Rachael Collins

OK, we are all guilty of it. Putting things "away" that we think we will use later, store for a friend, or cant bear to let go...but have you noticed that those items seem to just collect dust in their current place of storage?? Well, whether you notice or not Buyers looking at your home notice. They notice things you may never think of! The old books stored in a closet, the pans you have not cooked with in ten years but "may use again" even though the handle fell off. Buyes are turned off by these things even though they wont be there when you leave.

Sellers nationwide are noticing that they are selling their home quicker and for more money when they de-clutter and clean out their homes of any un-needed items. But what do buyers consider clutter and what items can you live with out? Lets go through it room by room and you can see how simple it is and once your done what a difference you will see in your home!

First Lets start in the most important room in the house, the Kitchen! When de-cluttering your space you need to look at every item and ask your self "do I use this everyday?" and if the answer is no, or if you only use it once in a while then store it! If you have enough silverware to seat twenty plus people lets get rid of it! You only need enough to feed each member of your family so leave a set of 4 or 6 of each utincile in the drawer. The same rule applies for all your plates, bowls, cups, and saucers. You dont need a plate of every color and style in the cabinet, we need things to look clean and organized, pick one set that matches and put the others away. Now, lets move on to pots and pans. We all store that one pan that has no handle and that we have had since college but now is not the time to show that off! Anything that is not part of a set or that you have two or more of, pack! The less pans the more space it looks like you have in your cabinet. We only want buyers to see what can fit there- not how many can fit there. Lets apply the same rule to the tupperwear, the pantry and that drawer we all consider the "junk" drawer. Once you have made your way through every cabinet you should see a huge difference!!

Look at all that space! You went from a clutter filled kitchen to a nice open and organized space where buyers can imagine their own items and see the room they have to grow into!

Next Room, the bathroom!

To Be Continued.....

Chihuahua:

These small, pint sized pets are cute and cuddly but also very loyal to their owners. The Chihuahua is very protective of their owners because of their strong affection and loyalty to them. If this breed of dog could, it would spend every minute with its owner, sometimes even trailing in tow every where you go.

Although you can't carry your Real Estate Agent around with you every where you go, the concept should remain the same. Your agent should be loyal and always working for you and your best interest. Loyalty can come in many forms and fashions, and as a Realtor we are expected to be loyal when you can't agree on a home with your partner, when you feel you are getting lost in the process or you are hitting some delays in the process. We as Realtors are to be there by your side and get you through to closing.

Although I can't follow you around, as a buyers or sellers agent I do provide a certain standard of loyalty to my clients. I know that sometimes the process can be stressful and filled with bumps and detours, but I will remain loyal to the client and their needs. I feel it is very important to have a loyal and honest relationship with your clients. It is my job to get you through to the end result and I will stick around through the whole experience.

German Shepard:

When you think of a German Shepard you think of a smart, well trained dog used in police forces and fire stations all over the country. German Shepard are working dogs, direct, bold and eager to learn, this breed is highly intelligent. With a high learning ability but relatively calm, this dog is one of the smartest breeds of dog..

The process of buying a home or even selling a home can be very confusing. Dealing with multiple issues, inspections, lenders and title agencies many times you can become overwhelmed. Having an agent that is knowledgeable in the process and level headed can make your life feel a lot easier. By the end of your buying or selling process, you may even look back with a positive experience behind you.

I feel that I have the experience, tools and initiative to go out there and get you the home you want. I will go to the negotiating table for you, work with the lender to get you the best loan, or make calls and visits to find you the right product or person to help you in your home ownership needs. Even if you're not looking to have myself or my brokerage as your representative, always make sure when picking an agent that you not only consider how you get along and feel about working with him or her, but also make sure they are knowledgeable in the process. Whether getting to the negotiating table or the time to decide on the loan you're going to use, you want someone by your side to give you the details you need and help you make an informative decision.

American Bully:

This breed of dog is known for being a guard dog. Although this breed is known for being stable, outgoing and confident, the dog's main function and what he/she is proud of is its trait of being a courageous and persistent fighter. Highly protective of his owners and the owner's property, it will fight an enemy to the death if the enemy traps the dog in a corner and threatens its loved ones. The American Bully is naturally aggressive when protecting and has been given outstanding results as a guardian of property.

It's funny to think of your Real Estate agent as a bully, when most are nice, out going people. But when you think about what you need as a buyer or seller of your property shouldn't you have someone to guard your best interest? By having someone who possesses the traits of the American Bully, you know you are in good hands and being taken care of at any cost.

As a seller or a potential buyer you want to get the best price for your home, get the most for your money and know that the offer you want to move forward with will be protected and negotiated at the agent's best ability. If you question whether your agent can do this for you maybe you don't have a Bully on your side?

Although I won't take a child's lunch money or push other agents' clients around, I will stick up for you and your interest in the home and make sure you're not pushed around. I will make sure your best interest is always kept first and foremost and when it's not, step in and make the changes necessary to put you ahead.

More to come! Keep looking for part 3!

The English Pointer:

A bird dog, like the English Pointer, is used for his/ her hunting instincts. For hundreds of years the dog has been used to find and retrieve game for hunters. These independent dogs are enthusiastic hunters; wise and adaptable to their environment, alert and easily trainable. Their Hunt oriented demeanor is what they are best used and known for.

When choosing an agent to represent you, you should hire one that should be like a Pointer. Agents work to find you, the buyer, the home of your dreams. No matter what requirements or needs you have, your agent has the tools and know-how to find you the home that fits your specific needs. Based on the agents area of expertise, you should find an agent who is knowledgeable about the area you are interested in living in and have the "get go" to get out into the market and find the best deal or opportunity for you!

Whether you are looking for an investment home to help build your portfolio, or the home you plan on raising your family in, your agent must be able to "hunt out" and
"point" you to the best house for your money. Giving you choices and neighborhoods to choose from, your agent can limit your leg work and help narrow down the search for the home you have been looking for. This will end up saving you time, aggravation, and money.

Personally I can say I love what I do. Finding you the home you have always wanted can be just as exciting for me as it is for you. I love looking for homes, seeing the positives, the negatives and the potentials in properties. Helping you find that one home that makes you feel like you finally found the one you could be comfortable in makes my job all worth while.

Keep an eye out for part 2! Coming soon!