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One of the biggest home improvement categories in the last few years is outdoor living, and due to the COVID pandemic, the importance has elevated even more. Leading renovation and real estate professionals have compiled a list of the top new trends for 2022.

• One of the biggest trends that keeps gaining interests is the outdoor kitchen. Not only is the functionality a must, but it also creates a great aesthetic for your existing outdoor spaces by adding that wow factor. Some realtors also say that an outdoor kitchen can significantly raise the value of your home as well as help sell your home faster.

• Another popular trend is enhanced outdoor living spaces which includes comfortable seating areas, fireplaces, and firepits. With the COVID pandemic, homeowners are finding ways to utilize their outdoor living for year-round use by making comfortable living areas for themselves and guests.

• Homeowners are finding ways to enjoy their privacy away from their neighbors as their outdoor living spaces are also used for lazy day lounging, exercise, meditation, rest and relaxation, and other activities. Larger, private backyard spaces are a must for many future homeowners as well. There is an array of ways to ensure your privacy, such as higher fences, covered patios, sheltered side yards or a more budget friendly approach like oversized planters, planting trees along the property line, or purchasing a retractable screen.

• In some of the warmer U.S. states, outdoor showers have been on the rise. Not only does this feature give your home a beach-themed feel, but it is also a great place to clean-up kids, a refreshing place to cool off on a warm summer day while working in the garden, and it can be an ideal place for showering your outdoor pets.

• Another great addition to your outdoor space is setting up part of your home office outdoors. With Covid and the warmer season coming up, homeowners are looking at ways to expand their workspace while they work from home. Some great additions are setting up shady workspaces such as an overhang on your patio or an adjustable umbrella, and some outdoor patio furniture for your computer and phone.

• Pergolas are becoming a hot new trend for 2021 due to its versatility and affordability. Not only can a pergola be built and/or installed in one weekend, but it can also offer an adequate amount of shade for outdoor activities such as lounging or dining.

• Our last major trend to feature is backyard cottages or ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units.  These detached units have been on the rise due to its versatility. Some people are using this to house older relatives, as a home office, gym, temporary residence to rent for extra income, the list goes on. Backyard cottages can either be built on site or trucked in.

While some of these trends can cost a lot of time and/or money, there are many affordable things to do to bring your outdoor space to the relaxing oasis that you will love. Call me today at 817.690.0976 for a local referral for someone to assist you with your outdoor oasis goals.

Pam Snowden

Realty World Professionals

817-690-0976 (cell)

Pam@pamsnowden.com

www.PamSnowden.com

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

It can be expensive to decorate a room in your home, whether you are trying to sell or want a new look. Just because you don’t have the budget for a major upgrade doesn’t mean you can’t update your space. Here are a few ways to make any room in your home look fabulous and new for less than $100.

The Living Room:

One of the easiest rooms to freshen up, the living room doesn’t require much effort or expense to make it feel like new.

• A new coat of paint on the walls
• Throw pillows on the couch
• New light fixture
• Move existing furniture into new positions

The Bedroom

This is another easy room to renovate on a budget.

• Purchase sheer curtains 
• Buy a new bedspread or comforter
• Purchase a rug for wood floors
• Paint the walls a light color

The Bathroom

Add big style to a small room with just a few changes without spending a lot of money. 

• Buy big fluffy towels like you see in a spa
• Add sconces along the mirror or medicine cabinet for softer lighting
• Place a plush rug by the shower door to step out on
• Install a small shelf for more organization
• Place washcloths or personal items in wicker or wood baskets

The Kitchen

Most people spend the majority of their renovation money on the kitchen. It can cost thousands of dollars to redo this room completely. However, a few small changes can have a significant impact.

• Paint the fronts of cabinets
• Replace hardware
• Paint the walls
• Buy a new faucet

While many supplies can cost several hundreds of dollars, you can find great deals on clearance items. Visit an outlet center or visit a kitchen or bathroom supply store and ask about discontinued patterns. They usually cost less and still look stylish even if they aren’t the latest designs. 

Specialty stores often have leftover materials after doing a custom project. They will sell slabs of countertop material or leftover cabinets, or flooring at a reduced price. If you want to do more for your home but have limited funds, shopping around can yield some fabulous finds without breaking your budget. Call me today at 817.690.0976 for a local referral for someone to assist you with your big or small home renovation goals.

Pam Snowden

Realty World Professionals

817-690-0976 (cell)

Pam@pamsnowden.com

www.PamSnowden.com

Photo by Minh Pham on Unsplash

Thinking of Selling Your House? Here are a few tips to get your property ready to sell!

Maximize Curb Appeal
Getting them through the front door starts at the curb. Manicure the lawn, trim the trees and shrubs. Pull weeds and plant some colorful flowers. Clear the walkways. Fix peeling paint and wind up that hose. Paint the address number on the curb.

Make Repairs to Visible Blemishes
Is there something that’s an eyesore, but an easy fix? If looking at it bothers you, it could bother a potential buyer and reduce the appeal of your home. Replace burnt out light bulbs, fix that loose door handle, make needed paint touch-ups.

Make a Buyer’s Entrance Inviting
Freshly paint the front door with a color that contrasts the house. Add a new welcome mat. Hang a fresh wreath on the door.

Let the Light Shine In
Removing heavy window coverings to let in the natural light we all crave. Add lamps to brighten up darker areas to add more cheer.

Remove the Clutter
This serves two purposes. First, you want your home to have an open and inviting appearance. Removing clutter will make rooms appear larger and more appealing. Second, it helps YOU prepare to move. Going through the clutter and getting rid of what you don’t need will make your move much easier.

Remove Personal Items
It will be much easier for a potential buyer to imagine your home as theirs when they can envision their own items in it.

Highlight Special Features
Use accents and color to draw eyes to special features that you want potential buyers to notice—throw pillows, plants or other eye-catching accessories.

Add Mirrors
Use mirrors to make rooms look larger and lighter. Position opposite windows for best effect.

Clean Out Cabinets and Closets
Buyers are nosy and they WILL open the cabinets. Make sure your contents are orderly and organized.

Eliminate Odors
Clean to remove any odors and do not cook any meals with heavy, lasting smells before a showing.

Add Aromas
You can easily add appeal by quartering an orange and adding it to a pot of water with a cinnamon stick. Simmer on low for an inviting aroma. Or bake a fresh batch of cookies (and leave a plate of them on the counter for visitors).

Need help? Call us at Realty World Professionals.

817-441-7707