Easter is a wonderful time of year.  We take time out to honor and observe what our GOD, the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did for us. We also get to watch spring usher in warm weather and gaze at flowers that are just beginning to bloom.  We get to spend a little extra time with our families and friends.

With everything that is happening today, it such a great time to cherish what matters most in our lives.  And not to miss what you don't have or may have lost but to be thankful for what you do have and the people you have to share it with.

I wish everyone a very safe and Happy Easter!

Written by Tanya Venable, Owner and Prinicipal Property Stylist of Fresh Eye Designs, LLC.

As a Professional Home Stager/Property Stylist, I enjoy helping people get their homes sold when that's their goal.  However,  I hate to see people loosing their homes.  And there are still many home owners who don't want to loose their homes and are struggling to keep them right now.  I found out about this website, and knew that this is information worth sharing.  If your mortgage loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance.  Up to 9 million homeowners could benefit from this program.

Please check out http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov 

The site is very user friendly and you can easily find out if you are eligible for the program. This was set up by the federal government and the help is free. SO PLEASE PASS IT ON!

Written by Tanya Venable, Owner and Principal Property Stylist of Fresh Eye Designs, LLC . Fresh Eye Designs, LLC is Greenville's Upscale Home Staging & ReStyles Company.  We offer a wide array of Home Staging & ReStyle services to the Anderson, Greater Greenville, and Spartanburg areas of South Carolina.  Give us a call at 864.351.8305, to see how we can assist you.

There are tons of home sellers who still have not made their mind up about whether they should stage their home or not. This is not just your average home owner, I am talking about investors, banks, home builders, and literally anyone who has a home listed for sale.

Most people still think of home staging as an expense, a financial burden or outlay. It is true that when you sell your house it will cost you money. Maybe repairs have to be done, and updates need to be made. Whether you hire a realtor or sell your home yourself, there is still a cost for getting your home listed and advertised so that buyers can find it. There are other costs like inspections and appraisals that a seller may incur. There are also some closing costs that the seller may have to pay for.  For every month that a house sits vacant, you incur carry costs that you will not get back. Even if you sell your house "AS-IS" you are inviting low ball offers and leaving money on the table.

As the old adage goes "It takes money to make money". Selling a home is not free. So how can you minimize your outlay and maximize your return? By having your house professionally staged before you list it.

Here are some of the returns you'll get on your home staging investment:

1. Increased home value - Statistics show that staged homes can appraise for a higher value than non-staged homes.
2. Increased buyer appeal - The more potential buyers that visit your home the higher your chances are for a quick sale.
3. Increased marketability - The better a home looks the more it can sell for. When buyers become emotionally attached to a home they will pay more for it. 
   
4. Minimizes the chance of taking a price reduction - Statistics show that staged homes sell faster than non-staged homes and for more money.
   
5. Home Staging can be tax deductible -Considered as an advertising expense you may be able to deduct your staging investment from the sale price of the home. Please seek advise from your tax advisor to see if you qualify. (Reference IRS Publication 523)

What other marketing tool do you know of when selling your home can do so much for so little? Not many.  Home Staging increases MLS pictures which ways alot on how many people visit your house in person. After all, according to the National Association of Realtors®, 84% of buyers start their search on-line.

Often times sellers have inflated how much a home staging investment will be before they actually get a quote.  You will have expenses when you sell your home but staging is an investment that you will immediately see a return on. Hiring a knowledgeable and professional Home Stager/Property Stylist will only help increase your chances of getting your home sold quickly and for top dollar. And it may actually save you money as we know of budget-friendly decorating tips and low cost updates that will increase the appeal of your home. Really, how much is a sale worth to you?

Don't leave money on the table, get your home professionally staged today!

For more information on having your house staged, call Fresh Eye Designs, LLC at 864.351.8305.  We work with Occupied and Vacant Home Sellers to get your house sold quickly and profitably! Offering a wide array of Home Stagingservices in the Anderson, Greater Greenville, and Spartanburg areas of South Carolina, we are Greenville's Upscale Home Staging and ReStyles Company. At Fresh Eye Designs LLC, Staged Equals Sold!

Selling a home is not as easy as it was 20 years ago. When all you had to do was stick a sign in the yard, take some pictures and boom you had a sale. Today buyers have a huge lists of wants and “must-haves” when it comes to purchasing the right home. Buyers also have a lot of options due to the sheer volume of homes that on the market. With the shape of the economy, it is not uncommon to see 5 or 10 homes in the same subdivision listed for sale.

How can you a home seller make your home stand out from the rest of the competition? How did you get buyers to wawnt to visit your home in person?  Most importantly once you get buyers to your home, how do you get them to make an offer? By getting a Fresh Eye to help you prepare your home for sale before you have it listed.

It is a basic fact that the more prepared you are to deal with a situation the better the outcome. You have a higher chance at passing a test if you study for it. If you prepare to give a speech chances are your delivery will be much better received than if you just wing it.

By having a Home Stager/Property Stylist come in and give you a fresh and honest assessment of what it will take to sell your home, you will be prepared to secure a quick and profitable sale.

Because you have lived in your home for a while there are probably a lot of things that you may not pay attention to that could hinder or delay the sale of your home. For example, let’s say you have pets. Most people who live with pets on a daily basis become accustomed to the smell of their pets. This is not to say that all homes with pets have odors, many of them don’t. But if your does can you tell? Buyers walking into your home for the first time could be overwhelmed by the smell, especially if a buyer has allergies. Do you to chance loosing a sale over such a minor detail?

The same is the case with minor repairs that have been overlooked or put on the back burner. Broken glass, damaged rugs, holes in the wall, or even uncovered electrical outlets can show a sign of neglected maintenance and can turn buyers away. A Fresh Eye will notice these issues immediately and can help you address them before they become a deterrent for potential buyers.

Has your home been on the market for a while with no interest and you don’t know why? A Fresh Eye can tell you what the issues are and help you increase the salability of your home. Don't just sit around and wait for the perfect buyer.  Do what it takes to get your home sold.  Make the needed enhancements to create mass appeal that will generate offers.

In this market, buyers are hard to come by. Make sure you aren’t turning any buyers off and loosing a potential sale. Prepare your home for a quick and profitable sale, invest in hiring a Home Stager/Property Stylist today!

We work with Occupied and Vacant Home Sellers to get your house sold quickly and profitably! Offering a wide array of Home Staging services in the Anderson, Greater Greenville, and Spartanburg areas of South Carolina, Fresh Eye Designs, LLC is Greenville's Upscale Home Staging and ReStyles Company. Give us a call at 864.351.8305, to see how we can assist you with getting your home sold. At Fresh Eye Designs LLC, Staged Equals Sold!

One reason why I love what I do is because it’s creates interest all around. People are interested to know what Home Staging and ReStyles are all about. I love to educate them. And of course they want to know what a Property Stylist is as well and one reason why I chose that title.

Another reason, I chose the title Property Stylist is becasuse it really encompasses all that I do as a Home Stager. The average home stager is not average at all! Most Home Stagers provide more services than just home staging alone. From downsizing and organizing to restyles and/or holiday decorating, Home Stagers offer a gammut of services that deal with making a home stylish and functional.

I always say “Invigorate your space, Invigorate your life”. Simple budget friendly changes can breathe new life into a space. Property Stylists do just that and give properties style and function that suits the need at the time.

If your home needs staging to be sold, a Property Stylist will create a neutral and inviting palatte that will appeal to the majority of buyers to get that home sold quickly and profitably. If you want to update the look of your home and create a dream space, we do that too. By listening to your vision for the space we will bring your dreams to life and create the space you have always wanted. Can’t see pass the clutter to determine what you want? We can help there as well.

De-cluttering is a major aspect in Home Staging so we do it well. But de-cluttering is not just for selling a home. A clutter free home can not only help increase your creativity but also helps you feel more relaxed and you will enjoy your space more.

Do you have a special event coming up? Need to host a dinner party, a bridal shower, or holiday dinner? Property Stylists have that covered too. Most ReStyles or themed decorating can be completed in a day.

Need serious work done? Property Stylists can also oversee remodeling or renovation projects.

Realtors, Investors or Builders, we offer services for you as well. From simple design and color consultations to full service home staging, we can assist you in securing a quick and profitable sale for your property/listing.

Whatever design dilemma you may have, a Property Stylist can assist you! If you are unsure as to what services your local Home Stager/Property Stylist offers, give them a call and explain your design dilemma. I am sure they will come up with a fresh and creative solution for you.

Fresh Eye Designs, LLC is Greenville's Upscale Home Staging & ReStyles Company.  Whether you need to sell you home quickly or create the space of your dreams, we can assist. We offer a wide array of Home Staging & ReStyle services to the Anderson, Greater Greenville, and Spartanburg areas of South Carolina.  Give us a call at 864.351.8305, so we can assist you with your next design project.

Well the term is quite new but the concept is not. A ReStyle is the same as a room makeover or a re-design. If you’ve ever watched Design on a Dime or Free Style on HGTV you get the idea. ReStyles are a cost effective way to update the look of your home without breaking the bank.

ReStyles are pretty easy to accomplish but it all depends on the style you want. Before you begin making any changes decide what the function of the room will be. Is it going to be an office, a reading area, a work out room, a kid’s playroom, or simply a bedroom? Once you decide on the function of the room then decide on the style you like. Are your tastes traditional, contemporary, modern, or eclectic?

Once you have figured out the basics you can get started making other decisions like color and if you want a themed room or not. Your vision for the space will determine what pieces you will be able to use in the space. If there are furniture items that you already have and want to keep you build from there. You can also make great use of what you already have by re-purposing and re-arranging items in your home. Pulling pieces from one room and using them in another can save you time and money. Less consumption is always good for the environment.

Another plus to ReStyles is that they are generally less time consuming than full out decorating or re-modeling. Most ReStyles can be completed in a day or less, depending on the size of the room of course.

If you have a small budget and need to update the look of your home a ReStyle is your best option. Simple updates like painting and re-arranging furniture in a room can create a major impact. De-cluttering and organizing goes along way as well. Adding accessories like artwork and maybe some plants if you like greenery can be the finishing touches to your room.

If you want a ReStyle for you entire home, don’t be overwhelmed. Begin with one room at a time and before you know it you will have the home of your dreams!

Fresh Eye Designs, LLC is Greenville's Upscale Home Staging &; ReStyles Company.  We can help you turn your home into the space you 've always dreamed of. We offer a wide array of Home Staging &; ReStyle services in the Anderson, Greater Greenville, and Spartanburg areas of South Carolina.  Give us a call at 864.351.8305, so we can assist you with your next design project.

Well Upstate, SC finally got some snow last night.  I was outside for a brief bit while it was snowing and I some thunder as well.  I thought it pretty odd because it wasn't raining just snowing and thundering.  Well, later on when I watched the news the weatherman said that we indeed had Thundersnow. I had never heard of it before well at least I know I wasn't imaging things.

Today much of the snow has melted and we are back to our normal weather. But here are some pictures I was able to snap of our short lived Winter Wonderland.

As a Professional Home Stager/Property Stylist I help home sellers get their homes sold quickly and profitably. The home staging concept has been around for many years. However I still meet a lot of people here in the Upstate who have never heard of home staging. I love to take a couple of minutes to educate them on the process of home staging and it's valuable it is. Home staging could be the difference between a quick sale and multiple price reductions.

Wikipedia defines it best, "Home Staging is the act of preparing a private residence prior to going up for sale in the real estate marketplace." Although the definition of home staging can be summed up in one sentence, there are many aspects to the home staging process.

De-cluttering and de-personalizing top the "to-do" list when staging a home. This is necessary because when you are selling your home you need to show it in it's best light. Unfortunately most buyers can't see past clutter so it's best to get rid of it, so buyers can see how much your home really has to offer. After all buyers love spaciousness, so show off as much clear space as possible. This includes your yard, garage, basement, and attic. Decide what you really need to keep and what you can give away. If it's old and broken get rid of it. Most people can downsize about 30% of what they have. Holding a yard sale or donating items that are in good condition are great ways to de-clutter and be green at the same time. Plus this will save you time and money you are packing and moving.

If you have alot of personal pictures, collections, or knick- knacks that only you will love pack them away. There are two very good reasons for this. First, when you are selling your home it is all about the buyer. Buyers want to feel invited in and not like they intruding into your life. A minimal amount of personal photos is fine but don't over do it. Secondly, the collections that you hold dear maybe very valuable or have sentimental value to you and your family. You want to keep those items safe and secure from possibly being damaged or misplaced.

Making repairs and minor updates are other key aspects of home staging. Most buyers are not investors so they don't want diy or a fixer-upper. They want "move-in ready"! So give it to them. Neglected repairs and out of date fixtures are sure ways to date a home. Let's face the majority of people like shiny and new. So make necessary repairs and updates so that when buyers visit your home the can focus on the best features your home has to offer and not minor details. Updates can include removing wall paper, painting, updating lighting fixtures, updating bath fixtures, etc.

Once you have finished de-cluttering, de-personalizing, making repairs and updating start cleaning and keep cleaning. When you are selling your home, your house can never be to clean. Spotless is the way to go! Clean every room in the house especially the bathrooms, the kitchen and any area that has been neglected for a while.

Finally there is furniture placement and decor. Furniture placement can make or break a room and possibly a sale. If there is no flow where buyers can easily move from one room to another it can make the room feel cramped and small. Remember buyers love spaciousness so create a clear pathway to get from one room to another throughout the entire house. When choosing decor keep it neutral. You can't please everyone but the goal is to make your home as appealing as possible to the majority of buyers that will possibly buy your home.

It may seem like a lot to do but the reward of a quick and profitable sale will be well worth the effort. Home Staging puts your home in showcase condition so it is always best to stage before you list it. This way it looks great from the moment is it viewable to the public and you won't loose out on any potential buyers.

We work with Occupied and Vacant Home Sellers to get your house sold quickly and profitably. Offering a wide array of Home Staging services in the Anderson, Greater Greenville, and Spartanburg areas of South Carolina, Fresh Eye Designs, LLC is Greenville's Upscale Home Staging and ReStyles Company. Give us a call at 864.351.8305, to see how we can assist you with getting your home sold. At Fresh Eye Designs LLC, Staged Equals Sold!

If you've been neglecting your bedroom, now is the time to spruce it up.  With these quick and easy solutions, you can turn your master into a retreat just in time for Valentine's Day or any other day.

For the Master Bedroom

• De-clutter - De-cluttered rooms are more inviting and are easier to clean.  De-cluttering also frees up visual and mental space.  As the old saying goes "A cluttered room equals a cluttered mind." For a quick solution, place non-essential items in a clear storage bin and store outside the bedroom for later detailed organization.
• Clean- Cleaning induces a calming effect and helps you breathe easier. Using a light lemon or citrus fragrance cleaner will help freshen the air.
• Update Bed Linens - Place new sheets on the bed.  If you don't already own any, invest in colorful luxurious Silk, Satin, or Egyptian Cotton sheets. (Preferably 400 thread count or better).  Sheets do not have to be red, choose a relaxing color and/or pattern that you will enjoy and get alot of use out of. Add a decorative red pillow or two for that punch of color.
• Update Window Treatments - Hang light and airy drapes that compliment the bed linens.
• Add fresh flowers - If you have a garden, cut a bunch of fresh flowers, place them in a vase with water and set on your night stand.  If not stop by your local florist and pick up some. Floral arrangements such as lilies, or mixed flowers are way less expensive than roses.
• Add candles - Place candles on your dresser, centered in front of the mirror.  The reflection of the lit candles will serve as mood lighting. Scented or unscented candles can be used.
• Add music - Soft instrumental music set at a moderately low tone also helps to create a relaxing atmosphere.

For the Master Bath

• De-clutter and Clean - Clear off counter-tops and clean mirrors.
• Update Bath Linens- Place fresh hand towels on counter-tops and/or towel racks and hang fresh bath towels near tub and shower.
• Replace the soap - If you have old half-used bars of soap, replace them with full fresh bars of soap.  Decorative soaps come in different colors and shapes.
• Add candles and flowers - Places candles in a safe area near the bathtub that you can light them and put them out easily. Place flowers where you can enjoy them.

Once all of your hard work is done, look around at your new space, take a deep breathe, and enjoy!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Fresh Eye Designs, LLC is Greenville's Upscale Home Staging and ReStyles Company. Give us a call at 864.351.8305, for all your design needs.

This was orignally posted by Richard R Bell. I think this is something for us to all take time and think about. You don't have to spend money to have fun. Just take time out and enjoy your friend, your family and what you already have.