Tag: listing prep

Stuff Management: Moving, Estate Sales, Yard Sales, Downsizing & Organizing

Posted on by Kat Gilpatrick

Moving? Preparing to list your home? Making your space more livable? Just making space?

Whatever it is, it requires a handful of different tasks carried out — or services rendered —  and making sense of it all can be challenging, especially if you’re under the wire to get a job done; if it’s a difficult moment in time or if there are many decision makers involved, etc.

I’ve put together a handy guide for how to manage these projects, who can help, and how to get there.

Why would I be an expert on this? Because, as a Real Estate Agent I help all kinds of people prepare to move, to de-clutter or downsize; to organize for a more streamlined living space or to prepare to put their homes on the market.

I help with move management, coordinating customized services like estate sales, auctions, clear-outs, and of course the moves themselves. In situations where an estate requires a combination of jobs done, (off-site online estate sale item distribution, inventory and donation coordination, movers and clear-out, deep cleaning and storage space decisions) And of course personally, as a consumer of these services and someone who’s been knee-deep in the work myself, I have partnered with some of the best resources in the country to achieve custom outcomes.

When there’s individual or bulk item selling, you’ve got the classic tried and true yard/garage sales; Craigslist listings and Facebook Marketplace to name a few, as well as antique and resale selling for furniture, appliances, home decor, etc.

In any part of the country, there are options and preferred vendors, and it can be dizzying who to choose, how to get started: scoping the size of your jobs and specific needs, etc. One thing remains the same however, one common cry of those in this stage of the game: “I have too much stuff!”

 

What Services Do You Need?

Here are some of the folks who can make your life much easier, and what you need, of course depends entirely on you.

  • Organizing and Decluttering Professionals – There are all shapes and sizes for these kinds of services. One of my favorites in the Bay Area is Rita Rey. Read on for a bit more about what Rita offers below.
  • Preparing for Marketing Your Home Professionals:
    • Declutter and streamline your home
    • Assist with decision-making about what items to keep
    • Arrange for a donation, sale, or disposal of unwanted items and supervise removal
    • Stage home with existing furnishings
    • Arrange for furniture and heavy items to be moved within your home (if needed)
    • Pack and arrange for the removal of items not needed for staging
  • Downsizing – much of the above tasks apply, with an emphasis on removal or rehoming of items rather than staging and listing preparation. This can be DIY of course, or you can enlist some support!
  • Storage Rental or Pods – Knowing what you need and what serves your specific purpose and then aligning with the right contract and combination.
  • Estate Sale or Auction and full service coordination for larger jobs and important transitions – These are incredibly valuable services for those assisting after a loved one’s passing, or extreme downsizing, estate sales being especially useful if you’re able to conduct onsite. If unable to do this, an auction may be the way to go. Folks like Caring Transitions’ Jessi and Ryan, in Phoenix AZ are the gold standard, and the bar by which I measure all the rest. Check out what their services include here, and check out below the reasons why they love what they do, and people love them so much.

  • Yard Sale or Online Selling – Doesn’t need much explanation – but there are certainly pro tips and best times of year depending on your location.
  • Move Management or Movers – I am often surprised that people are unaware that these fully managed suites of services are available, and increasingly popular as a large part of our population is aging into a category who’s best served by folks like The Move Makers, here in the Portland Area.
  • Cleaners – There are regular house cleaners, and there are move-out specialists, and of course other specific services like carpet cleaning, window and gutters, etc. Some companies specialize in whole-house readiness, and this is a phenomenal choice for a one-and-done kind of approach, or for those heftier scenarios. I’ve recently had the good fortune to work with Shawna at Maid to Organize and am loving their work ethic and availability. These fine Portland area folks specialize in Estates, Hoarding, & Generally overwhelming spaces & situations, or as they put it: Professional Organizing, Cleaning & Estate Clearing as a wholistic package offering.

 

When I asked Rita, of Rita Rey organizing in the SF Bay Area, to tell me a bit about what makes her services so special, it really resonated with her passion, and spoke to her compassion:

“I just love to be part of the process of helping my clients achieve a sense of peace and surround themselves with things that make them happy. Letting go can be scary, but less scary than facing the chaos daily. I have not heard one client say that it was not worth it despite being scared to start the letting-go process.”
When I asked Jessi of Caring Transitions, in AZ, to talk about what was meaningful to them in terms of serving their transitioning clientele, she told me:
“Our job is simple: to make sure your lifelong treasures and family heirlooms are cared for in their new home.”
And they do this by featuring a really seamless online auction service, which sets them apart from other packing/moving/estate sale services.
No matter what your project is, it’s yours, and it’s important, and having someone by your side to help or advise you is worth it’s weight in gold. I hope this has been a little assistance!

Trees for Shade: Plan now to plant this Fall

Posted on by Lydia Hallay

They say the best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago; the second best time? This-coming fall.

As average summer temperatures continue to rise in the Pacific Northwest, the importance trees and other plants play in cooling our urban landscape cannot be overstated- particularly in areas of the city that do not already benefit from established tree canopies.

Every five years since 2000, the city of Portland has counted the number of trees in the city. The most recent count (2020) found that, for the first time since data collection has begun, the number of trees in our city has declined by nearly 800 acres. That’s a decline approximately equal to the number of trees in Mt. Tabor Park.

The largest area of loss during that five year period was in residential areas, particularly in East Portland neighborhoods that already suffer from a lack of shade. While city code requires a permit for removing street trees (and private property trees beyond a certain size), and replacement of any trees that are taken down, the data indicates that many people are choosing not to replace the trees they remove.

So what difference do trees make for the livability of our neighborhoods- both now and in the future? During the 2021 “heat dome,” scientists from Portland State University (PSU) measured average temperatures in different parts of the city to determine the impact shade trees had in mitigating heat. In the relatively  unprotected East Portland neighborhood of Lents, for example (where my partner and I live), the temperature was clocked at 125 degrees; conversely, shady Northwest Portland stayed a relatively cool 99 degrees.

While this information might prompt some to seek out neighborhoods with established canopies already- it’s important to remember that, with some planning and just a few years time, we can greatly improve tree canopies in neighborhoods that currently lack them- and that benefits all of us.

When my partner and I first moved into our Lents home just six years ago, the yard was a barren hellscape of torn up grass and weeds. We’ve since planted more than 15 trees on/around the property- some large, some small- and over 150 species of flowering plants. In just a few years time, our yard feels like a completely different place. While there are many intangible benefits we enjoy as a result of these plantings, one thing is certain: our home and yard stay much cooler during the summer than they used to.

Summer isn’t a good time to plant a tree- but it’s an excellent time to decide where to plant a tree. West and southern-facing areas of your home will often benefit greatly from a deciduous tree that lets sunlight (and warmth) through in winter, but leafs out to provide shade (and cools the air) during the hottest time of year.

While fall is the best time to plant a tree, it’s not always the best time to research options- especially if you’re shopping for a deciduous variety that drops its leaves. The best time to start your search is often in summer, when you’ve got a chance to evaluate your site during the harshest time of year- and you can see for yourself how dense the shade of a particular tree will be over time.

The city of Portland’s Department of Urban Forestry is a wonderful resource for researching trees for your space, as are local nurseries like Cistus, which specializes in species that are well adapted to our changing climate.

Do you have areas of your back or front yard that remain unused during July-September because they’re just too sunny and hot for large parts of the day? Planting tree nearby can provide dappled protection that, in just a short amount of time, can bring an unused space to life. If you’re thinking of listing your home for sale, consider adding trees to the landscape as part of your preparation strategy. Trees add curb appeal, ambiance, and value to properties that lack them.

Want to nerd out on trees? Looking to add a tree that will improve the curb appeal of your home and provide much needed shade to our urban canopy? Give me a holler! I love putting my landscape design background to use for clients.

Market Ready Transformation

Posted on by Andy Meeks

This was a fun project in that I was able to put on my project management hat to help prep this house for market. My clients (and friends) moved away from Oregon to the east coast a few years ago and their first-ever home in Portsmouth became a rental property. When they decided last year to consolidate and sell this home, they reached out to me to assist. 

There was a lot of work that was needed to bring it to market looking its best. I evaluated the home with them through several video meetings and offered a list of suggested upgrades and improvements that would help maximize its resale value. We started the rehab process in early December, and we finally finished that process at the end of February, just in time for our early March listing date goal.

The scope of work included all new interior paint, new flooring throughout the home, new first-floor light fixtures, and new countertops in the kitchen. I worked with trusted industry professionals to provide my clients various finish options and price points, and they trusted me to make the final decisions.

Other work included roof cleaning, furnace servicing, front door paint, exterior powerwash of the house and concrete, exterior window cleaning, landscaping, and a deep interior clean. These are the less sexy items, but really do make a huge difference in how the house is received, and perceived, by potential homebuyers. (Of course, we had it professionally staged and photographed as the key finishing touches.)

In the end, the goal is to get as many eyes on the house and people inside to get a feel for the home and encourage as many offers as possible. We went pending in just four days and sold above the listing price, which was already above our original goal from December. And my clients never had to set foot in Oregon.

I love the trust and teamwork that I develop with my clients and, as Hannibal Smith of A-Team fame always said, “I love it when a plan comes together!”

S O L D – Peaceful Southwest Haven

Posted on by Mel Marzahl

Pending in 2 days!

This gorgeous 150sqft attached home sold quick! The seller, Marisa, had updated the home a few years ago and kept it very well maintained. She loved living in this home but was ready to buy her “move-up” house with her fiance Danny.

Marisa and Danny were fantastic sellers to work with. They gave me a virtual walk-through of the home and a list of upgrades they had done so I could provide them with the most accurate pricing, staging, and repair recommendations. They also knew what their budget would be for touch ups and pre-listing prep.

Importance of Listing Prep, Photos, & Video

I brought in a team of staging consultants who were able to work virtually. They are professional interior designers who were able to look at photos of the home and provide Marisa and Danny recommendations for furniture placement and design choices. Marisa and Danny dived right in, spruced up their home, and collaborated with the designers so when photography day came around, the house was sparkling clean and perfectly staged to show off its features.

The photos, video, 3-D tour, and floorplan came out great! With the coronavirus affecting everyone, it is extra important to show every inch of the house in as many ways as possible. When buyers have a floorplan, 3-D tour, as well as great photos and video, they are able to see if a home might be the right fit for them, before even stepping in the door.

Virtual Open House and Social Media

One powerful new thing I have added to my marketing tool belt is the ‘virtual open house.’ I set a specific time to do a video tour the home while streaming live on Facebook. This gives buyers and agents the chance to see a “hosted” walk-through of the home while being able to ask questions in real time. It also leaves me with a recorded video tour of the home which I can share with other agents and interested buyers. It’s lo-fi compared to the 2 minute professional video I’ve hired a pro to make, but it makes taking a live tour of the home more accessible. Many buyers like that the longer-format tour as well because I will talk about the upgrades and features of the home as I walk through it. Here is the link to the virtual open for Marisa’s lovely home. 

Pending in 2 days!

All of their hard work preparing the home to look its best, paid off! We received a great offer on the first day, and more came in the second day. They ended up with a solid over-asking offer with favorable terms, and a second very similar offer in back-up. They just closed today, and negotiated an extra two weeks in the home to do a bit of work on their new place (closing tomorrow) before they move!

Congrats Marisa and Danny!

Just Listed: Beaverton Charmer that belongs in Sunset Magazine!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

OFFERED AT $535,000

3 BEDS | 2 BATH | 1424 SF | 0.18 ACRE

ML: #20295035 | TAXES:  $4,671

BEAVERTON CHARMER!

One of those rare Portland homes that encourages outdoor life when it’s gray and cold!

Open, light and bright 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Every inch has been thoughtfully remodeled and is move-in ready. Within walking distance to 3 parks including Hyland Forest. Gorgeous remodeled kitchen with reclaimed wood island. Cozy living room with wood burning fireplace and french doors that lead out to a large backyard with covered deck perfect for year-round entertaining, gardening and hot tubbing. Small RV parking. 2 yr old furnace. This charmer belongs in Sunset Magazine!

OPEN HOUSE:

JANUARY 22, 2020: 12pm – 2pm

JANUARY 23, 2020: 12pm – 2pm

 

Interested in buying or selling in Portland? Reach out to Sophia: 503.936.7499. Or learn more about her background and experience here.

Will my house sell for more money when I stage it?

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Perceived Value.

A homebuyer determines the value of a home before they even enter your home. The NAR reported 55% of buyers find their home on the internet. First impression is everything. A photo can speak a thousand words… but don’t take my word for it, see for yourself and review the research below. Forbes, the National Association of REALTORS®,  and HGTV agree that staging your home will earn you a positive return.

 

The photos shown here are from actual listings in Oregon & Washington, that I sold, and either personally staged or hired a professional stager. Some of these listings were full of clutter or located in a logistically difficult location.  One listing was on a very busy road with almost no driveway or garage and several unfinished construction projects. Another had little natural light and a slight pet odor. The last home was the most expensive house in the neighborhood, surrounded by homes that did not maintain their yard(or not attractive from the exterior), and did not have a garage. The point is- there may be other factors that make a home more difficult to sell. First impression is everything. If you can WOW potential buyers regarding the interior and exterior, the other factors are minimal in the end. A common rule of thumb for a home on a busy road, is to reduce the price 10%. If there are factors that already reduce the value of your home, wouldn’t you want to make up for it in some way? And if you could add 10%+ value to the true value of your home by re-arranging furniture or staging it- why wouldn’t you?

Forbes reported, “According to the National Association of REALTORS®, for every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400 . Compare that to the average sale price, which is a reduction of 10-20% from asking. So an average home with a $400,000 asking price will be reduced by $40,000 to $80,000.”

A great quote right out of an HGTV article, “I see many home sellers confuse staging with decorating and consequently resisting the process and the recommendations of the staging professional. But the reality is that the moment you commit to marketing your home for sale, you need to commit to transforming your home into a place that potential buyers can easily picture as their home.”

Staging is not only about furniture or de-cluttering. Staging a home for sale is a process that starts by preparing a “listing-prep” plan. After I meet with a client and sign a listing contract, we do a walk through together and make this plan. It can include a calendar of timelines to get household projects completed, packing, storing furniture, and touching up paint. As you can see from all of the above “before” photos, lighting makes a HUGE difference. Lighting, furniture placement, and professional photography create the WOW. Once we have all those elements, the perceived value of your home is at its highest and best. When your home is presented at its highest and best value- you sell for the highest price! Actual value depends on your location and condition of home. To find out what your home value is and what staging can do to improve the value of your home- contact me.

If you’re curious what it’ll take to sell your home, call me! I’d love to discuss future real estate opportunities with you. Call, email or text anytime.

Julia Robertson | Broker Licensed in Oregon & Washington

Insta @realestatebyjulia

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

Living Room Realty

Sold in Washougal, Washington

Posted on by Julia Robertson

SOLD in Washougal, Washington

Sold! This gorgeous custom log home sold just in time for Christmas. If you’re thinking about selling or buying in Washington- Give me a call! I love helping homeowners navigate the selling process. I assist with prepping and staging the house to sell, marketing to the ideal buyer through direct marketing, and bringing to a successful close.

If you want to discuss your real estate plans- call or email anytime!

Julia Robertson | Broker Licensed in Oregon & Washington

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

Living Room Realty

Never Have I Ever…

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Mary Ann came to me as a referral from one of my favorite clients to date, I already knew I would love her based on that. As we toured her home for the pre-listing walk through, I began to jot down my regular notes: take down posters, narrow down decorations, put away unnecessary kitchen counter top appliances, yadda yadda. She was clearly making mental notes as well, and I could see she was up for the challenge. We cruised through her (incredible!) theatre toward her master bedroom, her sweet pup- Phinn, trailing close behind. Mary Ann watched me closely as I peeked into each closet accessing its future. As I reached the master bedroom I saw her grin and mumble “uhhh open that one slowly… I have kind of a shoe thing…”. You guys. I’ve never seen so many shoes in all of my life! Nordstrom has nothing on Mary Ann! She had neatly lined each pair up row after row after row, after row… after row. I closed my gaping mouth, gave her my punch list and prayed to all of the listening shoe Gods. I returned a week later to finalize the listing and almost fell over dead, SHE DID IT! Mary Ann did every single thing I asked! Talk about dream client!! All of the hard work paid off 7 days later when she got her offer and we sailed into a smooth closing. Congratulations Mary Ann! Thank you for trusting me and letting me participate in your move to the next chapter!

Market Ready Your Home – Alameda

Posted on by Carrie Struss

How to Market Ready Your Home

There are 4 factors that control the sale of your home:

Location, Price, Marketing, and Condition

As a seller, you have the most control and effect over the condition of your home. Condition is one of the top factors in the marketability and sale of your home. Part of the work I do as a real estate agent is to help you prepare your home for the market by providing an extensive “Market Ready Your Home” guide. This guide helps transition your mindset from “This is my home” to “This is a product for sale.” It takes you through each area of your home and provides a checklist on what to do to get your home ready to be marketed, listed, and sold.

One part of this guide covers your home’s functional condition and things that will be addressed during disclosures and inspections. Are there things that need to be fixed? This is not the pretty fun part.

On the flip side, the majority of the guide part talks about your home’s aesthetic condition.  This is the fun part where we basically get to play dress up with your house! What can we do to make the home most appealing to today’s buyers?

Once we factor in costs, time, and ability (who is going to do what), we prioritize both functional fixes and aesthetic updates to create a Market Ready checklist and timeline specific to your home!

Below is the Market Ready checklist from my latest Alameda listing:

-paint interior and exterior

-clean roof and gutters

-landscape and clear out flower beds

-trim hedges below windows to allow light in

-remove storm windows and get windows professionally washed

-install new mirrors and bathroom lights

-install new porch light

-update canned lights in kitchen

-update basement lights

 

Having wonderful clients that executed their entire checklist helped! Here are the before and afters:

As you can see, it is very important to hire a real estate agent who can help you throughout the entire listing process by providing guidance and resources needed from start to finish and beyond. If you would like a free copy of my “Market Ready Your Home” guide, please email me at carrie@livingroomre.com!

BEST MONTH TO LIST YOUR HOME?

Posted on by Carrie Struss

Data Says April is the Best Month to List Your Home for Sale

The spring housing market is off to the races! The inventory of homes for sale is increasing, buyers are out in force, and interest rates have remained low, piquing the interest of buyers and sellers previously on the fence about making a move.

New research from realtor.com shows that the first week of April is actually the best time to list your house for sale! The report used “trends in median listing prices, views per property on REALTOR®.com, home price drops, median days on market, and number of listings on the market over the last three years,” to determine a ranking for every week of the year.

Listing your home in the first week of April contributes 14x more property views, 5% less competition from other home sellers, and results in the home being sold 6 days faster!

Below is a graph indicating the average score for each month of the year.

Data Says April is the Best Month to List Your Home for Sale | MyKCM

It should come as no surprise that April and May dominate as the top months to sell. The second quarter of the year (April, May, June) is referred to as the Spring Buyers Season, when competition is fierce to find a dream home, often leading to bidding wars.

If you’re thinking of selling your home this year, the time to list is NOW! According to the National Association of REALTOR®’s, 41% of homes sold last month were on the market for less than 30 days. If you list now, you’ll have a really good chance to sell in April or May, setting yourself up for the most exposure.

Bottom Line

Let’s get together to discuss Portland’s current market conditions to get you the most exposure to the buyers ready and willing to make a move!