Now more than ever, it’s necessary for sellers to spend time and money making their house the best it can be, to stand apart from their competition. It’s not about making more money…it’s about getting an offer.

7 Helpful Tips:

1. Address Red Flags - Any sign of neglect or concerning issues such as mold or mildew, water stains, cracks, peeling paint, etc, need to be addressed. If buyers see red flags they get nervous.


2. De-clutter and Organize - Less is more! Pack up nick nacks, pictures, toys, personal items, even pieces of furniture. Get stuff off counters, dressers, nightstands, shelves. Clean and organize cabinets and closets. Let buyers see the house, not the clutter.


3. Modernize - Dated furniture, carpet, drapes, bedding and lighting are big turnoffs. Buyers don’t want to move into Grandma’s house. At the very least, changing bathroom and bedroom linens will make a difference. In some cases however, it’s necessary to stage and present an updated look.


4. Paint - The single best investment is paint! The look and smell of fresh paint really makes a big impact and makes the house appear clean and neat.


5. Add Curb Appeal - First impression is important. Power wash and paint if needed, spruce up landscaping and make sure driveway and walkway are in good condition.


6. Hire a Stager - A professional stager can be a big help with steps 2-5 and offer creative ideas to make your house “show ready.” A staged house tends to sell faster and for more money.


7. Price to Sell - Most important above all is to price your home realistically and competitively. If a buyer realizes great value and knows that others will too, they will act quickly. After all, fear of loss is the biggest motivator!

Posted By: Suzette Kraus

It’s easy to be overwhelmed this time of the year… the shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, and the list goes on. I know I get overwhelmed with all the things I have to do just for my own family. So it’s easy to forget that outside of my little world, there’s an even bigger world… a world of need, especially during the holiday season. Given these tough economic times, it’s not so easy to give, but - isn’t ‘GIVING’ what we’re meant to do in the spirit of the holidays?

“Hope’s Door, formerly The Northern Westchester Shelter, is a private non-profit organization founded in 1980, to provide a safe haven and caring services to survivors of domestic violence; to empower victims to achieve safety, independence and healing from the trauma of abuse.”

Houlihan Lawrence in Chappaqua proudly supports Hope’s Door and we need your help to make this holiday drive even more successful than in the past. We will have a festively wrapped gift box inside of our office for donations (gift cards and gifts suitable for women and children). Donations will be accepted through December 15th. Please spread the word and help us to spread the joy!

Posted By: Suzette Kraus

We all lead such busy lives that we seldom take time for ourselves, let alone find time to volunteer or to give to another cause. I know that I personally struggle sometimes, between working full time, juggling my very busy kids’ schedules, PTA meetings, walking my dog, tending to my house and putting food on the table. At the end of the day, I wonder where the time went and if I accomplished anything.

I used to find time to exercise but I haven’t stepped into a gym or taken out my tennis racquet in two years. The only form of exercise I do now, is walk…with my one year old very cute and very spunky Labradoodle. I kill two birds with one stone…I like being productive with my limited time. Walking…such a simple concept yet so meaningful to many women afflicted with Breast Cancer. Walking for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is such little effort for such a big cause. Each year, Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate proudly supports and participates in the Making Strides walk in Westchester. This year, our agents from offices all over Westchester County will walk on Sunday, October 18th at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. I will be participating with the Chappaqua office and if you’d like to walk with us or if you’d prefer to make a donation, click here . Click on Houlihan Lawrence in the lower right, then Houlihan Lawrence Chappaqua.

To raise awareness and to raise additional funds, the Chappaqua office will host our first ever Making Strides Boutique! Come join us on Thursday, October 8th from 4 - 7 pm at our office, 45 S. Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua. We will have vendors offering a variety of merchandise… clothing, jewelry, stationary, gift items and even toffee! Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Hope to see you there!

Together, “we can each make a difference, make history, and make strides!” And oh yeah - it’s good exercise.

Posted By: Suzette Kraus

Let me start by saying that it has been many years since I was taken on a Field Trip! As a Docent at the Katonah Museum of Art, no sooner that you are fluent in the subject matter of the current show that you are given a schedule of events and lectures in order to immerse yourself in the upcoming show.

The new Show will be “Bold, Cautious & True - Walt Whitman & The Art of The Civil War Era” - October 18, 2009 - January 24, 2010

The Katonah Museum offered a Field Trip day. We started at the Horace Greeley Home in Chappaqua. Grey Williams, the Town Historian, led us through the home with a lively recounting of the life of Horace Greeley and his family. It was primarily their summer home, but then as years went by he may have become the first commuter to New York on a regular basis. We learned that Horace Greeley came from New Hampshire and apprenticed at a print shop when he was 14. He then worked his way to Vermont and then onto New York City where he was known for his typesetting skills. It was there that he started the “New York Tribune” which became the first national newspaper. He was against the expansion of slavery and was very vocal in his papers; some to which we were privy to in the archives held there. I noted that the font used was excruciatingly small. The answer was they used to read with a magnifying glass! Well, that is one way to save paper and trees - perhaps we should learn from that today.

After an enjoyable lunch at Jardin Du Roi Restaurant in Chappaqua, we hurried onto The John Jay Homestead in Katonah, NY where we were met by Bethany White, Educator for the Homestead.

It’s that time of year again, when residents and businesses come together as one big happy community. It’s Community Day in the town of New Castle! Mark your calendars…Saturday, October 3rd at its usual location at the Chappaqua train station, from 11-4.

If you’ve ever participated with your business or with your families, you know how much fun this day is for all. I’ve been attending Community Day for years with my husband and children. Of course I’m always most excited about the hot dogs, but my kids love the rides and games. In the past I have assisted Houlihan Lawrence with monitoring the children or taking tickets for rides…bouncy castles are always crowd favorites! This year we will again hand out “green” shopping bags as in the photo above (pictured from left to right: Jill Thau, Justine Flanagan, Pat Rochford, Chris Cordani, Margaret Akinson), and mini green footballs. It’s a great way to get yourself out there and connect with friends, neighbors and past clients. I love seeing everybody in great spirits, smiling and happy. It’s all good.

Posted By: Suzette Kraus