Hurricane Ike Damaged House To Be Staged - 08/30/09 11:59 PM
                                                 

This is one of many homes that was affected by Hurricane IKE.  It is being completely remodeled and updated.  This is going to be staged when rennovations are over. 
Stay tuned for future photos of finsished house and staging transformation.
… (4 comments)

Faux or Real Wood Paneling? - 08/30/09 11:56 PM


Can you tell which wall has been faux painted to match the wood paneling on the other side of the room?  They did a great job.  The shades look different because of the light and sun coming through the windows.
I will tell you next week.  Is the first one painted or the second one painted?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow-up: Here is the room, wall on the left side was real.


… (11 comments)

Houstons Galleria Area Home Staging - 08/30/09 11:50 PM
                                                                                      
If you are reading this you are probably interested or have heard of home staging and live in or around the Galleria or inner loop area. 
Do you have a home in Galleria that is not selling?  Has it been sitting on the market all summer, with little or no traffic?  There are several houses for sale in your neighborhood, or on the same street?   Are you paying two mortgages, insurance, maintenance, and other dues?  Have you moved on and your home is now vacant?
If so, we are here to help.  We offer an unbiased opinion of your home and … (2 comments)

10 Luxury Products at 2009 Bath & Kitchen Show - 08/30/09 11:32 PM
The 2009 Bath and Kitchen Show in Atlanta unveiled new luxury products from different manufacurtures.  They say that there is still a market for high-end products and are hoping to appeal to people and builders that are building luxury homes.
1. Jenn-Aire by Whirlpool new Kictchen with the latest in technology.

2.  Villery & Boch egg-shaped bathtub made from Quaryl, a homogeneous mixture of quartz powder and acrylic.

 
3.  Blanco micro edge technology sink.

 
4.  Staron surfaces by Samsung.  Quartz surfacing has now been expanded to 20 high-gloss colors.

 
5.  Brizio Sensori custom showers … (9 comments)

South Shore Harbour in League City Special - 08/30/09 11:27 PM
                                                                                          
Do you live in South Shore Harbour.  What a great pocket of League City to live in.  We have so many amenities here. 
 Two golf courses, driving range,
Country Club,
Swimming pool,
Playground
 Basketball courts and lighted tennis courts, 
 and a guarded entrance gate.
If you are a resident of South Shore Harbour and are selling your house you know that there are a lot of homes for sale in this area.  If you are at a loss for what to do to get your home sold, we understand. There are cost effective ways you can make … (2 comments)

Do NASA Astronauts eat French Fries? - 08/30/09 11:09 PM

No, I didn't take this from space and  this is really not a real astronaut with some Biggie Fries.  He's the enormous astronaut above the McDonald's on NASA Rd. 1.  This large spacewalker always cracks me up when I pass by there as it is on the way to the Johnson Space Center. I decided I wanted an iced Mocha and you have to pass him when you go through drive-thru.  And as crazy things zip through your my mind, I think, I wonder how many astronauts really eat fries.  I'm not McDonald's bashing, believe me, I've eaten their fries a million times.  … (6 comments)

League City Home Staging - 08/30/09 10:47 PM
                                                                                           
If you are reading this you are probably interested or have heard of home staging and live in or around the League City area. 
Do you have a home in League City that is not selling?  Has it been sitting on the market all summer, with little or no traffic?  There are several houses for sale in your neighborhood, or on the same street?   Are you paying two mortgages, insurance, maintenance, and other dues?  Have you moved on and your home is now vacant?
If so, we are here to help.  We offer an unbiased opinion of your home and what can be done … (0 comments)

Luxury Items for the Kitchen - 08/30/09 07:18 PM
Luxury Items for the Ultimate Kitchens.  Some a little retro, some a little modern and some with a little Italian  flair.                                                      
The everything sink from Julien. Photo courtesy of Julien.

Blue Star Double Wall Oven comes in 190 colors.  Photo courtesy of Blue Star.



LG 4 door French Door refrigerator.  Photo courtesy of LG.



 

Possibly the most expensive refrigerator in the world.  Only 200 of these are made from La-Glaciere. 
Price tag is around $17,000 they are from Italy.



Microwave warming drawer that keeps food warm for 30 minutes from … (6 comments)

Texas Recipe of the Week - Banana Pie - 08/30/09 01:09 AM
                                                                   


Here's this weeks Recipe coming to y'all from deep in the heart of Texas Kitchens!

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cups sugar 2 tablespoons flour, sifted 2 eggs, beaten 2 cups milk 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 baked 9-inch pie shell 4 large bananas, sliced 1 carton (18oz.) whipped topping DIRECTIONS:
Slowly cook the sugar, flour, eggs and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until mixture thickens.  Stir in butter and vanilla.  Remove from heat and beat well.  Cool.  Lay sliced bananas in one layer in pie shell.  Pour cooled mixture over bananas and … (6 comments)

I-45 Closures Calder Exit League City 8-28-09 ? - 08/29/09 01:08 AM
If you are going to Galveston Island or leaving this weekend.  You might want to take an alternate route.  This will have I-45 backed up for miles, I would avoid it all together.  League City construction has residents and motorist on I-45 sitting in traffic non-stop as it is.  If IKE construction wasn't enough, they will be tearing down the Calder Road overpass this weekend.
They were suppose to start tonight (Friday) , at 7pm, but it may be pushed back because of the rain.  The northbound and southbound lanes of I-45 at Calder will be closed.
Detours traveling northbound on … (3 comments)

Possibly the Best Milkshake Ever! - 08/22/09 05:04 PM
                                                                                                
Finally, this week, we made it over to the Stand in Greenwich Village, a burger joint really.  But they were featured on Food Network, and I happen to catch the episode.  The episode was "Sugar Rush:  The Best Thing I Ever Ate", famous chef's favorite foods to eat.  This dessert caught my interest, as did several others.  So, that evening we I was on a mission to find this place.  We walked right past it because there was a bouncer at the door checking Id's and it looked like a club.  I thought, oh no, I must have written a different … (7 comments)

Recipe of the Week - Fresh Summer Vegetable Salad - 08/22/09 04:44 PM
If you love fresh vegetables, you'll love this one.  Very light tasting and healthy too!  This is soo good for you.  Take it to a get together with friends...they'll love it!
INGREDIENTS
5 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 limes, juiced 1 teaspoon white sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (1 pound) package frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans) 3 cups frozen corn kernels 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
DIRECTIONS
In a large serving bowl, whisk together … (3 comments)

Houston Realtors-How to Get Clients to Stage - 08/22/09 01:42 PM

Kitchen before Home Staging


Kitchen after Home Staging
I realize and have heard and understand Real Estate agents feel uncomfortable bringing up staging to their clients.  They don't want their new or soon to be new clients to think they need home staging, even though, they know they do.  This is a common problem, and some sellers might take the mention of home staging the wrong way.  However, some would be overjoyed at the prospect of having their home perfectly arranged and in show ready condition.
If you are interested in adding home staging (Seller usually pays) for … (2 comments)

Does Home Staging Really Sell Houses? - 08/18/09 01:45 PM
There are a glut of houses still on the market, at least in the Houston area.  Several on each street, not like the days of old, where the sellers had an easier time because the competition was not as fierce.  Today, with foreclosures, new homes, incentives, and allowances the buyers market has never looked better.  Sellers can almost pick and choose and negotiate their price.  Great for the buyer, not so great for the seller.  And with all this in mind, sellers still are wondering what they can do to get their house sold.  And unfortunately, it is in the form of a price … (9 comments)

Has Home Staging Gone Sterile? - 08/17/09 10:35 PM
Home Staging is about cleanliness and the less is more theory, but lately, I've seen homes that have been taking a sterile approach.  They have become more like operating rooms, than warm inviting spaces.  There is a balance between the two.  Granted you want to see space, and cleanliness, and counters.  But home buyer's also need to see a home that is attractive and illuminates warmth.  Clutter is something a homeowner can purge.  A  home staging professional can also guide and give them advice on what to clear out.  But if a home stager or real estate agent wants you to completely clear … (5 comments)

Seasonal Selling Tips - 08/16/09 10:50 PM
Believe it or not, spring is not the only time to sell your home.  Buyer's are out there looking 12 months out of the year.  Granted, things may not look as appealing in the dead of winter versus Spring.  But there are some things you can do to make your home more attractive all season long.  Click on the link below for tips.
Click here to find out Seasonal Tips by HGTV's FrontDoor.


 




          
 
Redesign Etc. Houston's Full-Serice home staging company with expert pro stagers.
… (4 comments)

Pros and Cons to Living in an Urban - 08/16/09 10:43 PM
Thinking about moving to the city?  Urban living...what are the pros and cons?  There is alot to said for both.  I personally like things about both.  It's a personal choice, usually guided by your career or your family. 
Click here to find out what HGTV's Front Door says it's like to Live in an Urban area.

 



… (2 comments)

Tips for Small Space Living - 08/16/09 10:26 PM
People are flocking to the urban areas of major cities all over the USA.  There are pros and cons to living downtown.  But with convenience you'll usually sacrifice space and size.  If you're ready for the hubbub and activities an urban area offers, including living in a loft you will find yourself downsizing to accommodate city living. 
Click here for HGTV's Front Door Tips for Small Space Living
 



… (2 comments)

Four Ways to Make Your Home Irresistible To Buyers - 08/16/09 10:07 PM
 Selling you're home?  Want to catch the buyers attention?  There one way to get them in them to your door.  It's the first impression, and with that first impression is curb appeal.  These are HGTV's Front Door's 4 ways to make your home irresistible to buyers.
Come up with a concept for your landscape Focus on the front door. Deal with the driveway. Pay attention to details. Click here to find out more about how to make your home more irresistible to buyers.
 
… (2 comments)

Home Staging Consultations in Houston Sells Homes! - 08/16/09 01:04 AM

Before Home Staging Consultation
                                                                      
After this house in West U was staged, it had an offer within 24 hours after it was staged!
Is your house still on the market? Is it getting any activity? Have you reduced the price? Do you have to move soon? Are you paying two mortgages? Are you getting negative feedback? Are you competing against new homes? Most home sellers can answer yes to one or most all of these questions. If you have heard of staging, but are still on the fence about it, or have tried to do as much as you … (2 comments)

The Power of HGTV - 08/13/09 07:33 PM
On my way home today I stopped at a local home decor store to see what they had that was new and would be perfect for staging.  One aisle over were two ladies obviously dabbling in some decorating for their homes.  I caught a snippet of the conversation and it went like this. 
 "I saw on HGTV where that blonde lady...what is that show called?  Ummm....Designing something?  The really tall lady from Canada I think. "   "Oh yeah her."  (Meanwhile how many blondes are there on HGTV, but anyway back on point).  "I can't think of her name, but you know who … (12 comments)

Recipe For The Week - Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas - 08/13/09 05:51 PM
                                                       
 Mexican food is my favorite, I could eat it everyday.  These are delicious...!


Ingredients
Canola oil  12 corn tortillas (slightly fry these before using) 1 medium onion, chopped 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 cup of salsa (Mild prepared salsa or make your own using cooked or canned tomatoes, roasted green chiles, onions, cilantro, oil and vinegar. Do not use salsa made with fresh, uncooked tomatoes for this dish.) 3 Tbsp of tomato paste or canned enchilada sauce  1 cup water 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes Olive oil 1 lb of jack cheese, mild cheddar or … (6 comments)

Grout Paint Pen - 08/12/09 11:21 PM
                                        
What a handy little tool this is.  An easy fix for those dirty grout lines in the bathroom and kitchen or anywhere you have grout.  First clean with bleach and water, let dry and then color away.  For $6.98 it will give you a newer look without replacing the grout. 
Great for staging or home improvements!
You can find them online or at home improvement stores.
 
 
          
 
Redesign Etc. Houston's Full-Serice home staging company with expert pro stagers.
 
 
… (8 comments)

Lowe's 10% Off Coupon for Foreclosed Properties - 08/11/09 10:17 PM
                                                                                     
Lowe's is offering a 10% off coupon up to a $5000 purchase for anyone that owns a property that is in foreclosure.  It is to help you renovate and update your property for a quick sale.  You can update your kitchen, paint, replace light fixtures, hardware, appliances, and get 10% of everything.  Take advantage while you can.

Click here for the Lowes coupon

 


… (6 comments)

Big Big Bugs Only in Texas? - 08/10/09 09:55 PM
I was de-staging a home in Spring, TX, very close to the border of The Woodlands and there were more spiders, bugs, and insects than in any house that I've ever seen.  I know it was basically a forest that had been encroached upon, but the insects were huge.  The bugs are on steroids according my my brother-in-law from California, and I have to agree.  I snapped a couple of pics while I was taking a quick break, are they this big everywhere?


A dead dragonfly almost as big as the soda can

A horse fly next to … (8 comments)

What Can I Do In NYC - 08/08/09 11:35 AM
                                                                                            


I'm going to be in Manhattan for a couple of weeks, and I wanted to get some ideas of things to do that aren't of the tourist sort. I've been to Manhattan a million times and have done and seen most of the touristy stuff, used to live outside of Manhattan, just never went in and played, would go through it to Long Island. 
Anyway, I've found some restaurants I want to try, one called "Stand" famous for Marshmallow Milkshakes.  "Max Brenner" for Chocolate Pizza and "Five Points Pizza" for Potato Pizza.  Eating is not all I … (5 comments)

Cute Idea for Open Houses or Current Listings - 08/08/09 12:22 AM
             
I had one home seller that was so excited about her newly staged home she decided to add her own touches after she listed it by adding some snacks in a bowl, small bottled waters and beverages in the refrigerator and miniature bottles of hand sanitizer on the counter.  The margarita's aren't real, but a cute concept.  She would go over every few days and refill her snack bowl.  This was a welcome surprise for home buyers, especially after going from house to house in record breaking hot temperatures. 
I didn't know she had done this until I de-staged the property, … (15 comments)

Freebie Friday 8-08-09 - 08/08/09 12:17 AM
                                                     
 Check here every friday for a new list of free samples, specials or sweepstakes.  I will try to include something for everyone!  After all who doesn't like a freebie now and then!  These were all still available when I published the post, quanities are limited so get yours now!
Here are this weeks freebies: 
Converse Sweepstakes
Aveda Free Sample
Free OXY Acne Wash Sample
Honey Nut Cheeios Sample
Ikea Kids Eat Free
Free Dog Sleeping Bag
 
 
          
 
Redesign Etc. Houston's Full-Serice home staging company with expert pro stagers.
… (2 comments)

Home Staging Quiz...Are You An Expert? - 08/06/09 01:45 PM
                                                                                         






Are you an expert at home staging?  Are you thinking about becoming one?  Are you already a home stager?  Thinking about trying it yourself versus hiring a home stager?  Well then, you have to take this test by TLC from their series Stager Invasion.  It's a quick 10 question test to see if you have what it takes.
Don't get too excited if you get them all right and run out and try to become a stager.  Home Staging goes alot deeper than these questions can even begin to touch on. 
But on … (14 comments)

Topsy Turvy Is A Hit With Caterpillars! - 08/05/09 07:48 PM
I've had my Topsy Turvy for a little over a month now, trying to grow some Roma tomatoes.  The plant has been slow to grow, but I've been patient in anticipation of some home grown tomatoes, organic in fact.  But today I found two black caterpillars eating away at the vines.  This is why I didn't have luck with them in the ground, I had to treat them all the time.  Maybe it's just a Houston thing, we seem to have a ton of insects this summer.
Has anyone had any luck with organic or home made products to keep the … (10 comments)

Moving Mistakes To Avoid - 08/04/09 02:37 PM
                                                                   
The dreaded move will be here before you know it.  If you're like most homeowners you are stressed out enough worrying about, packing, breakage, theft, unprofessional movers, and damage to furniture, not to mention hijacking of shipment or delays.  Bankrate.com has compiled a list of mistakes home sellers can avoid when moving to help alleviate the stress and make your moving experience a more enjoyable one.
 Click the link below for Moving Mistakes to avoid.
24 Moving Mistakes to Avoid When Moving
 
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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc.Home Staging & Redesign … (3 comments)

Galveston Beaches Are Back And Bigger Than Ever - 08/04/09 01:27 AM
                                                                                                           
Last summer 2008

This summer 2009



Living fairly close to Galveston, we are able to take advantage of it's beach.  It's a great spot for a quick getaway for some R & R away from the hustle bustle.  After being pounded by Hurricane Ike, the beaches lost alot of sand, and seemed almost nonexistent compared to before.  They had been gradually eroding over the years, and in some areas the tide would hit the seawall.  But since IKE they have been bringing in dump trucks of sand for almost a year now.  I wonder where they're … (4 comments)

My Newest Favorite Restaurant Review Website - 08/03/09 11:53 AM
                                                                   

I came across this really cool site called BooRah while trying to find some restaurants that were more locally owned than the big chains.   This site has reviews, menus, information, websites and even lets you make online reservations.  They have some restaurants that are not necessarily at the top of Google, with big advertising budgets.  But they have those too.  They have all kinds of restaurants, even Hotel restaurants.   Some great finds, some I've never heard of which is exactly what I was looking for.
Give them a try when looking for restaurant information.
Click here for BooRah.
 
          
 
… (5 comments)

Arizona Home Staging & Home Stagers - 08/02/09 10:40 PM

Home Staging Professionals...
What are you waiting for? 
Join the most innovative, and well respected Real Estate Staging Association in North America.
Hi, I'm Cindy Bryant, Region 10 Vice President of RESA for the great states of, TX, NM, LA, OK, and AR.  I would like for you to consider the benefits of joining RESA, and getting in on a members run organization.  We are forming chapters in these states, and if you've ever wanted to get involved, now is the time.  If you are interested in a leadership role or helping with the formation of chapters please do not hesitate to … (0 comments)

Home Staging Stairway To An Offer! - 08/02/09 09:42 PM

Foyer Stairway before Home Staging Consultation

Foyer Stairway after Home Staging Consultation
This house was in a upper end neighborhood in Houston that has some homes with classic characteristics, mixed with brand new homes with updated touches.  The home had seen about 14 years of raising a family of 5 with pets.  The home sellers knew they had to do something to be competitive in thier marketplace, so they chose to stage the whole house.  After the home staging consultation, they worked extremely hard to get everything in show ready condition before the actual staging took place.
 While the carpet runner added some warmth, … (11 comments)

Home Staging & Clutter Don't Mix - 08/02/09 09:05 PM
 

Hallway Before Staging Consultation

Hallway After Home Staging Consultation
 
This is just one example of how decluttering and paint can make a difference.  It also shows that no matter what the price point is, open spaces are crucial.  This house was around 800K, so it needed to show as such.  The first photo is not buyer friendly, closes in the space and shows buyers there is not enough storage space, or that closets are too small for personal items.  The second looks more open and you're not distracted by the clutter.


          
 
Redesign … (13 comments)

 
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Cindy Bryant~Home Stager~Home Staging~ Houston,TX

Houston, TX

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Redesign Etc. Home Staging

Address: Houston and The Greater Surrounding Areas~Cities & Suburbs

Office Phone: (281) 748-2170

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