During the home buying process you will eventually need to obtain financing. This can be confusing and it can be easy to make mistakes, especially if you are a first time homebuyer. Below are some tips you can follow to avoid making some of the most common mortgage mistakes.

1.Do your research on the different mortgage options. You want to make sure to select the right financing for you and not one that will hold you down for even a short period of time with the wrong mortgage. It is vital to investigate all your options, then crunch the numbers and weigh your options.  Be sure to look at initial interest rates, future interest rates and payments (if different), and the possibility of prepayment penalties.

2. Avoid excessive credit. Having too much credit is almost as bad as having bad credit. Lenders will focus on this even if you pay your bills on time and you could get turned down for a mortgage. Postpone any big ticket purchases until after you buy your house.

3. Be truthful on your loan application. While this may seem like a no brainer, even if you exaggerate your income slightly or stretch the truth on other questions, it is a federal offense. While it is rare that you would get arrested, it can cause big problems down the road if the lender finds out. Lenders they can call your loan due and payable. Remember to never sign your name to a loan application that is not completely filled out, you will be held responsible for anything on the application.

4. Not fixing your credit. Even before you even think about applying for a mortgage, obtain copies of your credit report and your FICO credit score. Your FICO score is the three-digit number that's used in 75% of mortgage-lending decisions. Dong this at least six months in advance should give you plenty of time to correct any errors on your report and ensure that they're removed by the time you're ready to apply for a loan.

A "piggyback loan" is a

A piggyback loan is basically a second mortgage given at the time of a home purchase or a refinance. This type of a loan allows the home buyer to acquire or refinance a home with less than a 20 percent down payment or equity. An advantage to this type of loan is that the homebuyer does not need to carry private mortgage insurance (PMI). 

Homebuyers can also use piggyback loans as a source of funding for making a bigger downpayment on the new home. Homeowners who don't have the funds to make the 20 percent downpayment can use this loan to their advantage because private mortgage insurance can be expensive and is not tax deductible. 

If you have made the decision to sell your home and are wanting to make some improvments, you should know which

If your want to update and freshen up your kitchen but a complete remodel is not in the budget, consider these below kitchen fixes to help sell your home faster and for more money:

1. Paint or re-stain worn wood cabinets.

2. Install cabinet hardware. Stay with simple and neutral hardware, avoid large clunky designs.

3. Remove outdated or busy wallpaper and any bold, bright paint. Stick with neutral colors.

4. De-clutter all counter tops, keep them free and clear of appliances, butcher blocks and knickknacks.

5. Update the faucets. New faucets can make a outdated sink look revitalized. Faucet replacements are also fairly inexpensive and simple plumbing projects with all of the parts available at your local hardware store.

6. Remove photos, calendars and personal effects from the refrigerator door.

7. Updated and simple rugs and towels with a splash of color can bring warmth to a kitchen.

Replacing outdated appliances and flooring are great improvements that should be considered but may not always be part of your budget. Keeping a kitchen clean and maximizing space is key to getting buyers interested. Always remember to keep garbage cans, and pet bowls etc. out of sight.

What is an escrow?
An escrow is an arrangement in which a disinterested third party, called a escrow holder, holds legal documents and funds on behalf of a buyer and seller, and distributes them according to the buyer’s and seller’s instructions. The escrow becomes the depository for all monies, instructions and documents pertaining to the purchase of your home.

How does the escrow process work?

The escrow is a depository for all monies, instructions and documents necessary for the purchase of the home, including  funds for the down payment, lender’s funds and documents for the new loan. The duties of an escrow holder include: following the instructions given by the principals and parties to the transaction in a timely manner; handling the funds and/or documents in accordance with instructions; paying all bills as authorized;  closing the escrow only when all terms and conditions have been met; and, distributing the funds in accordance with instructions.

Do I need documentation?
Receipt of your deposit is generally included in your copy of your purchase contract. Your funds will then be deposited in your separate escrow or trust account and processed through your local bank.

What information will I have to provide?
Typically you will be asked to complete a statement of identity as part of the necessary paperwork. Because many people have the same name, the statement of identity is to identify the specific person in the transaction through such information as date of birth, social security number, etc. This information is kept confidential.

How long is the escrow?
The length of an escrow is determined by the terms of the purchase agreement and can range from a few days to several months. Typically an escrow often takes an average time of 30 to 45 days.

When does the escrow process end?

The escrow process ends when you actually close on the home, during the closing procedure. This is when all funds are transferred accordingly, when all documents are signed, and when you get the keys to your new home.

It is a known fact that when you

Closing Costs: Although most of the closing costs are the responsibility of the buyer, the seller is expected to pay the property taxes and insurance up to the date of the closing, even if they're not due yet. in addition, some buyers will ask the seller for help with other closing costs as part of the negotiations.

Realtor Commission: Typically there's a 4 percent to 7 percent commission on the sale price of the house if you opt to go with an agent. Usually this rate is between 5 percent and 6 percent, so be sure to account for this cost when pricing your home and figuring up your expenses that come with selling your home.

Home Inspections: Although the buyer pays for the home and pest inspections, it's a good idea to get your own inspection before putting your house on the market. This way you're aware of any hidden problems before selling.

Legal expenses: Even if you are using a real estate professional and not selling your home yourself, you still may want an attorney to examine the sales contract and assist with closing, which can be complicated.

Prepayment penalty: Many mortgages have prepayment penalties if you pay off the mortgage early. Be sure to examine your mortgage agreement and read the fine print.

Many homeowners are not aware of the costs involved with selling a home but there are some perks as well. With any home sale you are eligible for a tax write off of up to $250,000 gained in the sale of your home for a single owner, and $500,000 for married couples. This applies for most state taxes as well; check with a tax professional to get all the details of any tax credit that may be available to you and your situation. 

There is good news for homebuyers, as of January 1, new federal rules adopted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development took effect. The new rules will implement a redesigned, simplified Good Faith Estimate form to help buyers avoid those closing-table surprises.

Until now the way lenders would provide the borrowers with the estimated fees was complicated and confusing. Under the new rules lenders will all be required to use the same form for their Good Faith Estimates – a three-page document issued by HUD.

There are also new rules that will put a cap on the increases in costs that are indicated on the Good Faith Estimate and guidelines so that fees listed on the initial estimate reflect the actual cost at settlement.

This program empowers homeowners to become active in protecting their community through participation in Neighborhood Watch groups. Residents participate in Neighborhood Watch in their area by organizing residents to communicate any suspicious behavior to others by phone trees and reporting it to the authorities.

If you are interested in starting a neighborhoood watch in your community, below are some steps to help you get started!

• Form a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss the needs of your community, gage the level of interest and potential problems, decide on a date and place for an initial Neighborhood Watch meeting
• Contact Your Local Sherrif's Office or Police Department for more information or to arrange a speaker
• Arrange a meeting location close to your neighborhood. It should have enough room to hold your invited neighbors and, if needed, for the use of audio visual aids such as an overhead projector.
•  For more information and educational materials related to starting a Neighborhood Watch, visit the National program's website.

There are many different types of

Generally, a home equity loan is less expensive, but bridge loans contain more benefits for some borrowers. In addition, many lenders will not lend on a home equity loan if the home is on the market. It is a good idea to compare the benefits between the two loans to determine which is a better fit for their particular situation and plan ahead before making an offer to purchase another home.

How Do Bridge Loans Work?

When applying for this type of a loan, you must be able to prove to the lender that you are you are financially able to pay both mortgage payments in case the primary property does not sell right away. To ease the transition, most bridge loans will allow you to have a few months before your actual first payment is due. However, interest will accrue during that time.

Bridge loans are meant to be short term loans, normally coming due in a year or upon the sale of the primary property. Because it is a short term loan, the interest rates are usually quite a bit higher than regular mortgages and there are fees associated with it.

Benefits of a Bridge Loan

• A bridge loan is a great solution if you want to purchase another home without having to sell your current property.
• The buyer can immediately put a home on the market without restrictions.
  Bridge loans may not require monthly payments for a few months.
• If the buyer has made a contingent offer to buy and the seller issues a Notice to Perform, the buyer can remove the contingency to sell and still move forward with the purchase.

Cons of a Bridge Loans

• Bridge loans cost more than home equity loans.
• Strict lending requirements. Buyers must be qualified by the lender to own two homes and many will not meet this requirement.
• If the buyer is unable to sell their primary property, they will have to pay 2 mortgages and risk foreclosure on the 1st.

As with any loan option it is a good idea to look at both the pros and cons and consider all your options. If you think a bridge loan might be the solution for you, check out this Bridge Loan Calculator to see an estimated idea of payments.

Bridge Loan Calculator  http://www.1stbridge.com/calculator.aspx

Tax time is here, but homeowners have an advantage with many tax breaks. Make sure you’re not missing out on important home-related tax deductions. Everyone has a different situation and you may actually qualify for other deductions you were not aware of, so always check with your tax advisor to find out which deductions apply to you. Below are some of the common deductions.

Deducting Real Estate Taxes. Real estate taxes are deductible in the year paid. They are generally reported on Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement, the annual statement from the financial institution holding your mortgage, or on your county real estate tax assessment statement. You should also deduct any prorated taxes collected from you at closing. These amounts are not always included on Form 1098, but may be itemized on your real estate closing statement.

Deducting Loan Points Paid on a Purchase or Refinance
The points you pay on a loan for a home purchase are tax-deductible for the year you made the purchase. You can deduct the points you paid as well as those a seller paid on your behalf if you meet the following criteria:

•   The loan is secured by your primary residence
•   The loan was used to buy, improve or build the home
•   Paying points is a common practice in your geographic area
•   The points are calculated as a percentage of the loan principal

First-time home buyer credit.  A $7,500 tax credit is available to eligible taxpayers must have bought, buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. For qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 return. and before July 1, 2009.  You are considered a first-time home buyer as long as you did not own a home during the three years leading up to the purchase of your new home.

Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit.  For 2009 and 2010, homeowners can take a tax credit up to $1,500 for energy efficient home improvements. If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Click here for more information

Health-Related Improvements - Any home improvements for medical purposes can be deducted entirely from your taxes as long as the improvements do not add to the overall value of the home and have been made for a chronically ill or disabled person.

Moving expenses. If a move is connected with taking a new job that is at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job was, you can deduct travel and lodging expenses for you and your family and the cost of moving your household goods. 

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Whether you are planning to sell your home or if you just want to freshen up your living area, he appearance of the carpet in a home are one of the first things noticed. Having your carpets professionally cleaned is an easy, cost effective way to give your house a face lift before showing it to prospective buyers.  Stains and worn traffic areas can cause potential buyers to rethink the home and the thought of having to replace the carpet can cause them to walk away. If it is not in your budget to replace your flooring, having your carpets cleaned by a professional can do wonders by removing stains as well as lifting the nap of the carpet to reduce the traffic wear and giving it a fresh look.

There are many different options you have when looking for a professional to clean your carpets, below are some of the methods available. Contact a professional in your area you are not certain which method is best for your style of carpet.

Hot Water Extraction or "Steam" Cleaning
This is the most common method where a cleaning solution is sprayed on the carpet and immediately extracted (along with the dissolved soil) by a wet vacuum. Extraction equipment can be portable or truck-mounted, the latter being more powerful in terms of spray pressure, heating capabilities and power of the vacuum pumps. Hot water extraction is often referred to as "steam" cleaning and is considered by many carpet manufacturers as the most thorough method. Drying time is generally between 4 to 6 hours.

Dry Cleaning 
The dry cleaning method of cleaning carpets is when the cleaning agent, an absorbent dry compound (containing solvents and detergents) is sprinkled on the carpet and worked into the pile by a machine. It is vacuumed off after about half an hour, removing the soil suspended by the compound. Many companies offer organic, natural materials when cleaning. Drying time if any is usually less than 1 hour.

Foam Cleaning
This system uses detergent in the form of a foam.  A machine generates a foam, which is agitated on the carpet by brushes. The foam is then removed, with trapped soil, by an extraction-vacuum pickup.

Bonnet Cleaning
With this method of cleaning, a bonnet is placed at the base of a buffer. It is dipped into a shampoo solution first and then it will go over the carpet, just as if buffing a floor. The bonnet starts to get soiled. This means it is actually removing dirt from the carpet. It is usually rinsed out and this is continued until the dirt is removed. The carpets are vacuumed once the carpets are dry. Drying time is usually 30 minutes.

When

Moving your belongings yourself is going to be a big money saver but it may not always be possible. If you do plan to use a professional service, be sure to shop around. As with any professional service, it is a good idea to do your homework and get at least three estimates. It's important to remember that the cheapest service may not always be the best value. Check references, ask questions, look for red flags and do your homework before deciding on a moving company to avoid being scammed.

Be creative and use your own packing supplies. Most moving companies will charge big fees for supplying packing supplies. You can save big money by being creative and using items you already have to pack. Things like suitcases or plastic bins are great for packing clothes or other small items. Consider using linens and towels to wrap breakable items. Instead of paying for boxes, start collecting free cardboard boxes from local stores as well as newspaper for packing.

Look for discounts. If you are using a professional service, be sure to ask about all available discounts. Some movers will give discounts if you are able to give the mover some room when it comes to pickup and delivery dates. If possible, give the movers a span of three to five days when they can pick up the load and three to five days when they can deliver. Be sure to ask about hidden costs such as if the mover has to go up stairs or if there are accessibility problems on arrival.

Pack It Yourself. Having a moving company pack your items is expensive-sometimes up to or more of 25% of the moving cost. Something to think about is to do a partial pack where you pack things like your clothing, linens and then have the mover handle the breakables.

If you have just purchased a new home or are going to be

The cost for these warranties are fairly inexpensive, typically ranging from $250 to $600 annually, depending on coverage. There are many different plans with different requirements, most tend to operate the same way. If an appliance or item covered breaks or stops working, the home owner calls the home warranty company. The home warranty company calls a provider with which it has an arrangement and they contact the homeowner to come out to fix the problem.  Typically if the problem can be fixed per the contract coverage than the warranty company pays the contractor directly.

Each company is different in what items they cover but below are some typical systems and appliacnces that are covered and what are not typically considered to be included.

Typically Covered

• Air conditioner system/ Furnace / heating
• Dishwashers
• Doorbells
• Water heater
• Garbage disposals
• Inside plumbing stoppages
• Ceiling fans
• Electrical systems
• Range and oven

Typically not covered

• Outdoor items such as sprinklers, or pool filters/spa systems
• Not all plans pay for refrigerators, washers & dryers or garage door openers
• Spa or pools, unless specific coverage requested

It is important to know that pre-existing conditions are not covered. The home warranty company expects to start with a clean sheet and they require home owners to fix any pre-existing issues before the new policy becomes effective. It is a good idea to get the home inspection done before you sign the contract, so that you have a proof if necessary.

With the arrival of the colder weather in the Chicago area, there is an increase in the number of fuel-burning appliances being used in the home. Such appliances include ovens, space heaters, generators, and fireplaces. These appliances can also cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in the home. According to the

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. It results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil. This gas can form in the home from incomplete combustion from any flame-fueled (i.e., not electric) device, and open flames, such as from ovens and ranges, are the most common source of carbon monoxide. Vehicles are the most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you are considering purchasing a Carbon monoxide detector, they work by triggering an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. Carbon monoxide can be dangerous if you are exposed to high levels in a short period of time, or to lower levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time. Carbon monoxide detectors range in price from $30 to $150 and are most effective models are those that offer that offer back-up battery power.

Purchasing a detector is a great idea and below are some tips to help protect you to avoid any problems.

•  Prevent any problems by making sure that your heating appliances are in good working order and used only in well-ventilated areas. Never use a stove for heating.

•  Don’t run a car engine in the garage, even to warm it up; move the car outside first. CO can leak into the home.

•  Install a CO alarm outside every sleeping area, on every level of your home and at least 15 feet away from every fuel-burning appliance. Be sure to check  the batteries on your CO alarms at the same time you do your fire detecors – and replace the batteries twice a year.

•  Have all gas, oil or coal burning appliances inspected by a technician every year to ensure they’re working correctly and are properly ventilated.

Charitable Events

Connections For The Homeless-Evanston:
2010 Dewey Ave. Evanston,  847.475.7070/Ext. 100
This organization supports families in housing need in the Evansotn area, operating emergency shelters. They currently are in need of the following donations: Coats, boots, gloves, men's long pants and jeans

Toys For Tots
Cars of America in Glenview is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and is collecting new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year. Typically, these toys will be distributed in and distribute those toys as holiday gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Toys will be collected at Cars of America. 1727 Chestnut Ave. Glenview , M-F, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 866carCARE for further information

Tree Sales

If you are looking for the perfect tree below are some options!

Deerfield:
You can find fresh trees at the Optimist Club sale located at the corner of Jewett Park Drive and Park Avenue, Monday - Friday, 3 - 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Glenview:
Wagner Farm will have fresh cut trees, wreaths and greenery for sale beginning Saturday, November 24. They're located at 1510 Wagner Rd., on the corner of E. Lake and Wagner near the Glenview/Wilmette border.

Holiday Events

Macy's Santa Breakfast at Westfield Old Orchard
December 12, 2009 - December 13, 2009
Reservations Required. Located in the Lower Level Marketplace, a balloon artist, face painter and Santa himself entertain with a special gift for each child. Event begins at 9am. Adults $16; children $12. Type: Festivals/Fairs.   Macy's Westfield Old Orchard Shopping
I-94 and Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 

Menorah Lighting Downtown Evanston
December 14, 2009 - December 14, 2009
Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl and Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein will light the Menorah. There will be greetings from city officials and community members, a boys choir, music and refreshments.    Fountain Square , Davis St., Sherman Ave. and Orrington Ave. Evanston, IL

Grove Holiday Store
December 16, 2009 - December 20, 2009
Choose those specials holiday gifts from a selected collection of personalized ornaments, holiday decorations, unique home accessories, crafts, gourmet and baked items and more. 10 am-5 pm.  The Grove  1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL 847-299-6096 

New Year’s Eve Fun Skatef
Location: Winnetka Ice Arena, 490 Hibbard Rd.
Date: December 31st
Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

The final details of buying a

You will receive a number of important documents at the closing meeting. Review this list of documents before you go, so that you'll know what to expect when you're there.

Documents the Buyer Typically Receives

• Settlement statement, itemizing the services provided and the fees charged
• Truth-in-lending statement
• Mortgage note
• Mortgage or deed of trust
• Sales contract
• Any required affidavits, if any
• Copy of the deed
• Keys to the home

Closing costs are one of the least-understood aspects of the home purchase procedure. You should be sure to speak up and ask about anything you don't understand. Closing costs can vary but they generally are between two and five percent of the home's purchase price and include:

• Attorney fees
• Escrow fees
• Property taxes to cover the period to the closing date
• Interest from the closing date to one month before the first monthly payment
• Loan origination fees
• Recording fees
• Survey fees
• Mortgage insurance, if applicable
• Title insurance, both for the buyer and the lender
• Loan discount points
• The first escrow payment for future real estate taxes and insurance
• Homeowner's insurance policy payment or receipt
• Appraisal fees
• Pest or other specific inspection fees
• Document preparation fees

The closing is the final step in the home buying process and ultimately the most important. You should always be sure to ask questions on anything you don't understand. There are many websites that can be a good resource to help answer questions but you should check with your realtor or attorney on any specifics you don't understand..

You will first need to look at your loan-to-value ratio. In a no-cash-out refinancing (where the amount of your new loan doesn't exceed the balance of your existing loan, plus points and closing costs, if applicable), you may be able to borrow as much as 95% of your home's value. However, if the value of your home has fallen below the amount of your existing mortgage balance, you may be unable to refinance at all. This has unfortunately been the case for many homes but you may be able to proceed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009's Home Affordable Refinance program. 

The major advantage of refinancing to a new lower interest rate, you will save a substantial amount on your monthly mortgage payment. This is of course why most people choose to refinance their mortgage. Keep in mind however that there are going to be costs involved with refinancing such as closing costs, points, and possible appraisal  and attorney fees.

Do your research and shop around for the best refinancing interest rates. All banks are not created equal, some banks and financial institutions charge higher rates than others. Normally, the smaller Community Banks and Credit Unions are more consumers oriented and charge lower rates.

Also when shopping around look and compare interest rates and points vs. no points before you refinance. Watch out for embedded points included in the closing costs. Some lenders will include points in the closing costs without specifically quoting these costs as points.

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2009 

This famous Thanksgiving Parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on November 26, 2009 and features giant inflatables, marching bands, dancers and more.  The State Street Thanksgiving Parade is attended by over 400,000 spectators and features over 100 participating "units", including marching bands, floats, horses, drill teams, circus performers, and more. Parade starts on State Street from Congress to Randolph  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m

Dining Guide

Thanksgiving is all about eating, so even if you don't plan on cooking or if you were not lucky enough to be invited to dinner you can still feast.  Chicago restaurants will be offering their renditions of the classic holiday feast. From traditional turkey with stuffing and mashed potatoes to spiced-up ethnic interpretations, click here to find a place where you and your family can eat well this Thanksgiving, minus the dishes.

Turkey Shoot at Davis Square Park

Football fans of all ages can head to Davis Square Park for the annual Turkey Shoot event on the field. The games run from 10 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving day, and the event is open to all ages. This free activity is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors before your Thanksgiving meal. Call (312) 747-2001 for more information.

NoMI Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet

The NoMI Thanksgiving brunch is host to one of the largest brunches in the city. This upscale restaurant serves a grand holiday buffet with all of your Thanksgiving favorites and comfort foods. They feature traditional fare such as turkey, potatoes, Thanksgiving sides as well as sides and a grand showcase of desserts. NoMI is located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt hotel on 800 North Michigan Avenue. Call (312) 239-4030 for Thanksgiving 2009 brunch reservations and more information.

The Great Tree at Macy's

Kick off your holiday season on Thanksgiving night with the annual lighting the Macy's Great Tree.  The 45-foot tree takes a few weeks to decorate with over 1,200 themed ornaments and hundreds of lights. It's a Chicago holiday tradition you won't want to miss, and takes place in the Walnut Room of Macy's Chicago.

A bill signed into law Friday by President Obama extends the homebuyer tax credit, originally scheduled to expire Nov. 30. This new law will give

Since both first time as well as existing homebuyers can benefit from this credit extension, below are some clarification for the benefits.

First-time home buyers. A  "first-time home buyer" is defined as someone who hasn't owned a home in the three years before the purchase. If your spouse owned a home in that time frame, you're not eligible. So, those eligible can claim a tax credit for 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum credit of $8,000. The credit is refundable, which means that if you owe less than $8,000 in taxes, you'll receive a refund for the difference. The credit is not available for home purchases that exceed $800,000.

You can claim the credit if you sign a sales contract before May 1, 2010, and close before July 1. Members of the military who serve extended duty outside the USA have until July 1, 2011, to claim the credit, as long as they sign a contract before May 1, 2011.

Existing homeowners. Home buyers who have lived in their current home for five out of the last eight years qualify for a tax credit of up to $6,500. The deadlines are the same as for first-time home buyers.

The income requirements for existing homeowners are also the same as those for first-time home buyers. Likewise, existing homeowners can't claim the credit if they purchase a home for more than $800,000.

Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Taxpayers who want immediate refunds can amend their tax returns for 2008 to claim the credit.

So what is staging? Basicallly it is showcasing your home in its absolute best light. You draw buyers’ attention to your home’s most appealing features--and skillfully divert their attention from those that are less-than-stellar.

In short, staging is creating visual “eye candy” that emphasizes your home’s positives. It’s part art, part science--and all marketing. It can involve everything from fresh paint to clever carpentry, new lighting to new window treatments. And don’t forget the borrowed (or rented) furniture to define and enhance each room!

To see staging in action, watch an episode or two of HGTV’s Designed To Sell, or The Stagers. And for some simple staging techniques presented with tongue-in-check humor, see Top 10 Home-Staging Dos and Top 10 Home-Staging Don’ts by Designed To Sell’s Donna and Shannon Freeman.

Should you try to stage your own home--or hire a professional? My real estate experience has taught me there are two essential staging tricks that every home seller can do:

* Clear it out. You have stuff--lots of stuff. And your house is overloaded with all that stuff. Go through each room and get rid of the clutter everywhere you see it. Your rooms will look bigger, more restful, and more inviting. And all you did was pick up!

* Clean it up. Make sure everything shines inside and out, from windows, floors and countertops inside to the deck, garage and yard outside. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath. A little well-applied elbow grease will go a long way in selling your home. And it’s free!

Do these two simple things, and you’re already ahead in the staging game.

But should you keep going and stage other aspects of your own home? That depends on whether you have the eye, the skill--and the objectivity. Can you put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and see your home as the buyer will see it--positive points and negative points? Are you prepared to tackle those negatives? Do you have the “designer’s eye” for color and other design elements? Do you have the technical skills to complete improvements?

Staging can definitely help sell your house for more if it’s done right, whether you do it on your own or you hire a professional stager. Feel free to contact me and I would be happy to share staging ideas and recommend a professional, if needed.