Shirley has recently been published in the February ERC Mobility Magazine.  Her article is titled Gross (Home) Anatomy-Trends Beneficial to Buyers and Sellers Alike. Here is a brief introduction:

While homeowners looking to sell lament over the current buyer's market, many do not realize the opportunities that lie in wait for attractive houses in tip-top condition that are correctly priced. Like a doctor dispensing advice, Mattam-Male shares tips for boosting the health of a marketed home.

To view a PDF of the article as it appeared in the printed magazine, click this link: Original Published Format - Requires Adobe Acrobat

Sayonara, Small Space

Brad Burns owns a basement condo in a charming brownstone building that is located in DuPont Circle, one of Washington, D.C.'s most desirable neighborhoods. He just finished grad school and is ready to sell his 700-square-foot home and move on to something bigger and better. The two-bedroom, one-bath condo is perfect for someone who wants to live in a classy neighborhood, but can't afford top dollar for a home.

Prepping a Houseboat for Sale

Nautical homeowners Nan and Julie want to jump ship and upgrade from their 52-foot houseboat to a sea vessel that is more yacht-like and less house-like. But before they can hit the high seas in a speedy new craft, they need to sell their old houseboat. Docked in the Potomac River, in the heart of Washington, D.C., the 1988 model offers a spacious main cabin, ample galley kitchen and a stateroom that has a view of the Washington Monument.  

Cashing in on a Corner Lot

Brazilian bound Homeowner Greg Meeropol has been bitten by the Brazilian bug, so he's moving to South America. But, before he can say goodbye to Washington D.C., he needs to sell his house. Greg has lived in the unique, corner-lot house for over eight years. Located in a city neighborhood with a rich past, the historic 2,000-square-foot home use to be retail store. 

Homeowners Jack Vice and Amy Bolten are about to be married. They live in an authentic Craftsman bungalow in suburban Maryland. After the wedding the couple wants to leave the suburbs for the city life of Washington, D.C. The historic 2,500-square-foot home was originally purchased from a Sears catalog in 1929. It sits on a large piece of property and offers a lot of countryside for the short commute to the city. 

Townhome Transformation

Grad student Kai Fountain needs to move closer to school, so she and her mother, Ingrid Beckles, are selling their townhome in the Cordozo neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Designer Taniya Nayak and the rest of the Designed to Sell team agree to help them transform their place and make a quick sale.

Yvette and Dan Purtill of Falls Church, Va., are the quintessential all-American couple. They have two beautiful daughters and another baby on the way. If only their Cape Cod home looked as great as the family! They need to sell quickly so they can move into a larger place by the time their newest family member arrives. Real estate expert Shirley Mattam-Male makes her Designed to Sell debut, giving Yvette and Dan the full scoop on how to sell their place. 

Double-Mortgage Dilemma

Marco Romero is a cool bachelor from Bolivia who has been trying to sell his three-bedroom townhouse in D.C. for months so he can move closer to school. He can't go on much longer with two mortgages and tuition. Designer Taniya Nayak, real estate expert Shirley Mattam-Male and the rest of the Designed to Sell team take their $2,000 budget and set out to get his place in top selling shape in no time. 

Trading City Life for the Farm

Farm living is the life for Jill Patton, John Bean and their newly purchased horse. The problem? They live in downtown Washington, D.C. The Designed to Sell team signs on to help them get the heck out of dodge.

Toning Down the House

Gigi Williams is a swanky woman looking to skip town for good. Before she leaves D.C. for the West Coast, she needs to sell her house. The problem? A backyard that looks like it belongs in a horror movie and blood-red walls inside to match. Host Shane Tallant and designer Taniya Nayak lead the team on its mission to give this horror movie a fairy-tale ending.