Spring Arbor Social Calendar

Spring Arbor's 55+ community is an epicenter for active adult homes in Delaware. The calendar is bursting with opportunities to get out there, get active, and make some friends, ranging from activities such as line dancing, yoga, and water aerobics, to social gatherings like mah jong, rummikub, and book club, to charity opportunities and much, much more. This is only a small smattering of what is available to community members.

For more information, check out the Spring Arbor website, or take a look at the September calendar below!

Staging a Home to Sell

I hope you got some useful tips from part 1 of Nina's guest blogs.  As promised, here is part 2.  There are really great ideas for anyone considering a move to a 55+ new home community in here.  Don't forget to visit our website to see what's new at McKeeBuilders.com 

In my last post I addressed what I refer to as, the 'Where do I begin' phase in selling your home.  I left off with telling you the next important step in doing that would be 'Staging your home,' and I would deal with that in my next blog. So, here goes.  'Staging' plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your home will sell before you actually put it on the market.  Professional Stagers are good at what they do, their price tag bears that out.  As an  experienced Professional Organizer I can help you achieve the same results more cost efficiently.  Below is an outline on staging your home and property to sell, more often than not, at your full asking price:

•   Curb appeal is the most important aspect in staging your home.  We all know ‘first impressions are lasting’.  That being said, what is the condition of your home's entire exterior?  Is your roof in good shape?  Does anything need to be power washed?  i.e.: your homes framework, whether Stone, Brick, Vinyl or Wood. How about Windows, Gutters, Patios, Driveways and Walkways?  Is your landscaping eye-catching or an 'Eyesore?  All of this is what gives your home great ‘curb appeal.’  And, what prospective buyers will see first when they pull up.  Make sure your entire exterior is a precursor and a good reflection on your interior. 

•   As I indicated in my previous article, a bitter enemy for any home is clutter, especially one on the market!  Remove as much clutter from your home as possible.  This includes closets, cabinets, and any room that has a door.  Keep in mind, when buyers are doing a walk-through, they will open all doors.  Make sure all trash, things to donate or recycle and everything you are not keeping is out-of-the-way or disposed of.

•   If you have decided to add a fresh coat of paint to walls or cabinets, keep it fresh and simple by using a warm neutral color which will open up space.  If you would like to add a ‘spark’ of color, limit it to one accent wall such as behind a bed.

•   When you have donated or removed all unwanted furniture, reposition the furniture you're keeping by ‘floating’ the pieces away from the walls.  This ensures good traffic flow.  

•   Accessories are important, but don’t over do it.  Your goal is to impart an atmosphere of a house that is more of a home; this can be achieved by placing family photos, personal items and knick-knacks throughout.  Keep in mind, ‘less is more.’  

•   Make sure your home is well lit.  If need be, add overhead lighting or lamps where necessary.  

•   Fresh flowers and lit candles work wonders.

Next time we'll deal with the most dreaded task of all...the move itself. 

Remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed, I am just a phone call away.

Written by Nina Bowdler, Professional Organizer, Divine Intervention. 

Nina can be reached via e-mail at nina@thedivineorganizer.com

 

Organizational Tips When Selling a Home

Good Morning Readers,

Today we have Part 1 of a 2 Part post by Nina Bowdler, a professional organizer, who has some great tips to help you sell your house so you can move into a McKee Builders new home community.  Don't forget to see what's new on our website at mckeebuilders.com where you can research and view photos of our new construction 55+ homes in PA, DE & MD.


So, you're going to move. And, with that comes a tremendous amount of anticipation, excitement, a little apprehension mixed with a fair share of anxiety.  Logic dictates the first important question... Where do I begin? First, take a deep breath and focus on all that's positive.  With a new home comes new beginnings, new friends, neighbors and so many more new memories.  But, where does one start with selling their home?  As a Professional Organizer, my goal is to help my clients navigate through the process.  Below are my tips on how to ease the stress and anxiety of selling a home:

•              Write everything down.  Choose a notebook, or a device such as a Tablet or computer to keep a list of what comes to mind.  I refer to this as ‘busy brain’ so don’t take a chance on forgetting something important.  This includes any ideas, questions, or concerns.

•              Choose a realtor you trust.  After all, this is a momentous and emotional decision.  Educate yourself on the current market value of your home so that there are no surprises.

•              Dealing with your belongings can be harrowing...your clothes, all personal items, kitchen and cooking stuff, all furniture, things stored in the basement or garage. Then, what comes with you, what do you give to family, friends, loved ones, and what to donate. Ah, the 'List.'  There's nothing more rewarding than what my great aunt referred to as “giving with your eyes open.”  She said that it brought her much joy to see her treasures enjoyed by those she held dear and the needy.

•              Take note of any fixing to be addressed and research vendors to get the repairs done.

•              Take a detailed ‘tour’ of your home and carry your list or at least a pencil and paper with you for an accurate accounting of all you  have to deal with.

 Next time I will talk about staging your home. Until then, if you are overwhelmed, a Professional Organizer is worth so much more than their weight and expertise, in gold.

Written by Nina Bowdler, Professional Organizer, Divine Intervention.