Do you really need all that stuff? During our working years, most people accumulate things like clothes, the latest technology or culinary gadgets, household tools, souvenirs, and trinkets. As we age, we work less and believe relationships are more important than things--especially during the COVID years when being with others was limited. You eventually [...]
I recently returned from a Solo Tour of Sicily. I arrived a day early to visit relatives of my Grandmother who immigrated to America in 1914. I never knew if my Grandmother had siblings left behind in Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily. Due to Ancestry.com and Facebook, plus other relatives, I was able to meet [...]
My policy has always been NOT to stage an occupied property with my furniture and accessories, but to use whatever the homeowner has. What could go wrong you say? Plenty. When someone is living in the house, you can't expect them not to use what is there. Even if they promise to be careful, [...]
These last few years, almost everything has been affected by the COVID-19 virus. For developers, architects, and designers, COVID has changed the way they design, remodel, or construct buildings. For example, in offices, there is more distance between work stations. There are plexiglass dividers, movable walls, and improved traffic flow around work areas. The [...]
Our family recently traveled to Tucson, Arizona for a vacation. Not only was the climate different from Wisconsin, but the housing and landscaping was as well. Some years ago, there was a decorating style called "Southwest." Wall paint colors were rusts, yellows, browns, and turquoise. These colors work well in the desert, but I am [...]
Be the home on the block that bugs run from. A lush spot for outdoor entertaining? Great. Perfect. A constant swarm of insects that invade your patio and home? No, thank you. Here’s how to keep bugs away from your patio and yard, and from getting inside your house. #1 Install Patio Fans Mosquitos may [...]
I was recently asked about real estate investing. What are the investment types, the pros/cons, and if it made financial sense. So, let's go over some of these items taken from https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/blog/real-estate-investing-for-beginners/ by Katie Braun, Feb. 2022. Here are four of the main methods of real estate investing: Owning Rental Property You can buy [...]
You qualify as a first-time home buyer if you haven't owned or co-owned a home within the past three years. First-time buyers still have to meet mortgage lender qualification requirements. The lender may be more flexible, but it will still look at your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and available down payment. You can qualify [...]
As we begin to close out this year, we start to look forward to what the next year might bring. It can be a time of ditching the past and embracing the future. So, let's delve into some building and design trends that may influence your choices. 5 Home Design, Building Trends to [...]
Premiere Stagers & Realty staged a vacant house in an Oregon, Wisconsin subdivision. It had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a family room, a nice-sized fenced-in backyard, a two-car garage and an unfinished full basement. It sold within days of listing. The Seller said they had another vacant house coming on the market, [...]
