Massachusetts

You know the feeling you have in the pit of your stomach when you see one of your previous listings, that didn't sell, come back on market at a much reduced price? It doesn't happen often, but I'm really perplexed when it does because my first thought is....Gee, I could have sold it for that price!

Honestly, I can understand the Seller's desire to pick a fresh agent to sell since they weren't successful before. But to reduce by 20 or 30 thousand dollars and re-list with another random agent is hard for me to understand. Especially since we had the conversation about the need to reduce in order to get more activity, etc. I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. So the Seller decides they can't or won't reduce and the listing goes off the market. Then, the house pops back on the market, re-listed at a much reduced price.

It kind of leaves me scratching my head….thinking, well, at that price, time to find a buyer!

Fun at The Stripping Workshop in Worcester MA

One of my favorite businesses in Worcester, MA, is The Stripping Workshop. Before your mind goes there, let me tell you that The Stripping Workshop is a furniture upholstering and refinishing shop!

Occasionally, I'll have a piece of furniture, usually chairs, that need new upholstery. And without a second thought, I take the piece to The Stripping Workshop. They offer yards and yards of upholstery fabric, in all different price ranges. You select your fabric and leave your furniture at the shop. They give you a quote and call you to pick it up when done. So easy and so beautifully done.

Right now, they are working on a set that my husband and I inherited from his parents. It is a mid-20th century chair and ottoman, made in Denmark and very mod in design. I selected an art deco fabric of red and orange half-circles to replace the worn and matted original yellow fabric. The folks at The Stripping Workshop called me recently to come in because they needed to rebuild some of the underlying framework of the chair, which had become rotted over time. I decided that they were moving in the right direction, and they will probably finish the chair by month's end. I'll post some photos of the set once all the work is completed. Both the chair and ottoman are going to look fantastic.

If you live in the Worcester area and need expert help with a furniture piece, do visit The Stripping Workshop:

The Stripping Workshop
100 Grand Street
Worcester MA 01610
(508) 791-8450

...and if you have a house to sell in the Worcester area, call me! (508) 982-0686.

We at Northeast Signature Properties are so proud and excited to be an exclusive provider of the "Homes for Heroes" national program. It's our way of saying THANK YOU to the Heroes in our communities! If you know of a Hero that would like to take advantage of this program - please see below!

I purchased my first 3-family home around 1995 on North Washington Street in North Attleboro Mass, and it was the best decisions I have ever made. It completly paid our mortgage and then some, allowing us to by the old Jerimars in Attleboro Mass and openning Wetherlaine's Restaurant & Pub. Buying a 3-family allowed my dreams to come true and eventually purchased a single family and keeping the 3-family. I highly recommend multi-family ownership and here are just a few reasons why.

1.Lower Risk Than Single Family Homes. Investing in multi family houses give you the same chance to own a property and risks are lower compared to single family homes. If you'll lose one tenant, you can still obtain monthly payment from other tenants. If you are a first time home buyer and live in it, chances are you will have a minimal payment or none at all because the tenants will be covering it.

2.Continuous Monthly Income. Investing in multi family houses have the potential to bring you more income than relying on just one tenant from single family residence.

3.Less Maintenance. They say there's more cash if you have multiple properties. But how are you affected if you have many single family homes to take care of? This will shake up your finances if you'll have to maintain each and every properties when you can do it all at one place. You'll simply have to manage a real estate property at a single location and yes, still generate more from this without having to get and maintain as many properties.

Consider investing in multi- family houses and you will see how beneficial it can be for you. I could tour mulifamilies all day and would love to help find the perfect one for you!

When we have pets, they quickly become a part of our family. But when it comes to selling your home, potential buyers may not be impressed by the presence of your four-legged family member. Whether it's due to allergies or a simple case of not being a lover of animals, many buyers shy away from a home with pets. The good news is that there are strategies you can employ to sell your house without a ruff time.

A Foolproof Solution

If you worry about potential home buyers being scared off by the presence of your pet, find an alternate location for them while you are showing the home. Perhaps a neighbor, family member or friend could watch your pet for a few hours. Otherwise, consider boarding your pet temporarily. Without the discomfort of an unfamiliar animal, buyers will be free to tour your home and envision their own belongings in it without having any distraction.

If All Else Fails . . .

If you cannot find a way to temporarily relocate your pet, place him/her in a pet carrier when buyers are touring your home. Animals should not remain in this type of unit for more than two hours at a time, but this should give buyers enough time to see the home and ask any questions. If you have an outdoor kennel or exercise pen, your pet may be satisfied here until the tour is over. Your main focus is to keep him/her from interfering with the tour and/or disturbing your potential buyer.

What's Left Behind

As every pet parent knows, animals often leave little surprises in some unapproved places. If you find yourself with carpet stains or pet odors, hire a professional cleaning company. If this fails, replace the carpet or consider installing hardwood floors. Buyers will see stains or smell the presence of an animal and may form an early opinion, which isn't likely to be favorable, before even giving your house a chance. Once your pets are out of the house, remove their litter box or training pad(s) and clean the area thoroughly.

Staging

Many sellers are already aware of this term because staging a house is essential in the real estate business. If you have pets, remove any photos or other goodies, including toys and furniture, when showing your home.

Picture Perfect

When you sell a home, your REALTOR® will take photos for the listing. These images may appear in advertisements and/or on the REALTOR'S® Web site, which means they should represent everything that is wonderful about your home. Avoid any photos that show your pet, his/her toys or bed. Buyers are not looking for a pet, but rather a house that they can call home.

Legal Matters

Your local law may require that you inform potential buyers that a pet lives in the home. Nobody likes to see pet hair on the carpet or see a dirty litter box, but they do have the right to know everything about the house, including any pet presence.