Albany, OR

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!

What a crazy market we are in! A house can be priced "right" now & overpriced in a month. Staging is important, yet pricing trumps it every time.

I think the most important thing to know is that right now, bank owned properties (REOs) and Short Sales are driving the market down for the most part. Even appraisers right now are having to use comps from foreclosed properties to determine home value.

It's a great market anyway though, because the buyers are out there! That's the exciting part. There are people looking to buy. Don't be discouraged, just keep plugging along & keep in contact with your agent. Unless of course, you don't have one... :)

Kristin Smith
Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette
www.callkdsmith.com

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but in Albany, OR, you can't keep good properties down! This week I had a client call me about a house for sale just about half a mile from my house. It's currently bank owned & had only been on the market for 5 days. I called right away when he told me that the asking price was about $89,000. When I was finally able to talk to the broker, he'd already received 6 offers on the property! To top it all off, when I went by, there wasn't even a SIGN in the yard!

If you know of any great homes needing to be sold quickly in Albany, let me know! I'm doing my best to help these clients find a smokin deal! They're looking for a good, solid starter home for $130K or less. Call me if you have something that would meet their needs & let's talk business!

Cheerfully,
Kristin