Speedy Gambling

Here is Stephen A. Schwarzman’s story. Forbes ranked him as the 53rd most well-to-do individual in the US recently, yet it isn’t only money which makes this story so fascinating but Steve’s unbelievable rise to power in the financial sector and his generosity to society. His incredible story has affected people globally and it serves as a reminder that anyone may be a success with only a bit of commitment. In the 1980’s he established the Blackstone Group with his business partner Peter Peterson; initially it was a private-equity management and financial advisory business. The business has grown from strength to strength and these days is a world leader in m&a.

Spending many of his early years in Pennsylvania, Steve got his schooling in the Abingdon school district. Subsequent to finishing high school he chose undergraduate study at Yale. Harvard Business School was the very next stop on his fast track to success, here he received his Master’s degree in Business Administration in 1972. After concluding his higher education, Steve started a job in investment banking at Lehman Brothers. By the age of thirty one, he had already been appointed one of their managing directors. Steve Schwarzman gives financial support to a variety of liberal arts as well as serving as an associate professor at the esteemed Yale School of Management. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. In addition, he told the media in March of 2008 that he was gifting $100 million to the New York Public Library to assist their construction plans. In fact, the library named their new extension after him. So it comes as no surprise that, the elite of America look to Stephen A. Schwarzman for encouragement — As one of Times Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on the planet, Steve is nowadays in the center of media attention and influencing people globally. His rise in the financial sector has been astounding, not to mention the fact that his unceasing support of music and the liberal arts has doubtlessly been an encouragement to everyone around him. When you consider all his knowledge and experience, it appears as if there is nothing he can’t achieve. So, to summarize, Steve is an individual who has taken each opportunity offered to him, however, in return he has at the same time used his money as a means to bolster his community.

Paying attention to details before you list your home will give your home an edge over others in the same price range. These improvements don’t have to cost a lot but might make a big difference on the appearance of your home and increase the interest level and the number of offers made from potential buyers.

Pre-listing Inspection.

Having your home inspected by a licensed home inspector helps by:

• Allowing you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party;
• Pricing your home realistically;
• Identifying repairs needed ahead of time so that defects won’t become negotiating stumbling blocks later (keep receipts in case your buyers have questions);
• Giving your buyers an option to waive the inspection contingency;
• Alerting you of items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation;

• Reducing your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement;
• Alerting you to immediate safety issues before visitors tour your home.

Clean up the outside.

Curb appeal is the first impression of your house.

• Keep the grass cut and the area tidy.
• Paint or wash the house exterior including windows, shutters and doors.
• Check the gutters and chimney.

Touch up the interior.

• Put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim.
• Wash the walls where paint is not appropriate (e.g. wallpaper, paneling).
• Wash all floors and bathroom tiles.
• Shampoo dirty carpets.

• Remove clutter from counters, closets, garage, basement and attic.
• Replace air filters to help keep the dust down.

Replace bathroom and kitchen fixtures that are worn, leaking or dated. People will notice a leaking or worn-out faucet. On the up-side, they will be impressed by updated fixtures. Remember to clean under the sinks. If there are any leaks, fix them and then cleanup the damage using a disinfecting cleaning solution and a fresh coat of paint.

Get rid of any bad odors in your home. Pay attention to pet or cigarette odors because upholstery, mattresses and carpets absorb and retain these odors. Consider what needs to be removed or professionally cleaned to avoid offending potential buyers.

It is amazing how attention to details will add that special appeal that buyers are looking for and give your property a good first impression, a competitive edge over other homes listed near-by.

For even more helpful tips and information on selling your home visit the Sellers’ Tip Page for a wealth of information!

Ben Hirsh is an active Realtor and an expert on Atlanta Real Estate He can be reached at 678-779-7702.