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Buying or Selling Your Home? Hear from the Experts Why Home ...
Buying or selling your home can be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. I sat down with Brandon Ware, real estate broker, founding partner of The Signature Realtor Group and the top sales representative for Private Service Realty Ltd., to ask about the value of home staging.
Brandon has been selling residential real estate in Toronto for the past 9 years and is passionate about his business and helping clients invest with solid market knowledge. His brokerage is located in the heart of King West and during the wee hours of the night a
nd early morning when he?s not working, he loves chilling with his wife, playing Ultimate Frisbee and walking his pup. Brandon works with Phillip Costello of Principle Staging and Duncan Scott of The Scotts Group to enhance the aesthetics of his listings and ensure they sell for premium prices in short periods of time.
Nicola:
What is home staging?
Brandon:
Home Staging is dressing a home to sell. ?It?s the lipstick, the mascara. It?s highlighting the positive features and downplaying the negatives. An appropriate analogy might be prom night, or a big date. You want to choose the dress, the lipstick, and the hair to compliment all of your best features. You don?t want your date to see any of the negatives. You want to evoke that dreamy atmosphere.
That?s really what staging is all about: creating the perfect abode and the perfect atmosphere for the buyer to fall in love when they walk in the door.
Nicola:
What degrees of home staging are there? Can you describe what the least to the most amount of work might look like?
Brandon:
There aren?t hard and fast rules when it comes to degrees of staging. But the amount of time and money you put in could range from a quick IKEA run for some plants and light fixtures, all the way to Italinteriors on King East for custom faucets and finishes. It could entail hiring a professional stager for a complete overhaul where you?re replacing all the furniture or renting a whole new set of pieces for a vacant property.
Nicola:
How important is home staging in the selling process?
Brandon:
In my experience it is of paramount importance. The challenge with real estate is that you can?t sell a home twice ? once staged, once unstaged ? to illustrate the value that it brings. But statistically speaking, staged homes sell about 2-3 times faster and for more money than unstaged homes.
Over 95% of buyers start their search online. They?re not even going to consider going to see a home if they don?t like the photos. So right off the bat, without staging to produce good photographs online, you?ve lost a potential buyer.
Once you get buyers to your door, staging plays another huge role. A few people call it the 30-second rule; I call it the 10-second rule. It?s that instinctual, visceral response that people have when they walk in the front door. You have to win people over immediately. When you create the illusion of the ideal home, it can create a sense of urgency in the buyer to act incredibly quickly to purchase that ideal home before someone else does.
So it?s this domino effect of factors that leads to a quick sale for a great price. Staging really affects the mindset of the buyer.
Nicola:
Part of your job involves viewing properties and making suggestions to your clients about which ones to see. Does staging a property influence whether or not you will recommend it to your clients?
Brandon:
Without a doubt. Contrary to popular belief, realtors are people too! I can see beyond the dressing, but that doesn?t mean that subconsciously I?m not influenced by a home that shows very well. If I am really impressed by the home, there?s no question that I?m going to get excited about it and tell my clients.?
SOLD: Two-storey, 1353 sq ft loft in King West
Check back soon for PART 2.
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AlexandriaNews - Annual Cheerleading Competition Results
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Pee Wee Division 1st (Courtesy photo)
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities sponsored the Alexandria Spring Invitational Cheerleading Competition on April 28, 2012 at T.C. Williams High School. The competition?s Master of Ceremonies was EZ Street, DJ from 93.9 WKYS Radio Station featured cheerleading teams from local neighborhood recreation centers at Charles Barrett, Charles Houston, Cora Kelly, Mount Vernon, Patrick Henry, and William Ramsay Recreation Centers as well as teams from Francis Hammond Middle School, Beltsville Boys and Girls Club, South County, Forestville Boys and Girls Club, Marlboro Competitive Cheer. This year?s competition also featured individual cheerleading jump off skill competitions. There were special entertainment performances from the Future Shock Freestyle Team and Future Shock Dance Troupe.? The cheerleading teams competed in three divisions and the cheerleaders put on a great show in front of an estimated crowd of 1,200 people.
Results from the Invitational:
Pee Wee Division
1st? ? MCC Energy
2nd ? William Ramsay
3rd ? Charles Houston
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Youth Division
1st ? MCC Fierce
2nd ? Cora Kelly
3rd ? Charles Houston
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Junior Division
1st ? Charles Houston
2nd ? William Ramsay
3rd ? FBGC Elite
For more information on the cheerleading program and other youth sports programs, please call the Youth Sports Office at 703.746.5402. Registration for the 2012 ? 2013 cheerleading season will begin in July.
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Annual Girls FastPitch Softball Opening Night Ceremony Held
Store Managers, Bill Posey, Dan Dillon and Director of Sports Mac Slover with members of each of the softball teams for the presentation of the $1,000.00 check. (Courtesy photo)
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities' Sports Office sponsored its annual Girls Fastpitch Softball Opening Night Ceremony on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at the Four Mile Girls Softball Field. The opening ceremonies honored over 190 players and 40 coaches from 13 teams in the Rookie Coach Pitch, National League and American League teams.
The ceremony featured the softball league?s sponsor Giant Food, Inc. as special guest.? Local store managers, Bill Posey of the Giant Edsall Road Store and Dan Dillon of the Giant Monroe Avenue Store were on hand to present a check for $1,000.00 to the Recreation Department and to throw out the ceremonial first pitches.? The ceremony included a parade of all the teams before a crowd of 200 supporters and friends.?? Each team will play 10 games each through the middle of June, with the National and American teams having playoff games to complete the season.? The National and American teams will also be playing the Arlington Girls Softball League and Ft. Hunt Softball League teams in several games this season.??? A schedule game days and times can be found on the Recreation Department?s web site at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation, then look under Youth Sports.
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Youth Volunteer Coaches Needed
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is currently seeking volunteers to coach youth baseball, softball, field hockey, swimming, track and field, Rugby, summer basketball and football.? Criminal history background checks are required. Interested persons should call the Sports Office at 703.746.5402 or e-mail mac.slover@alexandriava.gov or Tamika.coleman@alexandriava.gov.
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WAHOOS Swim Team Registration Underway
The Wahoos swim program offers youth ages 6 - 18 of all abilities the opportunity to develop their own unique potential.? The program will promote individual achievement and team camaraderie in an atmosphere of friendly competition.? Developing and experienced swimmers alike can refine their freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, turns and starts with an experienced coaching staff.? Swim meets are scheduled every Saturday morning from mid-June through early August.? There will be a parents meeting and the first team practice on Tuesday, May 29 at the TC Williams High School in the Rotunda Room at 5:00 p.m.? Swimmers must be able to swim 25 meters continuously. Registration is now running through May 29, 2012.? For more information, call the Sports Office at 703.746.5402 or go on the Recreation Department's web site at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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City-Wide Hershey Track and Field Youth Games
The Hershey's Track and Field Program is a City-wide track meet where winners can advance through District, Regional, State and National Competitions.? Participants can register at any City Recreation Center.? The local meet will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at TC Williams High School.? Youth can compete in the 50, 100, 200, and 400 meter dash; 800 and 1600 meter run, 4 x 100 relay, softball throw and standing long jump. Please note: 7 & 8 year olds will not advance beyond the City-wide event. Registration period is now running through May 11, 2012.? The Hershey's Track and Field Program is open for City of Alexandria residents only.? Participants can participate in the following events depending on their age group (Age as of December 31, 2012).
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Track?????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????Field:
50 meter dash?????????????????????????????????? Standing Long Jump
100 meter dash??????????????? ?????????????????Softball Throw
200 meter dash
400 meter dash
4 x 100 meter relay
800 meter run
1600 meter run
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Boys and Girls ages 7 & 8 can participate in the 50 meter dash, standing long jump and the softball throw only.? This age group will not advance to the district or state meet.
Boys and Girls ages 9 - 12 can participate in one field event and two running events and the relay; or two field events and one running event and the relay for a total of four events. Since ages 9 ? 12 (4 x 100 relay) will not advance to the North American Final, those age groups will be allowed to participate in a relay as an extra event at the local, district and or state meet.? First and second place winners in this age group will advance to the district track meet which will be held in June in Fauquier County.
Boys and Girls ages 13 & 14 can participate in one field event and two running events; or two field events and one running event.? Relays are considered running events for this age group. First and second place winners in this age group will advance to the district track meet which will be held on June 5 in Fauquier County.
For more information or to register online, call the Sports Office at 703.746.5402 or go on the Recreation Department's web site at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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Youth Rugby Program Registration
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural; Recreation Services Division is now accepting registration for non-contact and tackle Rugby through May 31, 2012.? This program is designed to incorporate the basic Rugby skills of running, passing, team support and decision making in a physically safe and non-threatening environment.? Boys and girls ages 6 - 15 are eligible to participate and the registration fee is $30.00.? For more information or to register online, call the Youth Sports Office at 703.746.5402 or go on the Recreation Department's web site at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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Alexandria Titans Youth Tackle Football Registration
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Centers, Playgrounds and Youth Sports Division is now accepting registrations for the Alexandria Titans Youth Tackle Football program.? Teams are formed in the following weight divisions and participate in the Fairfax County Youth Football League: Anklebiters, 75 lbs/ 85 lbs/ 95 lbs/ 110 lbs/ 125 lbs/ and 150 lbs.? Participants will be weighed and assigned to teams according to their weight and age.? This program is for participants ages 7 - 16.
Registration fee is $30.00.? All participants must have a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Identification Card upon registration.? The Sportsmanship and Equipment Days will be held from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 (Anklebiters & 75 lbs.), Saturday, July 28 (85 lbs. & 95 lbs.) and Saturday, August 4 (110 lbs., 125 lbs & 150 lbs.). The Alexandria Titans Football Camps (free for Titan players only) will be held June 18 ? 21 and July 30 - August 2 from 6:00 ? 8:00 pm at George Washington Middle School.
The Alexandria Titans Youth Football Booster Club is looking for sponsorships for the 2012 season.? For more information or to register online, call the Sports Office at 703.746.5402 or go on the Recreation Department's web site at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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Girls Field Hockey Program Registration
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities' Sports Office is accepting registrations for the Girl's Summer Field Hockey Program League for girls ages 9 - 14 years old.? The program will be begin on June 4 and will run through the end of July at the Minnie Howard Field, 3801 West Braddock Road.? The cost is $60.00 per participant. The deadline for registration is May 31.? All girls must provide their own field hockey sticks, goggles, shin guards and mouthpieces. The girls are asked to wear athletic wear and tennis or rubber sole turf cleats.? The league will run a clinic at the beginning of the program that will cover the basic fundamental techniques and skills of field hockey, including dribbling, passing, receiving, footwork, body positioning, goal scoring and goal keeping.? Teams will then be formed with 8 on 8 games being played.
For more information or to register online, call the Youth Sports Office at 703.746.5402 or go on the Youth Sports web site at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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Youth Basketball Fundamental School
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is now accepting registrations for the Youth Basketball Fundamentals School for boys and girls ages 5 - 12.? The school will run on Saturday's from July 7 through July 28, 2012 at Francis Hammond Middle School located at 4646 Seminary Road.? Participants will learn the fundamentals of ball handling, shooting, passing, dribbling and rebounding.? Registration fee is $50.00 per child. Register early: Deadline is June 30 or as soon as sessions are filled.? For more information or to register online, contact the Youth Sports Office at 703.746.5402 or go on the Youth Sports web site at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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National junior Tennis League
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is now accepting registrations for the National Junior Tennis League for boys and girls ages 8 - 16 year old.? The program will run on Monday - Friday June 25 through July 25, 2012 at the tennis courts at George Washington Middle School, Patrick Henry Recreation Center and the George Mason Elementary School.? Participants will learn the fundamentals of tennis in a fun and exciting environment.? Participants will meet new friends, expand their minds and get important exercise.?? Registration fee is $30.00 per child. Register early: Deadline is June 15 or as soon as locations are filled.? For more information or to register online, contact the Youth Sports Office at 703.746.5402 or go on the Youth Sports web site at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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CIA thwarts 'undetectable' al-Qaida bomb plot
WASHINGTON (AP) ? The CIA thwarted an ambitious plot by al-Qaida's affiliate in Yemen to destroy a U.S.-bound airliner using a bomb with a sophisticated new design around the one-year anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden, U.S. officials said Monday.
The plot involved an upgrade of the underwear bomb that failed to detonate aboard a jetliner over Detroit on Christmas 2009. This new bomb was also designed to be used in a passenger's underwear, but this time al-Qaida developed a more refined detonation system, U.S. officials said.
The FBI is examining the latest bomb to see whether it could have passed through airport security and brought down an airplane, officials said. They said the device did not contain metal, meaning it probably could have passed through an airport metal detector. But it was not clear whether new body scanners used in many airports would have detected it.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who heads the Senate Intelligence Committee, told reporters Monday that she had been briefed about an "undetectable" device that was "going to be on a U.S.-bound airliner."
There were no immediate plans to change security procedures at U.S. airports.
The would-be suicide bomber, based in Yemen, had not yet picked a target or bought a plane ticket when the CIA stepped in and seized the bomb, officials said. It's not immediately clear what happened to the alleged bomber.
White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said President Barack Obama learned about the plot in April and was assured the device posed no threat to the public.
"The president thanks all intelligence and counterterrorism professionals involved for their outstanding work and for serving with the extraordinary skill and commitment that their enormous responsibilities demand," Hayden said.
The operation unfolded even as the White House and Department of Homeland Security assured the American public that they knew of no al-Qaida plots against the U.S. around the anniversary of bin Laden's death. The operation was carried out over the past few weeks, officials said.
"We have no credible information that terrorist organizations, including al-Qaida, are plotting attacks in the U.S. to coincide with the anniversary of bin Laden's death," White House press secretary Jay Carney said on April 26.
On May 1, the Department of Homeland Security said, "We have no indication of any specific, credible threats or plots against the U.S. tied to the one-year anniversary of bin Laden's death."
The White House did not explain those statements Monday.
The CIA mission was such a secret, even top lawmakers were not told about it as the operation unfolded, one U.S. official said Monday.
The AP learned about the thwarted plot last week but agreed to White House and CIA requests not to publish it immediately because the sensitive intelligence operation was still under way. Once officials said those concerns were allayed, the AP decided to disclose the plot Monday despite requests from the Obama administration to wait for an official announcement Tuesday.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security acknowledged the existence of the bomb late Monday, but there were no immediate plans to adjust security procedures at airports. Other officials, who were briefed on the operation, insisted on anonymity to discuss details of the plot, many of which the U.S. has not officially acknowledged.
"The device never presented a threat to public safety, and the U.S. government is working closely with international partners to address associated concerns with the device," the FBI said in a statement.
It's not clear who built the bomb, but, because of its sophistication and its similarity to the Christmas bomb, counterterrorism officials suspected it was the work of master bomb maker Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri or one of his prot?g?es. Al-Asiri constructed the first underwear bomb and two others that al-Qaida built into printer cartridges and shipped to the U.S. on cargo planes in 2010.
Both of those bombs used a powerful industrial explosive. Both were nearly successful.
The operation is an intelligence victory for the United States and a reminder of al-Qaida's ambitions, despite the death of bin Laden and other senior leaders. Because of instability in the Yemeni government, the terrorist group's branch there has gained territory and strength. It has set up terrorist camps and, in some areas, even operates as a de facto government.
But along with the gains there also have been losses. The group has suffered significant setbacks as the CIA and the U.S. military focus more on Yemen. On Sunday, Fahd al-Quso, a senior al-Qaida leader, was hit by a missile as he stepped out of his vehicle along with another operative in the southern Shabwa province of Yemen.
Al-Quso, 37, was on the FBI's most wanted list, with a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. He was indicted in the U.S. for his role in the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in the harbor of Aden, Yemen, in which 17 American sailors were killed and 39 injured.
Al-Quso was believed to have replaced Anwar al-Awlaki as the group's head of external operations. Al-Awlaki was killed in a U.S. airstrike last year.
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Associated Press writers Kimberly Dozier, Eileen Sullivan and Alan Fram contributed to this report.
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Contact the Washington investigative team at DCinvestigations(at)ap.org
Follow Goldman and Apuzzo at http://twitter.com/goldmandc and http://twitter.com/mattapuzzo
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