Appearances count when you’re looking to market your home for sale.  And, so does budget.  Both are particularly true in this economy.  But, upgrading the look and functional value of your space, and saving money while doing it is not necessarily an impossibility.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at laminate flooring.

Laminate floors are a manufactured product that are designed to look just like a natural surface, most popularly a real hardwood floor.  As the technology develops, laminate flooring is increasingly convincing to the point where only a trained eye can tell the difference between a real wood surface and a laminate surface. So, you’re getting that luxurious  look of real wood flooring for less money and with fewer factors to consider when it comes to  installation.

The great thing about laminate floors is that they are designed, and thoroughly tested for durability with the consumer in mind.  When you invest in an AC3 rated laminate for instance, you’re assured that your laminate flooring is internationally tested for general use in a residence, warrantied to last for decades, not just for a year or two.  You’re not getting a ‘this will do for now’ floor.  And once again, you’re generally paying less than you would if you installed a real wood floor.

Another great thing about laminates  is the expanding range of choices you’ve got at your disposal.  This is not just about colors and grain patterns, although these are significant too.  It’s also about function, with varying thicknesses and locking systems that make even the act of walking on a laminate floor to be virtually indistinguishable from walking on a solid wood floor. Getting a 10mm to 14mm thick floor delivers this effect pretty well.

While walking prospective buyers around your home, these subtleties count; the visual appeal, and the feel of your floor underfoot can be extremely effective selling assets.  And laminate flooring allows you to do this inexpensively, when compared to many other choices in a floor covering.

Choosing laminates to upgrade your property for resale is a sound investment.  The potential to impress prospective buyers, and generally add visual, and practical value to any property is exponentially increased.

***

Rob Jones is a blogger, and social media marketer at BuildDirect, an online building materials company in Vancouver.  He blogs about building materials and about green building.  Sometimes, he blogs about music, too!

Whether you are staging your home, or just looking for a way to tame clutter, today’s post comes directly from my friend Lynne (otherwise known as CrazyChameleon).  She describes her DVD collection as being in “the hundreds” and although I can’t relate, I know many others can.

Lynne came up with a great way to liberate shelf space for artful display.  She transferred all her DVDs from their cases into binder pages with transparent pockets.  Imagine the space she has created!

Here is an example from Staples of the type of loose leaf pages that could be used in a decor coordinated three ring binder.   Binders are available in all kinds of colours and textures and If you want to get creative, you could even cover one in fabric (I was going to post a video from YouTube here, but the fabric used was far too garish!).

Anyway, you get the idea.

One more way to tame your clutter

HS Home Staging transformed this sparsely furnished bachelor pad into an an inviting family home.  Potential buyers are drawn into the space they can visualize their family enjoying.

If you are interested in this 4 bedroom South Surrey, BC property, please contact: Ryan Blue at RE/MAX Colonial Pacific Property

Below are two 360 degree images of upstairs and downstairs. Click on the image to stop it from turning and click your mouse on the image to pan up, down and around.  You can also scroll in and out to view more closely.

To see a slide show of the images, click on one image and then on “next” to advance through the photos.

This is a 360 of the common areas downstairs.

This is a 360 of the upper floor.

Please click on any thumbnail to see a larger photo and start a slide show.

Source: www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com

Two issues come up repeatedly in talking to clients about the security of our most vulnerable family members.  First, photographs of children and second, personalized toys, clothing or decor.

I recommend limiting personal photographs on view because we always want potential buyers to be able to picture their family in the home, not be distracted by yours.  An additional reason to take down photos of children in your home is to take away a tool that can be used to identify and target children by those who may mean harm.

This ties in directly with the second issue: personalized clothing, toys or wall decor.  When a stranger can learn your child’s name by walking through an open house, you are giving them yet another tool to target your child.

However awful it may seem to have to think about this, once aware of the potential for harm, we must pay attention and use common sense to make sure we don’t expose our children to the possibility of danger when we can prevent it.

No matter how cute it is to have their name on the bedroom wall.

This post stems from a facebook question from a friend asking how to fold a fitted sheet.  I found this video on YouTube and thought others might find it useful.

Jill Cooper presents the instructions clearly and concisely in a charming southern accent.

Photo Source: californiaclosets.com

When we are living in our home, closets and cupboards often get filled to bursting and even though we may think that potential buyers won’t open every door and peek inside, trust me – they will!  It’s extremely important when you are staging your home to make sure that every cupboard, closet and storage area is no more than half full.  That’s right – nor more than 50% full.  Otherwise, potential buyers see “not enough storage” even if you have closets in every room and hallway.  It’s how our minds work.

So, pre-pack, store, donate or sell – whatever you have to do to get every cupboard and closet no more than half full.

Hopefully, this video about how to fold fitted sheets will help you get at least the linen closet under control Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The basics of home staging still apply during the holidays:

• ensure your home is immaculately clean
• no clutter allowed
• show off architectural features
• keep family heirlooms and holiday presents out of sight

Avoid:

• personal photos
• decor with religious connotations
• personalized items

Some home stagers may recommend not decorating your home for the holidays, but carefully chosen holiday decor can enhance the welcoming warmth of your home when potential buyers visit during the holiday season.

Less is definitely more when decorating your staged home for the holidays. In order to purchase, potential buyers must be able to envision their family enjoying the holidays in your home.

Only decorate for specific period during the holidays. I recommend no longer than two weeks before Christmas and two weeks after.
Only use one of any type of decoration. For example: one simple wreath, one tall skinny tree to show off the ceiling height and preserve floor space, one table centerpiece item.
Avoid a profusion of red and green – try using very little red in your holiday decorating and opt instead for fresh greenery and a white, gold or silver palette.
Show off a carefully chosen selection of your most elegant and “quiet” holiday decorations and do not, under any circumstances, use inflatable decor in the yard, holiday banners or “cute” decorations.

An easy way to make sure you are not cluttering up your home with holiday decorations is to remove one non-seasonal accessory for every holiday accessory you put out.

If you want your home to seem extra welcoming to potential buyers during the holiday season you may choose to leave a plate of gingerbread men or holiday cookies out in the kitchen with festive paper napkins that coordinate with your decor. To create the warm ambiance of a holiday gathering in the kitchen, leave some warm spiced cider on the stove with a ladle and cups nearby.

All of these holiday decorating tips apply even if your home is not for sale. By simplifying your holiday decor your home remains welcoming and warm without overwhelming family and visitors.

Happy holidays!