Brian Sells Chicago · Re-Purpose Rooms

Do you have a designated junk room? Re-purpose rooms that have lost their identity. Most designers look at junk rooms and envision fantasy spaces: an exercise room, meditation space, art studio, etc.. Re-purpose a clutter/junk room into something that will add value to the house. Also consider loft spaces, stairwell nooks and other areas not utilized or gathering dust as possible areas for increased space. Uncategorized
from bitly http://bit.ly/1HcJdl4
via IFTTT

Brian Sells Chicago · Let the Light in! (Part 2)

Just a few more thoughts on lighting, because it is that important! Many homes are poorly lit, making rooms too dim or harsh on the eyes which can deter buyers when they walk into your house. Try to aim for a total of 100 watts for every 50 square feet. Don’t be afraid of dimmers, and replace light-switch covers that are old, dingy or broken. Uplights also help add depth to a room, especially when positioned behind a plant or piece of furniture. Uncategorized
from bitly http://bit.ly/1P8h0Aj
via IFTTT

Brian Sells Chicago · Let the Light In! (Part 1)

Natural light does wonders for a home and makes rooms more inviting. Take down heavy drapery and replace with gauzy and airy fabrics. If you have views, play them up! Look into roman shades, which help with privacy but also let light in. Simple curtain panels made from airy fabrics like cotton twill or translucent linen will let the light in during the day and still help with privacy at night. After making the best use of natural light you should make sure that every electrical light socket is working and using the highest wattage bulb allowed. You can still conserve energy by turning off lights when not in use. When a potential buyer is viewing the house though, always opt for more light! Uncategorized
from bitly http://bit.ly/1zK2OGz
via IFTTT

Brian Sells Chicago · Condo, Townhouse, or Single Family Home?

Or other…? Last night at the First Time Home Buyers Seminar we hosted, we reviewed a lot of great information. My main goal of the evening was to emphasize the need to do all the groundwork (Initial Consultation and Loan Pre-Approval) and to start the “Elimination” process. After all it is much easier to eliminate homes from your home search than it is to try to select “The One.” I like to take questions from the attendees as much as possible. One attendee asked me if it is better to buy a townhouse or a single family home. How do we begin to answer that question? First we should make sure we know what we are talking about. Some of these definitions vary slightly by region. In the Chicago market a condominium (abbreviated to condo) is a type of fractional ownership of a building. The individual owner holds title to a portion of the building, basically between four walls, and use of all of the common areas. There is a shared entrance (or several) into the building. In a townhouse, you still only own a porti
from bitly http://bit.ly/1HVxvtB
via IFTTT

Brian Sells Chicago · Staging Tip #3 – Move or Float Furniture

Once you’ve moved out the clutter, turn to the remaining furniture. Furniture doesn’t need to be pushed up against walls. Moving and floating pieces can help rooms look and feel bigger. Try moving pieces around, even from other rooms, but remember to keep the perimeters clear with clear pathways. These sliders work great for moving heavy pieces around. If you can’t find them please let me know. Uncategorized
from bitly http://bit.ly/1InkXM7
via IFTTT

Brian Sells Chicago · Clean Out Clutter

Staging Tip #2 The majority of us have too much stuff, and clutter is a huge killer for potential buyers. Be ruthless when it comes to clutter — if you haven’t used it in three months, box it up. If you haven’t used it in a year, sell or donate it. Go one room at a time. It’s ok to have empty space. If you can’t part with something, get creative on how to store it. Rolling bins that fit under beds are perfect for hiding items and getting things out of the way. Too much furniture will also make a home look cluttered and smaller than it is. You want to create space – ask what you can live without. Every square foot is prime real estate. If you’re serious about selling, feel free to start packing. Store the boxes in the garage or somewhere out of sight. When moving day comes around you’ll be way ahead of the game. If you need boxes to get started just let me know. Uncategorized
from bitly http://bit.ly/1OwuSUB
via IFTTT

Brian Sells Chicago · Enhance Your Entry

Staging Tip #1 It’s the first thing buyers see, and most likely serves as the first impression of your house. Utilize the entry by updating the front door color, change out the door hardware (or clean and polish the current hardware). Make potential buyers welcome with a nice mat and some potted plants or flowers. Make sure the locks and handle are functioning correctly. As a showing agent as well, I can tell you how embarrassing it is to try and show a property and I can’t even get the door open. It makes a really bad first impression and leaves a buyer wondering what other things they will find wrong with the house when (IF!) they finally get inside. Uncategorized

from bitly http://bit.ly/1CTRm7g

via IFTTT