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November 27, 2018

How to Make Your House Smell Delicious Over the Holidays

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. Cold temps and winter weather mean we’ll be spending more time indoors. With our homes sealed up against the elements, that means we could be at the mercy of pet odors, lingering cooking smells or something even worse.

Whether your home is for sale during the holidays or you just want a breath of fresh air, the following tips and tricks will make sure your house smells delicious over the holidays.

Pop Something in the Oven

If you have friends or a scheduled showing, whip up a batch of cookies and pull them out of the oven right before your guests arrive. You don’t even have to make them from scratch. Keep a tube of refrigerated cookie dough on hand or better yet, make cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it so you can toss it into the oven at a moment’s notice. Chocolate chip is always a favorite, but around the holidays you might want to try a little gingerbread.

Diffuse Essential Oils

Essential OilsEssential oils not only smell great, they can also be therapeutic. With a minimal investment in a diffuser and a few oils, you can keep your home smelling fresh all season long. Many companies sell essential oil blends that are already mixed and ready to use. If you decide to blend your own, there are recipes online or you can use one oil at a time. Some of our favorites for the holiday season are scents of wintergreen or pine. Peppermint is always refreshing and also can help boost your energy and concentration.

 

Simmer Something on the Stove

Simmer PotpourriIf you’re short on time and need to work with what you’ve got on hand, you can toss a few aromatic ingredients in a saucepan full of water and simmer any odors away. Traditional blends include oranges, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. You can also try slices of lemons with sprigs of fresh rosemary. Infuse new life into potpourri by adding water and letting it heat up on the stovetop. And if your fridge is empty and your pantry is bare, you can always mix some vanilla extract in water. Bring it to a boil then turn it to low and pretty soon your whole house will smell like the inside of a vanilla bean.

Decorate with Scented Pine Cones

Scented Pine ConesIf you’ve walked down the aisle of a craft store this time of year, you’ve probably smelled the cinnamon-y, spicy scent of holiday pine cones. Pick up a bag of those and spread them throughout your seasonal decor for an instant boost of holiday cheer. Or you can make your own scented pine cones by adding pine cones and 20-30 drops of essential oils to a gallon-sized bag. Let it sit for at least 24 hours, although several days is even better. For scents, you can use a mix of cinnamon, evergreen, pine, clove, or anything else you’re drawn to.

With the tips above your home will smell delicious through the holiday season and beyond. Do you have any tips we haven’t mentioned? Share them in the comments below!

 

 

By The Property Geeks
Thanksgiving
November 20, 2018

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Around Thanksgiving

The majority of people think the best time to sell a home is during the summer. Children are out of school which makes it much easier for parents to relocate and start a new life in their new home. In actuality more than half of homebuyers do not have children or have children that are out of the house. There are far less numbers of homes for sale during the holidays which makes the demand for a quality home that much higher.

1. Make Curb Appeal a Top Priority.

By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, trees have started to lose their leaves. This makes maintaining the exterior of your even more of a priority. Bare trees result in a more exposed home, so touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers’ safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of leaves.

2. Avoid Clutter at All Costs.

Family visiting during Thanksgiving can add quite a bit of clutter to the home. In the case that a potential buyer wants to view the home, eliminating this clutter couldn’t be more important. If family has taken over a bedroom that’s usually used for storage, it can be wise to invest in a storage unit. These are not expensive and can be rented for a month or two while the home is on the market. Clutter decreases the perceived size of the home which could be a deciding factor whether a buyer puts an offer in or continues their search.

3. Appeal to the Buyer’s Imagination.

Creating a warm atmosphere during Thanksgiving and the holidays when your home is being sold can do a couple of things. The potential buyers could imagine themselves celebrating their own Thanksgiving in the home. This isn’t the time to put up huge amounts of decorations but rather enough to get into the spirit of the season. Warm colors should be abundant and those quirky holiday decorations that some families put up in their homes during certain holidays should be kept in the attic.

4. Price The Home To Sell.

Pricing the home to sell during the holidays is extremely important. If you accepted a new job and need to relocate by the end of the year this multiplies in importance. Many buyers if in the same situation will want to put an offer in around the Thanksgiving holiday. This will reduce the stress of trying to find a home during the Christmas holidays when many people travel for extended periods. Closing quickly will also allow you to write off closing costs during this year’s tax season.

5. Select an Experienced Real Estate Agent.

Picking the right agent is important regardless of what time of year that it is. During the holidays it’s more important as many facets of selling a home can be impacted by the holiday breaks. We’d love the opportunity to earn your business!

Remember: Selling your home during the Thanksgiving and holiday season isn’t impossible. Taking care of the small details leading up to the sale will only increase your chances of considering offers with your turkey dinner. Happy Thanksgiving and good luck selling this holiday season!

By The Property Geeks
Sell Your Home In Winter
November 12, 2018

Top 10 Items That Will Sell Your Home in Winter

Many homeowners believe attempting to sell their places during winter is a losing proposition. Real estate agents, however, know any season is the right one when a property is attractive and represents a great value. Here to help you with your winter sales push, we’ve compiled the top ten items that will sell your home in winter.

With inventory typically lower during the cold weather months, it’s actually a perfect time to put a home on the market. It also doesn’t hurt to set the stage — or sweeten the pot, if you will — by evoking a warm and welcoming vibe that makes would-be buyers want to hang up their coats, kick off their boots, and stay a while.

There’s no denying it’s cold out there, so why not embrace it? The following are amenities that prove winter really can be the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Fire pit

#Cozy #night by the #fire during the #holidays…

A post shared by Lights Over Atlanta (@lightsoveratlanta) on

Create a covetable outdoor space with the help of a fire pit. Whether it’s made of stone and serves as a permanent fixture or is a movable and affordable centerpiece for backyard S’mores-making, adding the element of fire ups the charm factor immediately.

2. Hot tub

A nighttime soak in this Jacuzzi ® Hot Tub will bring a smile to your face in no time

A post shared by Jacuzzi Europe Official® (@jacuzzi.europe) on

Wait, is this a home or a five-star resort? Watching steam rise from a frothy hot tub on a chilly afternoon or evening makes anyone want to move right in! Giving a place the spa treatment, will remind home-shoppers that with this luxurious item on the premises, winter can last as long as it likes.

3. Home theater

Think the kids will like this one? #SoldbyKenitaTang #Kenitatangrealtor #Movienight #hometheater #movies #Kids #Realtor

A post shared by Kenita Tang (@kenitatangrealtor) on

Especially during the winter, and particularly in cold weather climates, playing up the ability to have a blast indoors does wonders for buyers’ peace of mind (moreso if they’re parents). A home theater, even on a smaller scale (think flat screen and an old-fashioned popcorn maker), helps visitors envision themselves and their families surviving those endless snow days in style.

4. Fireplace

It’s almost impossible to resist the hypnotic allure of a roaring fire. According to the National Center for Real Estate Research, fireplaces have a positive impact on the selling price, with each fireplace adding about 12 percent. If a home has this feature, by all means, strike a match and watch that property heat up!

5. In-home wine bar

A post shared by S.Kotake (@shin5jjj) on

Baby, it’s cold outside — so why leave the house? This wine bar is one way to keep spirits merry and bright. It also conjures up thoughts of hosting holiday parties and gatherings as new owners envision celebrating and showing off their place.

6. Hot cocoa bar

On the other end of the spectrum, but no less festive, a hot cocoa bar offers a sweet welcome all ages can enjoy. Placed in the kitchen, dining room, family room, or foyer, this treat station makes you feel comfortable and right at home.

7. Wood-burning stove


Wood-burning stoves represent a delightful throwback to bygone days. Their timeless appeal will charm visitors at the same time they warm up a home. Thanks to advancements in technology, these old-fashioned heaters are more energy efficient than ever.

8. Home sauna

A home sauna? Why not? We can do that.

A post shared by Raykon Construction (@raykon_construction) on

Calling all athletes and anyone who could use a haven from the stresses of the outside world! (So, OK, everyone!) An in-home sauna is the oasis you’ve been seeking. Steam away those cares while enjoying health benefits that include improved circulation, detoxification, and even sinus relief.

9. Storm survival kit

Throwing in a highly-desirable item often increases interest from buyers. In a snowy climate, there are few tools as sought-after as a snowblower once that white stuff starts falling. Want to keep the enticement more affordable? Heavy-duty snow shovels, high-end gloves, rock salt, and de-icer all come in handy as well. First-time home-buyers who may be snow-removal newbies will appreciate this gesture.

10. Highlight energy efficient upgrades

via GIPHY

In addition to being comfortable temperature-wise, if a home is as energy-efficient as possible, that’s something buyers will definitely want to know — and remember. Creating a list of any upgrades to windows, doors, HVAC units, and the roof, as well as the installation of energy-saving appliances, means more money in buyers’ pockets and less going out the window.

By The Property Geeks
August 7, 2018

11 House Fails That Could Ruin A Sale

When you’re looking for a home, you probably have a couple of lists in your head: the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and the absolute deal-breakers.
Unfortunately, most of the places on this list fall into that third category, unless, of course, you’re handy or have a big budget for repairs.
Check out these strange but hilarious home fails that would definitely have you looking elsewhere.

1. A tree grows in… the driveway

Apparently they all drive motorcycles… #housefail #fail #garages #oops

A post shared by Pro Tool Reviews (@protoolreviews) on


Perhaps if you’re exceptional at parallel parking you could make this work. Otherwise, you’ll probably need to contact an arborist or tree surgeon before you can park in the garage. Unless you have a motorcycle as the caption suggests — then you’re all set!

2. What is this house trying to say?

#designfail #housefail #fail #foundinthecity #architecturefail

A post shared by isaos (@isaos) on


When your house resemble an emoji, chances are you’re going to get a lot of drive-bys as people attempt to figure out which emotion your home is trying to convey. Your guess is as good as mine.

3. Cock-eyed toilet


There’s nothing “regular” about this bathroom. Looks like someone installed this in a real hurry. (I’d hate to see how things would end up if they put in a bidet.) If nothing else, this would definitely be an interesting conversation-starter.

4. Tight squeeze

Spot the problem with this room! #fail #onejob #youhadonejob #1job #housefail #staircase

A post shared by Matthew (@1matthewplatt) on


Even the slimmest homeowner would have trouble shimmying between the post and the wall to climb those stairs. This definitely seems like poor planning on someone’s part.

5. Jump the curb

"Je t'assure chéri, cette maison est bien construite " #housefail #epicfail #fail #maison #house #bordeaux

A post shared by Jean-Francois Prieur (@jiefsourd) on


More garage trouble! Unless your car can levitate like something out of The Jetsons or go airborne a la The Dukes of Hazard, you’re going to have a devil of a time parking it inside. This caption, which translated to English reads: “I assure you, dear, this house is well-built,” makes you wonder what else about the home is a little screwy. I’m guessing this is no one-off.

6. Who needs privacy?


This state of the art kitchen was apparently designed to accommodate people with particularly fast metabolisms. Either that, or someone has taken the popular “open concept” thing a tad too far.

7. When home styles collide


Most homeowners want their addition to blend seamlessly with the rest of the architecture. Not these folks! But the question we keep coming back to is: Which part came first, the tudor or the cape?

8. Color explosion


Proving that a paint job can make or break your home’s appearance, this place could benefit from a solid makeover. Choosing the perfect paint color is challenging, and it sure looks like this homeowner struggled with committing to a single shade. Still, picking one and sticking with it is probably the best way to go.

9. More than a few missing links


You can keep the gate locked and closed but without the rest of the fence, what’s the point? Perhaps the homeowner has a great sense of humor and wants to attract guests drawn to irony.

10. Indoor/outdoor shower


With shower heads readily available, there’s no reason to resort to the garden hose! If this homeowner is willing to do such a cheap and quick repair, we wonder what other shortcuts are lurking within these walls? Probably best not to find out.

11. Bathroom off the kitchen — literally


Nothing like lounging in a warm tub immediately after eating, is there? This set-up takes convenience to new heights. Still, placing a wall between this large tub and the dining room table would probably make everyone feel a lot more comfortable, especially when it’s time to host Thanksgiving dinner.

What home fails have you seen in your search? Anything that tops the ones listed above?

By The Property Geeks
Q&A on Radon
June 12, 2018

A Quick Q&A on Radon

What is radon?

According to the Minnesota Department of Health…
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps up from the earth. When inhaled, it gives off radioactive particles that can damage the cells that line the lung.

 Where does it come from?

Radon comes from the ground. Most soil contains traces or uranium. As the uranium breaks down over time, it turns into radium. Once the radium disintegrates it releases radon gas that rises into the air we breathe.

 Why is it a problem?

Although radon occurs everywhere, it’s most dangerous in places where it accumulates to high levels such as indoors. Radon is the most common cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second most common cause in those who smoke. Over 21,000 cases of lung cancer can be attributed to radon each year.

How do you know if you have it?

The only way to tell if you have radon is to perform a radon test. Test kits are available online and are simple to perform. A short-term test can take just a few days and a long-term test measures levels over a period of ninety days or more. Since radon levels can fluctuate greatly over time, most experts recommend a long-term test for the most accurate reading. It’s also best to test over multiple seasons.

What do you do if you’ve got it?

The good news is that mitigating a radon problem is a fairly easy and relatively inexpensive fix. In most cases you’ll want to hire a professional who’s licensed in radon mitigation. They’ll most likely install some sort of piping that will vent the radon from the lowest level of the home up and out of the attic. Even after your system is installed you’ll still want to check periodically to make sure the radon levels in your home stay below dangerous levels.

 

If you’d like more information about radon, check out these resources:
Minnesota Department of Health
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
United States Environmental Protection Agency

By The Property Geeks
Profiting On Property
March 13, 2018

Ever thought about investing in real estate?

Have you ever wondered what it takes to get started investing in real estate? Are you addicted to those rehabbing and home flipping shows? Do you dream of owning your own cabin or lake home but don’t know how you’d ever be able to afford it?

The Property Geeks are thrilled to be partnering with Profiting On Property to bring you an absolutely FREE Introduction to Real Estate Investment class. Over the course of a couple of hours, you’ll learn about the many options potential investors have when considering a real estate investment. The class will focus on three main avenues… long term rentals, flipping/rehabbing and vacation rentals.

Considering your options can be overwhelming and confusing…

 

  • Where do you find properties?
  • How do you figure out whether a property would work better for a rehab or a long-term rental?
  • Who do you turn to for financing?
  • What’s a Contract for Deed?
  • Why would you even want to invest in real estate… isn’t the marketing going to tank again soon?

We’ll look at answers to all of these questions and more.

Profiting On Property was created to educate first-time and novice investors. There are so many benefits to investing in real estate assets, but wading through the information on how to get started can be tough. The intro class offers a high level overview of the pros and cons and will even go through a case study of an actual investment property, including the numbers.

After potential investors attend the Intro class they can come back for more in-depth information. Profiting On Property will offer more intensive classes on Long-Term Rentals, Flipping/Rehabbing a Property, and Vacation Rentals.

For the class schedule, bios of the speakers and to sign up for notifications on future offerings, visit ProfitingOnProperty.com.

By The Property Geeks
January 9, 2018

9 Ways Home Flipping Shows Mislead Viewers

We all know the premise of home-flipping shows: An investor buys a veritable dump and then, with the help of a team of ready-and-willing contractors and landscapers, transforms it into the best-looking home on the block. Next, that intrepid buyer turns around and sells it for a hefty profit. Sounds like a straightforward formula for financial success, right? Well, not quite.

What makes for entertaining television doesn’t always translate into a win beyond the high definition flat screen. The following are nine ways home-flipping shows mislead viewers. So, if you’re considering turning this into your next career or even a side gig, you may want to separate fact from fiction first.

1. Tight turnarounds aren’t always realistic

via GIPHY

In order to realize as large a profit as possible, it’s important to flip the property as quickly as you can, otherwise paying the mortgage, taxes, and insurance quickly chips away at your bottom line. While sales tend to happen quickly on TV, the reality is that even if you have a willing buyer, getting pre-approved and securing the financing doesn’t happen overnight. For anxious sellers, that ticking clock is a constant reminder that every passing day means a little less money in their pockets.

2. Finding a dedicated team isn’t easy

via GIPHY

As far too many homeowners know, not all contractors are created equal. For the most part, the artisans who make their way onto home-flipping shows are trustworthy, knowledgeable and willing to work nearly round-the-clock to get the job done. In reality, contractors may be working on multiple projects simultaneously and may disappear for days at a time. And as we all know, time is money.

3. DIY doesn’t work for everyone

via GIPHY

Part of the appeal of these home-flipping programs is the ease with which the whole property comes together. But it’s more than just the time-lapse photography that makes it seem like anyone with a tool belt can renovate like a pro. While you might be tempted to take a DIY approach to keep expenses low, remember, these people know what they’re doing, whereas most homeowners are experts at other things. Sometimes tackling a task yourself will end up costing you more than if you’d hired the right person for the job.

4. When trouble strikes, it’s not so easy to resolve

via GIPHY

Even with a careful home inspection, surprises (not the good kind!) pop up when you least expect them. Yet, if a sink hole opens and threatens to swallow a sunporch, home-flipping show teams are ready to fix that issue like it’s no big deal. When it happens to non-TV-star homeowners, it’s not always easy to find the right subcontractor — especially when you’re under time constraints. And, once you do, can you even afford to deal with whatever unpleasant shocker has come your way? If you have to go back to the bank for more money, that will impact your timeframe and ultimately your profit. (See number 1.) Home-flippers on TV seem to have bottomless bank accounts. Must be nice, right?

5. Materials don’t arrive simultaneously

via GIPHY

When home-flippers begin a project, all the requisite materials are on-site and ready to go. If only this were the norm! Anyone who’s ever fallen in love with a special order item knows that it’s almost impossible to find everything you like in stock and ready for delivery. Some contractors are reluctant to start a renovation until all the supplies are in, which, again, can hurt your timeline and your profit.

6. The back-and-forth is all done behind-the-scenes

via GIPHY

Never mind the fact that homes showcased on these programs never seem to lack for buyers, in many instances there doesn’t seem to be any haggling to speak of when it comes to the asking price. Leaving out the art of negotiation does viewers a disservice as it makes it appear that buyers can’t wait to pay full price — or above it.

7. The math is fuzzy

via GIPHY

In order to reap the biggest profit, you need to buy below market value, sell above it, and not put more money into the renovation than you’ll get back. As if that equation weren’t complicated enough, on television, you don’t always hear about the costs of buying or selling, inspection and appraisals fees, and other expenses that go into both sides of the transactions. Leaving out some numbers conveniently inflates the profit.

8. Costs vary by area

via GIPHY

Renovating a bathroom in rural Tennessee is going to cost much less than it would in, say, Manhattan. Not only will the labor be less expensive, but the materials and delivery charges will also skew lower in non-metropolitan areas. Of course, none of that is addressed in the show and most often estimates on TV are far lower than those you’d gather in real life.

9. You can over-renovate

via GIPHY

Once you’re in the home improvement groove, you may be tempted to splurge and really go all out, but you have to resist the temptation to overdo it and put in more money than you’ll ever get back. In the quest to make your flip as fabulous as possible, you never want to lose sight of the the reason you started this project: to make money. Consider the return on investment for each improvement you make.

Do you have plans to take on a renovation or investment property this year? If so, let’s talk!

By The Property Geeks
Contract
December 12, 2017

Geek Speak: Home Warranties

What’s the scoop with home warranties? Are they important? Do I need one?

Unlike a manufacturer’s warranty that covers an appliance for a certain amount of time, or a homeowner’s insurance policy that protects a home against catastrophic damages, a home warranty provides coverage for day-to-day breakage due to normal use.

A home warranty doesn’t expire–the plan can be renewed year after year.  Coverage can extend from appliances like dishwashers and water heaters to whole-house systems such as plumbing and electrical. Terms and limits vary by company and some offer additional coverage for specialty items like pools or wells. One of the companies we work with even covers the cost of re-keying an entire home–a huge benefit for a buyer right after a move.

Who Buys a Home Warranty?

That depends. In a competitive market, sellers may include a home warranty in the purchase price of their house. If buyers have concerns about dated appliances, they might ask a seller to include the coverage as part of the purchase agreement. Home warranties can also be purchased directly by a homeowner. They don’t have to be part of a home sale.

Kitchen AppliancesTop 3 Reasons to Purchase a Home Warranty:

Peace of Mind for Buyers – As a buyer, there’s comfort knowing that if something goes wrong, you won’t be out the expense of having to replace or repair an item in addition to all of the other moving and closing expenses.

Attractive Advantage – If a buyer is undecided between properties, the addition of a bonus like a home warranty may provide the deciding factor between homes.

Limited Liability – With a home warranty in place, a seller won’t have to worry about an appliance giving out and having to come up with the extra funds for replacement while their home is for sale.

If you’d like more information about home warranties, contact on of the geeks or tune in for this week’s episode of Grill The Geeks on The Property Geeks Facebook page where we’ll be talking to a colleague of ours who works for a home warranty company. We broadcast live every Thursday at 12pm Central time. Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

By The Property Geeks
Tips for Holiday Decorating
November 28, 2017

Top 5 Holiday Decorating Tips When Your House Is For Sale

We get asked this question a lot… “Should I still decorate my house if it’s for sale over the holidays?”

The short answer is yes, of course. Your home may be for sale, but you’re still living in it and should be able to celebrate whichever holidays your family holds dear. But… we do have some advice to offer if you don’t want to put off a potential buyer who doesn’t quite embrace your level of Ho-Ho-Ho. Here are our top 5 tips:

1 – Whether you’re going all out with a huge tree, snowglobes on every surface or just putting a few things up around the house, try to coordinate colors and themes if at all possible. In a perfect world you’d have color-coordinated ornaments, a tree full of sparkling clear lights and stockings to match. Think the best of Seasonal Concepts. But… the ornaments the kids painted in Kindergarten and the stocking your daughter crocheted when she was eight are some of your favorite items. We get it. The goal is to be festive without being too cluttered or too personal.

via GIPHY

2 – Watch the breakables. This might not be the year to set our your great-grandma’s heirloom nativity set. Families may be coming through with small children. If you have to put family treasures out, make sure you put them out of reach of small hands.

ornaments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 – For outdoor decor, you’re not going for a Griswold family Christmas. No friendly competition with the neighbors or contests to see who can fit the most reindeer on the roof or inflatables in the front yard. White lights are best, but even if your family tradition calls for the multi-colored ones, just keep it simple. And keep the extension cords to a minimum. You don’t want a prospective buyer tripping over something you’ve strung across the sidewalk.

via GIPHY

4 – Make sure your home looks, smells and feels welcoming. During these colder months, the sun can dip behind the horizon well before dinnertime. Keep things cozy by shoveling the driveway, salting the walk and turning the thermostat up so buyers don’t enter a cold home. And nothing says home for the holidays better than the smell of something fresh out of the oven. Fake a fresh-baked apple pie by simmering some apple cider with cinnamon in a slow cooker on low.

cider spices

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 – A little effort can go a long way when showing your house over the holidays. Leave bottles of water, Christmas cookies or a bowl of candy canes on the counter when you know someone is coming through. The buyers will appreciate the thoughtfulness and special touch.

cookies

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you need help deciding if you’ve got too much holiday spirit showing, ask a neighbor or your realtor to take a look. Often times their first impression will differ from yours, providing some much needed perspective on your level of holiday cheer.

With a little extra effort and a lot less decor, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the season, even when you’ve got your house on the market.

Happy Holidays!

 

By The Property Geeks
Home Staging Kitchen
November 14, 2017

15 Before & After Photos that Prove the Power of Home Staging

There’s no denying it: Homes that receive effective home staging definitely stand out. Not only does the right amount of decluttering, organizing and accessorizing make your home more attractive, it can actually increase its value.

According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2015 Profile of Home Staging Report, 32 percent of buyers’ agents believe their clients are willing to offer one percent to five percent more for staged homes. What’s more, 81 percent of agents said home staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.

If that’s not enough to convince you, take a look at these before-and-after photos to really illustrate how powerful home staging can be.

1. Cool kitchen

Attractive barstools and place settings make you want to sit right down for lunch! The hardware upgrade on the cabinets makes a big difference too.

2. Dining room do-over

A fresh coat of paint and right-sized furniture create an appetizing room that’s welcoming without being over-the-top. (Removing that potty chair from the picture was a wise move as well.)

3. Room with a view

This living room went from sad to sophisticated with the help of the right furnishings and accessories. Who could focus on that stunning view with those flimsy outdoor chairs in the way?

4. The personal touch

Homeowners are often advised to keep their rooms neutral and remove many of their personal effects. But by adding a few well-placed items to the countertops, this kitchen just became a lot more enticing.

5. The beauty of decluttered space

Organizing and decluttering go hand-in-hand with home staging. It’s a shame to bury a fireplace behind so much stuff.

6. Updated decor

Many consumers have a hard time envisioning themselves in a space if the decor is too distinctive or distracting. Keeping items current and appealing to all is a way to attract as many buyers as possible.

7. Bedrooms don’t need to be bold

While you may love the idea of an extreme shade, not everyone wants to wake up to dramatic hues. In addition to lightening the wall color, moving the bed away from the window enhances the view.

8. Brighter bathroom

Nothing makes a bathroom sparkle like clean, cream-colored walls. Fresh-flowers, white hand towels, and an elegant soap dispenser take this bathroom from drab to eye-catching without any remodeling required..

9. Gorgeous guest room

This stunning space was packed with potential but failed to live up to it. In addition to new chairs, the right lighting and taking the photo from a better angle transformed this room.

10. Wall art adds a wow factor

The right wall hangings can take a room from comfortable to curated with minimal effort.

11. Less is more

Home stagers will often suggest placing some of your items in a storage unit to make your rooms appear more open and spacious. This photo illustrates why that’s such a smart idea.

12. Accent on color

The walls can stay neutral but adding a pop of color through accent pieces like throw pillows and well-placed chairs pull a room together.

13. Let there be light.

This attic bedroom went to dim and dreary to quaint and cozy with the addition of a nightstand and table lamp. The complementary geometric patterns bring interest to the small space without overwhelming it.

14. Empty just isn’t as appealing

Even if an empty room looks great on its own, showing buyers how to show off the space is inspiring.

15. Every detail counts

In case you needed any additional convincing that home staging makes an enormous difference, this montage of makeovers should do the trick.

We hope you agree that staging can take a home from okay to awesome! And if you have questions about selling or staging your home, feel free to give us a call or tune in to Grill the Geeks every Thursday at 12pm CT on our Facebook page.

By The Property Geeks