Design Tips to Help You Make the Sale

The following post has been submitted by one of our guest contributors to the blog: Holly McCarthy...

It is no secret that we are suffering through one of the most devastating economic climates in many years, and have already sustained substantial losses in its wake. Thousands upon thousands of people have lost their homes, and many others are on the verge of following suit. Right now, it is certainly a buyer’s market when it comes to housing, but there are some simple ways to ensure that your house sells before the guy down the block gets to your potential buyer.

It’s All About Presentation

From the dishes in the sink to the dust bunnies swirling about when the door is opened, you may want to look at your space with some fresh eyes. Keep an eye out for the latest trends and read up on what buyers are looking for. When you’re trying to sell your home, you need to make your home appeal to as many people as possible. Affordable updates are far easier than expensive renovations.

Clean It Up

Once you are equipped with the proper information about what people are looking for, snap to it. Rather than spending a fortune on new flooring, have a professional carpet cleaner come to your home and help to make things presentable. People out there scouring the market are often willing to make the major changes to your property and want to select things like tile, carpet, or wood themselves.

Fresh Paint

Relatively inexpensive, paint is a fantastic way to change up a room’s appearance. If someone looking at your home doesn’t like the color it can always be changed, but you can’t change their first impression of your home. Select neutral colors that will compliment your rooms’ features.

Accent Pieces Work Wonders

It’s amazing how some small items can make or break a space. Find bold and bright ways to liven up a room and change the way things look in a positive and economical way. Accessories, accent pillows, throws, and other items are great ways to change the look of a room without breaking the bank.

When it’s all said and done, selling your house in this market can be made much easier by making a few simple changes in your home. You may end up wanting to stay after you’ve looked at your home through new buyers’ eyes.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of online trade schools. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com

Spiraling Housing Market Inspired Design Tips

I know everyone’s worried about the current state of the housing market, but these economic fears shouldn't stop us from having STYLE! If you’re looking to revamp your space on a tight budget, remember that money is no substitute for innovation.

Design Tips
On a tight budget, remember to be selective. Pick the most important rooms you wish to revamp and the specific elements and themes that are most significant. Carefully analyze your current home, furnishing and decorations before making a plan. Improve upon what you have, instead of starting completely from scratch.
Buying products secondhand is a key component of budget design. In addition to local thrift locations, most people grab their unique finds online at places like eBay.

The following ideas are simple and inexpensive decorating ways to liven up a room over without breaking the bank.
* Add mirrors to create light and space.
* Repaint cabinets, instead of replacing them. Paint will clean, freshen and liven up a cabinet. Just check with a local paint supply store for advice on painting unusual surfaces.
* Cover imperfections instead of fixing them. For example, place a rug over a discolored spot on your floor or a tapestry on a rough wall.
* Take off the curtains. If you have a nice view, maximize it by removing the window coverings.
* Organize the clutter. Improve a room with neat and organized decorations. Be creative and utilize your decor as storage with baskets or cabinets.
* Create your own wall art. Stencil patterns, wallpaper borders, stick on vinyl, maps, chalkboards are all inexpensive items to create a rooms uniqueness.
* Replace your lampshades.
* Paint. Paint creates a dramatic change for little money and effort. Be brave and try out new colors. Paint only one wall a vibrant color or paint furniture.
Remember these three items to save money without sacrificing quality - paint, fabric and artwork. Replace cost with your own labor. DIY decorating can be enjoyable and cost effective.