Holding an Open House

Kathy Aitken at Stewart Title is a fantastic marketer, and recently dropped-off some helpful information to our company about holding an open house that I wanted to share with you. My hope is that some of these tips can help give your home the advantage in a competitive marketplace.

• Sundays from 1-4pm seem to be the most effective
• Repainting the outside or inside is one of the least expensive and best ways to make your home look fresh again
• Open those blinds to let natural light in
• Move cars out of garage for space
• Remember the importance of scent
• Make sure entrance is clean and inviting
• Make sure family and children are out of the house
• Take pets outdoors or away while house is being shown
• Use a guest register, placed near the front entrance
• Never allow people to walk through unsupervised
• Be sure that you know the location of your keys at all times
• Have a flyer printed with important facts
• Be sure to follow up with prospective buyers the next day

How to Save Money and Stress with Your Foundation

One of the not so glamorous things about building a home is spending alot of time talking about the foundation. You don't get to pick from any colors, it doesn't light up and won't have your friends talking about it at dinner parties.

However, your foundation is the single-most important element of the home. This is where you'll probably spend the biggest part of your budget, and it is so important it is warrantied the longest. Let me give you so quick things to think about when planning your foundation for your home.

Make sure it is engineered. We get all of our slabs engineered and stamped so that all things are considered when getting started. The engineering company will not let us pour unless we pass their inspection.

Make sure the lot is prepared properly. This is huge and really separates the good contractors from the bad. There are so many things you can do to help avoid large slabs that have a lot of stairs and slopes for the driveway. We spend more time prepping the land than just about anything.

Make sure you string the lot beforehand. This is a must so that you can get a feel for what trees will be saved, and where you're house will lay in reference to the lot. It can also help you understand where your finish floor is.

Make sure you get a form check survey. Just after you set the forms for your foundation, make sure you have a survey company draw the forms on the site plan. This helps to ensure your home is not encroaching on any setback lines or easements. It will also give you peace of mind.

Tony Hawk Marketing Machine

In difficult economic times, it's best to look to other examples of people who have started businesses in similar environments. There's a man out there who has created a multi-million dollar skateboarding empire during a flat market and waning market interest. His name is Tony Hawk and although it is a different business entirely, he provides interesting tips on how to use tough times to your advantage (courtesy of Success Magazine):

Know it is risky, but do it anyway. "If we could set ourselves up in a position of prominence when skating was at a dead state, then if it took off we could ride the wave."

Recognize the advantages of a flat market. It's more expensive to get in a business when times are good.

Make sure you are passionate about your idea or product. Focus all of your energy and want to make it happen.

Don't just grab deals as they come-scrutinize. Don't hand everyone the keys to all your opportunities, make sure you have the final say or it may cost you.

Align yourself with people who share your work ethic.

Know your market. You have to have your finger on the pulse.

Realize you never jump off the learning curve. There is always something new to learn.

Hard knocks can make your stronger. You have more clout when you go through thick and thin.