Questions about Faucet Choices, Paint Colors, and Wicker Furniture

<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1090097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1090097.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> We’re getting ready to sell our home. The faucets in both bathroom sinks match the faucets in the tub and shower stalls.<br /><br />They all work and are in good condition, but they are shiny chrome, and dated. Should I invest in new ones that look more in step with the times? – Sarah H.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A:</span></b> Spend your money somewhere else. There’s no sense removing and replacing this kind of hardware that is functioning just fine.<br /><br />The fact that they are all the same style makes them appear new-ish, more like what you might find in a new house rather than an older one that’s had repairs over the years when things broke. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I would give the same advice to people with “dated” hinges and doorknobs, and even window locks. Working, and matching, keep them! When it comes to hardware like this, unless you want to purchase pricey top of the line stuff, most of what you buy today doesn't compare to the quality commonly available even a few decades ago.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> I am planning to stage the condo we just moved out of. It’s vacant except for a dining set, some end tables, and lamps. I’d like to add some wicker furniture because that’s easy to find at reasonable prices here in <st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state>. What do you think of wicker?  -- Erica S. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>As long as it is in good condition and comfortable, I would use wicker. Make sure any cushions look new and that the colors or patterns are not too bright or distracting. You’ll probably need a few pieces of contemporary or vintage upscale furniture (or what looks upscale) as well, so the condo doesn’t look too budget-conscious. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don't recommend using outdoor wicker indoors. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/liz-williams-interiors-amelia-island1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/liz-williams-interiors-amelia-island1.png" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Wicker doesn't have to be white. But in a staged room it probably <br />shouldn't be neon pink and lime green either. These simple wicker headboards <br />got a style boost from black paint. Photo: Liz Williams Interiors</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> All the rooms in my house are now different colors – mint green in the living room, a burnt orange in the family room, peach in one bedroom and blue in another. I want to paint all the rooms myself, and paint them all the same color. Doing one at a time, I know I can do it. My question is how do I figure out what color that will work with all the rooms?   -- Justine P.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>Good for you for tackling the staging job yourself! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You need to determine what elements in all your rooms will remain in the house and then find a color that works with these “fixed fixtures.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These fixtures could be the vinyl or tile in the bath, for example, or the carpet in the bedrooms. I would bring home from the paint store all the brochures that feature shades of neutrals and white, and find one color that has the undertones that harmonize with all your fixed fixtures. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I've blogged about the details of <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-choose-paint-color-easy-way.html" target="_blank">how to choose a paint color</a>. And, yes, white walls are fine for staging!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/a2c633f4db1a009a2fd9024e17686bef1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/a2c633f4db1a009a2fd9024e17686bef1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">White walls make it easy for you to use the furnishings you already own,<br />and white walls make it easy for the new owner to postpone painting.<br />There's a reason museums and art galleries use white walls.<br />It  makes a great background color.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q: </span></b>Our home is for sale, and we have moved to a nearby town. The house is clean and empty. What can I do to make it sell fast?  Don’t say add furniture because there is no way I can afford that.  -- Keesha M.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>I understand. Although I always recommend <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/strategies-for-staging-vacant-house.html" target="_blank">staging an empty home</a>, my experience is that if a house is clean, in good repair, and priced right, you will find a buyer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Make sure there is no deferred maintenance (a home inspection would help). The walls and possibly the trim should be freshly painted or at least look like they have been recently painted. And if there is carpet, it should be new or appear new. These are investments that pay off with a faster sale. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Good appliances, updated light fixtures, and extra-special curb appeal will sweeten the deal. Here are some other <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/08/staged-and-vacant.html" target="_blank">tips for selling an unoccupied home</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> We are listing our home with a realtor. He took a photo of the house just after it snowed. It looks pretty but I don’t want people to think about problems like snow when they see the photo, which will be the featured photo in our MLS listing. The exterior won’t look great until spring. What can I do meanwhile? -- Rachael and Alex B.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>There isn’t much you can do unless you have another <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-not-to-photograph-your-home.html" target="_blank">photo of your house in</a> another season. Most people don’t, so there is a lesson here for all home owners: Even if you are not thinking of selling your home immediately, having good pictures of your home in different seasons can come in handy in the future. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-bigstock-Middle-Class-House-547336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-bigstock-Middle-Class-House-547336.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A photo of a snow covered property can be charming, but the profile photo <br />of your home on a listing should be current with the season so the home doesn't <br />appear to have been on the market for a long time.   </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When your exterior gets some springtime color, you can substitute another photo. Meanwhile, just be glad your realtor didn’t photograph your house when the snow turned mushy, icy and dirty.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don't forget that you can get answers to the most common home staging questions, plus much, much more, in my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">$5 home staging eBook</a>, <i>DIY</i> <i>Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. </i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Questions about Faucet Choices, Paint Colors, and Wicker Furniture

Q: We’re getting ready to sell our home. The faucets in both bathroom sinks match the faucets in the tub and shower stalls. They all work a...

Read more »

Make a Unique Holiday Wreath for Pennies

<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030558.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A novelty wreath will welcome with whimsy<br />both home buyers and guests to your home. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week I showed tips for creating a <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/11/making-greenery-wreath-for-christmas.html" target="_blank">wreath of greenery</a>. This week I made a wreath for our boat. The idea came to me when I spied an old life ring taking up space in the garage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love re-purposing what's on hand to create something no one else has! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wreaths can go a long way towards improving curb appeal. If your property is part of a condo complex that forbids front yard décor, a wreath usually falls within regulations. And it could be one of the things that distinguishes your unit from other units buyers look at that day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you don’t have a wreath on (or near) your front door, and you want one that’s unique and cheap, look around for what you can re-purpose or upcycle. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A wire coat hanger? A <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/09/diy-tutorial-how-to-make-pine-cone.html" target="_blank">picture frame</a>? A round mirror? <a href="http://www.linesacross.com/2012/10/scrappy-flower-hexagon-wreath.html" target="_blank">Foam core</a>? Plywood? Twigs? <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/11/ten-tips-to-improve-your-autumn-curb.html" target="_blank">Vines</a>? <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2010/04/rustic-driftwood-wreath.html?m=1" target="_blank">Driftwood</a>? Any one of these are the start of a one-of-a-kind wreath. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or, get out your handy glue gun and create the base from what you can scavenge from thrift stores, nature, and around your home. Even something wild and crazy like ping pong balls, plastic plates, cookie cutters, or children’s blocks can make a cute base for a novelty wreath.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Since there was dust and mildew on the old, beat-up life ring, </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>I wiped it with a cleaner that has mildew-cide.   </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>To put a faux finish on the wreath base, I started with one coat of an exterior satin </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>house paint, </i><i>but any craft paint would do as well. </i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>A good faux finish calls for a variety of colors. I sponged on four different</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>greens, letting each coat dry before adding the next. </i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>To replicate the (missing) webbing strips that hold the rope that encircles the </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>life ring, I folded this 3-inch wide ribbon in half and stitched it across to make a loop.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>The ribbon was long enough to go around the life ring, with a few inches to spare.</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030474.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>I knew the wreath would be viewed mostly from the front, but I didn't want to have an ugly</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>seam where the ribbon ends joined, so I used dressmaker straight pins to attach the ribbon. </i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030481.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Once the rope goes on, it starts looking like a functioning life preserver. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>And it would still serve as one in an emergency. I connected the ends </i><br /><i>of the rope with </i><i>duct tape, and tucked the joint into one of the loops.  </i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030562.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>Once I added some silk holly sprigs and glued on some star fish I made from bakers clay, I hung</i><br /><i>the wreath on the bow flagstaff. It makes people smile when they see it! I painted the clay stars and gave them a few coats of clear sealer, so we will see if that is sufficient weatherproofing.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i><b>Update: Seagulls seem to think the bakers clay embellishments are for snacking.  </b></i><br /><i><b>I'm bringing the wreath home to replace what's left of the starfish with real shells.   </b></i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A "statement wreath" like this adds some personality to a property. And I made it from what I already had on hand. Do you have an idea for a DIY novelty wreath? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you selling your home? Have you staged it? My $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar, </i>gives you all the<i> </i>formulas, checklists, and techniques professional stagers use to sell homes. I guarantee you'll learn new tips. I will give you your money back if you are not completely satisfied with my home staging eBook. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>

Make a Unique Holiday Wreath for Pennies

A novelty wreath will welcome with whimsy both home buyers and guests to your home.  Last week I showed tips for creating a wreath of greene...

Read more »

Tables with Glass Tops -- A Home Stager's Best Friend.

<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Livrmdining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Livrmdining.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The bistro table we put in this staged condo is high enough to allow a view of </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>the water outside. The acid-etch, pale teal glass table top actually tied </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>the waterview to the feel of the room. I staged the condo to have a beachy look, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>and used sea glass colors elsewhere in the unit as well.   </i></span></div></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Today I'm going to sing the praises of tables topped with glass, the kind of table you can see through!<br /><br />What home stager wouldn't love a piece of furniture that seems to float in the room, that adds shine and sophistication, but takes up almost no visual real estate? <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Glass table tops</b></span> also look clean and contemporary. House hunters usually respond well to that look, even in older homes. They are easy to decorate around because they are versatile and, because they are transparent, color is not a problem.<br /><br />You can bridge two matched small tables with glass on top to make one large table. Or find other interesting bases. I have seen birdbaths, barrels, saw horses, MDF pedestals, driftwood, ceramic planters or sculptures, fabric-covered cinder blocks, and found objects dragged home from curbside. <br /><br />There's a glass table suitable for home staging almost every home, from very formal to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/ten-ways-to-rock-global-look.html">funky global style </a> to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/03/staging-styles-that-work-scandinavian.html">the Scandinavian look</a> to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/09/staging-styles-that-work-mid-century.html">mid century modern decor</a> to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-home-stagers-can-learn-from-shabby.html">shabby chic style</a>. <br /><br />Here are some facts to help you  take advantage of the shine and glamour that a glass table adds to a room.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's it cost?</b></span> If you don't own a glass top table or desk for staging your home, consider assembling one from a base you may already have, and newly purchased glass. Prices vary widely for custom ordered glass, depending on where you live. A local glass dealer will quote you prices. The cost will depend on the dimensions, the thickness, the edging, and any special requirements.<br /><br />For a  glass top that will rest on a pedestal or a frame, such as the ones illustrated here, the thickness needs to 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How about the edges?</b></span> The edge of a tempered glass table top is always finished to make it both safe and attractive.  <br /><ul><li>The simplest edge is called a seamed edge. The edges are sanded enough to make them dull enough to handle.    </li><li>A flat polish edge takes the edging a step further, and is very common. The glass cutter will polish it so it is smooth and shiny. </li><li>When the glass top is round rather than rectangular or squared, it's more common to see a pencil edge, where the edge is rounded for a tapered, softer look.  </li></ul>Today's look for glass table tops is clear glass, or else acid-etched, which yields a frosted look. The bronze and grey tinted glass of decades past are dated now, and not as effective for home staging.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/0910-miller-patriotic-table-15-de-92648594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/0910-miller-patriotic-table-15-de-92648594.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Whenever you have a view that can help sell your home, you don't want to <br />compromise it with furniture that just gets in the way. See-through furniture </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>to the rescue. These saw horse legs are metal, but wood ones are <br />popular as well, and easier to DIY. House Beautiful.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Tables with Glass Tops -- A Home Stager's Best Friend.

The bistro table we put in this staged condo is high enough to allow a view of  the water outside. The acid-etch, pale teal glass table top ...

Read more »

How Staging Helps Negotiations

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAsAGnODAeyEFOTzuK0Emeuh7dFhgHKov_fiOTjaqPaH_5DLs&t=1&usg=__32siuBdDyCbm_CZPOJ61t51YQGc=" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="275" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our condo sold, and we're reminded that every offer is a serious offer even if it sounds goofy.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Today I discovered yet one more advantage to staging your home for sale.  It gives you a distinct leg up in negotiations.<br /><br />Two days ago we received an offer on the condo we have had on the market for 145 days.  It was a <i>very </i>low offer. The interesting thing is that the written offer came to our realtor with a $5,000 deposit and the verbal information that the buyer planned to put the same offer in to another unit in the same complex if we refused the price and terms.  The terms included the demand that we provide a home warranty, and that we accept a lower selling price if the property appraised for a lower amount.<br /><br />We didn't like the price or the terms.  Nevertheless, we countered by reducing our listing price a few thousand, still nowhere near his offer.  He countered by raising his offer a few thousand, still nowhere near our adjusted price. We refused to go lower.<br /><br />Here's where staging helped.  We knew the other unit was not staged. Both units were priced about the same and have the same floor plan. The knowledge that our property showed well provided the confidence to hold firm at our price. It was a showdown, and the buyer blinked. He agreed to our price.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAsAGnODAeyEFOTzuK0Emeuh7dFhgHKov_fiOTjaqPaH_5DLs&t=1&usg=__32siuBdDyCbm_CZPOJ61t51YQGc=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>We knew we were gambling, that the buyer could walk away, and we might wait months for another offer.  Rather than be hustled by his warning that he had a back-up plan -- buying the other unit -- we were comfortable waiting him out. We were comfortable because we staged, so we knew we had the competitive edge.<br /><br />We've since learned that the reason our buyer opened with a low ball offer was that he had a relative advising him. When the deal looked like it wasn't going to happen, he told his adviser to step aside and he made what he knew was a more fair offer. Lesson here: take all offers seriously because you never know where negotiations will lead.<br /><br />Tomorrow we'll sign papers to seal the deal.  Another victory for effective home staging!

How Staging Helps Negotiations

Our condo sold, and we're reminded that every offer is a serious offer even if it sounds goofy. Today I discovered yet one more advantag...

Read more »

Putting On a Happy Face

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/ceramicfloorinentry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/ceramicfloorinentry.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both the new baseboards and the ceramic floor were were real estate enhancements that will impress buyers.  We hope. </td></tr></tbody></table><span id="goog_1635723854"></span><span id="goog_1635723855"></span>Our total bill from flooding isn’t tallied yet, but by the time we pay Mr. Sucker, and the flooring guy, and Mr. Carpenter, and add the cost of new baseboards (about $500) it will go over $10,000.  Gulp! <br /><br />To look at the episode in a different light, we have added ceramic flooring to two places where it really packs a punch – the entrance area (above), which is one of the first things a buyer would see, and my cutesy little dry bar area, which got a giant style shot in the arm from the sexy, new, white flooring.  <br /><br />The other quality quotient boost came from the new baseboards, which we beefed up to 5.5 inches.  Details like wider trim make a big difference, so it’s something to consider if you are remodeling as well as staging your home for sale. <br /><br />I also see the new vinyl flooring as an upgrade.  It’s a better quality than what was there, and it’s a lighter color, so the kitchen and baths all look cleaner and bigger.  <br /><br />Finally, by calling in the Mr. Make-it-right we can tell any buyer that the water damage was professionally corrected.  <br /><br />Although all these things don’t deliver in benefits what they actually cost us, I am going to pretend that they do.  Just for my own sanity.

Putting On a Happy Face

Both the new baseboards and the ceramic floor were were real estate enhancements that will impress buyers.  We hope. Our total bill from flo...

Read more »

Did We Make a Remodeling Mistake?

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Purocleanbill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Purocleanbill.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't what we expected to see after the cleanup manager told us he would "work with us" to keep our costs down. </td></tr></tbody></table>The carpet/vinyl man finished up our flooring today in our condo that’s for sale.  It looks fantastic, but his bill came to $800.  When we asked him if it would have been cheaper to replace the carpet rather than dry it out and re-stretch it, he said – unfortunately – “Absolutely!”  <br /><br />This whole wet floor scenario leaves me with a knot in my stomach.  I always expect the best from people and I am usually rewarded with kindness and fairness.  <br /><br />The bill from the clean-up company arrived today.  It runs 14 pages long, and totals $6762.41!  Forty one cents?  They had to squeeze every last penny out of the job?<br /><br />We spent some time studying the invoice.  It looks like the way it works is the local franchise buys the national company’s software.  Then Mr. Sucker, the franchisee, fills in the blanks like square footage and how many dehumidifiers he used, and ends up with a detailed printout of costs.  I guess we were supposed to be impressed with the thoroughness and detail of the invoice.  Instead, we just got mad. <br /><br />Here are some examples:<br /><ul><li>Remove two bifold doors (about a three minute task) $20.20</li><li>Block furniture in living room (put chunk of foam under each leg of loveseat)  $37.87 </li><li>Detach toilet $99.33</li><li>Tear out non-salvageable wood from dry bar (pick up 20 squares of parquet flooring already floating in water) $47.81</li><li>Apply microbial agent to one bedroom (about a two minute task) $147.22</li><li>Plug in a non-monitored air mover near a 3-square foot closet $77.25</li></ul>If you extend these figures to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two hallways, a living room, family room, kitchen, and six closets, you can see how the total grew to a ridiculous amount, even though it entailed just one day’s hands-on labor and then three days of fans and dehumidifiers running. <br /><br />Mr. Lucky, being the sweetest man on the planet, could not take what I considered the  next, necessary step, to contest the bill.  But his wife could.  So I made a list of talking points and key phrases and phoned Mr. Make-it-right’s boss, Mr. Sucker (he does take up water), the franchise owner. <br /><br />Without my cheat sheet in front of me, and without the gut feeling that we had been seriously taken advantage of, I would be completely outside my comfort zone.  Being assertive is not something that comes naturally to Pink Overalls, but I was furious and I wanted this company to know what we thought of their pricing system.  I also wanted a bill reduction.  <br /><br />We agreed to meet next week to discuss the situation.  Meanwhile, we are still fine-tuning our staging to get the property back into shape for househunters.  <span id="goog_416488152"></span><span id="goog_416488153"></span>

Did We Make a Remodeling Mistake?

This isn't what we expected to see after the cleanup manager told us he would "work with us" to keep our costs down. The carpe...

Read more »

Insuring Vacant Property on the Market

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Toiletseatsign-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Toiletseatsign-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's unfortunate that the staged home has to have something so inhospitable, but what's a vacant property owner to do? </td></tr></tbody></table>Major shock last Friday.  The builders insurance we took out on the property does not cover damage due to water from inside the property.  Don’t you love the way insurance companies make it work for them?  They don’t get to build those skyscrapers by helping ordinary folks.<br /><br />Here is the list of what they DO cover: Fire, lightning, explosion, windstorm, smoke, aircraft or vehicles, riot or civil commotion, vandalism, sprinkler leakage, sinkhole collapse, and volcanic action.  If only that volcano that triggered the sinkhole collapse that led to the civil commotion and explosions had caused the sprinkler damage and consequent vandalism that broke the toilet part, maybe we’d be covered.  But probably not.       <br /><br />I am sick that we will have to eat the entire cost of this cleanup. We talked to Mr. Make-it-right and he’s agreed to work with us to keep costs down.<br /><br />And you know what really fries my grits, as we say in the South?  Today at our supermarket we happened to park next to a brand new Cadillac SUV.  And its vanity license plate was the name of the local company that sold us this insurance policy.  That’s right.  We helped some undeserving leech buy that gas guzzler.<br /><br />That’s fried grits.<br /><br />To find out what other homeowners and real estate investors have done to get insurance for an unoccupied residence, I went online.  One of my favorite <a href="http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/realestate/">sources of information</a> is<br /><a href="http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/realestate">http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/realestate</a>/.  The forum is called “Buying and Selling Homes.  It’s an active forum, one populated by knowledgeable investors, legal types, realtors, as well as buyers and sellers at every level of experience.  I recommend checking in often if you are a home seller.  I know you will lean new things with each visit.  <br /><br />What I learned is that it is almost impossible to insure a vacant property.  At best, it’s expensive.  What some forum posters suggested to me is to call it a rental property, but others suggested that such an approach could backfire if it becomes obvious that no one lived in the house and you have a claim.  <br /><br />So, there’s just no easy answer, except to turn off the water, either at the main valve, or at least at the toilets.  That’s what we’ll be doing henceforth.

Insuring Vacant Property on the Market

It's unfortunate that the staged home has to have something so inhospitable, but what's a vacant property owner to do? Major shock l...

Read more »

Sucking Up Water Costs Big Bucks

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/truckdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/truckdoor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who ya gonna call?  There are times when only a specialist will do, and DIY won't do.  </td></tr></tbody></table>Ah- HA.  So it wasn’t the water heater after all that flooded our condo.  When we spoke with Mr. Make-it-right on Tuesday we found out that one toilet had been tuned off.  The mystery is who turned it off, why, and when.  Also, why didn’t the overflow valve take care of water getting too high in the tank?  <br /><br />Was it sabotage?  Was it the woman who calls every day to ask if someone else has bought it?  Or the woman who’s looked at it three times already?  The couple who are trying to sell a similar unit for more money?  Mr. Lucky and I like to think we have no enemies, but one never can be sure.  Perhaps we’ll never solve the Mystery of The Flooded Condo.  <br /><br />Meanwhile, the big dry-out continues.  It’s over 90 degrees in there, but the air is in constant circulation to hasten drying.  The floors and lower walls have been treated with microbial agent to eliminate mold that may have started growing.  <br /><br />The estimate for damage repair from Mr. Make-it-right and his cleanup people is $6000.  All because of a failed toilet, maybe a $2 part.   <br /><br />I like to concentrate on the positive.  The positives here are that we will be able to upgrade the baseboards to a wider style.  We’ll be able to replace the small area of (out-of-fashion) parquet flooring with (always-in-style) ceramic tile.  We’ll have brand new vinyl in the kitchen and baths, but that vinyl was brand new already.   <br /><br />Of course, we’ll have to fill out a new property disclosure form, because there is a question on that form about water damage.  One of the things we like about Ms. Speedy is she has ethics.  Some realtors would hide this information, and those are the kinds of realtors we hope we never have to deal with.<br /><br />When you have a home on the market, I keep telling myself, there are bound to be some surprises along the way to the closing table.

Sucking Up Water Costs Big Bucks

Who ya gonna call?  There are times when only a specialist will do, and DIY won't do.  Ah- HA.  So it wasn’t the water heater after all ...

Read more »

When Bad Things Happen to Good Real Estate

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/tvroomfans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/tvroomfans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What you are looking at is furniture on blocks, a stack of bifold doors, an extraction machine, and fans.  What happened?</td></tr></tbody></table>At our house it’s safe to say that when the phone rings at 8:30 on a Monday morning, it’s not a good sign.  At least it wasn’t today. <br /><br />Our realtor, Ms. Speedy was on the line, trying to sound calm.  The neighbor next door to our for-sale, vacant condo, had called her to say that water was coming out from under our front door, and that her carpet was soaked.  Both units are built on the same slab.  <br /><br />We live just two minutes from this property, and our realtor’s office is even closer to it.  Gotta love life in a small town.  <br /><br />By the time we arrived, Ms. Speedy already had the water turned off at the main tap, and had rounded up the president of the homeowners’ association and a handyman friend.  We stepped into the unit, onto wet and floating squares of parquet flooring, and squishy carpeting.  An inch of water covered the kitchen and bath floors.  It was not a pretty sight.<br /><br />The good news was that it wasn’t sewage water, river water or rain water.  It was clean water. <br /><br />Within an hour we had a team of fire and water damage specialists on site.  In another hour our plumber was there.  By this time Mr. Lucky and I had already sucked up over 50 gallons of water with our own big, wet/dry, shop vac.     <br /><br />The plumber determined that the source of the water was the water heater.  Its safety valve had given out, spilling the contents onto the condo’s floor.  The tank kept filling up to replace the lost water.  What’s strange is that we had turned off the water heater because it made no sense to be heating water while the place was vacant.  The plumber said he had never seen this happen before.  <br /><br />If you have ever been in a situation like this, you know that all you want is for things to be normal again.  All I can tell you is that if all damage repair specialists are as together as the local franchise owner, Mr. Make-it-right, there’s nothing to worry about.  As we inspected the various problems – wet vinyl flooring, wet baseboards, wet drywall -- his words were downright soothing.  <br /><br />“I can take care of that” <br /><br />“We’ll fix that.”<br /><br />“That’s not a problem.”<br /><br />The padding under the carpet was the kind that could be dried, so instead of ripping out all carpeting and padding, all of it would all be dried on site.  The baseboards would have to be discarded, but the wet two inches of drywall behind them could be thoroughly dried.  It would take all week, but the place would be clean, dry, disinfected, and out of trouble. <br /><br />All my precious staging was topsy turvy!  I stripped the beds and relocated to closet shelves pillows, books, lamps, and any small stuff I could.  I brought home to wash curtains and a bed skirt that had wicked up water.         <br /><br />The work is done by giant extractors, fans, and dehumidifiers.  And four men.  By the end of the day, baseboards were outta there, carpets were elevated, furniture was piled in safe places or elevated on foam blocks.<br /><br />My philosophy is that every misfortune has a flip side -- either a lesson to be learned or a greater reward down the road.  Let's just see where this soggy road leads!  

When Bad Things Happen to Good Real Estate

What you are looking at is furniture on blocks, a stack of bifold doors, an extraction machine, and fans.  What happened? At our house it’s ...

Read more »

How to Deal with D.O.M.

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Calendar-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Calendar-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you counting the days that your home has been listed for sale?  Welcome to the club.</td></tr></tbody></table>Our project property has been for sale now for 30 days without an offer.  That’s nothing to sweat about.  We see homes in our neighborhood that have been on the market for well over a year.  We can’t afford to be in that position, so we priced ours very competitively, and staged it to appeal to most people.  <br /><br />Many sellers are losing sleep worrying about double mortgage payments, falling equity, foreclosure, or whether they will be able to relocate for a better job, or to finally retire.  I hope you are not in this position.  I hope you are selling your home for the best of reasons – to move onto the next happy chapter of your life, whatever that may be. <br /><br />If the stress of having a home on the market longer than you expected is weighing you down, there are some mental gymnastics you can do to lighten the load.<br /><ul><li>Tell yourself that all it takes is one person to buy your home.  That person is out there now.  </li><li>Remind yourself that you have had the pleasure of living in this home for however long you have owned it.  Home ownership doesn’t always mean making money. </li><li>Count your blessings. Watch the national news on television or read a newspaper daily to help keep your life in perspective.  Half the world’s population lives in unsanitary conditions without access to clean water.  One billion people worldwide live in slums.  </li><li>Know that there are some things over which you have no control.  If your home is priced right, is clean, and staged to be attractive, it will sell.  </li></ul>

How to Deal with D.O.M.

Are you counting the days that your home has been listed for sale?  Welcome to the club. Our project property has been for sale now for 30 d...

Read more »

Staging Props and a Remote Possibility

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Remote2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Remote2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are the chances that someone would consider a home staging prop like this to be valuable? </td></tr></tbody></table><span id="goog_1490013491"></span><span id="goog_1490013492"></span>Have you ever had a day when your faith in the goodness and sanity of the human race was called into question?  That would be my yesterday.<br /><br />It wasn’t a string of events that eroded my confidence in people.  It wasn’t a major news story.  It wasn’t a friend’s betrayal or something Mr. Lucky said.  <br /><br />It was that someone who came to look at our property for sale, someone accompanied by a realtor, someone who has money or credit to buy a property listed at $145,000, stole our remote.  Yes, the obsolete, battery-less, cheap, little, generic channel changer.  Can you believe it?  I couldn’t.  <br /><br />Mr. Lucky noticed it was missing as soon as we walked through the room I’d staged as a TV room.  We quickly ascertained that it wasn’t misplaced, but taken.  <br /><br />Yes, yes, I know.  Those of you who have read my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">eBook</a> DIY Home Staging Tips know that I recommend not setting out in a staged home anything small enough to easily fit into someone’s pocket or purse.  <br /><br />All I can say is, I gave good advice.  Too bad I didn’t follow it.  <br /><br />But I really wanted that remote sitting handily there right next to the comfy leather sofa.  I want it so bad that I am going to find another remote and hot glue it to the contact paper I hot glued to the tabletop.  <br /><br />Even if I have to look under all the couch cushions at home to find one!

Staging Props and a Remote Possibility

What are the chances that someone would consider a home staging prop like this to be valuable? Have you ever had a day when your faith in th...

Read more »

Real Estate Negotiating and Keeping Secrets

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Heatsincrayon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Heatsincrayon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is the home you are selling staged to make someone fall in love with it? What else can you do to make it irresistible?</td></tr></tbody></table>In  a conversation with Ms. Speedy we learn that the woman who fell in love with our condo last month  -- get this – calls Ms. Speedy almost every day to find out  if the property has been sold to someone else!<br /><br />My opinion is that being that enamored of a house is not a good state of mind.  As flattered as I am that she likes the way we fixed this property, now that we know how much she loves it (since she was foolish enough to tell the broker who will represent the sellers – us ) we are less likely to accept a lower offer from her. <br /><br />The lesson here is never to let a listing broker know how emotionally attached you are to a property.  It shows too many of your cards.  If you play them close to the chest, you’ll be in a better negotiating position. <br /><br />You as a seller, need to hide your cards as well.  It's best if a potential buyer believes you are not desperate or rushed because it could prompt a low ball offer.  Contrary to what some people believe, I believe that a staged home sends a message that you are willing to wait for a buyer.  An empty home looks like the owners have moved on and may be paying for two mortgages, but staging an unoccupied residence indicates that the seller has money and patience to take care of his investment. <br /><br />A home stager makes a house lovable.  You can be your own DIY home stager because you already know your home's most lovable qualities. 

Real Estate Negotiating and Keeping Secrets

Is the home you are selling staged to make someone fall in love with it? What else can you do to make it irresistible? In  a conversation wi...

Read more »

Flowers in the Staged House

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Lantana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Lantana.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I thought these cheery, scented lantana </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>blossoms would be ideal by the front door,</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i> but, alas, they needed more care than I gave them.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="goog_1430144311"></span><span id="goog_1430144312"></span>Those of you who have read my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">ebook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar</i>, know that I am big on greenery. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I want to talk about outdoor greenery.</div><br />I hate it when I don’t listen to my own advice and it comes back to bite me. I’ve written that in the staged-for-sale home, outside greenery, unless it is part of the maintenance-free landscaping, should be faux. Good quality faux. Not cemetery flowers faux.<br /><br />What can be more inviting that a basket or bucket of colorful blooms by the front door?<br /><br />Or even a convincing silk fern?  Really, they’re made so well today that unless you go the really cheapo route, or leave them in direct sun for months, they look fabulous.  <br /><br />But while staging the front door area and the deck of our condo on the market, I convinced myself that real flowers were the way to go.  <br /><br />They’re fresh, they’re genuine, and they’re even fragrant, I mused as I potted up some geraniums, lantana and petunias. Since we live about two minutes from the property, I told myself that I’d be by daily to water them.<br /><br />Wrong. We’ve had weeks of high heat with scant rainfall, so I’ve already replaced some dead plants, and the ones remaining don’t seem all that happy.  <br /><br />I think I’ll follow my own instructions and go shopping for pretty silk greenery. Where’s that coupon for 50% off any one item priced under $20 at the home décor store?<br /><br />

Flowers in the Staged House

I thought these cheery, scented lantana  blossoms would be ideal by the front door,  but, alas, they needed more care than I gave them. Thos...

Read more »

Viagra Kind of View

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.usa.gov/roller/govgab/resource/images/pills2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://blog.usa.gov/roller/govgab/resource/images/pills2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You never know when someone who's just fooling around is going to get serious. Be prepared.</td></tr></tbody></table>The broker that works with our realtor, Ms. Speedy, told me that she showed the condo and a few other properties to an older couple last week.  The woman sat on the living room loveseat that faces the waterview, turned to her husband and sighed, “I LOVE it!”  <br /><br />The husband said, “I’d better pick up some little blue pills on the way home.  All the other properties we looked at she only LIKED!”  <br /><br />Unfortunately, they called the broker today to say they can’t qualify for a loan. <br /><br />Why don’t people get pre-qualified for financing before they set out on a house search?  On one hand, it's frustrating for sellers and brokers to have tire kickers waste their time, but on the other hand, you never know when a looker will become a buyer.  The watchword for those of us with real estate to sell is patience.

Viagra Kind of View

You never know when someone who's just fooling around is going to get serious. Be prepared. The broker that works with our realtor, Ms. ...

Read more »

Our Realtors Are Blown Away

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Mstbathfrombdrm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Mstbathfrombdrm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The master bath is small but it is private, pretty, </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">and very clean, and the realtors noticed that.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>The realtors who looked at our unit today (the ones from our listing agency, six of them)  liked what we did with the condo.<br /><br />In fact, they LOVED IT! <br /><br />All of then have seen the place sit there, stinking and dirty, for two years. Our own realtor said they were "blown away." <br /><br />She said they had never seen one of the condos in that development looking so good.<br /><br />Condos on the market have unique challenges. They are clustered so that buyers can easily comparison shop.  Typically, condos are compact, and every square foot has to earn its way.<br /><br />We're pleased that the agents are excited about our property because it will mean they're happy to show it. <br /><br />Ask yourself what your realtor thinks about your home on the market. Is there enthusiasm there?  Have you taken whatever advice she's offered so that you can operate as a team, supporting each other?  Your realtor is your representative. Surprise her with outstanding staging. You can do it! My <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">$5 home staging eBook </a>will help you from start to finish and with every step in between.

Our Realtors Are Blown Away

The master bath is small but it is private, pretty,  and very clean, and the realtors noticed that. The realtors who looked at our unit toda...

Read more »

Finally We Are Staged to Sell

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/kitchenlookingood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Just when you think you're done staging, there's one more detail that needs attention.<br /><br />To celebrate finishing up the condo rehabbing/staging project, we were going to go to a nearby coastal town for a fabulous seafood dinner, but we got hung up working out some electrical tweaks at the <span class="il">condo</span> with Mr.Carpenter.<br /><br />He told us he enjoyed working with us because we knew what we were doing, had taste (he said that!), and didn't change our minds about things once the project was underway.  <br /><br />Then we went for burgers right here in town.  And relaxed. For the first time in weeks.<br /><br />All the work was worth it! Here's a look at the finished project, with apologies for poor photography.   <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Entrancemorewalkway-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Entrancemorewalkway-1.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We kept the entrance to the condo uncomplicated.</i></span></div></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Masterbdrmmessybed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="435" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Masterbdrmmessybed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The master bedroom has comfy bedding, matching side tables and good lighting. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Mstbathfrombdrm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Mstbathfrombdrm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>One bathroom, small but pretty, is off the master bedroom. </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/TVrmlongview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/TVrmlongview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The entrance room gets the most sun. We staged it like an office/family/TV room. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/livrm-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/livrm-1.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This view shows how nice and high the ceiling is.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/counter2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/counter2-1.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We chose to paint the entire unit one color, a warm beige.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Singlebedwlamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Singlebedwlamps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Staging with a twin bed rather than a double made this bedroom look more spacious.</i></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/bar1-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/bar1-1.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Off the living room, this closet became a dry bar. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Livrmlongview-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Livrmlongview-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Even though the property isn't on the beach, I wanted a beach feel.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Kitchen7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Kitchen7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The marina is visible from the kitchen. Our new cabinets look fabulous.</i></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Kitchen8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Kitchen8.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A new range and microwave/hood made a big difference. </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/kitchenlookingood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/kitchenlookingood.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Adding new cabinet doors was one of the biggest changes.  </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Mstbathpolkadots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Mstbathpolkadots.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I used some polka dot ribbon to play up the nailhead trim on the mirror. </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Hallbathcounter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Hallbathcounter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The other bath also has a new mirror, one with a wide white frame that goes wall to wall.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Deckwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Deckwater.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The deck chairs are supposed to have cushions, but I like the clean look without them.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Deckfountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Deckfountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">On the other end of the deck, I added a fountain because it sounds so relaxing. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />

Finally We Are Staged to Sell

Just when you think you're done staging, there's one more detail that needs attention. To celebrate finishing up the condo rehabbin...

Read more »

Moving Large Furniture to Condo

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Fountainclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Fountainclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">More back door appeal than curb appeal, this fountain's </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">soft gurgle is what will greet househunters when </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">they step out onto the deck.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>I did some cleaning at the <span class="il">condo</span> after dinner, and then dealt with getting some things in the van for tomorrow. I wanted to be putting things in the van in the dark so the neighbors won't see me and think we're moving. Silly, I know. <br /><br />We still have a few large pieces to get over there--loveseat, floor lamps, office credenza, bakers rack, wall mirror. Mr. Lucky's not totally on board with the two nightstands from our room and the drop leaf table in the kitchen with two chairs, so I'm a little discouraged by that. Not only does it mean I have to be diplomatic, compromise, and pick my battles, I have to do more of the moving and bed-construction myself (because I want it done "my way," ** stomping her foot **).<br /><br />But I am very encouraged by the way the place is looking. I've got a little fountain by the back door that gurgles water from a fish's mouth. Sweet. The baths are looking boutique-hotel and the dry bar closet is all staged.<br /><br />

Moving Large Furniture to Condo

More back door appeal than curb appeal, this fountain's  soft gurgle is what will greet househunters when  they step out onto the deck. ...

Read more »

Curb Appeal That Says, "Come In! You'll Love Me!"

<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Entrancemorewalkway-1-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Entrancemorewalkway-1-1.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We doubled up on the pavers to make a wider and </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>more welcoming sidewalk. Then we  </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i> put down landscaping fabric and river rock.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Most people selling a home have heard about the importance of curb appeal.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But when the property</b></span> you're selling is part of a complex of almost identical units, and there are covenants or restrictions that limit what you can do to the exterior, you have a special challenge.<br /><br />The condo we're renovating is like that.<br /><br />I need to walk the fine line between fitting in and standing out. Our door and entrance area match the units to the left and right of us, just 10 feet away.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I chose to imitate</b></span> their minimal landscaping style because I knew it would make my entrance way look larger, part of the whole complex.<br /><br />One of the units used river rock, a look I happen to fancy, so off I went to the landscape supply store. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I try to learn something every day</b></span> and today I learned that what I call river rock the local supplier calls egg rock. Whatever it's called, I love the clean and practical quality of it. I brought my own 5-gallon buckets (I'm a housepainter, so there's never a shortage of these around our house), and I left with 10 of them filled with rock, for a total cost of $102 at 13 cents per pound.<br /><br />I also bought four 18 x 18-inch cement pavers with a pebble finish to match the six that were already at the condo. Each paver cost $12. I was pleased.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I don't know how pleased </b></span>Mr. Lucky was to have the task of downloading the rock and pavers from the van and putting it all in place. As landscapes go, this approach is about as low maintenance as you can get and still look appealing. I brought in a spot of color with a large planter filled with annuals.  The planter is an $8 plastic one from Big Lots that I <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-faux-finish-plastic-flower-pot.html" target="_blank">faux finished</a> to look like stone.<br /><br />You'll learn other t ricks to make your while home more welcoming to buyers in my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a> <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar.</i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Curb appeal is crucial</b></span>, and I think the look of our entrance is clean and inviting.  Whether we're talking about speed dating, job interviews, or househunting, first impressions can scoot you to the top of the list, or kick you off the list.<br /><br />Staging your home's exterior can put you at the top of the top, and staging the interior will keep you there. Order my eBook NOW, and start NOW to get your staging done right -- economically and quickly. <br /><br /><br />

Curb Appeal That Says, "Come In! You'll Love Me!"

We doubled up on the pavers to make a wider and  more welcoming sidewalk. Then we   put down landscaping fabric and river rock. Most people ...

Read more »

Table and Chairs on Loan for Condo

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Livrmdining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Livrmdining.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This table is tall enough to</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">give househunters the message </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">that they will have a  wonderful </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">water view during dinner. </span></i>   </td></tr></tbody></table>The table and chairs that my daughter and son-in-law loaned us to help stage the <span class="il">condo</span> MAKE the place.<br /><br /> I mean, those two made money for us by loaning us that set. <br /><br />The scale, the colors, the style--it sets the tone for the whole unit, bumping it up a big ol' notch.<br /><br />Staging from scratch is difficult when you don't have extra furniture. Renting furniture is iffy, and something I did not want to do.<br /><br />Although I believe this condo will sell quickly, I won't be able to factor in the cost of rental furniture. I don't know how long I'll need it, and the cost adds up quickly if you are using rooms of rental furniture.<br /><br />Also, sometimes rental companies require a minimum number of months.<br /><br />The easy solution -- if you can do it -- is to borrow.<br /><br />If you need some furniture to stage a room of the house you are selling, remember that family and friends can be excellent sources.

Table and Chairs on Loan for Condo

This table is tall enough to give househunters the message  that they will have a  wonderful  water view during dinner.    The table and cha...

Read more »

Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace?

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Livrmseating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/Livrmseating.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The living room fireplace after I painted and staged.  </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I have a neighbor whose husband is a mason, so when I told her that I had painted the brick fireplace in my own home, she gasped, "Oh, my husband would never let me do that!" <br /><br />I don't get it. It's brick, not a sacred relic.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>To me, a brick surface </b></span>of almost any kind belongs outside, so an indoor fireplace is just begging to get covered with whatever color I like that works for the rest of the room. <br /><br />In a staged home, that color is probably going to be white.<br /><br />I know there are some people who will say, "But what about the next owner? They'll never get the paint off the brick."<br /><br />My comment to these people is ... that I don't care. Keeping something you don't love for the person next in line is like laying plastic mats on your car's floor to keep it clean for the next owner.  <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Besides, plenty of people </b></span>love the look of painted brick. It's clean, it's contemporary, it's cottagey or sophisticated depending on the decor. <br /><br />To say bye-bye to the red brick of our condo fireplace, I masked off the carpet, then primed it with a stain-blocker. Then it got two coats of our pure white semi gloss trim paint.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Livrmwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Livrmwall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Before I painted the heath and surround, our room's focal point was just a dark and brassy hole at one end of the room. My, that cord to the fake fire is attractive, eh?  </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mr. Lucky had already masked off around the metal fireplace screen. He used heat-resistant fireplace spray paint to make it black.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I love the look of the "new" fireplace</b></span> in this condo we're flipping. I have a feeling the new owner will not say, "Why did someone ruin the precious red brick?" Buyers notice eyesores more than they do special features. Don't be afraid to freshen a brick fireplace with paint.<br /><br />My <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar,</i> which you can download now, gives many other ways to revitalize your home on the market. Make your house the one house hunters remember and <i>want! </i>I show you how. <i> </i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarilPbjoonjc9mDEMUJVmrOu26yjwGPCkAOubFsknWZoL0iKYhY01YFFd30eCmSxUdqFBxjL4-AnUXLThw-NV_TzisNt5mO_LdmtX8_cSLaorbNU62qd7StdT53PaS_iqcZgdSQCqzVYD/s400/Chair+on+right+like+header.jpg" /></a></center>

Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace?

The living room fireplace after I painted and staged.  I have a neighbor whose husband is a mason, so when I told her that I had painted the...

Read more »