A Well Staged House – Tips for Homeowners

Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter. The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success. Below is an article by Suzie Wilson.

 

The Well-Staged House: Easy-to-Overlook Preparations for Homeowners

Staging a home for sale is a crucial step in the selling process, and it requires considerable attention to detail. Homeowners often overlook many simple things that can discourage potential buyers. An open house is an opportunity to show off its best features. It’s important not to let personal items or a dirty house obscure what you have to offer. The good news is that most open house preparations don’t require a major investment of money. As you get ready to put your home on the market, remember that prospective buyers will look into every corner and closet searching for imperfections. Your best approach is to keep it in ready-to-show condition until that “Sold” sign goes up on the front lawn.

Declutter

Decluttering is about more than making sure your shoes are put away and empty pizza boxes are thrown out. It’s how you keep your house looking spacious, with the flow-through that home buyers are looking for these days. Bowling trophies and pictures of kids and grandchildren make it distinctively yours, but they can make it difficult for buyers to envision your house as theirs. Don’t forget that decluttering extends to your closets, behind doors, and storage space. Realtors recommend that when your home is on the market, it should be kept ready to show on a daily basis. That means it needs to smell good, be kept orderly, and be well-lit.

Comfortable ambience

Lighting is a very important part of the staging process. Not only should your home be well-lit, the lighting in each room needs to create a comfortable ambience. The more you can make viewers feel as though they’d be comfortable sitting down for a conversation or curling up with a good book, the more likely you are to make them feel at home. Remember, the feeling they get from a room is as important as their visual memory of it. Allow plenty of natural light to flow in, and keep fresh flowers in each room. Dimmer switches can help you maintain just the right amount of lighting.

 

Storage space

Storage space is always one of the most important features for potential buyers. An open house is an opportunity for them to assess whether there’s enough room for their belongings. To that end, realtors recommend keeping shelves and cabinets as empty as possible because it’ll give the impression you have more storage space than you actually do. Avoid the common mistake of moving your clutter from the floor into the closets.

Curb appeal

Your house may be spotless, well-ordered, and exquisitely lit on the inside, but if your exterior is dingy and run-down and your lawn poorly cared for, buyers will drive on by looking for the next “For Sale” sign. Curb appeal is that crucial first impression that entices someone to look further. Always make sure your lawn is kept mown and your yard carefully landscaped. Consider hiring a lawn service while your home is on the market so that you’re making the best possible impression every day.

No dogs here

Make sure people can’t see the evidence that you have a pet; it’s as important as decluttering and depersonalizing because even avid dog owners are hesitant to seriously consider a home that bears the signs of pet wear and tear. Make sure that all torn furniture and damaged baseboards are covered and repaired and that urine stains, dog hair, and stale pet odors are removed. Consider having a professional cleaner give your carpet a thorough cleaning before you put your home on the market. Above all, keep your pet somewhere else while your house is being shown. For more information about showing and selling your home when you have pets, check out this guide from Rover.com.

Ready to show

The best way to prepare to impress potential buyers is to keep your house in ready-to-show condition for as long as it’s on the market. As you go about cleaning and decluttering, bear in mind that you want to give the impression of space and flow. A judicious use of light can also help achieve that impression.

 

Homes for Sale in Lewisburg WV

 

2-story home for sale, 411 James River Rd, Lewisburg WV 24901

411 James River Road

Lewisburg, WV 24901

MLS: 17-1383, List Price, $479,000

Take the virtual tour to see this immaculate house – https://perrywellingtonrealty.com/3d-model/411-james-river-west-virginia/

 

Sweet Grass Village

 

This 2-story home is located in the Sweet Grass Subdivision, a beautiful community that offers country living at its best. This neighborhood has beautiful lots where you can build your home and enjoy views of gently rolling hills. Its amenities include a walking trail, a pond and a gazebo.

It’s located less than two miles from the historical city of Lewisburg. It’s proximity to downtown makes it convenient for shopping and dining. If you love art and theater, you’ll enjoy visiting Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Carnegie Hall.

If you have school-age children, Lewisburg Elementary School is within a one mile radius. The other local schools are also easily accessible and are within a three mile radius.

Call Lewisburg Realtor, Rebecca Gaujot, at 304-520-2133 for more information or to view this property.

 

First-time Buyer is now a Happy Homeowner

I represented the first-time buyer on this well maintained Townhome located just one mile from downtown Lewisburg. The buyer was very excited about moving into her new home. She painted the master bedroom before actually moving in.  This townhome offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with plenty of closets and storage.

The 2-story foyer leads into a Living Room, and Den with fireplace and hardwood floors. There is a Dining area and Kitchen with Bar area. The bathrooms, Kitchen, and foyer have tiled flooring. The private backyard area is great for entertaining. Laundry area is on the main floor. You have mountain views from the front.

 

I love getting testimonials from my clients. Below testimonial is from my first-time buyer:  

“Rebecca Gaujot was extremely helpful in helping me find my first home. I had never been through the process of even looking at real estate and she made it very easy. Rebecca quickly learned exactly what I was looking for, and after a few months, we found my dream home. As a first time homebuyer, there are so many aspects that I was unaware of and I am so grateful that Rebecca was there to help me through it all. Thanks so much Rebecca! I am so in love and enjoying every minute of it!”

Homes for Sale in Greenbrier County

If you are looking for a townhome, single-family home or land to build your dream house, call Lewisburg Realtor® Rebecca Gaujot at 304-520-2133 or email rebeccagaujot@gmail.com

 

If you are looking for a townhome, single-family home or land to build your dream house, call Lewisburg Realtor® Rebecca Gaujot at 304-520-2133 or email rebeccagaujot@gmail.com 

Private Country Setting, 89 Acres & 3 Houses For Sale, Princeton, WV 24739

Are you looking for a amazing property….. well check this one out at 608 Nature Drive in Princeton, West Virginia – this luxurious, private country estate consists of three houses on 89+ acres!  Three houses consist of a brick ranch that has been completely rebuilt with quality throughout and is handicapped accessible; a guest or mother-in-law house, a cabin which is a hunter’s paradise, lots of wildlife, four wheeler trails, seller has art studio on property, security gate with remote, and so much more. All three houses on the property are move-in ready some furniture may convey.

Located in Princeton, West Virginia, off of Route 460 on Halls Ridge Road in Mercer County.  A dream property offering convenience to town amenities yet privacy of the wooded mountains 

• 89+ acres
• Very private
• Security gate to property with remote control
• Private half-mile driveway into property
• 3 wells, 3 septics and 3 propane tanks on property
• Abundant Wildlife, a hunter’s paradise

The Ranch Style Brick House built in 1980 has a front porch, back patio and an outdoor pavilion and has been completely renovated and 2,065 sq ft of living space.

• Handicapped Accessible
• Remodeled kitchen with granite countertops and new appliances
• 3 bedrooms (one ensuite)/2.5 baths
• Remodeled  bathrooms with granite countertops (ensuite bath has a large walk-in shower and guest bath has a walk-in tub.
• Hardwood and tile floors
• Heat pump, 2 fireplaces (1 gas in Living Rm, 1 buck stove insert in Kitchen)
• A gas chiminee, free standing gas stove in Sun Rm)

Enjoy the outdoors with the large pavilion, brick fireplace, in-ground pool, grill area with granite countertops, flat screen TV, sink with hot & cold running water. There is a 2-car garage and an auto back-up generator. Has it’s own well and septic.

The One Bedroom/One Bath Guest House was built in 2013 consisting of 762 sq.ft. Lovely front porch to enjoy your morning or evening coffee. Walk-in pantry in kitchen, and new kitchen appliances. This home has an open living room/dining room with large windows to see nature at its best. Hardwood and marble flooring, laundry area in bathroom, a 2-car garage, a heat pump and gas heat. This home is on public water and has a private septic.

The Private Rustic Cabin was built in 1929 and renovated in 2014…..a hunter’s paradise. You see bear, deer, wild turkey, etc on this property. The cabin has an open floor plan surrounded by large windows and a wrap around deck.  There is a full kitchen and one full bath. The kitchen has a wood and 2 gas stoves. Enjoy the outside with the pavilion and grilling area, the rock fireplace, rock sink with hot and cold running water, and a full basement. All utilities on-site. Has it’s own well and septic.

An art studio or whatever you like it to be with a garage door.

608 Nature Drive is close to downtown Princeton, schools, churches, shopping and restaurants. Minutes to Route 460 and I-77, five minutes to American National University, 10 minutes to Mercer County Vocational School, 30 minutes to Bluefield College, Bluefield State College and Concord University; 45 minutes to Virginia Tech (VPI) and West Virginia University at the Beckley Campus.

608 Nature Drive is also close to many recreational areas, such as: Winterplace and Snowshoe Ski Resorts, New River boating and fishing, golfing, Pipestem State Park, White Water Rafting, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, Hatfield and McCoy ATV Trails; and of course hunting and fishing.

Are you ready to see this amazing one-of-a-kind property, with 3 houses and art studio building on 89+ acres. If so, call Rebecca Gaujot, Lewisburg Realtor at 304-520-2133.

Just Listed 411 James River Rd, Lewisburg WV, 2 Level, 3R/3.5BA

This brick/cedar siding house has two finished levels, 3,500 square feet of living space and a 2 car front loading garage. This 2007 quality built house by McCoy Builders, offers 4 bedrooms and 3½ baths.  This stunning,  immaculate home has details and upgrades that makes it exceptional. The neutral color scheme goes throughout the house.  There’s recessed lighting and crown molding throughout as well as cable, high speed internet, intercom with security system, furnace has moisture control, and wired smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.

The tan color siding goes well with the brick as does the new garage doors just installed the first of September.  The garage has storage cabinets and new painted floor. Many upgrades have been made during the four years the owners have lived in this new construction home and pride of ownership shows throughout. Oak hardwood floors grace the entire main level, as well as, the stairs, hallway and master suite on the 2nd level. Tile is in the bathrooms, laundry room and sun room. The second ensuite, and two other guest rooms have carpet.

The kitchen features granite counter tops, cherry cabinets, and the stainless steel appliances include dual wall ovens, a new gas range/oven, microwave, dishwasher, Samsung refrigerator and a walk-in pantry.  The windows across the back from the kitchen, breakfast nook and sunroom, bring lots of light and beautiful vistas.  The breakfast nook has a gas fireplace for those wintery days. The separate dining room with a tray ceiling, formal living room, the family room with a gas fireplace, an all-season sunroom with four sliding doors, ,and outdoor patio are perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

The 10×8 laundry/mud room is off of the kitchen. There’s plenty of cabinets for storage, a utility sink and whirlpool washer and dryer.  You can exit the laundry room and step outside to a beautiful landscaped yard.

There are two ensuites on the 2nd level.  The master suite is the perfect place to retreat too for some relaxation. There’s no shortage of space in the two spacious walk-in closets. Hardwood floors and tray ceiling are other great features of the master suite. The expansive master bath invites you to relax with dual vanities, dressing table, jacuzzi tub, separate shower and tile floor makes you feel like you are in a spa.  The other ensuite is a beautiful relaxing room with a cool neutral color and carpet. The bath features a jacuzzi tub, separate shower and tile flooring.  There are two other bedrooms that share a large bathroom that features a spa-like atmosphere with tub/shower and tile flooring.

Outdoors you have a beautiful landscaped yard with outstanding vistas. The front has a lovely front porch that goes across the front of the house where you can enjoy the sunrises. From the backyard, the three Juliet balconies, two patios that glisten with beautiful Mexican tile and a pergola is a relaxing area to enjoy the mountain views and sunsets. When entering the meticulous crawl space there are four water heaters (you will always have hot water), and a new heat pump with new furnace.

The price for this house is $479,000. All furnishings negotiable!

Your will find natural beauty and peaceful living in the Sweet Grass Village and being so close to downtown Lewisburg with outstanding cultural venues, you get the best of both … the country and the city.

This high-quality residence in a neighborhood of upscale country homes and picturesque setting, near downtown Lewisburg is waiting for you. Contact Rebecca Gaujot at 304-520-2133 for more information on this home.

View the below video on Sweet Grass Village to get a feel of this neighborhood…..

 

2nd Quarter Market Report – Lewisburg WV 24901

Lets take a look at the first six months for 2017 and 2016. The real estate market looks better in 2017 as compared to 2016 with more sales and less days on the market.

                                                                                     2017                2016

Number of Sales:                                        79                       50

Highest Priced Sale:                            $790,000         $460,000

Lowest Priced Sale:                             $  50,000         $107,000

Average Sales Price:                           $219,572          $214,392

Average Days on Market:                             124                   146              

Average Sales Price to List Price Ratio:         95%                  95%

 

The below chart depicts the number of sold listings and new listings for 2017. May and June had the most sales with February having the most new listings.

 

At this posting, the Multiple Listing Service indicates there are 67 homes for sale in Lewisburg, WV, with eight pending sales.  List prices range from $40,000 to $1,250,000 with the square footage ranging from 288  to 6,240.  The average list price is $336,000 with an average total sq.ft. of 2,518. 

If I can assist you in buying or selling in Lewisburg, WV, call Lewisburg Realtor, Rebecca Gaujot at 304-520-2133 or email me at rebeccagaujot@gmail.com

House for Sale in Renick WV, 4BR/4BA on 41+ Acres

If you love country living, here is the place for you!  This beautiful 1.5 story, 4BR/4BA house is surrounded by 41.25 acres, 15 pasture.  Who doesn’t like apple pie? You can have all the apples you want from the 17+ apple trees.   There is a kennel for dogs that can be easily converted to a garage, stalls for horses, office, and/or workshop.  Also, on this property are two springs and a creek.  To keep you warm in the winter,  there are heated floors on the main level and the entire basement.  To keep your cars or toys, there is a 2-car garage.  See below to see what else this home has to offer.

684 FITZWATER BRANCH RD
Renick, WV 24966
MLS 17-581
List Price:  $459,900

The PROW Design Hardy Plank house offers:

• Cathedral wood ceilings throughout main level
• Engineered Brazilian Koa hardwood floors on main and upper level, stairs and landings; ceramic tile in bathrooms and utility room
• Recessed lighting throughout
• Double pane windows
• Water manifold system
• 80-gallon Whirlpool hot water heater
• Water filtration
• Propane gas furnace
• 2-car Garage, with exit to outdoors, as well as to basement
• Front porch with Trek decking/railings
• Patio lower level, concrete

Walking into the house on the main level, you step into the great room surrounded by windows, and a massive stone fireplace that goes up to the roof.  The kitchen and dining room combo offers Whirlpool kitchen appliances, Corian Kitchen counters, gas cooktop, and an electric built-in oven. The utility room with washer and dryer is next to the kitchen. There are two bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the main level. The master bedroom has a large screened porch for early morning coffee or to enjoy the evening watching nature at its best.

On the upper, level there is one bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a walk-in handicap shower.

The lower level offers a large one bedroom and bath; large hallway, family room with carpet and French double doors; office space with double doors to patio; a grooming room with water; and unfinished basement area for storage and a workshop, and a staircase from basement leading to the garage.

This property located in Renick, West Virginia, is located off 219N to Leonard Cordova Road and is 45 minutes from Lewisburg and Interstate 64.

Call Rebecca Gaujot at 304-520-2133 for more information or to view this property.

SOLD Log Home in Valley Head, WV

My buyers had been looking for a second home in West Virginia and were going to start looking in another state.  But, when the buyers previewed this beautiful 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath log home that was only minutes from Snowshoe Ski Resort and the Elk River, we wrote an offer.  A cash deal!
The home offers a versatile open floor plan and large windows bringing in natural light and the beautiful mountain views!

The property is located in Randolph County. Besides the beautiful log home, what sold the buyers were the 138 acres. The acreage is roughly 30% pasture, with cuttable hay.  They wanted a get-away home, a place where their kids had space to play, ski, fish, and hunt.

If you are in the market for a log home or cabin click here for Log Cabins for Sale in Lewisburg WV and surrounding areas

There’s nothing I like more than helping folks find their dream home. If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg , Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please contact Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® today!

New Inventory Lewisburg WV 24901 – Week of March 26, 2017

Lewisburg, WV zip code 24901 has three new single-family homes on the market for the week of March 26, 2017. Prices range from under $400,000. All three listings are close to downtown Lewisburg. Check out these new listings below:

172 Woodhaven Circle – MLS #17-434 – List Price $219,900

This well maintained home is located on a corner lot offering hardwood flooring, an open floor plan, and a finished bonus room upstairs. There are three covered porches for outdoor enjoyment and a fully fenced in backyard.

629 Lamplighter Drive – MLS #17-441 – List Price $298,000

This single-family home offers 5 bedrooms/3 baths on 1+ acres. Great open floor plan with gourmet kitchen featuring stainless appliances and granite counter tops. Plus finished space in lower level.. Two-car garage, open air back deck and lower patio, and much more!

143 Madisyn Road- MLS # 17-431- List Price $399,000

This updated.ranch home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 total baths, basement, gourmet kitchen, native sandstone fireplace, hardwood floors, separate bedroom wing. Fifteen plus surveryed acres  Very private location and mostly wooded with 4.5 acres of pasture and a 3 stall barn.

Check out all Lewisburg Homes For Sale in 24901

I will be sharing weekly listings for Lewisburg and surrounding areas. Hopefully, this weekly real estate inventory will help those who want to buy or sell a home in the Lewisburg WV area. If you would like information on any Lewisburg WV or surrounding properties in Greenbrier County, contact me via cell 304-520-2133 or rebeccagaujot@gmail.com

Homes for Sale ~ Greenbrier County WV

Maybe you have not found your perfect home in Lewisburg.. but that is ok… I will show you around Greenbrier county. We are sure to find that perfect gem of a home for sale in this amazing county of rolling hills, green pastures, rivers and lakes… and more.