Real Estate Predictors are no Nostradamus

While reading the Sacramento Bee's synopsis of real estate predictions over the past year, it was comical to see how positive everyone was. The Bee did an article showing each prediction and then what actually happened. Almost all of the predictors thought we would be out of this economic housing mess by early 2009 at the latest.

Well, we are no where near out of it. Let's see how this year's predictions go.

Staging Your Home to Sell

Many factors are combined for a successful home sale: competitive sale price, well-kept home, marketing, excellent property photos, curb appeal, desirable location and lastly, good staging.

Good staging consists of the following (for additional tips, go to http://www.hgtv.com/ and search "staging"):

1. Remove clutter
   You may love your salt and pepper collection, but buyers won't. Make your home look like a model home and be sure to have at least 50% of space on everything. This includes closets, shelves, the garage. If buyers see stuff crammed everywhere they will unconsciously think there's not enough room for their stuff. Rent a storage unit or two.
2. Take down your family photos
   All those photos of junior are adorable, but it will distract buyers and take their focus off of your home.
3. Clean inside and out
   I know this seems obvious, but I can't tell you how many homes I show where there are dirty dishes in the sink, crumbs on the floor, yucky litter boxes, Fido "droppings" on the lawn...you get the picture.
4. Hide the toys
   Get a toy box and use it. Whatever doesn't fit in the toy box, goes in storage. Make it look like the adults own the home, not the kids.
5. Remove unnecessary furniture
   Although it may be useful for your family to have a couch, love seat and Dad's favorite recliner, it is probably making your living room small. The less furniture, the bigger your house looks. This goes ditto for huge bedroom furniture -- unless, of course, you have a 1200 square foot master suite. Be sure there is ample space for a family to tour your home and not have to squeeze between furniture pieces to move around.
6. Put away the exercise equipment
   You're probably not using it anyway, except to hang clothing, so for the sale of your home, put it away. The only time this is okay, is when you have a room that is specifically being used as a workout room.
7. Hire a professional home stager
   Professional staging has become a booming business and can really help in the quick and profitable sale of a home, particularly in a challenging home selling market. To find a home stager in your area, visit www.stagedhomes.com/

Mercury Retrograde's Effect on Real Estate

What the heck is Mercury retrograde and what could it possibly have to do with real estate? A lot!

Mercury Retrograde is when the planet Mercury starts to go in a backward motion. This happens approximately three times a year for a 3 to 4 week period. We are currently in one of these periods and the havoc wreaked is real -- even if you don't believe in astrology. This retrograde started on October 12 and ends November 1. The planet Mercury rules communication and transportation. Therefore, it is not a good time to start anything new, such as a contract, job, etc. It is also a bad time for travel and buying anything expensive, especially electronics.

During this time, real estate transactions will fall out of escrow, communications will break down, and people will have disagreements. If you happen to have homes in contract, be especially diligent about communication with all parties and expect delays.

Despite Mercury Retrograde's negative aspects, there are some positive ones too. This period is a great time to "re" do anything. Reconnect with old friends, redo your closet, restart your workout routine, etc.

For more information on this subject, visit Susan Miller's Astrology Zone website:
http://www.astrologyzone.com/forecasts/mercury.html