The day started with lot of nerves as we had no idea how it was going to go, the real estate agents were trying to keep our expectation down saying that with the response from buyers we will get around $580,000.

We decided to ignore this and set our reserve to $610,000.

I made extra sure that the house looked amazing and with a massive batch of freshly baked cookies ready to serve we were on our way.

We had to leave the huse whilst it was open but came back to see the Peter Blackshaw jazz band playing "We’re in the Money "out the front and the street lined with people and cars, of course my nerves went haywire. The photogragher from The Canberra Times was there taking pictures of everyone.

We waited inside whilst the auction was going on, I couldn’t hear much but DH was there filling me in.

The bidding started strong at $550 and seemed to stall around the 580 mark but then took off again. From about 610 when they anounced that it was on the market it just kept on going. We couldn’t believe it!

It ended at $652,000 what an outcome!!

My little case study had a great outcome as i knew it would. People just don’t seem to get it when they sell their houses, yes it does take a bit of work but when your looking at such huge outcomes its worth all the blood, sweat and tears.There is really no place for pride, it is one of our largest investments and should be treated as such. Where else can you make $70,000 tax free in one day

I walked into a house last weekend where the vendor had put some fresh flowers on the table and put some music on but there was no masking the fact that the house was badley cluttered and the carpet and furnishings were dirty. They also left out all of their tolietries all over the bathroom bench which was a massive amount and the spare room was so full of stuff that we couldn’t get into it. I found it all quite funny considering they were expecting top dollar for their house.

Anyway we are very happy right now and have already put in an offer on another really dirty and badly maintained house in a great area. Wish us luck!

The real estate agents came through on Tuesday and were really impressed, I had the plate of freshly baked cookies waiting for them to take which they are still talking about lol!

Theres nothing like a little manipulation in selling a house!

On Saturday we had our first  open house, I tend to go overboard a bit with presentation but you can’t say I don’t ‘wow’ the buyers!

I had bought brand new fluffy towels in a nice turquoise colour for the bathrooms and matching candle votives which I placed on the baths and the basins and in the double shower, lit of course with the lights slightly dim.

I also had red tealight candles in the front entry on the table which I borrowed from my sister and in the kitchen on the bench.

The table outside was set up as if we were inviting friends over for lunch with wine etc.

All lights were turned on as they add a nice ambience and windows were cleaned to allow the sun to sparkle through. Which adds to the feel of the house and gives it that fresh spring day feel.

I had a small vase of singapore orchids next to my budda and everything was polished every silver handle in the kitchen to the kitchen sink and taps.

I put some lavender in a burner up in the toy room as it is down the other end of the house and some lavender oil in door jams. I also baked 4 trays fo cookies and allowed them to cool down near the front door so all you could smell when you walked in was freshly baked chocolate cookies which I served on a large tray with servettes and a sign telling people to feel free to take one as they leave (on my letter head of course

All the gardens were freshly mulched and we even quickly ran down to bunnings to by some winter veges to put in our vege garden as we had ripped everything out lol!

We had our first offer on the house yesterday which was too low and we won’t even look at offers unless they are closer to want we want for the house. We are fairly commited to going to auction, but its a great start. We also had 43 groups of people through the house so i think we can afford to sit back and wait to see what happens.

Tomorrow we are allowing a few groups to come back to look through so I best get back to cleaning!

I have taken all the after photos but not the before execpt for the really before of when we bought so i will put thise in the photo section.

The realestate agents are having our caravan on tuesday, that is when all the agenst from around canberra in the same agencie walk through our house. So all the Zhooshing needs to done by Monday, luckly it is a public holiday

It was quite funny, the agent was trying to sell me the photography of our house being $220 for day shots and $330 for night shots. Oh couse I told him I will be doing it. He procedded to tell me that taking photos of houses’ wasn’t easy bla bla bla. I think he will get a shock when he see’s them. I think he thinks I’m one of those dodgy  home owners who is just trying to get out of it on the cheap with my own little point and shoot camera lol!

I hope you like the photos!

2 weeks ago I was down in Melbourne for mums night out, check out the photos here http://zhoosh.mumspace.net/2007/04/14/the-case-study/

And how easy is this to use!

A little about me, my name is Robeccer or Bec. I am mum to 3 little treasures and married to a great guy, Anthony.

I am a interior decorater and in a few weeks can call myself an interior designer. I am also  a photographer. This little passion of mine has grown immensley over the last few years to the point where it consumes me on a daily basis and has also taken over my bank account! lol!

I am excited everday about my business which I can see growing before my eyes. this little business of mine has required me to jump out side my comfort zone to network and generally sell myself to whoever is willing to listen!

I will use this to show my lastest works and speak to other mums in the same situations.

I am very lucky to be a member of Business mums group as well as Real mums, these guys give me so much support and confidence in myself that i really couldn’t imgine how far I would have gotten without them.

Its funny to have many ladies that I now call friends that I have never met yet i feel a kinship towards.

I am also one of 7 kiddies with sisters and brothers who i adore more then anything, they are my best friends, devils advocates and greatest supports. I will post some pictures of them as I get them. My older sister binny is like my twin we live in each others pocket and are best friends. i admire her so much, she is a pocket dynamo. She has so much guts, will power, strength and tenacity for such a little person (well smaller then me anyway) with an amazing heart, truely an inspiration to me.

I look foward to the blogging journey with you al