Forget the Open Floor Plan--It's Time to Bring Back Walls

  What to Do Before You Start 1. Schedule time on your calendar.  In my experience, a garage cleanout is a time-consuming process, so I recommend reserving several days on your calendar. I suggest starting the process well before the installation of your new flooring or storage systems — especially if you have difficulty making decisions. 2. Collect boxes, packing supplies and large trash bags.  Think about accumulating boxes from deliveries to use for packing and donating belongings. You might be able to find moving boxes for free on community sites or message boards. You might also pack possessions in storage containers you already own. debora carl landscape design 3. Assess trash and donation pickup options.  I suggest contacting your local waste-management company to ascertain the services included in your monthly fee.  Keep in mind that options vary by company. Some waste-management companies pick up old paint, pesticides, motor oil and other toxic substances, as well as electroni

1. Look a little lower Fixer-upper, anyone? How about an up-and-coming neighborhood? There’s no need to give up your wish list entirely; but in today’s market, you’ve got to get real. Move-in ready homes with modern finishes sell first, so look at a slightly lower price point and get a better deal.  Use the extra money to renovate. This strategy also makes sense because often listing prices are intentionally low to build interest and encourage a bidding war. So if your top dollar is $350,000 and you look in that range, the available properties may well sell for $375,000 or higher. Check out homes in the $310,000 to $325,000 range, and you’re more likely to find something you can truly afford. 2. Enhance your earnest money Cash offers may be king to the majority of sellers, but let’s face it: That’s not feasible for a majority of home shoppers. Still, you can make a financed deal more attractive with your earnest money, the 1% to 3% typically put down after an offer is accepted.  It mak

  Colorful cabana stripes are back Cabana stripes This design style is having a moment as people look for easy ways to brighten up their space and find inspiration in nostalgic summer designs. “This timeless summer staple is making a bold comeback,” says Wayfair Professional stylist  Cojo Barnes . “From classic navy blue to sunny yellow, cabana stripes are brightening up furniture, drapes, tiles, and more.” To bring the look to your outdoor space, try pool loungers, market umbrellas, beach canopies, and even striped tiles. Pergolas are enjoying a moment Floral pergola With the rise in remote working, searches for outdoor pergola kits are up 369% year over year, according to the report.   “Pergolas offer the luxury of enjoying the outdoors while providing shade and protection from the natural elements,” says Tampa, FL–based interior designer  Sarit Marcus , founder of  Minted Space . “One of the many benefits of a pergola structure is that you can tailor it to fit your needs.” Some perg

  Now that people across the U.S. are finally starting to return to the office, go on vacations, and restart their lives in earnest, the Realtor.com® data team set out to find the features that 2022’s new homebuyers are jonesing for. And as   peak homebuying season begins , it seems at least some of the perks-turned-must-haves remain. After all, who doesn’t want to work from home (work from pool) this summer? The data team looked at what exactly people are searching for in a home these days to figure out what are the must-have features and amenities—and what they’re willing to live without. We found they’re still prioritizing many of the features that became popular during the pandemic. “People want to live indoors, but they want to live outdoors as well,” says  Cara Ameer , a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker licensed in California and Florida. “That idea became big during the pandemic.” And it’s still high on wish lists. Of course, what buyers want and what they can afford are u

  Apply a fresh coat of paint Unless you've recently painted it, your home could use a fresh coat (or two) of paint. Over time, walls experience a lot of wear and tear and can also get dingy.  Christopher Totaro , an agent at Warburg Realty, says he's always surprised when a seller looks at him sideways and says, "You want me to do  what ?" But he explains that painting the home is a must. "You have lived in your home for 10 years, have four kids, and you expect to bring top dollar, so yes, I am suggesting that you paint." Totaro says painting the home makes it stand out from other properties and can help to reduce the time on the market. Since you see the house every day, it's easy to overlook problems that may jump out to buyers. "Often, a wall can be scraped or peeling, and sometimes, previous water damage was left unattended," explains  Mihal Gartenberg , another agent at Warburg Realty. Also, if you have accent walls, she recommends painti