Articles Tagged "Brookwood"

If it feels like your holiday decorations never match the images you envision, it's time to try a few new tricks this holiday season. A few simple adjustments will help you maximize your decor's aesthetics so that your home looks its best. Our real estate agents know a well-decorated home will appeal to prospective buyers. Here are some decorating tips to try this season.

1. Decorate Your Tree in the Correct Order
   When you're decorating your tree, you want to put the decorations on in a certain order, so your tree looks its best. Start by stringing your lights; many people find that it's easier to string lights using a vertical pattern. Begin at the base of your tree and string the lights up to the top of the tree, making sure that you position some of the lights into the interior of the tree so that it has more depth. Continue until all your lights are in place. Next, add any garland or materials that you plan to use in place of garland (such as beads or ribbon). You can hang them horizontally or vertically. Watch your spacing when hanging horizontally; make sure that there's an equal distance between each layer. If you opt to hang your garland or ribbon vertically, consider cutting them into pieces instead of using one long strand. This makes it easier to place them and tuck them into the tree branches. Last, hang your ornaments and add any additional tree accessories, like bows, tinsel, or flower sprigs. 

2. Don't Forget the Bottom of Your Tree
   Don't let an unattractive tree base detract from your beautiful Christmas tree. Instead, see that you cover it with a piece that complements the rest of your holiday decor. This will also help your home look its best when compared to other Tuscaloosa homes for sale. A tree skirt is a traditional alternative, but it isn't your only option. You can also use a gorgeous table cloth or sheet to cover the base. 

3. Deck Your Staircase
   Don't let your staircase go to waste; it's the perfect space to add a little holiday cheer. Drape evergreen garland across the banister for a classic look. If you prefer a bolder look, add lights or bows. Or add decorative pieces to the stairs themselves. The stairs are a fantastic spot to house some of your poinsettias or some of your less fragile holiday decor. 

4. Take Advantage of Your Front Porch
   The front porch is the first space you see and sets the tone for your entire home. A wreath is a must-have, but you can also integrate other items, like a festive doormat, a potted mini Christmas tree, and faux snow. Or, if you have a bench, add some cozy throw pillows to make the space more inviting. 

5. Add Timers and Smart Plugs to Your Decorations
   Once you've decorated your home, you should be able to sit back and enjoy your hard work. Make it as effortless as possible to turn your tree, lights, and other electric items on by using smart plugs and timers. With a smart plug, you can program your holiday decor to automatically turn it on and off.

Looking for a home with more space to decorate during the holidays? Our team can help. Contact us today!

If you're looking to upgrade your home, you'll want to look into projects that can be done on a budget. That way, for a minimal investment, you'll make a big impact that will improve the look or function of your home. Especially, if you are getting ready to list! 

Our real estate agents suggest the following 5 upgrades you can make even on a budget:

1. Give your kitchen cabinets a makeover
   Your kitchen cabinets make a big impact on the room's overall appearance, and if they're too dark or scuffed, they can make your kitchen look dark and dingy. Replacing them can be expensive, but cleaning and painting your cabinets can give them a whole new appearance. This project can be completed in just a weekend. You'll need a cleaner, sandpaper, paint, a paintbrush, and some effort, but the results will be striking. And while you're at it, swap out your cabinet handles for a further style boost.
   
   
2. Add some curb appeal
   The front of your house sets the tone for your entire home since it's the first thing you'll see as you come and go. Give your home's curb appeal a boost by painting the door, either to refresh what you already have or to add a bolder pop of color. Replacing the door's hardware, adding some containers of plants as well as hanging baskets, and creating a cozy seating area can further upgrade your curb appeal. If you'd like to take it a step further, you can also replace your porch's outdoor lighting fixtures.
   
   
3. Use paint to renew old flooring
   Flooring can set the tone for an entire room, but if it's not in your budget to replace it, you might be able to paint it. Old vinyl or laminate flooring can be painted by applying flooring enamel and topping it with an acrylic sealer. Checkerboard or other geometric designs are popular choices for this type of project and can transform outdated flooring into a stylish asset.
   
   
4. Add crown molding
   Crown molding creates a transition between the top of the wall and the ceiling and adds a finished, polished look to your home. You can buy crown molding at home improvement stores in lengths of up to 16 feet and easily install it yourself. This one upgrade can help take your home's interior from basic to interesting.
   
   
5. Install a programmable thermostat
   Programmable thermostats are quite inexpensive, and they make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Installing one will let you program your heating or air conditioning to be turned on and off according to your set schedule so you can wake up or come home to a comfortable house. You'll also save energy since you can set the thermostat to run less when no one's home and then boost or lower the temperature shortly before you arrive back home.

Contact us at Hamner Real Estate to learn more about Tuscaloosa homes for sale and the upgrades that you can make for a minimal investment. Our experienced real estate agents would love to help!