<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Secrets of the Home Sale</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – With the inventory of unsold homes at continued high levels, homeowners are going to great lengths to differentiate and distinguish their home. According to experts, there are a few simple tricks that can help create a more appealing space and a more attractive listing in today’s increasingly competitive market.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Listing: What’s in a word?</strong> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">When putting your home on the market, the right phrasing in your listing can be the key to attracting potential buyers. According to the 2008 MSN article, "What’s ‘beautiful’ worth? About $12,500" researchers have found that listings with the words "beautiful" or "gorgeous" sold homes 15 percent faster, while "landscaping" bumped sales 20 percent faster and "move-in condition" expedited the sale by 12 percent.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Contrary to popular belief, sellers should steer clear of words that highlight desperation such as "motivated" and "must sell." The study found the inclusion of those words in the listing slowed sales by up to 30 percent.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Branding: If you’ve got it, flaunt it.</strong> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Brand names create a point of differentiation and should be used as selling points for your home. There is no doubt that buyers will put more weight in brands they trust. If choosing to make upgrades before listing your home, consider quality, recognizable products because they will ultimately provide the best return.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Our premier lines of hardwood flooring are appearing in listings along with top name appliances," says Tom Sullivan, chairman and founder of Lumber Liquidators. "The inclusion of these trusted brands in the listing conveys quality and, in the case of Bellawood and its 50-year warranty, it also provides peace of mind."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Staging: The ultimate showcase showdown.</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">When getting your home tidied up for potential buyers, there are some specific tips that will help your home appeal to a wider range of buyers.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Cleaning:</strong> The number one rule of staging is to get rid of unwanted and unused items. Whether packed away until the sale or permanently donated, de-cluttering allows buyers to see more of the home. This also includes moving furniture out of rooms that may seem overcrowded. Less is always more.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Neutralizing:</strong> When getting your home ready to sell, going neutral is the best way to go to appeal to the most buyers. Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a room back to its natural state. Warm neutral colors tend to be a stager’s preference because it keeps walls inviting while adding a touch of color in the room. Buyers can better imagine themselves living in a home when it is neutral.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Landscaping:</strong> Although the inside of the home can create atmosphere, the first impression can be a lasting impression. The outside of the house will set the tone for what a buyer perceives is inside. Create a pleasant yard that is well-kept and full of life. Plants and flowers also should be brought inside the home to help accessorize and accent high traffic areas such as the kitchen and living room.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information about installing hardwood flooring, call (800) FLOORING or visit <a href="http://www.lumberliquidators.com/">www.lumberliquidators.com</a> .</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>