Linda's info: Long and Foster Grove Avenue Office at 5702 Grove Avenue. (o) 288-8888 , (v/m pager) 484-3390

First of all know that staging is very different than what a decorator does. Stagins is working with the seller's furniture and items in order to maximize the flow of the house and emphasize the details and features. National Association of Realtors states that staged homes sell more quickly and for higher prices than non-staged homes. In this slower market which we are currently experiencing where there is an abundance of homes, staging will give a seller a leg up on the competition.

Tips from Linda:

1; Landscaping: make sure to mulch, trim shrubbery, remove dead trees and shrubs, put flowers or topiaries out front!

2: Roof - how does it look, gutters need to be cleaned.

3: Doorway - buyers are looking around while waiting for the realtor to use their lockbox - scruffy door? Paint it.. get rid of mold and mildew - get rid of spider webs on light fixtures etc. and make sure lights are working.

4: Odors - Smoke - is a no no in the house and don't over use scents - this can turn people off.

5: Clutter - get rid of it. Remove most of your personal pictures, clean out closets, coordinate colors that are pleasant to the eye, minimzie nicknacks. Decluttering early helps you when you're moving anyway!

6: Pay attention to flow throughout the house - how furniture is arranged etc.

7: Make sure your house is clean! No dust, bathrooms clean, sinks etc.

Wow! Number 18 is on the way. Click here to read the story

So what is the actual cost of raising a child? Click here for the Baby Center's Breakdown.

Friend of the show Randy Cost has been weighing in on the bailout and financial situation facing our country. Click here to go to the Ferris Baker Watts website.

Randy G Cost
Senior Vice President
Ferris Baker Watts
8720 Stony Point Pkwy Ste 125
Richmond, VA 23235
804/253-6897 800/644/7057