say the stager suggests adding some color to a room and the seller decides to paint the entire room fire engine red. In this instance, the reason for hiring the Stager to begin with has been lost.

The second definition of "virtual staging" is akin to joining an online dating service and posting your high school graduation photo - from 1972. This is clearly misrepresentation. Realtors who bring their client to your house and realize this may not encourage another prospective buyer to view it.

It's always in your best interest to consult with a professional home Stager when preparing your house for sale. Use caution, and always be sure your Stager has Staging-specific training, such as the Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) certification.

Long-term planning for your investment future is available and affordable in Egg Harbor City New Jersey!

Properties are centrally located in Egg Harbor City, close to the train into Atlantic City or north to New York or Philadelphia! Close to the beaches, the casinos, and shopping malls and specialty shops!

Let me assist you with your purchase of a duplex or triplex in Egg Harbor City!

http://sjsr.fnismls.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=610ace3b-a856-4d3b-aef2-c8c3747e71fe&Report=Yes

Eilean Foster

Keller-Williams Realty

Atlantic Shore

(609) 602-6699 Mobile

http://activerain.com/eilean

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/eilean.foster?ref=profile

Delaware Realtor Tom Davis with Home Buying Tips For Delaware.

Delaware Realtor Tom Davis explains that Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in many markets, and they're ideal for those who appreciate a maintenance-free lifestyle. But before you buy, make sure you do your legwork. Delaware Realtor Tom Davis offers these are some of the important elements to consider:

•· Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongings.

•· Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. Delaware Realtor Tom Davis explains that if you dread yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.

•· Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.

•· Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you're not home - good news if you like to travel.

•· Security. Keyed entries and even doormen are common in many condos. One good thing that Delaware Realtor Tom Davis explains is that you're also closer to other people in case of an emergency.

•· Reserve funds and association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees decided by the condo board, whether or not you're interested in the amenity.

•· Resale. According to Delaware Realtor Tom Davis, the ease of selling your unit will be dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar.

•· Condo rules. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets, or don't allow owners to rent out their units. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.

•· Neighbors. You're much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors.

FIND DELAWARE HOMES AT:

www.FreeHomeSearch.DreamStation.com

Bank Owned Homes & Homes For Sale In Dover, Delaware and Find All other Delaware Homes by Clicking Here: Delaware Homes Delaware Homes (Homes In Kent County, New Castle County, and Sussex County, Delaware) Selling A Home? Call Tom Davis at: (302) 398-3757 I use "Talking House" with Every Home I List!