If you have been feeling the real estate blues, you are not alone!  Like most people trying to sell real estate today, the prospect of selling a home has been hampered from the global economic uncertainty and financial decline in both the real estate and stock markets.  However, there have been other influential factors that have laden the real estate markets in the United States and Canada.  The credit crunch has affected those people with multiple mortgages for properties that they were looking to flip, while many have gone into bankruptcy due to loss of jobs and lucrative lending practices.  Instead of dwelling on the past, people should be focusing on getting realistic with the sale of a home.  The expectations for selling a home can become clouded if sellers are living in the past and still expect things to get back to what they once were.

If you have to sell a home out of necessity or desperate circumstances, then being realistic about selling a home is the key factor in getting through this gloomy period.  Home Link Design has a few helpful tips for sellers in today’s uncertain times:

1.        Do not test the market!  What does this really mean?  Well, if you are like some people in today’s real estate market, trying to list your home for the sake of it may not be a wise idea.  There are a few basic reasons why this won’t work in today’s market.  Firstly, marketing your home in a soft market can lead to an even more oversaturation of homes.  In other words, there are already a handful of sellers, like you, who are just playing the game too!  Do not list your house because you want to make a stab at getting a high list price.  This will not work because your listing will only compete against the hundreds of other sellers out there!  Secondly, testing the market because you would like to “try it out” can definitely burn your house in the long run. Later, if you have to really sell your home, the first list price will be the set price point for your listing which usually means that you will have to list it lower at another time.  Many sellers believe that they can list now and, if they do not sell, then they can relist at a later date.  However, savvy buyers and realtors will always recall a seller’s home price, even if it is six or twelve months down the road.  In other words, your original list price may not be that easily forgotten among other serious sellers and agents alike. Remember that your home will have a track record even if you think that it will not appear on a new listing.

2.       Do not buy before you sell!  This may be a no-brainer in today’s market.  But, there are a lot of people who are not being realistic about their real estate goals.  Now is not the time to play Russian roulette!  Be focused on your immediate goals, and look at selling a home before jumping into the next.

3.       Look at the numbers!  Taking time to make your own market analysis on homes that have sold in your area, the square footages, upgrades and the number of days that it took them to sell, is a great way to understand your real list price.  Do not only listen to your agent’s statistical analysis, if you are serious about listing.  Being consumer savvy is very important in this business of selling.

4.       Scout for a good agent! There have been many agents who have coasted the last few years, but now they have to do more work in getting a property sold.  Try to determine what type of agent is good for your property.  But, be careful that you do not fall into the trap of choosing the realtor with the highest bid.  Try to get a few proposals before choosing your list price and agent.

5.       Setting the stage!  Today a seller will have to work harder at selling their home.  This does not only mean that they will need to be real with their list price, but they will have to take a hard look at their home both inside and out.  As a seller, you should really take the emotional side away from selling and focus on the bigger picture.  First, ask yourself; “What is the real price that you need to have for making a sale?”  And secondly, “Does your house really reflect that amount in the overall scheme of things?” In other words, ask yourself, “Would I purchase my own house for the list price I want?”  If you can honestly answer those questions, then you are ready to make a rational sale.  This means that you need to heartedly know that your home is the best one out there for the list price!  How do you know?  Well, simply put, you have gone out and done your homework!

6.       Doing your homework!  Yes, go and visit other homes to see how your own house ranks in the long list of other homes for sale. Today’s market is a competitive one, so in order for you to successfully sell your home, you must know that your house is priced the best!  This is why you should not play the real estate game if you want to list your home high!  It will not work because other serious sellers will set a definite price to sell!

7.       Waiting for spring!  Typically spring and summer are the best times to sell a home.  Agents usually tell their sellers to wait until the spring to list, however many people in the fall and winter took their homes off the market thinking that they can relist again in the springtime.  Be assured that there will be a lot more homes on the market for sale during this time than most other times of the year.

8.       Looking global!  Well, this does not mean that a seller has to look at every place in the world to know what is happening in their own home town.  But, it sure does mean that everyone is being affected in some shape or form from today’s global economic crisis.  Do not forget that the buyers out there are also looking elsewhere!   Therefore, for those who have recreational properties for sale, now is your time to scope out your competition amongst the rest of the world!  There are many buyers who would rather spend their money in a place that offers them a lot more luxury for the same buck or less. So, as a seller, you need to be even wiser and knowledgeable about other real estate markets out there!

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

What home decor style suits you better? Try Home Link Design’s quiz to find out which style suits you!  Our clients have used this quiz to get a better understanding of what home decor style fits into their lifestyle!

Select the answer that best suits your personal preference.  Add your scores and compare them to the number line provided at the end of the quiz:

1.       As part of your morning regime, you first:

a.       meditate  (1)

b.      drink your coffee and read a newspaper  (2)

c.       get dressed  (3)

d.      check your Blackberry! (4)

2.        When you see a magazine about lifestyle, you prefer:

a.      to glance at the photos  (2)

b.      read the latest trend setters (4)

c.      to learn about different healthy products  (1)

d.      to compare your style to the latest trends (3)

3.       When buying home items, you like:

a.      Simplicity and warmth   (2)

b.      Linear lines and boldness  (4)

c.       Natural earthy tones  (1)

d.      Texture and elegance (3)

4.       You usually are drawn to an item for its:

a.      Practicality and ecological benefit (1)

b.      Modern style  (4)

c.      Comfort  and metropolitan look (2)

d.      Beauty and classiness (3)

5.       When entering a room, you like it best if it is:

a.      Comfortable  (2)

b.     Neat and tidy (4)

c.      Stylish (3)

d.      Natural  (1)

6.       When entertaining you:

a.       Always prefer going out (4)

b.      Like a casual affair  (2)

c.       Take pride in hosting  (3)

d.      Prefer organic  (1)

7.       If you had to choose an accent color for your bedroom, it would be:

a.      Red  (4)

b.      Brown  (2)

c.      Yellow  (1)

d.      Beige (3)

8.       If guests were to come to your house, you would like:

a.      to provide hors d’oeuvre  (3)

b.      to  lounge in the family room  (2)

c.      to converse with a martini  (4)

d.      a simple affair (1)

9.       Anything about home decor is;

a.       somewhat  important to you (2)

b.      always fascinating to you  (3)

c.      only important if it makes a difference with the environment  (1)

d.      inspirational if it is trendy  (4)

10. When it comes to flooring, you prefer:

 a.  wood  (3)

b.  bamboo (1)

c.  slate  (2)  

Have you ever entered a room to see an empty corner that stands out like a bare thumb?  Literally speaking, there are many rooms out there where an inconspicuous space looks almost neglected because the home owner forgot to adorn a corner of the room.  This may not be something that you regularly think about, and it is definitely not something that you have to consider for every corner of your home, but there are certain times when the crook of a room can add character if decorated correctly. 

So, what do we mean by adding character to a corner space?  Well, consider this kind of area as a spot to showcase a chair, lamp or even a table for personality.  There are many different accents and furniture pieces that look great in a corner space.  However, using them wisely can make all the difference in a room if it is done right.  Just be careful not to over do it with too many items.  The key factor is to think of a corner space as an area to create artistic importance. This might be more easily said than done, but a few simple decor tips and home elements can make the difference in a room.

Consider some of Home Link Design’s ideas as examples to help spruce up a dull looking corner.  Try to find items that flow with your existing rooms without overpowering a space.  Home Link Design has taken a simple entrance corner to showcase different displays for changing the look and feel of a space.

EXAMPLES FOR DRESSING UP A CORNER SPACE!

Look #1: Planter Vase

A corner can be easily softened with a natural plant or tall vase!  Adding real foliage with height can be an impressive look if you have high ceilings.  In this one photo, the corner is simply dressed with a tall rod iron stand with a cascading plant flowing down.  Behind the planter is an antique spiral mirror that is positioned lower on the wall in order to create an artistic arrangement.  However, a long vertical mirror could have also been used instead.  The key idea is that a corner can be enhanced inexpensively with only one plant and stand.   Home Link Design has used this plant feature to demonstrate how an item can fill a space without having to spend money on furniture and accessories.  Sometimes a natural plant or tree can soften the look of a corner area and create importance at the same time.

Look #2: Table Accents

The same corner has been changed with the placement of a rod iron table and accessories,  The identical mirror has been kept, but the table is situated in the corner to showcase a few accents of stacked books with a tall candle holder.  The look is completely different even though the location has remained the same.  There is balance created between the mirror height and candle holder positioned on the table.  One’s eye naturally moves across a parallel line between the mirror and candle holder that creates a horizontal flow.  Also, these elements blend together with their rich patina colors. The same look can be achieved by using either an iron or solid table.

Look #3: Wall Sconce

If you want to enhance the height of a corner, then try using tall vertical elements that make the eye move up and down.  In this example photograph, the same corner is pictured with a long cast iron wall sconce with vertical candle.  Also, a table has been added that is slimmer and taller than the previous photo with the lower square iron table. This decorative look is bold and striking with the metallic and black accent.  The silver plate added on top of the table helps to unify this look as well.  The importance is to add a simple element that combines the area together while creating interest.

Look #4: Modern Accent

This look is similar in that the accents are creating a vertical feel with the use of tall branches embedded inside a simple square container.  The table stand functions as a prop for the decorative branch feature.  Also, a metallic square art piece is placed on the wall next to the table in order to make a modern look.  Notice that this square shape hanging mimics the square shape container on the stand.  Together, these two modern accents create the edgy feel and bold look against the traditional lines of the table stand.

Look #5:  Table Lamp

Another way to enhance a corner is to place a table or floor lamp with a couple decor accents on top!  An ambiance is quickly achieved with the use of lighting in a space. There are many available styles of lights that are modern, contemporary or traditional.  Choose a style that best fits your home decor, but remember to choose a table lamp that fits the size of table you are wanting to display it on.  Do not choose a lamp that will over power the dimensions of a table.  A good rule is to make sure that the lamp shade is not larger than the diameter of the table; if not, the lamp will appear to dwarf over the furniture setting.

Look #6: Accent Chair

Most corners can be easily dressed with an accent chair and throw pillow!  This look can be both warm and inviting in any crook of a home.  Just be sure that the chair fits properly within the desired corner space.  Select an accent chair based upon its look and functionality.  For instance, if you are not going to utilize the chair for sitting on, then comfort is not mandatory.  However, if you would like your accent chair to look and feel great, then select a medium size chair that fits in a smaller corner space.  Do not try to squeeze furniture pieces into a corner that is definitely too small.  An important factor to consider in most corner spaces is the size of accent furniture in relation to the size of corner.  In Home Link Design’s corner space the location is not very large, so our focus was to create a look that fitted with the space we had to work with. 

Look #7: Shelf Unit & Art

 An easy alternative to any corner is to add a shelf unit that creates vertical appeal for displaying decor items.  In this look, Home Link Design selected an airy cast iron shelf unit to display a few silver plated decor accents.  This self selection was a great fit for this corner space because it had soft lines and visual shape.  Choose the right shelving style based upon the space that is available in your home.  However, do not choose a shelving unit that will appear too large and bulky.  Also, choose a unit that will allow you to show case interesting accessories without cluttering your space!  Another important idea is to consider hanging art work and/or prints to create an added decor touch and interest to the area.

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

Decorating can be fun and confusing at the same time!  There is no doubt that designing a space can give one a headache, but remember that starting with a plan is the basis behind any decor implementation.  Most often, individuals start off with many great ideas that leave them confused and frustrated in the end because they have not carefully looked at the bigger picture!  When it comes to decorating, begin with a realistic plan that includes a focus on budget.  In other words, think about “Where you should put your buck?”

The key behind design is to focus on the over all look of a space.  But, figuring out where to put your money is another deal in itself, more in today’s economic uncertainty. There are certainly many situations where people have spent dollars on the wrong products or items within a space.  Sometimes people choose items that neither fit the look of their home nor functionality.  Usually, individuals put money into areas that will neither provide resale nor value.  This is why there are some simple factors to consider before spending money in renovations and decor.

Most of us already know that kitchens and bathrooms sell, but a lot of us do not realize that the function and flow of these spaces influence the decor appeal.  When it comes to renovating these important areas within a home, try to think about the way you want it to feel.  For example, if you want your kitchen to be warm and inviting, or just simple and modern, then incorporate elements that create the look you are after.  This means that putting money towards appliances, counter tops, back splash and flooring are key elements in creating these changes.  However, be careful to not overspend in extra gadgets if your budget does not permit.  Try to incorporate a balance between the product selections that you choose.  For instance, try to change out the larger ticket items before replacing the small extra accessories.  This means that cabinetry and counter tops will be a wiser expense than just replacing the appliances or sink alone.  Try to stretch your money in the extra details like purchasing new faucets or lighting instead of fancy bar stools!  Remember that a home’s value and decor style is measured by the quality and cohesiveness of a space. Some ways to make your money stretch in both kitchens and bathrooms is to:

1. Try to use the existing structure of a room before demolishing it completely.  This will obviously save money and time!   Usually, decorating can be as simple as painting and adding new fixtures to a room.  Some quick ways to enhance a bathroom and kitchen is to replace the lighting and hardwood.  There are simple track lights and modern knobs that can upgrade the look of a vanity and/or cabinet area.

2.  Look for details that will enhance the look of a room without having to spend too much.  There are ways that you can create a quality feel with new laminate counter tops that look like leather or stone, but are not the real thing.  Today there are many trendy styles in counter tops that do not have to be very expensive like Formica’s laminate counter top products.

*Decor Tip:  When you want a counter top to look expensive, try to choose a dark color!  Black laminate counter tops can be sleek looking and modern!

3. If you want your kitchen cabinets to appear more important looking, then try adding crown molding and/or cornices to the tops and bottoms of your cabinets.  Choosing molding can enhance the look of a kitchen, and installing under mount lighting above your counter top cabinetry can also create a wonderful affect. 

 Different MDF moldings are available at many hardware stores and depots.  These moldings are paintable, however you can purchase wood moldings and stain them to match your cabinetry wood.

4.  A great way to change your existing cabinet doors is to insert glass.  This is a cheaper method than ordering new door fronts.  However, another fantastic alternative for changing the look of cabinets is to reface your old doors with new fronts.  There are many kitchen stores that provide these types of options.

This is an example of glass inserts mounted onto existing cabinet doors!

Home Link Design has only provided a few decor examples to enhance decor looks.  However, try Home Link Design’s professional services for customized advice and portfolios.

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.