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Things to Look for in a new neighborhood

Important Things to Look for in a New Neighborhood

If you've ever made a move to a new neighborhood, or if you're planning a move, you probably know the importance of research— whether it's local, cross-country or out of the country, like Moving to Mexico — there's something to say for knowing what to expect when you get there. In this post, I'll give some advice on important things to look for in a new neighborhood…after all, where you live often dictates your way of life. First of all, once you've pinpointed the neighborhood you want to move to, take time to research its surroundings. If you have children living at home, check out the schools.

Are they close by? Do they have a solid academic reputation? Next, find out if there are parks in the near vicinity, maybe even within walking distance. Also, are there restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and other places of convenience located nearby? Another important thing to consider is the commute from your new home to work.

It's also not a bad idea to talk to potential neighbors or read the community newsletter (providing there is one) to find out what the neighborhood is really like. Some good questions to ask might be:

• Are there block parties or other neighborhood activities to get involved in?
• Is there camaraderie among the neighbors?
• Is family valued here?
• What is the ratio of those who own versus those who rent?

More Things to Look for in a New Neighborhood

Buying a new home is a big decision, and it is important to make certain that you are buying it in a location you can be happy in. If it is possible for you to do so, explore the neighborhood multiple times before nailing down your decision. Go on various days of the week at various times of the day. Does it morph into a party place on the weekends? Do you notice a lot of police activity (which could be a warning sign that the neighborhood is not all that safe)? How does the traffic flow? If there is a school near- by, does the before and after school traffic pose a problem?

Exploring also helps you to check out the overall appearance of the neighborhood. Do the houses look well-maintained and the yards neatly landscaped? Are there an abundance of vacant businesses signaling a decline in the neighborhood? Are the surrounding businesses reputable? You may not want to live in a neighborhood surrounded by tattoo parlors, payday loan shops, bars, etc.

When you're looking for a new neighborhood, it is important to get to know the surrounding before you take the plunge. Follow these easy steps for things to look for in a new neighborhood, and get a general feel for the entire area to make sure it is a place where you and your family can feel at home.

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Furniture Care

Keep these guidelines in mind as you care and prolong the life of your upholstery.

Upholstered Furniture Basic Care Steps

      • All fabrics fade over time. Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight.

      • Vacuum upholstery weekly (using the upholstery attachment and crevice tool for your vacuum) to prevent permanent fabric soiling and abrasions from crumbs, dust, etc. Distribute wear by rotating cushions and pillows weekly.

      • Always blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent white cloth.

      • Beware of spot cleaning as it can cause a ring or fading. To ensure your furniture stays looking its best, have the entire piece or cushion cleaned by a professional upholstery cleaning service.

      • Periodic cleaning by a professional upholstery cleaning service is recommended.

Standard Cleaning Codes

      • Each piece of fabric is identified by a standard industry cleaning code. Based on the content of the fabric, these codes indicate the correct cleaning method.

          ○ Clean this fabric with foam only of a water-based cleaning agent to remove overall soil. Many household cleaning solvents are harmful to the color and life of a fabric. Never use tap water. Use distilled water, as tap water contains minerals that may cause rings or fading.

          ○ Clean this fabric with pure solvents in a well-ventilated room. Never use water. Use of water-based or detergent-based solvents may cause excessive shrinking. Do not dry clean in parts.

          ○ Clean this fabric with foam only of a water-based cleaning agent or with a pure solvent in a well-ventilated room. Never use tap water. Use distilled water, as tap water contains minerals that may cause rings or fading.

          ○ Clean this fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing to prevent accumulation of dust or grime. Never use water, foam or liquid cleaning agents. Water-based foam or solvent-based cleaning agents of any kind may cause excessive shrinking or fading.

Leather

      • To prevent fading, avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat.

      • Under normal usage conditions, regular dusting and vacuum cleaning in crevices or bottoms is all that is necessary to clean your furniture.

      • For minor spots and spills, wipe up any excess liquid immediately with a clean absorbent cloth or sponge. If necessary use a lightly moistened soft cloth with clean lukewarm water and let air dry naturally. If water is used, clean the entire area where the spot occurred.

      • Do not use soap or soak the stain heavily with water. Do not use saddle soap, cleaning solvents, furniture polish, oils, varnish, abrasive cleaners, detergent spas or ammonia water.

      • Butter, oil or grease spills should be wiped with a clean, dry cloth. Spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time.

Fabric Protection

      • When you purchase our fabric protection, we will treat your furniture prior to delivery or pickup. The MasterSeal DuPont Teflon Protection program protects your newly purchased furniture from both water-based and oil-based stains. It will bond to each fiber without affecting the look, feel or breathability of the fabric.

      • Remember, fabric protection is not a force field against stains. Application of this product will not prevent upholstery from getting soiled or stained, nor does it eliminate the need for routine cleaning and proper fabric care. For fabric protection pricing, ask your sales associate.

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Turn A Plain Room Into A Showpiece With Basement Decorating Ideas

How you design the floor plan and the number of rooms into which the basement is divided can offer some unique basement decorating ideas.

Remodeling the basement can be work and expensive, but using some of your own basement decorating ideas can trim the cost and make the work a lot more fun. How you design the floor plan and the number of rooms into which the basement is divided can offer some unique basement decorating ideas.

What you plan to use the remodeled basement for will also help determine how it is decorated. If it will be used as a family recreation room a fake fireplace may fit in nicely, along with wall boards that resemble brick. These basement decorating ideas along with wood flooring can turn an unfinished basement into a usable space for a media center or a game room for the family or for the children and their friends. Wood siding on one wall with painted brick on the other three can provide a cozy area for just sitting and watching television.

As long as the walls are clean and dry once painted, there are self-sticking hangers for pictures that do not require hammering nails in the cement blocks. Hanging pictures or other decorations can be a breeze to help complete the basement decorating ideas. Curtains on the windows will also help add to the décor of your basement room and remember that whatever you hang in front of your windows will also be visible from the outside.

Adding Light Can Improve Appearance

When you are remodeling the basement, adding decorative ceiling lights can help brighten the area and, if you use adjustable switches, being able to adjust the amount of light can make the new room a romantic place to sit and talk. Whichever basement decorating ideas you come up with, always keep in mind that the room started as a basement and should have proper heat and ventilation available to keep the interior as comfortable as possible.

Any room that may serve as a bedroom will have to have an emergency exit window installed and there are window designs that can help with any basement decorating ideas you may have about allowing light into the room. A friendly pair of curtains for that window as well as keeping the window well clean will do wonders for the brightness of the room. Closing the curtains gives the occupant of the room the needed privacy.

In a well remodeled basement room many of the efforts made in other rooms of the house can also be used as basement decorating ideas as you will want to use this area as an expansion to the home’s living area.

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How to Save Money on Relocation Services

If you know you don't have it in you to rent a moving truck and load and unload it yourself, you'll probably want to investigate relocation companies and get estimates for their services. While you'll obviously want to look for the most economical option, keep in mind that good value and low cost aren't always synonymous. The old adage "you get what you pay for" can be as true for relocation services as it is for any industry. That's why it's essential to know exactly what you're paying for. Scam or "rogue" companies are common in the moving industry, so being informed about what to look for when getting estimates will help you avoid being a victim and find a better price.

The following tips will help you choose a relocation service:

      • Decide in advance how much of the packing you'll do yourself. The more you do, the more you'll save.

      • When comparing quotes from relocation services, define exactly what's included in each company's offerings. It can be helpful to make a list of the products and services you need, such as the actual packing of your possessions, storage, transport, moving boxes and other packing supplies. This will help you get "apples-to-apples" estimates from all the companies.

      • An extraordinarily low quote can be the sign of a rogue mover that will give you an attractive price to get your business and then make an excuse to jack up the amount due when you reach your destination. To avoid this, you should always confirm that each company has a DOT license, talk to their references and actually visit the final candidates' facilities to make sure they're legitimate. If there's no signage on the warehouse or the trucks, the premises are dirty or look like they just moved in, don't hire them.

      • Find out if any of the moving companies you interview offer "piggy-backing." If you don't have a lot to move, piggy-backing will allow you to share services and fees with someone else who is relocating to the same general area as you.

      • If possible, move mid-month. Since most people move at either the beginning or the end of the month, movers often provide discounts if you book a non-primetime relocation.

      • If the moving truck will be traveling a long way to move you, make sure the truck either has a GPS unit or that you provide good directions. It's your responsibility to pay for any time the driver spends getting lost while finding your new home.

      • Have everything packed and ready on moving day -- before the truck arrives. If the movers have to wait for you or help you pack, your final bill will reflect it.

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Tips for Tipping Your Movers

Many people are often unsure of what to do when it comes to tipping movers, but there are no definitive rules. Simply put, since you are already spending a lot of money on the move, movers don't expect to be tipped. At the same time, if you want to reward your movers for a job well done, feel free to give them a little extra money. The choice is entirely up to you.

How Much to Tip

Since there are several factors that determine the price of your move, and because the costs for moves can differ dramatically, you shouldn't tip based on a certain percentage. Rather, it is recommended that you give around $10 for each mover for a half day of work and $20 for a full day. Of course, if you are exceptionally pleased with your movers, you can always tip more.

For a long-distance or cross-country move, the costs can be very high. The moving companies recognize this and definitely won't expect tips. Some long-distance companies don't even allow their movers to accept tips. However, if you are pleased with their performance, tips would be appreciated.

TIP: If you are still unsure how much to tip, you can always call the moving company's head office to ask about their tipping policies and to find out how much they would recommend that you give.

Who to Tip

There will generally be between two and four people moving your belongings. If you plan on tipping them, it is highly recommended that you give the tip in cash to each person individually rather than one lump sum. If you give the entire tip to the supervisor, he or she may divide it up among the workers as they see fit. By giving your tip to each person, you can divide the tip evenly.

Alternatives to Tipping

Regardless of whether you decide to tip your movers or not, you should at least provide them with water, soda, or sports drinks. Though they might bring their own drinks, offering them additional drinks is a nice gesture. You may also decide to supply your movers with lunch in lieu of a tip, which will likely be appreciated just as much.

While some people give their movers beer while they work or as a tip at the end of the day, serving alcohol to people as they move your personal belongings isn't the best idea. At the same time, many moving companies have policies against drinking on the job. Even if you give some beer at the end of the day as a tip, they might not be permitted to carry alcohol in the moving truck.

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Moving Licensure, Insurance, and Regulations

Licensure and insurance requirements are a tricky subject that can be hard to understand for many people. These requirements can vary from state to state and differ between the three types of moves – long distance, local, and international. Moving companies specializing in any or all of the types of moves should have the appropriate licensure and insurance.

Before you start studying the requirements and finding out whether your chosen moving companies have the proper licensure and insurance, you will need to know what type of move you are doing. Here are some of the characteristics of the three different types of moves:

Long-Distance Moves

      • Involve moving to another state

      • Moves over 50 – 100 miles (depending on individual carriers) within a state are considered long distance

      • Pricing is determined by weight of the shipment

Local Moves

      • Moving within a state, as long as it's under the 50 – 100 mile threshold

      • Local movers usually charge by the time spent performing the move

International Moves

      • Entail moving to another country

      • Any move that involves crossing national borders, like going through Canada to get to Alaska, is also an international move

      • International movers charge by weight or volume of goods

Long-Distance Moves

Long-distance movers must have a federal identification number, known as a United States Department of Transportation number. This number is so important that 28 states require all moving companies, local or long distance, to carry one. The USDOT number is a way for the government to identify a particular carrier when collecting information from audits, compliance reviews, inspections, and other data sets. It is also used as a tool for enforcing and monitoring safety regulations.

In order to find out if your moving company has a USDOT number, you can check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's FMCSA SAFER system at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can also check out one of your mover's marked fleet vehicles by looking for the US DOT number printed on the doors of the cab and the rear tractor. Just make sure that the numbers on the truck match those found in the FMCSA system.

Long-distance movers must also be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This operating authority, which is more complex than the US DOT, outlines the precise type of operation, cargo, and area in which a carrier can operate. The FMCSA also dictates the level of insurance a company must maintain. Keep note of this mandatory amount, so you can compare numbers when you call the mover. You can also ask to see physical insurance certificates for the most accurate comparisons.

TIP: It is a good idea to double-check that your mover can indeed transport your belongings to and from your desired locations, so your goods won't be held hostage or stolen by an illegal mover. Look the company up on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and make sure "Household Goods" is checked off on the list of items they are allowed to carry.

Some older long-distance carriers may also have an Interstate Commerce Commission Motor Carrier (ICC MC) number. Though the commission was abolished in 1995, many companies that have an older ICC MC number still display it next to their USDOT number. Though these numbers are no longer valid, they are the sign of an established mover that has been around for quite some time.

Local Moves

If you are moving locally, you will first want to check your state's individual licensing and insurance requirements. As mentioned above, 28 states require a USDOT number even for local movers. While these states may require the USDOT number instead of a state license, others require only a state license.

Call your state's commerce commission or department of transportation office to find out exactly what type of licensing or insurance your state requires. Make note of the minimum requirements for your state and inquire about these when you speak to your potential movers. Make sure you check your movers' numbers against those on file with your state's transportation authority.

International Moves

Since there are no moving regulations enforced by any single country, you need to be particularly careful when moving internationally. No matter what, your international mover should have a Freight Forwarder permit or a Federal Maritime Commission number. You may also want to choose a mover that is part of a federation like the FIDI Global Alliance, an independent network of international movers founded in 1950.

The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) also provides Registered International Mover Certification, a program that continually monitors international carriers. As very few companies hold this certification, if you see an international mover that does, they are more than likely to be reputable.

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Affordable Bathroom Renovations

A bathroom is a soothing oasis and an important part of your home. Perhaps in earlier years high-class bathrooms didn’t matter much for home selection as they do these days, however, with the availability of so many designs out there it is now as common to renovate your bathrooms as your kitchen or bedroom.

Despite the fact that a primary bathroom renovation can dig deeply into your finances, there are lots of smaller adjustments you can make during the weekend that may literally transform your doldrums bathroom into a lavish retreat.

Painting

Color, undoubtedly, is the best way to change the look of your house. As bathrooms are usually small, it’s an easy task to put on some layers of a new shade and modify the way your home looks. One easy way of bringing some charm to your bathroom is to install stylish molding over the walls and then give your new trim a light color such as white. The light colored trims create a beautiful and elegant contrast from the bathroom walls that is just gorgeous.

Tile boards

The bathroom walls are one of the most visible areas of your bathroom as they cover a large area. Replacing the old and worn out wall with new shiny wall will certainly upgrade the look of your bathroom. Tile boards look just like ceramic tiles but can be installed in matter of minutes and they cost a fraction of what you would spend on ceramic. You can find tile boards in all styles and colors. You can use adhesive or small nail to install the tile board on your bathroom walls.

Lighting

Do not discount the importance of beautiful lamps in your bathroom. Apart from the fact that sufficient light is necessary in the bathroom, lamps add additional charm and decoration to your bathroom. You can find elegant track lights or bathroom lamps in your local hardware store at a very reasonable price.

Bath Curtains

In view that you spend considerable time contemplating your boring shower curtain, altering it for a fresh one can put in a breath of clean air to your lavatory. There are numerous styles of shower curtains, such as starched cotton, water-resistant silks, linens, or vinyl. Decide on one that best fits your environment. You could also install a glass enclosure which is even more stylish but does cost a bit more.

Tile, linoleum and carpets

The majority of bathrooms use tiles or linoleum; however, you can add an eye-catching look with the addition of a small but well-designed carpet to your bathroom. Another good option would be to buy a deluxe white cotton rug. If you are also laying the carpet to prevent slipping after stepping out of the bathtub, consider a genuine fiber rug such as jute or sisal.

Mirrors

If you’re similar to most property owners, your bathroom mirror is really a simple mirror, which occupies all the space over your counter. Exchanging your existing mirror with a proper framed model can bring a whole new dimension to your bathroom. You can find a very elegant framed mirror for a very reasonable price at your local home hardware store.

Final Touch

Don’t overlook your bath towels when putting the finishing splashes to your holiday home improvement project. Deluxe hand towels, bath linens, and face towels in thick natural cotton may cost you more, but they survive for a long time and are a wonderful approach to engulfing yourself in ease and comfort after the long shower. Small gadgets such as cleansing soap, hand lotion, and a vase of flowers will just give the right finish to your bathroom renovation.

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10 Smart living room decorating ideas

When you start to think about it, there is no shortage of living room decorating ideas. However, if you are looking to decorate your living room, below are some points that you should keep in mind. There are many ways of decorating the living room and there is no single correct or incorrect style. The style you choose should be the one that appeals to your personal taste. Regardless of the style, there are some basic ideas that are universal to decorating a living room as stated below.

Gather Images: The best result in any project is achieved when you know what you want so that you can work toward achieving that goal. Living room decoration is no exception and you need to find out what design appeals to you. Therefore, look at various magazines and online for the designs that grab your attention. Try to gather as many as 20 different designs that appeal to you. You can then select which part of that design will fit your living room.

Select a Focal Point: Regardless of what layout you select, you should have a focal point. A focal point can be an object, a design, or a view. If you have a great view, you can arrange the furniture to accentuate your view. Other focal points can be a decorative object such as a fireplace. In fact many living room decorators take advantage of this focal point.

Sufficient Seating: You should plan to have ample seating for the guest and that usually means that you should be able to seat six people comfortably. If you happen to have a large living room, you should divide the seating into two smaller areas so that your living room does not turn into a conference room.

Area Rugs: Area Rugs can mark the sitting area from another seating area or from the dining area. Area rugs are great for defining areas plus they are wonderful decorating items. Area rugs come in many different designs and can bring lots of light to your living room.

Decorative Objects: Using striking objects that are eye catchers is another wonderful idea that can spice up your living room. The sky's the limit when it comes to selecting these objects. You need to shop around to find out what appeals to your taste and what goes well with your furnishing and your living room theme. One general rule that you can follow is to create a contrast between the object and your living room; therefore, if your living room is a light shade, you can use darker decorative objects and vice versa.

Plants & Flowers: Plants are great for bringing color and charm to your home. You can use natural plants or silk/synthetic flowers. This is an old time favourite of homeowners and decorators alike. Search online for decorative plants and flowers and you will see tons of designs you can select from.

Cushions & Pillows: Pillows and cushions are another way you can bring delightful colors to your living room. Some bright colors such as green, orange, yellow or red (depending on your living room theme) can bring your living room to life.

Declutter: Having too many items in your living room just makes it look unorganized and unsightly. Look around and see if you need all the items and whether they fit your living room’s style. Get rid of objects and furniture that doesn’t match or is not needed.

Drapes: Drapes are very powerful decorating ideas as they cover a large portion and they are very visible. You need to take your time to find out what design and color can enhance your living room. Again take a look at various draperies online to get an idea. Also using beautiful tiebacks to hold the drapes to one side is important. Again pay attention to these small details as they make a huge difference in how your living room appears.

Floor: Just as with the drapes, the floor covers a large space and is very much visible. Selecting the right choice for your flooring is essential. Selecting area rugs are great for demarcation as well as to bring beauty to your floor. Also selecting hardwood and laminate can also enhance your living room image.

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Tips for keeping your carpet clean during finish out work

There are so many different things to worry about when you are building a new home. Once you get to the finish out work you start to feel a little relief because you know it is almost over. But you still have a little stress like how are you going to keep your carpet clean? Here are some tips for keeping your carpet clean during work.

The first tip is to buy the sticky plastic that you can lay all over your carpet and protect it like the model and parade homes do. You can get this plastic at most hardware stores, for example Home Depot or Lowes. It isn't very expensive and it will help protect your carpet from all of the different subcontractors that are going to be coming in and out.

The second tip is to have the carpet layers leave the excess carpet. Usually there are always extra scraps of carpet left over that you can use for runners to put throughout your house so that people can step on those instead of your carpet. You can use a razor blade or something sharp like that to cut pieces out and lay them down over your carpet and they act like extra thick rugs.

The third tip is to make the sub contractors take off their shoes. This doesn't always happen or sometimes isn't an option but if the sub contractors you are working with are willing this is going to help protect your carpet a lot. You will also want to make sure that if they are doing any wood cutting or anything along those lines that they are doing it outside if at all possible and not in your house.

The fourth tip is if you have your finish painter coming back to do touch up paint. Make sure that you make them not only tape everything off but also make sure that he lays down plastic all over the carpet where they are going to be painting. You will also want to make sure that if they are working with stains or anything else make sure that they lay down a couple of layers just to be safe because stain and pain are not going to come out of your carpet.

The fifth tip is to lay rugs down that have a rubber backing. This will help so that if things get spilled it will have a harder time getting through the rubber backing and onto your floor. This will also help against wear and tear on your floor from people walking on the actual carpet.

The sixth tip is to lay rugs outside each door. This will help you decrease the mud and dirt coming into your house. If people have a rug that they can wipe their feet on before they come into your house they will probably take the time to stop and wipe because they don't want to track dirt and mud through your house just as much as you don't want them to.

These are just some of the tips for keeping your carpet clean during finish out work. There are a lot of other tips out there that you can take into consideration. The more precautions you take, the cleaner your carpets are going to be. So make sure that you take the time to protect your carpet so that you can clean so that you don't have to worry about getting your brand new carpets cleaned before you even move in.

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Finding Pet Friendly Apartments

"Pet-friendly" apartment buildings are becoming harder for pet-owning renters to find these days as an increasing number of building owners have rolled up the welcome mat to tenants with critters. In Washington, D.C., rental-building owners can afford not to compromise because, like many other major markets, the city's apartment occupancy rate is 98.8 percent. However, finding a pet-friendly rental is not impossible.

The first thing that Cheryl Summerlin, assistant leasing director for the Seven Springs Village Apartments in College Park, Md., advises renters with pets to do is to be up front about being a pet owner.

"If you have a pet, be prepared to disclose that information and inquire about the pet policy in the beginning, so that there are no last-minute surprises on you or us, "she said. Having a pet in a complex that does not allow pets could end up with you being evicted. Some apartment managers have also charged closet pet owners with back pet rent payments and pet security deposits. Complexes that allow pets usually charge an average of $350 in nonrefundable pet security deposits and $25 in additional monthly rental fees.

Another thing to remember is that many complexes that welcome pets will want you to provide them with documentation from a veterinarian that your animal is up to date on its shots, licensed and neutered or spayed. Some apartment managers ask for photos of your pet for their files. Sometimes you may be required to bring the animal in so that apartment managers are assured that your pet does not exceed their weight requirements. "When it's a pit bull or a dog over 35 pounds, you've probably eliminated almost 100 percent of my vacancies," said Ronald Martinez, manager of Apartment Search in Tysons Corner, Va. "People who own cats are easier for me to place because about 50 percent of my vacancies do allow cats."

With the demand for apartment rentals far exceeding supply, it is not expected that property owners with no-pet policies will make exceptions to their rules. However, if you find the place of your dreams, but little Fido is not allowed, take a chance and inquire anyway. Some managers say they do bend the rules sometimes, something that they do not want to advertise for fear of attracting pet owners in large numbers. And remember to use RENTNET, where over 40% of the apartments listed accept pets.

Pet owners who are living in apartments can also play a role in increasing the availability of pet-friendly rentals. They are setting the tone as to whether an apartment building continues to be pet-friendly. Advice from property managers:

• Clean carpets when you move to rid an apartment of animal smells and hair. This is the No. 1 reason many building owners give for not allowing pets.
• Be considerate of your neighbors, because a few complaints can make a pet-friendly property manager change a community's pet policy.
• Don't let your cat use the carpet to sharpen its claws and have male pets spayed so they won't feel the need to mark their territory by spraying all over the place; and
• Neutering and spaying help to reduce unwanted cat and dog litters running wild around a community.

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Top 5 DIY Home Staging Tips for a Fast Sale

When You Just Can't Afford to Hire a Professional Home Stager

Home staging, the process of making your home cozy and inviting, is crucial when you need to sell your home quickly. Although there are many benefits to hiring a staging professional to come in and revamp your home, you can tackle the basics yourself.

And once your newly staged home is ready, consider hiring a real estate agent like Becky Bauer to get the most out of your selling process.

Here's a list of the top five DIY home staging techniques you can use to secure a fast sale...

DIY home staging trick #1: Consult with a home staging expert

So this one's a bit of a cheat. But if you can afford to spend between $100 and $200 on a consultation with a home staging professional, it's a really good idea. A professional stager will be able to quickly assess your home to tell you where to invest your time and energy for the greatest possible return – and the biggest "wow" factor.

Once you've got a list of priorities, by all means, carry out the list yourself to save money on what a professional would charge you.

DIY home staging trick #2: Create "curb appeal"

Curb appeal is what attracts buyers when they first drive up to your home. A house with curb appeal grabs your buyers by the eyeballs and invites them to explore inside.

It goes without saying your lawn and gardens should be neatly trimmed and free of weeds or leaves. But did you know that the sprawling tree hiding your home from view can be a turnoff to buyers? You might love the privacy it provides, but giving it a good trim or removing it entirely makes your house stand out.

(Plus there will be more light streaming into your windows making the interior seem more spacious and inviting.)

Power wash paths and the exterior of your home. And if the paint is chipped or the color garish, invest in a fresh coat of paint.

Painting your door a bright color like red makes your house stand out from your neighbors, particularly if you live in a "cookie-cutter" neighborhood. A few potted plants leading up to the driveway can take your entrance to the next level, while a small table and chairs on a front porch conjures up images of relaxation and entertainment on summer evenings.

DIY home staging trick #3: Make a grand entrance

The entryway of a home, while being the smallest area, is also one of the most important. Like it or not, first impressions count. A negative impression inside the front door will follow your prospective buyers as they move through the rest of your house, influencing their perceptions.

A small foyer doesn't need to look cramped. A fresh coat of paint in a light neutral color will visually enlarge the space and appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers. A mirror positioned at eye level reflects light, making the room look bigger.

Clear out the shoe racks and kids' backpacks to create a quiet and serene environment. If you can fit a small curio table with a decorative display item such as an orchid or dish for keys, go ahead and put one in. Skip this home staging technique if the space is so small buyers will be tripping over it as they enter, however.

DIY home staging trick #4: Create a blank canvas

Neutralizing a space is top of the list of home staging techniques. Paint colors, furniture, and surfaces free of personal items create a blank canvas for your potential buyers.

Light neutral colors will match more buyers' furniture, so they'll be able to imagine themselves moving in right away and making themselves at home – without having to do a bunch of work. Plus, these make your home look warmer and brighter.

DIY home staging trick #5: Evoke an emotional response

So you've created a wonderful blank slate for your viewers so they can easily imagine their worldly possessions in your home. But you CAN take neutralizing too far! A completely impersonal space will leave your buyers cold.

But with a few well-chosen home staging tips, you can spark your buyers' imagination and make them fall in love with your home.

Light a fire (or candles in summer) in the hearth so buyers can imagine cozying up on chilly winter evenings. Place a coffee tray and decorative pillows on the master bed to conjure up images of a luxurious breakfast in bed. Votive candles flickering beside a soaker tub with aromatherapy jars whispers relaxation.

Set your dining room table with place settings that speak to entertaining friends. Create a cozy reading nook or intimate seating area. These little touches still appeal to a broad range of buyers, but in an emotional way.

There you have the top 5 DIY home staging tips you can use to sell your home quickly.

Home Staging Bedrooms

Decorating Tips for Bedrooms That Captivate Buyers

A properly staged bedroom can sell a home. This feature is one of the top priorities for buyers - making a good presentation can improve your chance of selling!

After curb appeal and kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are the top-selling features of a home. Why? This room needs to be the buyer’s personal oasis from day-to-day life. Whether it’s for parents of young children, a single professional, or a retired couple, bedrooms are where they’ll go to unwind. If the bedroom doesn’t suit them, the sale is off!

So how do stagers help homeowners create bedrooms that feel like stepping into a luxury hotel? What tricks can make a small bedroom look bigger, a dark bedroom more inviting, and a boring bedroom more stylish?

Making the Room Spacious

Small homes and condos have their charm but often lack a large bedroom. If you’re short on space you can make several adjustments to your furniture arrangement to open up your room.

First, consider removing extra dressers. As long as there is a closet, the buyer will not readily notice the absence of a dresser. This can quickly open up valuable floor space, even though it means storing some clothing in another location or packing it away.

Use smaller side tables and remove all clutter from the tops of the remaining dressers, armoires, and tables. Clutter makes spaces look smaller and crowded, so computers, laundry, and paperwork should also be moved or packed away.

Light, Bright, and Airy!

Keeping the room light will appeal to busy homebuyers who want a great start to their day. Heavy blinds or drapes should be removed where possible; opened for showings where it’s not.

A mid-to-light tone paint color will keep the room cozy but bright. Sandy shades or warm yellows work well. Blues or grays should be avoided as they may seem depressing to certain buyers.

Proper lighting is crucial. The right size lamps beside the bed are better than relying on overhead lighting alone which can be too direct and harsh. Lamps provide more comfortable lighting and add to the overall brightness and coziness of the room. Lamps should be kept on during showings for the best presentation.

Creating a Stylish Bedroom

Bedrooms need to appeal to a wide audience, so it is not a good idea to use bold colors or designs that are overly personal. Home stagers downplay the current owner’s decor with neutral linens and restful artwork that is not too individual or possibly offensive to buyers.

Light-toned bedding, along with a throw blanket and throw pillows in a coordinating accent color, can add just the right amount of style to a room without overpowering it. Stronger colors can be used in accents and often create better photographs and more memorable bedrooms for buyers.

Adding some ‘luxury’ touches like a few candles, fresh flowers by the bed, a simple tray with coffee cups, or a book will give buyers the right feel – a place where they can unwind and relax. Exactly the place to call home!

To get the most out of your sale, contact Becky Bauer the Realtor, a real estate professional who can ensure you get the best price for your newly-staged home.

Ashton Brothers