5 Crucial Real Estate Curbside Marketing Facts You Did Not Know

In a declining real estate market where supply outstrips demand, a person can generally sell a house faster by lowering the price. But there are other ways to enhance a home’s attractiveness besides lowering the asking price.If you’re looking to sell your home in a cooling real estate market, read on for some tips on how to generate interest and get the best price possible.

 5 Stats that show just how much curb appeal matters:

1. 63% of home buyers that viewed a home online and were interested, drove by the home shortly after. Curbside appeal counts!
2. It takes less than 30 seconds for a home buyer to decide on a home after seeing it in person. If you are doing all the work creating attractive online marketing pieces, you may be losing interested buyers when they drive by and not even know it.
3. Improved landscaping can increase property value by 7-14% and accelerate the sale of your home by 5 to 6 weeks.
4. Home sellers see an average return of 473% from investment in landscaping and curbside marketing dollars!
5. 87% of people say that home presentation makes a difference in most sales.
Here’s a bonus (and most important statistic of all)
6. Buyers look online for 3 weeks before contacting an agent. Using curbside marketing to attract home buyers is great, but without a tool like StreetText to capture and cultivate the leads you may be missing an opportunity on connecting with potential new clients.

Differentiate From the Neighbors 
In order to attract attention and to make your home more memorable, consider custom designs or additions, such as landscaping, high-grade windows or a new roof. This can help improve the home’s aesthetics, while potentially adding value to the home. Any improvements should be practical and use colors and designs that will appeal to the widest audience. In addition, they should complement the home and its other amenities, such as building a deck or patio adjacent to an outdoor swimming pool.However, while it can pay to spice up your home, don’t over-improve it. Some renovations, such as adding a bathroom or putting new shingles on a roof, might not always pay. The data suggests that the nationwide average amount recouped for a bathroom remodel is about 58%. For a new roof, it’s even less. If you’re going to invest in home improvements, do your research and be sure to put your money into the things that are likely to get you the best return. In addition, if you have added any custom features that you think buyers will be interested in, make sure they are included in the home’s listing information. More than ever, in a down market you should take every small edge you can get.
Clean the ClutterIt is imperative to remove all clutter from the home before showing it to potential buyers because buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the space. This might include removing some furniture to make rooms look bigger, and putting away family photographs and personal items. You may even want to hire a stager to help you make better use of the space. Staging costs can range from a couple hundred dollars for a basic consultation to several thousand dollars, particularly if you rent modern, neutral furniture for showing your home. Many people feel that stagers can make a home more salable, so hiring one deserves some consideration.

Sweeten the Deal 
Another way to make the home and deal more attractive to buyers is to offer things or terms that might sweeten the pot. For example, sellers that offer the buyer a couple of thousand dollars credit toward closing costs, or offer to pay closing costs entirely will in some cases receive more attention from house hunters looking at similar homes. In a down market, buyers are looking for a deal, so do your best to make them feel they’re getting one.
Another tip is to offer a transferable home warranty, which can cost $300 to $400 for a one-year policy and will cover appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, that fail. Depending on the policy, other appliances and house gadgets may be covered as well. A potential buyer may feel more at ease knowing that he or she will be covered against such problems, which could make your home more attractive than a competing home.
Finally, it’s important to note that some buyers are motivated by the option to close in a short amount of time. If it is possible for you to close on the home within 30 to 60 days, this may set your deal apart and get you a contract.

Get Your Home in “Move In” Condition
Aesthetics are important, but it’s also important that doors, appliances and electrical and plumbing fixtures be in compliance with current building codes and in working order. Again, the idea is to have the home in move in condition and to give potential buyers the impression that they will be able to move right in and start enjoying their new home, rather than spending time and money fixing it up.

Pricing It Right
Regardless of how well you renovate and stage your home, it is still important to price the home appropriately. Consult a local real estate agent, read the newspapers and go to online real estate sites to see what comparable homes are going for in your area.
It’s not always imperative to be the lowest priced home on the block, particularly when aesthetic and other significant improvements have been made. However, it is important that the listing price is not out of line with other comparable homes in the market. Try to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and then determine what a fair price might be. Have friends, neighbors and real estate professionals tour the home and weigh in as well.

Improve Curb Appeal
Sellers often overlook the importance of their home’s curb appeal. The first thing a buyer sees is a home’s external appearance and the way it fits into the surrounding neighborhood. Try to make certain that the exterior has a fresh coat of paint, and that the bushes and lawn are well manicured. In real estate, appearances mean a lot. What better way to set your home apart than to make it attractive at first glance?

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10 most Outrageous Celebrity Mansions

#10 Rihanna

This 8,520-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion cost Rihanna $6.9 million in 2009, but just went on sale for the low price of $4.5 million due to extensive water damage (for which, she's suing the builder). The home features all the amenities including 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a sauna, steam room, and home theater.

#9 Calvin Klein

This South Hampton, NY home is unique, classic, and worth $30 million. But according to real estate developers in the area Mr. Klein is planning on tearing the place down. The aptly named Dragon's Head oceanfront mansion has apparently outlived its 25 years in the posh neighborhood, and we can't wait to see what minimalist vision takes its place.

#8 Kate Winslett

This eco-friendly home in Cornwall, England is on the market for only $700,000. Made from 7 different types of wood, this beauty makes the list because of its elegance and simplicity. It features a wood-burning stove, slate hearth, and high wooden beams which make this house a nature lover's dream.

#7 Donald Trump

This impressive New York triplex cost the Donald $100 million. It includes gold-encrusted-everything, several chandeliers, amazing views of the NYC skyline and a helicopter pad! Safe to say, Trump's never met a shade of gold he didn't like.

#6 Whitney Port

This TV personality recently gave a tour of her cute downtown Manhattan condo, including a large walk-in closet for the 25 year old's impressive shoe collection, and she even dedicated a spare room to house her abundant wardrobe! That's quite the bachelorette pad.

#5 Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton's LA mansion was a deal at $6 million. At 7,500-square-feet, the mansion boasts 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and a beautiful swimming pool with a view over-looking Los Angeles. Not bad for an heiress.

#4 Tiger Woods

This mansion on Jupiter Island, Florida became home to Tiger in 2010 for $60 million, just before the golfer's much-publicized divorce. Once a bachelor, instead of selling the property Tiger turned it into a bachelor's dream complete with four-hole golf course and running track.

#3 David Beckham

The Beckhams bought this LA house for a cool $22 million. The 13,000-square-foott Italian-style property features 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and an incredible 6 fire places.

#2 Eddie Murphy

This New Jersey home was $30 million when Mr. Murphy bought it, and is one of the most expensive properties ever sold in that area. With a staggering 32 rooms, jukebox, major entertainment area, indoor AND outdoor pools, we can see why.

#1 Robin Williams

This Napa, CA mansion comes with its own vineyard and can be yours for only $35 million. The 20,000-square-foot estate is less than 90 minutes from San Francisco and includes 5 bedrooms, a game room, elevator, and viewing tower which overlooks the expansive estate.



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Google To Rent Former Mall In Largest Silicon Valley Deal

Google Inc. agreed to rent a former shopping mall in Mountain View, California, in the largest Silicon Valley lease deal of the year, according to Bloomberg. 

The former mall is being renovated into an office complex, with completion scheduled for next year, real estate investment firm Rockwood Capital LLC said in a statement. Rockwood, which has offices in San Francisco and White Plains, New York, owns the former Mayfield Mall in a venture with San Francisco-based Four Corners Properties. Once the renovation is completed, the campus will have more than 46,5 thousand square meters of office space on 11.2 hectares. 

Rockwood didn't disclose the lease terms, and Caroline Luz, a spokeswoman for the company with Owen Blicksilver Public Relations, declined to comment beyond the statement. Katelin Jabbari, a spokeswoman for Mountain View-based Google, declined to comment on the lease. 

Mayfield Mall was the first air-conditioned, enclosed shopping mall in Northern California and was previously occupied by stores including J.C. Penney Co. The property, adjacent to the San Antonio Caltrain station, is in an area with shops, restaurants, housing and a planned hotel, Rockwood said. 

Google, owner of the world's most popular Internet search engine, agreed in July to expand its San Francisco office space at Morgan Stanley's Hills Plaza building in what would be that city's biggest lease transaction of 2013, a person with direct knowledge of the deal said at the time. 

Google joins Rackspace Hosting Inc. (RAX) in using a former shopping mall for office space. Rackspace, a provider of Web-based computing services, paid US$ 32.7 million for the abandoned Windsor Park Mall in San Antonio and converted it to offices. 

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Apartment in Yerevan

The aim was to create a contemporary domestic environment functional in every aspect. One of the key features of the interior is the usage of natural materials such as wood (Burma Teak, Whitened Oak) and stone (Travertine).

The main idea in the hall was to clean up the structure and use the niches to build floor-to-ceiling closets and place tall mirrors to extend the feeling of width in the narrow hallway. The door to the living room was removed  in order to be able to view the full length of the open space. A wall covered with natural Travertine provides visitors to the open space.

Travertine and Burma Teak were chosen for the main material palette for the open space. The design is based on the composition of simple forms and volumes. Olive, grey and anthracite were chosen for the color scheme.

The final result is achieved by the interplay of space, materials, contemporary furniture and lighting, which gives out a warm, white glow that softens the interior.

Travertine and Burma Teak were chosen for the main material palette for the open space. The design is based on the composition of simple forms and volumes. Olive, grey and anthracite were chosen for the color scheme.

The final result is achieved by the interplay of space, materials, contemporary furniture and lighting, which gives out a warm, white glow that softens the interior.

Travertine and Burma Teak were chosen for the main material palette for the open space. The design is based on the composition of simple forms and volumes. Olive, grey and anthracite were chosen for the color scheme.

The final result is achieved by the interplay of space, materials, contemporary furniture and lighting, which gives out a warm, white glow that softens the interior.

There are two bedrooms in the apartment: the master bedroom combined with child’s room and a room for parents of the homeowner. In both spaces was created a relaxing atmosphere. An irregularity in the existing architecture was used to create build floor-to-ceiling closets in bedrooms. Floors are made of Whitened Oak. Decorative plaster, wallpaper, wood are used for wall decoration.

ITHAKA – Architecture & Design
Architects: Telemak ANANYAN, Hayk MARTIROSYAN, Ani SAFARYAN

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Saudi Arabia To Build New City Near Makkah

Saudi Arabia will build a new city for 600 thousand people near Makkah. Named Makkah Gate, the residential and administrative city will be developed under a publi-private partnership on the Makkah-Jeddah Highway with 45 districts. Spanning an area of 83 million square meters, the project will include educational institutions, government offices, shopping centers, housing units and a national park. 

Saudi Arabia is creating several new cities across the kingdom, particularly near the religious cities of Makkah and Medinah, as its population rapidly grows. 
In June, it was announced a "Pilgrim City" would be built for 200 thousand Muslims who travel to Madinah for Haj and Umrah. The state-of-the-art city would cover 1.6 million square meters and include hotels, furnished apartments, a railway and bus station, government offices and a 400-bed hospital. 
Construction of a new "mega city" in Rabigh, 150 kilometers north of Jeddah, was due to begin after Ramadan. The Indian developer in charge of the project, Gammon Group, said was worth US$ 2.9 billion and would include an advanced hospital, a petrochemical plant, other industrial areas, schools, mosques and residential villas and cover 20 million square meters of land formerly owned by a former Rabigh governor.

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The Thinnest Town House Sold In New-York

Here's the skinny on the city's narrowest town house: It just sold for a fat US$ 3.25 million. The historic, three-story home at 75 1/2 Bedford St. - near Sixth Avenue and Houston Street - weighs in at an underfed 92 square meters. A tape measure would only stretch to a cinched-in 2.54 meters wide in the widest rooms - narrow enough for the lankiest Knick to nearly touch two side walls at once. 

It's where Edna St. Vincent Millay penned her Pulitzer Prize-winning "Ballad of the Harp-Weaver," in 1923-24. It's Millay who famously coined the phrase, "My candle burns at both ends," suggesting that the poet would have had to orient any such candle longitudinally while working long hours at the address. 
Other celebrities who have traipsed - carefully - through the gaunt flat are actor Cary Grant, and, before him, John Barrymore. Anthropologist Margaret Meade also lived there, as did popular children's-book writer Ann McGovern, author of "Stone Soup." After moving out, McGovern wrote "Mr. Skinner's Skinny House," a picture book about a man who moves into the thinnest house in the city and then struggles to find a roommate. 
"For seven years, I lived in the narrowest house in New York. It was only eight and a half feet wide!" McGovern said in a Q-and-A on her Web site, annmcgovern.com. "It's known as the Edna St. Vincent Millay House." 
"Once I saw a man who was standing in front of the house with arms outstretched," she said. "'Hey,' he said. 'I'm as big as a house,' and he was." 
Living in her "doll house," as she called it, McGovern said she'd begun noodling about the sorts of characters who could never live in a house so narrow, including an actor who plays Pinocchio - one of the characters in "Mr. Skinner's Skinny House". The latest buyer is George Gund, according to city property records. 
Although thin, the home's worth has expanded over the years. 
It was purchased in 1994 for US$ 270 thousnad by architectural preservationist Christopher Dubs. 
He sold the home in 2000 to Steven Balsamo for a cool US$1.6 million. Then, three years ago, the home sold for US$2.175 million through Corcoran broker Alex Nicholas. 
That buyer never moved in, instead sinking more money into the place by renovating it top to bottom - the kitchen trapdoor, leading to the basement "recreation room," has been retained. 
Built in 1873, the three-bedroom home also features floor-to-ceiling French doors opening to a tree-shaded. The inside is more light and airy than its width would suggest thanks to a third-floor skylight and oversized windows. 
The gussying up allowed it to rent for a healthy US$ 14 thousand a month. It then went back on the market at an overly optimistic US$ 4.3 million. By last year, the asking price had whittled away to US$ 3.495. 
The thinnest house in the world built between two tower blocks in Warsaw, Poland. The house measures 1.2 meters at its widest point and 71 centimeters at its narrowest. The building has been designed by Jakub Szczesny. 

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The Most Beautiful Metro Stations In The World

#15 Formosa Boulevard Station, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

This metro station in Kaohsiung, Taiwan is amazing! It's like stepping into a massive, technicolor convention center. We can only imagine how in awe of this station the commuters are, and the metro station has even become a tourist attraction in its own right! We think this metro station would definitely brighten up your day.

#14 Rådhuset, Stockholm, Sweden

This magnificent metro station in Rådhuset, Stockholm was built in 1975, and it serves as one of the best examples of organic architecture in the world! Commuters would be forgiven for thinking they had entered into a stunning underground cave or museum when they hopped off at this metro station!

#13 Stadium Station, Stockholm, Sweden

This is Stadium Station in Stockholm, and it has been decorated with murals of rainbows and various other quirky and colorful additions. This particular photograph makes the station almost look like an ice cave, and we think it's an awesome idea to decorate a station so impressively!

#12 Elektrozavodskaya Station, Moscow, Russia

It may be hard to pronounce, but Elektrozavodskaya Station in Moscow looks more like an expensive art gallery, rather than a metro station! Metro stations are often thought of to be dirty and unkempt, so you can imagine commuters' surprise and delight at discovering this gem of a station!

#11 Kiyevskaya Station - Koltsevaya Line Hall, Moscow, Russia

Kiyevskaya Station is another metro station in Moscow to have been designed just like a Renaissance art gallery or museum. If only all metro stations could look like this one! We particularly love the use of gold and the impressive artworks. We're sure there are plenty of people who make a trip to Kiyevskaya just to see the metro station!

#10 Zoloti Vorota Station, Kiev, Ukraine

This impressive metro station was opened on December 30, 1989 as the part of the first stage of the Syretsko-Pecherska Line. Many have commented about the station's likeness to an Orthodox cathedral, and we could not agree more! This looks more like a place of religious worship than it does a place to catch a train.

#9 Puhŭng, Pyongyang, North Korea

Did you know that the Pyongyang Metro is the deepest in the world? The track runs 360 ft (110 m) underground! This station in North Korea opened in 1987, and since then it has become a national treasure. The metro station is decorated beautifully with ornaments and murals.

#8 O'Hare Station, Chicago, Illinois

This metro station in Chicago, Illinois is one of America's most beautiful and impressive metro stations, and it isn't hard to see why! Located at O'Hare International Airport, the walls are made entirely from luminous, colored glass bricks. This metro station is definitely well worth the trip!

#7 T-Centralen Station, Stockholm, Sweden

The T-Centralen Station in Stockholm, Sweden, is another metro station to grace the 'most beautiful metro stations in the world' list, and we love the station's creative design! We love that the walls are covered in colorful silhouettes of workers, in order to celebrate the numerous workers who made the construction of the station possible.

#6 Westfriedhof Station, Munich, Germany

This metro station in Munich, Germany was opened fairly recently in 1998, however the large and colorful lamps were not added until a later date. The lamps contain red, blue, and yellow lights, all adding a vibrant twist to your average metro station. We love this creative idea!

#5 Marienplatz Station, Munich, Germany

Did you know that Marienplatz Station is one of the most frequently used stations in Munich? This metro station almost looks like something from the future, with its curved and colorful designs. We think it looks amazing!

#4 Olaias Station, Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal also has one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world, and the one featured in the photograph is Olaias Station in Lisbon. We love the use of colored glass, and it gives the station a stained glass effect. This is certainly one colorful and brightly-lit station, and it is sure to add some cheer to your day!

#3 Drassanes Station, Barcelona, Spain

It might look simplistic and modern, but there's something about monochrome and clean lines that people find extremely refreshing at this beautiful metro station. The use of the bright white surfaces creates the illusion of light, and we absolutely love the strong contrast created with the color black!

#2 Museum Subway Station, Toronto, Canada

Canada also has a very impressive metro station, as you can see this from the pic. The Museum Subway Station in Toronto is filled with decorative and artistic pillars, as well as stainless steel surfaces and pops of bright color. It's easy to see just why tourists love this metro station so much!

#1 The stations of the Line A, Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is well-known for its impressive architecture, so it comes as no surprise that one of the metro stations is also one of the most amazing in the world. The stations of the Line A have colorful and patterned walls, such as the one pictured. The stations on this line are from the 1970s, however their futuristic design keeps them forever modern.

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15 Place to Visit in Europe

#15 Final destination fit for a god

Greece is arguably the most beautiful place in the world. The perfect golden beaches and white architecture seems right out of a magazine.

#14 It's pronounced "Eye Bee Tha"

Ibiza is Spain's gorgeous little slice of paradise. If you're in the mood to spend days lounging beachside, this is the perfect destination.

#13 It wasn't built in a day.

After Venice, jet off to Rome for a real (and fascinating) history lesson. The Vatican headquarters is filled with magnificent architecture.

#12 Not in Kansas anymore...

Paris is lovely, but the more rural areas of France are even more divine. The quaint town of Lorraine is known for two things - quiches with phenomenal cheese and the biggest hot air balloon festival in the world.

#11 Der Frankfurt

Germany's a (relatively) big European country, so don't stop at Berlin. Frankfurt has a lot to offer including the world's biggest book fair. Let the shopping spree continue.

#10 More than you expected.

Copenhagen, Denmark has a rich history. Brimming over with museums, this is a quaint, off the map destination for those who shy away from touristy hot spots.

#9 Amsterdam Revealed

There's a lot more to this famous city than what Harold and Kumar would have you believe. Visit Anne Frank's house and partake in some delicious pastries at a local cafe.

#8 Moscow

Contrary to popular belief, it's not ALWAYS snowing in Russia. Moscow is a gorgeous city, so stop by (and pick up an authentic fur or nesting doll along the way).

#7 Hop in my gondola.

Venice ranks right up there with Paris for the title of "city for lovers." Visit during Carnivale for a real treat, or go during a less festive time for those endless rides through the canals.

#6 "Praha"

Prague in the Czech Republic is like a fairy tale come to life. The copper-capped castles and the cobblestone streets are magical. Visit O Cemetery to visit the grave of literary great Franz Kafka or stop by a farmer's market.

#5 99 Luftballoons

Berlin is a thriving metropolis filled with some great history. Explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall before taking in some great shopping.

#4 Care for some blood pudding?

Edinburgh is perhaps the most "British" city in the UK. The castle on the hill overlooking the city, the kilted men playing bagpipes on the corners, the haggis and blood pudding. Give it a try - it's not as bad as it sounds.

#3 Toro! en Madrid

If you're looking to brush up on that high school Spanish, Madrid is a must. Schedule your trip right in time to see a bull fight and visit Plaza Mayor for some delicious churros.

#2 J'ai Deux Amours

...mon pay et Paris. "I have two loves, my country and Paris." Don't miss out on the romance capital of the world. But when you visit the Eiffel Tower and the ticket agents asks if you'd like to pay to take an elevator "to the second floor," keep in mind the second floor is actually the top.

#1 God Save the Queen

Visiting merry ol' England is a must. Check out the "Eye of London," "Tower Bridge" and Buckingham Palace. Travel a little out of the city for Stonehenge and Canterbury Cathedral.

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