Albany, OR

Ok, I cannot stress this enough. If you are thinking of buying a home this year, be ware that if you want to take advantage of the $8000 first time buyer tax credit or the $6500 seller's tax credit, you MUST have a deal in escrow by April 30th and it must close by July 1st! That gives you 109 days from today. Now normally that may seem like a lot of time, but its really not. If you are not pre-approved that takes some time now a days and with the amount of inventory on that market, there are more homes to look at and that takes more time as well. Just keep in mind that if you do want to take advantage of this, be ware of your time frames. I've also included the link to the IRS website if you have more questions or need clarification, but also feel free to contact us if you need more information!

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206291,00.html

Santa baby . . . I keep telling you . . . I’ve been a very good girl.

When you zip down the chimney this year can we work on a few things? No you don’t need to load your pack with that ‘54 convertible, (light blue), this year . . .

I’ve got a few other things in mind.

Please help me get:

• New paint colors that look right – the first time please
• A new look for my living room without spending a ton of $$
• A de-cluttered and peaceful home to welcome me
• An closets and drawers that stay organized
• A bedroom that says “retreat” when I walk in the door.

Now Santa – I don’t mean to sound picky or ungrateful for other gifts I’ve received. I use the vacuum I received last year and am especially appreciative. And the sweater I know will fit if I just get to the gym more in 2010.

But this year - I really don’t need more.

I need to know how to use what I have and want to make my home look better.

These white walls need to go. But I’m fearful I’ll end up with a “pinky” beige.

Somehow I’d like to make my furniture look newer, the room seem sleeker and have a more contemporary “feeling” but still be one that is comfortable for my family. You can do that can’t you Santa?

So please Santa – let’s go “green” this year. I was wrong -- I don’t need the sable or the convertible - just help me redecorate my home. A home that looks like those in the magazine – you know the look I love!

A new year is coming — I’d like to spend it in a home that feels special to me and my family, but don’t have time to get it done. I need some magical help to achieve it. Where do I start? Where do I shop? How can I possibly pull it all together without breaking the bank?

From,

Hurry Down the Chimney Tonight

Dear Hurry Down the Chimney Tonight,

After reading your letter I’ve decided it’s easier to deliver that ‘54 convertible (light blue). Asking me to help you pick out paint colors is a HO HO HORRIBLE idea. I like Red and White . . . never thought about beige!

Please click here to view the originally posted blog.

I've never been one you'd consider lucky.

Never found four leaf clovers . . .

always lost my rabbits foot . . .

and never had a special lucky number.

Usually when I wished on the wishbone - I didn't win.

But I've decided I've finally found my lucky charm!

We didn't realize it was special when we bought it-- but it must be a lucky charm and was worth every penny!

My lucky charm has to be the new furniture we bought.

Sound like an odd lucky charm? (Good thing I don't have to carry it around with me in my purse!) It must be LUCKY because in the three houses we've used it in, each has sold in record time.

First house - on the market for seven months - staged and under contract within seven days

Second house - on the market six months - staged and received an accepted offer within two days.

Third house - on the market five months - staged and received an offer within five days.

Looks like rather ordinary furniture to me -- but what else could be causing these listings to receive offers in a "slow" market?

Since the house this furniture is in has received an offer already it looks like it will be moving on soon.

We have a couple of jobs lined up but I've been thinking that maybe I should use this lucky charm furniture in a really special house --

Hope it's one that continues this incredible tradition!

We feel honored to partner with many great real estate agents who have been instrumental to getting these homes sold so quickly. These homes weren't repossessions, short sales or way under market.

These homes that were prepared well, priced well and looked fantastic compared to the competition!

Home staging is a magical part of getting a home noticed in any market. For more information on how to rent this lucky furniture or to get a few secret staging tips contact Creative Concepts and Contracting!

This is a good FYI from the National Assoication of Realtors on the home buyer tax credits that are now law. I liked the chart and visual representation, as well as the FAQ's just thought I would share the link:

http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/realtor-party/documents/2009-NAR-Issue-Brief-Homebuyer-Tax-Credit-Changes-1104-1107.pdf

Do you believe that home staging only applies to high end or custom homes? Regardless of sales price, staging can help a home sell quicker and for more $$.

Nearly 90% of all home buyers look first on the internet for homes. It’s a proven statistic that listings with photos get more views online. Photos are key to marketing properties in all price ranges.

Most home buyers are looking for more than a house. They are shopping for a "home" and the lifestyle this home can offer them. What do your listing photos say about the lifestyle your home provides? Is it one of comfort and luxury? Well maintained and desirable?

How compelled would you be to make an appointment to visit this home? Does it look inviting and make you want to see more? To get more views - photos need to have some VaVoom!

To see full blog and the before/after shots please click here!