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Karen Kelly, a lifelong resident of Rutherford is focused on Buyer and Seller needs at her post at ERA Justin Realty Co. She offers real estate first impressions for Spring 2013.
ERA JUSTIN REALTY SHARES 2013 FIRST IMPRESSION – TIPS FOR SPRING SELLING
When it comes to your home, first impressions are everything. During Spring with the flowers and trees blooming, Buyers will drive by and make an instant decision on whether they want to step inside. The exterior of your home, in conjunction with the landscaping, has the ability to make or break the first appearance. Just as important as accessories are to completing an outfit, the perfect front door can instantly increase the curb appeal of your home.
Karen Kelly, an ERA Justin Realtor agent holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, advertising and public relations and is focused on her Buyers and Sellers. She said, “To gain the viewpoint of the potential Buyer, walk across from the front of your home and give it a critical look. Is there something that is less than appealing? Does it look neat, clean and most of all, inviting? Take notes and decide where your improvement dollars might be best spent. Whether you replace your front door, or spruce up the one you now have, the improvement will be noticeable. Depending on your home’s exterior finishing, you might consider painting the door a color that complements the color of the trim, rather than matching it. Consult a color wheel, and consider the colors located adjacent to the trim color, or directly opposite. Red, purple, or green front doors are not uncommon today. The door is a relatively small space, considering the expanse of the front of most homes, so you can choose an unconventional color for the door and not have it overwhelm the facade. And because of the small area of the door, it can be easily repainted if you change your mind. Some experts have reported that a yellow door adds immediate impact and clearly says, ‘Welcome.’ If you have a solid wood door, consider refinishing it. If the wood is particularly beautiful or interesting, you can simply oil or seal it to show off the grain. Talk to someone at the paint store about the best way to enhance the appearance of your wood door and protect it against the elements. You can also freshen up the entrance by polishing or replacing the hardware on the door. If the doorknob, lock, and kick plate are shabby, buy new ones. Measure what you have before you go shopping.”
Karen continued, “Fiberglass doors cost a little more than what you would expect to pay for a steel door. Fiberglass doors do not dent or chip, and are impervious to the weather. Steel and fiberglass top the list of popular door choices, but wood doors continue to do well. Wood surfaces must be refinished and varnished every few years, depending on how much they are exposed to the elements. Mahogany is a popular choice. Oak is an excellent wood for a front door but is very hard and does not accept paint well. Keep this in mind should you decide to paint it later on. Consider whether your home is stucco or brick, and note the interesting architectural details. Your front door should enhance the existing elements, not compete with them. Newer homes with cleaner exterior lines can take on an elaborate door, though the design should be in keeping with the home’s size and style. New stock doors give you dozens of options, while a custom door is often the focal point of the property. Whether you paint, refinish, or replace the door, freshening up the entrance is sure to enhance your home’s curb appeal.”
“We can aid you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report, a comprehensive report in all aspects. We can make some first impression suggestions. It is complete with color photos and detailed information, and can make pricing easier for those planning a sale. Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our details will make the difference. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare. We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, we try to be as comprehensive as possible. In that way, we know that our Buyers and Sellers will hold us all in the highest regard.” suggested Jennifer Darby Metzger Broker co-owner.
Karen concluded, “ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA national 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, one of a group of select ERA real estate firms. As a trusted name in real estate since 1950, ERA Justin Realty might easily be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.
For more information on CMA’s, consumers can reach Karen and the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000’s of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.
