Painting Your Home? Here's Advice About Dropcloths

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/withrugfordropcloth-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/withrugfordropcloth-1.jpg" width="460" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mr. Lucky likes to use a carpet scrap for a dropcloth. </i></span></td></tr></tbody> </table><br />If you are planning to paint your staged home, good for you! A DIY paint job done well brings terrific returns on your investment. The best part is that your investment is more time than money.    <br /><br />When you pay for professional painting, most of what you are paying for is labor. So, if you can do the work, you can save the money.  <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MESSES.</b></span> A striking difference between the inexperienced and the professional painter is the amount of paint the beginner gets where paint is not supposed to be. That's what dropcloths are for -- protecting surfaces. They won't protect you, though. That's what gloves, a hat, long sleeves, and painters pants are for. But dressing for painting is a blog post for another day.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EDGES ONLY. </b></span>When you are painting walls, it is not necessary to cover the entire room with dropcloths.  You want to protect the perimeter of the room and any raised surfaces that are fixed to the walls, like counter tops, built-in cabinets, or tub and toilets.  A small dropcloth in the center of the room will give you a safe surface where you can pour up paint and keep supplies.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAT SIZE. </b></span>Around the room's perimeter, all you need is a dropcloth less than 2 feet wide. (Of course, any furniture will be pushed towards the middle of the room.) In the photo above, you see Mr. Lucky's preference -- an 18-inch wide piece of scrap carpeting. It works well because it lies flat and can easily be kicked or dragged along as he moves around the room. If you use this system, just be certain to keep the roller over the carpet scrap at all times.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT KIND.</span></b> Most people think of canvas dropcloths when they think of professional painters.  These cloths are good because they are impervious to paint and the cover all kinds of surfaces without shifting.  If you don't have a canvas dropcloth and don't want to buy one, I suggest a paper dropcloth designed to be used multiple times, but not forever. Some types are heavy, flexible paper, and some are plastic-backed.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SAVE MONEY. </b></span>For a budget version of a handy dropcloth, look in second hand stores for vinyl-backed curtains and drapes. If you cut off the pleated top edge, you'll have a versatile dropcloth that's small enough to be washable but large enough to provide good protection.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>DON'T DO THIS.</b></span> If you plan to throw down plastic sheeting to protect floors, don't. Paint that splatters and drips onto plastic does not dry, and before you know it, you've stepped in drips and tracked paint onto carpets or flooring.    <br /><br />Also do not use cardboard (too slippery), newspaper (too unreliable), or "contractor's" rosin paper (too stiff and shifty). In a pinch, an old sheet, folded to lay in two or three layers will sub for a dropcloth.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>INVESTMENT. </b></span>Painting is the one of the best real estate enhancements you can do yourself. Having the right supplies, like dropcloths that do what they are supposed to do, will help you do a cleaner job, and make your home on the market more appealing to buyers.<br /><br />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>, gives you plenty more tips to work efficiently and effectively when you prepare your home for sale. Why go it alone, when I can be holding your hand? <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html"></a><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/lars72/733blog%20design%20images/featured_button.png" /></a></center>

Painting Your Home? Here's Advice About Dropcloths

Mr. Lucky likes to use a carpet scrap for a dropcloth. If you are planning to paint your staged home, good for you! A DIY paint job done w...

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Good News for House Sellers

<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://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:QooFfI9ApUts_M:http://cameraphotodigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/walk-in-shower.jpg&t=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:QooFfI9ApUts_M:http://cameraphotodigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/walk-in-shower.jpg&t=1" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A walk-in shower is a definite upgrade for today's buyer.</span></i><br /><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table>I try to stay current with trends in real estate.<br /><br />Not only do I have a home on the market, but I want to help you sell your home, so learning about what's happening to the U.S. economy and the housing market is part of my job.<br /><br />Today I read an article from RISMEDIA, (the RIS stands for real estate information systems). In an item dated August 23, 2010, RIS summarized a recent report from two government agencies -- the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury.<br /><br />These departments look closely at our nation's housing market, and pass their findings on to other government departments.<br /><br />This report showed that in July, housing prices remained level after 30 straight months of decline. I see that as good news.<br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div>Also, the report noted, historic low interest rates continue to promote home affordability and refinancing options for Americans. That's more good news.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">RIS pointed out</span></b> that the housing market still remains fragile as evidenced by a slight increase in foreclosure starts and with serious delinquencies continuing to work through the pipeline.<br /><br />What this news might mean to you is that you needn't assume your home will depreciate further.  Of course, in some markets, mostly large metro areas, values have not gone down.  I hope your home's value has been stable. <br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Something else </span></b>I take away from these findings is that if you have a staged home you have an edge over the growing number of foreclosures on the market because typically, foreclosures are not staged.<br /><br />This week I also read an opinion piece from Allison Arieff.  For four years she has written a monthly column called "By Design" about housing, food and shelter for the New York Times, and formerly was editor of a magazine entitled "Dwell."  She knows about houses! <br /><br />Ms. Arieff notes that 2009 showed a trend toward people building smaller homes.  Of course, the lousey economy is the major reason, but that fact doesn't change the statistic.  The point is Americans are learning that a well-designed, affordable home is preferable to a McMansion.  Here are some quotes from her NYTimes story:  <br /><br />"Perhaps recognizing that they’ll be staying in their homes longer, buyers are starting to look for universal design, ranging from wheelchair-accessible bathrooms to single-story homes — options that will allow them to 'age in place' — in other words, move into a home they can grow old in. They want accessory dwellings (aka granny flats) to accommodate rising numbers of children moving home after college and aging parents needing care."<br /><br />"So far, the market isn’t offering many of these, a lack one can chalk up somewhat to inertia but also to legitimate obstacles ranging from zoning and code restrictions to difficulties with financing."<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can read </span></b>her entire article <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/home-for-life/">here</a><br /><a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/home-for-life/">http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/home-for-life/  </a><br /><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://www.designingenuity.ca/images/barrier-free-design/barrier-free-design-pic01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://www.designingenuity.ca/images/barrier-free-design/barrier-free-design-pic01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Any time you can make your home be more barrier-free, you have a selling advantage.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What you can learn</span></b> from these reports is that if you have the kind of home that can fit into today's changed  buying patterns, let your staging emphasize those qualities.<br /><br />Make sure the basic systems to your home -- heating and cooling, roof, plumbing, electrical  -- are well maintained and as up-to-date as you can manage.<br /><br />Make the most of the space you have. A room with a closet should be staged as a bedroom, especially if it is on the ground floor.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Educate yourself </span></b>about zoning restrictions and other local ordinances if you have a "granny flat," like a room over a detached garage or a guest cottage. Look for ways that your home will appeal to people house hunting with an eye to the future, like raising your washer and dryer to a friendlier height, and enlarging narrow doorways.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Home staging means dressing your house to sell to today's home buyer, so understanding current trends gives you an advantage over sellers who are out-of-touch.<br /><br />Be sure to download 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>, to get more advice that will make your home staging effective, economical and easy!

Good News for House Sellers

A walk-in shower is a definite upgrade for today's buyer. I try to stay current with trends in real estate. Not only do I have a home on...

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Tips for You If Your Home Is Staged But Vacant

<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/homestaging/thevacanthouselook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/thevacanthouselook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Poor upkeep means this property will have a difficult time</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>attracting </i></span><i style="font-size: medium;">a buyer and getting a good offer.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When you do not live in the home you have staged to sell,</b></span> you have advantages over those people who are living in their staged homes. You're not tucking away your toiletries and polishing faucets on a daily basis, but you have a separate set of challenges.<br /><br />You'll want to keep your property from looking vacant.  Vandalism can be a problem in rural, suburban or urban settings.  On one hand, you don't want people to be able look in windows, but you also want people who tour the home to be able to see rooms flooded with as much natural light as possible.  Some sort of sheer curtains are a likely choice for window treatments.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I suggest</b></span> investing in some programmable timers.  It's easy to set timers to make lights and radios come on and go off at various times to create the effect of people being in the home.  You can find one <a href="http://www.smarthome.com/2046/Programmable-Receptacle-Timer/p.aspx">here </a>for less than $10.  <a href="http://www.smarthome.com/2046/Programmable-Receptacle-Timer/p.aspx">http://www.smarthome.com/2046/Programmable-Receptacle-Timer/p.aspx   </a><br /><br />Obviously, the owners of the property pictured above didn't hire a reliable lawn service.  When a home's exterior shows neglect, a house hunter begins calculating just how low he can go if he decides to make an offer.  Many will just tell their realtor to drive on by.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But a lawn service company</b></span> won't solve all exterior maintenance problems. If debris blows into the entranceway, mildew grows on the siding, cobwebs surround the door, and windows are getting dirty, the home is losing appeal, and that translates into dollars lost.  Some homeowners in this position ask a neighbor or pay a person to stop by on a regular basis and tend to their home's exterior. <br /><br />Inside the home isn't safe from looking neglected.  Ideally, someone will walk through the property to check for things like dead bugs, stale air, and dirt brought in by people touring the property.  You cannot always count on a realtor to turn off every light, straighten chairs, plump pillows and close closet doors when necessary.  If you live too far away to check your property, someone else should.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Once you've staged your home</b></span> for the real estate market, the game isn't quite over.  But the better-looking your home stays, the faster you'll see that offer to buy.

Tips for You If Your Home Is Staged But Vacant

Poor upkeep means this property will have a difficult time attracting  a buyer and getting a good offer. When you do not live in the home yo...

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Does Your Outdoor Space Help Sell Your House?

Front yard, back yard -- they are both part of your home's package, and the way your outdoor spaces look gives buyers their first impressions of your home. <div><br /><div>The more private areas of any property are where homeowners will feel most at home. Let's review what's essential in these back yards and side yards in order to win buyers' hearts and minds.</div><div><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/P1000023_zpscd01ea22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1000023_zpscd01ea22.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Paths make it easy for people on a home-buying tour to navigate your yard. <br />Paths are intriguing, especially if they lead to a visible destination, like seats. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div> </div><div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When people shop for a home</b></span>, they like to imagine themselves relaxing outdoors, entertaining friends, and spending time with family there.  Don't ignore theses areas when you stage your property. Even small spaces can be selling points when staged appropriately.<br /><br />To begin your outdoor staging work, consider how you've used your exterior spaces while you've lived in your home. Consider how new owners might want to use the same spaces.<br /><br />Seating is essential. A patio or deck of any size should have a couple of outdoor chairs, and if possible, a table. Larger areas call for a four-seater table and chairs, or benches.<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/P1050029_zpsa4e9ffa3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1050029_zpsa4e9ffa3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Having outdoor seating is so important that it doesn't matter if seats match.<br />Center seats around a fire pit or table to create a role for them to play in buyers minds. </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/P1050297_zps99963461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="612" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1050297_zps99963461.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Every area of your property won't look its best all year long.  This quiet corner comes to <br />life in springtime. Each separate landscaped area can have its time when it peaks.  </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/P1050301_zps9aaaedec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1050301_zps9aaaedec.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Giving definition to a landscape with edging and mulch makes<br />the outdoors look tended and important. It's economical and simple to do.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Aim for comfort</b></span> by adding cushions covered with weather-resistant fabric, and maybe a tantalizing lounge chair, sling chair, or swing. I once rented a house almost solely because I was captivated by the charming, old fashioned porch swing!<br /><br />Your outdoors can be more colorful and busy than your indoor rooms, so don't be shy about adding elements like a firepit, grill, lighting, side tables, and a bar to convey the idea that your home is designed well for entertaining.  <br /><br />Keep any lawn and landscaped areas lush and inviting. Make sure any flowers are looking tended. At this time of year in many parts of the country, gardens are winding down or overgrown.<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/P1040811_zps8197304c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1040811_zps8197304c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Add color to outdoor areas. If you can't have blooming flowers, <br />you can paint furniture, or look for suitable cushions and other colorful accessories.   </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't be afraid </b></span>to toss plants that have lived their lives. You can simply put down fresh mulch in their place, or replant with seasonal color.<br /><br />I love the sound of a fountain that greets people as they step outdoors.  Even a small fountain, one put together from a handsome container and a small submersible pump will provide the sound and sight of bubbling water. Wind chimes are another low cost addition that appeals to the senses.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2005Q3/ft_aug05msl09_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2005Q3/ft_aug05msl09_xl.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>These bright cushions are made from vinyl tablecloth fabric.  </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: Martha Stewart.</i></span><br /><div><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you do not live</b></span> in the home you are staging, it is not unusual for house hunters to check out a home's outside spaces, and even walk around the property. If that's a possibility with your home, it's even more important to stage the outside of your home to be as alluring as its interior.  It could be the thing that ropes in that buyer.<br /><br />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>, I offer lots helpful pointers and easy projects to make the your home look more appealing to buyers, including a 15-page section on staging your home's exterior. Order today, and start staging today!  <br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div></div>

Does Your Outdoor Space Help Sell Your House?

Front yard, back yard -- they are both part of your home's package, and the way your outdoor spaces look gives buyers their first impres...

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Cleaning Products Every Home Stager Needs

<br /><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Dishwashercleaner-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Dishwashercleaner-1.jpg" width="355" /></a>Whenever I learn about a cleaning product that do<a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Dishwashercleaner-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>es a better job or a faster job, I try to pass the word along.<br /><br />Last week the stars must have been aligned just so, because I learned new uses for a familiar product <i>and </i>discovered a new (to me) product.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>First Up...</b></span><br /><br />I've been loading and unloading dishwashers for over 35 years. Not that I'm counting.<br /><br />Yet, I never knew that a monthly cleaning cycle with a special cleaning and disinfecting agent made a big difference in how the dishwasher and the dishes look.<br /><br /><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Dishwashercleaner-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> Listen up, all you DIY home stagers! People who are out househunting look into cabinets, closets, vanities, ovens and ... dishwashers. <br /><br />You can make your dishwasher sparkle impressively with one treatment of Dishwasher Magic. It will cost about $5 and is effortless to use. Highly recommended.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Second Discovery </b></span><br /><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Stovetoppolishonred-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Stovetoppolishonred-1.jpg" width="355" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Somehow I stumbled on new uses for traditional smooth top stove cleaner. The brand I had on hand is Weiman Glass Cook Top Cleaner.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It works like a polish and a cleaner. I found that it made faucets that I had already deemed shiny, shine even more. It cleans and then puts a finish on glass shower doors so they don't need constant wiping. It will put a smooth finish on all appliances. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It does take a little buffing, but the results are remarkable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's the details like a sparkling faucet and a clean dishwasher that put a staged home over the top. One of the best investments you can make in home improvement is the time you spend cleaning.  </div><br />Cleanliness breeds confidence, so make sure your home has that kind of clean!  <br /><br /><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Stovetoppolishonred-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>

Cleaning Products Every Home Stager Needs

Whenever I learn about a cleaning product that do es a better job or a faster job, I try to pass the word along. Last week the stars must ...

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A Staged Foyer Helps Sell Your 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://www.decorpad.com/photos/2009/11/25/1955d3548fdd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.decorpad.com/photos/2009/11/25/1955d3548fdd.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Clean lines make this foyer's mood easy to duplicate. <br />The red, black and white colors add drama, <br />and the ornate mirror adds detail. Photo: DecorPad</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It's no wonder the foyer is the most overlooked room of a house. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's just the room we pass as we come and go. But when your home is for sale, every room is important.   Especially the foyer.</div></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The foyer welcomes guests</span></b> to your home and gives visitors a glimpse of what's to come. It lets buyers have their first chance to judge the home's interior.<br /><br />This is no place for "good enough." This is a place for "wow." Do something impressive.<br /><br />Hang a large piece of colorful art. Lay a gorgeous rug there. How about a beautiful new light fixture?<br /><br />Since the room is usually small (if it exists at all) you can afford to add some luxury touches.        <br /><br />If you have no foyer, you can create a sense of entrance by placing an interesting chair or small table near the front door.<br /><br />If space is too tight for a table, a shelf functions just as well to hold a pretty lamp, a silk floral arrangement, a simple sculpture, or a dish of peppermints.<br /><br />Remember that the foyer can be the last room a house hunter sees (and tastes) as he goes on with his tour of homes.  <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lighting is important</span></b>.  If there are sidelights next to the door, be sure they let in all the natural light they can. Use sheer instead of heavy curtains, or none at all if privacy's not an issue.<br /><br />The foyer is one place you could leave a light on all day even in your absence and not have it look like you were trying to make you home look brighter for a showing. It just makes sense, as in, "We'll leave on light on for you."  .<br /><br />Furniture's a must in the large foyer, and what fun you can have there. A rustic bench... a mirrored cabinet... a large black table holding books and flowers... whatever suits your house. If you use a rug, make it generous, no matter what the size of the room.<br /><br /><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://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/4-adlger-0509-xlg-30906791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/4-adlger-0509-xlg-30906791.jpg" width="496" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Is there anything you can copy from this big and bright entry </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">designed by Jonathan Adler? </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo for House Beautiful.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><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://img4.coastalliving.com/i/2002/11/bahamas-entry-table-l.jpg?400:400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img4.coastalliving.com/i/2002/11/bahamas-entry-table-l.jpg?400:400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Rich woods and bold colors bring this foyer to life.  </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">It tells us the rest of the house will be exciting!  </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Coastal Living photo by Deborah Whitlaw.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">A mirror</span> is perfect for the foyer, the bigger the better.  Ideally it will reflect from side to side, so no one is startled when he opens the door.<br /><br />Of course you will make sure that everything is spotless -- the overhead light, the floor, any furniture, and of course, the door itself.<br /><br />Don't forget scent.  A clever place to hide your scent mechanism in a small room is to lay an incense stick on the ledge over the door trim. You know, that little ledge you never dust.<br /><br />The word foyer is derived from the French word for fire because in the late 1800's the foyer was the room to which <span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">theater</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">audiences</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">went</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">warmth</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">between</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">acts</span></span>.<br /><br />Is your foyer staged to be warm and welcoming?<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Ebook help.</span> Download my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar</i> for more ways to impress buyers and convince them that your home should be their home.<br />  

A Staged Foyer Helps Sell Your House

Clean lines make this foyer's mood easy to duplicate. The red, black and white colors add drama, and the ornate mirror adds detail. Phot...

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You Can Make Headboards from Recycled Stuff

<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://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/chicago/2008-01-02-noreiga-ortiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/chicago/2008-01-02-noreiga-ortiz.jpg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This wall was painted in two colors and mirror was added for that headboard effect. </i></span> <i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Designer: Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz </span></i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Budget home staging calls for creativity. Re-purposing is one way to get a jump start on creativity. Instead of pulling ideas out of thin air, you have something to start with. Love that!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">To help you get creative with your DIY home staging, I'm posting photos of some ingenious headboards, ones made from materials that started life as something else.  </span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></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://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/chicago/20080219headframe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/chicago/20080219headframe1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Empty picture frame hung over curtain.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Do It Yourself Magazine</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://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/chicago/02082010headboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/chicago/02082010headboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">With little effort, two sets of shutters became a lovely headboard.  </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Apartment Therapy</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://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/ny/1-30-headboard-shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/ny/1-30-headboard-shelf.jpg" width="617" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The bookcase as headboard and storage/display area is a winner.  </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: Apartment Therapy</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://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/1052480/homesandgardens_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/1052480/homesandgardens_rect540.jpg" width="633" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A fabric remnant hung on a curtain rod stands in as an easy DIY headboard. </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Photo: Homes and Gardens</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://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/051810headboard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/051810headboard1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This large headboard is made from fabric squares and mattress topper foam. </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Tutorial at All Things Thrifty.com</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://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/la/022008headboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/la/022008headboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>For a beautiful wood look, try a headboard made of two lightweight luan closet doors.  </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Photo: Apartment Therapy</i></span></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://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/8-3-09-Door-headboard-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="539" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/8-3-09-Door-headboard-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Who would guess that a common garage door made this striking headboard?  </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: Mark Burstyn/Antonio Bellusci for Canadian House and Home</i></span><small> </small></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://img4.sunset.com/i/2008/12/menlo-idea-house-1208/menlo-idea-house-master-bedroom-l.jpg?400:400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://img4.sunset.com/i/2008/12/menlo-idea-house-1208/menlo-idea-house-master-bedroom-l.jpg?400:400" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This handsome headboard is made from a fireplace surround and mantle. </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Photo: <span class="photocredit">E. Spencer Toy and Sunset Magazine.</span></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>An impressive headboard can bring an ordinary bedroom to life. But the beautiful store-bought ones are expensive, so get creative with your frugal home staging, and try a DIY headboard from recycled materials.<br /><br />

You Can Make Headboards from Recycled Stuff

This wall was painted in two colors and mirror was added for that headboard effect.    Designer: Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz  Budget home stagin...

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