We all know that “web appeal is the new curb appeal,” but as a seller, how can you draw in online house hunters if your home hasn’t been updated since the Brady Bunch was airing? Fear not, I’m not going to recommend that you take on tens of thousands of dollars in updates and upgrades…
Ask Sharon: I have very specific taste. Should I spend the money to stage my home?
When you’ve spent several years or even decades decorating and updating a house, it can feel frustrating to hear that you’ll have to stage your home — or neutralize its decor and design style — in order to appeal to the broadest set of buyers. But the reality is that home staging works, because…
Ask Sharon: How to sell your home in 13 steps
Prep yourself for the process with this 13-step home seller outline. When I work with sellers, I help navigate the logistical and emotional steps of moving
Ask Sharon: What’s the difference between a showing and an open house?
As you prepare to list your home for sale, you may be wondering just how many folks will be entering through the front doors. Let’s walk through the main differences between open houses vs. showings. Open house vs. showing: What’s the difference? At its most basic definition, a showing is a private viewing of your…
Ask Sharon: What steps should I expect to take when purchasing a home?
Once you decide to purchase a house, everything can fall into place quite quickly! Of course, this is a big decision and a big lifestyle change. We want to be sure that you are ready for every step that comes your way as you make your move. Below are the most common steps to buying…
Ask Sharon: What are the advantages of living in a “commuter town?”
I talk to folks all the time who are considering moving from New York City to live in a commuter town like Westfield, Cranford or neighboring towns. And more often than not, they want to know, “Am I really going to be able to handle this massive change to my lifestyle?” After a decade in…
Ask Sharon: Does staging a home really matter, when selling?
Selling a house can be a strenuous process, and I am often asked by home sellers if they can skip the step of staging their house. In our area, we have the benefit of idyllic houses with charming front yards and beautiful interiors. Many home sellers, then, think that their house doesn’t need to be…
Ask Sharon: How do I get my garage organized (for good)?
Before we talk about how to organize your garage, the time has come for us to talk about the amount of stuff we all have in our garages. (Raises hand in shame.) According to a U.S. Department of Energy study, 25% of Americans with 2-car garages don’t park in them at all. And a third…
Ask Sharon: What are the different types of mortgages, when buying a house?
When buying a house, the vast majority of home buyers take out a mortgage loan. But what are the different types of mortgages, and how do they meet the needs of various sets of buyers? Today, I’ll provide some in-depth information about common loan types and which buyers benefit from each type of mortgage. And…
Ask Sharon: Am I responsible for storm damage to my house?
Spring storm season is here. Do you know who is responsible if storm damage affects your house and yard? Let’s dive into what action you should take if a storm harms your property. First things first: Survey the damage and check on vulnerable neighbors Once you can safely exit your house, work to survey the…
Ask Sharon: I have nosy neighbors. As a seller, can I avoid having an open house?
In this week’s “Ask Sharon,” I advise a seller who is wondering if they can avoid hosting an open house after they list their home for sale. Dear Sharon, I am thinking of selling my house, but there’s one hold-up that I just can’t get past. The problem is my super nosy and judgmental neighbors.…
Ask Sharon: Should I “Marie Kondo” my home? (Yes, you should.)
Whether you’ve heard of the original book or her new Netflix show, it’s likely that folks around you are buzzing about the home “tidying” methods recommended by decluttering expert Marie Kondo. And now that Spring is almost here. what better time than now to “tidy up” your life and your home? Here in the U.S.,…
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