Staging Gives Sellers a Market Advantage in 2013 

This year's inventory shortages provided sellers with a market advantage in many areas and those sellers who staged their homes were able to leverage that advantage further and capture buyers. The year got off to a busy start and from January on PJ & Company worked on over 25 homes, with many selling in record time after staging.  

Statistics released throughout the year also continued to support the benefits of staging. New figures from the Real Estate Staging Association and Staged Homes reinforced that if you want to sell, stage it first.  

As the market evolves in 2014, we asked realtors why staging a home for sale will continue to be important in today's real estate market.  

"A home that is staged or as I like to say, "romanced", stands out from the competition. There are many benefits to staging a home for sale besides exciting the agents in the community to show and sell. A staged house is memorable, a staged house is often "move-in" ready and perceived as a great value."

- Joel Grossman, Calcagni, Wallingford 

Contributed By: Josh Reese, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer,  

Hartford's Camp Courant

It is the holiday season. You are filled with cheer and excitement, and in your heart you want to make a difference for someone who is less fortunate. Here at Hartford's Camp Courant, this feeling is contagious and something we are proud to say truly makes a difference not only for the young people we serve in Hartford, but for each and every charitable organization throughout the country.  

We have been blessed here at Camp with the opportunity to assist children to new levels of success through a FREE summer sanctuary where Hartford's youth can develop positive relationships, learn, and most importantly have fun.

This plain and simply does not happen without driven and dedicated individuals who reach deep into their pockets, sacrifice their time for others, and have a passion for altering the future for someone who needs their help.

The partnership of giving is necessary not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year with equal responsibilities for each 'side'. Funders provide a direct gift, volunteer their time, donate a raffle prize, and attend events in support of the causes they love to support. It is the nonprofits responsibility to be proper stewards of these financial gifts, continue to create engaging opportunities reaching their supporters, and consistently reiterating their mission AND opportunities of change they provide. 

This is not an easy task for either side. A changing world economy and a future financial outlook that is bleak often times will make funders apprehensive to support a cause that they are so passionate about. This makes the competition for every dollar a nonprofit receives even tougher in hopes of keeping its doors open and mission alive.

That is why the holiday season often times provides a lifeline for nonprofits to succeed in creating building blocks for success later on in the fiscal year. There is no doubt that a funders mindset will change as the shopping malls fill with lights, ornaments, and religious symbols of celebration. We commonly hear stories of a funder who just spent so much in gifts and meaningless purchases, that they will send us a greeting with the satisfaction that their contribution will make a difference in someone else's life.

So my friends, as you read this note, we encourage you to reach out to that nonprofit that is very close to you heart. Give that gift that you know will change someone's life. Make sure that you keep tabs on the charity throughout the year and that they are doing their part in making sure your dollars are spend correctly.