7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Nice

Rather than spraying chemical-laden, store-bought air fresheners, choose one of these seven natural ways to make your living space smell a little delicious!

1. INVEST IN HOUSEPLANTS: Have your favorite plants and herbs growing in your kitchen, living room and bathroom in small pots. Green plants will help reduce indoor air pollution and keep clean air circulating in your space.

2. SAVE YOUR CITRUS FRUIT SKINS: Save the peels of oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits. You can place them in boiling water to have a fresh aroma in the kitchen, or run them in your garbage disposal with boiling water. Also, put some citrus skins in your vacuum bag the next time you vacuum your carpet.

3. DILUTE ESSENTIAL OIL WITH WATER IN A SPRAY BOTTLE: You can spray your furniture and carpet to make the whole room smell a specific scent. To diversify, you can have different scents for different areas of your home. For example: lavender for the living room, sandalwood for your bedroom and peppermint for the bathroom.

4. PLACE BOWLS OF WHITE VINEGAR IN CORNERS OF THE ROOM:  The vinegar will neutralize and absorb any offensive odors.

5. PLACE FABRIC SOFTENER IN YOUR SHOES AND CLOSET:  It will take away any stale clothing smells. For another closet air freshener, place a cedar block at the bottom of your closet. Use sandpaper for a new layer once a year.

6. LIGHT SOY CANDLES INSTEAD OF REGULAR CANDLES:  Soy candles are longer-lasting, preferred for the environment and have a more robust smell. (They are also safer than carcinogen- emitting candles.)

7. BAKE BREAD OR COOK YOUR OWN MEALS:  Few things are as welcoming as the smell of freshly baked bread or the herbs of a home-cooked dinner.

Woodlands Real Estate Agent,

SellTheWoodlands.com

Existing Home Sales Highest in Over 2 Years

Existing Home Sales are at their highest levels in over 2 years, according to an October report published by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). Fueled by increased activity among first time home buyers, the existing housing market has shown gains in five of the last six months. Based on the recent 9.4 percent increase from August to September, NAR is predicting annual sales volume of 5.57 million units for 2009, up from the earlier prediction of 5.10 million units.

Buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates and a first time buyers tax credit available through the end of November. “Much of the momentum is from people responding to the first-time buyer tax credit, which is freeing many sellers to make a trade and buy another home,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “We are hopeful the tax credit will be extended and possibly expanded to more buyers, at least through the middle of next year, because the rising sales momentum needs to continue for a few additional quarters until we reach a point of a self-sustaining recovery.”

Total housing inventory is trending down across the country, reaching its lowest level in two and a half years. Inventory fell to 3.6 million homes available for sale at the end of September. This represents a 7.8 month supply at our current sales pace. “If we could continue to absorb inventory at this pace, home prices would return to normal, modest appreciation patterns next year,” Yun said.

woodlands real estate, the woodlands property agent

Find More Information at SellTheWoodlands.com

Wooded Wonderland

 A master-planned community that stands out for its high quality of life. The Woodlands is a great place to live, work, learn, and play!

Located just 27 miles north of downtown Houston, The Woodlands has transformed from a residential suburb into a cultural enclave that offers everything you could ask for. Five million square feet of shopping and dining, world-class health care facilities, designer homes, parks, and championship golf courses blend seamlessly with thousands of trees. It’s a perfect combination of nature and all of today’s modern conveniences.

George Mitchell, The Woodlands’ founder, believed development should conform to the natural world around it, not compete with it, and the evolution of The Woodlands has stayed on this course. When Mitchell’s vision opened in 1974, the homes, pathways, and parks came first. Purposeful, planned development of commercial and retail properties followed, and the population grew to approximately 90,000.

For nearly two decades, more homes have been sold in The Woodlands than in any other master-planned community in Texas, and it consistently ranks in the top five best-selling master-planned communities in the United States. There is something for everyone: beautiful homes by top designers, residential lofts, apartments, and senior housing are all connected to places to work, learn, shop, and play by 155 miles of hiking and biking paths.

The Woodlands’ setting resembles an East Texas Piney Woods forest. When you drive down the curvy roads, you won’t see any billboards or neon signs, and it’s hard to get a sense of the development’s size or how many amenities it offers. “You almost have to live here for a while before you can discover all the homes, restaurants, shops, parks, and schools behind the trees,” says Tim Welbes, co-president of The Woodlands Development Company.

Life Among the Trees

Thirty-five years ago, the first residents were personally welcomed by a member of Interfaith of The Woodlands, the social services heart-beat of the community. Interfaith still welcomes new residents today. “The Woodlands is different from other new towns because of how our development scheme has been executed and because of the unique sense of community spirit,” says Welbes. “People love to get involved, and there are plenty of ways to do it.”

Another perk of life in The Woodlands? You don’t have to go far to find something you enjoy. For a night out, walk to a performance by Town Center Theatre. As part of the group’s third season, Nunsense will open on July 17. Dinosaurs more your thing? Hang out with Stan, a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex who resides with his prehistoric friends at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at The Woodlands Mall.

The Woodlands has a special appeal for art lovers. Outdoor sculptures throughout the community provide a cultural counterpoint to nature. Beginning with The Family, a sculpture acquired for the grand opening in 1974, The Woodlands has remained committed to building a collection of outdoor public art. The latest addition to the collection, which totals 51 pieces, is The Woodlands Passage, a series of five limestone sculptures.
the Woodlands real estate, woodlands property sale

SellTheWoodlands.com

Tips for Sellers

In today’s market, sellers have to work harder to persuade buyers that their property is worth the bite.

Landscape designer Michael Glassman has cooked up a recipe for guaranteed curb appeal.

1. Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. “It’s best to use one or two and repeat them,” Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch of purple salvia or lavender that will flower at the same time; and as an accent, a crape myrtle tree that provides changing leaf colors in fall and interesting branches come winter.

2. Size trees and shrubs to scale. These should be planted in the right scale for the house so that they don’t block windows, doors, and other architectural features on the home’s facade. A large two-story house can handle a redwood, Chinese pistache, sycamore, or scarlet oak, but a one-story cottage is better paired with a flowering cherry, crabapple, or eastern redbud. Too many trees cast too much shadow and cause potential buyers to worry about maintenance and costs.

3. Maintain a perfect lawn. A velvety green lawn demonstrates tender loving care, so be sure sellers’ homes don’t have brown spots. Some rocks, pebbles, boulders, drought-tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses will generate more kudos, especially in drought areas.

4. Light up the outside. Good illumination allows buyers to see a home at night and adds drama. Sellers should use low-voltage lamps to highlight branches of specimen trees, a front door, walk, and corners of the house. But less is better. The yard shouldn’t resemble an airport runway.

5. Let them hear the water. The sound of water appeals to buyers, and you shouldn’t just reserve this for your backyard. A small fountain accented with rocks provides a pleasant gurgling sound, blocks street noise, and is affordable.

6. Use decorative architectural elements. A new mailbox, planted window boxes, and a low fence wrapped in potato vines add cachet, particularly during winter months when fewer plants blossom. Colors should complement the landscape and home. Just don’t overdo it: Too much can seem like kitschy lawn ornaments.
The woodlands properties, woodlands realtor agent

SellTheWoodlands.com

Avoid 10 Common Selling Mistakes

Serious about selling your home? Before you sign anything, read about these common mistakes that home sellers make:

1. PRICING TOO HIGH: It’s no secret, price is everything. Overpricing does more to discourage buyers than any other single factor. When you overprice, you put your home in competition with homes that may be newer, larger or have more amenities than yours. You help your competition sell their home. This leads to long days on the market, and costs you, the seller, money in the long run. Make sure you get your pricing advice from a professional agent who knows the market.

2. POOR CONDITION: A home that is in ill repair, or otherwise poor condition, does not excite buyers. A home like this is looked at by buyers as a work project and money pit. Having your home in good repair and great showing condition will significantly improve your chances for a sale at top dollar value. Having your home pre-inspected by a termite and dry rot inspector will also have a positive impact on buyers.

3. POOR CURB APPEAL:Most buyers today want to drive by. If your home is an attractive drive-by, it will gain more attention and certainly more showings. Doing the little things to help your home’s curb appeal will make a huge difference.

4. DREARY DARK HOMES DON’T SELL: Buyers like updated, light and bright homes. Dark carpets, paint, and curtains are often buyer turn-offs. Go through your home and remove clutter; touch up and update paint, counter tops, and carpets. Open your home up and make sure the sun shines in. Offensive odors from pets and smoking are also huge turn-offs to most buyers. Rid your home of offensive smells by burning scented candles and create a pleasant aroma. The most important rooms to concentrate on are the living room, family room, kitchen and master bedroom. Your entire home’s atmosphere is set off by these rooms.

5. DON’T OVER-IMPROVE: Get your home in good showing condition, but don’t over do it. Huge projects such as complete remodels of kitchens, adding decks, and expanding room sizes may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge improvement project, get some good advice.

6. BE FINANCEABLE: Bad roofs, exterior paint, or structural problems may make your home un-financeable. The wider the scope of financing that your home can qualify for, the higher the overall market value. Remember — government programs like VA and FHA will be the most picky.

7. GET GOOD ADVICE AND GOOD MARKET EXPOSURE: Hiring a professional agent will help you get your home priced right, and will also get you started with the best fix ups. A strong agent will get your home exposed to the largest number of potential buyers. Paying the agent fee is often the least expensive part of selling your home. Trying to sell your home yourself can be costly. Most ‘for sale by owner’ homes close for less than comparable homes listed with an agent, and you have no representation.

8. DON’T BE PRESENT DURING SHOWINGS: When your home is being shown, go for a drive or a walk. Take yourself, your family, and pets and let the agent and their clients have the freedom they need. An agent can always do their best job of showing your home when you are not underfoot. Buyers are more at ease and much more likely to spend time looking at your home’s features and benefits.

9. LET YOUR AGENT DO THE NEGOTIATING: If there is ever a good reason to have a veteran agent working for you, it’s during the negotiation of your home sale. A good negotiator can mean thousands of dollars to you, and will protect your interests. Don’t let your emotions run wild during negotiations. Try to separate your emotions from your business side. Remain cool and calm during this time.

10. ACT FAST WITH OFFERS: When you do get an offer on your home, act quickly and decisively. Letting offers sit around without acting can be a huge mistake. Things can change quickly in the mind of a prospective buyer. Acting quickly while the excitement and interest level are at a high point can be very important. Typically, a buyer’s motivation level decreases with time. Buyers’ remorse can even set in. Acting in a timely manner is essential.

Jutta “Utah” Burden

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

Find more excellent “Selling Tips” at http://www.utahburden.com/Seller-Resources/Seller-Reports

How to Guarantee You’ll Get Your Home Sold This Time!

Answer:  Focus In On The Major Key Issues And… Ask The Really Tough Questions When You Interview Your Next Agent! When You Do,You’re Guaranteed To Sell Your Home Faster And For More Money!

So, your listing has expired and you’re wondering: “What am I going to do?” You need your home sold!

The most important thing you can do right now is ask, “where did I go wrong?”

You see, marketing a home takes more than just sticking a sign in your yard and putting your property up on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).., any agent can do that! It takes aggressive, innovative marketing to sell your home in today’s market place!

What do I mean?

Well.., in today’s market place there are only so many buyers out there who are ready and able to purchase a home. So, if you want to sell your home this time, your new agent has to aggressively identify these potential buyers before other agents “get their hooks into them” and guide them into a different property

The fact is, when you enter the market to sell your home, you enter one of the most competitive businesses in existence… anywhere! Competition is fierce and if you’re not ready for it… your home just sits on the market. So, the first major key to effectively market your home is to identify potential buyers.

Remember, there are only so many buyers to go around… and your agent has to find those buyers first… before one of the hundreds of other agents out there reaches them and guides them into a different property!

So, how does an agent identify these “hot” prospects before the competition? This is where the “rubber meets the road”! This is what separates the weak agent from the shrewd, business-minded marketing professional you want to hire.

Your Agent Absolutely Must Have An Aggressive Marketing Strategy!

The best agents use eery available marketing tool, technology, approach, contact or potential avenue to generate prospective buyers for your property!

One key element is they understand the value of “effective” advertising! They realize that in today’s competitive market they have to create ads that generate a response. They can’t just splash their name out there and expect people to call.., they have to craft their ads… and give prospects a compelling reason to call.

Advertising is a crucial factor in the success of marketing anything! Your home included. So, how does the agent you’re considering separate him or herself from competitors? All their ads look virtually the same. So, what’s unique about your new agent that’s going to grab prospects and get them to pick up the phone and call?

In today’s market place, it’s tough! Potential buyers have been harassed, high-pressured and pushed around so much… it’s no wonder that it’s hard to get them to call! I’m tired of pushy salespeople too… I can relate!

They use razor-sharp strategy & cutting-edge technology as THE ADVANTAGE!

The best agents overcome this huge obstacle with a razor-sharp marketing strategy, combined with cutting-edge technology, to generate buyer after buyer!

Remember, the major key to generating a buyer for your home is to reach your prospect first ! And… with the soft, gentle, service-minded way I follow up… people simply love it! So, don’t worry about that part… again, the professionalism of your agent makes all the difference!

With more potential buyers, it only makes sense… you’ll sell your home faster and for more money! It’s supply and demand… plain and simple.

So again remember, the first one to reach your prospect wins the sale. So, if you want to get your home sold this time… don’t settle for anything less!

The first two questions then are: 1. How are they going to make the phone ring with lots of new prospects for your home? 2. What’s going to give them the edge and get thçm to the “starting block” first?

Then comes the next question. How sharp are your agent’s negotiating skills? What kind of results have they produced for past clients? This is so crucial!

Most people think that selling a home is like being a tour guide. Show the prospect around, ask if they like it and write up the paperwork. Well, if that’s all there was to it, your former agent would have closed on your house already!

Your Agent Absolutely Must Have Strong Fundamental Negotiating Skills!

If you want to get your home sold this time, your next agent absolutely must have a deep understanding of “The Art of Negotiating”. These skills are vitally important! Without these skills, you could lose big! With these skills, your agent will ensure you get the highest possible price for your home.

So, how do you find out about your prospective agent’s negotiating skills? Investigate! Check references. At the very least, call two or three of your agent’s most recent clients. In fact, call at least one or two of your agent’s cun clients. See what kind of effort he or she makes to get the job done!

So, in conclusion, really think these things through! This is such an important decision. Get prepared! Really fire away with questions when interviewing an agent. Make them stand the test of fire… the best agents thrive on it! They can’t wait to tell you all about the innovative methods that separate them from the agent that’ 11 poke a sign in the ground and act like that’s enough! In today’s market, it’s most definitely not enough!

Thanks for taking the time to read this information. I hope you found the ideas thought provoking and beneficial.

My entire aim with this report is to help point you in the right direction and give you some common sense guidelines to help you make the right decision this time.

If there is ever any way I can be of service to you or anyone you care about… please give me a call.

Your initial consultation is always under no obligation and completely free of charge. We’ll sit down for 15-20 minutes and I’ll show you the latest strategies and technology for selling your home. No high-pressure, just plain honest talk about what it’s going to take to get your home sold this time.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Warmest regards,

Jutta “Utah” Burden

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

Read more important information for selling your home at http://www.utahburden.com/Seller-Resources/Seller-Tips

How to Get Every Dollar You Deserve… by Getting the Full Value of Your House!

Special Report From Jutta “Utah” Burden

The ability to reap additional profits on the sale of your home can be accomplished easily enough, if you make the ‘ improvements. Many changes can provide the prospective buyer with enhanced feelings about your home. Feelings of more space, more light, more rooms, more closet space, greater privacy, warmth and security. Basic, simple and inexpensive improvements can provide an improved emotional response in a potential buyer.

An example could be something as small as a crack in the paint on a wall. By simply applying some plaster and touch-up paint, you eliminated what may be an unstated concern that your home was poorly maintained. Though the feeling may be unconscious, it’s just as important that the potential buyer feel an overall sense of emotional desire for your home. If you are working with a small budget, these simple techniques will work absolute wonders.

1.         The Magic of Mirrors!

Mirrors can provide a greater sense of space and elegance when properly placed. Be careful not to overdo it, but when placed properly throughout your home, each area will seem larger to the potential home buyer. Try looking in your attic or basement for any old mirrors, but be sure they have a nice frame or at least give the frame a new coat of paint. You may also want to visit a local flea market or garage sale – you can often find a great deal on an old miror or two. Putting one- foot square mirrors on a closet door home in the master bedroom is always an attractive touch.

2.         Adding Additional Closet Space

One of the biggest complaints heard from potential buyers is that there just isn’t enough closet space! Simply purchasing an inexpensive closet organizer and installing it in any or all of your closets can make all the difference. You can also try putting a rod across one corner of a bedroom, for hanging clothes, further out put another rod higher up. From this rod hang a clothes-hiding screen made from a variety of choices. The screen could be matching material of the bedspread, drapes etc.. The idea here is to be creative so that the “fake closet” looks as though it was a part of the room

3.         Make a Bare Wall Beautiful

Wallpaper is inexpensive, quick and easy to do! The right wallpaper can brighten the room or hallway and bring it back to life. Be careful to choose something with a neutral design or pattern. Remember, you’re trying to move out!

4. Bring Old Floors Back to Life!

Nothing turns off a potential buyer quicker than dull, dingy, disgusting-looking floors. Whether you have wax, wooden or tiled floors, do whatever you can to make them shine again! For wax floors, either rent a

floor machine and do it yourself, or hire a professional if it’s in your budget. Have a professional give you an estimate and explain exactly what they would do to bring your floors back to life. If you have them explain what they would do, it may be just as easy to do it yourself. If you have carpeted floors you should either have the carpet steam-cleaned or, if it’s in your budget, install new carpeting. This may sound expensive, but new carpeting can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.

5. Bring in Some Plants

Having plants in the house is not only healthy for you but you create a warm feeling with them. Ficus trees have become very popular and they can be purchased inexpensively. Attractive pots such as ceramic, brass or even designer plastic will add a designer flair to your home. Hanging plants such as Boston ferns are inexpensive, easy to care for and would go great in your new home wherever you move.

6.         Adding a Room Without Calling in the Contractor!

This simple but seldom-used technique can give a buyer the feeling there are more actual rooms in your house. Floor-to-ceiling room dividers are inexpensive and simple to install. When a buyer walks through your home, they will generally count the rooms in a subconscious manner. Each room will present an emotional response as they walk through your home. By dividing and designing each side of your room, you create a ‘separate room” feeling in the potential buyer. It may sound crazy, but it works.

7.         Clean Up the Bathroom

We’ve probably all heard that phrase a hundred times growing up as children! Well guess some what? It’s still valid. Give your bathroom a face-lift if needed. Fresh paint, decorative moldings, tile grout, new designer faucets are attractive eye catchers.

8.          What is That Smell?

People don’t like to admit it but, everyone’s home has a certain smell to it. We just never notice because we live with it day in, day out. Strategically placing fresh scent devices throughout the home will be pleasant to the nose of any potential buyer. As a matter of fact, an old Realtor® trick is to pop some cinnamon rolls in an oven 5 minutes before a showing. I bet you thought all Realtors just had a sweet tooth!

My hope with this report has been to help you make simple changes that can add thousands of dollars to the ultimate selling price of your home. I hope you found the ideas useful and if there is ever any way I can be of service to you or anyone you care about, please contact my office. Your initial consultation is always completely free of charge and you’re under no obligation of any kind. We’ll sit down for 15-20 minutes… no high pressure, just plain, honest talk about what it’s going to take to achieve your personal goals. Go ahead, pick up the phone and give me a call. I’d love to hear from you!

Jutta “Utah” Burden

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

How much is your home worth? Find out at http://www.magnoliamarketvalue.com/