Take a moment to remember a holiday from your childhood. My hope is that you can recall some magical memories that warm your heart. My memories not only fill my heart, but my stomach, and are centered on the family meal and the preparation.
Whether you have the money or not, most people can’t or don’t want to spend money unnecessarily. High-low decorating pairs expensive pieces with affordable items. Read more
With Veteran’s Day on November 11, I wanted to recognize the hero in my life, my father. William Tirabasso was born in the United States but his family went back to Italy where he was raised. To this day my dad speaks with a thick Italian accent so people think he was born in Italy. Read more
For the last few years I had the privilege to spread the word about a special project that sends greeting cards to our troops.
Michelle Little organizer of Project CARD ONE, says “There are plenty of cards to share and we can always use more to distribute. All of my card angels are fantastic and have been receiving the cards throughout the past year!” Read more
The definition of a lifehack is a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one’s time and daily activities in a more efficient way.
The appeal factor for me is any lifehack that requires a minimal amount of time, energy and financial investment. Here are two of my favorites lifehacks that truly have instantly improved my quality of life.
As the person who is usually called in to stage a home that has been lingering on the market, refreshing the listing is important. There have been a few incidences when after the homes were staged, new photos were not taken, or new photos were taken but the listing was not refreshed. Refreshing means taking the old listing down and relisting it as new.
The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh ReStore will be celebrating its 1-year anniversary at their new location on South Plank Road in October. The ReStore sells both new and used furniture, appliances, building supplies and household items that have been donated. Prices are generally 50 percent or more off of retail values. Proceeds go toward building affordable homes in Newburgh.
Mark Roland, ReStore manager says, “We are excited about the reception the community has given us, with strong sales since the opening day. In appreciation, we will be running numerous sales and specials from Wednesday, Oct. 14 through Saturday, Oct. 17. There will be giveaways, raffles, snacks and other surprises. Please come join us!” Read more
“Curb appeal is super important!,” says Janis Borgueta of Key Properties. “It starts with the buyers falling in love with the home before they even walk into the front door. If you can’t get them inside, then no sale happens. How does a home welcome a buyer? Clean up the yard is the first step. Paint if you have to, or power wash vinyl siding. Get rid of the weeds, and trim the trees and the bushes. Simple things like a clean welcome mat and a doorbell that works can say … ‘I’m home.’”
Most of my staging projects are occupied stagings, which means I am working with the seller’s existing furniture and accessories. There may be a few items from my inventory that enter the stage to refresh the space.
Vacant staging is on the rise in this area. This requires bringing in furniture and accessories to stage an empty house on the market. In most situations, only key rooms are staged, which could be the living/family room, dining room, kitchen and master bedroom. Whether occupied or vacant, staging along with professional listing photos are the best ways to market a house for sale. Read more
September has always felt like the start of a new year. This one is bittersweet, as my youngest was dropped off at college last weekend. We drove over five hours to Vermont, and it seemed OK until it was time to leave. Let’s just say that solo drive back was intense. As I got closer to home, the tears started flowing. Walking into my home I realized my nest is temporarily empty.
Now what? It has me thinking what the future will look like. Will I stay in the house? For now, yes, but for how long? Read more