APPEAL

We've all heard how important curb appeal is to a buyer, however, that's not the whole story.  Some times the curb appeal can be fabulous yet as soon as you enter the front door it's all over but the quick exit.


Having a pleasing entry is so important for a good first impression.  If your home doesn't have a foyer, you can create the illusion of a foyer with pieces of furniture, plants, etc.  That way there is order and a sense of "landing" before entering further into the home.  With a large, open space leading to several rooms, the eye doesn't know where to rest.

FENG SHUI AND STAGING A HOME FOR SALE

Everyone is talking about staging a home these days, a relatively new concept...using feng shui has provided the same results for many thousands of years.

The similarities are interesting:  eliminating clutter, creating an inviting feeling as one enters the home, maximizing the best features of each room, using color to benefit the overall presentation.

Having been a student of feng shui for over 15 years, it is fascinating to stage a home and realize I'm using feng shui concepts in the process.  Eliminating that extra chair or ottoman, adding a vase or small fountain to draw the eye, removing unnecessary items from the kitchen counter, creating interesting seating arrangements that create a good traffic flow all are part of staging and feng shui.

Let's have Green Holidays

Last post I talked about some benefits of making your home Greener. With the holidays just around the corner, I'd like to give you some ideas about environmentally friendlier items you might not think of!

Decorations:

Indoor/Outdoor LED light strings. These use 90-95 percent LESS than the old incandescent bulbs, and they also shine longer.

Herbal Wreaths. Available from McFadden Farm (embed), for about $25 you can get an herbal wreath made from fresh organic herbs. Festive and handy!

Gifts:

Stockings made from recycled sweaters, these are one of a kind gifts that you can buy online or if you are sewing savvy, make yourself!

Another DIY idea, recycled light bulbs. All you need are some bulbs that no longer work, some wire, and paint. Fabric paint works well, but you can also use acrylic; just make sure its completely dry! Simply paint the bulb and use the wire to wrap around the base and make a hook or loop, then you can add these as ornaments to your tree!

Continuing on that thread, one thing I have done in the past is take old glass items, like the hurricane glass from atop old kerosene lamps, or really any interesting shaped domed glass, and using a combination of fabric paints and acrylics, painting an image of Santa or a snowman on the glass. (You'll see that the outward curve of the glass helps highlight the rounded tummy of both.) Don't be afraid if you don't believe you are artistically inclined. You don't have to be a Picasso to make a lovely gift or ornament for your own home.

For other great gift ideas, check out uncommongoods they have great items like recycled glass ornaments, recycled cotton scarves, and my favorite, plantable gift tags that are embedded with wildflower and perrennial seeds.

 Bobbie

Did you know?

I am an agent with RE/MAX, more specifically RE/MAX Realty Associates in Spartanburg. There are many reasons I chose to join RE/MAX, not the least of which it's awesome branding power as well as support and services not available with other real estate franchises. If you are buying, selling, or investing look below at why you should work with RE/MAX:

• RE/MAX is the #1 real estate franchise in the world!
• Billions of dollars have been spent promoting the RE/MAX brand and agents.
• RE/MAX Associates average more sales than other real estate agents
• RE/MAX has 2 percent of the agents but produces 10 percent of all agents' sales.
• RE/MAX is one of the most recognized real estate brands and logos around the world
• REMAX.COM is the most visited real estate franchise Web site."ComScore, Jan.-June 2009; Compete.com, Feb. 2008-June 2009; Hitwise, Jan..-June 2009"
  
  

Watch this great video below!

Now that you know RE/MAX is the way to go, how do you choose an agent?



Well, the simple answer, of course, is to just call Bobbie!

I have been working in real estate for over 15 years. The market has fluctuated a lot in those years, there are always ups and downs, and while the market changes, I change with it! Not only do I work to stay on top of the newest resources in the industry, but I am always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to become better at what I do. I am always continuing my education, taking classes and attending lectures to be sure I have the most up to date knowledge and skills. When you work with me, you can be assured that you are working with an agent who knows her business... and is not afraid to keep on top of it! Give me a call if you are interested in buying or selling and allow me to earn your business!

Check back soon for my post on the newly extended & expanded home buyers tax credit!

Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to Bobbie Talks Real Estate! I started this blog in order to reach out to an audience that is interested in helpful information concerning real estate trends, greater Spartanburg's local market, design in the home, buying, selling, investing, and much more!

I've been in real estate for over 15 years, and am also an interior designer. This “dual-major” background is so important in staging and marketing a property. This is one of my favorite parts of real estate.
Read about my tips to buy and sell property, as well as all the extras in between. I want to share these with my readers with the hope that when you need the services of a REALTOR® you'll contact me, knowing I have the knowledge and expertise to to help you in your real estate needs.

Check back often, I will be posting lots of great information & resources involving all aspects of real estate. The topics will vary, the value will not. Thanks for joining us!

Visit my website at bobbies.remax.com