Create a luxurious outdoor space like a pro

Patio spaces in florida

It’s time for you to get out the patio furniture, barbecue grill and spruce up the plants and flowers. Need some help creating as oasis in your back yard? Grilling season is here and there is color all around you, from blooming flowers and trees to vibrant colored rugs and pillows for your new outdoor patio.

To get your patio ready for entertaining we got to get a little money, lots of elbow grease and some of your time.

Patio Furniture

If you already have perfectly good patio furniture you may just need to replace the cushions or brighten it up with some colorful accent pillows, I have found some great deals at Biglots, Lowes, and Wayfair. If your furniture is a little worn out you can either paint it which is an inexpensive project, especially if it’s made out of wicker, metal or wood. These are great for restoration and can look brand new once they are repainted.

Remember to clean and sandpaper to get rid of dirt on furniture before attempting to paint. You can also look on CraigsList.org for some second hand furniture if you need to replace yours, but don’t want to spend a lot of money. If you want to go all out and splurge then go for it. There so many to choose from.

Rugs , Cushions & Pillows

This is my favorite because I think this is what really gives you the look you’re going for. Here you really want to think about what kind of style you’re going for and add in the pillows to give that pop of color . If you have an old rug just power wash it and clean it up, if not go to either Ikea, Walmart or Biglots for rugs at great prices.

I know sometimes the first things to go are the cushions for the patio furniture and I have found them the cheapest at Walmart and Biglots and at super low prices in all colors, and prints.

Don’t break the bank when it comes to purchasing these because they can add up. Choose wisely and be cost conscious.

Shade

If you don’t have a patio roof then you will be looking to invest in some shade to escape that Florida sun. I had found some shade sails and cute umbrellas with stands at Sams Club at reasonable prices. These are not too expensive and can also add some color to your patio. If you want to spend more you can invest in retractable awnings at HomeDepot.

Plants and Planters

Flowers and plants can add up very quickly and cost alot. Think about what colors you are going for and don’t go overboard with different colors and varieties. Choose a color scheme and pick a few flowering plants and some plants just to add some greenery. The more planters you add the more work you will have to keep them looking good and keeping them watered. Check out Lowes and Home Depot for great plants and flowers.

Keep them manageable and choose different heights to display them.

Lights, Camera, Action

Add some ambiance to your patio by adding some lighting. There is so much to choose from and they come in all prices. Check out Biglots, for great lighting options at low prices.

Now that you’ve created this fabulous outdoor patio, invite your friends and family to enjoy a lazy brunch or a hot Florida day and even some al fresco dining.




Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

getting ready to sell your home

As you may or may not know, Spring is a great time to sell your home. At Spring time we feel energized, it’s a time for renewal, we are cleaning and re-decorating, flowers are blooming and we can feel the energy in the air.

You’ve been thinking about putting your house on the market but before you put that sign at the front of your home, let’s go through a check list of things that should be crossed off before you call your realtor. These things could get you a full priced offer.

Minor Repairs

You want to make sure that your home looks it’s best when you are putting it on the market. Go through your home or have a friend come over and go through your home with the eyes of a potential buyer. A buyer may see dirty grout, chipped baseboards, missing knobs and handles, torn screens on windows , hanging gutters worn out looking paint on front door. These repairs can be an easy and cheap fix for a homeowner. If it’s not addressed it can be the difference between a low offer and full asking price.

Curb Appeal

Most of us spend so much time dressing up the inside of the house and we forget the outside. If the exterior of the house is not appealing, you may not get a buyer to even bother to go inside the home. One of the first photos that is listed on the MLS will be a photo of the front of your home. First impression count!! Invest some time and money on pressure washing the garage door, side walks and making your front door appealing, either cleaning the door or repainting it. Plant some flowers and add a new mat at the front door. Make your home look welcoming and appealing to buyers. I guarantee this will get them into your house for a look.

Revamp your kitchen

If you don’t want to go through the trouble of remodeling your kitchen – there are some inexpensive kitchen updates that you can do. Repaint your kitchen a neutral color. Buyers are not interested in your taste and style. They are looking to come in and make the home their own. Give them a blank canvas so they can envision their own style. Change out the cabinet hardware. If you can afford it, think about adding new countertops to give your kitchen an updated look. This may cost a couple thousand dollars, but you will gain so much more in the sale of your home. The kitchen is the number one seller of a home. Every penny you spend on your kitchen you get it back and more.

Show-Ready

You are preparing to sell, get your house professionally cleaned. Your home has to look its best and everything has to look clean and shiny. Invest in a professional cleaning company. Have the carpets, the tiles, bathrooms, cabinets, baseboards, pool deck, windows and more, cleaned and sparkling. Your home should be available and ready to show at anytime. Get rid of clutter, junk, packed closets and boxes. If you don’t use it every day then put it in storage.

Good Luck! If you live in the Tampa Bay Area and need help with selling or buying a home, contact us.