0 Designed to Sell: Bedrooms

Here's the good news. It's fairly simple to stage a bedroom, because most bedrooms have only limited furniture. So home staging in a bedroom will normally involve the simple tasks of painting the walls a neutral color, rearranging furniture and adding light decor.

Remember, potential buyers are not coming into your house to see how you live, but to see how this house might allow them to live. Most buyers are also looking for something larger than what they currently have, so one of the main goals is to make the bedrooms appear as large as possible. With a few staging tricks, you can bring your bedrooms to their maximum potential.

Before, this bedroom was overcrowded with too much furniture that covered the beautiful hardwood floors. By removing all unnecessary furniture and swapping the old comforter with new, luxurious linens this bedroom is transformed into a relaxing retreat.

This empty bedroom does little to inspire a potential buyer, but by adding a bed adorned with plush pillows and a neutral comforter, this room becomes an excellent spot for guests to unwind during their stay. The simple conversation set added to the courtyard brings attention to the outdoor space accompanying this bedroom.

By removing the toys and "unbunking" the bunk beds buyers are offered the option of a lovely guest room instead of a space defined for the use of children only. I probably would have recommended painting the blue walls a more neutral color as well...

By raising the window treatments, removing a few large pieces of furniture and centering the bed with the windows, this room becomes a light and bright space. It is also important to note the difference a nicely made bed makes. Again, I would have also opted to tone down the pink walls, but still a major improvement!

Once your bedrooms are staged and ready to show, be sure to keep them tidy. Dust under and around the bed to keep your floors shining, and be sure to clear all bedside tables of everything except for a few necessary items such as your alarm clock. Now you're ready to bring on the buyers!

-Cara

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0 Open House Sunday

Sunday, May 31: 2-4 p.m.

Don't forget to stop by our open houses this Sunday!

5123 C Street

Eric is holding open this fabulous Hillcrest bungalow extensively remodeled in a Tuscan style, with a new architectural roof, vaulted areas, refinished hardwoods, slate tile floors, new lighting, fans and hardware. The kitchen has granite countertops and tumbled marble backsplash, new cabinets, stainless steel appliances and french doors. Enjoy your new deck off the kitchen for great outdoor dining and expansive, versatile entertaining. Two new central H&A systems, new fence, one car garage. Extensive landscaping. A must see!

2010 N. University

I am holding open a fantastic home in the Heights. This 2 bedroom/2 bathroom home has a completely updated kitchen with granite counter tops, custom cabinets and stainless appliances. The two living areas, hardwood floors, large fenced backyard, and unbeatable location make this one home you won't want to miss!

See you there!

-Cara

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0 Neck of the Woods: Foxcroft

In honor of the sale of the Lindley's house and their big move to Washington D.C., this week's Neck of the Woods will zoom in on Little Rock's Foxcroft neighborhood.

Home to the Little Rock Racquet Club, Foxcroft also neighbors many of Little Rock's most popular shopping and dining destinations, including the original Purple Cow, Graffitti's, Barbara/Jean Ltd., and Cantrell Gardens Nursery.

Foxcroft is one of Little Rock's most popular neighborhoods for growing families, with homes typically priced from $180,000 to the mid $400,000's and generally ranging in age from 30 years old to almost new. The beautiful, nature views and quiet streets make for a relaxing, family-friendly feel.

Take a look at the serene view from this Foxcroft deck...

Many Foxcroft homes feature large windows to take full advantage of the beautiful, wooded views offered by the area...

What a great neighborhood! It is no wonder Foxcroft homes are in demand.

-Cara

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0 New Hillcrest Listing!

What a great condo in the heart of Historic Hillcrest! This 2 bedroom/1 bath condo is low maintenance, has nice hardwoods, central heat and air, an updated kitchen, a decorative fireplace, and is on the first floor. Don't miss the large deck and common area for all four units in the building. Walk to Allsopp Park and all Hillcrest shopping and restaurants!

Price: $139,900

Give us a call to check out this charming Hillcrest condo for yourself!

-Eric & Cara

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2 Martha Madness

At least once a week, Martha Stewart makes me want to move to Connecticut and pursue the crafty life. While I may not have Martha's apparent obsessive compulsions--I do allow guest to enter my house without removing their shoes--I would love to get a hold of her craft room. I know that I am not alone in this dream. Anyone else with me? If you're not quite ready to pack your suitcase, take a look at Martha's craft room and you may start to edge your way toward the crafty side of life.

I can think of no better use for a finished attic than a safe haven for glitter, ric-rac, and epoxy glue...

I'm wondering how Martha was able to get her cat, Vivaldi, to:

A. Sit still long enough to take this picture
B. Keep from shredding every ounce of tissue paper in sight

Martha did make great use of these glass jars, which can be used to stylishly organize an endless list of household items: rubber bands, clothes pins, dog treats, cotton balls, . . .

So, let's face it. Martha I may never be, but it sure is fun to pretend.

-Cara

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0 Congratulations, Lindleys!

The Lindleys recently sold their Foxcroft home in Little Rock and are headed to Washington D.C. We know that they will have a fantastic time in their new city.

It was fun working with the two of you. Be sure to keep in touch!

-Eric

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2 Let's Make a Deal: Dining Chairs

In last week's Let's Make a Deal we dug up some super dining table deals, so it is only fitting that this week we complete the equation with dining chairs.


This beautifully hand crafted chair from ZGallerie will cost you $459...



...but you can snag a similar style from High Fashion Home for just $299.



This architectural bench from Crate & Barrel provides a hassle free way to squeeze in an extra dinner guest for $599...

...while this equally spacious bench from World Market is just a fraction of the price at $199.

Ethan Allen offers an antique reproduction with a classic spindle and hoop design for $349...



...while JC Penney offers a remarkably similar style for just $199 for a pair.

This chair from Williams Sonoma Home sports a clean design that will work with nearly any style of dining table for $495...



...while this Overstock.com version features the same simple style and tapered legs for $309 a pair.



Target is hard to beat when it comes to affordability. This Target Skool Chair retails for $199.99...



...but you can enjoy the same hardback chair from Design Public for just $99!



Give your traditional dining table a twist with more contemporary chairs. Or mix and match different chair designs for an eclectic look. With so many options when it comes to dining chairs, it can be fun to stir things up a bit.

-Cara

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3 ReStore Rehab: Round 2

Here we go again.

We just couldn't stay away. Not after the lovely lady that came into our lives after our last trip to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. So, we went back for more and found it. Restore Rehab: Round 2...

Unlike our particle board princess, this guy is solid wood and only cost us $25. Once primed, painted and accessorized, it will serve as a TV console table for our living room.

Our current TV stand has served us well but has been with us since Eric's days of bachelorhood and has definitely seen better days. While we like the color and plan to paint its replacement black, the laminate is chipping and it barely has enough storage space to house all of our DVDs and, more importantly, our old school Super Nintendo.


Check back to see the finished piece. Hopefully, he will make a handsome addition to our space.

-Cara

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0 Open House Sunday!

Sunday, May 24: 2-4 p.m.

716 N. Monroe

I am holding open a wonderful bungalow on a charming Hillcrest street. This 3 bedroom/2 bath home has a bonus room that can be used as a 4th bedroom, office or den. Lots of large closets and a basement below the house provide valuable storage space.

See you there!

-Eric

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0 Neck of the Woods: Heights

In 1891 a group of land developers purchased 800 acres in “the highlands northwest of the city” for $80,000. The purchase of the land was the beginning of Pulaski Heights, Little Rock's first suburb and one of its most affluent neighborhoods.

Many Heights residents find they rarely need to leave their neck of the woods as everything they could possibly need is within walking distance: fabulous boutiques, salons, galleries and specialty shops. With so many exceptional restaurants to choose from, inlcuding Cheers and Sushi Cafe, the Heights has become a Little Rock dining destination. The area is also home to the Little Rock Country Club and offices for the Arkansas Symphony and the Diocese of the Catholic Church.

This lovely 2 bedroom/2 bath home is currently for sale and located just around the corner from all Heights attractions, including Boulevard Bread and Caracalla...



The realxing atmosphere of the Heights makes it a great place to raise a family and enjoy time shopping with friends. With so much to offer, it's no wonder Heights residents can find everything they need just around the corner.

-Cara

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0 Little Rock Bound

Congratulations to Tim Taylor! Tim is moving from Mississippi to begin his residency at UAMS and recently purchased his first home in Little Rock. Tim's new Hillcrest charmer will be the perfect place for him to wind down after a busy day at the hospital.

Congrats, Tim! We're glad to have helped you find your next home.

-Eric

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0 Designed to Sell: Living Room

The moment a potential buyer enters your house--no, rewind. The moment a potential buyer pulls into your driveway, they begin to ask if they could see themselves making your house their next home. Hopefully, the answer is "Yes! I cannot live without this amazing house. Let's make an offer immediately!" Your home sells and all are happy.

We all know that this is not always the case. Not every buyer falls in love with every home they see. BUT you can make your home more appealing by staging your home in a way that appeals to a larger number of buyers. Let's check out a few staging before and afters that make a living room more "buyer friendly":

This stale living room, with window treatments blocking natural light, was transformed into an inviting space. Tall window draperies now unify the color scheme while adding dramatic height and light. A few simple accessories tie the look together.

Soaring cathedral ceilings and a cozy fireplace were emphasized in this room with improved furniture placement, properly scaled artwork, and vertically-striped window treatments that call the eye's attention to the height of the space.

What a difference the right furnishings made in this townhouse! A living room can be created in even the smallest setting. This space took on an entirely new look with just a few small furniture pieces and colorful accessories.

A note from the Realtors:

There is no need to rush out and spend a fortune on items to stage your home. Many times what you need already belongs to you. Decide which furniture pieces are most presentable, properly scaled to the room, and fit the purpose of the space you are defining. Nothing makes a room feel smaller than a sofa that occupies half of your valuable living room space.

-Cara

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