The Powder Room Updated For Sale

I kind of had a head start on this post because when we first started kicking around the idea of putting our house up for sale I knew this powder room was going to have to be redone. I knew that the wallpaper had to come down, and since it was the only room in our house with wallpaper, I figured we might as well tackle that first.

I also knew that the vanity, counter and mirror had to be updated as well. Since this is the bathroom on the first floor, I knew it would be one of the rooms that would make an impression on a buyer. We have always been big DIYers and did this project ourselves. This included: removing the wallpaper, spackle and some new sheetrock, new tile for floor, new vanity, new counter, new toilet, new mirror, paint, a couple of new hand towels, a new picture and a faux plant. Most of these items were purchased at Home Depot.

Here are the before, before-but-wallpaper-removed and after of this powder room.

Copyright 2009 Kathy Passarette, Creative Home Expressions

We're Putting Our House On The Market

Nope, this post isn't about a client or a home staging consultation. My husband and I have decided that it is time to put our house on the market and look to down-size. Is it going to be emotional? It sure is. Is it going to be exciting? You bet. Right now I'm going back and forth between feeling both ways. It's a new time in our lives, and one I am looking forward to.

While we just decided this past week, we have been talking about it for over a year; and what has to be done to make it market ready. We had already gotten started last year by stripping the wallpaper in the powder room and updating it a bit. I'll share those pictures in another post.
We have given ourselves a deadline of June 15th to have everything done and ready. I plan on staging my own house, which I know might be difficult as I am emotionally involved; however, I think that with a little help from my friends I'll be able to pull it off. So far, I have been able to take a step back and look at the rooms in our home more objectively than I thought I could.

What I'd like to do is a series of posts bringing you through the process with us. Not only the emotions, but the reality. Not just the packing up of memories, but a chance to clear out the clutter and simplify. Not just removing our mark from the house, but showcasing our investment - the investment we worked so hard on these past 19 years.

I'll be posting "before" and "afters" so that you will be able to see what we've done, and know that even if you got a home staging consultation report, you could do these projects/tasks/fix-ups yourself before you put your house on the market. I want you to know that when I say, "I know exactly how you feel", I really mean it.

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are located on Long Island, New York and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign, color consultations and much more. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information on our services and fees.

Give Mom The Gift Of Decorating!

Mother's Day is just a few weeks away! Thinking of something different to give Mom this year? Why not give her the gift of decorating - or interior redesign or home staging?

Visit our website for the many services we offer. We can even work with you on an hourly basis.

Our gift certificates are good for any occasion.

April Special ~ Home Staging

As a fresh, Spring home selling season kicks off, keep in mind that over 85% of home buyers start their search on the internet. What are they seeing when the pictures of your house come up?

**SPECIAL for April** Home Staging Consultation Report – 10% off! Perfect for the DIYer who wants to be ahead of the game and get their house in show ready condition. We even come back and have “after” pictures taken for your marketing use.*

Don’t want to do it yourself, we can do the staging for you!** Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for our fees and other services.



*You will receive up to 5 pictures with the Home Staging Consultation Report option.
**Full staging contract provides for up to 10 pictures. An assistant is required on full home staging projects.
Contract must be signed by April 30, 2009.