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

Outdoor Furniture and What It Says About Your Home

If you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space, you've definitely decorated it with furniture! But what if you're ready to sell? Home staging in The Woodlands shouldn't just focus on the indoor spaces at your property. Potential buyers love seeing a manicured and staged outdoor space. It can truly be a closing point in any home sale. So, what does your outdoor furniture say about you and your home? Here are some styles that speak volumes about your home and win over potential buyers.

Bistro Sets

Bistro sets are perfect for smaller outdoor entertaining spaces. They are quaint but still offer an excellent outdoor area to enjoy your morning coffee. Using a bistro set on your patio can show potential buyers the versatility of the space, if it's a bit small. However, if you have a large open patio area you don't want to use just a bistro set. It will make the space feel overwhelming and make it hard for potential buyers to picture themselves entertaining there - which defeats the purpose of home staging in The Woodlands.

Lounging Around

If your property has a pool or water feature, then use lounge furniture to make it feel like a resort. Again, you'll want to make sure the furniture fits within the space and not overwhelm the star of the yard - which is the pool or water feature. Grab a reasonably priced set of lounge chairs from sites like Overstock.com and while you're at it, get some fun cushions to complete the look. Remember to keep the fabrics neutral when home staging in The Woodlands so that the outdoor space is the star of the show. Lounging furniture lets the potential buyer know that this is the perfect place to relax after a long day.

Chairs and Sofas

Having a large outdoor space means you can really highlight all the entertaining opportunities during your home staging in The Woodlands. Taking advantage of a great selling point like ample outdoor space is key in selling your home. When potential buyers can see themselves entertaining their own guests on a beautiful summer night, they'll be more likely to sign the deal. If you don't already have a set, go all in on getting an outdoor sofa and chair set complete with a few accent tables and/or coffee table. If you can't make that kind of large investment on your own, hire a company that performs home staging in The Woodlands. They'll bring everything you need to make your outdoor space shine.  

Dining Options

Does your outdoor space come complete with an outdoor bar or dining space? If so, highlight it. And, of course, if you have an open space that lends itself to an outdoor dining set, make sure to stage it appropriately. Get an outdoor rug for the dining set to live on. Make sure you pull the colors from the rug into the chair cushions or table settings. While you're at it, add some fresh flowers at the center of the table. Just because it's outside doesn't mean it can't be as charming as any indoor dining area.

Again, if outfitting your outdoor space is out of your budget when you're ready to sell your home, call in the professionals. Home staging in The Woodlands takes a special finesse, and companies like Showhomes are here to help!

Kitchen Countertop Styles to Consider

In today's home improvement and decor world, there's a myriad of options when it comes to kitchen countertops. Whether you're getting ready for home staging in The Woodlands are just itching for a change in your kitchen, there are lots of styles to choose from when considering a countertop revamp. There are benefits to each style of countertop you can select depending on your needs and the overall theme of your kitchen. Here are some kitchen countertop styles to consider for your next update.

Granite

When it comes to selling your home, one of the most-requested features in the kitchen is granite countertops. Granite is a durable and timeless material that makes for excellent kitchen counters. Not only will it stand the test of time, it's unmatched pattern offers a unique look for every single piece. No two granites ever turn out the same. Because granite has become so popular in the past few decades, there are lots of options at varying prices. Though it can certainly be a more high-end material choice, it doesn't have to be. If you're trying to sell your property, revamping countertops and going for proper home staging in The Woodlands will provide a great return on investment.

Sealed Wood

Beautiful wood countertops are enjoying a resurgence in popularity as of late. With everyone chasing after a rustic feel with loads of shiplap, the wooden countertop and a farm style sink can round out the look. Wood countertops are made of pieces of hardwood that are laminated together and sealed to prevent damage and deterioration. Wood is naturally noise absorbing and gentler on dishes. The variety of woods available is just as varied as flashy counterparts like granite. You can even have a custom design done with different types of woods to become a showpiece in the kitchen. Due to current popularity, they're a great addition when home staging in The Woodlands or increasing the value of your home. Be sure to finish off the look with some additional rustic updates in the space.

Marble

Along with granite, marble is an incredibly popular option for kitchen countertops. Those looking to buy are blown away by the classic and elegant look of marble in the kitchen. If you're home staging in The Woodlands and looking to sell, consider giving your kitchen a marble update. Marble, with popular gray veining, is durable, easy to clean, and hides wear and tear well. As the stone is porous it does need to be treated with a bit of extra care when it comes to stains or acidic materials, but the charm it brings is well worth it. Combined with its bright effect and soft, organic touch, marble is a great bet for a kitchen countertop update.

Glass

Glass might offer one of the most customizable options when it comes to kitchen countertops. Though having a super custom countertop make not work if you're home staging in The Woodlands, if you're just looking for a kitchen update - it's perfect. In addition to customization, glass offers a modern and luxurious feel to any kitchen. Glass countertops can come in a variety of colors, styles, and textures. You can even have custom pieces of art created from glass to serve as your kitchen countertop. The possibilities are nearly endless. Have fun with this one!

How to Use Your Living Room Furniture for Home Staging in the Woodlands

Headboards for the Bedroom in the Woodlands

Home Office Styles for Home Staging in the Woodlands

The Best Home Office Furniture for Small Spaces

Having home office space in your home can not only increase productivity but add value to your home. If you're putting your home on the market and preparing for home staging in The Woodlands, why not take this opportunity to convert a small space to an office? Adding office space to your home doesn't have to be difficult or take up lots of square footage.

Corner Office

You can create a useable and productive space with minimal home office furniture tucked into a corner. This can even be a corner you already have in another room, for example a guest room or main bedroom. All you need is a desktop space - which can be as simple as attaching a wide shelf to a wall at chair level - and storage space. Storage options are plentiful depending on what material you'll need to stow. Typical office items like papers, pens, files, and the like can be stored in fashionable baskets either under your shelf desks or in containers on their own shelves.

Double-Duty

Do you have a piece that could double as home office furniture? If so, build a work space around it. Many people have china cabinets or armoires housing their finer dining accoutrements. Sometimes these pieces have a pull-out shelf that can be used as a work space for a laptop. Simply get a matching desk chair to add the full effect. When home staging in The Woodlands, make sure to have the shelf pulled out and chair set to let potential buyers know this could be an added workspace, even if you're taking the furniture with you.

Built-In

One way to add a home office to an existing space is by building it into the room. This requires a little bit more investment than simply home staging in The Woodlands, but can pay off big time by enticing potential buyers. You can build a work space into shelving in a main room such as the living area. Not only will built-ins add other storage space, you can fashion them so that the office space can be hidden when not in use.

Closet Concentration

Speaking of built-ins, a unique and clever way to create a home office in a small space is to repurpose a closet. Some opt to keep the closet structure as is while removing the door and adding some shelves. If that works for you, then go for it! Others change the structure of the closet, if possible, by busting down the frame to open the space and reduce the claustrophobic feel. Whichever way you opt to transform your closet, it will be certain to add valuable work space to your home.

Functional Furniture

A key to adding a home office to a small space is functional furniture. Finding the perfect desk - and chair to pair with it - for that loft nook is crucial to setting up a productive work space. If you're putting your home on the market and don't want to invest in pieces specific to your former home, then home staging in The Woodlands can offer a solution. Home staging companies will bring the perfect pieces for your space and what potential buyers want to see. This will save you the unnecessary purchase and the hassle of trying to fit awkward pieces in your new space.

Potential buyers love being able to picture themselves living their lives in a home. By spending a little time, sweat equity, and cash, you can make updates to your home that'll be sure to please. Contact Show Homes today for more information on home staging in The Woodlands.

Dresser Ideas for Home Staging in the Woodlands

Everybody has that one piece of furniture they inherited from a relative. You can’t part with it but it desperately needs an update. If you’re preparing for a move and putting your current home on the market, you’re probably evaluating your stuff and considering the perfect way to accomplish home staging in The Woodlands. Don’t part with sentimental pieces just because they might not look appealing to potential buyers. Take this opportunity to roll up your sleeves and do a little DIYing to make dear aunt Linda’s old dresser into a new and exciting piece you’ll be proud to show and use for years to come. Here are some great high-end DIY dresser ideas.

Simple Fix

Sometimes updating a dresser can be as truly simple as a coat or two of paint and new hardware. If the piece you’re redoing has a beautiful design, but the finish has seen better days, you might get away with some sanding and painting to breathe new life into an antique. Frequently, very old pieces have intricate detailing in the woodwork and sometimes this detail can need repair. Before you do anything, inspect all the elements of your piece to see if any part of it needs repair. Again, this could be as simple as using some wood glue to fix a crack or reattach a wooden flourish. Once the dresser is whole, sand it down, and paint it a color that will serve the design. The most fun part about redoing a dresser is picking out the hardware! Be sure to try and stick with something that compliments the period of the piece, if it’s truly an antique, or take a chance and express yourself – after all, it’s your masterpiece.

Graphic

Maybe you have a more modern piece that isn’t truly an antique, but it’s good quality and has lots of years of use left. With a little creativity and design, you can make this old standby into something you’d find in the pages of a Pottery Barn catalogue, which will do wonders for efforts of home staging in The Woodlands! This dresser makeover is specifically for children, but the idea can be expanded to a more high-end DIY plan. Any design you can imagine can be stenciled onto your piece. Think outside the box and get as creative as you like, just be sure you can actually accomplish your vision. Unique focal pieces are excellent additions when showing a home, but you don’t want to go overboard or present a haphazard final product.

Repurpose

You don’t have to keep your ancient dresser in its original form. Maybe you have a new bedroom set and you don’t need a rogue dresser crowding your space. Not to worry. With a little DIY ingenuity, you can turn that dresser into a more functional piece and avoid parting ways with the sentimental value. Looking to upgrade your living room pieces to prepare for home staging in The Woodlands? Turning an old dresser into a new, chic, and functional TV stand is pretty easy to do. If your dresser is the long and low type, a TV stand transformation can be as simple as removing drawers, some coats of paint, new hardware, and the addition of baskets or containers. This DIY TV stand tutorial covers how to tackle this type project that results in a high-end outcome.

Whether you’re just hankering for a project, or are preparing your stuff for home staging in The Woodlands, revamping your dresser can be a fun and education experience. Get to DIYing!

4 Ways You Can Makeover Your Bathroom in the Woodlands

When undertaking bathroom makeovers, you can spend as little or as much time and money as you want. However, most people just wanting an update on their existing space don’t have more than a weekend to dedicate to the project. Bathroom updating in The Woodlands, TX, doesn’t have to be a months-long ordeal. You can add value and pizzazz to your boring bathroom in just one weekend with these four bathroom updating ideas.

1. Out with the Old. The quickest and easiest way toward bathroom updating is to buy new accessories to outfit your space. Pick a new color scheme or pattern and replace rugs, shower curtains, and towels. These types of switches don’t require any know-how and, if you shop smart, are on the lower end of any renovation budget. While you’re at it, think about adding or replacing any wall décor to match your new accessories.

2. Deep Clean. Sometimes the simplest things can have the biggest impact. When was the last time you cleaned the grout in your shower? Taking the time to seriously clean every surface during an update can enhance bathroom makeovers in The Woodlands, TX, like you’d never imagine. Consider not only cleaning the grout and caulking in and around your fixtures but replacing it all together if time and talent allow. A spic and span space will feel brand new.

3. Spot of Tile. You can easily undertake a tile project during bathroom updating in The Woodlands, TX, even if you have just a weekend to spare. Don’t expect to re-tile your entire bathroom, but think about any spaces where a little tile could go a long way. Do you have a space behind the faucet that could get a lift from a line or two of tiny tile? Small and manageable projects like this are perfect for the weekend DIY warrior with a desire for something different.

4. Vanity Revamp. With all the tutorials available on the internet, you can practically call yourself Bob Villa. Bathroom makeovers involving replacing your vanity are as simple as a trip to the home improvement store and watching a 30-minute video online. If you’re really crafty, consider repurposing something vintage or odd into a vanity for the bathroom. Head to an architectural salvage store, antique shop, or flea market to discover your next unique vanity. Even if you’re not ready to replace the entire vanity, a new faucet can make a huge difference during bathroom updating. If you’re changing the color of your accessories, why not change up the color or texture of the faucet and other fixtures as well?

DIY Office Desks - Home Staging in the Woodlands

Best Ideas for DIY Office Desks in The Woodlands

You don’t have to spend big bucks on office desks in The Woodlands to find the perfect match for your space. Maybe you have a vision that hasn’t been met after endless trips to various stores and design shops. If you’re stuck, why not create your own beautiful desk for your home office? A little DIY ingenuity and a weekend of focus are sure to result in a unique and functional creation. Here are some great options for DIY office desks in The Woodlands.

Quick and Functional

Creating your own desk doesn’t have to involve advanced carpentry and tons of cash. A functional and fabulous piece can be as simple as finding two filing cabinets and a slab of wood. You can find storage cabinets at big box stores or if you’re feeling vintage and thrifty, scour Craiglist or local yard sales for free or super cheap options. Not into the look of storage cabinets, why not snag some sawhorses and jazz them up with paint or stain? As long as your bases are sturdy, they can work! When it comes to a desk top, you can go with traditional wood, or think outside the box with a heartier material. Just be sure that the bases you’ve chosen can hold up whatever material you’re using on top. Home updating in The Woodlands can be quick and easy, but don’t cut corners or defy physics in the process.

Farm Fresh

One of the biggest trends in office desks in The Woodlands is the farm table. If you have the space for it, creating a farm table desk is simple. Thankfully this kind of project doesn’t require extensive carpentry skills – just a couple of nails, some measuring, and a little cutting. The part that can get expensive when creating this type of desk is the wood you use. A huge trend is to use reclaimed wood for projects like this. If you have an architectural salvage store in your area, head down to see what types of options they might have for the project. When dealing with reclaimed wood, you’ll need to have the ability to cut and shape your wood for the desk and the price can get hefty pretty quickly. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider using pallets to create your masterpiece. You can usually find pallets for free, but the challenge is ensuring you find quality pieces for your desk. You’ll also have to spend a little extra time sanding and preparing the material as pallet wood can be quite rough.

Small Spaces

Are you working with a small space? Consider using standing office desks in The Woodlands to capitalize on all the space available. If you’re not supporting a ton of heavy office equipment, you can do something as simple as mounting a wide shelf to a wall to serve as a standing or sit-down desk, depending on the height of any accompanying chairs. You’ll just need some brackets, a shelf, and a secure place to bolt it into your wall. This standing desk uses an open corner to provide additional work space. When selecting supplies, be sure to have an accurate measurement of your space. Every inch counts when space is limited.

Home updating in The Woodlands can be easy. You can have a new office space in just one weekend. Not only does an updated office provide additional space to tackle any big project, it can increase the value of your home. There are endless benefits to adding an inviting and functional office area to your home. So, why not give it a try?

Quick Tips on Your Kitchen Cabinets - Home Staging in the Woodlands

Easy Ways to Revamp Kitchen Cabinets in The Woodlands

Giving kitchen cabinets in The Woodlands a facelift doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. There are some simple steps you can take to revitalize your kitchen in just a weekend. Most people start with “good bones” in their kitchens. Many kitchen cabinets are functional and solid, but might just need some updating to go with the overall vision of your space. Here are some simple ways to update kitchen cabinets in The Woodlands without calling a contractor.

Start Small

One of the easiest things you can do is switch out your kitchen cabinet hardware. There are hundreds of options when it comes to new knobs and drawer pulls. You can go simple, unique, vintage, antique – the possibilities are endless. Home improvement stores have several options for kitchen cabinets in The Woodlands ranging in price from budget to luxury. Or, if you have a Saturday afternoon to spend on the hunt, check out places like architectural salvage shops that find and resell original pieces from historic buildings. Places like Historic Houston require a membership to shop, but those selling exclusively online or in antique shops do not.

Can’t find what you’re looking for in any store? Why not try your hand at making your own pulls and knobs for your cabinets? Not only does DIY save a little bit of cash, it provides a completely unique element to your home. Various materials can make for chic and interesting hardware for kitchen cabinets in The Woodlands. Check out some of these DIY ideas from Bob Villa.

Paint Party

If you’re looking for more than just small updates to your kitchen cabinets, consider giving them a fresh coat. Repainting existing cabinets isn’t as hard as you might think. Depending on the finish of your cabinets, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the correct prepping techniques and paint types, but overall it’s just like repainting anything else. While you’re at it, get fun with your painting project! Think outside the box and consider a pattern on your updated cabinets. If unique isn’t up your alley, research how to give your Woodlands cabinets an antiqued feel. One simple method of antiquing is to use chalk paint on your kitchen cabinets. Or if you want a more thorough antique finish, you’ll just need some sandpaper and stain.

On the Market

The motivation to update kitchen cabinets in The Woodlands can range from boredom to necessity. If you’re giving your kitchen a fresh look because your house is going on the market, you might not need to put in any elbow grease. Home staging in The Woodlands is a wonderful alternative to doing unnecessary upgrades while having your house on the market. By hiring a company to come in and give your home a facelift, you avoid the hassle of renovations and allow potential buyers the opportunity to truly make your house their next home. Home staging in The Woodlands save you the wasted time of renovating kitchen cabinets, only to have your buyer redo them once the sale is complete. If your sole motivation to revamping your kitchen is to make it more appealing to buyers, let a home staging company do all the work while you reap the benefits.

Cozy DIY: Decorative Pillows in the Bedroom

Keeping your home in The Woodlands fitted with the latest décor can be exhausting! But there’s an easy place to start: decorative pillows in the bedroom. Creating your own unique and cozy pillow covers is a cost-effective and simple way to keep up with trends without breaking the bank.

Recycled Chic

Everyone has old t-shirts or clothes laying around that aren’t exactly donation worthy, but are perfect for crafting. Try turning those old favorites into shabby-chic fabric flowers. Once you have a dozen or so flowers to work with, find a fabric that goes with your rustic and recycled theme to create a pillow cover. From there, use your sewing machine to create thread “stems” that will connect your DIY flowers. Put it all together for a beautiful and unique recycled roses pillow. Maybe flowers aren’t your thing but you love a good ruffle. Use those old t-shirts to create a ruffled pillow to add to your decorative pillows in the bedroom in The Woodlands.

Painted Pillows

Paint? On pillows? You bet! One of the benefits to creating your own decorative pillows for the bedroom is that you have the freedom to make whatever you can dream up a reality. Try your hand at spray painted pillows. You’ll just need some freezer paper, fabric, and spray paint to create a fun and elegant look that will fool anyone into thinking these pillows were professionally produced. Don’t be limited by using stencils. If you want to freehand your decorative pillow, you can! Just get some fabric paint, brushes, and a blank piece of fabric. You don’t even have to sew your own pillow cover. Crafts stores frequently sell simple, white covers for your DIY needs.

Why Are Decorative Pillows in the Bedroom Important?

The biggest function decorative pillows in the bedroom can serve for your home in The Woodlands is when you’re trying to sell. Sounds weird, right? But making your home look inviting and valuable is crucial when it comes to putting it on the market. What if you don’t have a creative bone in your body or the time to dedicate to making your home ready for tours? That’s where home staging in The Woodlands comes in. Companies that offer home staging can come in and spruce up your home to make it ready for potential buyers to view. From the backyard, to the dining room, to decorative pillows in the bedroom, home staging in The Woodlands will get your home set to get off the market by impressing potential buyers.

5 Quick Tips for Staging Your Living Room in the Woodlands

Selling your home can be one of the most stressful times in life. First, there’s finding a quality Woodlands realtor, then settling on a price, and finally, getting a buyer to hopefully continue enjoying the comforts of your former Texas abode. But if all of your timeless décor and comfortable furniture has already been moved, how will prospective buyers be able to see themselves and their belongings in your old space?

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 The Woodlands can be beneficial not only for buyers to picture themselves in a future home, but gives you an advantage that other sellers are ignoring. But you don’t have to stage the entire property. Focusing on popular spaces like the living room will make potential buyers feel comfortable and welcome, while they envision just where their family portrait will hang.

The living room is by far the most popular area to tackle. It’s usually the first room everyone sees and the place people spend a majority of their time. But where do you start? If you still have a home full of your items, then you’re already ahead of the game. A few simple switches can make a big difference when it comes to living room staging in The Woodlands.

1.       De-clutter Your Space. The first order of business is to ensure the space is clean and simple. If you have a haphazard stack of books, remove them. If you have a mountain of blankets on the couch or accent chair, put them in a closet. You don’t want to overwhelm buyers with stuff in your Woodlands home.

2.       Purchase Small Updates. Add fun, contemporary updates to your space. You can easily switch out throw pillows or accent decorations to give your living room staging an inviting feel.

3.       Arrange, Arrange, Arrange. Ever thought about rearranging your living room furniture? Now’s the time to try things out! If the way your furniture is laid out doesn’t “flow,” then switch it up. Even consider removing or replacing certain pieces to give the room a facelift worthy of Woodlands’ buyer’s tour.

4.       Fresh is Best. Another easy addition to living room staging is fresh flowers. Add beautiful blooms as an accent to the coffee table, mantle, or console table. Not only will they provide a welcoming scent, they’ll be a pop of easily changeable color.

5.       Finish Projects. Potential buyers don’t want to see unfinished details that they’ll have to deal with after purchase. If you’re in the middle of replacing molding or refinishing your hardwood, make sure it’s done when your Woodlands living room staging is complete.

However, if you find yourself in a position where your belongings are already packed and shipped to your new destination, you can always hire a company to do your Woodlands living room staging. Again, you aren’t required to stage the entire house, just pick a couple of areas and go from there.

No matter which path you take, home staging is an important part of the process. Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and net a larger dollar value in a sale. By presenting your potential buyers with all the comforts of home and allowing them to picture themselves in this loved space, you’ll be doing yourself and your new buyer a favor. 

5 Quick and Effective Ways to Makeover Your Home in the Woodlands

Quick and Effective Home Makeovers in The Woodlands, TX

No one says that sprucing up your home has to take forever. Home makeovers in The Woodlands, TX, can take on many different forms from quick updates to full-on renovations. But, sometimes we just don’t have the time to dedicated to home makeovers. These quick and clever ideas will leave your home refreshed and your weekend mostly free.

Retouch Wear and Tear. Something as simple as retouching the wear and tear your house endures can freshen up a space tremendously. First, go through and see if any scuffs and scrapes on your walls will come off with a good cleaning. If not, break out the paint and touch up any worn areas throughout the house. Walls can take a lot of damage over the years and spending just a few minutes retouching during home makeovers can make an incredible difference.

Pull Out All the Stops. Have you ever thought about new hardware for your furniture? An easy and quick update can be accomplished through changing out drawer pulls and knobs on key pieces in your home. Drawer hardware can range from cheap to extravagant depending on where you buy and the material used. Any home improvement store is chocked full of various drawer pulls and knobs available for purchase. But if you’re looking for a unique aspect to your home makeover, check out places like Anthropologie or antique stores for worn and wonderful pieces.

New Mailbox, New Numbers. Did you select the style of your house numbers or did they just come with the place? There are so many styles available to update the numbers that show the address of your home, why wouldn’t you get to choose? You do! There are endless options out there. From home improvement stores to handmade pieces from sites like Etsy, the hardest part of this quick update will be selecting the perfect set. In addition to numbers, a new mailbox can give any home makeover a much-needed boost. Gone are the days of sticking to basic black for your mailbox. As long as it adheres to the USPS guidelines, feel free to take some liberties with style for home makeovers in The Woodlands, TX.

Switch It Up. While your focused on switching out hardware and touching up your walls, why not replace light and outlet plates? These features are some of the most easily customizable items during home makeovers. Again, home improvement stores offer standard options, but switch plates are also a medium that artists frequently use. From hand-painted, to metal work, to plates that change the functionality of the switch itself – there are options for every taste and style.

Freshen Up. Plants can make any room feel lighter and fresher. Bringing in plants during quick home makeovers in The Woodlands, TX, can bring all of the other details you’ve toiled over together. You don’t have to have a green thumb to add some life to your home. Plants such as aloe or English ivy are easy to care for and can survive despite the occasional missed watering. Succulents are some of the easiest plants to care for and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Fresh plants are an excellent go-to when it comes to quick home makeovers in any space.

Just a few quick updates can make all the difference when updating your home. With so many choices, people can feel overwhelmed. Don’t let the variety get you stuck. Pick one thing and start there. Before you know it, you’ll be a makeover pro!

Five Tips to Prepare for Home Selling Season

The highly anticipated 2018 home selling season is almost here and for the many homeowners that are planning on selling their home this year, there are certain steps to take to ensure they are fully prepared for a successful season.

Marisa Salas, the Showhomes franchisee in Coral Gables, Pinecrest and Key Biscayne provided five helpful tips for homeowners who are looking to get their homes ready of the busy home selling season. Showhomes is America's largest home staging franchise, and its franchisees across the county help homeowners sell their home significantly faster by staging their home once it goes on the market.

1. Declutter, declutter, declutter!

While this should be done year-round, the months before putting your home on the market is a great time to go through your old items and get rid of anything you don't need anymore. I always recommend people getting a hamper to put old items in throughout the year. If your son grew out of his shoes in December, put them in the hamper. If you don't use your old VCR, put it in the hamper. This will decrease the buildup and make spring cleaning easier.  

When you put your home on the market, whether you use a home staging company or not, you should be putting everything that is on your counters and tables away. Proactively doing this before putting your home on that market is a great idea. I also tell my clients that this is pre-packing, so it will help you be proactive in the packing process.

2. Deep Clean Everything

No matter how bad your winter season is, it is always necessary to do a deep clean inside and outside your home. In Florida, I notice a lot of people don't wash their screens and windows as thoroughly as they should. This causes less light to shine into the home, which looks bad when people are touring. In addition, it is important to do a cleanse of your outside areas. Having an outside living area is a huge plus no matter what part of the country you live in. Being able to show this to potential sellers can really make a difference. Finally, if you have pet, it is important to get rid of all their hair. Aside from people's preferences about animals, many people are allergic to animals, which could be a huge issue if someone is touring your home.

3. Freshen your Accessories

As we get into the spring season, the popular colors are changing from warm muted colors to bring and vibrant colors. It is important to invest in bringing accent colors into your home with pillows, vases and artwork. I always recommend people to accessorize with matching colors to the artwork to tie the whole room together. Right now, in Florida, blues, light greens and whites are super popular.

Another accessory that many people overthink is using fresh flowers. During the spring season this is a great idea to brighten the inside of a home, especially if potential buyers are touring on a dreary day. I recommend people putting flowers on their coffee table, kitchen island or counter and in the master bathroom.  

4. Increase Curb Appeal

The phrase, 'you only get once chance at a first impression', holds true also with homes. It is important to put a lot of effort into increasing your curb appeal. This means to touch up your lawn and garden. After the winter season, there can be old leaves, dead grass and flowers or trash on your lawn. It is worthwhile to invest in cleaning up your lawn and planting new grass or flowers to make the first impression of your home the best possible.

5. Find a Hidden Place for Personal Items

As you are decluttering your home, keep in mind to take away any personal items. This doesn't just mean to hide personal information like your checkbook or passport but also anything that personalizes your home like beauty products, vacation souvenirs or an abundance of family photos. Buyers want to be able to visualize themselves living in your home so providing a clean slate is a great way to create this possibility.

4 Reasons Showhomes is an Emerging Franchisor to Watch

Just as homeowners were getting used to a hot housing market, USA Today released news that it may cool off in 2018. That means that homeowners getting ready to put their houses on the market need to get creative to make them sell quickly. That's when home staging comes into play. While home stagers exist in markets across the U.S., one company stands out as one to watch that allows entrepreneurs to build a business with multiple revenue streams centered around home staging - Showhomes. Here are four reasons why.

Always in Demand

No matter the time of the year, homes will always be for sale. Whether in a competitive market or a slow market, one thing will help a home wow its audience - a great staging job. During a sale, this could be what tips the buyer into putting in an offer. Furthermore, home staging has a steady stream of clients. That benefit, paired with a proven business model, gives aspiring entrepreneurs an unparalleled opportunity to become their own boss.

"Staging will always be a huge part of the home selling process - that is not expected to change anytime soon," said Showhomes COO Matt Kelton. "In a slow market homeowners need it to get their house off the market, in a fast market homeowners use staging to differentiate their house from one down the block. The product will always be in demand."

The Tried and Tested Model

Since its founding, Showhomes corporate and existing franchisees have worked together to continue to fine-tune the business model. By taking input from owners in markets across North America, the model is continuously evolving with new programs and initiatives to increase the business offering. Instead of taking on the burden of becoming a business owner like most other home stagers do when getting into the business, Showhomes provides each franchisee with a step by step process of how to make the model work for them. Each Showhomes owner is able to get into business for themselves, without taking 100 percent of the burden on themselves.

Multiple Revenue Streams

Because of the support that Showhomes franchisees receive from corporate, they aren't burdened with coming up with processes and marketing materials. Instead, they are able to put their focus elsewhere. What makes Showhomes different from other home staging businesses is the multiple revenue streams available.

"We can do anything from the front curb to the back alley to help sell a home," said Showhomes Franchisee Mike Callahan. "As a home stager, we make it look like someone is living there when the home is completely vacant, and as a home manager, we will actually live there so the home doesn't sit vacant. We take care of the house and make sure it shows well covering anything from playing music during a showing to shoveling the sidewalks."

Growth Opportunity

As business owners prepare to get into business for themselves, the market they open in is a big component to whether or not they want to move forward. With Showhomes, each market is researched thoroughly before a new unit is put in the market. The corporate team works with the franchisee to make sure there are enough homeowners in the market to make the business successful. And with Showhomes specifically, there are key growth markets available for a business owner looking to get into a hot market.

"Both the Southeast Florida and Bay Area markets have fluid real estate markets, creating a high demand for our services. We're excited to partner with strong franchisees to bring the brand into untapped markets and spearhead our growth," said Kelton. "Letting someone into your home is a very personal thing, and each franchisee will be able to become engrained in a community and work with local homeowners to make sure the selling process goes as smooth as possible."

Hiring a Home Stager Without Workers' Comp Insurance Can Cost You More than $250,000

It is common for home stagers and other small residential services to refuse to carry workers' comp. In most states, business owners or those without a minimum number of employees are not required to carry workers' comp under state law. So if they are not required to have coverage, isn't it fine to hire them anyway? NO!

Hiring them creates unlimited financial exposure for you! This is because, under workers' comp law, you are liable for anyone who is injured while working for you. Period. It does not matter if they are your employee or not. It does not matter whether they were at fault or not (they could fall off their own rickety ladder). You become liable for their medical care and their lost earnings because it happened while they were working for you.

Won't my homeowners' general liability coverage protect me? Probably not. Insurance policy forms typically exclude coverage for any loss that should have been covered under workers' comp.

What kind of claims might occur? A worker slips on your stairs and has a major fracture, or worse yet a traumatic brain injury. A worker moving heavy furniture suffers a career-ending back injury. The possibilities range from minor to disastrous.   Workers for one of us have made three such claims; a broken ankle from stepping in a hole cost over $100,000. A severe knee injury from slipping on a wet porch cost $50,000.   More recently, a ruptured disc from carrying tools upstairs has cost around $50,000. Some workers' comp judgments for those without insurance have been in the millions.

How do you protect yourself?  Demand a Certificate of Insurance showing coverage for both General Liability and Workers' Compensation before you hire them.

Bert Lyles is CEO of Showhomes Franchise Corp., America's largest home staging provider.

Judy Fobes has been a commercial insurance agent for over 30 years and since 2001 has owned PenEx Insurance Agency. PenEx focuses on Interior Design, Architects, Engineers, and Real Estate Stagers.  To date, PenEx insures thousands of Real Estate Stagers.  PenEx is nationally licensed.