FOR SELLERS: TIPS ON HOLIDAY DECORATING

On the drive home last night I took some time to admire the holiday lights. Most of the homes were tastefully decorated, but there were a few homeowners that went overboard. Holiday decor, or any decor for that matter, is based on personal preference. You really should do what makes you happy unless of course your house is on the market. In this situation, you should show a little restraint and use decor with mass appeal.

The AJC recently interviewed me on this very topic. Here's the advice I gave to sellers on decking the halls when the halls are for sale.

1. | Concentrate your decorating efforts on the front door, mantel, the kitchen, and dining room.
2. | Simple greenery does wonders for warming an entry. If you have double doors, please hang a wreath on each door.

via boston.com

3.| Keep decorations festive while also adding a few natural elements into the mix. Try to keep decor non-holiday specific.  You never know which holiday your potential buyer may celebrate.

via unknown

4.| Stacked logs and lanterns are an easy way to create a cozy atmosphere in your living room. Everyone can relate to cuddling fireside with a loved one or with a cup of cocoa. Save the holiday stockings for Christmas Eve instead of displaying them all month long. Potential buyers should be able to image themselves living in your home, not feel like they are intruding on your family's personal time.

via Kay Douglass / House Beautiful

 Have you every tried selling your home during the holidays? Did you make any changes to your holiday decor? Please share your experiences.

REAL ESTATE LUXE: 105 KINGSTON MANOR

When I was a child it seemed that my grandfather would take the long way no matter where we were going. Driving through residential neighborhoods was his preference, no matter how rich or how poor. It was usually on Sunday after dinner that we took our informal tours heading home from our favorite restaurant. As I look back I now appreciate the value in his architect's critique on the style and structure of what seems like every home we passed. Clearly, this childhood experience had a heavy influence on my love of real estate.

Years later I find myself doing the same thing, checking out homes that are for sale and later looking them up on the web to find interior shots. If you didn't know that you can find a steal in the Atlanta luxury home market, then let me be the first to tell you--there are amazing deals out there. For those of you moving here from states with a pricier cost of living, you won't believe what you can get for your money. Many of my clients have capitalized on the break in house prices and have purchase their dream homes sooner than anticipated.

For example, here is a listing 105 Kingston Manor located in Buckhead, one of Atlanta's most exclusive neighborhoods. It's a 8 bedroom / 6.5 bath home with spectacular amenities currently for sale at $1.9M.

Located in a three home cul-de-sac, it appears to be a modest home from the front entry, but the rest of the house tells another story. It boasts a three-car garage....

...a gourmet kitchen

...a generous master bedroom. In my head I've already cleared this room and replaced the wall-to-wall carpet with hardwoods.

a nine seat home entertainment theater system... 

a full basement where the men and children can play.

and a pool that guarantees every summer blowout will take place on your property. If the pool doesn't confirm it, then this outdoor dining space will. 

Just add heat lamps and start a roaring fire in the outdoor fireplace and enjoy dining alfresco all year long.

 

This home also comes with bragging rights: According to my friend and listing agent Brandi Hunter, it belongs to a well-known professional athlete and can be yours for a easy $1.9M. Any takers?

Contact Brandi Hunter (404) 564-9500 and/or twitter @B_Luxurious for more infomation. http://www.brandihunter.com/.  



Eau de Parfum for the Home

Do you have a fragrance wardrobe? For me the answer is a resounding, yes! My personal fragrance aesthetic depends upon the occasion, mood, or the season. Now here is your assignment: Choose your signature fragrance, then dig a little deeper to discover its fragrance notes. This is a foolproof method of finding a signature fragrance for your home. Need a little more assistance? I’ve sniffed out the latest in fragrance technology, Scentsa (now available in your local Sephora store), which identifies fragrant notes found in various colognes. For example, if you are in a romantic mood, rev your olfactory engines with a candle or even a linen spray that contains warm, woodsy notes found in many men’s fragrances. For even more variety, try one with spicy oriental notes often found in women’s perfumes.
As for the sweet smelling body splashes and spritzers you own, save them for the kitchen. Besides, do you really want to walk around smelling like a gingerbread man? No need to toss them out, but repurpose them for another use. If you are trying to sell your home, use them as a home fragrance and spray the air before a showing. According to local real estate agents the smell of baked goods gives prospective buyers the feeling of comfort and familiarity. This tip is especially beneficial if your baking skills are not up to snuff. You will be pocketing cash from your sale in no time!
Where to shop? Try Candlebar & More Midtown 976 Piedmont Avenue for an array of affordable and long lasting smell goods. Got extra cash, splurge on a Linari reed diffuser in “Ciero.” They boast remarkable staying power (six months to one year) at $105 a pop. It’s dark, sleek design can double as room décor proving itself to be mantle-worthy or even earn a spot front and center on your coffee table.

To purchase, visit www.lafcony.com.