The dreaded bathroom!  Every house has to have them, but oh what a chore to clean.  I venture a guess to say the most hated room in the house to clean.  I came across one of the best websites I've seen for cleaning bathrooms.  It is very thorough, and tells you what you need, in the order it needs to be cleaned, and even how to organize and de-clutter.

As a home stager I've gone into many of homes that have had filthy bathrooms.  This is not something anyone wants to see, especially a potential home buyer.

Roll-up your sleeves and get to cleaning your bathrooms, whether your selling your home or living in it. 

Website for Bathroom Cleaning, De-Cluttering, and Organizing

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 Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to provide solutions to getting your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way! 

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.  We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area League City Home Staging.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

                                                   Clean Your House until it sparkles and shine!  

You can do many things to a home to get it ready to sell but if it's not clean, I mean really clean, buyers are going to be turned off.  Nobody wants to look at a dirty house much less buy one.  Even if it's brand new, dust collects on counter tops, and windows can get a coat of film. 

If possible, hire a professional cleaner to do a deep cleaning before it is staged or goes on the market.  Have them come in every couple of weeks to do a light cleaning if it is vacant with staged furnishings or if you're still living there. 

If a cleaning service is not in your budget here are some excellent websites offering tips and advice to get your house clean.

Speed Clean Tips From Cleaning Pros

Merry Maids Cleaning Tips

Speed Cleaning Old and New

The Fun Place Cleaning Tips

HGTV Cleaning Tips:  Spring & Fall

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 Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to provide solutions to getting your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way! 

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.  We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area League City Home Staging.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

Today many people are downsizing due to the economy, age, company transfers or being empty nester's.  Some just want less maintenance and smaller mortgage payments.  In any case, it is a difficult task. 

Here is a list of tips and advice to help you downsize.

1.  Make a list of items that are must haves.  If items don't make your MVP (Most Valuable Possessions) list then get rid of it.  If you have sentimental pieces, give them to relatives, or close friends that will appreciate them.

2.  Recycle, don't throw away.  Please consider sorting items that can be reused or recycled or donated instead of throwing away.  Remember, another mans trash is another mans treasure.

3.  Start with key rooms.  Start with the largest most cluttered rooms first.  The kitchen usually has the most little items in cabinets and drawers.  The family room should be next, master, then other rooms.

4.  Get another perspective.  If you are having trouble getting rid of items, bring in a friend, relative or professional home stager, someone that doesn't have an attachment to items like you do.

5.  Get rid of the clutter as soon as you know you are moving.  This is the hardest thing to do, but start as soon as you can, tackling a little bit everyday, even an hour or so will help.  Don't try to get everything done at once, it will not only be exhausting, but overwhelming.   Eventually, when moving day comes you will have everything ready.

6.  Know how much new space you will have.  You may go from a home with a formal dining room to one with none, or 4 bedrooms down to 3.  You will have to prepare yourself that you will need to let go of furniture and accessories.  Giveaway to relatives, donate or auction off higher end pieces.  Don't try to cram everything into your new space.

7.  Have 4 piles.  Sort into four different areas.  Keep.  Donate.  Give to family members.  Throw away.

8.  When organizing new space.  Use clear bins or totes to keep things organized.  They are efficient, you can see what's in them, and they stack well.

9.  Purge your closets.  This is a great time to donate your clothes to a shelter.  If you haven't worn it in at least 2 years get rid of it.  Especially if you're moving to a warmer climate from a colder one, thin out the long sleeves and vice versa.

10.  Take a breath and relax.  Realize this is one of the most important steps you'll be taking in your life.  Try to look forward, and understand that downsizing will probably give you more time to do things that you really enjoy.  Less or no yard work, less maintenance, less to clean, less money for mortgages which means more money to spend on other things you want to do. 

Bonus Tip- If you don't have the time or need help downsizing you can hire a professional to help you.  Some home stagers offer theses services and work with buyers that are downsizing everyday.

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                                                     Subscribe To My Blog!  

 Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to provide solutions to getting your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way! 

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.  We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area League City Home Staging.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We may or may not realize why we like a certain color.  But they do all evoke a feeling or emotion.   This is why when staging a home or decorating, color is so important.  Whether it be on the walls, bedding, or home decor accessories.

After looking at this list, you may want to grab some paint and rethink some of your color choices!

Here is a list of colors and what they evoke, hopefully giving you some tips and advice.

Black

Black makes a bold statement because it is the color of authority and power.  It is also timeless, and very stylish.  

White

White once considered a summer color is used year round.  It reflects light, and is poplular in home decorating because it goes with everything, being a neutral color.  It is considered one of the most popular colors, and is being used more in home decor.

Red

Red is another color that makes a  bold statement, and is often used as an accent color.  Red causes excitability, and is a color that gets noticed.  It attracts attention from just about everyone.  If you have a red kitchen or dining room, your guests may eat more, it is known for being an appeitite stimulant.

Pink

Pink is a romance color.  It is often used in girls rooms, as it is the color of innocence and tranquility.

Blue

Blue has always been one of the most popular colors.  It duplicates the color of the sky and ocean and has a very calming effect on people.  It symbolizes loyalty, and causes the opposite reaction of red.

Green

Green is associated with nature.  It is one of the most popular colors to decorate with now.  It is very relaxing and has a calming effect on people.  If you want a masculine, conservative wealthy look, go for dark green.

Yellow

Yellow reminds people of the sun, it's one to grab your attention.  It enhances concentration and speeds your metabolism.  But don't paint your babies room yellow, it  will make them cry more.  It also tends to make people argue more.

Purple

Not as popular of color, it is said to evoke royalty, luxury sophistication and wealth.  It can be used as a romance color in lighter shades. Not being a natural color people tend to appear fake when wearing purple.

Brown

Brown, a natural earth color is just about everywhere.  A very solid choice, and a favorite of men. Genuiness is associated with light brown.

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                                                     Subscribe To My Blog!  

 Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to provide solutions to getting your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way! 

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.  We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area League City Home Staging.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

This was the Builders Model for a group of townhomes in a trendy part of Houston.  The townhomes sold out and the buyer of this unit liked it so much he wanted to buy some of the furniture.  This is the second model he has done, and has another one that is about ready.  Builders, try it, staging works! 

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Both of these homes are beautiful.  But they were enhanced even more by adding some punch to the landscape.  By pruning dead branches, and unsightly bushes, both houses were given a fresher look.  Both homes have not only added beauty to their landscape, but also added interest for a buyer.  These are houses that are know inviting and a buyer will want to see the inside too.  Buyers will know if the outside is taken care of and beautiful, the inside must be as well.

West University Classic.  Fresh new look by adding color, and trimming.

Tomball Beauty.  Trimming and adding color made a big difference.  The fan palms were taken out and replaced with less obtrusive palms.

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                                                     Subscribe To My Blog!  

 Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to provide solutions to getting your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way! 

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.  We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area League City Home Staging.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

  Yes to these colors when selling!

A Feburay 2009 survey from Co-Operative Bank Mortgages showed that that 29% of home buyers preferred a white front door.  However, a close second of 20% of buyers preferred red.  The third most popular at 16% was blue, with green coming in at #4 and brown at #5. 

Pink was the least favorite, and could possibly keep a buyer from even making an offer.  Other offender colors were orange, purple, grey and yellow.

Note that if you live in a climate that is harsh, you may have to paint your door every couple of years or so to keep it looking fresh.

No to these colors when selling!

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                                                     Subscribe To My Blog!  

 Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to provide solutions to getting your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way! 

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.  We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area League City Home Staging.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

Ever wonder what zone you live in when it comes to knowing when to plant your garden?  You can now imput your zip code on an interactive map.  It's like a custom guide for your very own area.  This is a great concept, it shows you Average minimum temperatures, Average 1st and last day of frost.  When your Spring and Fall really are as opposed to March 20th being the official day for Spring, when in some areas there is still snow.  There is also a section for what kind of plants to use.

Check out the Gardening Zone Finder here.

Here is a list of the National Kitchen and Bath Association's Top 10 Trends for 2009.

1) Steel counters for kitchen counters.  For a very sleek and contemporary look.

2) Glass Elements.  Used for backsplashes, counters and even floors and showers.

3) Stone Hearths.  Used around the stove as a design element to give some texture

to a room.

4) Black and White Kitchens.  Using white marble and black cabinets for an ethereal feel.

5) Chrome is Back.  Using chrome in bathroom fixtures and hardware is becoming popular again.

6) Shoji Screens.  Used in between the kitchen and family rooms, with an organic feel, and translucency with added privacy.  They slide and serve as a screen to hide areas as well.

7) Tin Ceilings.  Used for accents above an island to draw attention to that area.

8) Floating Cabinets.  Used in bathrooms to open up spaces.  I really love this look!

9) Mirror off the wall.  Used in bathrooms on back-to-back sinks away from wall.

10) Resin Backsplash.  Used in kitchens, this is a newcomer offering something a little different than tile.  Material like bamboo, branches or anything that will fit between the resin and wall.

This week two separate home sellers told me their Real Estate agents had told them to offer a Buyer's Agent incentive instead of getting their home staged.

Why would a home seller automatically give up a percentage of their profits to a Buyer's agent? 

• Would it make the home more salable to the home buyer if the buyers agent received more money? 
• Would the home be more attractive if the buyers agent received more money? 
• Will the buyer's agent be able to talk a potential buyer into a home they didn't like the first time?
• Would the home suddenly be more appealing if the buyer's agent is making more money?
• How much more is it going to be $1000, $5000, $10,000?
• If the Real Estate agent is wanting you to offer incentives, why not offer Home Staging instead?

                                                                            Food For Thought

Wouldn't you rather your house show well than take the chance of it sitting on the market another few months without selling?  What will your options be then?  You'll be out more mortgage payments, insurance, maintenance costs, and any fees associated with your home.  Most people are paying for two homes now, the one they live in and a vacant one for sale somewhere else. 

Home Staging is probably not going to cost you as much as the incentive will cost.  It may cost a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, depending on what is done.  Even if it's a few thousand, chances are it will sell much more rapidly staged than vacant.  A redesign can cost a few hundred dollars.  It's all about having that edge and selling your home faster and for more profit in a down market.  Take a look at MLS photos do you find vacant homes appealing?  Do you find homes that are not staged appealing?  I doubt it.  You probably don't even want to look at those houses and neither will potential buyer's.  

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                                                     Subscribe To My Blog!  

 Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to provide solutions to getting your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way! 

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.  We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area League City Home Staging.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

I came across this company, Portera Antique Doors, they have the most beautiful doors for your home.  If you are building or remodeling, and like the look of centuries old pieces, you'll love these doors. Old World Spanish craftsman hand make every door. They have exterior and interior, arched and painted doors.  Definitely the most unique collection of doors around.  They are located in Pasadena California, and you can view their website for more information.  Portera Antique Spanish Doors.

Photo compliments of Portera Doors.