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When considering color for a room, it’s good to think about what mood you want to create. Which colors will help you achieve that mood. Neutral (black, white, grey and brown) are basic to my decorator’s kit. When I stage a home, I always recommend these. Neutrals are amazingly flexible: add color splashes to liven up and subtract to calm it down. I only use black in small doses, as an accent, but a touch of black grounds the color scheme and gives it depth. But if you want a non-neutral, here are some guidelines:

RED- Creates Energy

PINK- Soothing

YELLOW- Happiness

GREEN- Restful

BLUE- Relaxing and promotes serenity

ORANGE-Excitement

So…choose wisely!

November through January are known for being slow months in real estate. But there are actually a few great reasons to list now, rather than wait ’til the spring. For starters, people who look for homes during the holidays are more motivated buyers.  Also, there are fewer houses to choose from, so you have less competition. And last, Homes show well when decorated tastefully for the holidays.

Now for  a few tips…

1. Don’t overdo it with large decorations that will actually make your house feel cramped. And no religious items.

2. Have your home professionally staged to show well both in pictures and in person.

3. Make your home extra cozy and inviting with a fire on, soft music and holiday treats.

Great post for DIYers…

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18262852?m_refid=us-fb-content_18262852

A must read if you want your home to sell fast:

http://www.frontdoor.com/real-estate/staging-secrets-how-to-dress-your-house-for-sale-success

If you have a space that is always dark, but don’t have the room to put in a skylight, you should consider a solar tube. The amount of natural light that it lets in is astonishing! It’s prefect for kitchens and baths.

This is the handout that I leave with my clients for showings & open houses, ONCE STAGING IS COMPLETED. These are the finishing touches.

A CHANGE OF SPACE

OPEN HOUSE/SHOWING CHECKLIST

1.  Beds made

2.  No dirty dishes in the sink

3.  Trash bins empty

4.  Pets & pet items removed

5.  Mail & paper clutter put away

6.  Window treatments opened

7.  All lights on

8.  Subtle music playing

9.  Bowl of fruit in the kitchen

10.Guest towels in the bathrooms

11. Fresh flowers in the entry

12. Decks and patios swept

13. Lawn mowed (spr.& summer)

14. Thermostat at good temp.

15. Gas fireplaces on (fall &winter)

16. Battery operated candles lit

17. Garage door down, no cars in driveway

18. Your family away

Isn’t this such a beautiful idea? Could be a patio or walkway or both!

Check out these great ways to hide those unsightly power outlets! I especially like the under cabinet outlets, so your tile backsplash isn’t cluttered with outlets.