Merry Christmas

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book and every year at Christmas time I go and take a look and that is when I realized that these names are a part not of the book they’re written in, but of me and my heart. 

For each name, stands for someone who has crossed my path at sometime and in that meeting they’ve become the rhythm of the rhyme. And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim, I really feel I am composed of each remembered name, and while you may not be aware of any special link, just meeting you has shaped my life more than you can think, for once you’ve met somebody the years cannot erase the memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face. 

So never think my Christmas greeting is just a mere routine of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between for when I am but a total of many folks I’ve met and you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget and whether I have known you for many days or a few in some way you have a part in shaping things I do and every year when Christmas comes I realize a new the biggest gift life can give is meeting a person like you and may the spirit of Christmas that forever and ever endures leave it’s richest blessings in the heart of you and yours. 

Merry Christmas from me to all of you! Hope you all have a nice time over the holiday period. 


I will spend the holidays with my friends and family and I look forward to some sailing. Can not wait to  feel the fresh breeze in my hair and a nice glass of wine in hand, relaxing and rejuvenating. Just what is needed to get back into all the exciting things coming for the new year ahead. 


The Property Styling blog, will take a break along with me and will be back with more tips and ideas on Monday the 9th of January. See you then! Chin Chin

That's the spirit

Swap tinsel and old worn out decorations for simple paper pom poms

Try colour combinations and correspond your gift wrapping and accessories to form a flowing theme.

Colour Everywhere

Flowers add such a fresh look to your home, don't forget them at Christmas time!

Add groups of fresh flowers to co-ordinate with your Christmas theme.

I prefer the flowers as opposed to the old worn out decorations.

First impressions still count at Christmas time

The front entrance door and verandah must be spotless.

Get rid of the cobwebs and dust. Freshen with a coat of paint if need be.

Replace any broken tiles or rotten timber.

Pop a christmas wreath on the front door and presto!

Merry Christmas

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Adorn your home in hue's of white and silver. Oh-so-gorgeous. Follow the theme through with the wrapping paper and accessories. If your budget allows splash out on some cushions and throw rug to complete the look!

Less stress during the Christmas period

Having your home on the market during Christmas can be stressful during the christmas period.

For a little less stress try some de cluttering - look at it as a pre-move declutter, you will be a step ahead when it comes to packing when you have sold.

Prioritise  - You will not have time to de clutter the whole house, I suggest de-cluttering the areas that the potential buyers are going to see.

Clear out the Junk - clear bench tops and top with some fresh flowers or a nice trendy christmas ornament. Try a glass vase filled with colourful xmas balls.

Clean Clean Clean - Nothing more inviting than the smell of a fresh clean home.

The cool crowd

Decorate your backyard with bright colourful accessories for a relaxed champagne Christmas breakfast.

As the evening approaches enjoy some more champagne, switch on the fairy lights and take in the sunset.

Don't forget to have picked up the doggie do! Nothing worse than the aromas of the dog leftovers to sour the mood.

Christmas Success

You can still celebrate Xmas whilst selling your home.

Follow these simple rules

The old paper decorations that the kids made in kindy have got to go. Pack them up just for this year!

The tinsel strewn across the room... That's a definite NO.

Replace the half burned out candles with fresh new ones.

Look at your Christmas tree does it need replacing? What about the decorations?

Create a unique tree and treat yourself to some new decorations.

No stencil frosting on the windows.

Resist the temptation to adorn the whole home with decorations, I suggest that

you just stick to a beautiful tree, a wreath on the front door and minimal table top decorations.

Christmas Medley

Nine days to Christmas and we all deserve to sit back and relax to some Christmas songs. Enjoy!

Crafty Christmas

If you are handy and like craft you can make one of these...

An advent calendar made out of little pouches where you can put some goodies in for your family. You can find the pattern and instructions here. Made by Jenny B Harris at the allsorts blog. She is also a great photographer and often has beautiful images on her blog. Here for example... 

Hhmmm for some reason I feel like hot chocolate.

Images: print screens from the allsorts blog here.

Take the Xmas cheer outside

We don't want the buyer to disregard your property, long grass and messy gardens are not a great look.

Mow the lawns, weed the garden and wash the property down!

Now it's time for some fun. Dress your garden in festive summer style. Add some fairy lights to the pergola, hang some pretty lanterns from the trees and complete the look with matching candles and accessories.

Fresh Flowers

Put them everywhere. They can hide a multitude of sins. To save yourself some money take a wonder through your garden, if you don't have any flowers try cutting some greenery. You will be surprised at how great the agapanthus leafs look in a vase, absolutely gorgeous.

Cool idea!

I have recently seen feather boas hanging vertical with large Xmas balls hanging from the end.

They looked so cool. I can see them hanging in a row above my dining table! Easy to put up and when you have someone coming to view the property it is easy to take down for an hour or two.

Making for a Merry Christmas sale

Welcome the potential buyers with a Christmas wreath on the front door, and a well dressed tree complimented with matching wrapped gifts. Remember when selling at Christmas less is best! Frosted windows with Santa and reindeer's are a big NO NO!

Styled for sale

"Sometimes when I'm real estate stalking I come across a house that I know just has to be styled for the listing. Who has tin cans and mineral water neatly lined up in the kitchen but no fridge? Who's kids' rooms are so tidy they are almost sterile and who has a garden setting perfectly placed mid shot in the garden? As much as this is obviously staged there are some ideas to steal and it seems yellow is the colour to make your listing stand out. Bring out the big guns to try to get the big bucks."

Images: print screens from here.

Inspiration

Here is some inspiration for when you run out of oumph while setting your property up for sale.

The images are from the IKEA home inspiration website. well worth a look for those who are interested in smart ideas for your home or just for some eye candy inspiration.

Images: Print Screens from here.

Personal but not private

Before putting your home on the market you have to arrange for photograhs to be taken. Since you don't get a second chance to make a first impression you have to get everything ready before the photographer arrives to do the photos for the marketing campaign. The buyer will already form an opinion about the property from a quick glance at the photos so you must make them count!

For example remove all things private from your home, just pack them up for now I know you will miss them but it wont be long until they can be unpacked in your new home. The property needs to be set up so that the buyer can imagine themselves moving in.

Remove things like family photos, sports gear, kids toys in the living room, pets beds and food bowls etc.

Thanks for the lovely feedback

It was lovely to read the feedback I received, I appreciate everyone being so enthusiastic. I have been told all the comments did not work since it was tricky to log in, but I picked out one that managed to get through the filter. It is from Mia Wingrove who also seems to love scented candles as much as I do.

"Sharon this is a wonderful idea to create property styling, I'm a candle freak myself & love to have candles burning all the time at home as it gives it a beautiful ambience as well as wonderful aroma's : ) keep up the good work Sharon x 

Mia Wingrove"

Furniture hire

If there are some rooms or outside areas that needs updating but you don't want to buy furniture and decorations that wont fit into your next home you should consider hiring. For example Valiant  seems to be a good option. Here is something I found on their website...

(text from here)

"Property Styling is all about creating a look and feel that shows your property in it’s best possible light. You want that bond between the potential new owner and your property, they need to feel and see themselves living there.

It is about texture, feel, dimension – none of which is possible using virtual images alone.

Your potential buyer needs to see the space for real and see the furniture in place to let them understand how the property flows between rooms, so they can image their new lives.

Imagine the disappointment if they have seen a furnished property online and then turn up to the inspection and it is totally empty – no character – no bonding – no connection.

There are many factors to consider, however remember, there are some things that a computer can’t replace and feelings are definitely in that category. People will fight for a property if they have become emotionally attached – and that is a benefit of a professionally styled home.

Regardless of the property size – Property Styling works! Check this video of a few recent inner city properties. They aren’t huge in floor space , but they are enormous in style and character !"

Here is the video they mentioned, some nicely styled properties. And some photos from their website, looks like they have done a good job. What do you think?

Images: Print screens from here.

Budget Styling

Using day to day material for your DIY projects can result in some fantastic results. You don't have to spend big to create a home that makes the potential buyer want to stay longer and walk through the house imagining themselves living there or planing where they will sit and relax with a cup of tea after a long day at work.

Have a look at these amazing lampshades for example. They are made by Allison Patrick and if you are not a craft person you can buy then from her Etsy shop here. Otherwise be inspired and get started on your own decorating projects!

 Lampshades made out of paper from a book.

Or why not use paper from a comic book for your kids room.

Who would have thought those old plastic bags could create such a romantic light?

Images: Print screens from here.

Spacious but not too minimalistic

Remove any furniture that is bulky or unnecessary. It is important that the rooms look spacious and inviting. Having said that, if you remove too much your home might look too minimalistic and lose it's welcoming atmosphere. Plan your interior and perhaps invite a friend over to bounce some ideas so you get it right before your first open home.

I would love your feedback

I love to make my home smell nice it makes such a homely atmosphere. It is also a good subtle way to make buyers feel at home during open homes. This scented candle is one of my favourites and I would like to share it with one of you.

To win the scented candle leave me a comment, I would love to know what you think of my Property Styling blog. Do you find the information helpful? Which information has been most interesting? What would you like to know more about? I will pick the best comment and share it with you next Friday the 25th.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say!

Update: (22/11/11) I received some feedback that it is a bit tricky to leave a comment. So the easiest way to do it, is to use the "Anonymous choice" and then just leave your name at the end of your comment.

Get ready to sell

Pantry Bliss

Organise your pantry into their appropriate sections, cans, condiments, packages etc. I find that putting small packets into containers/baskets really helps. Also get some larger baskets and put in all your sauces etc,line the baskets with paper towel.This Will keep you super organised and keep your pantry much cleaner.

Tupperware Queens "Get tossing"

Now seriously girls check out your Tupperware cupboard, how many un-matching lids and containers did you find? Do you ever wonder what really happens to them? A bit like the odd socks. Be brave.. be a tosser and get rid of them.

De Clutter your walls

Create a clean cut organized look. Nothing worse than the ceramic flying ducks hanging alongside your Bali painting from the 80s. The buyers coming through your house must be able to relate to your home and see themselves fitting their life and family in there.

IKEA

IKEA has opened its doors for a new outlet at Tempe, much closer to us here in the Illawarra. They are great for some inspiration for your home or you can pick up some storage and organising ideas. For it's opening they are offering some good deals on selected products, swing by for a look.

Images, print screens from the IKEA website

5 Things I love in my house....

Nana's bowl

This was my Nana's mums bowl (great grandma's), it was one of Grandma's wedding presents. I was very brave one night and called my nan and asked her what was the most special thing that she loved most of all, hence it was the bowl which she later gave to me before she passed away. 

If I had a fire this apart from my family would be the only thing i would take with me. It means so much to me, scary to think all the other things I own are mostly just stuff.

My oven

This was our indulgence, I just love this oven, I like cooking up a storm for my friends and family.

Salt and Pepper

I got these from Vietnam for $3.50, how cute are they salt n pepper bowls, cool as! My regret is that i didn't buy a dozen sets and give them to all my friends

Framed 

My daughter gave me this card for my birthday and I loved it so much that i framed it!! So very me! Nothing like a great party I say :)

The crystal set

I have always wanted one of these dressing table sets, so old fashioned but beautiful. I got this one from the Op shop. Love ops shops, however I never seem to have enough time to go out and find treasures.

When it's done right

Don't be afraid to let the real estate photographer be creative when doing the photos for your property. It is obviously good to show that the rooms are large and sun filled but if you want to stand out and get people interested you can use interesting angles and detail shots of the best parts of your house. The images for this property looks like they would fit into any magazine but also has some quirky angles showing the mirror reflection in the kitchen or the on-suite attached to the bedroom. And don't you just love the dog sneaking into the photo, looks very comfy.

Images, print screens from here.

5 Things I love at work

Job satisfaction

I love helping people make a move, whether it is moving house or moving forward it is great to share the journey with clients and friends.

Flexibility

The flexibility and freedom my job provides, it's important for me to maintain balance. I am always available for my clients, they can get me on the phone at most hours of the day, whilst I can still pick up my daughter from school and take her to her activities.

Clients 

Building long term relationships and customers for life is a great bonus with my job. Negotiating and getting the very best price possible for my vendors gives me a kick and builds on that competitive streak I pretend I don't have but somehow always seems to pop up.

My team 

I love my team at the Ray White Kiama office, they are awesome.

Tech tool

And last but not least I love my iPhone, how did we ever get by before iPhones I wonder.