Caroline Ashe January 4th, 2012

I hope everyone had a great holiday season and a Happy New Year! I took a few weeks off from my blogging to just relax…it was nice while it lasted. I’m back to the work of real estate and I’m sorry to say Bad MLS Photos are back and back with a vengence! I would have hoped that some agents would have “take better MLS photos in 2012” on their resolution list, but sad to say NOPE!

Enjoy the 1st edition of Bad MLS Photos of 2012:

Start the year off with a little lean to the left…and a little lean to the right (I think agents take these fromt the driver seats!)

So much wrong here! Paint…paint…paint AND what’s the focal? Geezzzz

Parkey….and a poochie….folks while we love our animals they do not belong in your listing photos….

HINT: If the closet or laundry room is not organized DO NOT feature a mess as a picture!

Focus people!

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Tags: 2012 bad listing photos, bad mls photos

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Caroline Ashe December 2nd, 2011

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

“It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires great strength to decide on what to do.” – Elbert Hubbard

 THROW AWAY THE BAND-AIDS!

What do Scotch Tape, Post-It Notes, and paper clips have in common? Each apparently has a different function, is made of a different material, and serves its own purpose. Oh sure, you can say they’re all office supplies – and you’d be right – but look a little deeper for their common purpose.

Scotch Tape pieces are placed along the edges and on the ends of holiday gifts – for a short period of time. Post-It Notes are stuck to documents suggesting that a signature is needed, or some action be taken. Once the action is complete, the note is discarded. Paper clips hold two or more things together for a few hours or days, and are then returned to the desk drawer.

Figured it out yet? They are all just a temporary “fix” – a momentary solution to a temporary need. They are used in “reaction” to a short-term need. They are also similar to our daily personal lives. When feelings are hurt and the tears come, we automatically reach for a Kleenex. We might, on the other hand, have taken time to determine the source of those feelings and concentrated on resolving a difference before tears were necessary.

When our children misbehave, we react with a 15-minute (or 3-day) “time-out.” We might have avoided that temporary fix by listening to their concerns and teaching appropriate behavior before the fact. Then, there are all the excuses we make, used like Band-Aids, to temporarily cover the flaws in our own behavior. Wouldn’t a more permanent solution like performing to expectations, learning from past experience, or practicing excellence be more appropriate?

Yes, we live in a very fast-paced world. Quick solutions are the order of the day, yet we must eventually realize that we continually seem to need a fresh supply of Scotch Tape, Kleenex, or paper clips. By taking more time to look ahead, it is possible to eliminate many of the situations that require those one-minute Band-Aids. Avoid future “boo-boos.” Search for, learn, and practice a more permanent and proactive life. That’s right – “No more tears!”

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Caroline Ashe November 18th, 2011

I was saddened to hear that Karl Slover, one of the last remaining Munchkins from the beloved 1939 Wizard of Oz, passed away on November 15th. The Washington Post article states that Karl died from cardiopulmonary arrest. Karl Slover had several roles in the film including lead trumpeter of the Munchkin band, a townsman and a soldier. There are only 3 remaining Munchkins left from the production of the Wizard of Oz.

Karen and I had an opportunity to meet Karl Slover at a friend’s home last year. The local friend is a collector and expert on all things Judy Garland and a dear friend of Karl’s.

A cherished photo of us and Karl Slover last year

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Caroline Ashe November 12th, 2011

Basic Home Staging Tips

The term staging refers to all the things you can do to make your home sparkle, which we know through experience is a KEY to obtaining the highest possible sales price.

1. Create good curb appeal.  When the potential purchasers step from the salesperson’s car and see you home for the first time, you want that first impression to be a “WOW”!  The lawn, bushes, flowers, etc., should be kept cut, trimmed, and edged.
2. At the front door you want to maintain that great first impression. As the potential purchasers wait to enter your home they will be inspecting its exterior condition.  So, be sure the front door and surrounding area are scrubbed clean and painted if necessary.  You may wish to enhance the entrance area with decorative planter of colorful flowering plants.
3. Keep the window areas clean and dressed up with curtains or drapes. Keep the curtains or drapes open when the home is being shown so as to keep the interior bright and cheery.
4. If any of the interior walls need scrubbing or painting it is a good idea to get that accomplished immediately.  Money spent on interior painting is usually more than recovered in the final sales price.  Be sure to use a bright and neutral color.
5. Be sure to keep the kitchen area sparkling and neat since it is an area of major importance.  This is not always convenient, but the kitchen often sells the home.
6. The bathrooms are also utmost importance.   Be sure to keep them scrubbed and neat.
7. Make up the beds each day and make sure all clothes are hung neatly away.
8. During evening showings be sure to leave lights on in each room.  This helps to show the home in its best light and makes the potential purchasers feel welcome.
9. Keep all stairways clear of hazards.  Make sure dishes, clothes, toys, newspapers and magazines, etc., are put away.
10. Keep the family pet out of the way during showing.  If the potential purchasers are uneasy around your pet, they will not want to stay.  And, if they enjoy seeing your pet, they will be distracted.  In either case, they are not focused on your home.
11. It is important for the potential purchasers to feel as comfortable as possible while in your home.  So as not to make them feel as if they are intruding, it is a good idea for you and your children to leave them alone with the salesperson.  They will then feel more comfortable to stay and take a good look, and the salesperson can do his/her job.  They will find you if they have a question.

 The more your home looks like a model home the closer to top market value you will receive!

Staging your home is one of the things we can control in today’s market, along with price and overall condition. Staging is important and I can help. I hold the Accrediated Staging Professional Designation so I can provide staging help to my clients at no additional cost! So are you suck at the staging step? Call me I’m happy to help! 706-589-1360 or you can alway connect with me online at

Tags: home staging, staging, staging a home

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Caroline Ashe November 9th, 2011

Time to get in the holiday spirit and these Augusta area holiday events are just the thing to get you in the holiday mood! The Augusta area offers a variety of events including art, music, theater and sports! Something for everyone.

Tags: augusta, augusta events, augusta holiday events 2011, holiday events 2011

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