My new column for Show Stopper Magazine (March 2012 Issue, page 13). Spring is around the corner which historically is the kick off the real estate high season! Check out my 3 tips before you blindly throw your house on the market. The wrong price could mean a house that never sells! 
 
 
Real phone conversation with clueless listing agent

Herman: Hi, I'm calling about listing on *&^@& St.  Is there anything wrong with the property? 
Agent: It's gorgeous! 
Herman: How come there  are no photos?
Agent: Didn't you read the pretty description I wrote?
Herman: (rolls eyes) Um, a picture is worth a 1000 words. 

I feel so sorry for his clients! People are visual creatures. If your house is for sale, make sure you have TONS of pics. It's like online dating, you  are more likely to click on the guy with attractive photos and sparse bio, than a guy with no pix and long flowery bio (TMI or over compensation). Let's face it. No pix implies fugly! 

Case in point: Notice how boring this blog post is without any images?! 
 
 
Picture
Direct Shopping Network TV Hosts Brook Roberts & Tara Gray have launched a new magazine called Show Stopper!  With already over 300,000 subscribers, I'm so flattered my friend Tara (former Miss Alabama!)  asked me to pen a column about home & design. See page 14-15 here.  Got a question for me? Post in comments & it just might be next month's topic! 

 
 
Picture
I blogged last September about my friend  Adam's company ClearHouse which offers un-biased pre-inspections. I'm a huge advocate of knowing the condition of a property upfront. It can save a deal from painful surprises & tense negotiations mid-transaction! 

In 5 months, ClearHouse was not only written up on AGbeat.com ("ClearHouse adds transparency to home inspections, improves process"), but made their top 60 Genius Brands to Watch in 2012. And now they have just given a clean crisp make-over to their website with new videos and FAQ!  Check it out. Kudos! 

 
 
There are special considerations when selling a condo! When you are hocking your goodies out there, a lot of it is preparation (H). Watch my latest video for eHow.com.

How to Sell My Condominium -- powered by ehow
 
 
Picture
Gawker spotlights homeowners around the globe who've gone straight up bonkers with their Xmas lights. Couple thoughts swirling in my noggin:
  1. They say de-personalize your house when it's on the market....so if your house is for sale now, do you think Xmas decor helps or hurts? I say it hurts. What if your magical buyer is an atheist? Baby Jesus can't help you there!
  2. Ummm, 2 words: Electric Bill. This Delaware family spent $82,000 on Christmas lights. I'm all about celebrating your beliefs, but damn, not at the expense of Mother Earth (not to mention your savings!)