Pleeeze take this advice!

This is a brilliant drawing done by Erin Gates author of the popular blog Elements of Style.  Take a good look at what this sketch illustrates-WOW!  From cramped to expansive for the same size window!

NATURAL LIGHT SELLS HOMES.  So many times I walk into a listing and there are multiple layers of window coverings or dated cornices or balloons shades blocking out architecture and light. Let the sun in people!

Do

*Open or pull up shades, blinds or otherwise before a showing

*Take down dated treatments; Example: plastic roller shades that I currently have in my daughters room, and remove or replace with simple sheers from Target. 

*Allow your draperies to hit the floor. 



A Yes~Smith and Noble via Pinterest

A Yes~Smith and Noble via Pinterest

Need assistance in getting your home ready to sell?  My team and I can help!  Thoughtful and strategic staging advice from Michele Thrasher of Staging by Mon Brio and artistic photography of your home by Kathy Jaworski of Photography by K will put your home in the best light!

Don't hesitate to contact me with questions!  kfeeback@danberry.com

Best~
Kristie

Light Your Listing...but not with this

This is an unfortunate picture.  Unfortunate because I OWN THIS LIGHT FIXTURE!  I can't believe I am making this public, truly humiliating, but I am trying to prove a point.  If I were putting my home up for sale, this would be the first of many light fixtures to go! 

Lighting is an extremely prominent feature in a home. It can date (see above photo) or elevate a room to a new status instantly!  I am often surprised by how many clients comment on fixtures as they tour a home.  With gloom plaguing the skies, lighting your home is a especially important component of selling this time of year.

A few tips...

•  When replacing a fixture make sure to hire a licensed electrician
• Make sure the finishes on your fixtures match or coordinate with your homes decor
• Ask your realtor or home stager for suggestions
• To save money, don't swap a ceiling fan for a ceiling fan.  A flush mount fixture may work for less than half the cost!

Inexpensive Options, Instant Room Face Lift



Belladecor 89.00

Overstock 114.00

Belladecor 158.00

Overstock 150.00

Overstock 118.00



Identity Crisis?

Thankfully no, just re-vamping my blog.   Real Estate and Refinement will provide you with more dynamic features including: video, better search capability and engaging features!  I am truly excited and hope you'll be along for the ride.  Kicking off the New Year with a Contest (easy to enter and win)!

Can't wait for the re-lauch!  Stay tuned!

Kristie

Exquisite New Listing Ottawa Hills

$500,000

This Executive property has been completely remodeled inside and out.  Outstanding kitchen boasts Wolf, and Sub Zero appliances along with a wine refrigerator and high-end cabinetry. Top of the line fixtures and flooring coupled with an open floor plan and designer details make this a stand out.  

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3828 sq. ft.

Fully finished basement

Irrigation System

Surround Sound

All Appliances Included

New windows

New 40 yr. Cedar Shingle Roof

Marketed by: Kristie Feeback

kfeeback@danberry.com

Mobile:419.351.2555

Summer is...

One of the best things about living in Northwest Ohio in the summer are  strawberries from Creque's.  I also bought the first of the greenhouse tomato's which were delicious!

Additionally, The Flowers at Creque's are 25% OFF!  Not the little weed, he's mine!:)

Support your Local Farmers and savor all things SUMMER!

Creque's is located at 9700 Sylvania Ave., West of Timberstone Jr, High

Royal Wedding Televised Schedule

It takes place at the following times around the world:

3 a.m. in Los Angeles

6 a.m. in New York

10 a.m. GMT

11 a.m. in London

12 noon in Paris

2 p.m. in Abu Dhabi, UAE

6 p.m. in Hong Kong

8 p.m. in Sydney
Watch live coverage of the wedding on CNN/U.S. and CNN International:
Live wedding coverage from 4 a.m. ET, 9 a.m. London, 4 p.m. Hong Kong

The photo above is from Knit Your Own Royal Wedding by Fiona Gobel.  How fun and clever of her!  Sure to be a best seller!

An Inspiring Pop of Color

Would you be able to walk by this window display?  I wouldn't!  This is just one of the many examples of the multi-talented interior designer  Anna Spiro  at her store Black and Spiro in Brisbane Austraila.  Anna's Blog
Absolutely Beautiful Things, was one of the first blogs I started following and I continue to be struck by her color combinations and vinettes she creates and posts-Thankfully!

Heres to creating something beautiful in your home, condo, apt., even if it's just a little corner-Embrace Beauty!

Want to build in Sylvania or Ottawa Hills?

Pick your Lot

Lots still seem to be at a premium in Sylvania and Ottawa Hills.

These lots are currently listed in the MLS  for 50,000 and up...

Need a plat map for a neighborhood?  I am happy to help!

Happy Cyber Monday!

The Reality of Selling Your Home

Real Life Doesn’t Sell Your House~Michelle Thrasher Staging by Mon Brio

Your Realtor tells you, every TV show about real estate tells you – Real Life Doesn’t Sell Your House. The way we live in our homes and the way we show to sell our houses are two entirely different experiences!

Steps to preparing your house for sale should include:

• Making all necessary condition repairs that you are aware of.
• De-cluttering every room; including closets, cabinetry, garage, basement.
• Cleaning every room thoroughly; including wash windows and having carpeting cleaned.
• De-personalizing every room; remove family photos, diplomas, etc.

These steps should be taken prior to having a Realtor visit so they can see your house in what you believe to be show ready condition/presentation. A savvy Realtor will then have a Professional Stager visit your home to give you advice on how to complete re-packaging or merchandising your home into a house for sale; a product ready for market.

Contrary to what is seen on TV, a Professional Stager will give you tips of the trade that are pertinent to your house, your potential buyer, your price point. It is individualized advice that comes from years of experience and education. It will not be a derogatory experience or one that necessarily will cost you thousands of dollars. Many times, a Stager will ask you to move furniture for better flow of the room(s). Although you live with the couch facing one way, for selling purposes it might be better another.

Yes, you might have to make some changes to the way you live (and living show ready is not easy), but if you truly want to Sell your House ~ it’s worth it!

Michele Thrasher, ASP

Accredited Staging Professional
Staging by MON BRIO
www.stagingbymonbrio.com

Thank You Michele! As sellers, we can easily be blinded by our own "stuff". A second set of professional eyes can make a remarkable difference in, most likely, the largest investment of your life!

Michele, I am hoping you will continue to Guest Post in 2011.
Stay tuned for Michele's advice on getting your home ready for the HOLIDAYS!

Fake it

with wall decals that is.  So fun and clever, whatisblik.com is a fast way to liven up a room. 

Is your house for sale? Do you have an uninspiring guest room?  Add an Instant face lift and people will remember your home for it.  I will definitely be taking this idea to clients!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Still lots of time for color...

My geraniums are looking a bit sad:(  Time to switch it up and move on to more cool weather plants and flowers.  Excited to see what my local nursery had to offer,  I was so disappointed to see a very uninspiring display.  I am certain I would of purchased a pre-arranged container...moving on to craft my own.

Thank goodness for creative posts on the web!  I'll make sure to let you know what I come up with along with what and where I decide to purchase.  Inspiration in tact!

Better Homes and Gardens

Tu Bloom Chicago

Check out this You Tube clip Gorgeous Fall Containers

Dorm Room to Die For

I aspire to be this clever!!!
http://nymag.com/homedesign/spring2009/56426/?imw=Y&f=most-viewed-24h10
Dorm Room of student at Drew University.

E-A-S-Y Summer Appetizer

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus











30 medium asparagus stalks
4 ounces of peppered Boursin cheese (garlic herb would work too)
 1/4 of a pound of thinly sliced prosciutto
 1/4 of a cup of honey mustard


Trim the asparagus stalks so that the spears are 5 inches long. In a deep skillet bring 1 1/2 inches salted water to a boil and cook the asparagus until they are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. In a colander drain the asparagus and rinse under cold water. Drain the asparagus well on paper towels.

In a bowl mash the Boursin with a fork until it is smooth. Cut 1 slice of prosciutto lengthwise into 1-inch strips and spread each strip with about 1/2 teaspoon Boursin. Spread about 1/4 teaspoon mustard over the Boursin and wrap each strip in a spiral around an asparagus spear, trimming any excess. Make more hors d'oeuvres with the remaining prosciutto, Boursin, mustard, and asparagus spears in the same manner.




I got to taste this appetizer when a friend, Lisa Krebs, brought it to a cookout.  Thanks Lisa!  Who knew in Jr. High we would be swapping recipes.









                                                     
                                                 

2010 Home Buyer Wants

Avid Ratings Co., a firm that provides surveys and employee training to home builders across the United States and Canada, conducts an annual survey of home buyer preferences.


The company found the following hot home features reign supreme in today’s market:

1. Large kitchens with an island.

2. Energy-efficient appliances and high-efficiency insulation and windows. (These were the most sought-after “green” features from buyers.)

3.  Home office or study

4.  Main-floor master suite

5.  Outdoor living room

6.  Ceiling fans

7.  Master suite soaker tubs and oversize showers with seating areas

8.  Stone and brick exteriors

9.  Community landscaping with walking paths and playgrounds.

10.  Two-car garages

I am a bit surprised by the ceiling fans, I have noticed that people still do like them (updated versions).  The kitchen trend was no surprise and the Home Office/Den/Study trend seems to be "A Must" for many of my clients.
You can carve out an office space almost anywhere in your home, leave it out of the bedroom for resale purposes.

Amanda Nisbet photo

Decor pad photo

Domino Magazine Aug'07

My new favorite Pool/Beach bag

Oilcloth!  It's great around water and messy children.  Of course, Etsy had a great vendor, Beth's Market Bags to work with.  Making it my own with a monogram from Twist Home, Toledo.

536 Niagara

Dynamic floor plan.  Well appointed decor.  This has not hit the MLS yet...later this afternoon. More to come.

Twist on a Turkey Burger

Don't you think Turkey Burgers can sometimes be a bit dry and lifeless?  This recipe, courtesy of Food Network, is fantastic and definitely kicks it up a notch.  I have not tried these on the grill-please let me know if you do!

1 clove garlic

Kosher salt
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, plus 1 teaspoon
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
14 ounces lean 93% ground turkey meat
6 ounces lean ground sirloin (I actually use ground chuck due to the higher fat content)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
4 whole-wheat buns or pita bread, toasted


Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Smash the garlic cloves, sprinkle with some salt, and, with the flat side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Whisk the garlic with the balsamic, Worcestershire, and hot sauce in a small bowl.

Crumble the turkey and beef into a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic mixture over the meat and form into 4 (5-ounce) burgers. Cover and set aside while you cook the onions.


Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned but not mushy, about 15 minutes. Season the onions with the remaining teaspoon of balsamic and salt and pepper, to taste.


Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for a minute. Brush 1 side of the burgers with the oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook seasoned side down until browned, about 2 minutes. Brush and season the top of the burgers, flip and cook until other side is brown, about 2 minutes more.


Transfer burgers to a baking dish and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted side ways into the burgers registers 160 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Place the burgers on the buns or in pita and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with the caramelized onions and garnishes of your choice.

These freeze really well.  Wrap individually in press and seal wrap (one of my favorite products) and place in a freezer bag.

Favorite Tee's

My sister-in-law and her husband have a retail and wholesale batik business in Portland,OR. called
Tree Town Batiks Here are a few of my favorites!

Check out Tree Town Batiks for all of the design options.  They can customize as well!