Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Ashland mayor proposes quality-of-life development efforts Emergency services Students send heartfelt message to missing Ashland girl Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures Jackson County pair jailed for murder of North Carolina motel manager Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services Jackson County pair jailed for murder of North Carolina motel manager Klamath Falls man charged in DUII crash that killed Eagle Point woman Woman struck and killed by vehicle in Josephine County Retrial begins in botched murder case that helped unseat a judge Politics and Elections Ashland aims for diversity, but numbers show shortfall Kent Bush: The keys to decoding the State of the Union address Oregon Legislature convenes, session starts Feb. 12 Councilman stirs online dust-up with anti-marijuana post Education State boosts class time expectation A wealth of experience Ballroom dance class is a hit with North Medford students Talent Elementary students learn to tinker Local elementary and middle school students qualify for state chess championships Environment Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures Mt. Ashland Ski Area crew dips to five Public sounds off on gas pipeline Mt. Ashland ski area announces layoffs Bear cub headed to rehabbers in Idaho State News Two new wolves confirmed in Southern Oregon, state reviewing status of northeastern packs Oregon transportation package hits snag over fuel standards 43,000 Oregonians waiting for Medicaid approval Oregon focus of effort to expand background checks for guns TripCheck adding more weather stations, cameras Nation - World Obituaries Stephen Allen Davis Fred Keene Alan James Curdy Lillian Marie DeAscentis Death Notices Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Shareable In memoriam: 2014’s notable deaths Looking back: Do you remember 2014’s biggest stories? Sports Latest Stories Tornado pulls away from Cavemen North girls clamp down on GP Challengers fall shy in wrestling South overwhelms Roseburg Irving's 38 lift Cavs past Pistons Varsity 541 College Sports VCU routs George Washington behind freshman Howard chosen NAIA coach of the year Hot-shooting Heels knock off Syracuse Mariota plans to compete at pro day Arizona tops Oregon in OT Pro Sports Irving's 38 lift Cavs past Pistons Serena advances, Venus out of Aussie Allenby stands by story, says truth will come out Lynch speaks, but says little at Media Day Browner has strong words for ex-teammates Community Sports Local Events Business Latest Stories Darigold to shutter Medford plant, putting 29 out of work Blog: Radio Shack mall leases could be in demand December report shows jobless rate improving Blog: Mobile ordering may become norm at Starbucks Ride & Drive: 2015 Audi Q5 Real Estate News New owners of Medford Center promise a hands-on approach: Home loan rates continue to fall, applications soar Jackson County real estate market headed back to normal Dear Monty: Best start for 1st-time homebuyers People In Business People in Business Transportation The heart of Brammo will remain Want to be an investor? Four companies will be pitching their plan to you Medford airport traffic flies to new heights Agriculture Darigold to shutter Medford plant, putting 29 out of work Rising prices bear fruit for local pear growers Opinion Latest Letters to the Editor, Jan. 28 Our View: Updating Oregon's presence in the U.S. Capitol Kathleen Parker: The sacrifice of Sarah Palin Our View: We're overdue for a big shakeup Letters to the Editor, Jan. 27 Editorials Our View: Updating Oregon's presence in the U.S. Capitol Our View: We're overdue for a big shakeup Our View: Asphalt saga nears end of the road Other Views: Governor should not forget rural Oregon Our View: Edible marijuana risks demand strict rules Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, Jan. 28 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 27 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 26 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 25 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 23 Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: Market forces work against LNG project's success Guest Opinion: More reasons to oppose gas pipeline A fair shot for all: addressing our low-wage crisis Guest Opinion: SOU biomass burner would be big mistake Guest Opinion: Reforms needed to build upon John Day’s success Lifestyle Latest stories Dear Monty: Is a home ‘trade-in’ a good idea? 5 Things to Do This Super Bowl Weekend (Jan. 30-Feb. 1) Dave Ramsey: Generating passive income The next Pike Place Market? Buying a home? Consider its walkability Food The next Pike Place Market? Food for Thought: These healthy Super Bowl snacks are game-changers Community blog: For light, lacy tempura, minimize mixing batter Community blog: Trends aside, butternut squash a seasonal darling Gail Ciampa: Creative ways to explore the oft-maligned cauliflower Home and Garden Dear Monty: Is a home ‘trade-in’ a good idea? Buying a home? Consider its walkability Home Help: 5 ways to revamp your outdoor living space this year Paint a room or two in a weekend Dear Monty: Sell home now? Or wait until summer? Health Community blog: Breathe Away Anxiety Health Watch: Why you should consider the Mediterranean diet Community blog: Best Cities for Aging? - Not Medford Healthy Aging: Whether supper or dinner, it's best eaten together Practicing for the real thing Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs, Jan. 23 Religion briefs Old stained-glass windows face threats Churches start new year with messages of hope Milestones and Achievements 50 years and counting: Bulebar Wedding: Lindsey-Maria Rios New arrivals Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Eric Church blends rock and country on arena tour Bill Frisell turns tunes into art forms Ballyhoo! plays the Brickroom Review: Randall Theatre's 'Irma Vep' is low brow, high laughs Live Music in Local Clubs Theater Randall Theatre presents playwright Charles Ludlam's comedy "The Mystery of Irma Vep" Roy Orbison tribute hits high note Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Cardenio' Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Rent' Tangled up in Dylan Music Eric Church blends rock and country on arena tour Bill Frisell turns tunes into art forms Ballyhoo! plays the Brickroom Live Music in Local Clubs Songs of the '60s highlight 'Those Were the Days' Community Events Paula Poundstone performs at the Craterian Len Dickson's 'Fall Harvest' to grace Belle Fiore wine label A look at the life and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. Ty Barnett and Ian Harris are 'Divided' Elaine Witteveen's new exhibit 'Wings' opens at the Rogue Gallery Dining The Vine offers a taste of Italy Cheeseburgers on the cheap Valley View — It's all in the family Patty Groth's Morning Glory is still a delight Entertaining with a gift of treasure Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines & Special Sections NEWS NOW Our View: Updating Oregon's presence in the U.S. Capitol ... Get Up & Go: Wednesday, Jan. 28 ... Ashland mayor proposes quality-of-life development efforts ... Our View: Updating Oregon's presence in the U.S. Capitol ... Get Up & Go: Wednesday, Jan. 28 ... Ashland mayor proposes quality-of-life development efforts ... Dear Monty: 7 prepping tips for home showings Comment By Richard Montgomery More Content Now MailTribune.com By Richard Montgomery More Content Now Posted Oct. 8, 2014 @ 12:01 am By Richard Montgomery More Content Now Posted Oct. 8, 2014 @ 12:01 am » Social News Reader question: We recently put our home on the market, and our first showing is scheduled for tomorrow. We asked our agent what we should do to get ready and the response was, “Just make sure to tidy up a bit.” It seemed to us that there must be more to a showing. Is that all there is to it? Bryan and Jasmine C. Monty’s answer: Showing a home to a prospective buyer requires “tidying up,” but there is more to exhibiting your product starting when they pull up at the curb. Imagine the prospect walking into your home with a magnifying glass ready to examine every nook and cranny. Even if the magnifying glass is not physically visible, it is present with every prospective home buyer. That’s why it is smart to present your home in the most appealing way possible in order to gain that competitive edge. Look at it like this: the prospect is not there to buy your home; the prospect is there to eliminate it. They buy the home they can’t eliminate. Put on a good show As a home seller, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. You must put your best foot forward because “even the little things mean a lot.” There are steps you can take to help your home pass the prospect’s scrutiny and put on a good show. You will find the time, effort and “elbow grease” you put into each home show­ing will be well worth it. It helps portray a feeling of pride in ownership, which is one of the main features prospective buyers are seeking. Check please Always remember to take an inspection tour of your home before each showing. This easy-to-use checklist should help you get ready for an effective home showing. ___ Make sure the lawn was cut and shrubs and bushes were trimmed. ___ In cold climates, make sure snow and ice are removed. In dusty climates, sweep walks. ___ Make certain kitchens and bathrooms sparkle. ___ Remove debris laying on floors. (the less clutter, the better, and the roomier your home will look). ___ Straighten closets and cabinets, and be sure windows and other visible areas are clean. ___ Be sure the front door and foyer are clean. ___ Keep pets and children out of the way; preferably out of the house. ___ Make certain bedrooms are clean, and beds were made. ___ Do not be home. Your presence restricts the prospect in sharing their reactions with the agent. ___ Keep the home bright and cheery (drapes open by day and closed at night. All lights on daytime or nighttime.) ___ Play “easy listening” music softly. ___ Thin your furniture and accessories if necessary. ___ Remove the source of unpleasant odors and air out the house. A strategically placed unscented candle may help. By improving the appearance of your home, you improve its saleability. You will find the time and effort you invest will be well worth the energy. Additional tips VALUABLES: Cases of theft and breakage are extremely rare, but they can occur. We suggest that you not “tempt” anyone and be sure to put cash, valuables and heirlooms away either while the home is for sale or before each showing. LOCKBOX: A metal lockbox is used to keep the key to your home at your home. Locking the key on the premises cuts down on the possibility of losing your house key, and allows agents to show your home more often and conveniently. SHOWING TIMES: The agent should give you enough notice, so your home will be prepared. We recommend 24 hours. Occasionally, the agent may decide to take a calculated risk and give a potential buyer a short notice showing. The agent will give you the option of showing your home to the prospect in this fashion. INCONVENIENCE: It can be frustrating for the prospect to appear at the wrong time or not at all. Although an infrequent occurrence, there is usually a legitimate reason. Most potential buyers realize you spent time preparing and have the courtesy to adhere to the appointment time. First impressions Experience demonstrates that first impressions, whether positive or negative, are lasting. You already invested in a clean up, paint up, and fix up to position your home for sale. Now, make each first impression your home receives a positive one. A clean, comfortable home-showing can make the difference and tip the scale in your favor. Richard Montgomery gives no-nonsense real estate advice to readers’ most pressing questions. He is a real estate industry veteran who has championed industry reform for over a quarter century. You can ask him questions at DearMonty.com. By Richard Montgomery More Content Now MailTribune.com By Richard Montgomery More Content Now Posted Oct. 8, 2014 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501