Here, There, and Everywhere

My life has finally come full circle. And I thought I was just running around in circles. I keep up to date in my profession by, in part, reading a publication put out by the National Association of Realtors(r), oddly enough entitled Realtor(r). The current issue is dedicated to home design instead of just selling. Of course the emphasis is on how design influences people's buying pyche, both positively and negatively. I have a degree in interior design and now I have permission to use it!.

I have never been fond of the idea of going into someone's personal space and telling them that they have to paint everything white or the house will not sell. Poppycock! I think most people are savy enough to know that the seller actually lives in the house. But that doesn't absolve the seller from taking some action to make their home more broadly attractive and tasteful. I was pleasantly surprised that my professional publication acknowledged that color is good. But there is still no substitute for taste. Everybody's taste can't be the same but I certainly hope that a potential buyer recognizes taste even if it isn't their own. (Well, that might be wishful thinking but I'll give the public the benefit of the doubt for now.)

One school of thought is that the realtor should be aware of design trends in order to help their buyers visualize their new space. The flip side of the coin is that the seller should think in terms of classic. Once again, this doesn't mean that an extreme makeover is in order. But it does mean that the realtor must guide the seller to see their home as others may see it. We all get used to a certain amount of clutter that is the necessity of our lives. But eventually you cease to see it. A well informed and experienced agent can point out simple yet effective ways to spruce up without tearing up (tearing up?)

The bathroom, perhaps one of the most overlooked yet underdecorated room, is the one we spend the most time in. Spice it up! Don't go out and buy a polkadot shower curtain but bring in some contrasting curtains and towels and consider bringing in a small piece of furniture if space allows. This will warm up the space and make it look less utilitarian and more inviting.

Entryways are debris magnets. Come in the door, drop the shoes, the purse, the soccer ball, the mail, and next thing you know you have a mess. Clear up the debris and create a focal point that will literally draw people in. A bright pillow on a chair, a striking vase on a table and a decorative rug goes a long way. And once again, you don't have to spend money, just rearrange what you already have.

The living room can suffer from either over use or under use. It is either a showplace where no one is allowed to enter, or it is so lived in that it looks shabby, not chic. Again, bright accents will liven up the room; flowers, pillows, paintings, especially in red or yellow. Clear out that overflowing bookcase and set those old books packing. But don't make a sterile environment. If a potential buyer doesn't even want to set foot into that room, then it may as well not exist.

Lighting is always important but that doesn't suggest 300 watt bulbs in every fixture. Then you have an operating room, not a home. Warm, ambient lighting sets a comforting mood in living areas. Shine up that chandelier and dust off those lamp shades. Consider going to your local big box store and pick up a couple inexpensive accent lamps for the living room and master bedroom. If the buyer wants more light, let them reach for the wall switch.

The kitchen is perhaps the single most important selling point of a home. Clear away that mouse nest of unpaid bills and replace it with a basket of fresh fruit. Set the table with bright dishes, put a green plant by the sink and hang beautiful dishtowels. A bright enamal teakettle on the stove reeks of "home."

Come on sellers! Give us tired realtors a hand! Spice up, clear up, warm up and shine up. Then the next thing you know, you'll be packing up! That is the point, mmkay?