Love to see...

We just sold our condo. -got above asking price too- yaay!! To extra de-clutter we rented a storage locker and out everything unecessay into it- all boxed up and ready to move now for us on June 1st- woohoo!! I also pre-scented the house with vanilla candles before every showing. We asked what our realtor told us to- not too much- not too little, and we left it spotless for each showing- it was tough as it took 3 weeks but it was so worth it in the end. I boxed up lotsof picturestoo to de-personalize it- that was hard buttherealtor said it would help- I left out afew family photos, but a lot went away. We also bought stuff to dress the house- a new tablecloth, put out vases etc.. And I had fresh flowers on the coffee table each time.

Hey Ali! It is wonderful what you've done to record life here. Nice. On the open house...have some music playing quietly and light a favorite MILD scented candle upstairs and down. PS. my favorite is Votivo's, "Red Currant" - you'll never go back! Love to you today and my favorite nephew! Tell him, "Cold Spaghetti, Cold Spaghetti!" for John and I.
Liz

love the banner... love tina's, love Cathy's!

you rock girl! It's funny you posted this....i was just talking to a friend today saying i was going to change mine this weekend!

oh open house tips....i have a ton Dad's a realtor!
1. bake cookies
2. clean your house but make it look like some one lives there.
3. flowers!!!!

Leave the realtor cards from previous lookers on the kitchen counter - gives a buyer a sense of urgency!!! (I know it did w/ me!) But honestly, cleaning is the best. You wouldn't believe how many houses we went into that had marks all over the wall - all you can think about is how much painting you'd have to do!

Wonderful Ali ...
I really love your new banner and this is very "eye catching"
Love the new look !!!!
Ciao !
Your canadian friend...
Mélane
xxx

You've gotten some great advice for the open house so I won't repeat any of it. Just wanted to say I love the new banner! :)

Ali--
We are just about to put our house on the market too...UGH! I have a friend who is a realtor and she said to take about 1/4 of your clothes out of your closet and put them in boxes while you show the house-if you move you'll have to box them anyway...this will make your closets look much bigger. Perception is a big deal. I just emptied about 1/2 of mine for a garage sale. It looks sooooo much better!! No one wants a house without enough closet space!! Good Luck--I'll cross my fingers for you!

no house tips from me ali.. just wanted to share we have the same "favorite" .. lilacs.... my BF bought me some at the end of the season.. and they are just budding for the 1st time :) dont think i'll get any blossoms this year, but thats ok !

OKAY!!! SHEEESH!!! You've convinced me...I'm gonna figure out how to do this banner thingy...I tried, and I can't figure out how to size it!!!
It's my weekend goal...after the laundry...and the grocery shopping...and...all the *schtuff* that's piled up...
Thanks for the inspiration Ali...YOURS is fabu-loso!!!!

LOVE your new banner!! :)

I'm sure you have figured this out but take Simon elsewhere!!
When we sold our house last May, it was my job to take a 4 and 1 yo boys out for the whole day and Joe was the realtor (we sold the house ourselves). That day was exhausting!!

LOve the banner, orange, pink and yellow are my favorite colors.
Watch an episode of Designed to Sell in HGTV for some great before and after tips and ideas for selling your home. Good luck!

We actually got a storage unit and put all seasonal and any other "stuff" that we would not be needing for a few months or things that were seldom used (our deep fryer, etc.), and big toys. I was hesitant to do this for the cost but the reason we were moving was that we needed more space. We got the carpets cleaned, minimally improved landscaping in front, baked choc. chip cookies, removed family photos, and cleaned (and cleaned) some more. I put fresh towels in the master bath daily and removed toys in the tub in case we had a showing. I love the hamper idea; sometimes you have to leave on a moments notice. It did work for us - we sold our house in 4 days. Good Luck!!