Jim Hairston Blog

When you're marketing a home to sell, it needs to be ready to show potential buyers. Our REALTORS® know that home staging is easier and properly done when you have time to thoroughly declutter, clean, organize, and decorate your home. But last-minute showings can happen and you never know—that showing could be the ultimate buyer for your house. Some quick fixes can make your property stand out from the rest.

Here's a rundown of those little home-staging things you can do to prepare your home for last-minute showings.

1. Clean Around Your Home
   When you get that last-minute call from your real estate agent, don't get into a panic mode. Quickly double-check all appliances and make sure they are spotless. No one wants to see films of grease, splattered spaghetti sauce in their potential new home. Wipe down kitchen counters and sinks and make sure all items are cleaned and out of sight. Likewise, make sure your bathroom is gleaming, from the sink drain to the corners of the tub to that spot that you think no one can see.

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College basketball's biggest event is right around the corner, and our REALTORS® are as excited as you are! If you're looking for a place to get together with friends, down a drink or two, and catch all the action, we have a few great places in the Mansfield area you might want to check out.

• MVP's Sports Bar & Grille - 275 Park Ave. W, Mansfield, OH 44902
  Nestled in the heart of Mansfield, MVP's Sports Bar & Grille has all the hallmarks of a classic sports bar. You'll find great food, cold drinks, friendly atmosphere, and lots of TVs to watch the big game. Just minutes from these Mansfield homes for sale, MVP's Sports Bar & Grille is also known throughout the area for its Italian cuisine, including pasta dishes made with their in-house secret "Mama's Touch Of Italy" sauce. They also offer an outdoor patio and often host live music when there isn't a big game on.

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It's not uncommon for a seller's thoughts to wander toward the idea of selling their home by themself. At first glance, it seems like an expedient way to sell their home and save money in the process. However, our REALTORS® caution that the process isn't as easy as it may seem, and even the most seasoned seller can make costly mistakes that an agent would avoid.

• Time is Money
  Selling a home requires a significant investment of time. You need to prepare marketing materials, schedule appraisals, and prepare the house before you even list it. Once the home is on the market, you'll spend hours each day answering phone calls, responding to emails, and preparing to host an open house. It's akin to taking on a second job, which can affect job performance and the ability to connect and close the deal with prospective buyers.

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While Thursday, February 20 is officially designated National Love Your Pet Day, proud owners will tell you it happens 365 days a year. Join our REALTORS® in celebrating this special day by treating your pet to a session with one of these wonderful groomers around Mansfield. 

• Cloverbrook Pet Lodge - 19418 Old Mansfield, Fredericktown, OH 43019
  The word "lodge" conjures up visions of a cozy dwelling nestled in the midst of a beautiful natural setting. That's exactly what your dog will enjoy with a visit to Cloverbrook Pet Lodge. located on three acres with woods and a creek within convenient distance of Fredericktown homes for sale. Clients rave about how attentive groomers are to their wishes and how gentle they are with the dogs during baths, brush-outs, and nail trims. Call ahead for drop-off and pick-up times.

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It's a competitive real estate market. For first-time homebuyers, the goal of homeownership can appear difficult to achieve. While it's true that there are obstacles in the path, it's not impossible to overcome them and beat the odds. Our REALTORS® know how to help first-time homebuyers position themselves in the market to purchase the home they desire. 

Overcoming the Obstacles to Homeownership

• Strict Lending Requirements
  This is often the most daunting obstacle first-time homebuyers need to tackle. Overcoming it requires a multi-prong approach that starts with trimming the budget. Eliminating unnecessary spending, paying off credit card debt, and consolidating existing loan obligations at a lower interest rate are essential steps. It pays big dividends. It will help first-time homebuyers save money for the down payment, and it reduces the debt-to-income ratio. It also helps boost the credit score a few points, which allows buyers to qualify for a lower interest rate.

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