Get rid of those items that have been sitting around for years without being used or even handled. This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. Buyers and real estate agents should see your house in its best condition from the very first day it’s on the market.

Here are a few approaches to take to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don’t want buyers scratching their heads and saying, “What is this room used for?”

Another way to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell is to make those minor repairs and best of all, make the house sparkle! Only do one room, or even one small area, at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Your best friend is the trash bag; when in doubt, throw it out. Many find it easier to use boxes to sort items, so you don’t have to find a home for everything as you unclutter. Most important, be quick and decisive when sorting. Tell yourself:
• If you don’t need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
• Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
• Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.

If you are getting your house ready to sell in the Kona, Kohala, Mauna Kea Resort Hawaii areas, then take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Let a friend help point out areas where you can unclutter your home and let myself, Diana Woods, your agent help you to get your house ready to sell.
]]> http://www.bigislandhawaiiluxury.com/unclutter-your-home-and-get-it-ready-to-sell/feed/ 0 http://www.bigislandhawaiiluxury.com/owning-a-home-the-american-dream/ http://www.bigislandhawaiiluxury.com/owning-a-home-the-american-dream/#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:20:43 +0000 Diana Woods http://www.bigislandhawaiiluxury.com/?p=4 Have you ever desired the house of your dreams whether it was in another state or right here in the Kona, Kohala, or Mauna Hawaii area? We call it “The American Dream.”

Wikipedia describes the American Dream as a belief in freedom that allows all citizens and residents of the United States of America to achieve their goals in life through hard work. A part of that American Dream is to own our own home, you know, that proverbial house with the white picket fence and all.

Americans have a long tradition of a solid work ethic to reach our dreams. No doubt about it, it does take a lot of work to own your own home. Over the years, the American Dream has changed a bit in relation to finding that home. Years ago it was much simpler. You purchased a plot of land and built your house on it. Now, we spend hours and hours looking for the right area to live; the right schools for our children; and the perfect house with the perfect yard. We have to make sure that that house has the best of everything. This can be exhausting!!! Not to mention, do the neighbors have barking dogs?!

In spite of today’s complexities, the American Dream is still alive – dreaming of making a better life for ourselves and our families. We have high hopes and great expectations. Our goals are founded on those high hopes, and we will do anything to achieve them.

America is known as the land of plenty, the land of opportunity, and the land of destiny. Free enterprise is at the foundation of that dream. In relation to owning our own home, the possibilities are limitless in America. We have so many choices and are very fortunate. In America, owning your own home (private property) is a fundamental, Unalienable right. This American Dream is real, and it can be achieved.

The paradox is: some people say that we are working so hard to make the American Dream happen that we are not taking the time to enjoy the American Dream.

I am here to help you not only make your dreams come true but to help you enjoy the process of finding the home of your dreams in the Kona, Kohala, and Mauna Hawaii areas.

So . . . live your dream, but enjoy the journey!