Margaret's Blog

I Need My Privacy! (or How to Frost Windows For Nearly Free)

2008-12-03T14:52:09Z

Imagine a lovely front entry door

The window covered with a length of poorly hemmed fabric - attached to the inside of the door . . .

This is what I saw yesterday at my staging consultation. Not the first impression I want any home for sale to make!

The Challenge:

The owners have no money for improvements
door is a metal door
the room really needs the light this window offers
the owners need the privacy of having the window covered
What's your recommendation?

Frost those windows!!

-- and you don't even have to buy the adhesive film -- frost them with Epsom salts! I personally have used this technique in my home and it turns out wonderful. Removes easily with soap and water.

Supplies Needed:

1 cup Epsom salts (available at your local pharmacy)
1 ½ cup water
3 T. liquid dishwashing detergent

Directions:

1. Heat water to boiling.

2. Gradually add some of the Epsom salts and stir. Keep the solution boiling.

3. Add more Epsom salts and stir.

4. Repeat until the Epsom salts will no longer dissolve. This is called a super solution.

5. Remove container from heat.

6. Add the liquid dishwashing detergent and stir.

7. Let the mixture cool.

8. "Paint" the solution on a window or glass with a paintbrush. When the solution dries, needle-like fan patterns will appear that look just like frost on windows on a cold day.

To clean glass surface, wash with soap and water.

The makeshift curtain can come down, the light can pour in and the owner's still have their privacy. Happy sellers -- happy realtor -- I love my job!

Creative Concepts and Contracting provides affordable solutions to help prepare your home for sale and make sure it it spotlight ready! Contact us for more information on staging ideas to set your home apart in person and on the MLS!

'Twas the Month Before Listing and All Through the House . . .

2008-11-29T12:23:30Z

'Twas the month before listing, when all through the house
the owners were nervous, and began to grouse.
It was time they decided their house to prepare,
in hopes that some buyers soon would be there.

There was no time to rest all snug in their beds,
images of projects danced in their heads.
"What to do, where to start." I said with a snap.
"A buyer‘s not going to just fall in our lap!"

Bring in the stager and stop all this chatter,
See if they can tell us what improvements really matter.
In this poor economy to sell in a flash,
we must learn how to give our house some panache!

Architecture to highlight and spaciousness to show
do you think the bottle collection and moose head must go?
Before the realtors and buyers appear,
the need for a plan and strategy was clear.

The stager appeared, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment she was just the trick.
In rapid succession the ideas they came,
she saw all the problems and called them by name:

"The Clutter! The Dirt!
The dated decor!
Deferred maintenance!
And papers galore!
We‘ll stage it all from the front to back door!
And make sure it‘s the house
All buyers will adore!"

With that, her pen -- it began to fly,
preparing a plan for success to try
the before photos they showed quite a mess,
and many more issues we must address.

It‘s time, she said, with little ado
To be painting your interior a neutral hue
Your sofa is gaudy and condition is poor
A slip cover will transform it, she began to implore.

From pressure washing the walk and driveway too,
we started on the prioritized list of much to do.
Cleaning, decluttering - there was no looking back,
the extra clothes, the photos and collections to pack.

The windows! How they sparkled! The rooms! How airy!
Opening the closet door was no longer scary!
The master bedroom fabulous décor did sport,
Reminding viewers of a relaxing resort.

More lighting and décor gave the house a new look
All done with very little stress to the pocketbook!
The photos now prepared for buyers online
Showed a property that could be described as sublime!

With a series of comps to compare all the fixings
All fears were allayed; we would have a great listing.
Our realtor can now market in so many ways,
And assured us a sale in a matter of days.

One after the other, with comments to share;
Realtors on tour agreed, no house would compare.
Every room was inspected, our efforts made clear,
A buyer could be expected, we had little to fear.

The Open House, a gala event
They came dropping their cards and compliments were sent.
The buyers were plentiful, all in the queue -
The color of money, oh what a hue!

The offer it came, with the speed of a missile
The key was the Stager, oh what a pistol!
And our realtor exclaimed as we closed with delight,
"Happy selling to all, and to all a good night!"

Creative Concepts and Contracting -- more than just happy holiday greetings -- a plan of action for home sellers! Contact us for home staging recommendations that will set your home apart and become memorable to buyers!

A Stager's Strategy on Black Friday Shopping

2008-11-28T10:18:55Z

A successful stager knows where to shop to find not only the great look, but for the best price. Our business relies on finding items quickly and getting back to work. Many times I'm carrying a picture I have to find matching towels for, or perhaps a curtain to match with pillows -- it's rare stagers shop empty handed.

Just ask a stager where to buy some cute accent pillows and be prepared for a 15 minute dissertation on styles, prices and availability.

Other stagers can empathize -- we rarely have just one cart. We may go in for some new dish ware -- but I can guarantee they end up with a full cart, and maybe two. Shopping at Home Goods - better take the big rig!! A big sale at Pier One - yup, just keep those carts coming!

While I find it fun to shop on Black Friday for a few items, we think of it as more of a holiday outing than a shopping trip. It's fun to shop when you aren't basing your success on getting those super specials (that run out before you get there). So this stager's strategy this year is to shop for fun, but not for work . . . plus my family has grounded me from home decor stores saying they won't push multiple carts in the holiday crowd!

Happy Shopping!

Creative Concepts and Contracting provides staging, color and redesign consultations. Whether you are creating a new look for your home or preparing to sell, contact Margaret Oscilia at 503-881-0886 for great ideas that work!

Cherished Memories into Marvelous Masterpieces - Photowow.com

2008-11-27T12:02:04Z

Looking for a gift for that hard to buy for person that unique and personal?

Have some photos that you would love to display in a beautiful way?

Think beyond the photo mousepad or mug . . . here's a website where you can create customized art from your photos -- www.photowow.com! Make cherished memories into marvelous masterpieces!

Using your photo or photos, you can obtain all types of graphic modifications -- turn a photo into a piece of pop art, a collage, or a comic strip. Or add special effects, such as converting it to a watercolor or oil painting effects. I especially like the Vintage Hand Tint Look. I'm loving the super imposed option as well -- (maybe I could do this with our new car photos?).

Once you've created your masterpiece,you can choose a wide variety of sizes and can have it printed on canvas or as a print. The framing options are huge as well. Photowow also offers some unique printing of your photos for use as labels (bottles, candy bars, puzzles and the good old mousepads.

Creative Concepts and Contracting -- providing unique ideas for common problems! Contact us for ideas on preparing a home for sale or achieving a look you love!

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Save Energy?

2008-11-26T22:29:49Z

The average two person household produces about 41,600 pounds of carbon dioxide each year from burning fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) that:

Power our vehicles
Heat and power our homes
Heat our water
Help make the things we buy

Here's some easy ways to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions:

Replace 6 light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs - 566 pounds saved per year
Leave your car home two days a week - carpool, bike, walk or telecommute - 1,590 pounds saved per year
Wash clothes in cold water, wash and dry full loads and clean the dryer lint filter after every load - 500 pounds saved per year
Lower your thermostat by two degrees - 353 pounds saved per year
Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees - insulate your tank - 500 pounds saved per year
Unplug your cell phone, MP3 player and other electronics as soon as they're charged - 200 pounds saved per year
Use a power strip to shut down your TV, DVD, computer and other electronics when not in use - 500 pounds per year
Recycle your paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal - compost food wastes - 850 pounds saved per year

Creative Concepts and Contracting provides quality home staging and repairs. Using what you have, we can create a fantastic first impression when you place your home on the market! Contact Margaret Oscilia at 503-881-0886 for information on preparing your home for sale or creating a look you love.

BIG, WHITE and BARE . . . Stager Advice Needed!

2008-11-25T19:20:13Z

Today I was asked for some decorating advice from a homeowner. She has walls that are

big
white
bare

and hubby loves them that way!

Paint transforms a room -- but what to do when it's not an option? Most tenants don't have that freedom, and it probably isn't something I'd risk marital bliss over!

Here's a few ideas I came up with, and I'm sure the creative minds here at active rain will come up with many more!

a photo mural

curtains in a warm color, a fun pattern or stripe can add a wonderful warmth

a large piece of colorful art becomes a beautiful focal point . . .

Other ideas I had were:

a large well framed mirror
a large plant -- on a plant stand if not tall enough
a beautiful piece of fabric framed, or attached to a stretcher frame

What other ideas to you have to cover this big bad whiteness?

Looking forward to your ideas and photos if you can!

Creative Concepts and Contracting -- Providing home staging and repairs -- and transformations that sell! Contact Margaret Oscilia at 503-881-0886 for information on how to prepare your home to sell!

Reviving Countertop Grout

2008-11-23T15:57:29Z

Putting personal items out of sight and cleanliness are key to having home buyers feel comfortable in viewing your bathrooms.

What to do when your tiles look less than desirable - - the grout is stained, loose and missing?

This tile countertop grout evidently had not been sealed correctly and had been cleaned with chemicals not meant for grout. The result was a splotchy, dirty look and an overall appearance of poor repair.

Following is a photo of the work half done in anoher bathroom -- does clean and sparkling grout make a difference -- Wow -- we think it is time and $$ well spent!

When grout is horrible like in the above photos - it needs to be etched with an acid cleaning agent which etches into the grout, removing the top layer. At this point, the grout will either be clean enough to reseal, or if it is low enough in relationship to the tile, it can be regrouted.

If grout is in poor quality or loose, it should be removed using a grout knife or grout removing blade for a spiral saw, and then regrouted.

In our case, the etching acid did not remove any of the top layer, and the grout was in excellent condition - it just looked horrid. We opted for recoloring the grout using a product sold at tile stores, Home Depot and other big box locations.

The colorant recolors and reseals the grout. As you can see in the above photo - the before and after in this job was quite dramatic. Application was tedious, but the results fabulous!

This is part 2 of our grout journey. If you are interested in floor grout cleaning make sure you visit part 1.

Creative Concepts and Contracting addresses all aspects of home staging and preparing your home for sale! Contact Margaret Oscilia for more ideas on preparing your home for a successful sale at 503-881-0886

Can A HUD certified Foreclosure Counselor Help?

2008-11-23T08:52:09Z

Worried about foreclosure?

Call 1-800-SAFENET or 1-800-723-3638 or go to www.211info.org to find a HUD-certified foreclosure counselor in your area.

A counselor can help you identify ways to save your home from foreclosure.

For more information and resources, go to www.dfcs.oregon.gov/ml/foreclosure.html

This information was provided by the Deparment of Consumer and Business Services - State of Oregon.

Creative Concepts and Contracting specializes in getting your home sold! Let us help you prepare your home for sale in a tough market! Contact Margaret Oscilia at 503-881-0886 on great affordable ideas to set your home apart in on line marketing and in person!

Can A HUD certified Foreclosure Counselor Help?

2008-11-23T08:52:00Z

Worried about foreclosure?

Call 1-800-SAFENET or 1-800-723-3638 or go to www.211info.org to find a HUD-certified foreclosure counselor in your area.

A counselor can help you identify ways to save your home from foreclosure.

For more information and resources, go to www.dfcs.oregon.gov/ml/foreclosure.html

This information was provided by the Deparment of Consumer and Business Services - State of Oregon.

Can A HUD certified Foreclosure Counselor Help?

2008-11-23T08:49:16Z

Worried about foreclosure?

Call 1-800-SAFENET or 1-800-723-3638 or go to www.211info.org to find a HUD-certified foreclosure counselor in your area.

A counselor can help you identify ways to save your home from foreclosure.

For more information and resources, go to www.dfcs.oregon.gov/ml/foreclosure.html

This information was provided by the Deparment of Consumer and Business Services - State of Oregon.

Grungy Grout - Get Rid of that Dirty Little Secret!

2008-11-22T09:31:08Z

Most homes I visit have grout issues. There is no dirt that is dirtier than someone elses dirt -- especially in the bathroom or kitchen where these problems occur. Tile condition is a huge part of presenting a sparkling bathroom!

I merrily go along on my staging consultation - noting for the homeowner to "clean grout or regrout if necessary"and then I am on my way. On a recent job the out of area owner left the "clean or regrout" for us to solve and BOY did we get an education (okay I learned far more than I wanted to know).

Mistake #1 - Grout that is not sealed - or sealed adequately. If in doubt - save yourself some trouble later on and clean and seal when you purchase a home. Also, depending on the area, it will need to be resealed. WHY? To extend it's life - as we learned it can become damaged and then the work is much more intensive!

Mistake #2 - Grout that is cleaned with the wrong chemicals. I'm guilty! I have been cleaning my white tile grout with soft scrub with bleach. These chemicals can permanently stain the grout. The darkened areas around this toilet look like neglect and filth -- BUT -- they really are the result of cleaning with chemicals.

Mistake #3 - When grout is not sealed or maintained, tiny cracks can develop in the grout - causing water and dirt to enter the grout deeply. The water causes the cracks to become larger. Before long - grout pieces are coming loose, causing much more maintenance.

We hired a professional service to help us with our grout woes.

Solution #1 - A chemical etching takes a 1/32nd of the grout surface off, leaving a clean surface. This surface can be resealed. However - grout stains in cracks will still be there, chemical stains cannot be removed, and some areas may not come as clean as others. The results were great and it was less expensive than we expected - but it was not "as good as new".

In this before photo, the grout lines appear to be dark grout - however they were just dirty and it was very obvious up close.

After being professionally cleaned and resealed the grout was significantly cleaner. While it was not perfect, it was no longer an issue to a home buyer viewing the home.

Solution #2 - While we did not choose this option, if the grout is in bad condition, it would have been necessary to remove the grout. If grout has loose spots, is so damaged it cannot be cleaned or in otherwise poor condition, grout should be removed. We have done this previously, and it is a bit tedious. You can use a grout knife - which goes into the grooves between the tiles carving out the grout. Or you can get a grout removing bit for your spiral saw (speeds up the process). Loose grout is removed, along with enough between the tiles to provide good adhesion for new grout to be applied.

Watch for Part II - addressing the counter top grout issues!

Creative Concepts and Contracting can help you prepare your home to sell for top dollar in any market! Let us help you find solutions -- call Margaret Oscilia at 503-881-0886 for ideas on how to present your home for sale!

Help! Where Did Grandma Go!!

2008-11-20T08:35:19Z

When viewing a vacant home online or in person the image of the owner can still dominates the image -- making it difficult for home buyers to see themselves living there -- so a gem of a house can go unnoticed -- waiting.

With no buyers for her lovely home -- "Grandma" hired us to give her listing some pizazz and appeal. Here was the view from the front door -- WAIT GRANDMA -- don't forget to take your drapes with you!

While the budget couldn't afford a new light fixture, where did it go?

The new curtains and decor make it fade into the background . . .

"Grandma" is very pleased by the way! She sent an email this week (maybe she's in Tahiti?) She said

"Thank you for the pictures. Everything looks so nice. Thank you. I should have known about you when I was living there! It looks better than ever. I am sure the house will sell now..I almost would buy it myself, if I did not already own it."

Party on "Grandma"! You've got your new image goin' on -- flaunt it! We've got the house well under control!

Creative Concepts and Contracting loves to find beauty and appeal in every home. Contact Margaret Oscilia at 503-881-0886 to see how a staging consultation can transform your listing and make it camera and buyer ready!

If I Lose Weight Will You Find Me More Attractive?

2008-11-18T06:46:14Z

Yes -- I know it's all about first impressions, image and all that!

But . . . I've become over stuffed. . .

I've over indulged . . .

And I'm no longer comfortable -- even with myself!

I am . . . the cluttered home!

We put this house on a REDUCING diet --

It lost a few pounds --

Toned up a little --

and yes -- it found TRUE love --

Sold in a slow market in FIVE days -- Average DOM in this area is 135 . . .

Creative Concepts and Contracting can help your home find its soul mate! Contact Margaret Oscilia for more information on what a staging consultation can do for your home at 503-881-0886

Our New Baby is HERE!

2008-11-18T06:33:56Z

We've waited so many months for this blessed event . . and though we are older and more experienced parents of five delightful daughters . . . this wait has been torturous!

Here's my hubby and youngest in the waiting room -- all smiles and excited for our BIG day!

This is my husbands dream come true -- something he was wanted since the 7th grade!!

We ordered our Mini this summer -- and it's finally arrived! Just had to share! Our little Mini is so cute and fun -- and 40mpg!!! (I don't think he's going to let me cram this full of staging stuff . . . let's see it will hold about one tote and one lamp!)

Creative Concepts and Contracting -- still big on service!

Linens-N-Things Going Out of Business Sales -- Stagers -- Fixtures are for sale too!

2008-11-17T22:16:34Z

LNT is going out of business and liquidating all merchandise and fixtures. This may be a great opportunity for you to get organized in your warehouse! Currently the store in Salem is offering 20% off everything, up to 40% off on selected items. I got a great duvet cover for 40% off.

The fixtures for sale are everything from roll around bins, shelving units, end bins, and more. They were quite organized with photos of what they were selling and the prices. We just rented a larger warehouse and I'm so excited to get such great shelving units!

Check it out!

Bathroom Transformations Start at the Vanity!

2008-11-17T13:39:27Z

When it comes to bathrooms -- it IS all about the vanity -- especially if there is something wrong with the vanity! Our latest staging job had these vanities. The house was built in 1993, but these vanities look much older.

The house was being re-listed at $199,900and we were brought in for a staging consultation. At that price point what advice would you give your clients? Removal and replacement of the cabinetry was not an option.

To refinish with a darker stain, it would have been necessary to sand, restain damaged portions with existing color, varathane, glaze with darker color, varathane. This was not practical at this price point either and the deep damages on the doors and gouges in the wood above the doors, it was not practical.

We did opt to repaint the cabinets, and in order to obtain the best finish possible, followed these steps:

Wash with TSP and a scratchy sponge
Remove drawers, doors and hardware
Sand damaged and rough areas
Using a tack cloth remove all dust and residue
Prime with quick drying OIL primer. (Important to use oil based - we used an aerosal Zinnser product and it was so smooth. More expensive than buying by the quart and had to tape off the bathroom more than usual but worth it.)
Paint two light coats of a latex enamel formulated for heavy use. Because of the usage these cabinets receive, painting them with a high quality product is imperative for long term beauty.
Paint will be "soft" for a few days -- be gentle when rehanging doors and do not shut drawers tightly immediately or paint may be damaged.

By following these steps, we obtained a beautiful, smooth and attractive finish. When entering the bathroom -- it's no longer all about the damaged vanity. It's all about how spacious these bathrooms are!

Creative Concepts and Contracting are the Prepare to Sell Experts! Staging consultations provide experienced advice on staging, repairs and maintenance issues. Contact Margaret Osclia at 503-881-0886 for more information on how you can prepare your home for sale affordably and for top dollar!

The Future Hold Promise! Article on Salem Oregon's Economy

2008-11-10T08:02:49Z

This editorial was in the Stateman Journal on Sunday and I felt it filled with so many wonderful economic aspects about Salem, that I wanted to share it. It seems that negative and sensational news is what we remember, while there are so many positive aspects of our local economy we can focus upon!

The future does hold promise for Salem!

Economic news is not all bad in Salem - Bill Church - November 9, 2008

Eons from now, when media archeologists pick through the rubble of 2008, they'll find remains that will make them pause.

There, on the front pages of the Statesman Journal, they'll discover headlines that 2008 wasn't a complete economic wasteland.

Amid the scorched landscape of plundered pensions, job losses, slumping sales and credit-default swaps were signs of new life - at least in Salem, Ore.

It didn't take much digging to spot these significant finds in recent front pages of the Statesman Journal:

"Boise site redevelopment details emerge" - The Sept. 12 story offered the first drawings of plans to turn the 11-acre Boise Cascade property into offices, retail spaces, parking and living spaces.

"Grant bolsters Kroc Center effort by $500,000" - The Sept. 17 story chronicled M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust's half-million-dollar grant to the Mid-Valley's Kroc Community Center in Salem.

"Solar-cell factory to bring 200 jobs" - The top story on Sept. 26 revealed that Sanyo Solar of Oregon plans to build an $80 million manufacturing plant and employ 200 workers in Salem. (Two other stories about Sanyo have since appeared on the front page.)

"Salem rolls out the tech carpet" - On Oct. 15, readers learned that Salem Convention & Visitors Association plans to change its name to Travel Salem and open an interactive center in downtown Salem. The move is expected to boost the Mid-Valley's growing tourism economy.

"Demolition preparation begins" - The Oct. 24 story offered details on the next steps for renovating and rebuilding the Oregon State Hospital. The $279 million project will add jobs in Salem.

"Salem inaugurates development site with FedEx center" - On a turbulent day for economic news, the Oct. 29 front page reflected FedEx Ground's first-tenant status at Mill Creek Corporate Center. FedEx Ground plans to employ 90 people at its new 50,000-square-foot warehouse.

Perhaps the most significant news for Salem was a small headline - "S-K voters support schools bond" - that appeared on the historic Nov. 5 front page. Our best-selling newspaper this year was dominated by the top story of 2008 - the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States - but recognized (on a busy Election Day) the passage of a $242.2 million bond issue for Salem-Keizer schools.

No one doubts that these are trying economic times. Yet a majority of voters in the Salem-Keizer School District delivered an affirming message that we believe in education and our community's future.

Richard Florida's fascinating new book, "Who's Your City," examines five major categories that affect our happiness with where we live. He identified security (physical and economic), basic services (schools, roads, health care), leadership (elected and civic), openness (tolerance for others) and aesthetics (amenities and cultural offerings) as qualitative factors in where people choose to live.

Take a look around and you'll find our community has been working to address those qualitative factors.

New, high-tech jobs are coming here. Salem Hospital is expanding. Bonds will improve schools, roads and our community college. Community leaders and elected officials seem to be on the same page. The economy hasn't deterred optimism for our work force, love of arts and pride in being Oregonians.

The future holds promise. Even in these trying times.

Bill Church is executive editor of the Statesman Journal. His column appears on Sundays. Contact him at bchurch@StatesmanJournal.com; P.O. Box 13009, Salem, OR 97309; or (503) 399-6712. Read his blog at www.StatesmanJournal.com/billchurch.

Christmas Carols on November 8th - Get Your Goat?

2008-11-08T15:31:47Z

Today - November 8th I heard my first Christmas carol on the radio.

Now don't get me wrong -- I love Christmas, the Christmas season and everything that goes with it. While I don't like hearing Christmas music in November, I do love planning my gift giving and think giving from the World Vision Gift Catalog is an incredibly fun way to give.

How much fun is it to give two chickens and provide fresh eggs to save a child from hunger - $25

Or how about a goat to help a family have milk and obtain income from selling surplus milk - $75

For $100 a small business loan willl be given to a woman living on the edge of survival -- which will help them begin a successful small business.

Cows, pigs, oxen and plow -- or education, AIDS caregiver kits, job training, bicycles -- all gifts that give so much to those who have so little.

My soccer loving brother-in-law has enjoyed receiving a gift card stating that four soccer balls ($32) were given to needy children.

We've given chickens and pigs to those hard to buy for friends who really don't need another items around the house or a gift card.

When I think about preparing my "wants" list -- I think a sewing machine for a woman in a country like Mali, India or Bosnia which provides a doorway to a better life is more important than anything I could want!

So when you those Christmas carols start getting your goat . . . remember World Vision and check out the work the do to improve our world . . . www.worldvisiongifts.org. Perhaps your giving to be more meaningful by giving through World Vision. Buy a goat for your friend-- have it given to a famiy in a foreign country and a gift card is sent, stating that this gift was given in their name.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. 86% of 2007 expenses went directly to program services, 9% fundraising and 5% management/general expenses.

Staging Tip: Blowtorch is Not an Effective Way to Clear Cobwebs!

2008-11-07T11:00:47Z

When preparing your home for sale, cleaning and decluttering are always the first steps. Sometimes knowing how to clean efficiently and effectively is important!

An article in the newspaper today highlighted the improper way of removing cobwebs:

In Sargent Georgia - A west Georgia house was set on fire as the owner cleaned cobwebs with a blow torch. The homeowner noticed the blaze when he saw smoke pouring from the attic. The fire was contained to one part of the house, but the entire home had smoke and water damage. No one was hurt.

Note: A blowtorch is NOT a good substitute for a broom!

Looking for ideas on how to prepare your home for sale easily and effectively? Contact Creative Concepts and Contracting at 503-881-0886 for "hot" ideas that work!

Discounts for Military and Immediate Families

2008-11-07T10:23:10Z

Home Depot and Lowes offer a 10% discount for military personnel and their immediate families several times a year -- this 10% discount is valid now, Veteran's Day weekend through November 11th.

This offer is available for all active, reserve, honorably discharged and retired military personnel and their immediate families. Offer is good for the purchase of in-stock or special order merchandise up to $5,000.

For more information visit www.homedepot.com or www.lowes.com.

It's a great time to purchase the items you need to get a few projects done this fall before the holidays or while preparing your home for sale!

A home stager can help you identify and prioritize those "prepare to sell" projects! Contact Margaret of Creative Concepts and Contracting at 503-881-0886 for more information of how using a home stager can help you sell you home for top dollar!

Wallpaper - Updating Ideas!

2008-11-04T13:58:04Z

I love wallpaper. My kitchen has wallpaper. But, if I was preparing my home to sell, I would be remodeling my kitchen and removing the wallpaper. To realize how "unpopular" wallpaper has become, it is no longer carried at most Home Depot, Lowes and other major home improvement stores. Some people may love some wallpaper, it does not appeal to most home buyers and the idea of removing the wallpaper is daunting to everyone!

We've removed lots of wall paper -- some came off easily in large sheets, and other in tiny pieces causing hours of "picking"! Following are our top recommendations on updating wallpaper walls.

1 - Removal - Unless you applied the wallpaper to the walls, you don't know if the walls were correctly sized and prepared for wallpaper prior to hanging. If it was applied directly to the drywall without sizing or priming, it can be difficult to remove. Sometimes removing it can damage the drywall, requiring repairs before texturing or painting.

We place tarps on the area below the wallpaper. Starting at a seam area or where the wallpaper is pulling away from the wall, wet thoroughly the wallpaper using s large sponge or spray bottle. We have found that adding one part liquid fabric softener to 4 parts water (Downy or similar product) helps thicken the water so it stays on the wall longer. Very carefully use the putty knife, avoid gouging the drywall if possible. Repeat until all wall paper is removed. If tiny pieces of paper are still on the wall, you can sand them off easily after the wall is thoroughly dried. If the drywall is damaged, use joint compound to repair as needed.

2 - Priming/Texturing over the wallpaper - This can be the best method in the following circumstances:

wallpaper is well adhered in most areas
walls are damaged or of questionable condition under the wallpaper
the idea of removing the wallpaper is too daunting

Using an exacto knife, trim away any wallpaper that is loose or peeling. Using water based primer such as Kilz, prime over all wallpapered areas. Once the primer has dried thoroughly, the walls are ready for texturing.

We have used this method with great success - finding is quicker and easier than removing wallpaper and then preparing the walls. We have then textured using a texture gun or a hand trowled method.

Here are some photos of a job we did last week. The wallpaper was well adhered except for a few spots.

The area that had wallpaper was a small dining area and the original walls were plaster. The kitchen walls were not textured.

Since the area was small and it would require lots of taping off to cover the windows/doors/floor/ceiling to use a spray texture gun, we opted for a trowled finish for the dinette. It was quick and easy to do - and was a beautiful finish. The walls were then painted a light sage green. (Window covering and decor not done before photo)

Getting started is the hardest part about this type of project. Once you get started you can transform a room for just a few dollars. It's an affordable way to prepare your home for sale.

Successful Make a Difference Day in Salem Oregon!

2008-11-02T21:30:15Z

October 25th was National Make A Difference Day, and we participated in improving a day center for a local homeless shelter. About 30 volunteers joined us in West Salem at the Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network for fun while painting, cleaning, doing yard work and repairing flooring and dryrot.

The local newspaper stopped by and Joe's picture (my husband and licensed contractor) was in the newspaper article which covered the event. He prefers to be a behind the scenes kind of guy, but was key in replacing some dry rotted flooring and installing new vinyl for a bathroom.

http://www.statesmanjournal.com:80/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810260350

While it isn't the typical staging or repair job, huge strides were made and we were thrilled at the results! The kitchen, living room, dining room and bathroom all received new paint. We loved the new shade!

There will be more decor added as volunteers supply donations or items to be used.

Best of all, it was a chance for our children (and other volunteer's children) to join us and work as we improve our community.

Didn't get to participate in Make A Difference Day? Local charities are suffering this year as donations are decreased due to the tight economy. Perhaps you don't have funds to donate - but giving of your time can be just as valuable! We will be doing more work for Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network and finishing up some improvements there -- we hope you will find a way to make a difference in YOUR community!

Free Clinics for Do-It-Yourselfers!

2008-11-02T20:46:43Z

Thinking of doing some home improvements and don't know where to start? Free Clinics are available at your local Home Depot! As the weather begins to turn cooler, get a head start on preparing your home for more energy efficiency, decorating and more!

In Salem and Keizer the following clinics are scheduled:

Energy Efficiency in Your Home - installing dimmer switches, caulking and sealing windows

Tiling Floors and Walls

Decorative Paint Techniques

Visit www.homedepotclinics for more information or to sign up! Whether you are preparing your home for sale, sprucing up your interior for the holidays or just looking for new ideas -- these clinics sound like a great resource of information to get you started!

Creative Concepts and Contracting are The Prepare to Sell Experts - providing home staging, interior redesign, remodeling and repairs for Linn, Marion and Polk counties. Contact us for great ideas to prepare your home to sell quickly and for top dollar at 503-881-0886

Marion County Recycling Champs!

2008-11-02T20:36:01Z

Recycling efforts are tops in Marion County -- and for the second year in a row Marion County topped the state for its recycling efforts in 2007! According to a report from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Marion County's recovery rate is 56.5% -- the highest in Oregon.

Another bright spot for Marion County was the amount of waste disposed by residents -- it decreased by 2,181 tons between 2007 and 2006.

Recycling more -- disposing less -- great news for our environment in Oregon! Way to go Marion County!

Reducing, reusing and recycling are important not only to our county, but to our business. We can help you create a memorable first impression through interior redesign - using what you have makes it affordable and fun! Contact us for help in preparing your home to sell quickly and for top dollar at 503-881-0886!

Beautiful Lebanon Oregon Home - $139,900 - 895 5th St S

2008-10-29T06:59:03Z

Lebanon is future home to a medical school, conference center (opening 2009) and other employment opportunities. These factors are great to consider when investing in real estate in Linn County and Lebanon, a bedroom community to Corvallis/Albany. Also a recent Lowes distribution center opened there, providing another stable employer for this small community!

Charming 1940's home is beautifully updated and sure to please! This two bedroom home has over 1,100 sq ft and features newly refinished red oak floors, lots of storage and many recent updates.

There is storage galore in the large utility room, separate pantry and garage!

For more information, contact Michelle Haynes of Keller Willaims at 541-974-2207!

Providing staging and consultations for Marion, Linn and Polk Counties, Creative Concepts and Contracting can help you prepare your home for sale! Contact Margaret Oscilia at 503-881-0886 for more information on how you can set your home apart from other listings and stand out when buyers are viewing listings online!

Margaret's Blog

I Need My Privacy! (or How to Frost Windows For Nearly Free)

Imagine a lovely front entry door

The window covered with a length of poorly hemmed fabric - attached to the inside of the door . . .

The Challenge:

The owners have no money for improvements

door is a metal door

the room really needs the light this window offers

the owners need the privacy of having the window covered

What's your recommendation?

Frost those windows!!

The makeshift curtain can come down, the light can pour in and the owner's still have their privacy. Happy sellers -- happy realtor -- I love my job!

'Twas the Month Before Listing and All Through the House . . .

A Stager's Strategy on Black Friday Shopping

Cherished Memories into Marvelous Masterpieces - Photowow.com

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Save Energy?

BIG, WHITE and BARE . . . Stager Advice Needed!

Reviving Countertop Grout

Can A HUD certified Foreclosure Counselor Help?

Can A HUD certified Foreclosure Counselor Help?

Can A HUD certified Foreclosure Counselor Help?

Grungy Grout - Get Rid of that Dirty Little Secret!

Help! Where Did Grandma Go!!

If I Lose Weight Will You Find Me More Attractive?

Our New Baby is HERE!

Linens-N-Things Going Out of Business Sales -- Stagers -- Fixtures are for sale too!

Bathroom Transformations Start at the Vanity!

The Future Hold Promise! Article on Salem Oregon's Economy

Christmas Carols on November 8th - Get Your Goat?

Staging Tip: Blowtorch is Not an Effective Way to Clear Cobwebs!

Discounts for Military and Immediate Families

Wallpaper - Updating Ideas!

Successful Make a Difference Day in Salem Oregon!

Free Clinics for Do-It-Yourselfers!

Marion County Recycling Champs!

Beautiful Lebanon Oregon Home - $139,900 - 895 5th St S