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!

Showhomes Explores Expansion Opportunities in Northern California

On April 22nd, Showhomes' entire franchise system gathered together in Santa Cruz, California for the brand's annual conference. This was a time when the brand was able to celebrate some incredible milestones and shine a light on franchisees that have found success in the system, whether in their first year or business or their fifth year. Celebrating the brand in California was also an opportunity for the corporate staff to explore development opportunity in nearby markets, specifically the Bay Area.

"Staging is already incredibly popular in the Bay Area," explains Matt Kelton, CEO of Showhomes, "A large percentage of homes are staged within the area, which means there is awareness and opportunity for that type of product. As the market continues to develop, there is so much growth potential for new staging companies to move in and take their share."

While Showhomes was started over 30 years ago their California expansion began over 20 years ago, and has since grown two twelve locations throughout the state.

"Our California presence is currently concentrated on the Southern California region, along with a franchise in the Folsom Lake area of Sacramento," said Kelton, who believes the brand has the potential to mirror the success seen at the Sacramento location throughout the rest of the Northern California and Bay Area region. "I lived in East Bay for a few years and understand the area has huge potential. It's a market where people have a deep understanding of staging and design, and will appreciate our product and services."

Building on the positive momentum in California post-conference, Showhomes is now looking for ideal franchisee candidates in the Bay Area to spearhead the brand's growth. This typically falls in line with someone who is extremely passionate about the home design and staging industry. Those who explore open houses as a hobby and leave their channel tuned into HGTV already have the interest in the product, and simply need to learn operations through the proven franchise model.

"Originally, we catered to an older demographic of husband and wife teams, but nowadays, we have been targeting millennials as well," Kelton said, further explaining how the opportunity to be your own boss paired with the flexible lifestyle and schedule resonates deeply with the millennial generation.  

Potential franchisees can look to Sacramento franchisee Bob Kohlruss as a forecast of how the concept is expected to perform in the Bay Area, with noteworthy market similarities between the two cities including population density and median age of population.

"We are the Nordstrom of the home staging industry, with an elevated and well-respected brand presence in the market," said Kohlruss of the Sacramento franchise.

Showhomes currently stages the top 20 percent of homes being sold across the nation. This noteworthy success paired with the strong residential real estate growth in the Bay Area in lieu of the technology industry growth in the market positions an unparalleled opportunity for Showhomes.

Currently, Showhomes has six available territories within the Northern California area. With many homes within the $750,000-1,000,000 range, the available markets include some of the most affluent residential areas in the country, positioning Showhomes for incredible growth in the Northern California market. For more information and franchise inquiries, please visit https://www.showhomesfranchise.com/.

Even in a seller's market, staging a home can help sell it faster, staging pro says

April is Florida's prime selling month, so if you're putting your home on the market consider this: Cleaning and decluttering can improve the looks of a house but sometimes it takes more than that to really wow buyers.

That's where Liliana Warr comes in.

Warr is a professional home stager who helps transform blah-looking houses into ones that stand out and, ideally, sell faster.

"Even if it's a seller's market, there's still competition," she says. "Buyers walk in and compare that house with similar ones in the same price range, size and location. The only thing that makes it different is how they feel in the house."

After 20 years in the fashion industry in Italy, the Romanian-born Warr moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2008, married a real estate investor and got a real estate license. Then, embarrassed by the condition of some houses she showed, she decided to get into the staging business. In 2015, she bought the Hillsborough County franchise of Showhomes, the nation's largest home staging company, and she recently acquired the Pinellas-Pasco franchise.

Warr says about 90 percent of the Hillsborough homes she has staged went under contact within two weeks of prepping. She does about 200 homes a year, ranging from $500 for a "deep cleaning'' and furniture rearrangement, to around $15,000 for staging all rooms in a vacant house with furniture and accessories. She recently spoke with the Tampa Bay Times

Q. What's the first step?

A. We send out a qualified designer who goes to the house with a buyer's eye and sees whatever a buyer's objection is going to be. That way we know before the buyers show up why they would not like the house.

Q. What is the first thing the designer looks for?

A. Curb appeal, that sets up the expectation of the buyer. If the house doesn't look good on the outside, oh my gosh, what's inside? Even if the owner is spending a lot of money on the inside, they started with a disadvantage. A lot of times this can be fixed by just a nice pressure washing and painting the front door a nice color. It's an easy fix.

Q. Does it help to paint inside, too?

A. Buyers go in the house thinking that repainting is not only a major expense but also the trouble to find a good painter that doesn't leave a mess all around. That house goes to the bottom of the list. We have a painting crew. We have worked with Sherwin Williams to create for us a certain palette. We choose the exact color combination that's going to sell that house - neutral, light because we need the house to be light and airy.

Q. What do you do if the seller is going to stay in the house while it's on the market?

A. We may rearrange their furniture and sometimes they may need some piece of art or accessories or a rug or lamp to give that house a new life. Sometimes when it's a lot of furniture, we ask them to remove it because we need to have an open flow. We can get everything ready in half a day.

Q. Are all homes staged the same?

A. Every single staging is catered to the style of the house and the price point and what is the target market. So if I'm doing a house in downtown Tampa and it's a single professional, I'm not going to do a kid's room or very traditional furniture. If I have a modern light fixture and everything is tile and gray walls I will not bring in brown colors - but if the house has a traditional chandelier I will go more for traditional staging and bring in heavier colors. We have two warehouses full of furniture but we do not sell the furniture; we want to sell the house. Every piece of furniture and accessory has to complement the house's features.

Q. How do you market your business?

A. We market to Realtors. Our goal is to create this long-term partnership with Realtors who are movers and shakers that want to be successful. They know they have to stay on top of trends. We have taught classes (on staging) at GTAR (Greater Tampa Realtors), Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Berkshire Hathaway University. I'm doing this on a volunteer basis; I do not charge.

Q. Showhomes has a program called "home management." How does that work?

A. That is the best program we ever had. A lot of times these big homes need staging, and traditional staging means a monthly fee upfront for the furniture and the seller has other costs. Let's say it stays on the market six months. They have to pay electricity, insurance, security. So what we do is not only stage the house, but we have somebody live in the house called the house manager who pays the utilities, the lawn. The seller has peace of mind because the house is not vacant. And the seller pays on the back end (when house sells), not upfront.

Q. Do many people really want to live in somebody else's house temporarily?

A. We have at least 12 home managers active. We can help them move in. We can set up the house in 12 hours. The home manager is going to live in this beautiful home and have a very high living (standard). We interview them; we meet all the family members; we do criminal background checks. They are part of our team.

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.