Saw the blooms TODAY!

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Proof is in the Staging - Home Star Staging

The listing had been on the market for about two months with one of those months being December. Come January though the activity really picked up and we had more than our fair share of showings. Feedback was positive yet there always seemed to be some something that we could not get an offer.

After more than a dozen showings the seller was getting a little anxious about no offers. We settled in at the dining table for a full discussion about a new approach. Our goal was how to go about attracting an offer.

It was apparent that we were missing something. The home was presentable - clean and well-maintained. But it wasn’t enticing an offer. I suggested to the seller that perhaps we were missing the “Wow” factor. You know, wow I really can see me living here.

First on the agenda was to tackle how to improve the curb appeal. Looking at some pictures I had on-hand showed that the it was past time to trim and shape up the hedges in the front of the house. They had become a bit wooly looking. What a difference that made!

Items cluttering up the small front porch entry were removed to another area. Silk flowers were bought and placed in the basket on the wall along with a pot of flowers placed beside the front door. Since the front of the house is almost always cast in a shadow a wreath adorned with white flowers was added to the front door. It was the final touch that drew an observer’s focus to the front entry making it more inviting.

But when we began to tackle the interior I realized quickly that we really needed the help of an expert inside the home. That is when I sent a plea for “help” to Karen Otto, Home Star Staging. Even though Karen was preparing to leave on a trip to Las Vegas for the RESA conference she quickly agreed to come to my rescue. We talked briefly on the phone and the next day Karen showed up at the house armed with her props and the wonders that she is so capable of achieving.

You can see by just the two photos that Karen did an awesome job in the home. In fact, it was so well-done that the very next showing we received an offer. WOW! It took a few days to work out the details but as of this writing we are under contract!

Thank you, Karen for your willingness to help and for being the awesome professional that you are. I had asked my seller before we listed about staging and they were reluctant. I can honestly say now that “the proof is in the staging!” And on my next listing appointment I will include this testimonial to the wonders of staging especially when done by Home Star Staging - Karen Otto, one of Activerain’s finest contributors. Karen, I and the client are most grateful.

Yay! Signs of Spring are showing up all over town. I enjoy watching these Bradford Pears bud. By the end of February/first of March these trees will look like snowballs with their blossoms fully open and the green leaves are right behind. Come on Spring!

If you or someone you know are looking in Collin County, Northeast of Dallas there is a home waiting for you. And I am ready to help you find it.

Murphy TX Real Estate Home Sales Report for November 2011

November home sales in Murphy TX were modest in comparison to October. There were 11 homes sold with a median sales price of $255,800. In 2010 during the month of November 15 homes sold with a median sales price of $250,786. The average days on market during 2011 was 73 and in 2010 79 days. New construction home sales was a small factor in November sales with only two homes sold.

November home sales represents 36% sales due to REO, Real Estate Owned, in the city of Murphy. Two of the REO homes are in Murphy Farms with one home in the Ranch and one home in Maxwell Creek.

The neighborhood of Maxwell Creek remains the leading neighborhood in sales. There were 4 homes sold with 2 of the 4 homes representing new construction.No other neighborhood really stood out in sales for this month.

A new listing is on the market in the Gables at North Hills. Home was built in 2005 by First Texas Homes. It has so many amenities of home with 4 bedrooms, split and 2 full baths. The master bedroom has a nice size walk-in closet with extra storage shelves and accessible through the master bath. The garden tub in the master bath is jetted as well as a separate shower and dual vanitites. An extra feature in this home is the woodburning, gas starter fireplace in the master bedroom. The family room with its own woodburning, gas starter fireplace looks out over the southern backyard with a Blue Haven pool and spa.

In closing, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.