Andrea Brandt

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care..."

There's no doubt that right now is one of the best times to buy a home in all of history. A lot of people wanting to sell right now may be hesitant because of the holidays, or because of cold, snowy weather. Traditional thinking people may even argue that homes only sell in the Spring and Summer months.

I challenge them with these thoughts...

When does your home look it's best? Most people's homes during the holiday season are kept immaculately clean (for those guests that'll arrive any minute) and decorated fabulously! The smells of roasted Chex Mix, mixed with pine and holiday feasts... who can think of a more welcoming smell?

I think as long as you keep the decorations classy and sensible, and don't go overboard (as a lot of us tend to do!) the holiday season is THE BEST time to sell!

I've sold many homes that were charming to begin with, but I showed them during the holidays and buyers are awed by the charm of the season!

So don't think that just because it's Winter that you should wait to sell until Spring. Deck the halls and put on some classic holiday music and wait for the buyers to come!

If you need help decorating for the holidays, consult a professional home stager,

interior designer or your Realtor!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Don't miss these exciting upcoming events in downtown Rochester!

And while you're here:

Tis' the season for giving- stop by my office, say hello, and bring a toy for "TOYS FOR TOTS"!

between November 20th and December 16th.

We are located in the old Rochester Library- 210 W. University Ste.4 GMAC KEE REAL ESTATE

Kris Kringle Market 11/28/2008 - 11/29/2008 12 - 8 pm
Discover the Spirit of the Christkindlmarkt in Downtown Rochester... This open-air German/American Christmas Market offers one-of-a-kind shopping, seasonal greens, live holiday entertainment, traditional food & drink, and great gifts for the holidays!

Lagniappe 12/1/2008 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Lagniappe (Creole for "a little something extra") kicks-off the holiday season in Downtown Rochester on December 1. Merchants offer "lagniappe" to their customers as a token of appreciation for their support throughout the year.

The Big, Bright Light Show 12/1/2008 - 1/4/2009

This year's show promises to be "bigger" and "brighter." All the buildings on Main Street from the south bridge to University will be covered in over a million points of light, along with East and West Fourth Street. Also, there will be large, lighted displays on Walnut from Third to University, a Dancing Tree of Lights at the Depot Plaza (E. University & Water), and The Snowflake Spectacular on the Western Knitting Mill on Water Street. The Big, Bright Light Show will debut on December 1 during Lagniappe at 7:00 pm. The displays will be lit every evening from December 1 - January 4. Most stores are open Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 9 pm.

With "going green" becoming more popular by the minute, I thought I'd share these tips. These are the easiest and most effective ways to cut down on energy consumption, pollution, and help mother earth out. Everyone can do something little, and that would help our planet a lot!

1. Make sure your refrigerator seals properly. Stick a dollar bill between the seal, close the door, and try to pull the bill out. If it can be pulled out easily, your fridge is losing energy! If so, replace the seal.

2. Use rechargeable batteries.

3. Be sure to clean your lint filter in the dryer after each use.

4. Only run the dishwasher when it's full.

5. Fix leaky faucets. A steady drip can waste more than a gallon a day!

6. Take a shower. Showers use much less water than baths.

7. Plant trees.

8. Use a mulching lawnmower.

9. Use energy-saving lightbulbs.

10. Tune-up your lawn mower. It can reduce emissions by 50% and fuel by 30%!

11. Use a programmable thermostat and set it lower when you're not home.

12. Recycle!

• Check all of your windows and doors for gaps, and seal with weather stripping and/or caulk.
• Get your ductwork and vents professionally cleaned.
• Clean the outside of your air conditioner and trim back any bushes around it.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Inspect your roof for needed repairs.
• Drain your irrigation system.
• Perform a furnace check-up, replace filter.
• Check fireplaces for soot and creosote buildup. Check for nests or other impediments.
• Change your smoke detector battery, install a carbon-monoxide detector (if you don't have one).
• Clean up landscaping beds and prune trees and bushes back as soon as the leaves have fallen.
• Check walkways, driveways, steps, and pavers for cracks and needed repairs.
• Clean and store your lawn-and-garden tools and organize your garage for the winter.
• See anything else outside that needs attention before snow falls? Now's the time to take care of it!

I read an article this morning on Realtor.com talking about the use of Feng Shui to help sell a home faster. Some of the ideas that come from Feng Shui are actually pretty good, be they spiritual or not!

In an area in Florida that was full of foreclosures, a professional home-stager/Fung Shui expert put her ideas and practices to the test.

Some of the things she says to do are:

Rearrange the furniture to create a good "flow". Actually, she advises that 27 items in the home be moved- whatever: furniture, vases, rugs, etc.- because the digits add up to nine, and nine is a powerful number that will bring money to the house!

Yard signs should be placed at eye-level- not close to the ground, and on the right side of the property. And she advises you should attach a 3-inch round mirror to the sign, facing toward the street. This is supposed to draw good energy, but it also helps get the attention of drivers-by!

I guess the results were startling, and most of the homes sold right away after the Feng Shui expert applied her knowledge and practices to the properties!

Feng Shui may sound wierd to some, but the results speak for themselves. And in these tough times, maybe we all need a little spirituality and magic to help us!

Here's a link to the article: http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/articles/2008/0811_selling_fengshui