SkyFive Properties Blog

Do you feel like you have a beautiful home that isn’t getting enough attention from buyers? Is there something you’re missing when it comes to getting your house ready to sell?

Home preparations usually consist of deep cleaning and basic repairs. What else should you be doing to guarantee a sale? Keep reading to learn the top five tasks that are often forgotten when preparing a home for sale.

1. Light It Up

Making your home ready to sell means making it presentable. Above that, you need to make your home desirable. What better way to do that then to increase the lighting?

Here’s how to get your house ready to sell:

• Replace all light bulbs with new, bright ones
• Open any curtains to draw in natural light
• Consider doing a little landscaping to ensure bushes aren’t covering any windows

Another tip that can help light up your home is to replace any old windows. These tips will all brighten up your home, which makes it appear more inviting for buyers.

2. Set the Stage

If you’re wondering how to get a house ready to sell quickly, then you need to learn about setting the stage.

A buyer is much more likely to buy a home that they can imagine living in. That means a blank, empty house likely won’t attract anyone’s attention. Consider renting furniture and staging your home instead.

3. Don’t Neglect the Outdoors

When someone pulls up to your property, you want them to have the best possible first impression. That means a little landscaping is one of the things to do before putting your house on the market.

What should you do to get your house ready to sell? Mow the lawn, remove any clutter, and add some fresh plants. A few outdoor household improvements will go a long way.

4. Getting Your House Ready to Sell by Cleaning the Roof

Landscaping isn’t your only concern when it comes to the outdoors. Potential buyers get their first impression from the outside of your house. If the roof and siding looks dirty, then it’ll be a hard sell.

What should you do to get your house ready to sell? Consider having someone clean your roof and siding.

The average Roof Cleaning Cost isn’t much, and your house will look a whole lot better for it.

5. Consider Asking for an Agent’s Advice

Have you tried all the above methods and still continue to fall short of your goal? Have you searched ‘putting house on market’ online and still failed to get guidance?

If this describes your situation, then it might be time to ask a real estate agent for help. Keep in mind that 9 out of 10 homeowners used agents to sell their homes in 2017.

Get That House on the Market!

Once you’ve checked off all the items on this list, you should be well on your way to getting your house ready to sell. Now, get prepared to deal with the viewings, paperwork, and ultimate closure of the deal.

Are you interested in working with a proven real estate company to sell your home? Reach out to our CEO, Kaya Wittenburg, at (305) 357-0635 now for more information about how we can help.

Purchasing a new home isn’t as simple as signing a contract and handing in a down payment. There are a lot of steps in the process—one of which is going through a home inspection.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, you may not be familiar with the process of home inspection. But don’t worry! It’s easier than you might think.

Keep reading to learn about the process of home inspection and how you can prepare for it.

What To Expect from a Home Inspection

A home inspection appointment will typically take between two and four hours, depending on the size of the house you’re looking at.

Even if you’re given the option not to, it’s best to attend the inspection of a house you’re looking to purchase. This can give you some valuable insight into the property that you might not get from the report by itself. It also gives you the chance to ask the inspector any specific questions you might have.

What Does a Home Inspector Look For?

Home inspectors are very thorough and cover most things that could affect your health and safety, but they don’t consider every possible detail. They’ll look for:

• Damage to windows and doors
• Clearly visible mold and mildew
• Dampness, flooding, or water damage
• Clearly visible dry rot
• Plumbing problems and leaks
• Dangerous or outdated electrical wiring
• Heating and cooling system function
• Damage to the structure and foundation
• Holes or damage in the roof and chimney
• Safety features like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

A home inspector will also take a thorough look at the attic, basement, and garage. Once their examination is complete, they’ll write up a formal report detailing their findings.

What Isn’t Included In a New Home Inspection?

Every state has its own rules and regulations for home inspectors. But generally speaking, they’re only allowed to check things they can see without moving the current resident’s furniture, so they aren’t going to go through and test every outlet or check for scratches behind every chair. They also won’t go through and check the pool or other yard fixtures for functionality.

They’re also not allowed to make definitive claims on certain problems that require a specialist’s inspection. These things include termites and other pests, radon gas levels, asbestos, lead paint, and toxic mold. If there are signs of these things in the house, the inspector will note that there is “evidence” of them on their report and recommend you call in the appropriate specialist.

Preparing for a New Home Inspection

When your new home inspection is complete, you’ll be left with a report detailing areas of potential concern, but it’s up to you to decide which ones could make or break a sale. To prepare for the inspection, make a list of deal breakers and things that you’re willing to put the time and money into fixing.

If you’re looking to buy a house or condo in the Miami, FL area, take a look at the ones listed at Sky Five Properties. Our expert team will work with you to find a dream house that can pass even the toughest of new home inspections.

There’s nothing worse than a leaky roof. Especially as seasons change, bringing more rain.

A leaky roof can lead to rot and decay, as well as mold inside your home.

The key to keeping rain out of your house is to replace your roof before things get out of control. But how can you know when it’s time to replace your roof? You’ve come to the right place for answers.

In this article, we take a look at 5 signs that you need new roofing. So keep reading to learn how to identify when it’s time to pull the trigger and invest in improving your home.

1. Damaged or Missing Shingles

This is one of the most obvious signs of bad roofing. Missing or damaged shingles let you know that it’s time to get up there and take a look at what’s going on. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences high winds and other inclement weather on a regular basis.

After all, shingles can only sustain so much abuse before they begin to tear, warp, and completely blow away.

2. Water Damage Inside the House

It’s important to keep an eye on your ceilings. If you begin noticing dark spots appearing on the ceiling, this is evidence of bad news. The key is to act quickly. Inspect your roof for signs of damage. Because when there is a problem with shingles, moisture will leak beneath the roofing and do damage to the interior of the house.

3. Signs of Interior and Exterior Rot

Water damage can often be subtle. For example, you might not notice dark spots forming on the ceiling of your home, but that doesn’t mean that moisture isn’t causing serious problems.

A leaking roof can allow water to reach the structural support system for your roof, such as the trusts and rafters, as well as other structural parts of your home like wall studs. So be sure to look for evidence of rotting woods, rotting drywall, damage to kitchen cabinets, and rotting trim on the outside of your home.

4. Visible Evidence of Moss, Mold, and Fungi

Another sign of a bad roof is when vegetation is growing in places where it shouldn’t be growing. Nasty growth such as moss, mold, and fungi is obvious evidence that repairs need to be made quickly.

5. Be Aware of the Age of Your Roof

The simple truth is that a roof isn’t intended to last forever. The life expectancy of the average asphalt shingle roof is between 20 and 25 years. So when your roof reaches the 20 years mark it’s time to give serious thought to investing in a new one.

Signs that It’s Time to Replace Your Roofing

Keep in mind that being proactive is the best way to prevent water damage in your home. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on your roofing. After all, it will much cheaper to replace your roof than to have to pay for major repairs inside your house later on.

Click here to see 5 reasons to consider replacing old windows before listing your home for sale.

While they’re coming back in style, older homes aren’t without their issues.

Are you thinking about putting yours on the market? Before you meet with an agent, it’s smart to make a few repairs and upgrades, first.

From ripping up worn carpet to replacing your cracked linoleum flooring, there are plenty of ways to spruce your place up on a dime.

Yet, instead of spinning your wheels on weekend projects, prioritize a simple one that makes a huge impact: replacing old windows!

Today, we’re sharing a few reasons why this is a wise move, and how it can up your earning potential when you decide to list. Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. To Boost Energy-Efficiency

Chances are, your outdated windows aren’t doing you any favors when it comes to your utility bill. They aren’t helping the environment, either.

When you install newer windows, especially Energy Star ones, you could save more than $450 per year! You’ll also help your home hold in air and heat better, which reduces strain on your HVAC system and lowers your home’s carbon emissions.

2. To Improve Your Home’s Value

Did you know that if you spend $10,000 on new windows for your home, you can add $8,500 to your overall listing price? That’s an 85% ROI!

Go ahead and make the move, then rake in the money when it’s time to close. The new homeowners aren’t the only ones who will reap the benefits of this decision.

3. To Better Insulate

Does your home stay a little drafty in the winter and sticky in the summer? It doesn’t have to be this way.

This is likely the result of air loss.

Over time, homes settle. This creates small cracks and openings in various spots where air can seep out. While doorways, attics and crawl spaces are common culprits, you can also lose air through your windows.

Install new ones and reseal around them to make sure your home stays comfortable for its next inhabitants.

4. To Add Curb Appeal

Most buyers will decide how they feel about your home before they step a foot inside. Are your windows helping or hurting that first impression?

If yours are full of cracked screens, damaged panes, bent blinds and more, you could turn prospects away from the onset.

Shiny new windows, on the other hand? They impress immediately. You can find models that fit your need and budget online, at resources including Bill Butters Windows.

5. To Enhance Security

As smart homes get smarter, today’s homebuyers expect properties to include the latest and greatest gadgets.

One area in which they’re focusing their attention is home security. Yours could feature a state-of-the-art alarm system, but if your windows are old, the home is at risk.

New models offer better protection against intruders. They also feature more flexible film technology that helps prevent injury in the event of a collision.

Replacing Old Windows Makes Sense for Sellers

Selling your home is a process that can be wrought with stress. Don’t add to the headache by leaving your outdated windows intact.

Doing so can lead to a million buyer questions and requests for repair. By replacing old windows in the beginning, you can alleviate any concerns. You’ll also have one more feature to add to your listing.

Need help navigating the buying and selling process? That’s where we come in.

As Florida’s premier commercial and residential real estate firm, we’ll help you find your next dream home with ease!

The home improvement industry has grown by 6.4% over the past 5 years. In 2018, the home remodeling industry was valued at $99 billion.

There are many reasons why homeowners undertake the best home improvements for resale. For starters, they want to make their homes, comfortable. Also, they want to increase its value and improve its curb appeal.

What outdoor home improvement projects should you invest in? What home improvements add the most value?

In this post, we cover the best home improvements for resale.

Build a Deck

If you want to boost your home resale value and turn your outdoor space into a relaxing area, build a deck. Before building a deck, there are a few factors to consider. They include the type of material such as pressure treated wood, composite wood or cedar.

Other factors to consider include permit and size. If your deck is less than 200 square feet and is under 30 inches from the ground, you don’t need a permit. This does not mean that you should not consult with the local state authority.

To ease the whole process, have a home improvement list and hire a professional contractor.

Install an Outdoor Firepit

In summer, spending time with your family roasting marshmallows improves family bonding. By building an outdoor fire pit, you increase your home value and create delightful memories.

You have the choice of a simple DIY model or hire a professional contractor to do it for you. As one of the best remodeling ideas, choose the right fire pit design that suits your entertaining needs. Choices available include:

• In-ground fire pit
• Custom sized fire pit
• Firepit with a ring kit

There are several DIY tutorials available online that will help you design your own fire pit. Make a quick search on Google, Bing or Yahoo and start building.

Install Steel Entry Doors

Did you know that burglars tend to avoid homes with security systems? 60% of burglars report that security systems deter them from intruding a home. One of the best home improvements for resale is a steel entry door.

Used by commercial property owners, steel entry doors can protect residential properties too. Made from steel, they are also constructed with thermal adhesives. This helps to improve the structural integrity of the door and energy efficiency.

Also, the door will never rot, warp or be affected by weather elements such as rain or snow. The good news is they are available in many paint finishes, styles, and stains including glass.

Want to make your home more appealing? Install an enclosed porch. Not only will this allow you to share your home AC with the porch, but you will have a relaxing area for summer.

Revamp Your Landscape’s Beauty

Lack of a curb appeal lowers the value of your home. Why? It gives your home a bad impression even though the interior looks beautiful and homely. Today, you have landscape ideas and home improvements that add value for townhome owners.

By incorporating these ideas, you can transform your yard into a great mood booster. Start by incorporating retaining walls. These can double as extra seating. Add vertical gardens to serve as your privacy walls.

You can include contemporary pergolas such as space heaters, sound systems, and lighting. When you pair this with an outdoor fire pit or kitchen, it improves the outdoor experience. Don’t forget to reseed your lawn and mow it from time to time.

Best Home Improvements for Resale and Curb Appeal

There are more best home improvements for resale that you can include outdoors. For instance, you can install outdoor lights, build a patio, and powerwash your driveway. Don’t forget to focus on energy efficiency and comfort.

Want to buy or acquire real estate property? Check out our website’s Home webpage.

Does your home look like it’s right out of the 1980s or 1990s?

That could be a good thing!

Surprising as it may seem, there are certain vintage trends from those two decades that have earned the label of “awesome retro” look in home decor.

So it may be that you’re actually cool.

1980/90s Vintage Trends Making a Comeback

Whether you’re already decked out in this style, or you’ve simply got some nostalgia for this era, here’s what’s showing up lately on the interior design radar:

1. Mirrored Kitchen Backsplashes

The backsplash has been on trend for a while now.

But only recently has the mirrored kitchen backsplash starting showing up in kitchens of who like a little glamour.

Popular during the disco era of the late ’70s and early ’80s, the mirrored kitchen backsplash not only added glamour but helps open the kitchen up a bit.

It’s a great way to give a small kitchen some big attitude.

2. Gold

You’ve likely noticed muted brass popping up in interiors for quite some time now. But homeowners are taking it up a notch with gold.

Gold as an interior accent was big in the 1980s and early 1990s.

While some prefer their gold accents to also be muted, others have discovered how perfectly shinier gold pairs with dark and dramatic colors.

But skip the gold wallpaper. Gold is best appreciated when used in moderation.

3. Large Floral Patterns

If you were around in the 1980s, it would be hard to forget the popularity of floral prints. You may still have a comforter in the attic.

That comforter has just come back into style.

Regardless of how you personally felt about this trend, you’ll find big and bold floral patterns on bedding, pillows, and even wallpaper.

Of course, much like the gold, floral prints look best in small doses. And there’s always the chance this trend with be as short-lived as it was the first time.

4. Wood Cabinets in the Kitchen

Wood cabinets were once all the rage. They went out of fashion for a bit, and are now back.

But when we mention wood cabinets, we’re not talking about those dark monstrosities from the 1980s.

Head to any shops that focus on wood products, and you’ll see the trend now is for kitchen cabinets in lighter tones of wood. There are many different styles.

And when paired with bits of color, they give quite a contemporary feel. Speaking of color…

5. Blue and White

The blue and white palette was cool in the early 1990s. Almost too cool. The tendency was to use it in massive amounts to create a tranquil feeling.

Today though, blue and white are used more sparingly and often as part of a more broad design.

6. Pastels

It’s safe to say that the pastels that dominated the 1980s and 90s were obnoxious. They covered entire walls and were on every article of clothing.

Today’s pastels aren’t so cloyingly sweet and considerably more sophisticated. Especially when they’re offset with a bolder accent color. You wouldn’t have seen that in 1989.

Embrace the 1980s and 1990s

Whether you have an apartment or a luxury home, you can get on board with some of the vintage trends from this era.

And if you’re currently in the market for a luxury home, be sure to check out our available properties today.

Then you can add your own 1980s/90s flair!

Selling your home doesn’t have to be a complicated process. In fact, it is now easier than ever for you to fetch a high price for your property without having to worry about a thing.

Declutter

The first thing that you need to do is get rid of anything excessive. If you can’t stand to throw everything out, consider putting it in storage. People need to be able to see themselves in your property. This can be difficult if you have personal possessions absolutely everywhere, so clear away as much as you can. If you have bulky furniture, then you need to move it around so that the room feels bigger too. This will open up the space and it will also make each room feel bigger than it is. If you want to sell your home, this article should help.

Paint

Painting the walls inside your home can really make it feel bigger. It will give your visitors the chance to see how they  could adapt the room to meet their needs too. If you have redecorated recently then it will be easier for the buyer to move in as well, so this is another bonus. Creating a good first impression is everything here, so give the front door a new coat and eliminate any brightly coloured walls that you have.

Fix Everything

Even minor repairs can put a buyer off. Holes in walls, door knobs that have been broken and even cracked tiles can all be off-putting. A lot of buyers don’t want to move in if they have to make changes, so take care of this for them. You also need to put the effort in to get everything nice and sparkly too. This involves getting rid of limescale and even repairing the tile grout that you have. Wooden floors need to be waxed, and fresh towels need to be laid out. This will give your viewers the chance to feel as though they are living there already. Tidying up the garden is also essential. Take the time to clean up the patio and cut the grass too.

Update the Kitchen

They say that the kitchen is the most valuable room in the house, and this is most certainly the case. It can make all the difference to a buyer that is unsure. If you want to upgrade your kitchen then you need to reface all of your kitchen cabinetry. This is just as effective as replacing your entire kitchen and it can also add serious value to your home. Plumbing fixtures and white goods should also be considered, as they can help you to sell your property way faster.

Light and Airy

Wall mirrors can always make a room feel much bigger and brighter too. Put some up in your smaller hallways or even display them in your smallest rooms. When you do this, you can easily bring out the true personality of your home. Of course, it also helps to replace any light bulbs that might be broken as this can make your property way more attractive to buyers.

Light a Fire

If it is cold outside, then you need to light a fire. This will make your home feel more welcoming and it will also make it feel cosier. Burn some pinecones, or even set some logs up by the fire. If you don’t have a log fire or anything else similar, then make sure that it is as clean as possible. When you do this, you can easily make the room feel way more welcoming.

Windows

It’s so important that you dress your windows properly. Curtains or even blinds are great here because they will help your home to avoid looking run down or impersonal. If you can, you should always buy some cheap ones because they will make a huge difference to your home and you can leave them behind.

Smells

Believe it or not, bad smells can be a huge turnoff for prospective buyers. You have to make sure that you don’t just cover them up with air freshener. You need to deal with the problem at its source, so clear the drains, wash down your bins, air out the kitchen and eliminate any remnants of cigarette smoke. Grimy bed sheets need to be washed too, so make sure that you keep this in mind. Of course, good smells can make your property feel like an alluring home, so brew some coffee, buy some fresh flowers or invest in a quality air freshener.

You love getting away from the city for a while, and you’ve finally achieved your dream of buying your own log cabin.

The only problem?

When it comes to cabin decor ideas, you’re willing to admit that you have no idea what you’re doing.

You want the space to have a peaceful and natural feel, but you also want to be chic in addition to cozy and comfortable when you’re off the grid.

From rustic window seats to picking the right color palette, read on to learn from some of our best rustic cabin decorating ideas.

1. Install a Window Seat

There are few better things than sipping on a warm cup of coffee and watching the gorgeous scenes of nature from your cabin window.

To make the most of your time, you should install a window seat when you’re decorating a cabin. Add a flannel blanket and a small floor lamp nearby, so that you can curl up with a good book while you enjoy the scenery.

Even consider adding a bookshelf on one of the surrounding walls, so that you never run out of reading material.

If you’re especially handy, you might even be able to install your own window seat. This guide makes it easy to learn how. We think it’s a great way to leave your own mark on your cabin, and you’ll enjoy relaxing in the space, even more, knowing that you created it.

Plus, you can also use the window seat as an extra storage spot in your cabin. We think it’s a great place for hiking and skiing gear. Goodbye, clutter!

2. Try Wood Paneling

In most cases, wood paneling is associated with 1970s decor – and many homeowners actually try to get rid of it.

However, there’s one place that it definitely belongs: on the walls of your cabin.

Treated wood paneling is synonymous with rustic cabin style, and you can choose the perfect finish to make it darker or lighter. If you want to go with a more modern touch, you could even paint the paneling red or deep green, the perfect cabin colors.

Another amazing trick we love?

If you don’t want your entire walls to be covered with wood paneling, install an old barn door to create a beautiful accent wall.

3. Invest in a Stone Fireplace

Since much of cabin decor keeps to a chestnut brown, red, green, and yellow color scheme, great cabin decor ideas are those that play around with texture.

Since granite countertops don’t exactly give you the most laid back look, one place to get creative with texture is your fireplace.

Gorgeous gray stones look absolutely stunning when arranged in an arch over the fireplace. Don’t aim for a perfect fit when you’re installing the stone fireplace. Use natural rocks of different shapes and sizes to keep things interesting.

Since lots of wood will certainly be involved in your cabin’s construction, always ensure you practice smart fireplace safety.

4. Save Space With Bunkbeds

Now that the word is out about your cabin, we’re certain that many of your friends and family members would love to be able to stay there with you.

In order to accommodate everyone and prevent overcrowding your space, we suggest that you invest in some bunk beds. Especially if younger children will be staying at the cabin, we’re certain that they’ll be thrilled with this touch of rustic fun.

If you’re still in the process of finding the perfect mountain home, consider adding built-in bunk beds to your log cabin buying checklist.

5. Open Kitchen Shelving

Whether you’re storing canned goods or picking things from your cabin garden, open kitchen shelving is certainly a hallmark of cabin decor.

Plus, if you’re only staying there for part of the year, you likely won’t have too many groceries.

Open shelving makes it easier for you to find everything you need. To keep things looking interesting, pick up some antique spice jars and break up the shelving space with small flowers and other knick-knacks.

Don’t be afraid to use open shelving in other parts of your cabin, too.

We especially love the idea of installing an open shelf right outside your cabin’s entrance. Consider it a subtle reminder for everyone to take off their muddy shoes before coming back indoors. Also, add a hook outside for jackets and umbrellas.

6. Get Bold With Lighting

Let’s be honest: most cabin decorating ideas aren’t about creating a bold statement or going too over-the-top.

There’s one place in your cabin home, however, where the less-is-more rule doesn’t apply: your lighting fixtures.

Don’t be afraid to go for a bold chandelier, and use natural materials like wood and old branches if you can. Of course, you could always go for a classic look and invest in an antler chandelier.

Try These Cabin Decor Ideas to Make Your Space Special

We know that these cabin decor ideas have you ready to hit the flea market, head to your favorite home decorating shop, or even go into the woods to look for the perfect raw materials.

It’s easy to find ways to accent the natural beauty of your wooded surroundings, while at the same time making the space uniquely your own.

Need a few more tips on where you should go when you just need a break from the Bay Area for a while?

Want to score the latest decorating tips and tricks?

Our blog makes it easy to do all that and more, so keep checking in with us for the latest in all things chic.

When you’re selling a home, you want to make the best impression on buyers possible. About 49% of buyers are going to be influenced by how your home is staged.

You want to make sure that you present your home in the best possible light. What if you already moved out and you don’t have any furniture left to stage the home?

You actually have more options available and this could work in your favor. Read on to find out how to stage a house with no furniture.

Should You Stage a Home with No Furniture?

One of the biggest booms in real estate is in home staging. It’s common for real estate agents and sellers to hire a home staging company to

There are some disadvantages to staging your home with no furniture.

The first thing that’s a major disadvantage is that you can’t hide anything. For example, a stain on the floor can’t be covered with an area rug. Cracks and chipped paint can’t be covered up, either.

As a seller, you don’t want to look desperate to sell your home. A completely empty home could send off signals that you need to sell your home quickly.

If you don’t stage an empty home, it can feel empty. Buyers will pick up on that. Homes are places with soul. A home that’s empty and not staged can feel unwelcoming and uninviting.

An empty home can pose safety risks and you could experience break-ins.

One of the biggest advantages is that buyers aren’t influenced by the style of furniture already in the home. For example, you may love a rustic look and decorated your home that way. You may have potential buyers who are fans of mid-century modern or modern furniture.

They won’t be able to fully envision the possibilities of the space without looking past the furniture that doesn’t fit their style.

With an empty space that’s staged well, buyers can take measurements and then decide where they can fit their modern furniture.

How to Stage a House with No Furniture

As you can see, there are plenty of advantages and disadvantages to staging a home with no furniture. The key is that you have to put in the effort, no matter how much furniture you have and make it enticing for buyers.

Ready to learn how to stage a house with no furniture? Check out these insightful tips.

Curb Appeal Matters Even More

Do you know what curb appeal is? It’s how people view your home from the curb. Buyers will often form a first impression based on the exterior of the home and then they tour the home hoping to find more evidence of what they found outside.

For example, let’s say that your home looks exquisite from the outside. The landscaping is perfect and your walkway is welcoming and inviting.

Buyers will get a positive first impression. When they walk inside, they’ll look for other reasons to love the home. They may love the spacious rooms, open kitchen or natural lighting. If they don’t like the walkway, they’re likely to notice every single thing wrong with your home.

What you can do is add colorful plants and small lights to the walkway or update the driveway design. You want to give your landscaping a cheery look and feel while the colors add some pop to the landscape.

Of course, make sure that the grass isn’t growing too long, and your landscape isn’t full of weeds. That can turn off buyers.

Rely on Color and Lighting

Once you have buyers walk in the door, you want to wow them with color and light. Buyers respond to bright and cheerful homes, and you can use them to your advantage.

You can change all of the light bulbs in your home to brighter bulbs. You can also strategically use lighting to highlight features of the home and keep potentially negative aspects in the dark.

Using floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead lighting can create a big, bright space, even in small rooms.

Natural light is a big seller and something that can draw buyers to your home. Trim the foliage outside to make sure you’re getting the most natural light in the room. You’ll also need to clean the windows as light coming in through dirty windows will be noticeable.

Color can be used simply in your home without furniture. You may not require a full coat of paint on your walls. A simple color update to your trim can create a bright and bold feel in your home.

If You’re Really in a Hurry to Sell Your Home…

Are you on a time crunch and really need to sell your home? If that’s the case, then you do have a few options available to you.

The first option is to rent furniture or to hire a home staging company to handle this part of the process. This isn’t ideal if you’re in a hurry and on a tight budget.

The other option is to sell your home for cash through a company like Cornerstone Homebuyers. It’s a quick process and removes the headaches of selling your home.

Staging a Home Can Sell It Fast

Home sellers want to get their house off the market as soon as possible. When you’re selling a home, you want to get the most value you possibly can out of the sale. A higher sales price means more money in your pocket.

Yet, if you don’t know how to stage a house with no furniture, your home could be sitting on the market for a long time, forcing you to lower the asking price.

Focus on the appearance of the entire home, both exterior and interior to create a warm, welcoming and bright home. That will help buyers see themselves living there.

Do you want more great real estate tips? Read this article that tells you when it’s time to replace your home windows.

Vacant land is one of the most overlooked opportunities going. It is a misconception that they aren’t worth anything once purchased. There is a whole business dedicated to buying and selling vacant spaces. The more building developments that have appeared in recent years, the more that land becomes a tasty investment

Buy land, they aren’t making anymore of it. – Mark Twain

Mark Twain, has a point. What is left in terms of land in certain areas will never be there again, so if you have the opportunity to buy. Do it.

So why should you invest in land?

Lazy People

With vacant land, you have a choice. You can build something great asap. Or you can leave it alone to add to the local landscape. In fact, one of the easiest ways to make money is to buy vacant land cheaply, and sell it on when there is an increase in popularity in housing in those areas. Developers love to get their hands on these spaces. It is a ‘hands-off’ investment.

Building

If you purchase land at a reasonable price, you can build on it. If you need planning permission and permits, then get them. The value of the area will rise significantly just because there is the ability to build on it. If you choose to, you can build homes or simply build on there too. And then rent or sell them. Sherman Pole Buildings have great examples of what can be done.

Orchards & Vineyards

If you would prefer to add something more natural to the landscape, then plant an orchard. You can make a steady income from what is produced. If you happen to be very community-minded, you can give all of the produce to food banks and churches in the local area.

If you are one for a nice glass of white wine at the weekend, you can plant and dabble in growing your own grapes and producing small batches of wine. They look beautiful, are ideal for people with a little bit of time on their hands. And, they will make an income every year that the wine is ready.

Community Garden

If you are community minded, and wish to give back and provide, then here is your opportunity. Create a space that people in your local community can come and contribute to. Planting vegetable gardens, learning about wildlife and making friends will happen here. You can raise funds to enable you to make some significant changes in the space, and be a place for people to unwind and relax too.

Of course, what you do with the land will make a difference to the local area. If you introduce new breeds of flowers, new insects and animals will follow. Building houses for people to rent or purchase will likely bring the most significant return on your initial investment. Once you have the land, there is no rush to decide what you want to do with it.

Everyone wants a piece of land. It’s the only sure investment. It can never depreciate like a car or washing machine. Land will only double its value in ten years. – Sam Shepard