Life Outside of Loans Archives Page 4 of 8

Who is Rob Garrison?

March 24, 2021/0 Comments/in Life Outside of Loans/by Courtney Coon

Rob Garrison is a husband, father, brother, son, and a Mortgage Loan Officer.

He’s also a leader, learner and business partner. This year, he’s celebrating his 25th year in the Mortgage Industry with his partner and co-branch manager, Dave Lehner. Together, they’ve formed an unstoppable team.

In honor of their 25th year in business, we sat down with Dave to talk more about the “outgoing guy” he met back in high school.

Join us as we get to know Rob Garrison from Dave Lehner’s perspective.

Michigan Mortgage: What was your first impression of Rob?

Dave: I thought Rob was a sharp, outgoing guy. I remember hanging out with him when we were with mutual friends and we got along great even though I was from the rival school. I soon learned that Rob was very motivated and he had so many great traits.

Rob is very detailed and organized. He’s a forward thinker and I could tell right away he was a self-starter and had potential to be a great leader and owner.

MM: You’ve been in business with Rob for 25 years. How has he changed? What has stayed the same?

Dave: In the beginning, we both worked out of our homes. We were trying to build a clientele and bring in business. Rob was always there for me and we’d brainstorm to figure out ways to make the mortgage process better, faster and easier.

We learned the business without much training so we leaned on each other for support. Rob has been the best business partner I could have! He has not changed in his/our vision, his commitment and his desire to keep growing the company the right way.

MM: What makes Rob a great Loan Officer?

Dave: Rob is an honest person with a big heart! He is there for his clients to help guide them, educate them and make sure they are doing the best thing for their unique situation. When he looks at mortgage loan options with clients, he always acts as a friend looking out for them.

MM: What makes Rob a great Leader?

Dave: Rob is a reader! He loves to read and he reads a lot of business books and brings the ideas he learns to the company. We have implemented many of those ideas to make us better personally and professionally. Rob has a clear vision and is very good at expressing that vision to the staff. He leads people by empowering them in their roles at the company.

MM: I’m sure 25 years in business together has created a few good memories. Can you share your favorite?

Dave: I have so many stories and they all make me smile. When we first started having Christmas parties, we hosted them in the basement at my house. One year we played “Let’s Make a Deal” and both of our wives bought goldfish as one of the prizes behind the doors. We had a little too much to drink that night and ended up tipping over the fish. Rob and I tried to give a speech and it turned out so bad! It was a fun night and I remember it like it was yesterday.

I am so thankful that I met Rob when I was 16 years old! And I’m so thankful he is my business partner; I consider him a true friend and will for the rest of my life.

I would not be where I am today without you, Rob. I love you!

Who is Dave Lehner?

March 18, 2021/0 Comments/in Life Outside of Loans/by Courtney Coon

Dave Lehner is a husband, father, son, Papa and a Mortgage Loan Officer.

He’s also a leader, encourager and business partner. This year, he’s celebrating his 25th year in the Mortgage Industry with his partner and co-branch manager, Rob Garrison. Together, they’ve formed an unstoppable team.

In honor of their 25th year in business, we sat down with Rob to talk more about the “hard-working guy” he met back in high school.

Join us as we get to know Dave Lehner from Rob Garrison’s perspective.

Michigan Mortgage: What was your first impression of Dave?

Rob: I knew Dave a bit from high school. We went to rival schools and played sports against one another. I knew Dave to be fun and outgoing and engaging with people. What I did not know was that he was such a hard worker.

Dave initially worked the Grand Rapids market. He would drive to Grand Rapids every day and knock on Realtors’ doors until they gave him a deal. Before long, they LOVED him and they were knocking on his door! In short order, Dave was working with some of the top agents in the business! A few years into our partnership, Dave began working more in Muskegon. Dave seems to know everyone in Muskegon and it was natural to work where he lives and plays.

MM: You’ve been in business with Dave for 25 years. How has he changed? What has stayed the same?

Rob: In the beginning, we worked mostly independently. We hired many loan officers and tried to teach them the business and had very little support staff. As our branch grew, we decided that we should build more of a cohesive branch where we played the role of managers and developed teams of support rather than multiple loan officers. This was the best move we ever made. We were able to build Core Values, Culture and a brand that we had not been able to achieve previously.

MM: What makes Dave a great Loan Officer?

Rob: Dave loves people. He loves helping folks buy their first home, save money in a refi or access equity. He thrives when he can meet face to face and develop long lasting relationships. Clients love working with him because they trust him.

MM: What makes Dave a great Leader?

Rob: Dave has the ability to take the perspective of the employee and anticipate how they will feel about policy changes. He fights to keep the culture fun and personal even as we grow. When things get too “corporate” Dave keeps it real.

MM: I’m sure 25 years in business together has created a few good memories. Can you share your favorite?

Rob: When the mortgage market collapsed in 2008, we transitioned from a Mortgage Broker to a Mortgage Banker. In pursuit of that we flew to Dallas to discuss working for a large company headquartered there. When we arrived, we were immediately picked up by their recruiter and headed to the bar. From there we went to another bar and then another. In Dallas you go big or go home.

Dave was there for the FULL experience. The next morning, we had six or seven meetings with different department heads. I was asking every question I could think of and by the second or third meeting, Dave glared over at me as if to say, “I am dying here, if you ask another question, I will kill you.” He then ended the meeting abruptly and ran to the nearest trash can. He blamed the sushi but it was definitely the drinks.

An Employee’s Perspective: Then vs. Now

March 4, 2021/0 Comments/in Blog/by Sarah Beahan

Reflecting back on technology sometimes shows our age more clearly than wrinkles themselves. To hear someone talk about tech from back in the day gives you more insight into their age than if you had a copy of their actual birth certificate (think Atari video game systems, televisions without remotes and rotary dial phones).

As we celebrate the 25^th year of Rob and Dave’s partnership in the mortgage business, let’s take a moment to reflect (and laugh) about how the changes in technology have impacted the mortgage industry.

Michigan Mortgage is currently a leader in cutting-edge technology in the mortgage industry.

One of our biggest strengths, especially with the pandemic we’re still surviving, is our mobility, both for clients and staff. When COVID hit, we didn’t miss a beat with getting our employees the tech to work remotely and changing to virtual appointments with clients and our teams via Zoom.

Our app, Pro Snap, has helped keep us connected with realtors wanting to run proposed housing payments, and clients being able to electronically sign application forms, and upload documents from their phones.

However, such conveniences have not always existed for us. I’ve been working for Rob and Dave for 19 years. When I started, our office was downtown Muskegon in the Noble Building. The tech set up we had there was already a vast improvement from the first few years Rob and Dave worked together, at which time they each had a home phone, a computer, and a fax machine in their basement home offices.

We each had a desktop computer, since back then laptops were a luxury item, and we worked with single monitors (which I shudder to think about). The monitors also took up more space on our desks than was reasonable — no flat screens back then!

The phone system…well, I don’t believe we can call three cordless handsets on one desk a phone ‘system’. To transfer calls to each other literally meant walking the phone down the hallway. There were no voicemails either. Messages were relayed via pink message pads, or after hours via a call-in pager number.

We thought we were so cool when we upgraded to Nextel cell phones. Ignore that they were each the size of a brick. And the constant two-way chirping did get old after a while.

Our many repeat clients have probably noticed improvements in our technology over the years as well. The biggest difference has been going paperless. Instead of having literally hundreds of pages to print for the clients to sign at application and closing, we’ve converted to almost all electronic signatures.

We’ve probably saved more than just a few trees by going paperless. We used to make physical copies of all signed documents, plus all of the borrower documents, appraisals, title commitments, etc. We then had to retain those records for years after closing, so we had a whole room that used to house just our closed files, that we later were able to convert into two office spaces.

Going paperless didn’t affect just us either — the entire industry shifted how we delivered documents to one another. When I started, we had an appraisal company we worked with regularly who had a staff member whose main job it was to drive his motorcycle around West Michigan and deliver physical copies of appraisal reports. Title companies would do the same-drop off copies of commitments to our office. And submitting files to underwriting back then meant we had to either overnight or fax 100+ page loan packages in for review.

All in all, the advances in technology these past two decades has translated to cost savings and more importantly, time savings. Instead of making copies, handwriting loan applications, and juggling up to five physical phones on one desk, we’re now able to focus more attention and service to our clients and realtors.

— Sarah Beahan, Loan Processor

Success Story: Chris & Jenn VanHekken

February 18, 2021/0 Comments/in Success Story/by Courtney Coon

2020 was a year unlike any other – it was a year that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Most will remember the negative impacts COVID-19 had on our communities, but some, like Chris and Jenn VanHekken, will remember it as a year of changes.

“A year ago, we weren’t planning on moving, but once COVID hit, our lifestyle changed, and we realized that making a move closer to family was the best choice for us,” Chris said. “That, combined with the fast-moving market and amazingly low interest rates, helped us recognize that it was time for us to put our house on the market and go for it.”

Chris, Jenn and their two children lived in the same home for 18 years. The thought of moving seemed intimidating. We were in the middle of a global pandemic and Jenn is self-employed. The couple questioned whether or not they’d even be approved to purchase a home.

“It felt daunting to think about, until we called Hayley,” Jenn said. “She was so calm and helpful about the whole thing, and she had answers to the questions we didn’t even know we needed to ask.”

“We had a pre-approval amount right away, and every time we looked at a new house and had a question about what it would look like to be able to finance it, Hayley was there to answer our questions.”

In the middle of the process, the couple encountered a few “unexpected hiccups” and wasn’t sure if they would be able to finalize the new mortgage.

“While we were panicking, Hayley and her team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to shift and make adjustments for us,” Chris said. “In the end, we ended up with an even better rate than we could have imagined.”

For the VanHekken family, 2020 helped them put their priorities in order. They celebrated the purchase of a new home in a new community thanks to Hayley and her team.

“It has been the very best decision that we could have made for our family, but we definitely could not have done it without Michigan Mortgage,” Chris said. “From the knowledge that they have about the market, to the compassionate way that they worked with us through the difficult moments, and the joy that they shared with us when we finally closed, Michigan Mortgage was there with us every step of the way and truly helped us move into our absolute dream home.”

“From day one they had our best interest at heart and walked us through the process as if it were their own,” he said.

“We are so grateful for Hayley, her team, and the entire Michigan Mortgage family for helping us through the process,” Jenn said. “We would not be where we are without them!”

It was truly an honor to help guide this family home. We wish them many happy memories in their new community!

Meet the New Faces at Michigan Mortgage

February 9, 2021/0 Comments/in Blog/by Courtney Coon

2020 was a wild year. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we do business and forced our team to learn new skills.

Historically low interest rates, as well as increased home values, brought new challenges and opportunity. To meet the increased market demand, we added six incredible people to our team.

We’ve introduced them before, but want to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. All six have bright futures at Michigan Mortgage!

Molly Fazakerley

Molly joined Team Garrison as a Loan Officer Assistant and assists with purchase and refinance pre-approvals. She came to us with years of customer service experience and a personality that brings so much joy to our office.

Molly is very passionate about lending and helping families achieve their home-buying dreams. She lives for making people smile and laugh and feel loved. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and being a mom to two of the sweetest boys!

Abbi McIntyre

Abbi joined our team as a Closing Assistant and hit the ground running! Her previous experience in customer service and real estate allowed for a smooth transition.

Abbi graduated from Indiana Wesleyan with a degree in Social Studies Education, but realized she loved helping people through some of the craziest times of their lives and started working with real estate and lending. She is so excited to call Michigan Mortgage home!

Rose Engel

Rose joined our Holland Team as a Loan Officer Assistant after purchasing a new home with one of our talented Loan Officers.

“Michigan Mortgage made the purchasing process so easy and seamless that I knew that joining this team was the perfect opportunity for me,” she said.

She’s brand new to the industry but is eager to learn and loves being able to help people and make sure that they have what they need to be successful.

Jason Horton

Jason joined Team Lehner as a Loan Officer Assistant and hopes to use his customer service skills to guide our customers home. He’s a go-getter!

Jason’s motivation is his incredible family (Kristie, Kennedy and Hudson). He loves playing sports and appreciates the friendships he’s gained through them. Jason has always enjoyed helping people achieve their goals.

“I look forward to helping as many people as possible achieve their home ownership needs,” he said.

David Onofrio

David joined Team Garrison as a Loan Officer Assistant and helps our customers achieve the American Dream. His previous experience, and finance degree from Hope College, brings a much-desired skill set to our team.

David’s greatest passion in life is helping and connecting with people. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring the great outdoors.

“I am very excited to serve my community here at Michigan Mortgage,” David said.

Rose Orleskie

Rose joined Michigan Mortgage as a Processor in 2020. She enjoys being part of Team Lehner and serving the community through building lasting relationships with clients while making their home-buying experiences enjoyable.

She is a West Michigan native who enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Hannah Moss

Hannah joined our Processing Team and works diligently to get our customers to the closing table.

She came to us with prior experience in banking and was excited to transition into the mortgage industry. Outside of work, Hannah and her fiancé, Zach, are huge hockey and baseball fans and enjoy traveling. Their goal is to travel to all 30 MLB stadiums. They’ve been to 12!

“I remember how exciting it was to be a first-time homebuyer so to be able to share that same excitement with borrowers is really cool,” she said.

We can’t wait to see what our team can accomplish in 2021!

Celebrating 25 Years in the Mortgage Business

January 14, 2021/0 Comments/in Life Outside of Loans/by Courtney Coon

2021 is a big year for all of us at Michigan Mortgage, but even more so for our fearless leaders, Dave Lehner and Rob Garrison.

For Dave and Rob, 2021 celebrates their 25th year working together in the mortgage business. That’s a huge feat! And it’s one that we are so incredibly proud of.

To celebrate this honor, we sat down with Dave and Rob to talk all things mortgage. We talked about what has (and has not) changed and why our commitment to our customers is still the most important thing. Enjoy!

Michigan Mortgage: You’ve been a Mortgage Loan Officer for 25 years. How has the business changed?

Rob: The biggest change I’ve noticed is the accessibility of financing for more people at more consistent and transparent fees. When we started 25 years ago, it was the Wild West. Lenders were charging outrageous fees and rates for people that had less than perfect credit or low down payments. Government regulation and accessibility to more programs has allowed more people to realize the American dream with more consistent, transparent and more reasonable terms.

Dave: The business is much faster paced, but we also have more technology, systems, and programs to help our clients and staff. With our new Pro Snap App people can apply on their cell or computer and we can work through the process almost entirely paperless. Fifteen years ago, this would never have been possible, let alone 25 years ago. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the education and communication that we give our clients so they understand their options and what programs are available to them.

MM: By the sounds of it, the industry has changed for the better. More people are able to achieve the American Dream using a much more efficient process. Technology is key here. Tell me about the technology you used in 1994 and how it compares to the technology available to you in 2021.

Rob: The biggest change in the last 25 years has been with technology. Back in the day, everything was hand written and wet signed. We collected all documentation, made photo copies, snail mailed everything to an underwriter and received an approval back by fax. Today, most everything can be handled with an app or computer. While there has been some personal touch lost, the convenience for clients is undeniable.

Dave: Technology is a huge factor in today’s business. We have systems in place which give us notices on rate updates so we can lock rates before they go up. We have Pro Snap so clients can just click to sign their loan documents from their cell phones or laptop instead of printing or coming into the office to sign. We have office computer systems to help the staff process the loan faster and to be more efficient. The only technology I had when I started in my basement was a pager, cell phone, computer, printer and a fax machine. I would have to print all the loan documents, meet the client at the Realtor’s office to have them sign, then go to Staples to make a copy and overnight them to the underwriter and wait 3 to 5 days to get a faxed approval.

MM: Wow. It sounds like so much has changed! Let’s close with this. What’s the most important or most memorable thing you’ve learned over the past 25 years?

Rob: The mortgage business is about serving people with trustworthy reliable advice and execution. Consumers want a fair deal, great communication and an easy process. They want to be able to trust the lender they are working; trust that the lender has their best interest in mind and trust that the lender is capable and competent in what they are doing. Systems and processes are extremely important to deliver the service levels that clients expect but it is still about relationships with people.

Dave: This is a high pressure, fast paced business. I have dealt with a lot of people over the years between Realtors, buyers, sellers, appraisers, title companies, inspectors and many other individuals that are related to the real estate industry. There are so many different personalities, deadlines, and pressures to make the contract close date and it takes all of us working together to help the clients achieve their goals of home ownership. One thing I know for sure is that I’m the same kind and humble person who loves working with my clients and staff every day.

We plan to celebrate our 25th Anniversary all year long, so stay tuned for more content (and even a few flashback photos) to commemorate Dave and Rob’s journey in the business. Cheers!

Hometown Highlight: Anthony Lambers and the RP Scholarship

November 5, 2020/0 Comments/in Hometown Highlights/by Courtney Coon

“A misguided and sofa-surfing youth.”

That’s how Anthony Lambers described himself as a teenager living in the Grand Rapids area.

He was headed down the wrong path until he met a man that became his mentor at Wyoming Park High School. He was a freshman. This man, whom he calls “RP,” became a much-needed father figure in his life.

RP helped him get up out of the mud.

“He really helped me stay calm and collected and when I wanted to give up, he made sure that I didn’t,” Lambers said in a video filmed by Design Force Marketing. RP put him in connection with the right people and helped “rehab him back” into a productive member of society.

They talked every day. RP was a mentor and a friend.

Years later, RP lost his battle with cancer. To honor his memory and celebrate the value of mentorship, Lambers launched the RP Scholarship Fund.

Lambers, now a Realtor with At Home Realty in Grand Haven, aims to give back to local youth the way RP gave back to him. His goal is to encourage our youth to “never count yourself out.”

“Your dreams and goals are yours to keep, change, fail at, succeed at and work at. Too many people kill their dreams because of what others tell them or think.”

To continue RP’s legacy, Lambers has created an Endowment through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. He and his family will leave a positive impact on the community for many years to come.

Click here if you’d like to donate to the fund.

He also launched the Backspin event as a way to celebrate RP and make memories with the local community. The event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but we hope it will be back and better than ever in 2021.

“Life is not fair,” Lambers said. “It can hurt and it can also be beautiful. Enjoy it for what it is and live it day by day.”

To learn more about Lamber’s story, the RP Scholarship Fund and the Backspin event, click here.

Honoring Our Local Educators: Ms. Tammie Thompson at Griffin Elementary

September 30, 2020/0 Comments/in Hometown Highlights/by Courtney Coon

MM Gives Back was launched as a way for the Michigan Mortgage team to give back to the community, local and afar. This year, we’re honoring our local educators. Each quarter, Michigan Mortgage will recognize a West Michigan educator and donate $1,000 to their school.

This quarter, we honored Ms. Tammie Thompson, a First Grade Teacher at Griffin Elementary in Grand Haven.

Ms. Thompson was nominated on our Facebook page by Erin Alvarez: “Tammie is an amazing teacher and role model. She encourages her students to work to their full potential. When others put children in ‘boxes,’ she lets the child decide what shape suits them best. She is a selfless teacher whose hard work and dedication often goes unnoticed. She is a ray of sunshine whose smile and positivity can be seen and heard through the halls of the school. She forms long lasting relationships with her students and families and truly cares about the ‘whole’ child. She goes above and beyond to make sure that each child is successful not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. My children continue to praise her for her ability to be a positive influence long after her time with them. She makes each child feel they are important and truly loved and cared for.”

She is so incredibly deserving of this recognition; we learned that first-hand when we visited her at Griffin.

“My wish for myself and my students, which I share with them every day, is to remember that we are valuable and amazing humans simply because we exist,” Tammie said. “Our job is to learn all we can about so many things while at the same time bringing our best selves to every situation.”

“My hope is for all of us to remember that being human means taking risks, making mistakes, feeling strong feelings and learning strategies to manage them. It also means bringing kindness, patience, compassion, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn into every space we enter with others. Every single day I believe this starts with me!”

Click here to see our surprise visit to Griffin Elementary!

“I am an educator because teaching and learning are my passion,” Tammie said! “I am a lifelong learner myself and every day have set out with the intention to inspire others to have a similar mindset.”

“I am a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement and strategies that work to support desirable behaviors and consequences. Children have a natural yearning to explore, to reflect, to communicate, to connect, and to dream. It is my role as a guide in my classroom to teach and model positive, appropriate ways of satisfying these natural desires.”

“Tending to my students’ emotional and social selves and overall well-being is the first order of business every day in my classroom,” she continued. “By focusing on developing deep and meaningful relationships with students, I can more easily create a space that enables and helps to maintain a strong, safe foundation for curricular learning. Getting to know students on a personal level, listening to their interests, dreams, and concerns sends a strong, consistent message that I believe they are all humans first and learners next.”

On behalf of Michigan Mortgage, Ms. Thompson and Griffin Elementary received a check for $1,000.

“Thank you, Michigan Mortgage, for giving me this award,” she said. “I feel so blessed to have worked across decades with such caring, compassionate, and dedicated families in the Grand Haven area who have been committed to quality in the education of all of our children.”

Thank you for your commitment to education, Ms. Thompson! We are so blessed to recognize you as a recipient of our Honoring Our Local Educators Outstanding Teacher Award.

Hometown Highlight: 75Walls

September 17, 2020/0 Comments/in Hometown Highlights/by Jill Garrison

Two hometown gals starting a mural movement in Muskegon, Michigan, one wall at a time.

Christine Mattson and Jenni Schuitema are the faces behind 75Walls. In line with movements across the U.S., the goal of 75Walls is to beautify inspire and bring joy to the Muskegon area by commissioning artists to transform the Muskegon area – one wall at a time – with a little TLC.

Years ago, Christine and Jenni started a band by the name of 75Walls. Ironically, that band name is now the vision the two friends have for their mission: Turning 75 walls into murals that inspire and bring rejuvenation to Muskegon.

Their first project, titled “Lakeside Regatta” and located along the bike path at the entrance to the Lake Express Ferry, is the perfect welcome to Lakeside and the beautiful Muskegon Lakeshore.

Local artist Jimmy Cobb was commissioned to create and transform the wall.

Funded by personal funds as well as Go Fund Me funds, the murals are coming to life with the help of local artists and community members passionate about spreading art and joy across the great city of Muskegon.

The second project entitled “The Siren’s Catch” now adorns one of Lakeside’s oldest walls.

Local artist Angie Mattson was inspired by those who fished our waters and called this port their home, and is now Located on the wall at Torresen Marine.

To support and learn more about 75Walls, check out their Facebook page.

Stay tuned for walls number 3 through 75!

How to Get Top Dollar When Selling a Home

August 27, 2020/0 Comments/in Blog/by mimortgage

If you are considering making a move, here are 10 ways to get top dollar when selling a home.

Remove personal photos and items.

Buyers need to be able to imagine their own photos on the walls, and most cannot do that if sellers have personal photos up. Don’t make any buyer ask,“I wonder what kind of people live in this home?”

Americans collect an amazing amount of stuff and prior to listing their home, they should de-clutter.

If home sellers have not used something in over a year it is time to consider selling it on E-bay/craigslist or donating it.

- Remove almost all books from bookcases and coffee tables.
- Store all knickknacks.
- Kitchen counters need to be completely clean and polished.
- Anything you need on a daily basis should be stored behind a cabinet door.

Sellers will be moving anyway and now is a great time to get a start on the move.

All cabinets & closets need to be reorganized and remove ½ of what is normally inside.

Buyers will open all the closet and cabinet doors. If the buyer sees a clean organized space then they are more likely to see themselves living there.

- Organize the pantry.
- Carefully stack dishes and glasses.
- Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction paints by color and type.
- Line up shoes and remove all but two pairs for each family member.

Get the extra stuff off the property.

Homes show better with less furniture, keep the minimum amount needed. Reduce the size of your dining room table by removing extra leaves. Leave just enough furniture in each room to feature the room’s purpose but with plenty of room to move around.

Remove/Replace sentimental items.

If the seller intends to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with them they should, remove them before showing the home. Any heirloom fixtures should be removed and replaced.

Make minor repairs.

- Replace cracked floors or counter top tiles and any holes in the walls.
- Fix leaky faucets and doors that don’t close properly.
- Consider painting your walls neutral colors, there is no greater homeowner repair that increases home values than a neat repainting.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs and get new linens for the beds.

Make the house look brand new with an extensive cleaning.

- Wash windows inside and out and power wash all outside services.
- Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks.
- Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
- Clean out the refrigerator and keep it ½ full and organized.
- Vacuum daily and wax all floors.
- Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades, light fixtures and light switches.
- Bleach dingy grout and replace worn rugs.
- Hang up fresh towels in the bathroom.
- Air out and sanitize any musty smelling areas.
- Clean and organized the garage to remove any oil stains.

Look at the Home with new eyes.

- Go outside and open the front door. Is it inviting? Does the home welcome you?
- Stand in the doorway of every single room and imagine how the house will look to a potential buyer.
- Carefully consider how furniture is arranged and move pieces if necessary.
- Make sure window coverings hang level.
- Tune in to the room’s statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
- Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You’re almost finished.

Check curb appeal.

If a buyer won’t get out of her agent’s car because she doesn’t like the exterior of your home, you’ll never get her inside.

- Keep the sidewalks cleared.
- Mow the lawn and keep it weed free.
- Paint faded window trim.
- Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
- Trim your bushes.
- Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

Clean out your garage and get your cars parked inside.

- Remove 90 percent of what is currently inside.
- Add a fresh paint
- Remove any oil stains.

We wish you lots of luck! And we hope this list helps you get top dollar when selling a home.

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