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Staging Guide

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Get thousands of dollars more for your homeSTAGING GUIDE FOR SELLERSWe do believe YOU & your needs are uniqueand offer custom plans! Let's connect today!

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Dear Prospective Client: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to present my practice of real estateto you. As you review this material, you will begin to understand that all real estateagents are not alike. Over the years, I’ve built my business and reputation ondoing the very best job for my clients. My goal is your goal; whether it is tosell your home within a certain time frame, sell it with the least amount ofinconvenience to you, or sell it for top dollar. I have included in this book afair amount of information about my practice to reinforce the fact that I getresults by being Hard-Working, Aggressive and Skilled! It doesn’t matter whether it’s a “Buyer’s market” or a “Seller’s market”. . .there is always fierce competition among the houses on the market for thoseever-so-few “Qualified Buyers” who are out looking. Sellers need aggressive,effective REALTORS to direct those Buyers to their property in order to gettheir property SOLD at their price and terms. My results prove that I am theVery Best at getting the job done! I hope you find this book informative and useful. After reviewing theinformation you may conclude that selling a home is a complicated business.That is why it may be in your best interest to hire The Real Estate Professionalto represent you. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your needs. Your REALTOR®, GREEN KEY REAL ESTATEWELCOME - A PERSONAL LETTERJennifer RodgersJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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What my Clients have to say: GREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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PROFILE OF JENNIFER RODGERS NO MATTER THE REASON CALL ME BECAUSE I DO MORE THAN JUSTPRESENTING THE RIGHT HOME OR BUYER TO YOU!Education and TrainingAssociate of science Bachelors of scienceSecondary Education certificate Masters in Educational Leadership Coach MentorMember of Jackson Association of Realtors, Hillsdale County Association of Realtors, Grand Traverse Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Michric and FlexMLS15 years experience with multi- millions in sales each yearFull time Realtor & Broker/Owner at Green Key Real Estate Residential, muti family, commercial & vacant land salesCommunity Expert in Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, Ingham, Washtenaw, Calhoun, Eaton and Grand Traverse countiesProfessional and personalized service Industry leader in marketing solutions Extensive buyer agency servicesArea of ExpertisePersonal BackgroundJennifer is the eldest of four children. She is a natural born leader. Her passion for helping others to achieve and excel has propelled her client relations and business development.Genuineness Caring natureHonestyStrategic abilities Attention to detailPromptnessConsideration Eagerness DeterminationA few of her strong attributes include:GREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM JENNIFER RODGERS: Integrity & strict ethical standards.Your home will be exposed to buyers generated by Jennifer's broad sphere of influence. In fact, by working as a team, the chances are higher that we may already have a buyer for your home. • Broad Exposure• Ethical Standards• Immediate CoverageThe listing is inputted into the MLS computer within 24 hours of the listingagreement being signed. Included is MLS, Showcase on Realtor.com,featured listing on janinesasso.com, Picture Advertising and Video links andinclusion on Craigslist.com with full links to your property profile. • Full-Time Effort: Jennifer is a full-time realtor.• Communication:You will hear from either me, or my assistant, weekly to update you onactivity, give feedback or otherwise help with any questions you may have.• Knowledge of the Market:Daily hands-on interaction.• Relocation Services:Jennifer has access to the full-service relocation department should you need to be referred to an agent in another area or state. It is simple! • The best serviceYour goals are my goals and you can rest assured that they will be my focus everydayJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1GREEN KEY REAL ESTATE

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Home Selling Process BrochureJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1GREEN KEY REAL ESTATE

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SOME THOUGHTS ON CONDITIONOf all the things homeowners control when selling their home, thecondition of the property is one of the most important.A crucial part of marketing any product is the presentation of the product. Corporationsand retail businesses understand this concept and pay millions of dollars each year toadvertising and marketing consultants to get the best advice possible. The same is true for houses. In order to effectively compete with other sellers,homeowners must present their homes to the marketplace in an attractive, desirablecondition. When you bought your home, you probably comparison shopped. Well, buyersare still doing that today. According to the National Association of Realtors, the averagepurchaser looks at 10 to 20 properties prior to purchasing a home. Regardless of howmany properties are on the market, available buyers will always seek the best pricedproperty that is in the best condition. THINK LIKE A BUYER You are not just selling a house. You are selling a shelter, lifestyle, and dreams. Peoplealways want the best for themselves, and your home should represent the buyer’s answerto this goal. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes! Remember, they arrive at your front doorwanting to find the right home. Don’t make them search somewhere else for it. If you havedone your homework, every room in your home will create a desire for the buyer to staySTART MAKING A LIST Walk outside and take a look at the property through the critical eyes of a buyer. Is thereanything that needs painting, repairing, looks worn, or is outdated? Start writing theseitems down on your list. Walk through the interior and do the same things. Ask for theassistance of everyone in your family. After all, a shorter sales time will benefit everybody inthe family. DO EVERYTHING BEFORE PUTTING YOUR HOME ON THE MARKET Complete all your repairs, improvements, and enhancements prior to your first showing.Remember, your best showings come early in the listing period. Be readyGREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOMEFOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIMESelling a home today is different than it was five years ago.Today’s buyer wants a home that is in “move in” condition, and they will walk awayfrom a home that does not “show well” or is in poor condition just as fast as theywill walk away from an overpriced property. There is a saying in the real estateindustry that “you never get a chance at the buyer of a lifetime.” In many instances it is hard to look at your house objectively because it’s yourhome, but a Realtor is trained to do just that. We hope that these 110 ways will getyou the sale that you are looking for. Exterior Plan ahead and plant grass seed where needed as the lawn can be a realturnoff or a “turn on.” It’s a good idea to prune away any trees that distract from the view of yourhome. Pruning low limbson trees can make a major difference.Clean up everything. Make sure that any debris or broken fence parts, bricks,yard lights and mail boxes are in good repair. Remove any dead or dying shrubs, and replace them with fresh ones. . Put new mulch in the flowerbeds, around shrubbery and the base of trees. Make sure that all walkways are cleaned and in good repair. If you don’t know what to do, hire a landscaping company to evaluate yourproperty and give you a plan. Make sure that all exterior lighting works properly. Keep your lawn cut and neatly trimmed.. Use large pots of flowers or green plants on the deck or the front porchHanging plants can also create a favorable impression1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.LandscapingGREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOMEFOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIME12. Repair cracks and damages in the driveway and in some instances it’s a good idea to have an asphalt driveway resealed before showing.13. If your home is going to be marketed during the winter months when ice could be a problem it’s important that you keep driveways and walkways cleaned and safe 14. Repair and replace any broken or rotted trim and siding. 15. Paint everything that needs painting. Most people prefer to buy a home that is in good repair and ready to move in. A home which needs to be painted is a real turnoff, especially if there are other homes from which to choose. 16. Replace any missing shingles from the roof. 17. Clean, repair, and replace any gutters and downspouts that are defective. 18. Invest in a new doormat. 19. Check all screens and storm windows to make sure they are in good repair. 20. Consider “power washing” the exterior and the walkways, decks, driveways, etc. 21. Paint the mailbox and the post. 22. It’s important to create an “outdoor room” as it makes a house feel like home. You can do this effectively by covering a picnic table with a vinyl tablecloth, an arrangement of silk flowers, and a few plastic plates and flatware. This could be created on a screened-in porch, deck or in the rear yard. 23. Placing a potted plant on a front porch or stoop can make a positive impact on aperson’s first impression. Take care to make sure it’s a positive reflection of your home. 24. Have the windows and windowsills cleaned inside and out. 25. Paint everything that is in question.GREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOMEFOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIME26. Clean all the carpets and replace those that are worn or stained beyond cleaning. 27. Remove any dated items such as wallpaper, carpets, light fixtures, etc. If you’re not certain about what to do, consider using the services of an interior decorator or professional organizer to help you make the right choices. It’s a good idea to use someone who is involved in the new homes industry as they are more in tune with what people are looking for in a home.28. Be very careful about selecting paint colors, wallpaper and carpets if you decide to fix it up. Many buyers have a hard time looking beyond bold colors on the floor or on the walls. The idea is to get the home as close to neutral as possible and you can do this by using neutral tones. 29. Repair any dings in the trim or cabinets. Hardware stores have a variety of new products that can make this job easy and fun. 30. Replace any hardware like doorstops, hinges, doorknobs, shower rods, faucets and switch guards that have become worn, discolored or damaged. 31. Clean all the windows including the skylights. 32. Make sure that all light fixtures are clean and in working order. 33. Repair and/or replace any plumbing fixtures that are defective. 34. One of the most important things that you can do is to make sure that the home is immaculate and stays that way. Many homeowners use the services of a professional cleaning service to get the home ready and to keep it in “ready to show” condition during the selling process. 35. The idea is to make every area of the house sparkle and shine.INTERIORJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1GREEN KEY REAL ESTATE

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110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOMEFOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIME36. It’s important that all clutter be removed from every room and every closet. 37. Remove all of the boxes and clothes from the closets that are not going to be neededduring the showing process. 38. It may be a good idea to rent a storage space to store all of the items that are in the way.Don’t store them in the attic or garage as they still are a problem. 39. Pack up all of your collectables to both protect them and to give the rooms a morespacious feeling and appearance. 40. Leave just enough accessories to give the home a personal touch but not so many thatthey become a distraction. 41. Use light to make the home appear more spacious. 42. Take time to open the drapes and blinds.43. Make sure that all the lights throughout the house are on before a showing.SPACE MANAGEMENtROOM ANALYSISThe Front Entry—This is the area that forms the first impression of the house and it reallyneeds your attention. 44. Make sure that the entry is in as near-perfect condition as possible.45. The front door should be freshly painted. 46. If the doorknob and locks are not bright and shiny, they need to be replaced. 47. Well-placed and carefully chosen mirrors and rugs add to the appearance of any foyer orentry area.48. Remove any off-season clothing or other items from the entry hall closet that can bestored elsewhere. 49. Remove any musty odor by adding a bag of cedar chips or some other fresh scent. 50. Put a fresh coat of paint in the entry closet to brighten it. 51. Water container plants/flowers. Replace if necessary. 52. Dust entry table or shelves.GREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOMEFOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIME53. Dust surfaces (including TV screen). 54. Straighten coffee table, bookshelves, and other areas. 55. Stow away newspapers, magazines, books, games, toys and videos. 56. Vacuum rugs or mop floor. 57. Vacuum upholstered furniture; wipe down leather or vinyl. 58. Sweep fireplace. 59. Wipe down ceiling fan blades. 60. Water houseplants. THE LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOMTHE KITCHEN61. Mop or vacuum floor. 62. Clean appliances. 63. Avoid clutter! Clear items from countertops and cabinets. 64. Wipe countertops and cabinets. 65. Clean sink. 66. Stow away kitchen sponge and dish towels. 67. Open windows or run fan to remove cooking odors. 68. Open windows or run fan to remove cooking odors. 69. Clean off the top of the refrigerator.THE DINING ROOM70. Visually imagine a large dining area. 71. Remove extra “company” chairs. 72. Take one or two leaves out of the dining table. 73. Add fresh or silk flowers as a centerpiece on your dining tableGREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOMEFOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIME74. Dust surfaces, including computer screen. 75. Stow away files, preferably “off site.” 76. Mop floor or vacuum rugs. 77. Polish cabinets and woodwork. 78. Straighten desk and bookshelves. 79. Give away anything you do not use or is no longer needed. 80. Large master bedrooms are extremely popular today. Make your bedroom appearlarger. 81. Paint the room a light color. 82. Remove one of the dressing tables or bureaus if the room is crowded.83. Get rid of the clutter. 84. Decorate the private bath of the master to coordinate with the bedroom. 85. Imagine you are in the “Bed and Breakfast” business. 86. Make closets look spacious. 87. Remove and store all out of season clothing. 88. Remove any items from the floor area. 89. Lighted closets look bigger, are more attractive and allow buyers to inspect the interiors—there are many battery-operated lights on the market. 90. Remove any unusual or personal wall hangings such as posters and store them untilyour home is soldTHE HOME OFFICEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1GREEN KEY REAL ESTATE

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110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOMEFOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIME91. Empty wastebaskets. 92. Remove laundry. 93. Put out fresh towels. 94. Clear off countertop and store all personal care products. 95. Dispose of old prescriptions and polish the shelves in the medicine cabinet. 96. Repair leaking faucets. 97. Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or a commercial cleaner. 98. Replace old shower curtains. 99. Clean and repair caulking. 100. Display perfumed guest soap and add a plant for freshness.THE BATHROOMS THE BASEMENT101. Sweep stairs. 102. Clear clutter blocking access to furnace, electrical box or laundry room. GREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOMEFOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIMETHE GARAGEThis is a very important part of a home for most buyers. It is important that it be cleaned and organized just as you would the other rooms in the house. 103. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and the floor can make a huge difference. 104. Remove any stains or paint on the floor and repair any cracks or damages. 105. Remove any items that are not going to be used during the time that the house is going to be marketed. 106. Clutter and trash left in the garage destroys the one main thing most people are looking for in a garage—space. Make it look spacious! 107. If your garage is small and accommodates one car, it is a good idea to leave the car in the driveway to give the appearance of spaciousness. 108. If you have a two car garage, leave one car in the driveway when the house is being shown. 109. If the garage is dark, add more light. A well-lit and well-organized garage appears to be larger and thus adds value to the home.STAGING YOUR HOME110. One of the most important steps in the selling process is staging your home. Each room should be inviting, fresh, clutter-free and clean. Less is better when it comes to pictures, knickknacks and mementos. Pack away extras before even starting the cleaning process. You are selling your house and potential prospects need to be able to picture their furnishings in your property. Arrange furniture in a way that makes each room appear as large as possible. If you need help with this process, I can be candid about what to pack and what to leave. Or I will put you in contact with a professional who will help you with this for a nominal fee.GREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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10 Ways to Save Sellers Time and Money 1. Turn Lights on for all showings – this will make you more money. 2. Paint any areas that are peeling – Before the appraiser notices and before the buyer tries to negotiate. 3. Have the furnace and air conditioner checked, serviced and cleaned prior to the inspection. 4. Have carpets cleaned for a faster sale. 5. Price your home at or just 1% below market to bring you a quicker sale without negotiating. 6. Keep the agent informed of any showings lasting over 30 minutes. 7. Declutter – what you can live without, pack. 8. Box and stack items in storage and garage on a wall in garage. 9. Change light bulbs to the highest wattage acceptable to the fixture. 10. Negotiate quickly and remember your first offer is most likely your best offer.GREEN KEY REAL ESTATEJ E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1

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10 Ways to Save Buyers Time and Money1. Get pre-approved prior to making an offer. 2. Include a complimentary note to the seller when making an offer. Sellers will negotiate for the benefit of the buyer if they like the buyer. 3. Ask your agent for a market analysis of the property you want to buy. 4. Choose a Top Agent. 5. Know the difference between your wants and needs. 6. Have your agents search other sources beyond MLS. 7. Have a home inspection prior to close. 8. Have as little contingencies as possible in making an offer. 9. Work with an agent that has a quick call back timeframe. When negotiating, time is money.10. Work with an agent that has a transaction checklist to be sure that all data and tasks are tended to and completed for a positive experience. J E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1GREEN KEY REAL ESTATE

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WANT MORE? DOWNLOAD THE STAGING GUIDE NOW!J E N N I F E R R O D G E R S | W W W . G R E E N K E Y S E L L S M I . C O M | ( 5 1 7 ) - 3 9 8 - 2 5 4 1GREEN KEY REAL ESTATE