The Benefits of an Open House

Posted on by

Spring is almost upon us. The signs will begin to appear, the grass turning greener, the blooming flowers, and real estate “Open House” signs on every corner.

In this technological age where pictures of homes are on every real estate website, people sometimes wonder what the benefits are to having a Open House.

In order to sell a Knoxville home in this competitive real estate market, effective marketing of the home must occur. Basically, it’s about getting the house for sale in front of as many eyes as possible. An Open House is one of the methods to increase the number of people who view the home.

People attend Open Houses for a variety of reasons. During an Open House buyers don’t feel pressured and they can look at the home at their leisure. Also, potential buyers do not feel pressured to work with an agent or even feel obligated to leave their personal information with the agent.

Another benefit of an Open House is that potential buyers are free to ask questions about the home and the neighborhood.

Open Houses also capture extra interest and generate excitement in the area. It is a way of getting “lookers” into the house on the spur of the moment. People who are riding around are inspired to drop in and look at the home since it is open.

An Open House provides buyers an opportunity to let many people view their property at one time. This means getting it show ready once, rather than multiple times for multiple showings. Also, homeowners may keep in mind, while the Open House might not yield an offer, it could produce referrals. Someone who attended the Open House may know a friend or relative who would love the home.

If you are buying or selling your home in the Knoxville area, it’s best to use an experienced and professional Realtor, like Judi Starliper and the J-Star Team.

Tips for Moving with Children

Posted on by

Congratulations! You’ve just landed that new job or promotion, however, the new position requires you to move. This means a big change, especially if you have children. Here are some tips to make the move to a new house as smooth and stress-free for you and for your children.

Your attitude about the move will influence your child’s feelings. When you initially discuss the move, do so in a comfortable, informal setting where they will be able to express their opinion and concerns. Explain what the move means to you and the family. Explain that a lot of people move and share a personal story about one of your moves. Also, discuss their role and that they’ll be needed to look at houses and to pack boxes.

Have kids offer opinions on the home purchase. Ultimately, you will make the final decision on the home, but ask them what they like or don’t like about the houses that you have narrowed it down to. If it’s a long-distance move and they can’t travel to see the houses, show them pictures. When an offer and acceptance is made on the new home, have a small celebration to generate excitement.

Have a garage sale or compile items to donate to charity. The kids will need to help determine which of their belongings make the move and which can be sold or donated. Assure them that you will only get rid of items they no longer use and they can keep treasured belongings.

Learn more about the community where you’ll be moving. Read about the history of the community and share it with your children. Research points of interest, like parks, shopping venues, and groups you and your children might be interested in joining.

Allow them to create a design plan for their room. Determine a budget and let them help decide how that money will be spent. Allowing them to pick their room color and a few accessories will help to get them excited about the new house.

Host a party for your child and their friends. To prepare for the party, your child can write notes to their friends that capture a special memory. At the party, have your child’s friends enter their address, telephone number, and email address into a book. Take plenty of pictures at the party of your child with each individual friend. Make two copies of the picture. When you move, your child can write to their friend and include the picture.

Settle in. Unpacking boxes will take several days or weeks, however, it’s important to plan some fun with your kids. Schedule an afternoon, evening, or day to go to one of the points of interest that you researched. Pack a picnic lunch and head to the park or spend some time at an area attraction, like the science museum or aquarium.

Moving with kids can be stressful, but with proper planning, it can be manageable. The right Realtor, like Judi Starliper, knows the area and will help you find the home that suits you and your children.

Attention to Details

Posted on by

Your home is for sale and you’ve had plenty of showings, but no offers. You know that it is priced competitively, so, what could be the problem? It may be time to call in an expert, a staging professional, to help provide attention to the details in order to obtain a sale.

Staging a home goes deeper than de-cluttering and applying a fresh coat of neutral paint. It is also highlighting a home’s positive attributes and downplaying any potentially negative aspects of the home. Here are some staging details to make sure your home looks attractive to potential buyers.

Enhance the curb appeal. The potential buyer’s first impression occurs as soon as they drive up to the home. Make sure the front yard impresses them. All bushes, trees, and grass should be trimmed and maintained. Flower beds should be weed-free and colorful. If possible, plant annuals, like impatiens, to bring color to the yard. The potential buyer will be noticing the pretty flowers, not that the yard is small.

The front porch is another opportunity to create an inviting atmosphere. Make sure you have adequate front porch lighting for those night time showings. Also, the front door and porch railing should have a fresh coat of paint and be in good working order. Outdoor decorative elements made from metal or ceramic materials and plants in decorative containers can liven up the front porch space. Creating an outdoor sitting area is another special touch that potential buyers will surely appreciate. Additional space is important, even if it’s outside.

Create the wow-factor for the entry way. When a potential buyer enters the home, you want them to say, “Wow.” You can make a good impression by creating a focal point. One idea is to place a small table at the entry way. On top, you can place fresh flowers or a framed decorative picture (not of family members, but of scenery or an inspirational quote). Another suggestion for creating a dramatic entryway is to hang a large piece of art in the foyer. An enlarged photo in a powerful frame or an interesting painting can make the right impression on potential buyers.

Add special touches. If a bathroom needs updating, but it is not economically possible to renovate it before you sell, there are some inexpensive ways to improve the space. Updating the cabinet hardware, the fixtures, and the lighting can do wonders for the bathroom. Decorative accessories, like pretty towels, candles, and soap dispensers can help buyers from thinking, “This place needs updating,” to “Aww, those are pretty.”

Knoxville area home buyers and sellers turn to experienced Realtor Judi Starliper who works with a knowledgeable team, including a professional home stager who can help turn showings into offers.

My Husband Doesn’t Like Valentine’s Day

Posted on by

My husband has an interesting way of celebrating holidays like Valentine’s day. He doesn’t like them so he doesn’t celebrate them. My thinking is that I like them and he should celebrate them for me. That’s the difference in men and women, I guess. I decided I’d just tell him what to do. So I said I wanted some flowers, candy, a card and a dinner out. Valentine’s Day came and the anticipation was so exciting. I woke up and went to the kitchen for coffee that day. There, on the counter, was a card with a sucker taped to it, a velvet rose that you can wrap around a pole or a chair and a gift certificate for me to have dinner at Smoky Mountain Market. Now folks, that definitely was not what I had in mind.

I’m a romantic and I believe life should be like a movie. But, my life already is like a movie. I have a wonderful husband who is such a good man. He stands for all things right and good. He’s a man of honor who loves his country, takes care of his family and always tries to do the right thing. He has a smile that will “knock your socks off.” He is the best of grandfathers and is always trying to teach the boys lessons for a lifetime. Our son is a product of Steve’s Christian upbringing and my comical way of looking at life. My Valentine really makes my life Valentine’s Day every day.  But sometimes I let the commercial things get in my way of seeing that. When you have someone that makes you want to be a better person, you don’t need a card to say I love you. Instead, I need to give him a card that says, “Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful.”

**UPDATE**

After last week’s Valentine’s post, my husband happened to be in the office on Valentine’s Day. A co-worker’s husband sent her a beautiful flower arrangement, card, and gift.  Needless to say, she was excited. My husband walked into her office just at the time she was going on about what her husband had done and how sweet he was. My husband made no attempt to share in her enthusiasm. “I don’t believe in valentine’s Day and I won’t ever celebrate any commercial holiday manufactured to make people spend money!” She interrupted him and asked if he had read my Valentine’s post and he replied, “I hate it when she writes about me!” All the secretaries chimed in and said, “You need to read it because she said such great things about you.” He walked over and looked on the screen on Facebook, read it and asked to have a copy made so he could put it in his archives.

At home that night, Steve asked if I would go to dinner on Saturday night, but wouldn’t tell me where. Of course, I said yes and was so excited. I wondered if it would it be Smoky Mountain Market or something nice? The anticipation almost got the best of me. We got into the car on Saturday night and low and behold……we pulled up at Ruth’s Chris.  After we sat down, I asked Steve what he was having because I didn’t want to order something real expensive if he didn’t. He’s so frugal. To my surprise, he ordered steak and lobster which is as real surprise considering he hasn’t eaten steak in 23 years.! I took that as a sign to do the same. We ended up having a wonderful and special night out and we didn’t have to fight the crowds. Turns out, he only hates celebrating Valentine’s Day ON the day it happens!  He told the waiter, “This is my anti-Valentine”s Day dinner out.”  You have got to love the guy!!! They broke the mold when they made him.

Happy Valentine’s Day-to LOVE!

Winter Fun in Knoxville

Posted on by

The technical definition of “cabin fever” is irritability or listlessness resulting from a long confinement or isolation indoors during the winter. Fortunately, with so many fun activities and events in Knoxville, those with cabin fever need not suffer any longer.

Here’s a look at Winter fun in Knoxville.

The Knoxville Ice Bears. An Ice Bears hockey game is sure to be a hit for the whole family. The games are entertaining and feature special nights like Star Wars Night, Weiner Dog Races, Miss Ice Bear competition, and several vendor and fan appreciation games. Load up the family, grab tickets to the Fanzone, and see the Ice Bears in action along with Chilly, their mascot.

University of Tennessee basketball. During February, the UT men’s and women’s basketball season heats up with conference play. So, wear your “I Back Pat” t-shirt, grab your orange pom pom, and cheer the Vols on to March Madness.

Knoxville Museum of Art. See the “After the Fall” exhibition before in ends in mid-February. Also, the museum hosts Alive after Five which features live music, a beer and wine bar, and light food. Be prepared to be wowed by the art and the entertainment at the KMA.

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. This Knoxville treasure is the only museum devoted to honoring all levels of women’s basketball and the amazing stars who play and coach the sport. All members of the family will enjoy the presentations, the artifacts, and the basketball courts.

The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. February is Sweetheart Month at the Titanic Museum and 2012 is the Year of the Titanic. This interactive museum brings to life the stories of those who were aboard the Titanic.

Mardi Growl. In early March, the Mardi Growl is a parade for our furry, four-legged friends. There are several costume categories, so start stitching that perfect pet costume that displays your furry friend’s personality. The proceeds from the event benefit Young Williams Animal Center.

For more winter fun inspiration, check out the resources on Knoxville area Realtor Judi Starliper’s website.