Smart Move Real Estate - ALLY JOHNSON, BROKER, MBA
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Use These 10 Upgrades To Sell Your Home For More

4/25/2019

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A Designer’s Top 10 Tips for Increasing Home Value
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PRINTABLE TORNADO SHELTER CHECKLISTS

4/17/2019

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Who knows if the severe weather will be tonight, this week or even anytime in April? It pays to be prepared, so grab these free printables and prep yourself and your family for our Oklahoma spring. If you're looking to sell and get into a home with a shelter, contact Ally for a spring listing discount. 
THE CHECKLIST
SHOPPING LIST
SEARCH THE MLS
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Honey Coupon Engine

12/19/2018

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Confession of a deal hunter: I use this awesome money-saving browser extension to find a lot of my deals. Online fanatic here. No crazy spam, signup not necessary, it just hunts the coupon codes. You can get an account if you want but it's not required. Use my link to sign up if you do choose to get an account:  ​https://www.joinhoney.com/ref/dovalf
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Stinky drains? Try this enzyme cleaner instead.

10/26/2018

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While this won’t work instantaneously on a clog (usually) it’s the flossing your pipes need to get that water-slowing, stink-causing grime outta there. We usually do treatment three days at a time, once a quarter. What is also awesome? It is safe for septic systems. You can get this and every other Zep brand product only at Home Depot.
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Don't Sweat It, Oklahoma!

7/19/2018

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This weather is gross and getting grosser. Our own AC unit is falling behind. With 114 degree heat expected, most units can't keep up - whether they're new or old. And you don't want to be in the heat if yours gives out because you know all the AC companies will be booked. The best way to stay cool is to give a little TLC. Here are some tried-and-true ways to reduce the strain on your air-conditioner. 
​
Get Cheap-o Filters
Grab some dollar filters and temporarily swap them out. If you'll die of allergies, at least downgrade to a medium range filter. Too fancy (think allergy filters) and you restrict airflow and strain your system. Look for a MERV 9 or below. ​

Plan to Netflix and ACTUALLY chill out at night
Sun up = AC temp up. Sun down = AC temp way down. For optimal performance you should run the AC at night to cool things off (maybe even a little chilly) and turn it as high as you can tolerate during the day. 

Close Up Shop
Leave your blinds down and closed. Hunker down and pretend like no one is home. Better yet, venture out to use someone else's great AC. Catch a movie, huddle up in the library or take a swim. 

Pull Down Your Heat Crown
Got an attic? Us, too. Miss me with that 200 degree air circulating in the dusty catacomb of Christmas lights and rubbermaid bins. It's Oklahoma, so your living space is likely baking under a sweltering attic crowned by a dark roof. Pull down your attic access and crack the garage door 6 to 10 inches to create a passive vacuum to draw hot air out of the attic. This should go without saying, but don’t park hot cars in the garage. Yes, the cars will be hot. But leave them out. You wouldn't put hot soup in your fridge, right? If you would, you're a domesticated monster and I don't know you.

I'm Your Biggest Fan! 
Use ceiling fans for in rooms someone is actually in. Presumably eating ice cream and imbibing Netflix. Check to see that the blades are driving the air down. As in down ON. TO. YOU. Someone is gonna chime in with the "heat rises, cool air sits low" and try to talk me out of the down gust method. Fourth grade, we got it. Here's why it works: A ceiling fan creates a wind chill effect and that makes YOU feel cooler but it doesn't actually make the room cooler.  If your fan isn't set to jet engine speed, are you even an Oklahoman? 

P-U! Heat stinks!
Use bathroom exhaust fans to draw out heat at the end of the day or during peak hours in an upstairs bathroom. CAUTION: One normal bathroom fan can clear out an entire house full of air in about 30 minutes. Or, if you grew up mid-nineties, "for 'bout thirty five, forty five minutes". Exhaust fans are for getting rid of the hottest air after the peak temperatures have passed, but if you leave it on all day it will make your air-conditioner work double time.

Get'cha a Hillbilly HVAC
In harder to cool areas, make a DIY air-conditioner using a box fan and a few ice packs laid at a 45 degree angle against the base of the fan. The ice packs will sweat, so put down a towel and don't let them drip into the electric part of the fan. 

Hose Off
Got gunk? Your AC needs to breathe cool air in your house, but if it can't fill its lungs, you're SOL. Free up air intake capacity by using your garden hose to spray off any dirt and debris from the fins around your AC unit. Common offenders: lawn clippings and leaves. Most hardware stores also sell fin combs to help you straighten out any bumps and bruises on the fin cage. Spiders, snakes, rabbits and rodents like to live under AC units, so wear shoes and/or bring your gun. Shoes optional.

Re-Wrap It
Chew-happy pets, ruthless rodents and the sweltering Oklahoma sun often damage the insulation around the refrigerant lines. Uninsulated lines can cost you about 10°F or more of cooling power.  Friends, that's the difference between an uncomfortable 80 and a frigid 70 (read: ticked wife, happy wife).  While you’re picking up air filters, grab some AC line insulation. It's cheap and easy to install. 
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Armaflex-1-2-in-x-6-ft-Rubber-Self-Seal-Pipe-Wrap-Insulation-HST05812/100550644

Get Shady
Don't plant a tree right now. It'll die. And so will you. Go to Lowe's and get a sun sail to install 4 feet away from your outdoor AC units. For the long term, plant a tree or other landscaping to provide shade.
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Easy-Gardener-11-8-ft-W-Green-Shade-Sail/50403930
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15 Before & After Photos That Prove the Power of Home Staging

5/1/2018

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There's no denying it: Homes that are staged well definitely stand out. Not only does the right amount of decluttering, organizing and accessorizing make your home more attractive, it can actually increase its value. According to the National Association of Realtors' 2015 Profile of Home Staging Report, 32 percent of buyers' agents believe their clients are willing to offer one percent to five percent more for staged homes. What's more, 81 percent of agents said home staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home. If that's not enough to convince you, take a look at these before-and-after photos to really illustrate how powerful home staging can be.

1. Cool kitchen

Attractive barstools and place settings make you want to sit right down for lunch! The hardware upgrade on the cabinets makes a big difference too.

#beforeandafter #homestaging We also had the seller switch out the 1980s style plastic handles on the cabinets to some brushed stainless bar handles which had a huge impact on updating the feel of the whole kitchen! #homestagingjustright #houstonrealestate

A post shared by Three Bears Home Staging (@threebearshomestaging) on Jul 19, 2017 at 4:32pm PDT

2. Dining room do-over

A fresh coat of paint and right-sized furniture create an appetizing room that's welcoming without being over-the-top. (Removing that potty chair from the picture was a wise move as well.)

#HomeStaging #BeforeandAfter
Beautiful #diningroom brought to life with #furniture & #decor pic.twitter.com/3B0XOK21QX— FullBloomHomeStaging (@FullBloomHS) April 26, 2017

3. Room with a view

This living room went from sad to sophisticated with the help of the right furnishings and accessories. Who could focus on that stunning view with those flimsy outdoor chairs in the way?

Home Staging #beforeandafter #homestaging #charlestonrealestate #chs #condominium #livingroomgoals 843-606-2811 https://t.co/MKemMkFfG6 pic.twitter.com/NxYvT8CJch— Lorelie Brown (@showhomeschas) July 17, 2017

4. The personal touch

Homeowners are often advised to keep their rooms neutral and remove many of their personal effects. But by adding a few well-placed items to the countertops, this kitchen just became a lot more enticing.

Krista accessorizes this space to look sophisticated and welcoming! #FineRedesign #HomeStaging #RealEstate #BeforeAndAfter pic.twitter.com/AxQwjIsJSK— Fine Redesign (@fineredesign) December 1, 2016

5. The beauty of decluttered space

Organizing and decluttering go hand-in-hand with home staging. It's a shame to bury a fireplace behind so much stuff.

Love a great transformation!! Now it's ready to sell! #homestaging #aurora #realestate #homestagingbeforeandafter #newleafdecor

A post shared by Simone Frank (@hausdekorateur) on Apr 19, 2017 at 7:16am PDT

6. Updated decor

Many consumers have a hard time envisioning themselves in a space if the decor is too distinctive or distracting. Keeping items current and appealing to all is a way to attract as many buyers as possible.

Proof that staging can make a MAJOR difference! #beforeandafter #yvr #homestaging #homestagingvancouver #bedroom pic.twitter.com/jU5x8uz70b— Flüff Designs (@fluffdesigns) September 7, 2016

7. Bedrooms don't need to be bold

While you may love the idea of an extreme shade, not everyone wants to wake up to dramatic hues. In addition to lightening the wall color, moving the bed away from the window enhances the view.

Kashmir took this colorful and cluttered master bedroom to trendy and inviting. #HomeStaging #BeforeandAfter pic.twitter.com/LiTy6BbQYH— Fine Redesign (@fineredesign) June 23, 2016

8. Brighter bathroom

Nothing makes a bathroom sparkle like clean, cream-colored walls. Fresh-flowers, white hand towels, and an elegant soap dispenser take this bathroom from drab to eye-catching without any remodeling required..

A fresh coat of #paint and some accessories make this bathroom beautiful! #homestaging #beforeandafter #realestate pic.twitter.com/mt0NeAXSkF— Charlotte Interiors (@char_interiors) March 16, 2016

9. Gorgeous guest room

This stunning space was packed with potential but failed to live up to it. In addition to new chairs, the right lighting and taking the photo from a better angle transformed this room.

#TransformationTuesday #beforeandafter #charlestonrealestate #homestaging
Showhomes of Charleston
843.412.7058 pic.twitter.com/2NUayh9A8P— Lorelie Brown (@showhomeschas) November 3, 2015

10. Wall art adds a wow factor

The right wall hangings can take a room from comfortable to curated with minimal effort.

STAGING MATTERS! #homestaging #beforeandafter -Photos via @HomeStaging pic.twitter.com/uyYbEgSQDH— Jennifer McClure (@jsheart17) January 31, 2015

11. Less is more

Home stagers will often suggest placing some of your items in a storage unit to make your rooms appear more open and spacious. This photo illustrates why that's such a smart idea.

This #BeforeAndAfter shows how natural light makes a big difference. #homestaging pic.twitter.com/Pfkf94AweU— Prep'nSell RENOMagic (@prepnsellreno) February 3, 2017

12. Accent on color

The walls can stay neutral but adding a pop of color through accent pieces like throw pillows and well-placed chairs pull a room together.

Krista made this room pop with green accents throughout! #FineRedesign #Interiors #HomeStaging #RealEstate #BeforeAndAfter #HomeDecor pic.twitter.com/NYWLNnAmv5— Fine Redesign (@fineredesign) December 29, 2016

13. Let there be light.

This attic bedroom went to dim and dreary to quaint and cozy with the addition of a nightstand and table lamp. The complementary geometric patterns bring interest to the small space without overwhelming it.

Today's #beforeandafter: attic bedroom! #homestaging #stagingworks #sweetlife #realestate #sellinghomes #design #decor #smallspaces

A post shared by Leah Gomberg (@sweetlifehome) on Oct 18, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

14. Empty just isn't as appealing

Even if an empty room looks great on its own, showing buyers how to show off the space is inspiring.

#beforeandafter Bold Eclectic Living Room Design. #homestaging #interiordesign #torontorealestate #homedecor pic.twitter.com/OSbY9avTvp— Clarice Reyes (@msclaricereyes) October 29, 2015

15. Every detail counts

In case you needed any additional convincing that home staging makes an enormous difference, this montage of makeovers should do the trick.

#beforeandafter pics are up on our website! #eldstaging #homestaging #colourchange #budget #mississaugarealestate https://t.co/De9JrWJCiH pic.twitter.com/5V6bj86fLU— Every Little Detail (@ELDstaging) October 18, 2016

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ONE EDMOND PICK UP SIGNS

4/9/2018

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Transporting teachers back from the Capitol? Download the OneEdmond pickup signs at the button below. 
Make sure the teachers can see you. Four copies are suggested for your vehicle, affixed to the inside (as safe visibility allows) of your: 
  • 2 large: Front passenger windshield and back windshield 
  • 2 small: Two backseat windows, affix top center
Download Signs
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Why isn’t my camera good enough to shoot home pHotos?

3/8/2018

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“I’m not quite ready - can you use my photos? I took them with my new camera!”

When I say no, and let them know I photography package is offered at no cost to the seller, I inevitability get the next question: “Why isn’t my camera good enough to shoot photos of my own home?”

It might be. But not likely. Lots of people got fancy cameras for birthdays or holidays, but a DSLR camera does not a photographer make.

My goal is to sell your house in a reasonable amount of time at a price acceptable by you, and to do that, I need to showcase it in its best light across many platforms. I do that through the use of professional photography.

We‘ve all seen these amateur photos (a fine collection is available over at https://badmlsphotos.com).

A house is a tricky technical thing to photograph – even though it’s not moving, there are many angles and lighting situations to be captured and edited.

So, why shouldn’t you photograph your own property? First, you have to have the appropriate lenses to fully feature the property. An 18-55, fixed 50 or telephoto are not usually going to give you the angles you want with the lighting you need. And those are the lenses most commonly sold as parts of DSLR kits.

You need a few specialized lenses with highly rated shutter speeds and auto focus properties to be able to capture the scene.

You should also have a tripod – this is it hard to get, but you should also have a hot shoe to indicate level photographs to avoid converging verticals.

Do you have a light meter? Do you have a remote control for your camera to avoid being in the picture?

Again, all of that equipment is available, but between lenses and accessories, you are looking at about $2000 additional (minimum!) to be able to properly photograph your own property.

After you have all the equipment, you have to learn how to use it – there are many different modes and programs you must use on the camera itself to capture the property. Toss in a few more hours.

After you capture your property, it’s common to go into production mode in a complicated software like Adobe Lightroom or adobe Photoshop to even out the lighting and sharpen the photos.

So you have probably spent $3500 by now, and who knows how long in Photoshop and Lightroom. Can it be a fun learning adventure? Sure. But usually, it is not worth the time and effort when ALL of my listings include photography services.

I hear from homeowners who want to feature photographs from additional seasons, or even photographs of their decorating style or things they love best about their home. Not usually a great idea.

Your home is going with you, what is left is your house. And by your house, I mean someone else’s house – they are going to buy it and make their home within the space. Don’t present ideas that may turn off a buyer who doesn’t share your aesthetic.

I bet you take beautiful pictures, but please leave the house photography to your agent and their professional. Remember, at #SmartMove professional photography is included at no cost to you.
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5 REASONS SMART SELLERS SKIP THE OPEN HOUSE

3/5/2018

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What do you mean you don't hold open houses? I thought all agents did that. And you don't do flyer boxes either? What kind of real estate gig is this? 

Let's clear one thing up right away - we will ABSOLUTELY hold an open house if the client insists upon it. But, because we work in the best interest of the client, it's best to know a few key tidbits first:
 
  1. VERY few homes are actually sold at an open house. Like close to zero. You know who comes through open houses? Typically three groups of people who aren't probably going to buy your home: nosey neighbors, people just starting their search (and not actually prepared to make an offer), and bored hobbyists who love HGTV, interior decorating and need something to do after church. Will your house be the exception to the rule? If I'm there, I sure hope it is. Of course there are anecdotal exceptions out there, but if the market is slow enough to have time to do an open house, there aren't many cases where this isn't true. 

  2. Surprise! Open houses market THE AGENT, and NOT your property.  Shhh...I just told one of the industry's little secrets. Open houses are a boon for agents looking to pick up new clients. Because so many people are "just looking" and aren't quite serious yet, it's a perfect time to start working with an agent. Buyers in a low-commitment phase are ready to select a realtor, but not ready to buy your house.

    If you're okay with spending your weekend cleaning until you drop, disrupting your entire family and vacating your home for the better part of a weekend just to give me a great opportunity to pick up clients, well, thank you! But as someone working in the best interest of the seller (that's you!) an open house is not usually in your best interest.


  3. Open houses are a true security risk. Thieves commonly use open houses to scout for valuables and possible points of entry, then return after the agent leaves. This doesn't just happen on DatelineNBC. We're in the middle of a prescription drug crisis. Some seemingly honest people wouldn't mind getting their hands on a bottle of Viagra, uppers or downers for their own use, or to sell on the streets. They may pick up a handful of mail or other personal information and compromise your transaction during the closing process via identity theft or wire fraud. Just last year a Tulsa family lost thousands to wire fraud.  Open houses are also security risks for the agents hosting the event - the nature of the event makes agents easy targets for robbery or worse. 

  4. Open houses are terribly outdated. Remember when floral wallpaper was cool? Yeah, that was the last time open houses were a "must do" marketing item. Eons ago! Most people remember the stacks of paper flyers and parades of people at open houses and associate that with success. And it can be comforting because it LOOKS like we're doing something, that the h-u-s-t-l-e is on. But is that still the best marketing tool we've got? No. Not even close. Technology has changed the entire process - buyers and sellers move through a transaction quite differently now.

    Who needs a runny box of rain-soaked flyers when Facebook, Google and Apple know more about what makes a potential buyer tick than even the buyer does!
    The depth of information available about potential homebuyers makes presenting digital marketing more efficient and cost effective. And Smart Move absolutely uses highly-targeted geographic, demographic and psychographic characteristics to craft an audience of buyers receiving messages about your home. 

  5. "Ready, willing and able" buyers don't shop open houses. They make private showing appointments.  Moving is inherently messy, disruptive and expensive.  It's one of the big 5 major life events. A sale is successful when both parties are "ready, willing and able". Why would you open your home to anyone who has not proven they are ready or able to purchase it? It's a waste of your precious time and resources.

    Signals that a homebuyer is "ready, willing and able" include obtaining a pre-qualification letter or proof of funds, marketing their own home for sale, retaining a real estate agent and making private showing appointments. Most realtors won't take on a client without these prerequisites, and certainly won't waste their time chauffeuring around someone who isn't serious. Your time is money. Our time is money. If a realtor won't take on a potential client without these things, why should you?  Moving is stressful enough. Please only disrupt your life for ready buyers, not for curious folks with no skin in the game. 

If you're ready to say adios to the open house and hello to your cash at the closing table, let's partner to get your house sold. Call (405) 821-1225 or email ally@smartmoveok.com #SmartMoveRealEstate #OKC #Edmond #SmartSellsBetter #SophisticatedRealEstate

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Are you REALLY ready to Buy?

2/26/2018

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Are you really ready to buy a home? Get the entire overview with the free buyer's guide. 
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    Ally is a realtor and research enthusiast living in the greater OKC metro area.

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  • Home
  • Buy a Home
    • Search the MLS
    • Crime Maps
    • Buyer's Toolkit >
      • Inspections
      • Moving In
    • Social Inspiration for Buyers
  • Sell My Home
    • Flex Fee Offer
    • Homeseller Process
    • Homeowner Tips
    • Seller's Toolkit >
      • Title Companies
    • Answers for Sellers
    • Social Inspiration for Sellers
  • KC Metro Area
    • Local News
    • Utilities
    • Schools
    • Parks & Rec
    • Around Town
  • Specialty Services
    • Order a BPO
    • Divorce Cases
    • Downsizing
    • Empty Nesters
    • Nursing Homes
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    • Estates
  • Go Ask Ally
  • Contact
  • Vendors
  • Free FSBO Photos
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home Blog
  • Moving Out
  • Cleaning
  • Helpful Vendors
  • Closings
  • Map Search
  • Temp Housing
  • Pet Boarding
  • Lawn Services
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  • Voting Information