We provide 8-Day, 7-Night Resort Getaway certificates to everyone who meets with us to discuss buying or selling a home (regardless of whether you ultimately decide to work with us or not).

To address questions we were getting about this offer – we recently used one of the certificates to document the process. Watch the video to see how it went.

Bottom line – we spent a week in a very nice resort in Aruba – on the water – for $100 per day (includes all fees and taxes). We didn’t encounter any “surprises” such as a requirement to sit through a timeshare presentation or hidden costs that weren’t expected.

We had such a good experience, we plan to try other destinations. Next trip – we’ll probably take another couple and book a 2-bedroom unit. There are dozens of locations in the U.S. to choose from…but I’m thinking maybe St. Maarten.

-Tammy

Everyone, please take all precautions to stay safe!

And…when you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, please keep our team in mind. 🙂

See the scenic view from the Johns Pass Bridge – overlooking Johns Pass Village (Madeira Beach), the sandbar and Gators Cafe (Treasure Island).

You’ll also learn how Johns Pass was created – and where it got its name – along with a brief overview of the real estate market along the barrier islands and south Pinellas county.

Why is it important to get rid of home odors while selling your home? Home buyers don’t just look at homes…other senses also come into play when deciding which home to choose.

For example, they listen for noises from busy streets, airplanes and railroad tracks.

But, of all the senses, smell can be the most powerful – and is (thankfully) the easiest to fix.

As a home seller, your job is to ensure that your home is as enticing to potential buyers as possible – and that includes ensuring that the home’s scent doesn’t give buyers a reason to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, when living with the odors every day, we can become “nose blind” to them (meaning that we no longer notice the odor). Your real estate agent should tell you if he/she smells an odor when entering your home, but there are steps you can do to remove odors even if you’re not aware of them.

1. First – look for the source of potential odors and remove or remedy them.
   • If you’ve ever had a roof leak, be sure there’s no mildew in the attic and ensure that the insulation is dry.
   • Make sure doors and windows are sealed so water can’t enter the home.
   • Remove or replace old pet beds.
   • If you have a smoker in the home – wipe down the walls (consider a fresh coat of paint).
2. Be sure to remove the trash daily. Clean the trash can at least once a week.
3. Avoid making strong-smelling food (such as fish, onions, garlic).
4. Have carpets professionally cleaned (or replaced if they are stained or worn).

The Easiest Way To Get Rid Of Home Odors

Real estate agents have long used the trick of baking cookies the day of an Open House to fill the home with the inviting aroma. But, what about the day-to-day scent?

To remove odors naturally – without using strong-smelling sprays, candles or plug-ins – consider using this simple solution:

1. Pour at least 2 cups of water into a crock-pot (slow cooker)
2. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda and mix to dissolve
3.  Set the slow cooker to LOW and leave it for several hours without the lid

The baking soda will actually pull the offensive odors from the air.

You can also add a few drops of any of the following to add pleasant scents to the room:

• a teaspoon of lemon juice (or a few slices of fresh lemon)
• a few drops of vanilla extract
• a sprinkle of ground cinnamon (you can also add cloves)
• essential oils such as lavender

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a small pot on the stove for kitchen odors. For other rooms, consider using a candle warmer.

When done right, staging is an art that not only shows off a home’s best features but also inspires buyers to make a solid offer. Additionally, it can result in a quicker sale. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2017 Profile of Home Staging, 39 percent of sellers’ agents noted that staging significantly reduced the amount of time a home remained on the market.

But when staging efforts go awry, the results range from comical to cringe-worthy.

Take a look at some of biggest home-staging fails out there. Enjoy a laugh while learning what not to do when preparing to present a home to prospective buyers.

1. Heads up

 

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A post shared by Southern Oregon Realtor (@so_realtor) on Dec 21, 2015 at 5:09am PST

We’re guessing the home tour came to an abrupt end after bumping into this big guy. Taxidermy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea to begin with, but leaving this buck’s head in the middle of the room feels wrong on so many levels.

2. Combo gym and masterbath

 

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With almost 5400sqft to play with, you couldn’t find any other space in the house for this contraption? On the market for $2.7M in Nevada. #reallybadrealestate #stagingfail

A post shared by Really Bad Real Estate (@reallybadrealestate) on May 3, 2018 at 2:37pm PDT

While most exercise enthusiasts can’t wait to hit the shower after a workout, keeping the equipment beside the tub is a bit much. Yes, this bathroom is spacious, but is it roomy enough to double as a home gym? Not quite.

3. Dinner for one

 

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A post shared by Jon Speich (@jonspeich) on Nov 17, 2017 at 5:21pm PST

When a home is unoccupied, there’s always the temptation to add a little something that helps buyers envision themselves in the space. But one lonely lawn chair isn’t going to cut it. In fact, this sad visual conjures up images of solo TV dinners and is enough to make most would-be buyers bolt.

4. Dangerous playroom

 

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A post shared by Sam Meredith (@samlmeredith) on Apr 4, 2018 at 6:01pm PDT

Having a downstairs area where kids can play is definitely a plus. Unfortunately, that’s not what we have here — no matter how well intentioned this little set-up might be. Seeing the room arranged this way may actually make buyers think, “Hmm, too bad this basement isn’t finished.” And there goes your sale.

5. Lady in red

 

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A post shared by The Walkers (@awalkwiththewalkers) on Nov 22, 2017 at 3:38pm PST

Looks like someone forgot to put away this beauty! Even if you’re selling your home during the Halloween season, most buyers find creepy dolls a little off-putting. Without this mannequin giving you the cold shoulder, this room would’ve been just fine.

6. Birds of a feather

 

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A post shared by The Real Estate Scientist (@realtyscientist) on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:17am PDT

A jacuzzi paired with champagne could be enough to tempt a buyer. But seeing a stuffed flock of birds surrounding the hot tub might make some people want to fly the coop. While homeowners are often proud of their collections, removing personal items that may not match everyone’s taste is always a good idea.

7. Whole lotta litter

 

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A post shared by Sam Meredith (@samlmeredith) on Apr 6, 2018 at 6:32pm PDT

When it comes to staging an unfinished basement, the “less is more” rule definitely applies, especially if the default decor involves feline excrement. Enough said.

8. A safari crime scene

 

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A post shared by VIP Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (@viprealestatebrokers) on Aug 21, 2015 at 5:33am PDT

An aerial view of this zebra is enough to break any animal lover’s heart. If a family with young children pays a visit, however, this may be the cautionary tale they need to convince kids not to fool around on the stairs. Grown-ups too may think twice before leaning over those railings.

9. Sadder than a bowl of plastic fruit

 

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A post shared by Vivian and Kaitlin (@vk_realestate) on Jun 9, 2016 at 12:19pm PDT

Pasta is typically a crowd-pleaser but not when it’s presented this way. It may be preferable to leave the countertops bare rather than resort to a strainer full of dried spaghetti. It’s just not that appetizing.

10. Mirror, mirror on the wall

 

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A post shared by Bob & Michelle Hawk (@hawkrealestateteam) on Oct 10, 2018 at 7:39pm PDT

Sometimes you’re in such a rush to get a home in tip-top shape, you forget to remove the items you’ve purchased to spruce the place up from their original packaging. In this case, the cardboard looks like a frame, so they almost got away with it.

11. Barren backyard

 

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A post shared by Blair Ballin #ballinagent (@blair_ballin) on Jul 24, 2016 at 3:45pm PDT

That sad little table and plastic chairs don’t exactly make you think about hosting lavish barbecues in your new backyard. This is another instance where placing the wrong items in a space could be worse than leaving it empty. Trust in the power of the buyers’ imaginations.

12. Going a little too green

 

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A post shared by vroomres (@vroomres) on Mar 16, 2018 at 9:25am PDT

Adding plants to a home brings the outdoors in and offers a nice pop of color. But putting them on the floor in the middle of the room seems like a good way to trip an unsuspecting prospect. Also, overloading a space with greenery can distract from some of the room’s nicest features — like that built-in bookcase.

If you’re preparing a home for a showing, keep these silly mistakes in mind and avoid your own staging fail.