First Impressions

The summer real estate season is almost upon us and its time to get your house ready to sell. And as the saying goes, you only get one chance to make the first impression and this is so true when preparing your house for sale. So, sellers, make your to do list! (Here are some tips to help you get moving…)

Get control of clutter. A cluttered home often looks cramped and small. The key here is to declutter by removing all those knick-nacks and personal items, file your paperwork and eliminate items that will divert buyers.

Kitchen and bathrooms should be spotless. Concentrate on your kitchen and bathrooms. De-clutter here too by eliminating personal items from your refrigerator door and packing your countertop appliances, canisters, etc. This will save you time packing later! Spend some extra time in your bathroom making sure this is spotless. The potential buyers looking at your home will appreciate it.

Time to refinish hardwood floors. Your hardwoods are a major selling point. Show them off by refinishing or at the bare minimum give a good cleaning. Sparkly hardwoods will make your home seem comfy and cozy and it will give your house an advantage in the market.

Paint, Paint, Paint. Painting is some of the least expensive and quick changes you can make. Neutral colors are best for marketing your home for sale. Choose a warm white or beige; your potential buyers will see a blank canvas to decorate their home.

Rent, buy or even borrow! Listen, it’s time to get rid of the old sofa you have in the family room. Why not borrow from a neighbor or think about buying a new piece for your new home? Even though potential buyers are not purchasing your furniture, you don’t want to give the impression you live in tattered home. They may think, if they let the couch get that bad, what else did they not take care of??

So, when making your to-do list, think about these important items to get your house ready to sell. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make your impression count, and you will get your house sold!

Focus on The Towns: Brighton, NY

This week’s focus is on Brighton, NY.  Located within the Rochester metropolitan area, Brighton has a population of over 36,000 residents.  It boasts some of the finest schools and parks in New York and is filled with historical charm!

According to Citytowninfo.com, Brighton was first settled in 1790 but not formally established until 1814.  The town was named after Brighton, England and became a brick making and farm community in the 20^th century. 

Although it may not be a farming community now, it has one of the city’s most popular farmers markets!  And since opening day of the Brighton Farmer’s Market is Sunday, May 30^th, I thought it might be fun to talk about.   The market was established in 2008 as part of the Town’s Color Brighton Green initiative, encouraging residents and businesses to partake in environmental sustainability.  

The Brighton Farmers Market tells us more about what sustainability means: “The market aims to support farmers who use sustainable growing methods and to encourage farmers to move toward greater sustainability. Some of our farmers are certified organic, which means they submit to a rigorous, government-regulated certification process. Others have chosen not to be certified, but nevertheless raise their crops following the same methods, using no synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. “  A sustainable food system is something the whole community can benefit from!

In addition to opening day, the market is hosting a Color Energy Green Fair where local companies will offer information on energy related topics.  The fair is June 13. 

The Brighton Farmers Market is one of the city’s finest gems and I encourage you to check it out! 

Focus on The Towns: Penfield, NY

I thought I would change things up a bit and focus on Rochester, NY's fabulous suburbs.  And what better way to start? Penfield, NY.  Of course, this is where I grew up and I have a long history in this town serving on its boards and just trying to make it a better community! 


And Congratulations are in order because 2010 marks Penfield's Bicentennial!  In the past, Penfield was known for it's rich milling and agricultural community and now, even though the mills are gone,  it has grown to over 35,000 residents! 


Want to help celebrate Penfield's Bicentennial? Or maybe just take the family for a night out?  Here are some June Events you might enjoy:
June
4 - Taste of Penfield - 5:00 pm @ Penfield Amphitheater
5 - Music Fest Weekend - Penfield Amphitheater
6 - Music Fest Weekend - Penfield Amphitheater
13 - Penfield Bicentennial Interfaith Prayer Service & Crop Walk
21 - Bicentennial Golf Tournament - Shadow Lake Golf Course


Of course, you can always visit the website at http://www.penfield2010.org/Home_Page.php for additional information. 

I've Been Workin' on The Railroad (Jack tells all...)

I was so excited…Dad got us tickets to Thomas the Train!  With eager anticipation I waited, and waited and waited.  With all the trees in bloom and warm weather we were having, this was sure to be the best day of my life!  Come on!  I get to see all my island of Sodor friends!  ( and there are hardly any girl trains…which I am glad about because I am not fond of girls…except Mommy and Nonna…and Aunt Holly…never mind, I take that back)

So, I am not sure because I am still a kid, but this was the coldest and nastiest day (weather wise) ever!  But hail, wind and rain were not going to stop me and my pops from going to see Thomas.  I was going to take that 25 minute ride if my life depended on it!  And that was exactly what I did….it was so fun…I think even Dad enjoyed himself.  And I got to meet Sir Topham Hat, to boot.  There were times when we were talking, that I thought the wind would blow over Sir Topham Hat and Dad…but they stayed strong.  I want to be just like that when I grow up!

I am the coolest kid ever…I got to be a junior engineer for the day.  I got a cool hat and a special certificate stating how I have completed all of junior engineer requirements: riding the train, shaking hands with all the right people,  doing the maze and playing in the “Engine Shed”.  My life is good….

I wonder what Daddy has planned for me next???

Carmen helps the Senior Citizens

I just want to thank everyone for your kind words and recommendations.  It is indeed a pleasure to serve you and I thank you for joining Rochester's future leader in sales and service.  I wanted to share with you a recent recommendation from a senior citizen couple I am working with:

"Carmen Lonardo  has helped us tremendously.  As senior citizens, with lots of questions, Carmen is patient and insightful.   We feel that Carmen always strives to deliver better than expected results, as he has connected us with third-party resources to deliver advice, guidance and a new kitchen! Carmen is a trustworthy, personable, and diligent realtor.  His strong work ethic coupled with his attention to detail will sell our home quickly and for a great price.  Thank you, Carmen for taking us under your wing and making this a very smooth process."  Ray and Beverly P. 

With this recommendation in mind, I recently posted an article on Facebook regarding Seniors Looking to Downsize .  I thought it would be appropriate to say a few words on this subject. 


Ray and Bev are in their 80's but are still very active and social.  The apartment they will be going to will have activities, outings and lots of people!  Phoebe Chongchua says in her article,"Specific items that tend to appeal to this group are buildings with doormen and onsite maintenance staff, alternate transportation such as a senior shuttle or bus stop nearby."  
These types of amenities will allow them to keep their freedom and still be able to be safe. 


Even though Bev and Ray are excited about downsizing, it is also a trying time. So, when looking for senior housing for your family or friends, do your research.   A great article to start with is Cutting Your Stuff.  Not only is selling your home a large financial decision, it can be a huge sense of loss. 


I would be happy to answer any additional questions regarding selling your senior citizen's home.  And provide additional references if needed!


Thank you again!