90% of Buyers Look Online First for Homes

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How we look at staging is through a vibrant lense. We think through color schemes throughout the home that will cohesively pop in the online photos. This is an essential and valuable key to attracting buyers to your home, because 90% of buyers look online first. We make things interesting and in color for your tour of the homes we stage, but more importantly in photos. The law of attraction at its finest!!

Home for the Holidays - GDG Tips!!!

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Want secrets that will save you money for your holidays at home this season? We will share a Tips with through the end of December. Are you Ready?

This crazy, cool, lil secret I learned when I was Co-Chair for an All-Class Reunion for Redmond High School, a few years back. We held this shindig at a wine bar. When all the wine glasses were headed outside in the hands of some 400 classmates, I asked the owner "you sure you don't want to give us plastic"? She said "shhhh, we take our overhead seriously, we get all of our wine glasses The Dollar Tree!!!"

My friends, you will not be able to tell the difference. I am not kidding when I say, these are beautiful and sturdy glasses. You will be shocked when you hold one. These are not flimsy weak glasses. I mean, who knew? The Dollar Tree. You're welcome and Cheers!!🍷

https://www.dollartree.com/brand-name-perception-white-wine-glasses-20oz/260241

How Do You Choose the Right Lamp Shade?

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How do you choose the right lamp shade? Picking the perfect shade for your table or floor lamp is all about scale, style, and supporting your lamp base. So it has to fit the place and occasion, complement without overwhelming, and draw just enough attention to be noticed. While it may be intimidating, learning how to measure a lamp for a shade will guarantee the perfect outcome. Follow our guidelines so you can feel confident in your choice.

Flatter the lamp base

The first thing you do when you’re trying to choose the right lamp shade is to look at your lamp. What’s the general shape?

  • If your base is round, then a round shade usually works best.

  • A square or angular silhouette tends to look better with a square shade.

Of course, there are always exceptions to any decorating rule – candlestick lamps, with their combination of curves and angles, can handle just about any shape. And, if your lamp is square and your table is round, a round shade can complement both.

Measure lamp for shade size

So now that you know your Lamp base shape, it’s time to grab a tape measure. Here are our guidelines for how to measure a lamp for a shade:

  • Your shade should be about two-thirds the height of your lamp base (give or take an inch).

  • Proportion is the key – too tall and the effect will be top heavy, but too short and your lamp will look out of balance.

  • Just like a slip, you never want your harp to show. So if your lamp sits on a mantel or close to eye level, this is especially important.

To choose the right lamp shade width, measure your lamp base and multiply by two. For a round base, measure straight across; measure diagonally for a square base. The widest part of your shade should be at least a half-inch wider than the widest part of your base on each side.

And when you’re considering width, don’t forget location. So if your lamp is going next to a bed or in a busy hallway, pick a narrower shade to avoid flying elbows.

How Much Does Staging Cost?

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MYTH: Home staging costs too much.
FACT:
Home staging does cost, but it also pays! The average cost of a complete staging project is usually much less than your first price reduction. Statistically, homes that have been properly prepared for the market sell before a price reduction is needed. In a good or bad housing market, some studies have shown that staged homes can add between 10 and 15 percent to the sale price of many homes. There will be staging costs, but it costs more to not stage!

We see in the Seattle area this myth that leaving the house vacant or partially staged, because the market is a good one, is just fine. Translation to that myth is a “fatter” lined wallet? Not! Truth is, buyers see right through that “cheap tactic” and assume you and the seller are desperate to sell, and as a result will “low-ball” an offer to you. Thus, the house lingers on the market because the fallacy continues that a higher, over list offer, is going to come in. It’s just not! Imagine lining your wallets with higher offers right out of the gate! Our advice is to always stage your home, especially those homes with cosmetic imperfections. Final Fact: 85% of the staged homes sold for 6-25% more than unstaged homes in a 2018 HSR Survey of 4,200 homes.

Fall Touches Series! Fall Wreaths!

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Forget what you thought about wreaths being exclusive to snow-coated holidays (and front doors). Indoor, fall themed wreaths are all the rage, and since they’re often created using dried (or fake) plants they won’t wilt on warmer fall days! Choose a wreath that showcases your household personality- whether its dusty desert tones, sparkly mini pumpkins or a full fall foliage! Hang yours on a wall that needs a touch of fall and see how it transforms the whole room!!

Fall Touches Series! Fall Scents

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Have a home where autumn joy is in the air. Literally. And no, we don’t mean by constantly baking apple and pumpkin pie (although if you really want to…). Try some fall scented essential oils or diffusers for an easy way to keep the fall feelings going. And of course, it’s hard to go wrong with scented candles – they basically do double duty – creating warm, happy scents and providing a bit of ambience and décor when lit or unlit.

Fall Touches Series! Cookie and Treat Jar

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Fall means it’s time to put away the popsicle makers and break out the (pumpkin spice) baked goods and candies! Set out a fall themed cookie or treat jar that everyone can enjoy (and sneak sweets out of!) Just make sure to get one with a good lid so that nothing goes stale or attracts unwanted pests.

Fun tip: Get a plain jar at a craft or home good store and paint it yourself for a very personal fall touch!!!

Fall Touches Series! Fresh & Cozy Textures

Whether you have a new home, or living in your existing dream, everyone needs a little home decor inspiration. We’ve put together some of our favorite fall furnishings that we will share for the next 7 days in our Fall Touches Series!!!

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We're here to help transition your home and give it an easy autumn feel this week. For FREE!

One idea we love is fresh and cozy textures! Coziness starts at the bottom and works its way up (fuzzy socks, yes please!) Textured rugs are in right now, so this fall try one in autumn leaf colors like dark green, burnt orange (like ours here) or walnut. While you're picking out rugs, think about adding textured throw pillows and blankets to the couch. You'll be snuggled up in no time. Our favorites? Tufted or woven rugs for fall, and fleece blankets! Add in a woven decorative pillow for a bit of sturdiness to offset the fluff and you're good to go!!!