MAN BITES DOG

MAN BITES DOG

That's an interesting title. Man Bites Dog is actually the name of a card game that my husband and I play when entertaining guest at our home. The object of the game is to make headlines from the cards you are dealt. Hey they sounds like blogging and real estate. In real estate you are dealt cards; you have to make things happen with what you have. Now this article is not about a man actually biting a dog, but how animals are bitten, so to speak, by abandonment.

In real estate we owe our fiduciary to our client and his family, we are to be honest, confidential and to protect from harms way as far as any real estate transactions we are, or will, or were involved in. Does that also apply to the four (4) legged member of that household? Of course there is no confidentiality, or honesty involved, but what about protect?

Hmmmm, protect, what does that mean? Let's suppose you list a property on a short sale that is due to foreclose in the very near future. The Seller advises you that they are moving out of state and the home will be vacant by the end of the week.

Few days later you enter the home to access the condition, and who meets you at the door? FLUFFY!

Fluffy is hungry, dehydrated and scared. He is so thirsty that when he "meows", his voice cracks as a result of a parched throat. SO WHAT WOULD YOU DO? a) Immediately shut the door and pretend you didn't know; b) Take Fluffy home with you; c) Call the Seller and give him a piece of your mind; d) Call the Shelter to pick up the cat?

Thousands upon thousands of animals are abandoned each year, and the numbers will get higher as the foreclosure rates increase. As a real estate practitioner, I feel that we have responsibilities to our client, the customer, and the extended family; yes even their animals.

If you find that the family leaves their pets, it can be as a result of one or two reasons; 1) They could not find the animal at the time they left - (surely they would ask you to watch out for the pet or 2) Abandonment - they had no intention of taking the animals.

We are fortunate that here in the Phoenix, metro area, there are several agencies to help distressed animals. For dogs: http://www.valleydogs.org/ and for other animals http://www.animalrescuecenter.org/ . If you find you are looking in the big brown eyes of Fido, or Fluffy - don't become the Man Bites Dog headline - be a rescurer!

I have homes for sale throughout the Valley whose pets have found loving homes, please visit my website: http://www.homes4saleaz.com/ to give your pet a new home.

Making a House Your Home

As a real estate professional I have sold many homes throughout the 13 years I have been in the business. One of the most interesting things I have found with each house sold, is how people turn them from houses to homes. I have found that each home has its own distinct personality.

Now I am not speaking of whether the house is a two story home, or ranch styled; it is more than that. When entering a home, I can tell if the people love to cook, enjoy music, entertainment or sports. I can determine if the home is occupied by a single person or a family. Or if they like dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or even pot belly pigs. Yes, I have entered many homes where Fido is actually "Rosie", the pet pig.




Speaking of Pets
When entering homes, I have been attacked by dogs, cats, and birds. I am happy to say, I have not yet been attached by a pig. I have been startled by two tiny eyes glowing from under a bed, it was a pet iguana in his favorite hiding place. I have seen pet tarantulas, mice, frogs, and turtles. I have stepped over shedded skins of snakes, and even found a snake guarding the family safe deposit box. (No ATM card need here) YIKES!


Colors & Decor

Colors in a home says a lot about the occupants as well. I can tell if they are happy, sad, angry and even confused. As an example, if the dining room walls are "red", I know guest usually linger at the dining room table, (red stimulates the appetite). If I see murals of balloons, clouds, picket fences in a bedroom, I discern that first of all, it is a little girl's room and her happiness is most important to her parents. Of course the obvious tale tale signs of a boy's room is blue walls, college flags, race cars, football, etc. Teenagers rooms are obvious too. Posters of entertainers, "DO NOT ENTER" signs on bedroom doors, bright electrifying colors - and usually the Maid is on vacation.
Helpful Hints
Turning a house to a home involves reflecting your very own personality, whether through paint color or decorative accessories however, when placing your home on the market you want to appeal to anyone and everyone, which may mean making important changes.


Here' what you may want to do:
1. De clutter - makes the rooms looks extremely large. Remove personal photos, memorabilia, take out unnecessary furnishings
2. Tone down paint colors - no deep colors; makes rooms look smaller
3. Tidy up closets, children's rooms, rec rooms, garage areas
4. Clean windows reflects light - opens up the rooms
5. Refresh or replace worn out furniture
6. When inviting potential buyers into your home, make sure your pets are in a "holding" area away from the flow of the home
7. Paint where needed
8. Tighten up the curb appeal- grass cut, bushes trimmed, etc.

9. Get a home inspection so you will know what to expect when getting the repair list from the Buyer
10. Hire a staging professional professional help is always the best


You want to look at your house as a product to sell, not as your home.


With the accessibility of the Internet, people not only learn how to decorate their homes, but also find information on selling their homes.

Always trust the sale of your home to a real estate professional one who is credentialed, familiar with the area you are interested in selling or purchasing, and has years of experience in the real estate industry. It will save you money, time and headaches. For more information of how to prepare your home to sell, contact me for a free consultation.

Otherwise, enjoy your home, until you are ready to turn it into a house.