FENG SHUI YOUR WAY TO A FAST SALE

Reducing clutter in a room can be an overwhelming task for many sellers, which is why many REALTORS® recommend the traditional Chinese practice of feng shui.

The basis of feng shui is to arrange items to harmonize with spiritual forces. The ancient practice hit mainstream America several years ago, and now real estate professionals are hopping on the harmonizing bandwagon. The idea is that potential buyers may feel more comfortable and happy in a home that is arranged à la feng shui.

Don’t fret if your home’s front door faces west instead of east or is more southwestern than Asian. Part of selling a home is selling a feeling that buyers have about the space. Creating a little Zen in your den will help raise its chi — and the possibility of a sale. Here are a few tips to help bring a bit of feng shui into your home:

• Simplicity Sells. Remove excess clutter and knickknacks from the room. Potential buyers feel uncomfortable and cramped when surrounded by an abundance of belongings that are not their own.

• Look Toward the Light. Natural sunlight creates a feeling of warmth and happiness. Make use of all windows that bring in the sunlight by pulling back the heavy drapes and raising the blinds.

• Yin/Yang. Place candles and potted plants around the room to create a feeling of balance with nature. When it comes to selecting a type of plant for the room, choose those that have round leaves to create a feeling of completeness.

This months joke:

Question:What is a cow's favorite holiday?

• Come-in, Chi. Opening the windows for at least 20 minutes a day lets in fresh air (and chi), reduces odor and brings a feeling of fresh energy to the space.

• Pack up the Pumas. An accumulation of shoes by the front door can be very uninviting to newcomers. Gather up your family’s footwear and store it out of the way. Walkways to and from the front door should always be clear and welcoming.

Personal Message from Risa Saltman

WOW, welcome 2008. This is going to be the best year ever for us and we sure hope it is for you.

Last year we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. Our daughter Pam went back to college at 29 years old, she'll finish her bachelors degree in 2009. She is a scuba diver/marine biologist for Walt Disney, for the past 13 years and plans on staying there. Our son Neil got engaged to the wonderful Kristen Dax and will be getting married this year in their now home town of Washington, DC. Neil works for a commercial privately owned bank and also sells real estate(I know no one who knows us is surprised at the). Kristen works for the government, they both love their jobs.

Jack, my husband, and I are feeling wonderful and still working hard. Although we always have time to play and laugh.

We wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year!!

Risa Saltman

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FREE programs from me to you, including "How To Buy A Home In Orlando" booklet

Question:How to Get the Most Out of Your Vacation Home Purchase

Answer: Thinking about purchasing a vacation home? These days it pays to check out the community and the home. Here are a few aspects worth considering before jumping in:

The view really does matter. Studies show that a property’s distance to water or proximity to open space, such as a golf course, increases home values by 20%.

Take a drive on the local roads. Acquaint yourself with the area and get a feel for the traffic. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, be sure that you do!

Getting a place near the slopes or the sand means that you’ll probably have visitors quite often, maybe more than you thought! Architect Chris Lessard recommends getting a place with one more bedroom than what you “need”. vVacation homes are many times subject to environmental stresses simply because of location. Look for solidly made homes with low maintenance materials. If a storm comes, you’ll be glad you did! Source: Real Estate Journal

Have questions? email Risa at questions@risa.net or call her at 1-800-699-4901

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Use This Moving Truck for FREE      

RE/MAX Town & Country Realty has a moving truck (pictured above) that our clients can use FREE for their local (inside the Metro-Orlando area) moves. When Risa helps you buy or sell a home, just let her know that you would like to use the RE/MAX Moving Truck. Then Ray, the Moving Truck Coordinator, will coordinate your reservation to use the truck for a 24 hour period and outline all of the details for the truck’s use. Tell Risa early on in your transaction that you’d like to use the truck to make sure that you can reserve the best time for your move! We’re glad to be able to offer this additional service to our clients. Risa Saltman wants to help make your moving process as smooth, enjoyable and efficient as possible.

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