Thinking about which Christmas decorations to display in your home come the holidays can be a fun task, putting your creativity to use. With the help of HomeSense spokesperson Colleen Uncao, we’ve put together 10 holiday decor tips that will inspire you to create a beautifully festive space.

1. Lighting the tree

Ideally you should use 100 lights for every vertical foot of tree. To get the best effect, start form the base of the tree and work your way up, wrapping every major branch with lights from the trunk to the tip.

2. No room for a tree?

No problem! Indoor tree lights can also be used to add an extra-festive sparkle to wreaths, mantels and mirrors.

3. Decorating with string lights

Avoid hanging string lights like patio lanterns inside your home. You can use them to trim features inside such as windows or mantels, but avoid stretching the strands across vast open spaces.

4. Be creative with your garlands

Think outside of the box: Driftwood strands and rustic pine cone garlands to ultra glamorous combinations of feathers and sparkling florals can all be used as Christmas decorations.

5. Hanging garlands properly

Fine wire or fishing string works well for banisters, while fasteners like 3M hooks will support garlands without damaging walls, windows or door frames.

6. Decorate with the latest colour trends

This year, autumnal hues and jewel tones are key colour trends. Try warm brown, rich yellow, burnt orange, purple and emerald.

7. Decorating the tree

Start with a theme. Hang your more basic Christmas decorations first (solid-coloured balls, for example), placing them evenly around the tree. Then finish by accenting with your more special and detailed pieces.

8. Incorporate a theme

Start by adding just a few pieces around the house to get a feel for how your theme will suit your space and existing Christmas decorations. Remember, often a subtle nod offered through one or two trendy pieces in each room of the home is all you need to update your holiday decor.

9. Decorating on a budget

In addition to traditional holiday decor items, get crafty with the kids this season to add a unique and unexpected festive flare to your home. Handmade Christmas decorations are inexpensive to make and will have great sentimental value in the years to come.

10. Storing decorations

Plastic storage bins are ideal for storing garlands. Not only will they keep dust and moisture at bay, but if packed spaciously enough, they’ll protect the shape of the garlands so that next season only minimal tweaking will be required.

The importance of reading and understanding an offer

When you make or receive an offer to buy a property, it’s important that you

read and understand every clause. It is especially important to understand

any conditions or any changes that are made to the standard offer.

An offer may contain several types of conditions. The most common are

“conditional upon arranging financing” and “conditional upon passing a

professional home inspection.” However, there may be other conditions as

well.

You should be aware of – and fully understand – all of them.

In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth

negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other

clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well.

A good agent will always ask you to initial changes. This is done primarily to

ensure you know and approve of what you’re signing.

A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that

resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to

a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement.

You don’t want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and

understand an offer.

Having written and read many offers in real estate transactions I have seen many situations that you should be aware of, understand, and ask for.

On your next transaction have a professional on your side, it could be worth thousands.

As always, I am available to help you with any real estate pursuit.

It’s your move….I’ll help you make it!

SMELLS that kill deals

You don’t notice it – but most buyers will.

Imagine you’re viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door

and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and

like what you see.

Then there’s something you notice that’s not quite right. An odour. You

realize that it’s likely cat dander and, now that you’ve identified it, you smell

it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn’t seem as attractive as it did just

moments earlier.

The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn’t

even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household. I call this part of

common problem Owners desease.

So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the

odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice.

Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some

house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.

An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of

your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell

even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the

kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.

The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its

odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.

Bottom line? Don’t assume buyers won’t notice certain smells. They will.

Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?

You have a friend in the business….I will tell it like it is to help you get TOP dollar.

It’s your move….I’ll help you make it!

306-280-1602