Anni Zilz

Your home must be market ready from Day One. Everything must be clean, fresh paint where appropriate, and the clutter under control. It is very difficult and stressful for you and the kid'sto keep their things in order all the time. In this market you want to be ready when the buyer's agent calls, therefore, your home should be ready at a moment's notice. I have moved 8 times with my children, and I learned from experience that it is much easier to move out. Do a walk through with your agent to determine what pieces of furnature should stay to "highlight" the home, and put the rest in storage. Your agent should then add accessories to provide "pop" where you need it. Examples are silk pillows, new towels, candles, etc. Do leave some newer toys behind to use in your staging. You will want to highlight the fact that the house is a great home for anyone, including the children. Good luck. - Wed Jul 2 2008, 14:54

Rent or buy? If you are planning to rent, there is a fantastic apartment building walking distance to Boeing. It is totallly fun with waterfront access, a theater, party room, gym and minutes to downtown Seattle & Bellvue. I think it is fantastic. Good luch - Mon Jun 9 2008, 21:38

A good full service agent will either do the staging or hire a professional stager depending on the list price of the home and the budget. I do both and I always use a professional photographer regardless of the list price. Let me know if you want specific information and we can establish a plan for your listing. - Tue Jun 3 2008, 09:33

Ask your realtor. They are trained in performing specific analysis and have the tools available to them. Your time is valuable, turn to professionals. - Mon May 19 2008, 10:10

Wow, NewportFiji sounds really bitter. While I am not a blogger, he really struck a cord here and I feel I have to respond. I am really sorry for what ever bad experience you had in the past. I have counciled many clients NOT to buy a specific home. That is my job as their advocate. As a real estate professional, I can tell you that most of the producing agents in my office, and that I associate with have business degrees (or a 4 year degree of some sort) and many have graduate degrees, in addition to the extensive training that is required, by law, in order to maintain our licenses. While most of us cannot predict the future, most do use market knowledge to council our clients. By the way...if we worked ONLY for the commissions we would not be in business long. The best businesses are built on referral. All the best to you! AZ - Thu Apr 17 2008, 14:00

This is a fantastic time to buy a home or an investment property. Prices are better than they have been in years and buyers are in the driving seat during the negotiation on many listings. Interests rates are great right now, and many mortgage professionals anticipate that they will not be this low much longer. Remember to contact you real estate professional who will be your advocate , will protect your interests, and will negotiate the best deal for your specific situation.

Happy Shopping!
Anni Zilz, ABR - Thu Apr 17 2008, 13:31