90 Ways to Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money!

The following pages will guide you step by step through the process of preparing your home for sale to achieve the highest possible sale price in the least amount of time.

Repairs

1. The rule of thumb is, if something needs repair, fix it! There are probably many things in your home that you have simply become used to over time . . . things that you have been promising yourself that you will attend to. 


Well, now is the time. The buyer will mentally add up the cost of repairing all those minor flaws and end up with an amount that is generally much higher than what it would cost you to do the repairs.

You might be saying to yourself, “These repairs aren’t any big deal.” But the buyer is thinking, “If the owners didn’t care for these little items, then what about the roof and the furnace?” Needed small repairs and perceived owner neglect will either lower the purchase price or lengthen the time required to sell.

2. Check all walls for peeling paint and loose wall paper.

3. Large repairs: In today’s climate of open disclosure and vigilant professional home inspections, the rule is “Treat a buyer as you would yourself.” Repair any problems with major systems or offer an allowance for the buyer to make repairs after closing. Always disclose anything that you know about the property. Having been a consumer yourself, you know that buyers will more readily make a purchase decision with someone whom they can trust.

Cleaning

4. Every area of the home must sparkle and shine! Each hour spent will be well worth it. Would you rather buy a clean car, or a dirty one? Would you hurry to buy a pair of shoes with mud on them?

5. Clean all windows, inside and out. This helps make the house sparkle.

6. Clean all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs. Clean and polish linoleum, tile and

wooden floors.

7. Clean and polish all woodwork if necessary. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath cabinets.

8. Clean and polish all light fixtures.

Neutralizing

9. Be cautious about selecting colors when painting or replacing carpeting. Your objective here is to make your home appeal to the largest possible buying segment. Ask yourself, “How many of the available buyers would be able to move into your house with their furniture and not have to replace the carpeting?” Position your home on the market to be as livable to as many people as possible, and allow the buyer to mentally picture the home as theirs.

10. Forget your personal taste . . . the “market” is always demand driven! The average buyer will have a hard time looking beyond blue carpeting and bold wallpaper. Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones. Two coats of white paint may be the best investment you ever made.

Space Management

This involves creating the illusion of more space.

11. Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious a feeling as possible. Consider removing furniture from rooms that are crowded. If necessary, store large items.

12. Pack up collectibles . . . both to protect them, and to give the room a more spacious feel. Leave just enough accessories to give the home a personal touch. Dispose of unneeded items.

13. Remove all clutter and make it a habit to pick up clothing, shoes, and personal possessions each day for possible showings.

14. Empty closets of off-season clothing and pack for the move. Organize them to demonstrate the most efficient use of space. Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible.

15. Use light to create a sense of space. All drapes should be open. Turn on all of the lights throughout the home before a showing, and be sure to replace any burned out light bulbs.

Atmosphere

When placing yourself in the potential buyer’s shoes, you will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your home. Keep in mind your sense of smell as you go through the check list. Create the atmosphere of your home as a shelter, a place that is safe and warm, and in good condition.

16. A clean smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer’s mind. Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc., that may have adverse effects on potential buyers. Remember that some people are much more sensitive to odors than others. Smokers rarely notice the odor of tobacco that fills their homes, and pet owners may be oblivious to objectionable doggy odor.

17. You can use products like carpet deodorizers, air fresheners, and room deodorizers; but the best strategy is to remove the source of the smell rather than cover it up.

18. Unfortunately, often the only way to remove the smell of pet urine from flooring is to rip up the carpeting and padding and replace them. If this is preventing the sale of your home, don’t hesitate to make this investment.

19. If smoking and cooking odors have permeated your home, have your carpets and furniture cleaned, and air out or dry-clean your drapes.

20. Mildew odors are another no-no. Don’t allow wet towels to accumulate in hampers or dirty laundry to pile up in closets.

21. Once offensive odors are removed, consider adding delightful ones. Recent studies have shown that humans have strong, positive responses to certain smells. Cinnamon, fresh flowers, breads baking in the oven are all excellent ways to enhance your property for sale.

Staging

This part of preparing your home for sale is the most fun and involves the use of color, lighting, and accessories to emphasize the best features of your home.

22. Study magazine ads or furniture showrooms to see how small details can make rooms more attractive and appealing. The effect of a vase of flowers, an open book on the coffee table, a basket of birch logs by the fireplace, etc., can make the difference in a room.

23. The use of a brightly colored pillow in a wing chair or a throw blanket on a couch can add dimension to a sterile room.

24. Soften potentially offending views, but always let light into your rooms. Replace heavy curtains with sheer white panels. Never apologize for things you cannot change. The buyer will either decide to accept or reject the property regardless of the words you say. Just present the home in the best way possible with complete honesty.

25. Go through your photo albums and select pictures of your house and yard during all seasons. If hung at eye level in a well-lighted area, the pictures will speak for themselves and give you yet another selling edge.

26. Take advantage of natural light as much as possible by cleaning windows, opening shades and drapes, etc. Add lamps and lighting where necessary. Be sure that all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs.

The Exterior: Check your home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer would. Repaint or touch up as necessary. You can’t make a better investment when you are selling your house! Don’t let the outside turn buyers off before the inside turns them on.

27. Color has the power to attract. A tub of geraniums, a pot of petunias, or a basket of impatiens on the front steps is a welcoming touch.

28. If you are selling during the winter months, consider using a wreath of dried flowers on the front door.

29. If you have a porch or deck, set the stage with pots of flowers and attractively arranged furniture.

30. Check to see that all doors and windows are in good working order. Give special attention to your home’s exterior doors and front entry. Clean and paint doors if necessary. Remember, first impressions are likely to color the remainder of the house tour.

31. Wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked window panes.

32. Screens should be free of any tears or holes.

33. Inspect all locks to ensure that they are functioning properly

34. Check for loose or missing shingles.

35. Invest in a new doormat that says “Welcome.”

The Yard

36. Make sure the yard is neatly mowed, raked and edged.

37. Prune and shape shrubbery and trees to compliment your house.

38. Consider adding seasonal flowers along the walks or in the planting areas. Plop the plants into a well-placed wheelbarrow, an old-fashioned washtub, or what have you. Such standbys as nasturtiums, petunias, impatiens, and verbena are easy to maintain if you only remember to water them regularly. Try a row of sweet smelling alyssum to line a short sidewalk or pop in some perky dwarf marigolds to form a cheerful oasis of color in your yard.

39. It is important to devote at least one area of your yard to outdoor living. Buyers will still recognize a scene set with picnic table and chairs and respond positively to it. Cover your picnic table with a fringed, red-and-white checked cloth, set out some plastic plates and glasses, bring out the barbecuing equipment, and buyers will almost smell the hot dogs cooking!

The Driveway

40. The driveway is no place for children’s toys. Not only are such things dangerous, but the clutter is unsightly.

41. The surface of your driveway should be beyond reproach; after all, it’s one of the first things a buyer will see when he drives up. Sweep and wash the driveway and walks to remove debris, dirt and stains. Repair and patch any cracks, edge the sides and pull up any weeds.

Room-by-Room Analysis

The Front Entry: Whether a gracious proportioned center-hall or a small space just large enough for a coat rack and a tiny table, this part of your home deserves your particular attention.

42. Study your entry hall and ask yourself what kind of impression it makes of your home. Dried flowers or a small plant can make a striking focal point on a hall table any time of the year.

43. Virtually any entry hall will benefit from a well-placed mirror to enlarge the area.

44. Your entry hall’s flooring will be observed carefully by the prospective buyer. Make sure the surface is spotless and add a small rug to protect the area during showings.

45. The entry hall closet is the first one inspected. Make it appear roomy. Add a few extra hangers. Hang a bag of cedar chips or a pomander ball to give a pleasant, fresh scent. Remove all off-season clothing.

Living Areas: Think of these areas as if they were furniture showrooms. Your job is to make each room generate a positive response. Add touches that make a room look truly inviting.

46. Sweep and clean the fireplace. Place a few logs on the grate to create an attractive appearance. You are welcome to have a fire going for showings during the winter months. . . it creates a great atmosphere.

47. Place something colorful on the mantel, but don’t make it look like

48. Improve the traffic flow by removing excess furniture. Have easy traffic flow patterns. Be sure that all doors open fully and easily.

49. Draw attention to exposed beams or a cathedral ceiling with special lighting. Be sure to remove any cobwebs and dust.

50. Remove oversized television sets if they dominate the room. If necessary, substitute with a smaller one until you move.

The Dining Room: Avoid going overboard. To be effective, any stage setting that you create should reflect the character of your entire home appropriately.

51. Set the scene by setting the table with an attractive arrangement. Add fresh or silk flowers as a centerpiece.

52. Visually enlarge a small dining area. If your dining table has extra leaves, take one or two out. Consider placing your dining table against the wall. Remove any extra “company” chairs. Consider putting oversized pieces in storage until your house is sold.

The Kitchen: Pay particular attention to your kitchen. This room continues to be the “heart of the home.” A pleasant, working kitchen is near the top of most buyers’ list of priorities and is a room that buyers always scrutinize closely.

53. Avoid clutter! Clean counters of small appliances and store whenever possible to maximize the appearance of work space.

54. Check the counter top around your sink, and remove any detergent or cleanser, etc., that may be cluttering the area.

55. Sinks, cabinets, and counter tops should be clean and fresh.

56. All appliances should be absolutely clean, bright, sparkling and shiny!

57. Clean off the top of the refrigerator! If you must use that space for storage, use baskets and bowls to camouflage the items kept there.

58. Set the scene with an open cookbook, a basket filled with fruit, a basket of silk flowers, or a ceramic mixing bowl and wire whisk.

59. Create the aromas associated with happy homes! Bake some cookies from premixed, refrigerated cookie dough, start baking a loaf of refrigerated bread dough, or pop a frozen apple pie in the oven.

60. In the heat of summer, place a bowl of lemons or limes on the counter to provide a fresh and pleasant aroma.

61. Clean and organize all storage space. lf your cabinets, drawers, and closets are crowded and overflowing, buyers assume that your storage space is inadequate. Give away items you don’t use, storing seldom-used items elsewhere, and reorganize the shelves. Neat, organized shelves and drawers look larger and more adequate for prospective buyer’s needs.

62. Large, cheerful kitchen windows are an advantage and should be highlighted as a special feature of your home. Take a critical look at the window treatment . . . is it clean, sharp and up-to-date? Do the curtains need washing or the blinds need cleaning? Would the window area look better without any window treatment?

63. If you have a counter top eating area, set two attractive place settings with coordinating napkins and placemats, and place cushions on the stools.

64. Set the table for an informal meal with bright placemats and a generous bowl of fruit as a centerpiece.

Laundry Room: A separate laundry room is a true asset and is one of the most frequent requests that buyers make during a home search. Don’t hide this treasure behind closed doors. Spruce up the room and open the door proudly for inspection.

65. Add a fresh coat of paint or put up a cheerful wallpaper.

66. Organize all closets and storage space.

67. Remove all dirty laundry. Keep current with your laundry or store all dirty laundry in a closed container (maybe even hermetically sealed and welded shut).

68. Clean and polish the washer and dryer.

69. Consider adding an attractive, coordinated throw rug.

Stairways: Stairways should provide an attractive transition from one level of your home to another.

70. Make certain the stairs are safe! Stair lighting should be more than adequate, stairs must be clutter free, stair railings tight and secure, and runners or carpeting tacked securely. Remove any items from the surface of the stairs and store elsewhere. Check the condition of the walls, and paint or re-wallpaper if necessary.

71. If the stairs are a focal point of the main living areas, carefully choose accents to improve the visual appeal. If you have a wide, gracious staircase, emphasize this feature by hanging a few pictures along the wall. Draw attention to a handsome lighting fixture by polishing the brass and dusting each small light bulb or crystal prism.

Bedrooms: Imagine for a moment that you’re in the “bed-and-breakfast” business. How would you change your home’s bedrooms to appeal to a paying lodger? Naturally, you’d make up the beds with your prettiest sheets and comforters. Maybe you’d add a vase of flowers on the dressing table or a cozy armchair in the corner. Every bedroom in your home should invite prospective buyers to settle right in.

72. Large master bedrooms are particularly popular among today’s home buyers. Make your bedroom larger. Paint the room a light color, remove one of the bureaus if the room is crowded, and minimize clutter to maximize spaciousness. Aim for a restful, subdued look.

73. A private bathroom off the master bedroom is a real sales plus. Decorate to coordinate with the color scheme of your bedroom, creating the “suite” effect.

74. Virtually all buyers are looking for a house with plenty of closet space. Try to make what you have appear generous and well planned. Remove and store all out of season clothing. Remove any items from the floor area. This will make a closet seem more spacious. Arrange all shelves to maximize the use of space.

75. Make sure all articles in the closet are fresh and clean smelling. When prospective buyers open your closet door, they should be greeted with a whiff of fresh smelling air.

76. Make sure all closet lights have adequate wattage and are operating. Add battery operated lights to those closets that lack them. Lighted closets look bigger, are more attractive, and allow buyers to inspect the interiors easily.

77. Take the time to explain the importance of marketing to your children. Encourage them to participate in preparing your home for showing, particularly the principle of appealing to the widest possible market segment. Ask your children’s cooperation in making their beds and picking up their rooms prior to showings. Consider promising a special reward if they willingly participate in your house selling goals.

78. Have them pack up any items that are not currently in use and dispose of unused possessions.

79. Remove any crowded, unusual, or personal wall hangings such as posters and store them until your home is sold.

Bathrooms: Wise sellers take special pains with preparing their bathrooms for scrutiny by strangers. The bathroom is a room after all, and a very personal one. Prospects will inspect yours carefully, so be sure it is immaculate. Cleanliness is the key! Make sure that all surfaces are spotless.

80. Replace worn or dirty shower curtains, clean and repair caulking, and remove non-skid bath decals that are in poor condition.

81. Clear off countertops and store all personal care products out of sight.

82. Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly. Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or commercial products.

83. Clean and organize all cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the medicine cabinet: dispose of old prescriptions, and polish the shelves. The same goes for the storage cabinet under the sink.

84. Remember to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Play down dominant colors with contrasting neutral colored towels and accessories. If your bathroom is mostly white or neutral, add a few cheerful accents of color: use towels in the popular new shades. Don’t hesitate to buy a few new towels and a rug . . . you’ll be taking them with you to your new home.

85. Scrub and wax an old floor. Cover the largest area you can with a freshly washed scatter rug.

86. Decorate and personalize to create a pleasing, individual look. Consider bringing out your best towels and perfumed guest soaps. Add a plant for color and freshness.

87. A gentle hint of fragrance in the air is fine, but keep it subtle.

Garage

88. Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains. Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles, etc. A clean, organized garage appears larger.

89. If the area is dark, add more light. If it is small and accommodates only one car, remove your car before buyers visit. An empty garage always looks larger. If you have a two car garage with very little extra room, remove one of your cars so that buyers can make their inspection in comfort.

90. Get rid of anything that you don’t plan to move to your new home. Place remaining stored material neatly in boxes, and position away from walls.

20 things that can raise the value of your home

When you're house-hunting it's important to be able to identify the things that increase the value of a home and those that actually detract. The seller and his agent, after all, will try to convince you that rail line that runs through the backyard is good because it provides extra green space.  

Here are 10 features that can add value to your home:

1. An updated kitchen. "Kitchens are critical," says Robert Irwin, author of "Home Buyer's Checklist." "Today, people like a big kitchen with a lot of workspace."

They look for solid surface counters and high-quality flooring, such as wood, laminate, tile or stone. And they want newer appliances in working order.

Even if it's not huge, it should have "countertops that are serviceable that aren't going to have to be replaced soon and cabinetry in good condition," says Alan Hummel, past president of the Appraisal Institute. "It has to be well-appointed and large enough to fit your needs."

And it doesn't hurt if it opens onto another room. "A lot of families are looking for that openness," says Hummel.
It helps to have a window over the sink, says Don Strong, a remodeler with Brothers Strong Inc., a Houston remodeling firm.

Be wary if renovations are out of character with the community, such as granite countertops in a subdivision where plastic laminate is the norm.

"Will you sell faster? Yes," says Hummel, CEO of Iowa Residential Appraisal Co., in Des Moines. "Will it sell for more? Not if the appointments you've done are significantly higher quality that the rest of the neighborhood."

2. Modern bathrooms. Buyers are looking for "master baths that give a little room to roam," says Hummel.

A big asset: spa or whirlpool tubs. "I'm always entertained by the people who have them in the master bath and don't use them," says Ron Phipps, principal broker with Phipps Realty & Relocation Services in Warwick, R.I. "But it's a big feature."

Some other features buyers are seeking: separate showers with steam and/or multiple jets, double sink, separate room for the toilet.

And make sure the plumbing and hot water heater can handle the job. The pipes have to be large enough to carry an adequate volume of water and the hot water heater has to be big enough to accommodate it. "You need a bare minimum of a 75-gallon hot water heater, and most of my customers have 100 to 150," says Chicago-based home inspector Kurt Mitenbuler.

"You don't want to see that false economy of a $30,000 bathroom but nobody spent a few thousand dollars to upgrade the pipes," he says.

3. A well-appointed master suite. "People are really excited about master suites," says Hummel. The wish list: a luxurious bathroom, lounging areas and walk-in closets.

4. Natural materials. "People like natural materials," says Phipps. "Ceramic tile, hardwood floors, granite. We've gone back to a real appreciation for historically true materials. And simulated works as well. The look is very popular."

In floor coverings -- especially bathrooms or kitchens -- look for ceramic tile or wood rather than linoleum, which can tear, says Strong.

In the rest of the house, wood or laminate products are a plus over wall-to-wall, says Gary Eldred, author of "The 106 Common Mistakes Homebuyers Make (and How to Avoid Them)".

But if you have carpet, it should be a good product and well maintained so that "a person doesn't have to walk in and think, 'I'm going to have to spend five grand right off the bat," says Strong.

5. Curb appeal. "A good first appearance on a home can add as much as 5 percent to 10 percent to the value of the home," says John Aust, president of the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. "Homes in a neighborhood tend to vary about 10 percent from house to house, assuming all other things are the same."

6. A light, airy spacious feel. "People buy space and light," says Myra Zollinger, owner/broker with Coldwell Banker Realty Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. "I have yet to have anybody walk into a really dark house and say, 'I love this.'"

Richard "Dick" Gaylord, member of the executive committee for the National Association of Realtors, agrees. "That's a very big feature," he says. "I haven't sold many homes that aren't bright and airy."

7. Good windows. "People are looking at exposures and windows," says Phipps. "It's been a cold winter for most of the country and energy efficiency is very important."

Insulated windows are always a plus, says Strong. "Typically, they pay for themselves in five years," he says. The cost: for an average 2,600-square-foot home, estimate about $10,000 for new windows, he says.

Well-placed skylights are also a good touch to add value, says Phipps.

8. Landscaping. Mature trees "are worth $1,000," says Strong.

And having outdoor spaces with touches such as pergolas and Victorian garden swings "can be very helpful," says Phipps.

Appraiser John Bredemeyer remembers one $250,000 home in Omaha that had no landscaping at all. "It was stark," says Bredemeyer, national chair of government relations for the Appraisal Institute, a professional group for real estate appraisers. "It just stood out as unappealing."

Conversely, you don't have to spend a fortune on plants, either. Just keep it "typical with the neighborhood," he says.

9. Lots of storage. Nothing beats an oversized garage, some attic space and plenty of closets. "If you have a two-car garage, do you have extra space for those things we all have -- bicycles, lawn mower, snow blower?" says Hummel. "Space is important."

A nice plus in the master suite? "His and hers walk-in closets," says Irwin.

10. Basement. "If it's dry, it's a plus," says Kenneth Austin, co-author of "The Home Buyer's Inspection Guide." "But it's a negative if it has water problems."

A finished basement adds even more value. "Ten years ago, nobody cared," says Mittenbuler. "Now everybody wants them."

 

Renting vs buying. Khan Academy Video

New Wilshire Grand Renderings Show Sky Lobby And The Highest Rooftop Pool On The West Coast

          

The 1950s-era Wilshire Grand hotel has been completely demolished and construction on its 73-story office/hotel/retail skyscraper replacement has begun (see last photo). Now we have new renderings (via broker/blogger Brigham Yen) of the tower by architect AC Martin—these have not yet been approved by developer Korean Air—including many of the seventieth-floor sky lobby, to which guests will shoot up in an express elevator before checking into their rooms (very Lost in Translation). The renderings show a spire that can change color to reflect holidays and observances, and a rooftop pool that will be the highest on the West Coast (an "outdoor living room" is also planned). The hotel will be four stars and have 900 rooms, run by an operator to be announced soon—choices have narrowed down to two; rumors indicate it'll be a Grand Hyatt or a Waldorf-Astoria (!!). The tower should open in early 2017.

                      

Sky pool deck 

    

Outside the hotel lobby at Seventh and Fig 

    

Inside the hotel lobby 

    

Ground-floor lobby 

    

Sky lobby seating 

    

Bar at the sky restaurant, above the sky lobby 

    

Sky restaurant 

    

Cross-section of the top floors

The Top Ten Real Estate Trends for 2014

Millennials are moving the market, but not as homeowners

Though the so-called Millennial generation has been much-maligned in the media, real estate movers and shakers are increasingly interested in where this generation is headed -- quite literally. A number of the cities have seen increased economic activity in the real estate sector led by this generation, particularly Austin, Seattle, Portland and the Twin Cities in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis' place as number nine on a list of the top 10 cities for developers came as a surprise to Andrew Warren, director of PwC, a research and advising firm that co-authored the report with ULI.

"This is a city that's attractive to younger generations," he said, adding that its diverse economic base is helping to bring in a lot of college grads that don't want to leave the Midwest.

However, this same group isn't forming new households, and they're not buying as many homes as their parents' generation were at their age.

Second-tier cities will lead the recovery next year

Investors, developers and builders are losing some interest in the so-called 24-hour gateway cities -- San Francisco and New York City -- and have developed more interested in cities like Dallas and Portland, where there are more housing deals to be had.

For example, in 2011 only New York City and Washington, D.C. had good prospects for real estate investors and developers, according to the ULI report, but now Austin, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Orange County, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle make that list -- and D.C. actually dropped out.

Real estate recovery still hinges on job growth

The slow pace of job growth as well as income and wage growth is still holding back the real estate recovery and that's not likely to change quickly.

Many cities in the Bay Area and in Texas have seen strong housing recoveries based on the strength of their economy, said Stephen Blank, ULI senior resident fellow for finance, so places with low unemployment can expect better recoveries next year, while places still haunted by economic issues won't.

The "smile investing" philosophy is back

Real estate developers are interested once again in a so-called smile investment philosophy, Warren said. According to the philosophy, developers and investors start looking at cities in the Northeast and moving south to cities along the Sun Belt -- Florida, Texas, Arizona -- and then coming back up to the Northwest -- Northern California, Oregon and Washington state. So expect to see more activity in those areas than in the Midwest.

Multi-family apartment building will wane

With rapidly rising demand for apartments during the recession -- boosted by increased demand from homeowners-turned-renters -- multi-family building surged. But that's likely to quiet down in 2014, as supply and demand have swapped places -- and there may actually have been too much multi-family building in 2013, Blank said.

Condo development is still on the back-burner

The recovery in the condo market hasn't matched that of the single-family market, and developers aren't willing to take the risk on putting up new condo buildings.

Instead, builders and developers are taking a dual-track option: They build a rental apartment building with an eye on switching it to condos in 12 to 16 months, depending on market conditions, Warren said.
High-end apartment buildings are also proving problematic for developers, as the interest from well-heeled potential renters simply hasn't been consistently strong.

Inventory is coming back

The experts at ULI are predicting that 2014 will be the last year that low inventory will aid property prices. Distressed inventory is drying up and sellers are looking at better profits than they have in years.

The buyer's market is long gone

Homes right now are priced to please sellers. "For buyers, they're priced to disappoint," Blank said.

Sellers now know they can squeeze buyers eager to buy before interest rates and home prices shoot up even further.

Shadow banking is emerging

There's optimism among those surveyed by ULI that lending standards will loosen next year, but Blank isn't as sure.

To fill the void, a concept called "shadow banking" has started to emerge and may take on a larger role in the lending market next year. Shadow banking is similar to traditional bank lending, but it's done outside banks and can therefore get around bank regulations.
Borrowers going this route will find a hodge-podge of private funds, wealthy individuals, family offices, and refugees from other lending markets, according to the report.

The suburban is going urban

There's not a lot of interest in developing suburban areas, Warren said. But where there is, it's surrounding more urban-minded projects located in spots where amenities and public transportation are easily accessible.

Happy New Year!

18 Photos Of LA Decorated For Xmas In the '30s, '40s, & '50s

    

• November 24, 1945: Santa Claus Lane parade at Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas

18 images

Didn't all the Christmas light displays look so much quainter in the olden days, juxtaposed with Studebakers and GIs? Maybe it's just that a place could be known far and wide back then as the Christmas House with not much more than some fake snow, a few lights, and a cut-out Santa. Maybe it's that Claudette Colbert was around to get in on the action. Whatever it was, it sure is nice to look at. Enjoy these photos of Los Angeles dressed up for Christmas in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s, and Merry Christmas, if that's your thing!

• 
  Ca. 1950: Hollywood Boulevard
• 
  Decmeber 20, 1937: Boyle Heights Christmas House, dreamed up and decorated by 22-year-old George C. Skinner, who got mail addressed to just "Christmas House"
• 
  December 16, 1938: Kids playing at Boyle Heights's Christmas House
• 
  1940-something: Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Plaza Drive
• 
  1959: "Stanley Russell, chauffeur for late Cecil B. De Mille and now free-lance chauffeur, decorates his lawn at 7736 Paso Robles Ave., Van Nuys, with mechanized display to delight neighborhood children. Passers-by believe display which Russell built himself to be operated by 'electric eye.'"
• 
  December 18, 1954: Looking west on Compton Boulevard from Alameda Street in Compton
• 
  Ca. 1953: Grauman's Chinese Theatr
• 
  December 11, 1937: Brand Boulevard in Glendale
• 
  1935: Main and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach
• 
  1948: Probably Van Nuys Boulevard
• 
  Ca. 1950: Hollywood Boulevard
• 
  No date: Somewhere in Hollywood
• 
  No date: Hollywood
• 
  No date: Hollywood Boulevard the night before the Santa Claus Lane Parade
• 
  1932: Claudette Colbert inspecting a wreath with her face in it at Hollywood and Vine
• 
  November 21, 1940: Christmas parade at Broadway and Seventh Street Downtown
• 
  July 29, 1960: A prank in Granada Hills

12 Strategies for Hosting a Sucessful Open House

“You don't need a golden toilet. You just need a working toilet,” said Holly Sose, of City Connections Realty. “Any wild shenanigans are just that, shenanigans. … The market will always dictate a trade price. No amount of gorgeous models dancing in bikinis or catered sushi is going to do that for you.”
Once a seller figures out the right price, it may take some weeks to prepare a home so it looks ready for a showing. Here's how:

1. De-clutter your home
“Buyers want to envision themselves in the home, and it’s difficult to do so if your clutter is in the way,” said Shannon Aalai, of CitiHabitats.
Cleaning out closets is especially important since many city house hunters are obsessed with closet space and will surely open all doors, she said.

2. Add a fresh coat of paint, and fix anything that’s broken, especially if it’s squeaky.
"When people walk into an apartment they’re nitpicky and want to find something wrong even if they like it," Aalai said.
So, make sure everything is in working order, including light bulbs.
Vik Kukar, of Rutenberg Realty, recalled one open house where a broken dishwasher handle turned off prospective buyers.
“You’re really trying to create emotion when you walk in,” he said. “You don’t want anything to break that positive emotion.”

3. Stash your honeymoon photos and hide your doll collection.
“Take down anything I tell you is offensive or weird, and remove anything personal,” Aalai said. 
The goal is to keep the focus on the apartment. 
“Your dog is cute but we don’t need to see [it] in every photo," she said. "People are easily distracted. They look at the photos, and say, 'That’s a cute couple, that’s a cute baby.' They’re more interested in [the sellers’] lives.”
When taking a couple to look at a SoHo loft, Aalai heard the prospective buyers talking nonstop about the series of “creepy” collage boxes hanging on the wall instead of chatting about the home.
“The husband said you’ll never get rid of that energy,” she recounted.

4. Consider using a professional to stage your home.
It could cost anywhere from $4,000 to upwards of $25,000 to have your apartment staged, but there could be a big payoff, Kukar said.
“It’s often going to have a 300 percent return,” he said, especially if a home has no furniture.

5. Give your agent ample access to your house.
“Allow open houses, and let brokers show the property after work and on weekends,” Aalai said.

6. Target your outreach.
Teplitzky stressed the importance of “building momentum” by listing a home in different outlets, online and elsewhere.
Sometimes her agents will do mailings in the neighborhood to increase the number of people showing up.

7. Don’t be home for showings or open houses.
“Buyers are never honest in front of sellers, and frankly it often makes them uncomfortable,” Aalai said.

8. Be prepared for possible questions.
Make sure whoever is hosting the open house knows where to find the nearest gym and grocery stores and the closest subway and bus stops. Make sure they know what, if anything, was renovated and when, and whether walls can come down or be put up, Kukar said.

9. Get a cleaning service.
“People will notice if it’s dirty,” Aalai said, especially in bathrooms where prospective buyers often turn on faucets and use toilets.
“They move the shower curtain when they want to turn the water on, so make sure there’s no hair in the tub,” she said, also advising sellers to make sure there’s soap, and the good towels are hanging.

10. Take the dog or cat out; hide litter boxes and feeding bowls.
Not all house hunters are animal lovers.
“If a dog is there, sometimes people are worried about the dog jumping on them, and they’re freaking out,” Aalai said. “And with cats, a lot of people have allergies.”

11. Add simple, nice touches.
Aalai likes to bring flowers or set out a bowl with lemons or pears.
Teplitzky likes to offer little bottles of cold water or fruit in the heat of summer.
Sose likes to put on music.
“Music makes everything better,” she said.

12. Make sure the house doesn’t smell.
People often get accustomed to their homes' odors, said Aalai, who will often light a scented candle in the bathroom.
Many brokers will open windows before a showing to let it air out.
Kukar gently lets sellers know not to do any heavy cooking an hour or so before a showing. He remembered an open house where a family had just cooked a pot roast.
“It smelled good, but it was too much,” he said.
“Apartments are sold on emotion,” Kukar said. “The agent is the director of [a movie called] ‘Selling This Home.’ We’re trying to produce these strong feelings of joy, hope and happiness.”

Mapping LA's Most Rapidly-Gentrifying Neighborhoods

Highland Park isn't gentrifying nearly as much as it seems to be, but Venice certainly is. These and more surprises in PropertyShark's new map comparing median home price to household income--a higher ratio (darker color on the map) means home prices are more out of whack with what existing residents can actually afford, suggesting that the neighborhood is fancifying quickly (note, though, that these are asking prices, which are not quite as useful as sale prices). You wouldn't think Los Feliz (ratio: 31), central-west Santa Monica (48), or gated little Bradbury (33) could get radically more expensive, but they're three of the hottest spots, along with an area in the heart of Downtown (30). Gentrification poster children like Highland Park (8) and Silver Lake (9/16) are surprisingly balanced, but up-and-comer gentrification zones Echo Park (16/20, mostly) and Mid-City (20) are swiftly getting less balanced. Below a list of the zip codes that are most unaffordable right now.

Click here for the map and zoom in for zip-code-level data.

Halloween Traditions Explained

While rooted in the past (see Halloween History), Halloween as we know it today dates back to the early 20th century.
The holiday was relatively obscure in late 19th century America. It was brought to the country by Irish and Scottish immigrants, combining the features of the Celtic and Christian holidays, and celebrated with feasting, divinations, and mischief making.

Jack-o'-Lanterns

People had been carving gourds or pumpkins and using them as lanterns long before this practice was associated with Halloween. In 1850, for example, poet John Greenleaf Whittier mentioned the practice of his boyhood in "The Pumpkin": "When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin, / Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!"
We don't know exactly when and why these lanterns became associated with Halloween in particular, though we do know it was in North America. But by the start of the 20th century, the connection was firmly established.

Hit the Road, Jack

The name "Jack-o'-lantern" has changed in meaning several times. It was first recorded as a nickname for a night watchman, dating back to 1663. Around the same time, it was used as another name for a will-o'-the-wisp. It began to be used for pumpkin lanterns sometime in the 19th century. It's possible that the name simply went from the night watchman (a man holding a lantern) to the lantern itself.
On the other hand, an Irish legend tells of a miserly man named Jack who, while alive, tricked the Devil into agreeing not to take him into Hell. Upon his death, St. Peter wouldn't let Jack into Heaven, because he had been too stingy and sinful. The Devil wouldn't let him into Hell because of the deal they'd made. Jack was condemned to wander between Heaven and Hell with his lantern, looking for a place to rest and never finding one.

Mischief Night

In late 18th century America, Halloween was a night for mischief and pranks. Boys would make "tick-tacks," cutting notches in the ends of a wooden spool and winding string around it. The spool would be placed right up against a window, with a nail serving as an axle. When the string was pulled, it made a loud and rapid "tick-tack" noise. Other noisy and startling practices involved throwing corn and decaying vegetables at houses.
While this was considered innocent fun, some pranksters began to go too far, especially with the move from country life to city life. News stories tell of students being expelled from schools, gangs of youths roaming through town covering people in flour, buildings being blown up, and so on.

Trick or Treat!

The general practice of going door-to-door for treats is clearly similar to a much older practice, "souling," in which the poor would go from house to house begging for alms or food. However, the specific practice of "trick-or-treating" dates to around the 1930s. It is possible—though by no means certain—that it evolved as an antidote for the increasingly rowdy and costly Halloween pranks. It provided a healthier activity for the young and gave them an incentive not to play tricks.
We could easily make something up about the origins of Halloween costumes. We could say that people originally dressed as ghosts and witches to scare people, and that the practice eventually spread to include costumes of all sorts. But the fact is that we don't actually know where Halloween costumes came from, only that the practice, like trick-or-treating, appears to have begun in early 20th century America.

5 reasons you still need a real-estate agent

You might think buying or selling on your own will save money, but it could be more costly in the long run.

The proliferation of services that help homebuyers and sellers complete their own real-estate transactions is relatively recent, and it may have you wondering whether using a real-estate agent is becoming a relic of a bygone era. While doing the work yourself can save you the significant commissions that many real-estate agents command, for many, flying solo may not be the way to go — and could end up being more costly than a commission in the long run. Buying or selling a home is a major financial and emotional undertaking. Find out why you shouldn't discard the notion of hiring an agent just yet.

 

1. Better access/more convenience
A real-estate agent's full-time job is to act as a liaison between buyers and sellers. This means that he or she will have easy access to all other properties listed by other agents and will know what needs to be done to get a deal together. For example, if you are looking to buy a home, a real-estate agent will track down homes that meet your criteria, get in touch with sellers' agents and make appointments for you to view the homes. If you are buying on your own, you will have to play this telephone tag yourself. This may be especially difficult if you're shopping for homes that are for sale by owner.

Similarly, if you are looking to sell your home yourself, you will have to solicit calls from interested parties, answer questions and make appointments. Keep in mind that potential buyers are likely to move on if you tend to be busy or don't respond quickly enough. Alternatively, you may find yourself making an appointment and rushing home, only to find that no one shows up.

 

2. Negotiating is tricky business
Many people don't like the idea of doing a real-estate deal through an agent and think that direct negotiation between buyers and sellers is more transparent and allows the parties to look after their own interests better. This is probably true — assuming that both the buyer and seller are reasonable people who are able to get along. Unfortunately, this isn't always an easy relationship.

What if you, as a buyer, like a home but despise its wood-paneled walls, shag carpet and lurid orange kitchen? If you are working with an agent, you can express your contempt for the current owner's decorating skills and rant about how much it'll cost you to upgrade the home without insulting the owner. For all you know, the owner's late mother may have lovingly chosen the décor. Your real-estate agent can convey your concerns to the seller’s agent. Acting as a messenger, the agent may be in a better position to negotiate a discount without ruffling the homeowner's feathers.

A real-estate agent can also play the “bad guy” in a transaction, preventing the bad blood between a buyer and seller that can kill a deal. Keep in mind that sellers can reject a potential buyer's offer for any reason — including just because they hate his or her guts. An agent can help by speaking for you in tough transactions and smoothing things over to keep them from getting too personal. This can put you in a better position to get the house you want. The same is true for the seller, who can benefit from a hard-nosed real-estate agent who will represent his or her interests without turning off potential buyers who want to niggle about the price.

 

3. Contracts can be hard to handle
If you decide to buy or sell a home, the offer-to-purchase contract is there to protect you and ensure that you are able to back out of the deal if certain conditions aren't met. For example, if you plan to buy a home with a mortgage but you fail to make financing one of the conditions of the sale — and you aren't approved for the mortgage — you can lose your deposit on the home and could even be sued by the seller for failing to fulfill your end of the contract. (Keep in mind that the details of any contract may vary based on state law.)

An experienced real-estate agent deals with the same contracts and conditions on a regular basis and is familiar with which conditions should be used, when they can be removed safely and how to use the contract to protect you, whether you're buying or selling your home.

4. Real-estate agents can't lie
Well, OK, actually they can. But because they are licensed professionals, there are more repercussions if they do than for a private buyer or seller. If you are working with a licensed real-estate agent under an agency agreement, such as a conventional, full-service commission agreement in which the agent agrees to represent you, your agent will be bound by law to a fiduciary relationship. In other words, the agent is bound by law to act in his clients' best interest, not his own.
In addition, most real-estate agents rely on referrals and repeat business to build the kind of client base they'll need to survive in the business. This means that doing what's best for their clients should be as important to them as any individual sale.
Finally, if you do find that your agent has gotten away with lying to you, you will have more avenues for recourse, such as through your agent's broker or professional association or possibly even in court if you can prove that your agent has failed to uphold his fiduciary duties.
When a buyer and seller work together directly, they can — and should — seek legal counsel, but because each is expected to act in his or her best interest, there isn't much you can do if you find out later that you've been duped about multiple offers or the home's condition. And having a lawyer on retainer any time you want to talk about potentially buying or selling a house could cost far more than an agent's commissions by the time the transaction is complete.

5.  Not everyone can save money
Many people eschew using a real-estate agent in order to save money, but keep in mind that it is unlikely that both the buyer and seller will reap the benefits of not having to pay commissions. For example, if you are selling your home on your own, you will price it based on the sale prices of other comparable properties in your area. Many of these properties will be sold with the help of an agent. This means that the seller gets to keep the percentage of the home's sale price that might otherwise be paid to the real-estate agent.
However, buyers who are looking to purchase a home sold by owners may also believe they can save some money on the home by not having an agent involved. They might even expect it and make an offer accordingly. However, unless buyer and seller agree to split the savings, they can't both save the commission.

The bottom line
While there are certainly people who are qualified to sell their own homes, taking a quick look at the long list of frequently asked questions on most “for sale by owner” websites suggests the process isn't as simple as many people assume. And when you get into a difficult situation, it can really pay to have a professional on your side.