Authored by: Options Realty -Laurie Mindnich

June 24th, 2007 

While most of you may be aware of the term “staging”, many people aren’t fully aware of the process. We recently had the pleasure of a staging experience with ValAllocco, Owner- STAGED 2 SELL NY. She clarified it for us, and for our sellers. We’d like to share the info that we learned at this meeting.

STAGING IS NOT EXPENSIVE. The staging consultation that we experienced was $200.00. For this, Val will come to your home and walks, room to room, making suggestions. This is done with the advice from her that there are two kinds of homes: YOUR home, and the “home that you want to SELL”. Two entirely different properties.

STAGING IS NOT INSULTING. Val is completely aware that people live in their homes, and never expects to walk into a “model home” environment, because that isn’t the way most people choose to live. Other priorities come before creating a model feel- cherished mementos, photos, etc. are all part of who we ARE. They belong in your environment. They don’t necessarily work in the “home that you want to SELL”.

At Options Realty, we are so enamored of the process, and increase in possible dollars in your pocket to try it that we are considering it as part of our services to you, the seller. If you are pricing your house in such a way that it demonstrates market value, the staging experience will be “on us”. $200. for a consultation is a very small price to pay to get your property in tip top showing condition.

Val offers the full gamut, and if you choose to have additional furniture brought in, plants, etc. the cost is higher. If she recommends paint, or any type of improvement, that’s up to you, the seller. What we found is that her suggestions, without any additional cost, created exactly the environment that we were seeking for prospective buyers, simply by rearranging a bit, and offering additional light and space by moving large pieces out altogether. Simple.

Any advantage that we can find in this tougher market to get your house sold should be utilized- you deserve our full commitment. I hope that this assists you with the staging concept- a set of eyes that view your home as a buyer will view it is an invaluable addition to our marketing tools!

Authored by: Options Realty - Laurie 

June 14th, 2007 

To those in the North Fork of Long Island, New York that LOVE a great yard sale, the queen of sales approaches, featuring antiques, collectibles, furniture, bake sale and more. On July 7, 2007, from 8am to 4pm the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society will be providing the creme de la creme- come one, come all!

An annual event, this is a sought after lawn sale, offering collectors of unique treasures the opportunity to locate anything from vintage linens, jewelry, clothing, china, and trinkets at amazing prices.

We’ve had the pleasure of attending this event, and it has never disappointed. The cars arrive early, so be prepared for a pleasant stroll along Main Road in Mattituck, New York to reach the sale. The sale is held on the lawn of the Museum grounds on Main Road (Rte. 25) and Cardinal Drive, Mattituck.
- and the number of participating vendors make this a “can’t miss” for those interested in items that are located on the North Fork.

We've been all victimized, at one point or another, with vandals corrupting our listings- stealing signs, stealing brochure boxes, creating abnoxious problems that are not only inconvenient, but costly.  It's never, ever "fun", and I know that I've found myself trying to picture the perps, and wishing I'd caught them in the act.

Today, another bit of mischief.  My current builder took many months of time, effort, and diligence to create an absolutely amazing water feature at the front of the project.  It is visible from a very busy street, and quite the beautiful display- loads of water, soothing sound, flowers surrounding it.  A true representation of elegance and refined beauty.

until...

someone decided to drop two bottles of bubble bath into the fountain last night.  It is now bubbling into the street, overflowing and overtaking the flowers, and looking altogether ridiculous.

When my boss told me, and I couldn't stop laughing, he started laughing, too- he had to dive in and retrieve the bottles...so thank you, whoever decided to wreak a bit of havoc- I feel really, really relaxed from the laugh.  Although I'm going to hear all about it from the over 55 set when I return to work- won't be so funny, then.  And, thank you for doing it on my day off- I'll keep swimming attire in the car until the final 5 homes sell...