How to Incorporate a Cozy Reading Nook in Your Home

Curling up with a good book is the perfect way to relax.  Every bookworm can agree that where you read is just as important as what you read. We can all relate to reading the same sentence for 15 minutes as a result of being in the wrong place.  Noisy, crowded and uncomfortable are not adjectives one wants to use to describe their leisure spots. Reading nooks are little areas within a home that are comfy, cozy and free of distractions. Explore the must-have elements every reading nook needs.

Get Cozy in a Corner

You may think you need a lot of space or to rearrange for a reading nook. All you need is a little corner or any space that is secluded from everything else. Reading nooks can be anywhere; consider a corner in your bedroom, a bay window or even a shed.

Softness is a Must

Increase the coziness of your reading nook with softer fabrics. Invest in a plush blanket to create a welcoming cocoon. Paint the walls softer hues to ensure a cozy, distraction-free space. If a big rug beckons, consider faux fur or a great shag rug to spend a few hours with your favorite author.

Comfort with Cushions...

Staging your home to Sell:

You might have a beautiful home; it might be perfect or greatly upgraded with the finest features and materials. It can possibly be all these but unless you the only one in a thousand, it is not actually staged.

The process of staging a home for sale is not new but it is actually a method that is popular among home sellers and is used in our more challenging market. Staging most times is confused with decorating by many home sellers, thus paying no attention to the process and the recommendations of the staging experts. But the truth is, you need to commit to converting your home into a home that prospective buyers can easily depict as theirs, meaning you have to be ready to emotionally detach.

Staging helps in displaying your home as a place people will love to own. For instance, retailers often set up decorative store display that shows the function and likely placement of some things; like in the case of television, they are most times displayed within a living room setting. But this is not done just because it looks great; it is done to help prospective buyers in imagine how the television will look within a household setting. This can also be used in the process of preparing your home for sale. Most of our decision-making ad learning is done visually, even a buyer’s impression of a home. By being able to visualize a possible setting for a room, buyers can better make decisions ad determine if the size of the room is appropriate...

When you are ready to sell your home, you should take into consideration a few factors before putting it on the market. If you don’t watch these common mistakes, you could end up costing yourself when your house is listed. Since it’s an emotional time for you as a seller, it’s easy to slip-up and make bad decisions based on emotional attachments over good business.

Learn about these tips now to avoid making a mistake when the time comes. Along with overpricing and not understanding the market, here is a look at a few mistakes sellers tend to make due to their emotional attachment to the property.

Lack of motivation

When a seller is struggling to let go of their home, they may show little motivation to sell. All they may want to do is put up a “for sale” sign and hope for a high price. This way of selling can be dangerous because people may notice the house for sale week after week and when they learn it’s priced too high, the seller will end up getting a lower deal than the house is worth.

Overpricing

Overpricing is common with sellers because they think their house is worth more than the market...

Helping Homeowners Accept the Realities of Downsizing

Downsizing can be difficult for clients to accept. Their memories and belongings may be unable to fit into a smaller home. Many are unsure how to proceed and need your help. As their real estate agent, you must provide support to help them accept their new reality. Read on to learn some key tactics to get clients comfortable with downsizing.

Clearly Communicate the Benefits of Downsizing

The best way to help homeowners accept the realities of downsizing is to provide excellent communication. Downsizing a home comes with plenty of benefits, but your clients may only see a challenge. Inform them of the advantages that come from a smaller house, including the opportunity to start fresh. In order to communicate a clear message to your clients, you have to think about them as individuals. For example, if your clients are proud grandparents, you may want to emphasize how the savings can be used to do new and exciting activities with the grandkids. Research the benefits of downsizing as it applies to clients.

Share Exciting Stories about Previous Clients

A little reassurance can go a long way. Think about previous clients that have downsized. If you’ve been doing marketing properly, you would have already reached out to these clients to see how they’re doing in their new space. Share this information to restore comfort and inspire. Tell them about the elderly couple who donated...

The real estate mantra used to be location, location, location. With the introduction of social media, it should now be connection, connection, connection. Videos are an excellent way to expand your reach by engaging with those who are interested in either buying or selling. ComScore recently reported that online videos increase consumer preference by up to 25 percent. With numbers like those, it’s time to review 12 of the most popular types of video to expand your reach with every upload. Video is the wave of the future, and it’s time to climb aboard!

1 Interview Videos

Testimonials are essential to building your reputation. No need to panic when it comes to finding willing participants; clients you have already worked with are a great resource. If clients are happy with your work, they will most likely be willing to film a short testimonial video. Don’t forget that your colleagues in the real estate industry can also polish your reputation. Ask clients and colleagues for a brief interview explaining your professionalism and results. Make sure to ask sensible questions that will result in usable sound bites. Include a brief, personal introduction in the beginning so viewers can connect the testimonials with your face. Remember, this is not the time to skimp on quality. Invest in your future by selecting professionals who can help you look your best with the right equipment.

2 Informational Videos

What is common knowledge to you might be mind blowing...

When it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home.

1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home.

If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset. 

2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave.

And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges. 

3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Fluorescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture.

Lighting accounts for about 6 percent of an energy bill each year.

4. Get an Energy Audit and Have Tests Performed to Identify Ways of Improving Your Efficiency.

You can always upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as your thermal envelope, which includes insulation, windows, and doors  and the seals or weather stripping around them. Visit energy.gov/energytips...

Where are you going to go to dinner tonight in Sarasota? None other than Adriatico, of course. This local fine-dining establishment is a local favorite for Italian cuisine. Not only is the menu outstanding but all of the food is healthy and authentic Italian. Adriatico provides a social environment for you to experience their cuisine with great wine pairings and freshly made pasta, sauces and desserts daily. If you want to try Italian made by true Italians, check out Adriatico for your next night out.

What to Expect

The restaurant is located 6606 Superior Avenue in Gulf Gate of Sarasota. They are open six days a week for dinner start at 5pm on Monday through Saturday and closing at 9:30pm Monday through Thursday and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Make your reservation for dinner for two, for your family of four or for your group of friends.

The restaurant is run by food artist Luigi, a native of Pozzuoli, Italy where seafood is everything. He specializes in the fresh caught seafood offering guests everything from sea urchin to squid, shrimp to octopus and a variety of fish.

He also specializes in the wonderful desserts that everyone raves about and he keeps the dessert...