We've talked about a buyer's guarantee. Beginning today I'm going to offer a seller's guarantee as well.

First, you should know that this is not a product that will appeal to every seller! This is only designed for someone who really, truly, must sell their home.

The basic guarantee is that if I can not sell your home in 120 days, I will then waive my commission for the next 120 days to get your home sold.

As with any offer, there are details!

• The home must be listed at a price I believe is competitive in our current market.
• The seller must agree to consultation with a home staging professional and make whatever changes/upgrades are necessary to make the home ready to sell!
• Listing agreement must be for a minimum of 240 days.
• Seller must agree to 5% price reductions every 20 days until home is under contract.
• Home must be available to show 7 days a week, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• The compensation to the buyer's agent will not be waived and will be a minimum of 3%.
• Home will be listed in MLS with sign in yard and lockbox for agent access.
• Failure to keep home in same condition as in virtual tour photos voids this agreement.

I believe this offer is the most aggressive offer available from any listing agent in our market today!

If you know someone who really does need to sell their home, please pass along this information! Whether the situation is truly desperate or simply urgent, I believe this will be helpful to a great many sellers.

I'm anxious to hear your feedback!

There was an article in this week's Fauquier Times Democrat giving sellers advice on getting their homes ready to sell. There wasn't much actual news there so I won't spend a lot of space here reviewing the basic common sense ideas.

But there was a mention of how homes don't have to all be painted white these days and of how quickly a condo with a kitchen painted black had sold. This definitely deserves at least a comment!

Do NOT go out and paint your kitchen black! There are very, very few kitchens that would look good painted black. There are infinitessimal number of buyers who would actually want a black kitchen! I don't believe the agent interviewed for the article meant to advise people that painting their kitchens black. But just in case any of you thought it was a good idea after reading that article....STOP!

Yes, there's a greater tolerance for a wider range of paint choices these days. However, neutral is never a bad choice. Think twice about any really strong color choices!

Bright colors are great accents and your buyers won't be afraid that their decor won't match.

And, if you're in doubt as to whether or not to paint a room, ask your agent or hire a staging professional! And if either of them suggests painting your kitchen black, please get a second opinion!