Home Buyers Guide to Selling Your Home

I've shared here before that, for me, house hunting process was hard. Some people love the hunt and negotiating to get the best deal possible. Me? Not so much. I'm much more a fan of the moving in and decorating process. House hunting was anxiety provoking and there were too many sleepless nights I spent praying trying to give it all to God. I'm sure this was His way of teaching me lessons in the both patience and trust. God knows just how to speak to my heart even when I don't want to listen!

Looking back the actual process was pretty easy. I stressed and worried over the little things, but in the end everything came together and worked out just how it was suppose to. I really can't be anything but thankful for the wonderful people we worked with and the experience as a whole. 

I learned a lot through this whole process. I learned about how to buy a house. I also learned about how to sell a house, and even more about how not to sell a house. 

So, if you're looking to sell your house, or if you just want to read about some crazy houses, here are a few of my tips!

1. Clean up:
Seem obvious? Trust me, it needs to be mentioned. If you want to sell your home please don't leave your dirty laundry on the floor. Call me a snob, but as a potential home buyer, I don't want to step over dirty bras and boxers. I get it, you get a call last minute that some homebuyer is on their way to see your home. That's got to be annoying, but let's remember you're the one selling your home. I don't care if you hide all your dirty laundry in the dryer; just please don't leave it on the floor. I apologize in advance, but I'll judge you and your home.

2. Paint
I get that you love bright blue, dark red, hot pink, and black. It's your home do what you want... until you decide to sell it. The black and pink polka dot wall goes with the theme of the room? Awesome, looks great; except it's not my style. Please, for the love of selling your house, spend the money to paint the walls a light neutral color. It's easier for me to see my style in your home if I'm not overwhelmed by yours.

3. De-clutter
You have stuff. I know, me too! But, trust me your rooms will look so much bigger if you put some of your stuff away. I can't picture my cluttery self in your house if I can't even see the floor. You have a reason to have five couches in one room. Cool, but then I can't see how big the room actually is. Do yourself a favor, find a place to hide your extra stuff.

4. Put your pets away
I know you love your pets. I'm sure they are adorable and so sweet, but please put them away! It's difficult to walk through your house when your cats are jumping all over me and trying to escape when I walk outside. I want to buy your home. I don't want to spend hours looking for the animals I accidently let outside.

5. Give the outside some love too
Haven't mowed your lawn in 3 months? I'm not judging ... until you put your house on the market. You want me, the buyer, to love your home. Do what you can to make it look presentable. I promise it's worth it. Mow the lawn and trim the bushes. It makes all the difference. If you're feeling extra crazy rent a pressure washer and pressure wash the mildew off the siding. It does wonders for the look of your house and a pressure washer costs about $50 a day to rent. I will love you for it!

Ok, there's my advice on how to sell your home! Moral of the story? Clean up and spruce up! If you show your home some love chances are it will show!

Because I love these ladies I'm linking up with Jenni, Renee. and Sam for Tuesday Tea!

Five on Friday, Vol. 20: House Edition

Three posts in one week? Stop the madness! 

One of the things I've missed most over the past month of non-blogging is linking up with Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha on Fridays. 

 

{O N E}

First off, thanks everyone for your sweet words about our exciting news! This whole house hunting journey has truly been a lesson in patience and trusting in God and His timing. For us, the whole process was relatively easy, but I wouldn't exactly call it fun. The fun part for me starts now. I can't wait to decorate and renovate our new home!

{T W O}

Picking colors has been one things I've really been looking forward to. I started looking at colors long before we actually had a house, and pretty much had my heart set on a particular color pallet. Our new walls will be painted in blues and warm greys!

Anyone surprised to see blue in the mix? Ya, I didn't think so :)

{T H R E E}

We closed on Monday, got the keys on Tuesday, and renovation started Wednesday! We aren't wasting any time! Phase I of renovations include: new floors, ceilings, and paint. James and I haven't been able to be at the house since demo started, but we're getting daily updates from our awesome superintendent.

Later parquet floors!

Goodbye popcorn ceilings!

{F O U R}

Other than changing the floors we aren't touching the kitchen this go-round. Sis sent me a picture of my dream kitchen, so thankfully I have a while to convince the husband that this is exactly what he wants.... wish me luck.

{F I V E}

We're spending a weekend at the beach watching the Heritage Golf Tournament. Unfortunately, the weather isn't going to cooperate with some beach time, but we're enjoying a vacation either way.

Happy Easter y'all! Hope you have a great weekend!!

Hey, Guess What?!?

We're HOMEOWNERS!!

We closed on the house yesterday and we get the keys today! We celebrated with burgers...

and cupcakes! Because what else would you celebrate with :)

It's been a crazy journey, and we are so very thankful. I'll share the entire story later, but for today, I'm just going to enjoy the awesomeness of being able to say we own a HOME!  

Blog Breaks and Babies

Hi! 

Remember me?

It's been a while. Actually, it's been a whole month. I didn't mean to take such a long break, but between work picking up, stress with the house (more on that tomorrow), and simply not feeling inspired to write this blog got put on the back burner. Apologize for the absence, but I'm back now! 

My first friend, Cara, and her sweet husband, Frank, are expecting their first baby this August! This past weekend we celebrated mom-to-be and "Baby E" with an elephant themed baby shower in honor of Cara's favorite animal. 

It's been fun, albeit a bit odd, transitioning from having wedding showers to hosting a baby showers. How did I get old enough to have friends who are having babies?! Love it as long as I'm hosting and not having one... yet.

I'm a bit obsessed with these adorable invitation we used from FrancyShmancyNotes. So perfect!

When guests walked in the door they were greeted with this pretty pink table. "The Giving Tree" was one of my favorite childhood books, and we figured it would be a great guestbook.

In case you didn't know my sister is crazy talented. She sewed 6 adorable elephants that we used to decorate the chandelier. Seriously, could they be any cuter? 

We set up a "Wishes for Baby" station. I found these from StockberryStudio and loved how they matched the invitations. Everyone did a great job of filling them out!

Some of my favorite answers:

"I hope you learn to love UGA football" As if that's even a questions!

"I hope you aren't afraid of wolves" & "I hope you learn not to hit" Great advice from a 6 year old!

"I hope you love cheese dip" Let's be honest. This is key.

"I hope you become just like your momma" <tear>

We also set up a decorating station. We laid out iron on appliques and fabric pens. Everyone decorate either a onesie or a burp rag. Have you ever held up a newborn onesies?! So. Tiny.

I know I'm biased, but I think the one mom, Sis, and I made was the cutest ;)

And no good shower is complete without lots of food! Momma-to-be loves her some goldfish, so of course we couldn't forget those!

Is she not the most precious pregnant person ever?!

 Love you sweet friend and can't wait to meet baby girl in August! Oh, and please move back to GA, Baby doesn't like TX!