Ready, Set, Show! ~ Making a Splash in the Bath

Post #8 of the Ready, Set, Show! Series

When your house is on the market, your bathrooms should look like no one has used them. Have they been cleaned 'til they sparkle? Do they look new?

eclectic bathroom design by new york architect Richard Bubnowski Design LLC

If your bathroom is dated, a few inexpensive changes can bring your bath up to date: replacing light fixtures, faucets, and medicine cabinets, or mirrors all make a big impact without breaking the bank. And the best part is you get a high return on your investment for any bath upgrades you do.

eclectic bathroom design by los angeles interior designer Leslie Harris / Interior Design

When staging your bathroom, think "spa". New towels, a coordinating fabric shower curtain, and candles in a neutral color will help you create that spa feeling. Flameless candles are perfect because you can turn them on for a showing, create a relaxing ambiance, and not have to worry about risking a fire.

eclectic bathroom design by other metros interior designer Birdhouse Interior Design Consulting

No amount of staging will matter if your various personal items, such as hair dryers, toothpaste, kids' toys, and the toilet brush aren't stored away. Remember, you want your bath to look as if it isn't being used on a daily basis. Yes, this will take effort, but the work will go a long way in selling your house quickly.

eclectic bathroom design by new york James Wagman Architect, LLC

Here are some finishing touches that will give your bath an air of luxury and a spa feel:


Fresh Scent
Yummy Smelling Soaps
Big Mirrors
Fluffy Towels
Pretty Storage Containers or Baskets
Warm Robe & Slippers

eclectic bathroom design by new york interior designer Olga Adler

Here's to your baths making a splash!

Until next time,

Ready, Set, Show ~ Closet Clutter

Out of Sight, Out of Mind! Really??

Post #7 - Bedroom Closets

Do you remember the episode of "Friends" where everyone was wondering what Monica was hiding in the hall closet. Monica kept the door looked all the time and no one else was allowed to see what was in there. It peaked every one's curiosity and the friends tried every way imaginable to get into the closet.


photo courtesy of sharetv.org

If you remember Monica's personality, you'll recall that she was a compulsive "Neat Freak." So when the friends were finally able to make their way into the closet, they were in shock that the closet was in comlete shambles. They could not believe their friend that had such a compulsion about neatness would have a closet brimming at the gills with junk.

Does this ever feel like you? Do you feel like you end up throwing things behind closed doors just to get it out of sight? We probably all do a little of this whether we'd like to admit it or not. And guess what? If you are trying to sell your home, guess who is going to look in your closets?? EVERYONE!
Scary, huh?

So what in the world do you do to prepare that space that has been "Out of sight, out mind." Let's look at some well organized closets and tips that will allow our "stuff" to find a place to call its own.


First, clean out the closet from top to bottom.

Create four separate piles labeled: Keep, Repair, Donations and Chunk.
This system will alleviate a lot of frustration while cleaning out and wanting to put the same items right back into the closet.

Next, it is to your advantage to purchase closet organizers, baskets and hooks. These items will allow you to group like items together and all items will have a home.

But what if you don't want to put a lot of money into your closet because the goal is to move to a different location? You don't have to buy expensive organizers. Plastic containers and baskets from any dollar store will work just as well. Just try to keep the colors neutral and consistent. This will look more pleasing to the eye and less distracting.

Don't forget the top of the closet. This space is often overlooked as usable space. We don't realize that we can mount things way up high out of reach. Just be sure to mount shelving properly and don't overload the shelves. This is a great place for out of season items.

And last, a step stool is a must. If you have any shelving that is above arms reach, you must have a step stool. A stool will eliminate the need to throw items up on the shelf in hopes that it will stay up there.

The number one tip is: You just have to start...and do it! Good luck and let us know if we can help.

Ready, Set, Show! ~ Bedroom Eyes

Post #6

I am a visual person and I love to look at pictures. I thoroughly enjoyed perusing through boocoos of photos for today's post and I think the photos featured today speak for themselves so I'm keeping my comments brief....

traditional bedroom design by boston interior designer Abbeyk, Inc.

What comes to your mind when you look at these photos? For me, they evoke a feeling of rest, serenity, and relaxation - a sanctuary if you will. A place that I'd like to curl up in and stay awhile.

traditional bedroom design

That is your goal when staging your bedroom. You want the buyer to be able to envision themselves living there. So, some important points in staging the bedroom:

-Keep the wall color and bedding neutral. A busy pattern on the bed will prevent anyone from actually looking at the room.
-Symmetry works beautifully in a master bedroom and conveys to the buyer that it's a retreat for two: bedside tables, lamps, and pillows can be used symmetrically.
-Layering pillows and bed linens adds luxury

traditional bedroom design by architect Coburn Architecture and Interiors

Don't be afraid to use pops of color to add interest, just be sure and stay away from gender specific colors and patterns like pink and florals.

traditional bedroom design by architect Coburn Architecture and Interiors

And about the kids' rooms....

kids design by los angeles interior designer Elizabeth Dinkel

Make sure they're clean with a minimum of toys, no diaper pails please...

modern kids design by new york architect Dufner Heighes Inc

Again, neutral walls and bedding make a nice impression. The map wall may be a bit gender specific - it was a big hit with a certain 10 year old boy, but the rest of the room is neutral and very organized.

kids design by los angeles interior designer Elizabeth Dinkel

Set the kids' bedrooms as a place of rest and study. By keeping the toys to a minimum, you keep away the chaos.


And of course, the bedroom closet is an important feature to a buyer, after all, they want to see if there is adequate storage space for their clothing. Our next post will be all about closets and storage spaces, so look for that post on Thursday.



Now that I've given you a few tips on how to use those bedroom eyes, you can create a wonderful space of your own, even if you won't be staying there for too long...




Until Thursday,

Ready, Set, Show ~ Dining In!

Ready, Set, Show! Are you ready to "Dine In?"

Post #6 ~ Dining Rooms

How many dining rooms have you seen become "Catch All" rooms? Sometimes rooms that are used infrequently become clutter catchers. Dining rooms are probably pretty high on the clutter catcher list. So how do you keep this room a "Dining Room" instead of a conglomeration of sorts. Let's take a look at some tips that will help maintain the dining room for every day life and during the selling process.

(Photo Courtesy of My Home Ideas)


First, clear away any items that do not belong in the dining room and place them in their proper places.

Remove any stained rugs from the room. A room without a rug will show better than a soiled rug. If there is money in the budget you could purchase a neutral rug for the floor. Rugs with natural fibers such as sisal, jute or seagrass are very versatile and cost effective.

Next, take a look at your lighting. Is it dated? If it is, you can possibly spruce it up with a fresh coat of spray paint and new shades. The best result may be to purchase a new fixture. Light fixtures have become very economical these days.

A pleasant and inviting dining room would have place settings on the table for guests. Keep it simple and not too fussy. Hopefully, the potential homeowner could see themselves making special memories while dining in this space.

Also, a fresh bouquet of flowers for the table centerpiece or some coordinating candlesticks will create a finished look for the table.

And last, if you have a china cabinet or hutch that displays dishes and stemware, you must remove any items that take up too much space. Light and airy is the theme you want to portray. Too many items shout clutter and distract from the bones of the room.

So now that your Dining Room is back to its original glory, cook up a meal, kick back and share it with your family. The memories made in the Dining Room are often the lasting ones. Oh, and don't forget to ENJOY!

(Photo Courtesy of Good Housekeeping)

Ready, Set, Show! ~ Kitchen Aid

Post #5
Help For The Heart of Your Home

traditional kitchen design by san diego architect Christian Rice Architects, Inc.

The kitchen is one of THE most important rooms to a prospective buyer. If your kitchen hasn't been updated in decades, don't worry, there are a few things you can do to improve your kitchen without a total remodel. For example, painting the cabinets and adding new hardware to the doors and drawers can make a huge impact. Also, replacing outdated light fixtures is an inexpensive and easy way to give an updated look. Consider adding under cabinet lighting to brighten a room. A dark kitchen will not make a good impression.

traditional kitchen design by san francisco general contractor Moroso Construction

As you look at these photos, do you notice anything? All clutter has been removed, which is the first and most important step in staging your kitchen. Putting everything away makes the counters look spacious. Pops of color are added with a few flowers in a vase or a bowl of fruit which has a welcoming effect. Removing photos and miscellaneous notes from the fridge will help neaten the overall appearance.

traditional kitchen design

And remember, buyers love to look inside your cabinets, so organize them and get rid of anything extra. If your cabinets are overflowing, a buyer will think the kitchen is lacking in storage space.

traditional kitchen design by boston interior designer Marie

And if you have a pantry, it's also important to organize and show off the storage you have.


Here's to a warm and inviting kitchen!



Until next time,

Ready, Set, Show! ~ All in the Family Room!

Post #4 - Family Rooms

Family Rooms should want you to come in, chat, relax and stay a while.

The Family Room is one of the most important gathering spaces of the home. Prospective buyers should want to do exactly what the first sentence of this post suggests. A family room should not be too stuffy or busy; just calm, peaceful and inviting. If you don't enjoy spending time in this space, then buyers will feel the same way. So how do you achieve a family room for just about any potential buyer? Let's look at a few tips for staging a family room for the real estate market.

First, you'll want to evaluate the traffic flow patterns of your room. You'll need to make sure that all doorways and cased openings are furniture free. Your family and guest will appreciate the ample space that you have provided for them as they move about the space.

Then you'll need to adjust and rearrange any furniture that is old and worn or just seems to large for the room. You are wanting to reveal as much floor space as possible. A small room can become even smaller with large furniture pieces. That doesn't mean you need to trade in your large sofa for a futon, you just might need to bring in a couple of occasional chairs to tone down the large feel of the sofa.

If you have an area rug, make sure it is good condition. Sure prospective homeowners aren't purchasing your rug but a good, clean rug will help the buyer envision their own rug on a clean floor.

Remove any unnecessary accessories. Too many candlesticks, picture frames and knick-knacks can make your family room seem cluttered. You'll want the prospective buyer to linger in the family room. So give them a calm, peaceful reason to sit and stay a while.

Bring a little of the outdoors inside. A pot of live greenery always livens up a space.

Light and airy drapery panels add a new crispness to the space.

A neutral wall paint is more pleasing than a bold color such as red.

Remove dated light fixtures, lamps and shades. Replace them with newer pieces.

Stow away stacks of magazines and books. If you have any nicely bound books, you could use them as elevation props for lamps and frames.

But most importantly, keep this room clean and picked up at all times. You will feel more refreshed during the selling process and it will make quick clean ups before showings a breeze.

So now, sit back and relax in your newly staged room. Enjoy it while you can, because remember this room will belong to someone else soon!

Photos courtesy of Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens.

Ready, Set, Show! ~ You Had Me at Hello

Post #3
Entryways


Most buyers emotionally connect with a house within just a few minutes of entering a home, therefore, the entry is very important.

The first thing I must stress is cleaning and decluttering - if your house is full of clutter, a potential buyer will never be able to focus on the house itself, just your stuff.

Entries need a wow factor, something that draws the buyer in and makes them anticipate what the rest of the house may be like. A mirror or piece of art is very welcoming. Make sure any furniture and lighting in the entry is up to date. If you have a rug or door mat, make sure it is clean and in good condition. If not, it should be replaced. Also, the paint should be a neutral color. If it is too bright or bold, it could cause a negative reaction when someone steps into your home. That's certainly not what your going for!

Below are some fine examples of a well staged entry:

traditional staircase design by architect Coburn Architecture and Interiors

traditional entry design

traditional entry design by san francisco interior designer Kelly Scanlon Interior Design

entry design

And don't forget, if you have a coat closet, it must be neat and organized since a potential buyer will certainly look inside! A great secret to staging your closet - hang empty wooden hangers in addition to a few coats to give the impression that there is plenty of space.


Until next time,

Ready, Set, Show! ~ Curb Appeal

Post #2

Continuing our Ready, Set, Show! series, today we move from lawn and garden to your home and entryway. By focusing on these two areas, you are creating "curb appeal" - making your home inviting and interesting from the street.

Curb Appeal can make or break a first impression. By properly prepping your front door and porch, you will help the buyer form positive expectations about the rest of the house as soon as they walk through your well cared for front door.

There are a few key things to look at when deciding how to prepare the exterior of the home:

Is the house clean and free from dirt? If not a good washing might be all it needs. If paint is fading or peeling, a fresh coat is needed, otherwise your house will appear neglected.

Is the front door in good shape? If not, replace or paint it. Make sure the door hardware, kick plate, and house numbers are in good condition.

Is the outdoor lighting outdated? If so, replace it with a new fixture - it will be money well spent.

Add a container of flowers in the warmer months or an evergreen in the winter.

Finally, replace an old, worn welcome matt, with a new one that is truly welcoming.


Take a look at these before and after shots:






What a difference a pop of color on the front door, some welcoming flowers and a well manicured lawn makes.


Until next time,

Ready, Set , Show ~ Lawn and Garden

Lawn and Garden "Making the First Impression" ~ Post #1

We are beginning a set of post that will help you get your home ready to sell on the market. We are planning on posting tips every Monday and Thursday. Plan on bookmarking our blog so that you do not miss any information that might help you prepare your home to sell.

The first thing that potential home buyers see is the outside of your home from the street level. So therefore, you must imagine your home and yard through a buyers eyes. The old adage is true in this case; "You only get once to make the first impression." So let's make that first impression a lasting one.

First, walk out to the street and criticize your home the way a buyer would. Try to notice items that a buyer would notice; both positive and negative points. Write them down so that you can check them off of your list as you get ready to prepare your home.

There are a few things that seem like common sense, but as we live in our homes for many years, we get accustomed to seeing things that just might stand out to a potential buyer. For example, if your lawn hose is at the corner of your home haphazardly coiled, you'll need to coil it neatly and try to conceal it.

Here is a list of "Must" do items that will become the first steps in preparing your home to sell.

~ Remove any fallen leaves or branches from the lawn.

~ Spruce your flower beds with fresh mulch or bark chips. Layer it at least 2" thick so it will last throughout the selling process.

~ Trim any trees or shrubs that are blocking the windows.

~ Continue weeding and mowing your lawn throughout the selling process.

~ Put lawn tools, lawnmowers and trashcans out of sight.

~ Power wash any patio or decks to remove unsightly mildew.

~ If possible, set up an area outside that will mimic a festive meal. The potential buyer will be able to envision having meals outside and it will feel like you have more usable space.

These are just a few simple steps that will get you well on your way in making that "First Impression." Make it an impressive one and watch those buyers slow down as they pass your home. Good luck and let us know if we can help in any way.