WHAT IS A HOME MANAGER?

A Showhomes Home Manager is a person or family with beautiful home furnishings who lives in a vacant home for sale. In exchange for keeping it clean and letting Realtors show the home, Home Managers get dramatically reduced monthly fees, far below the market rate.

Home Managers are professionals who are:

- Relocating

- Building a New Home

- Seeking Temporary Housing

- Going Through Family Changes Such As Divorce

- An Individual or Family Looking To Reduce Expenses

- An Individual or Family Looking to Maintain Their Currently Level of Living or Lifestyle

- Looking To Get Familiar With An Area Before Purchasing

- Looking For Flexibility As There Are No Long Term Lease Requirements

WHY stage?

Competition. With 9 out of 10 buyers previewing or finding their homes online, presentation has never been more important. Staging your homes gives you a competitive edge over your competition. It also reduces low ball offers that buyers associate with vacant properties.

"Price Gets you Interest, Staging Gets you Offers." (Gary Keller, Keller Williams)

Owner Occupied Homes

Known for our success in staging vacant homes, we also help sellers with owner occupied homes. Whether it's a home on the market for sale or a new home, we can provide staging expertise to showcase your home. For occupied homes on the market for sale, we can re-design and re-purpose the existing furniture and decor of the home, and using your furnishings, create a "model home" look that buyers respond to. Staging enhances the presentation of your home and makes it more competitive in the market place, helping to capture a faster sale at a premium price (vs. a non-staged home). A professional stager can also provide useful information and often resources to help with packing, moving, de-cluttering and organizing, making your move easier and preparing the home for staging. Staged homes sell faster and for premium prices, bringing a greater net gain to the table for sellers.

Paint

While that favorite shade of purple was perfect for you, it may be a turn-off for that potential buyer. With a Showhomes Update we can provide the perfect changes with our Exclusive Color Palettes which are on-trend neutrals that will not distract from the outstanding features of your home and will provide mass appeal. Your Showhomes staging professional will help select the perfect palette for the look and feel that will place your home above the competition of similar homes for sale.

Home Managers are professionals who are:

- Relocating

- Building a New Home

- Seeking Temporary Housing

- Going Through Family Changes Such As Divorce

- An Individual or Family Looking To Reduce Expenses

- An Individual or Family Looking to Maintain Their Currently Level of Living or Lifestyle

- Looking To Get Familiar With An Area Before Purchasing

- Looking For Flexibility As There Are No Long Term Lease Requirements

WHY SHOWHOMES?

Showhomes is America's Leader in the Home Staging Industry. With over 30 years of experience, and a network from coast to coast, the Showhomes network has helped sell over 30,000 homes worth over $10 billion. We're proud to have partnered with many local and national real estate brands such as Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Berkshire Hathaway, Re/Max, Century 21 and more. We've successfully helped thousands of realtors, homeowners, investors, banks and builders market and showcase their listings for a faster sale and higher price. Our service speaks for itself. Our results pay for the service.

NEW HOMES

But we don't just do homes for sale, we're happy to help you with your new home too! If you're craving a new look, hungry for some new ideas or inkling to have a "makeover" of your own, we can help. Showhomes staging experts can design, re-design and provide DIY information or a full service "makeover", transforming your home in as little as 1 day. Showhomes is the leader in decorating and staging; we can help you create the home you'll fall in love with which suits your lifestyle and personal preferences.

REPLACE OLD CARPET

Worn or dated carpeting is the #1 turn-off for home buyers. The thoughts of selecting, purchasing and dealing with installation will have a potential buyer quickly check the home off their list. With a general 3 to 1 return on investment, fresh and new carpeting can be the key to a faster home sale. Coordinating with our Exclusive Showhomes Color Palettes, our light neutral warm and cool tones of carpeting will not only be pleasing to your budget but will give your home a true designer look. All home sellers want multiple offers and a quick, profitable sale. A Showhomes Update can be the answer to what you've been dreading. From palette selections through job completion and installations, we not only provide staging design but bring in qualified contractors to quickly and painlessly prepare your home for sale. The value Showhomes brings and the return on investment is why Showhomes is the nation's leader in Home Staging and Design.

PRIVACY POLICY

This Showhomes Franchise Corporation Privacy Policy (this or the "Privacy Policy") explains our practices, defines our users' ("you" or "your") privacy options and describes how your information is collected and used by Showhomes Franchise Corporation ("we," "us," "our," or "Showhomes").

By using the Showhomes website or any of our features or resources you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

We reserve the right to modify this policy from time to time and will mark new versions with a corresponding effective date. We recommend you visit the Showhomes website to review any changes in our practices.

This Privacy Policy governs your use of the Showhomes® website at www.showhomes.com, www.showhomesfranchise.com ("Sites").

Our Sites may contain links to other websites. These links are not endorsements of any products or services on such websites. These websites may have privacy policies different than our Privacy Policy.

What Information is Collected?
We may collect personal information from you on our Sites or through any other digital or personal communication with you. Information collected by us is voluntarily provided by you and may include information such as your name, email address, and physical address. Our Sites may also collect general information about your technology interface or preferences (such as the type of browser used or the files requested).

The information we may collect includes, but may not be limited to:

• Your contact information, such as your first name, last name, phone number, and email address, to allow us to respond to submitted inquiries;
• For potential franchisees, your contact and financial information, such as your first name, last name, email address, physical address, cash/liquid capital to invest, and net worth, to allow Showhomes to respond to submitted inquiries;
• Information regarding your browser and other technical specifications required to use our Sites;
• Computer data or files, often called "cookies," which may be sent by your web browser and stored on an individual computer to allow our server to "recognize" you through the navigation of the Sites;
• Computer data files, often called "web beacons" that are collected from emails or links on third-party sites that allow our server to evaluate the popularity of those links or the information contained in emails or on third-party sites; and
• Your IP address to measure our website traffic and to help provide a more personalized experience.

Children Under the Age of 13
Our Sites are not designed for children and we do not knowingly collect information from any person we know is under the age of 13.

How is User Information Used and Shared?
We collect information about you in order to provide you with services and also collect information that is necessary for our Sites to work properly. We use personal information about our users for a variety of purposes related to our business, including but not limited to:

• Allowing you to receive information from us regarding Showhomes services;
• Adding information from social media platforms to our Sites where you discuss our services or use a hashtag related to our services;
• Sharing information with our local franchisees regarding your request to become a Home Manager or other request on the site;
• Tracking information about your visits to our Sites to allow us to provide better service;
• Sending or initiating direct marketing programs, such as newsletters or information about new products or services we (or any of our affiliated companies) are offering;
• Contacting you regarding an inquiry on our Sites that you have initiated; and
• Providing information about your usage or preferences to our third-party vendors and providers.

We may share information, in the aggregate, regarding your online browsing preferences to evaluate our services or allow third parties with whom we work to better serve our users. We will not share personally identifiable information in these instances, other than described in this Privacy Policy. We may, however, share personally identifiable information with franchisees or our local business partners regarding inquires you have made for a specific Showhomes® market. All financial information submitted in connection with a franchise inquiry will be kept confidential and will not be shared with third-party vendors.

We may provide user information to third-party service providers or vendors for purposes of, including without limitation, initiating direct marketing programs on our behalf, data tracking, maintenance or development of our Sites, development of online services or customer service, or other contracted promotional opportunities provided to our users. We will not share your information with third parties to directly market their products to you. We may share this information with any subsidiaries, licensees, suppliers, distributors, affiliates, assigns, successors, or other related entities and their respective owners. We may also share your personal information in connection with law enforcement requests or in response to investigations, subpoenas, court orders, or other legal process to establish or exercise our legal rights or defend against legal claims or as otherwise required by law.

Business Transfers
We may also disclose your information to a third party as part of the reorganization or a sale of the assets of Showhomes, or its subsidiaries, divisions or franchisees. Any third party to which Showhomes transfers or sells the Sites or related assets will have the right to continue to use the personal and other information that you provide to us.

Behavioral Advertising
We may also use third-party vendors, such as Google Analytics, to advertise to our users online. These third-party vendors may display Showhomes advertisements on other websites based on your internet usage. More specifically, these vendors use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytic cookie) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) together to inform, optimize, and serve ads based on your past visits to the Site or another site affiliated with Showhomes. Any information that these third parties collect via cookies is not linked to any personally identifiable information (name, address, email address, or phone number) we collect or you provide on the website. You can opt-out of Google Analytics for Display Advertising by using Google's Ads Settings.

How is User Information Protected?
We maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for all user information collected on our Sites.

How Can Users Limit Information Collected?
By providing information to us or browsing our or our franchisees' Sites, you are consenting to our use of your data as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

While we work hard to use and disclose our users' personal information only for the purposes identified above, you can choose not to provide personal information or limit the personal information obtained by us as follows:

• You may have your contact information removed from our marketing lists that are used to inform users of new or relevant products, services, and special offers by clicking on the unsubscribe link in any communication received from us or by emailing us at [ADD EMAIL ADDRESS]; and
• You may limit the collection of "cookies" from your Site usage through your browser settings. However, this may disable our ability to provide you with the most relevant information regarding the Sites.

Your California Privacy Rights
California Civil Code Section § 1798.83 permits users of our Sites that are California residents to request certain information regarding our disclosure of personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes. To make such a request, please contact us via the Sites.

Contacting Us
For additional information pertaining to our Privacy Policy, please contact:

Showhomes Franchise Corp
2110 Blair Blvd
Nashville, TN 37212

How to Layout Your Living Room for Home Staging in Lincoln

Every living room has its own perfect layout. Depending on the space, the furniture, the light, the vibe - everything plays into how to lay out a living room. Whether you're home staging in Lincoln or just looking for a change, rearranging your living room can change the entire feel of the space and provide a much-needed update. Here's how to layout your living room with ease.

Plan

The first thing is to come up with a plan for how you want to layout your living room. Keep in mind the point of why you're trying a new layout. Are you home staging in Lincoln so potential buyers will fall in love with the space? Or do you have a new piece you'd like to highlight? Make a plan for exactly why you're rearranging and keep that in mind along the way.

Arrange

Arrange, arrange, and rearrange! In the planning stage, you probably started with one or two layouts that you thought would work. Then you got into the arranging and realized the light hit certain things wrong, or the flow just didn't feel right. Arranging and rearranging is what living room layout is all about. Each living room is unique and can be served in various ways. Don't be afraid to try. Go with your gut and put each piece where it feels like home.

Buy

Maybe your layout is perfect but you have a blank space that is just beginning to be filled. Or maybe you love everything where it is, but wish your couch was a little bit narrower to work in the space it has to be in. After you've arranged (for the most part) you'll be able to see any gaps in your decor that need can be filled with a new purchase or two. If you're home staging in Lincoln, you can hire the professionals to bring in whatever you need to make the space complete. If you're just doing a revamp, make a budget and get to shopping!

Function

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you're laying out your living room is how it functions. Think about how your family uses the space and the functionality it needs to have in relation to space. The key to arranging furniture to leave enough space but not too much. You want to keep pieces central to the congregation area close enough together so that conversation can flow easily. But you want to leave enough space so that you never feel trapped. Also, you'll want to work with the space you have and highlight it.

Scale

Speaking of using the space you have, make sure everything is kept to scale. As an example, if you have a limited area for a couch - don't buy a huge couch. Get a couch that works in the space that's allotted without pushing the limits. Don't crowd the space with too many pieces and accessories. No one wants to feel overwhelmed by a room. This is particularly important if you're home staging in Lincoln - potential buyers want to feel at home in your space instead of stressed out.

Have fun with your space and your furniture! Make it work and if it doesn't, get something new to spice it up!

Best Bedroom Window Treatments

Looking for a new treatment option for your bedroom windows? If you've just moved into a new space or are looking to make your home brand new for potential buyers, updating window treatments can be key. When you're home staging in Lincoln, you want to make small improvements that potential buyers will notice and appreciate. Something as simple as adding modern window treatments can have a big impact. Here are some of the best bedroom window treatments for your home.

Mixed

Mix it up in your bedroom with two levels of drapery - one sheer and one opaque. Take a book from the pages of hotel design and give yourself instant window treatment options. During the day, either draw back both layers or keep the sheer layer closed to let light in. At night, close both layers for ultimate privacy. It might sound simple, but especially when home staging in Lincoln potential buyers love to see versatility and possibilities.

Luxe

One way to wow potential buyers, or just make your bedroom feel a little more royal, is to add luxurious fabrics and accessories as window treatments. Drapes made of silk can give your bedroom a romantic and luxurious feel while adding tassels, beads, or buttons will create a sense of royalty. Use heavy drapes in rich colors with metallic finishes for a stately ambience.  

Shades

Using shades in the bedroom is an excellent idea when it comes to window treatments. They offer an added layer of privacy but don't have to be boring. Window shades come in a variety of styles and materials to fit any space. Whether you're home staging in Lincoln or just updating your bedroom, investing in window shades can provide a large return either in comfort or in a selling price. When it comes to bedrooms, going with something like pleated, roman, or wooden shades can offer softer options for this space.

Floor to Ceiling

Going for a dramatic floor to ceiling window treatment in the bedroom can make a space look larger than life. When trying to impress potential buyers with home staging in Lincoln, making a bedroom feel larger by using dramatic window treatments can really pay off. There are rooms where this type of window treatment won't work - if the space is particularly small a floor to ceiling treatment will become overwhelming.

Shutters

Plantation shutters are a beautiful option for bedroom window treatments. Not only do they provide another layer of privacy, but they add a whimsical and rustic feel to any bedroom. This might be an option that's above and beyond when it comes to home staging in Lincoln, but if you're investing in a renovation - custom shutters could be a great option to give your space an entirely new look.

There are a few rooms that updates can be ultimately fruitful - whether through garnering an increased selling price by home staging in Lincoln or just by increasing overall value. Updating the master bedroom just by installing new window treatments is an easy and lucrative fix. 

Three Valuable Home Makeovers in Lincoln, NE

Affordable Home Office Chairs to Complete Home Staging in Lincoln

Putting your home on the market can be an overwhelming and costly process. The last thing you want to do is drop lots of money on stuff for home staging in Lincoln when you're about to move. But, making sure your home is presentable to potential buyers is key in the selling process. Not only will your home be swept off the market quicker, you could even benefit financially in the end.
If your home is one of the many to offer an office space, you definitely want to highlight it! More and more people are working from home, or brining their office jobs home with them. Showcase your space with an updated and productive office environment. You don't have to drop a ton of cash on fixing up your office space. Something as simple as a new chair can make a workspace feel completely different. So, here are some thrifty options for updating your home office chair.

Salvage and DIY

Chairs are some of the easiest things to find at thrift stores, vintage shops, garage sales, and flea markets. As long as the chair has "good bones," you can fix it up and use it in home staging in Lincoln. If you're not as crafty as you'd like, look for chairs that are mostly wood. Anyone can sand and stain or paint with a few supplies and some elbow grease. If you're a seasoned DIYer, don't shy away from chairs that feature upholstery. Re-upholstering a chair isn't the easiest but also doesn't have to be hard. Chairs that have removable upholstered seats are perfect for refinishing. Just pop out the seat, tear off the old materials, stuff, wrap, and staple. Voile - a perfectly good home office chair to feature in home staging in Lincoln.

Discount Options

If you don't have the time or talent to bother with DIYing, there are thrifty new home office chair options as well. Sites like Wayfair and Overstock.com offer a variety of affordable home office equipment and accent chairs. Don't forget, just because it's not in the "home office" section doesn't mean it can't be used as a workspace chair when you're home staging in Lincoln! Here are some of our favorite options right now:

Fashionable

These options are fashionable and affordable. You'll usually find them under the accent chair heading, but they can serve a dual purpose as office chairs, too!
Basil Side Chair - Wayfair, in three color options.
Feldman Upholstered Slipper Chair - Wayfair, options for upholstery type and color.
Simple Living Tufted White Faux Leather Guest Chair - Overstock, color options available.

Functional

More than your typical office chair, these functional yet sophisticated options are perfect for home staging in Lincoln.
Ripple Mid-Back Office Chair - Overstock, in several color options.
High-Back Mesh Executive Chair - Wayfair, available in black or red.
Ginseville Desk Chair - Overstock, various color options.
The options are nearly limitless when it comes to finding the perfect home office chair to complete your home staging in Lincoln.

Whether you opt to DIY a treasure that you can take with you or select a cheap option you may leave behind, your potential buyers will appreciate your efforts. Happy hunting!

Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Pool for Home Staging in Lincoln

Getting your house ready to go to market can be costly. But there are easy ways to prepare for home staging in Lincoln that won't add to the financial stress of moving. If you have a pool or spa in your backyard, you're already ahead of the game when it comes to added home value. It doesn't take a ton of work to make this much sought after area a little bit more enticing to potential buyers. Here are some easy, and cost effective, ways to upgrade your pool or spa.

Landscape
Landscaping can go a long way when it comes to sprucing up an outdoor pool or spa area. Simply having manicured and healthy grass can make a world of difference. Beyond that, planting a few colorful and relaxing plants around the pool can add to the overall allure. Make sure to trim any nearby trees or bushes and clean up your kids' toys if they're scattered around.

LED Lighting
Adding some LED lighting to your pool or spa area is a thrifty way to make a simple pool seem extravagant. Install colorful LED lighting below the water or anywhere around your pool or spa space. It can be cheaper than traditional flood type lighting and provides a more luxurious and upgraded feel. Potential buyers will be impressed and more likely able to see themselves enjoying the simple luxury of a colorful backyard focal point.

Tile Additions
While retiling your entire pool area might not be in your budget, adding a line or two of new and modern tile to your existing outdoor area could make a huge impact. If the rest of the surface around your pool or spa is relatively up to date, throwing down some unique tile will show potential buyers that care was put into home staging in Lincoln and preparing your home for sale. If your existing tile or surface isn't that great, skip this - especially if you can't afford to replace it all.

Water Features
This might sound like a budget buster, but adding a water feature to your pool or spa can be easy and affordable. Most water features like waterfalls, scuppers, and sprayers, are easy to add to existing pools. While this addition is on the higher end of a home staging budget, they can also have a more dramatic impact when paired with landscape. Everyone wants their own personal tropical oasis in their backyard and water features exude luxury.

Switch to Salt
Salt water pools are becoming more popular and common. Not only are they easier to maintain, salt water is gentler on the eyes and skin. These systems use salt instead of chlorine to treat the water and keep it clean. With a salt water system, you don't have to worry about handling dangerous chemicals. It doesn't cost a ton to switch your traditional chlorine pool to a salt water system, but again could provide a great benefit when selling.

If your house is on the market and you're looking for some easy ways to make it buyer ready, you don't have to spend a fortune. Sprucing up existing features of your home and putting in a little sweat equity through home staging will pay off in the end. Home staging in Lincoln is the perfect way to show potential buyers the best of your beloved home.

Bathroom Tile Updates for Home Staging in Lincoln

Bathroom Tile Updates for Home Staging in Lincoln

There are lots of things on home buyers lists: good schools, greenspace, garages, curb appeal, etc. But one of the most-sought after luxuries is an up-to-date bathroom. If you’re putting your home on the market and preparing for home staging in Lincoln, you don’t want to spend a ton of cash updating your bathroom. But you do want to make sure potential buyers are interested in your home. A simple way to give any bathroom a new and modern feel is through changing tile. Here are some great bathroom tile styling ideas for your home, whether it’s on the market or not.

Mediterranean Flair

Step into a whole new world just by using some creative bathroom tile styling. Many times, sellers are advised against trying unique ideas when they’re home staging in Lincoln. However, by adding some subtle worldliness to your bathroom, your home could stand out from others on the market. You don’t have to go over the top when incorporating a worldly vibe into your bathroom. Select some subtle tiles that are reminiscent of Mediterranean shapes or choose a few bold tiles to dot throughout the rest of your simple tile pattern.

Touchable

A unique way to make your bathroom stand out to potential buyers is by using a type of tile they may have never seen before but will still love. A recent trend in tile has been 3D – tile with a visual and tactile effect. A great way to keep your space simple yet interesting is to use a 3D tile in a muted color like white, off-white, or light gray. This will keep the element from overwhelming potential buyers during home staging in Lincoln, yet provide just enough flair to keep them interested in your renovated space and home.

Black and/or White

Simple white is a traditional staple in bathroom tiles. Getting creative with shape, pattern, and placement is where you can flourish when it comes to traditional white tile. A new and edgy trend in bathroom remodeling is to use all black tile. This can create a very modern and sleek look but should only be tried in larger bathroom spaces with lots of natural light. Harken to a simpler time by using both black and white in your bathroom revamp. Alternating black and white tile evokes images of old Hollywood and gives any bathroom an elegant flair. In addition, there are several tiles featuring bold black and white patterns that you could use to spice up your space.

Shape and Material

What’s the first thing people notice about a bathroom? Probably not the floor, unless some really interesting tile has been thrown down! Focusing on the floor in smaller bathrooms is an excellent way to incorporate a unique or bold vibe into any space. In small spaces, you can also add a high-end aspect to your bathroom through marble or natural stone. If you’re reworking a smaller space, you’ll save money due to square footage but also improve home staging in Lincoln with your high-end selection. Potential buyers will be impressed and appreciate the value it adds to the overall home. If you don’t have a small space or the budget to entertain this type of tile, seek out a unique shape for a reasonable cost. Using unusual shapes on the bathroom floor is a way to incorporate personality without overwhelming potential buyers.

Whether you’re focused on home staging in Lincoln, or just looking for an update, switching out bathroom tile is a great way for a refreshing change. While you’re at it, don’t forget to throw in a new rug or towel set that compliments your new tile for an extra touch.

3 Home Office Styles to try in Lincoln

Are you looking to put your home on the market? If so, you’ve probably already considered home staging in Lincoln. Making sure your home is inviting and impressive to potential buyers is a critical part of the selling process. Getting your house cleaned, organized, and tour-ready is a must if you’re planning on putting it on the market. One of the most common places to collect clutter is the home office. If your office is full of papers, boxes, and general mess, you’ll need to get it together before showing it off. While you’re at it, why not consider a small revamp to impress potential buyers? Here are some great ideas for inviting home office styles.

Modern

Updating a home office to a modern style is as easy as a trip to IKEA. Sleek lines and industrial vibes are sure to please potential home buyers as they tour your space. If you’re updating to a modern look, make sure it works within the overall feel of your home. If the rest of your home is rustic, tossing a modern home office in the middle might be a little jarring. But feel free to incorporate modern elements into any home office, like metal lighting and storage options.

Classic

Nothing beats a classic home office. When home staging in Lincoln, consider your audience. Is your home suitable for an older set? If so, a classic home office might appeal to potential buyers. Think strong, dark, and wooden when designing a classic home office. Heavy desks and executive wooden chairs with leather accents work well in a classic theme. In addition, considering what is adorning your walls. If you have certifications or diplomas lying around, get them framed for an easy and impressive decorative touch.

Chic and Comfortable

A home office shouldn’t have a rigid and corporate vibe. The beauty of a home office is that it’s in the comfort of your own home. So, give it some personality. Is the rest of your home outfitted with a vintage and rustic theme? Carry that into your home office. When you’re updating for home staging in Lincoln, head to discount home décor stores to score rustic home office accessories. Stores like Home Goods offer lots of options for organizers, shelves, and even office furniture in varying styles. Pick something that says comfort and concentration and go for it.

Maybe you don’t have the time or energy to devote to updating any space in your house pre-move. Not to worry! Professional home staging companies can make your Lincoln home ready for potential buyers to tour in no time. Companies offering home staging in Lincoln can focus on one room, or the whole house, depending on what your needs are. They’ll bring in new materials, arrange, and organize in ways that will best benefit you and your bottom line. Potential buyers not only respond better when viewing a staged home, they are likely to pay more for the property.

If you have any questions about home staging in Lincoln, contact Showhomes for more information!

Ideas for Kitchen Islands - Home Staging in Lincoln

Ideas for Kitchen Islands in Lincoln

Are you in the process of updating your home? Kitchen islands in Lincoln can increase the value of your house and the efficiency of your kitchen! Adding an island to your updated kitchen not only provides extra prep and gathering space, it gives your space an overall feeling of class and complexity. But, when it comes to kitchen islands, the possibilities are endless. Where do you begin? First, you’ll want to decide if you’re going to DIY your kitchen island, or have it installed by a professional contractor. Here are some great options for either path!

DIY and Movable

Don’t have the budget or the bother to turn over kitchen islands in Lincoln to a contractor? Not to worry. There are several DIY and non-permanent options on the market.

Creating a beautifully unique and budget friendly kitchen island can be as easy as repurposing an old piece of furniture. Find a sturdy and tall table, add another shelf to the bottom and some spindles on the sides. Voile! Brand new kitchen island. Or, you can try this unique take by using two old dressers with a large top piece to create a folksy but functional piece for your kitchen.

Not into DIY? No problem. Major retailers offer kitchen islands in Lincoln that are easy to assemble and easy to move. Many options have wheels included on the bottom for easy transport. Of course, you’ll want to make sure the wheels are lockable so the island doesn’t fly out from under you while you’re in the midst of furious dinner prep.

Home updating in Lincoln can get costly, these ideas are easy on the budget and quicker than hiring someone else to complete the project.

Installed Islands

If you have the money to sink into home updating in Lincoln, you might want to consider paying someone to build a custom kitchen island for you. A kitchen island should serve three purposes: additional prep area, additional storage space, and additional gathering space. By working with a contractor, you have more say over the colors, materials, and unique ways you can incorporate these main elements into your custom kitchen island.

Keep in mind “island” doesn’t actually have to be independent from all the walls in your kitchen. If you have limited space but still want a functional island and bar area, you can elect to install a peninsula that has seating for several but also serves as a prep space for the main kitchen area. Top it off with bold bar stools to complete the look.

Kitchen islands in Lincoln are on trend and getting more popular. In addition to rising in popularity, the size of kitchen islands is increasing. They’re becoming a focal point in homes where people gather during every day interactions and large gatherings or celebrations. When considering home updating in Lincoln, you want to keep the addition of a kitchen island in mind. Not only will it increase the value of your home, it might even increase the opportunity to spend even more time with those you love. And that is priceless.

5 Tips for Home Staging in Lincoln

The offer on your dream home has been accepted and there’s so much to do. You’re contacting painters, movers, landscapers… But what about selling the old place? Home staging in Lincoln is one of the most effective ways to get your property off the market and off your hands. By doing just a little bit of work or hiring a company like Showhomes to professionally stage your place, you’ll reap the benefits with a quicker and more lucrative sell.

Making sure your former house feels like a home when potential buyers walk through the door is crucial to the selling process. Home staging in Lincoln can be beneficial not only for buyers to picture themselves in a future home, but it gives you an advantage that other sellers may be ignoring. Having a well-maintained property that is clean but feels lived in will make potential buyers more confident in their decision and allow them to successfully picture themselves and all of their belongings in each room.

Here are some tips for home staging in Lincoln.

1.       Neutral Works. People hate having to think about re-painting or re-carpeting an entire house. You might love bold colors, but if you’re trying to sell a home, neutral is best. When completing your home staging in Lincoln, work with neutral colors from bottom to top. Switch out dark curtains for lighter ones. Paint the walls a crisp off-white. You can add subtle pops of color, but keep the big things neutral. This allows people to imagine their own tastes throughout.

2.       Open Up. Showcase your closets! This might seem counterintuitive, but if you have great closet space, keep the doors open for potential buyers to see. Closet space is one of the most sought after features, so don’t feel like you have to keep everything closed. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Just be sure to clean and organize first!

3.       Facelift the Front. Invest in curb appeal when home staging in Lincoln. Slap a new coat of paint on the front door. Trim the hedges. If the weather allows, plant some new flowers out front. Do what you can to make your home in Lincoln seem inviting and presentable from the moment someone pulls in the driveway.

4.       Play Up the Dream. People love to imagine themselves entertaining all of their friends in a home. Play up the social aspects of your home. Have a great backyard? Make sure it’s fit for a party when any potential buyer comes through. Update any worn out outdoor furniture. Light a fire pit. Add subtle outdoor décor. Make them see themselves on a chilly fall evening around the fire with friends.

5.       Freshen Up After Fido. Pet odors can be one of the most off-putting things when potential buyers visit a home for sale. Many pet owners become accustomed to the smell of their beloved pets and don’t even realize the possible home hazard. If you have a furry friend, ask someone who doesn’t live in or frequently visit your home to come and offer a smell evaluation. If needed, freshen up the house and get rid of any pet odors before potential buyers arrive.

But, what if you’ve already started the moving process and most of your stuff is gone? A company like Showhomes can make your former house feel like a home with ease. By providing the best in home staging in Lincoln, Showhomes allows you to enjoy your new dream home without worrying about how to properly show and sell your old one.

Whether you’re taking on the task of home staging in Lincoln yourself, or handing the job over to a company like Showhomes, you’re making the right decision. A perfectly staged home can bring the right buyer and the right seller together every time. 

Planning Your Outdoor Furniture in Lincoln

With the temperature dropping, it might not seem like an ideal time to start thinking about outdoor furniture in Lincoln. But, if you get a head start on spring planning, your outdoor space will be the place everyone wants to spend those precious summer nights next year.

Teak on Trend

Selecting outdoor furniture made of teak wood is not only on trend, but a smart buy. Teak is a tropical hardwood famous for its durability and water resistance, which makes it a perfect choice for outdoor furniture in Lincoln. You should still take measures to protect your pieces during brutal winters, but it’s a solid investment on a set that will be with you for years to come. Due to its durability and popularity, teak can often be on the higher end of the budget, but several manufacturers make various options. Pottery Barn offers some sets on the higher end, while Wayfair has options to fit more budgets.

Gather ‘Round the Fire

A must-have to accompany your outdoor furniture in Lincoln is a fire pit, especially to get every last night out of those chilly fall months. The options for fire pits truly depend on the space you have to use them. Standard metal, self-contained fire pits are economical and perfect for spaces where you have open yard or concrete. They come in all different styles and sizes and are great for limited budgets. If you have a little bit of money to throw down, consider an upgraded fire pit like a gas-powered fire bowl. These options are typically made from stone or stone-like material and are appropriate for most decks. An even more on trend option for an outdoor fire source is the fire table. Depending on your budget, you can customize your fire table to fit the theme of your outdoor furniture in Lincoln.

Recycle, Reuse

Since you’re already starting to think about your outdoor furniture in Lincoln for 2017, you have time to create your own one-of-a-kind pieces! There are several ways to make beautiful items for your outdoor space – all you need is just a little bit of time and the desire to DIY. Maybe you want to leave the actual furniture construction to the professionals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get crafty with some accessories. You can always use more cold storage for beverages during your outdoor festivities. Try your hand at a standing cooler made from pallet wood. Another functional and fashionable option using pallet wood is a combination bench and planter. The options are only as limited as your imagination when it comes to DIY outdoor furniture in Lincoln! Check out these additional unique DIY ideas.

Moving On

Maybe you’re already thinking about your outdoor furniture because you’re planning on selling your house in the coming year. Having an attractive outdoor space is a huge draw for potential buyers. If your current outdoor furniture has seen better days and your landscaping is in crisis, don’t worry. Home staging in Lincoln could offer the perfect solution to your outdoor problem. Home staging companies can spruce up indoor and outdoor spaces for those ready to sell but not ready to put in a ton of work to get their properties buyer-ready. Making sure your home, including its outdoor entertaining area, is in sellable condition is key. Contact Showhomes for more information on home staging in Lincoln and beyond!

Three Unique Bedroom Themes in Lincoln

Who says a bedroom must be boring? Finding ways to highlight your personality by using unique bedroom themes in Lincoln can be as easy as a trip to your local shopping center. Your bedroom is your sanctuary and it should reflect your interests and lifestyle. Are you in love with bygone eras? Do your proclivities tend toward the dramatic? Anything is possible when it comes to decorating and making your space your own! Here are some interesting themes for your next bedroom redo.

Victorian Vibes

Harken back to a more ornate time by choosing a Victorian bedroom theme in Lincoln. Choose classic prints like damask and florals for wallpaper, rugs, and bed dressings. If you have the money to spend, invest in quality furnishings. Nothing screams Victorian era like an ornate, four-post bed made from solid wood. Dressers and nightstands should match the wood, stain, and decoration of the bed, as well. If you have the space, find a gorgeous upholstered chair in a fabric that matches the rest of your bedroom accoutrements to finish off the look.

Bold and Bright

Your friends consider you to be the life of the party. Incorporate that style into your bedroom theme in Lincoln. Choose a palette of bright and bold colors that are complimentary and cohesive. Once you’ve selected your color palette, head to the nearest home improvement store to find the perfect paint. You don’t have to paint every wall in the room. When working with bright colors, it’s easy to go overboard. You want to highlight your spunky personality, but keep it mature. If you’re going bright on all your walls, keep your duvet and curtains simple with patterned white. If you’re only going bold with one wall, feel free to play around with other accessories throughout the room. Considering searching local garage sales for side table set that you can refinish into a bright and beautiful set for your bedroom.

Traveler’s Taste

If you have more full passports than you can count, why not let your home base reflect your worldly ways? Incorporating travel elements into your bedroom theme in Lincoln is easy. There’s no doubt you’ve been collecting mementos from your adventures. Take the small items that you can’t seem to find a space for and use them in shadow box displays to decorate the walls of your traveler’s retreat. If you and your honey are a traveling team, mark your journey with a customized map. Keep the color of your walls simple but get worldly with curtains and linens.

Looking to Sell

Unique bedroom themes can be fun, but what if you’re trying to sell your home? Realtors suggest keeping things simple for future buyers. No buyer wants to come into a bedroom with shag carpeting and gold foil wallpaper despite your burning desire to relive the ‘70s. Not to worry, you’re free to be individual and can still sell your home quickly. Companies that offer home staging in Lincoln can turn your unique spaces into buyer-friendly rooms. With a more neutral vibe, potential buyers can see their own identities in the new space. Buyers love being able to see their unique pieces and sense of style in any home their looking to purchase. Home staging in Lincoln does just that – provides a more blank slate so creativity can flow!

Whether you’re a world traveler, bold and beautiful friend, or living outside your era – there is a bedroom theme in Lincoln to fit your taste. The fun part is narrowing down your preferences and executing a wonderful design!

Three Quick Tips for Bathroom Makeovers in Lincoln, NE

The bathroom is one of the easiest rooms in your house to update. Just a few quick changes can offer beautiful bathroom makeovers in Lincoln, NE, at as little or as much cost as you like. By purchasing a few new items, or creating a unique masterpiece from a DIY tutorial, your bathroom can take on a whole new vibe in just one weekend. As bathrooms are typically smaller than other areas of the home, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to give them a fresh look.

1. New stuff, new look. The easiest way to start bathroom makeovers is to buy new accessories. You can change the entire color scheme of your bathroom just by switching out rugs, shower curtains, and sink accouterments. If your bathroom has neutral fixtures and furnishings, select a bright or bold theme for your accompanying accessories. If you have an entire day to devote to your project, slap a new coat of paint on the walls. But remember, if you’re working in a small space, keep it light and airy. Dark colors make small areas seem even smaller.

2. Organize it! Bathrooms can get cluttered with all the different devices and products we find ourselves using every day. Implementing a new organization style during bathroom updating can give the space an entirely new feel. Check out DIY sites for fun and functional tips on storage. If you don’t have a lot of floor space, consider moving your organization to the wall. Put up some shelves, a storage cubby, or even some stylish hooks to hang all of your hair tools and towels.

3. Cast a different light. If you have a whole weekend and a little bit of know-how, switching out lighting fixtures during bathroom makeovers in Lincoln, NE, is a great way to update your space. There are endless ways to give your bathroom a new look with the various fixtures available at home improvement stores and online. But, if nothing suits your fancy or you’re feeling brave, try creating your own fixture! No matter what your style, there’s a DIY for you. From country, to beachy, to industrial chic, you’re bound to find a fixture that matches your bathroom updating vision.

Performing some simple bathroom updating can add value to a home, especially if you’re looking to sell. If you’re in a position to sell and just don’t have the budget or time to perform bathroom makeovers, an alternative to spruce up the space is bathroom staging in Lincoln, NE. Bathrooms already have built-in fixtures and furnishings, but a bare bathroom looks cold and uninviting. By using bathroom staging, you can give an already sterile environment a warm feel when prospective buyers come through. Bathroom staging in Lincoln, NE, can allow people to get a sense of the real possibilities of any space. They’ll be able to imagine taking a relaxing bath or luxurious shower in a beautifully updated and staged bathroom complete with rolled towels and fresh robes. Taking just a little bit of time to freshen up your home can go a long way during the selling process.

No matter how you decide to go about updating your bathroom, the most important thing to keep in mind is having fun! Play around with different styles, textures, and patterns. You never know what you might end up with. 

The 8 Biggest Eyesores in Your Home-and Genius Ways to Hide Them (Realtor.com)

Those essential but utilitarian home items, such as electrical cords, radiators, and AC units, aren't exactly the prettiest room features. But you can't really rip them out-especially if you're a renter.

So what's a decor-conscious homeowner to do?

Well, we've got good news: A few cheap and clever moves will allow you to conceal them from view. Here are eight less-than-attractive hot spots and genius ways to cover them up.

1. Plaster cracks

Photo by JWT Associates

This one's easy: Turn this problem area into an asset with nice-looking paper.

"You can add an accent wall in a pattern that can't be achieved with paint-and wallpaper is long-lasting and durable," says Dan Schaeffer, owner of Five Star Painting in Austin, TX.

Or try removable or decal wallpaper, suggests Drew Henry of Design Dudes: "It's easy to put up, hides the cracks, and peels right off when it's time to move," he says.

You can also look to greenery to mask these spots.

"Hanging potted plants from the ceiling or mounting them to a wall over a crack would be an especially good solution for a renter who's unable to do an apartment renovation," says Katie McCann, an organizer with Haven.

2. AC unit

Sometimes it's wise to draw the eye away from a sore spot, rather than try to mask it, says Shelley Barndollar of home staging company Showhomes. For instance, she was once charged with staging a home that contained a very old, rusted air-conditioning unit right outside the window.

"When you walked into the room, it was the first thing you noticed," she recalls.

To fix it, she placed a seating arrangement near the room's entrance to distract from the unit. The AC was still visible if you walked over to it, but the conversation area made up for it by luring eyes in another direction.

3. Control panels and thermostats

Photo by Jessica Forbes Interior Stylist

Artwork is your friend when it comes to concealing knobs, temperature controls, and other boring gadgets attached to walls. Consider a bright tapestry, a photo gallery, or a piece of sculpture to hide these items.

"Specifically, take a look at artwork that's a bit raised off the wall so that if the area is uneven, you won't notice," McCann suggests.

4. Old radiators

Photo by Архитектурная мастерская Акант 

Here's a double play for a radiator that's less than aesthetically appealing: a folding screen. Henry says you'll be hiding this spot while also adding interest to the room.

Or, try a metal cover or custom box to cover the radiator-or a sized-to-match piece of wood or marble that can handle the heat, recommends Denise Palmer of Piper Classics.

"Use the space on top as a shelf for books, faux plants, or seasonal decorations," she says.

But you don't have to cover radiators up at all. Even this tangle of metal can be beautified, says Sara Chiarilli, an interior designer with Artful Conceptions.

"We have had such a resurgence of historical buildings and design today, so I would not hide these," she says.

Instead, scrape off the old paint and add a fresh coat. It'll make a big difference.

5. Bulky TVs

An armoire with doors is the classic way to hide the boob tube, but there are newer options, including a piece that allows the TV to drop in and then be pulled out when in use.

"The prices on these have really come down, making them much more affordable," Chiarilli says.

Or you can always install a pull-down map in front of the TV or hang a canvas over it, Palmer adds.

And here's another clever pro tip: Make your TV part of your decor.

"One of the most creative ways that we've seen to hide a TV is to create a tonal wall blending the black rectangular shaped TV into a wall lined with black and white prints and photos," Palmer says. (Check out this lookfrom blogger Kelly Elko to inspire your new aesthetic.)

6. Open closets

Photo by Luke Gibson Photography

Simple tension rods with a plain curtain can hide myriad of eyesores, including your shoe closet, home office supplies, or a washer and dryer, notes Sarah Hollenbeck of Offers.com.

7. Modems, routers, and other internet gadgets

Photo by Rikki Snyder 

"While these boxes are necessary, they aren't always the most aesthetically pleasing," Hollenbeck admits.

To hide one, cover the item with decorative paper or removable wallpaper and then place it in a stack of books.

8. Dangling cords

Photo by The Cabinet Shoppe 

If you're on a budget, there's a simple solution for your tangled mess of cords: Get cord covers painted to match your wall color.

Looking for something a bit more imaginative? "If the wall with your TV on it is relatively small, you could consider creating a pallet or shiplap wall to cover up the cord and add an interesting design element to your home," Hollenbeck suggests.

Forecast on the 2019 Home Staging Market

The time is ripe to invest in Showhomes.

A stable economy and a real estate market that consists of homes taking a longer-than-usual time to sell mean that business will be booming for the home staging market in 2019.

Showhomes Chief Operating Officer Matt Kelton recently attended the 2018 Realtors Conference & Expo in Boston and cited information presented by Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS. The real estate market, Kelton learned, is seeing stable growth with no housing bubble. Home prices will also see modest growth, with about 4.7 percent growth in 2018, 3.1 percent growth in 2019 and 2.7 percent growth in 2020.

"Inventory and shortages will still be an issue but we're starting to see inventories pick up," Kelton said. "That's good for us because one of our struggles is a lack of inventory."

For Showhomes, inventory refers to the number of empty houses that are awaiting sale.  

"We talk to franchisees around the country, from California to Florida, and we're beginning to see that inventories are increasing," Kelton said. "Homes are taking longer to sell. There are regional differences. Boise, Idaho, for example, is booming because people are moving from California. For the most part, though, I'm hearing the same thing across the board, that inventories are getting higher and taking longer to sell and that can be a good thing for us."

Kelton has been with Showhomes for 12 years and the industry has come a long way in that time. More and more people are interested in home staging, which can provide a higher return.  

"There are lots of statistics out there indicating that show homes sell 90 percent faster than a vacant home and for 15 percent more," he said. "Staging brings up more money in a faster period of time."

Kelton said half of his phone calls used to consist of him having to explain the concept of home staging. He said that 95 percent of people are finding homes online, so homeowners who don't play what he refers to as "the beauty contest" can have a harder time selling.

"Home staging is now a known commodity and an expected thing," he said. "People understand it's become part of the real estate industry."

Showhomes sees regional variations. Santa Fe, New Mexico, Kelton said, is the most unique market the company has seen.

"There are differences in terms of specific buyer types and international ownership," Kelton said. "Clearly the designs in the Midwest are different from Phoenix, Arizona or Orange County, California."

Catherine Chandler is a Showhomes franchisee in Portland, Oregon. She purchased her Showhomes franchise in April of 2017 and opened it in August of that year.

It was a timely decision. She noted that Portland is seasonal like any other real estate market, but a little less so thanks to a lack of snow and ice that plague other parts of the country.

"The Portland market has been on fire for the past couple of years," she said. "It's starting to happen now where the rising interest rates and the general increase in the number of properties available are returning our market to what's a little more normal."

Population growth in Portland, she said, is "massive" due to the high number of people moving there from California. She noted that Portland is still one of the most affordable cities on the West Coast.

"What the expectation is for 2019 is a return to normal where you list your house, some people look at it and a sale is not going to happen immediately," she said. "That's a really good thing for our industry."

The home staging market in Portland, she said, is also a highly-established one.

"People here understand the value of staging," Chandler said. "There are some fantastic staging companies that are already here and that are well-respected on the national stage. I've gone to national conferences and a lot of the people I've met are in Portland's staging market."

Such an established presence makes the job simpler for Chandler.

"Both homeowners and real estate agents understand the importance of staging and that it really does work," she said. "What that's meant to me, starting a new business, is that I don't have to sell people on the concept of staging. I just have to sell myself and Showhomes."

The wave of demand for home staging has already started in Portland.

"People are more receptive to staging but they are also more receptive to doing what they need to do to sell their home," she said. "Stagers here have talked about seeing an increase in business in what is supposed to be the slow time of the year. That will probably continue."

A strong real estate market and multiple revenue streams make Showhomes a great franchising option in 2019.

"We do makeovers for existing homes, homes updates and minor remodeling," Kelton said. "We're the only company that has this broad menu as being a full-service staging company and design organization. We're getting a bigger and bigger market share."

What ultimately sets Showhomes apart from the competition is the company's Home Manager program, in which the company has executives living in homes that are for sale. This helps the house have a homier, more lived-in look when prospective buyers come to see the house.

"When a home is vacant and has that empty house smell it can be a weird stagnant feeling," Kelton said. "If buyers walk through the house and see food in the pantry, for example, and smell home cooking, we can usually sell that home faster. You're trying to get someone to fall in love with a home and it's very much an emotional aspect."

Kelton expects that 2019 will be an excellent year for the home staging market and for the Showhomes brand.

"When you look at the consolidation and the inventory levels that will be increasing, you're seeing more and more of a need for staging," he said. "The demand is there. This is an extremely under-served market in a fragmented industry. We see this increasing as far as a demand for the general public. It's really a good time to join Showhomes. This is a big time for us, as we mirror the traditional real estate market."

Five Tips for Staging Your Home During the Holidays

It's that time of the year when holiday decorations come out of storage, are dusted off and showcased throughout the home. Though homeowners are giddy to step up their holiday game, people with homes on the market may need to take a different approach. Showhomes Houston and San Diego owners, Shelley Barndollar and Lisa Gulliver, shared five pieces of advice for homeowners that are staging their home for a sale during the holiday season.

Take Staging Photos Before the Holidays

While your home may go on sale during the holiday season, it may stay on sale past this time of the year. So, the home should not scream, "HOLIDAY SEASON!"

"You don't want Christmas photos of the home showing up in June," said Barndollar. Instead, she advises that all homeowners take their staging photos without holiday decorations and with more neutral decor.

Try to Defer from Showings on Holidays

While the real estate industry works 7 days a week, 365 days a year, it's in the homeowners' best interest to defer showings on a holiday. While this is sometimes impossible to avoid because home buyers may only be available for a short period of time, homeowners should try to avoid holidays.

"In the event that a Realtor schedules a showing on a major holiday, the homeowner should still accommodate them," said Gulliver. "If you are in the middle of meal preparation or clean up, try your best to straighten up the kitchen and turn the stove down, and then go for a short walk to let them show the property."

Replace Every Day Decor with Decorations, Don't Add On

"When you are placing any new holiday decorations throughout the home, it's important to remember to replace them with your ever day decor instead of adding them to the existing decor," said Barndollar.

She goes on to explain that if you just add on to the shelf with more decorations, things will look cluttered which can make the home seem smaller. Instead, just swap out the existing decorations with small, festive accents to really dress up the home

Stage Presents, Don't Put Real Ones Out

During the home sale process, potential home buyers from all over are walking through the home, going through closets and checking out each area of the home. Security should always be top of mind. During the holiday season, this sense of security should be amplified.

"You don't know who will be walking through your home," said Barndollar. "Make sure to stage your holiday presents. I would wrap four to five different sized boxes and have them under the tree, but don't put your real presents under there."

Barndollar further explains that you don't want people seeing how many gifts you got and to potentially walk off with one of them.

Keep Decor Elegant and Simple

"As you decorate, it's best to keep the staging of the home in mind," said Gulliver. "When it comes to tree placement and additional decorations, remember that less is more."

Bardonllar adds, "Don't go overboard. It's great to have a tree and garland over the fireplace, maybe just one or two really special tchotchkes that are non-denominational and tasteful. Keep all of your decor to a minimum."