Organizer Statistics (based on the 2009 NAPO Member Survey)
NAPO Members
79% hold college degrees
62% have been NAPO members 3+ years
80% have made organizing their primary career
68% have worked in professional organizing for 3+ years
62% worked in management, business, education, or sales before becoming professional organizers
Top 5 Client Groups
Residential
Home-office-based businesses
Small-businesses outside of the home
Special needs customers
Large and mid-sized businesses
Top 10 Services Provided by Organizers
Hands-on organizing
Maintenance (organizing)
Consulting
Speaking at meetings/conferences
Moves/relocations/downsizings
Coaching
Project Management Coordination
Training
Writing organizing articles/columns
Design
Top reasons professional organizers are hired
Too much clutter
General disorganization
Difficulty determining what to keep and/or discard
Difficulty finding things
Selling a home or moving
Top areas in a home where organizing services are most often requested
Home Office or Den
Kitchen
Closet
Master Bedroom
Garage/Attic/Basement
Top reasons NAPO members have been hired to organize companies or offices not home-based
Improve general employee productivity
Maximize office space
Assist specific employees needing organizational skills
Shelving and storage solutions
Preparation to move company
Top services NAPO members provide to school-aged children
Organization of their rooms and/or study areas
Closet organization
Help determining what to keep or discard
Advice on organization and time management in the home
School programs on organization and time management
http://www.napo.net/our_profession/
http://www.jessicapetrucco.com/
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Competitive Advantage
http://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/
http://jessicapetrucco.com/
Low interest rates and Lenders willing to lend money opens the doors of opportunities for Buyers!
As a Seller, it is imperative to have your home make a lasting impression and differ from your competition.
Clearing the clutter and staging the property will give you that competitive edge. Home sweet home , vacation, or investment feel, can be presented to the Buyer without words by presentation alone!
Call upon a Realtor, Interior Decorator and Professional Organizer to assist you in listing your property. Realtor and Advanced International Organizing Professional; visit http://www.jessicapetrucco.com/
Real Estate Staging Statistics Report By RESA
February 18, 2010
Real Estate Staging Statistics Report By RESA Released February 2010
Vacant Homes Previously on the Market
In 2009 vacant homes in our study that were previously on the market on average of 277 Days as un-staged properties had not sold. Those same homes were then taken off the market and staged and re-listed. Those properties on average sold after 63 days on market after they were staged, which is 78% less time on the market.
Real Estate Staging Statistics Report By RESA Released February 2010
Occupied Homes Previously on the Market
In 2009 39 occupied homes (not staged) in our study were previously on the market an average of 233 days unsold. Those homeowners had their properties staged. Those same homes sold in 53 days on average after staging. This is 78% less time on the market.
Real Estate Staging Statistics Report By RESA Released February 2010
Staged First, Listed and SOLD!
Our study includes 167 occupied homes that were staged before they went on the market. These homes sold in 39 days on average after staging.Our study includes 117 vacant homes that were staged before they went on the market. These homes sold in 42 days on average after staging.
How much money could you save by staging your home before listing?
Our study shows 126 homeowners had their property on the market on average of 263 days before they decided to stage. 263 days = 9 months!!!Our study also shows 284 homes that were staged before they went on the market and they sold on average in 40.5 days. This is approximately 223 days less time on the market.223 days = 7 months. As an example, using this formula you can determine approximately how much money you will continue to spend while your home is on the market un-staged.If your mortgage is : $1800.00 If your direct expenses are: $300.00 Total carrying cost per month: $2,100.00
Our study shows home owners had their property on the market for an average of 9 months.$2,100.00 X 9 months = $18,900.00 in expenses. Had those homeowners staged first, their time on market would have been cut by 223 days on average (7 months). $2,100.00 x 7 months= $14,700.00Staging their homes first would have saved them $14,700.00. These numbers are all relative to individual mortgage and expenses. Use this simple formula to determine how much you will save by staging your home or listing before putting it on the market:Mortgage + expenses (utilities etc.) = Monthly expenses Monthly expenses X 9 months (avg. time un-staged) = Cost to list house un-stagedSavings: Expenses x 7 months (average time on market reduced) –staging fee =Savings if you stage your house first!** If you have a price reduction you can also add that into the loss you are taking by listing a property un-staged.
Real Estate Staging Statistics Report By RESA Released February 2009
With more people becoming Internet savvy, according to the NAR Profile of Home buyers and Sellers 2008 “87% of ALL home buyers and 94% of buyers aged 25 to 44 used the Internet to search for homes. Staging continues to be a valuable tool to gain more buyer interest beginning with their initial search on the Internet. Homes today are being eliminated from the “must see” list based on photographs from the Internet. Professional staging is key to the quality of those photos.
Consistent with that thought, the Remodel and Realtor magazine 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Survey reports on additions, upgrades and replacements in regions across the country that bring the most value per dollar spent. Curb appeal ranked highest in all regions. A recent RESA study found that 99.2% of professional stagers recommend repairs and upgrades toseller when preparing a home for sale, 89% of sellers were willing to address the repairs recommended, 73.5% report their clients invest between $500 to $2000 in repairs.
Professional stagers are instrumental in bringing their first hand experience of their region and the improvements and upgrades that bring more value to the homeowners and Realtors they serve.
Proper list price is the Number One factor in a sale to be evaluated with condition, location and terms that will result in a sale. The Number One factor that can push the SOLD price to the top of the Sold price range is indisputably staging. The two in concert are the path to maximizing equity in any market and a faster sale in ALL markets.
Buyers benefit by purchasing homes that have issues resolved and that are move in ready. A Maritz survey says that 63% of buyers will pay more for move-in ready homes.Staging is no longer a “nice to have”, it is mandatory to maximize equity and makes good business sense for Realtors, homeowners and prospective buyers.
http://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Florida’s Existing Home, Condo Sales Rise in March 2010
RISMEDIA, May 13, 2010— Florida’s existing home sales rose in March, which means that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison for 19 months, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.
Existing home sales increased 24 percent last month with a total of 16,294 homes sold statewide compared to 13,090 homes sold in March 2009, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide existing home sales last month increased 37 percent over statewide sales activity in February. Also noteworthy: while March’s statewide existing-home median price of $137,000 was down from the same time a year ago, it was 4.3 percent higher than February’s statewide existing-home median price.
Florida Realtors also reported a 63 percent increase in statewide sales of existing condos in March compared to the previous year’s sales figure; statewide existing condo sales last month rose 40.6 percent over the total units sold in February. Though March’s statewide existing-condo median price of $96,900 was down compared to the year-ago figure, it was 5.1 percent higher than February’s statewide existing-condo median price.
Seventeen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing home sales in March while all MSAs had higher condo sales. A majority of the state’s MSAs have reported increased sales for 21 consecutive months.
Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $137,000; a year ago, it was $141,300 for a 3 percent decrease. Industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.
The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in February 2010 was $164,300, down 2.1 percent from a year earlier, according to NAR. In California, the statewide median resales price was $279,840 in February; in Massachusetts, it was $271,950; in Maryland, it was $237,446; and in New York, it was $225,000.
NAR’s latest outlook anticipates a rise in home sales in late spring, which should help to absorb inventory. Increased pending sales is a positive sign for home prices, which are continuing to stabilize, according to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.
In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 7,148 units sold statewide last month compared to 4,387 units in March 2009 for an increase of 63 percent. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $96,900; in March 2009 it was $108,500 for an 11 percent decrease. The national median existing condo price was $170,200 in February, according to NAR.
Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.97 percent last month, down from the average rate of 5 percent in March 2009, according to Freddie Mac. Florida Realtors’ sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
Among the state’s larger markets, the Sarasota-Bradenton MSA reported a total of 1,055 homes sold in March compared to 765 homes a year earlier for a 38 percent increase. The market’s existing home median sales price last month was $163,800; a year earlier it was $150,000 for an increase of 9 percent. A total of 382 condos sold in the MSA in March compared to 226 units sold the same month a year earlier for an increase of 69 percent. The existing condo median price last month was $146,400; a year earlier, it was $129,000 for a gain of 13 percent.
Two charts showing statistics for Florida and the state’s MSAs are attached. One chart compares the volume of existing, single-family home sales and median sales prices in March 2010 to March 2009 based on Realtor transactions; the other compares the volume of existing, condominium sales and median sales prices in March 2010 to March 2009 based on Realtor transactions.
For more information, visit http://media.floridarealtors.org/.
RISMedia welcomes your comments and questions. Email realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.
Existing home sales increased 24 percent last month with a total of 16,294 homes sold statewide compared to 13,090 homes sold in March 2009, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide existing home sales last month increased 37 percent over statewide sales activity in February. Also noteworthy: while March’s statewide existing-home median price of $137,000 was down from the same time a year ago, it was 4.3 percent higher than February’s statewide existing-home median price.
Florida Realtors also reported a 63 percent increase in statewide sales of existing condos in March compared to the previous year’s sales figure; statewide existing condo sales last month rose 40.6 percent over the total units sold in February. Though March’s statewide existing-condo median price of $96,900 was down compared to the year-ago figure, it was 5.1 percent higher than February’s statewide existing-condo median price.
Seventeen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing home sales in March while all MSAs had higher condo sales. A majority of the state’s MSAs have reported increased sales for 21 consecutive months.
Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $137,000; a year ago, it was $141,300 for a 3 percent decrease. Industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.
The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in February 2010 was $164,300, down 2.1 percent from a year earlier, according to NAR. In California, the statewide median resales price was $279,840 in February; in Massachusetts, it was $271,950; in Maryland, it was $237,446; and in New York, it was $225,000.
NAR’s latest outlook anticipates a rise in home sales in late spring, which should help to absorb inventory. Increased pending sales is a positive sign for home prices, which are continuing to stabilize, according to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.
In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 7,148 units sold statewide last month compared to 4,387 units in March 2009 for an increase of 63 percent. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $96,900; in March 2009 it was $108,500 for an 11 percent decrease. The national median existing condo price was $170,200 in February, according to NAR.
Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.97 percent last month, down from the average rate of 5 percent in March 2009, according to Freddie Mac. Florida Realtors’ sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
Among the state’s larger markets, the Sarasota-Bradenton MSA reported a total of 1,055 homes sold in March compared to 765 homes a year earlier for a 38 percent increase. The market’s existing home median sales price last month was $163,800; a year earlier it was $150,000 for an increase of 9 percent. A total of 382 condos sold in the MSA in March compared to 226 units sold the same month a year earlier for an increase of 69 percent. The existing condo median price last month was $146,400; a year earlier, it was $129,000 for a gain of 13 percent.
Two charts showing statistics for Florida and the state’s MSAs are attached. One chart compares the volume of existing, single-family home sales and median sales prices in March 2010 to March 2009 based on Realtor transactions; the other compares the volume of existing, condominium sales and median sales prices in March 2010 to March 2009 based on Realtor transactions.
For more information, visit http://media.floridarealtors.org/.
RISMedia welcomes your comments and questions. Email realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.
Monday, May 31, 2010
8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here's why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.
1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Better Home Showings
1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.
2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.
3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.
4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.
5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.
6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.
8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.
10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.
12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.
13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.
14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.
15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.
16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.
17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.
18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.
2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.
3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.
4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.
5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.
6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.
8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.
10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.
12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.
13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.
14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.
15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.
16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.
17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.
18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.
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