The selling season is upon us! And anyone preparing to sell a home will be happy to know that there are a lot of simple, affordable things that that can lead to a good sale. Staging a home is so important for attracting buyers. Here are my "three Cs and a D" guideline:

Curb Appeal
You want buyers to feel hopeful and positive right when then pull up to your house. This doesn't mean you need a giant re-landscaping project. It is all about looking neat and tidy plus a little something for visual interest to draw them in. Sweep sidewalks and drives. Trim bushes and trees so they are even and symmetrical. Add fresh mulch around plantings. Put away yard tools and toys. Then add a fresh-looking door mat, wreath or a bright potted plant at the entrance.   
 
Clean, Clean, Clean

Everything and everywhere. This is the time you want to finally clean all the things we blow off. Baseboards, light fixtures, inside cabinets, under sinks, in drawers and in the fridge. Have carpets professionally cleaned, power wash the deck if needed, clean windows inside and out. I can't imagine a buyer ever would think a house was too clean. But I have seen plenty cross a home off their list if it felt dirty and not cared for. 


Clear Clutter
Don't accidentally tell buyers that your home is too small or has insufficient storage. Edit each room so there is just enough furniture so people can comfortably move around. Remove nick knacks and keep decorative items to a minimum so the buyers look at the space not your stuff. Purge and edit closets and cabinets as well because buyers will look in them and you don't want them to seem jammed and overflowing. I like to suggest to clients that they are just getting a head start on packing.

De-Personalize
When selling your home, remember your goal is for someone else to imagine themselves living there. So, everything that makes your home about you or your family will simply distract from that goal. Remove framed photos, mementos, etc. And because pictures of your home will most likely be on real estate websites, it is not a bad idea to avoid sharing with the world what the people look like who live there.  

If you want more ideas, I found this great, comprehensive list of 5 Golden Rules to Home Staging on a Budget on REALTOR.org. Happy selling!

Congrats Kathleen! You won a Pink Virtue Purse Organizer! Email me at ashbholt@gmail.com and I will get you your prize. 

Lets get personal for a minute here. I have something private to share tonight. Something that I'm sure most women can relate to in one way or another. Something that hold secrets, bits and pieces of my life, helps me stay organized, could feed a small army, and looks pretty. I'm talking about my purse. 

This is what I carry with me everyday. I have gum, a planner, my boogie board, my wallet, my business cards and IMP name tag, a notebook, diapers and wipes, a huge bag of medicine (everything from Tylenol to Asthma Meds), an extra phone charger cord, cars and other toys, a massive pile of fruit snacks (usually there are a few bags of fishies in there too), and my collection of chapstick. 

Now someone please tell me that I am not the only person in the world who carries this much junk with them on a daily basis. When carrying this much junk its easy for things to get lost in the bottom of my bag. I hate it when its my turn to pay at the grocery store and I have to pretty much to empty my bag just to find my wallet. I don't think the people in line behind me enjoy it very much either. Luckily, I have found a solution!

Pink Virtue Boutique has an awesome purse organizer that has totally changed the craziness that I carry in my bag. It has so many pockets and yet it is compact enough to fit in any purse I own. 

There are two large zipper compartments that can hold lots. I have mine full of pens and crayons. The sides each have 2 medium sized pockets and some mesh pockets. I have been using those to hold treats for my kids and smaller toys (like their cars). The center of the organizer is large enough to hold all of my big things like my wallet, planner, and journal. My purse looks so clean now and it is so easy to find everything. I love being organized! 

Pink Virtue Boutique sent a purse organizer for one of you lucky members too! For your chance to win leave me a comment telling me what the most interesting thing in your purse is. For an extra entry go and Like Pink Virtue Boutique's Facebook Page. 

Children's Activities had a great time again this year at the Coralville Fire Station. We were able to meet the firefighters, see them in their gear and climb inside an ambulance and fire engine! Thanks again to the Coralville Fire Station for having us!