Small is BIG

Amazing things are going on in the world of home construction and the biggest movement is towards SMALL structures.  The days of the McMansion are looking like a thing of the past, as we look to greener, more cost-effective ways of living.  Pre-fab houses are being made out of all kinds of recycled material and their transportability allows for freedom to live just about anywhere.  Imagine helicoptering in a small container house...dropping it onto a ready-made foundation perched high above an amazing view. Or planting a glass house in the middle of a wheatfield.  Sounds like living large to me.

Makeover on a Dime

This little kitchen was in dire need of a serious update, but my client's budget was seriously minimal!  So with nothing more than a change of paint, cabinet hardware and a very inexpensive pendant light and accessories from Ikea, presto-chango - a kitchen to love!

Is Your Home STILL on the Market?

It can be a daunting feat to sell a house these days.  And we all know that, historically, Spring is the optimal time to list and sell a house.  But take heart....did you know that the fall season can be a very busy time as well?  The dogs days of Summer are over, school is back in session, and another surge of prospective buyers are coming your way.  The trick is to take advantage of this buying season...give your house the opportunity to really shine and catch a buyer's attention.

So here are some tips that really work...honest!

• Look at your property with fresh eyes.  How have things changed over the summer?  If your flower beds are looking bedraggled, spruce them up with some new plants.  Garden centers often offer discounts on end of the season flowers....take advantage!  Put down fresh mulch...make sure everything is trimmed, edged and clipped.  Check the trim on your house...does it need touching up?  How about the shutters and the front door?  Remember that the exterior of your home is the first thing people will see....it must entice them enough to want to come inside.
• Walk in your front door as though you are seeing your home for the first time.  What is the first thing you see?  Is there good flow from the entrance hall into your living room?  Does each room flow seamlessly into the next?  If your home is over-loaded with furniture, put a few pieces in storage so that rooms feel open and large.
• De-clutter.  I can't say it enough.  Put away the kids' toys, the dog's toys and any of your own.  Do you have family photos all over the house?  Tuck them into drawers and de-personalize.  Buyers want to imagine their own personal items in the house and it is easier to do so if yours aren't a distraction.  Look at your kitchen counter tops...what can you put away to allow for optimal counter space?  Same with bathrooms....put away the personal items each and every time you have a showing.  And ALWAYS have fresh, clean towels folded neatly on the racks, fresh soap in the soap dish, and all clothes tucked neatly away.  Closets should be organized and tidy.
• Clean, clean and clean.  Check the inside of your oven and the burners on your stove and make them shine.  Same goes for your refrigerator, inside and out.  People look everywhere and you want them to know that you keep a clean house....it will say volumes to them about how well you have taken care of the home in general.  How about those bathrooms?  Clean!  Windows? Clean, clean!  Carpeting?  Clean, clean clean!  You get the picture....your house has to sparkle.
• Before a scheduled appointment, do a few things to make the showing special: turn on strategic lights; damp mop hardwoods with oil soap (makes them gleam and the house smell great); wipe off counter tops (keep a pop-up container of wipes handy for quick work); plump your pillows and bedding; open the blinds; sweep off porches and walkways; you might even leave some soft music playing inside.  

Take advantage of the next 2-3 month buying season and get that place sold.   Here's to fresh starts!