STAGING TO SELL

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

It's that time of year in the real estate market where buyers are anxious to get settled in a new home before schools start back, and sellers are in the final push to make the sale.  Most schools typically start back around the end of August, and this month also signifies that summer is coming to an end.  It's a perfect time to make that final push on your home that is for sale, and to look at opportunities to get a leg up on competing properties. 

We've seen time and time again the benefits of staging a home that is for sale - most significantly in the swift sales times and the increased purchase costs.  If you haven't already considered staging as an option for improving your home's selling potential, now is the time.  Professional staging companies have the expertise in real estate and staging to assist and promote your success.  Home owners and realtors can either call in staging professionals for  consultations and do the work themselves, or ask that the professionals take on the entire task of staging.

At Key Associates, we offer special rates for half or full-day Intensive Stagings.  With Intensive Stagings, we come in with the sole purpose of maximizing a home’s marketability.  We know the key factors involved, and we efficiently go about professionally packing up clutter, arranging furniture to maximize square footage and appeal, and properly accessorizing the home. 

Here is a video that reinforces some of the key aspects of staging a home, and the benefits in doing so. 

  

CREATIVE DESIGN

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

I don't consider myself to be a designer, by any means.  My house is a mis-match of antique family pieces, hand-me-downs, and second-hand finds.  When it comes to furnishings, I am thrifty, practical, and love to re-use items that would otherwise go to waste.  In the past couple of years, I have gotten more bold in what I'm willing to try. 

 

First came the outdoor seat.  We had a large (and VERY heavy) rock that once stood up in our garden.  After several years in it's location, and some heavy rains, it took a fall.  So, as I studied this cool rock, I started to wonder, what else could I do with it?  Then, after having a tree go down, and looking over the wood that was destined to be split for camp fires, a light bulb came on.  What if I could lay a couple of wood stumps on their sides, and top them with the rock to make a bench?  I talked my husband into moving the rock into place for me, and voila - a bench was born!

 

 

My next idea was for a platform bed.  After trying to extend our full size antique bed frame to a queen with an extender kit, our new memory foam mattress started sagging in the middle.  We tried another frame extender, and still couldn't resolve the sagging.  So, I decided that if we had a platform bed, we could support and save our mattress.  I looked at many different beds, and couldn't find any that I loved.  I started thinking of ways to build one.  I was almost set on a design using old pallets, but the chemicals that can off-gas from the weather treatments of the wood ultimately deterred me from going that route.  After much contemplation, I decided that I'd build one using tree stumps and plywood...how much sturdier could you get?  I would need two sheets of plywood, so there would be a seam down the middle.  I figured that I needed stumps that were at least 12 inches across, and wanted one at each of the four corners, and then three down the middle at the seam.  I called our local saw mill, and told them what I had in mind.  I also didn't want to treat the wood, and after discussing options with the saw mill, they hooked me up with my seven stumps for about $75.00.  When determining the measurements for the plywood topper, I decided to add some length so that I could fit some big pillows between the mattress and the wall - as a headboard of sorts.  The plywood cost me about $50, and our locally run store even cut it to the dimensions I needed.  My husband thought I was crazy, but it has turned out to be a perfect design, and I love it!

 

 

On the more professional side, designers are coming up with new and unique approaches every day.  Here's a link to an article with some fun ideas from House Beautiful - and a peek at one of the article's creative designs, using a rope for a stairway railing, is pictured below.

 

   If you have a creative design idea, go for it!  The possibilities are endless.

    

 

   

PATIO DESIGNS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

I am one of those people that will take any opportunity I can get to be outside - not the bugs, the heat, the cold, or even a light drizzle can keep me in.  My favorite places at my house are on our patio out back, our front deck, or even just sitting right in the middle of my driveway.  Lucky for me; we live in a fairly secluded home that is surrounded by woods.  When we bought our home, a little over 10 years ago, it was a total mess.  At the front of our home, there were so many large trees close to the house, that the indoors were in a constant state of darkness and mildew. After having several trees removed, we had a large deck built to overlook the forest gully that separated our home from our neighborhood road.  The woods at the back of our house just fell down the bank to within just a few feet from our back door.  My husband and I cut the bank back, built a massive retaining wall, and spread stepping stones and gravel - all while I was quite pregnant.  We are graced with lots of deer (that very rudely eat many of my plants), a seemingly decreasing population of wild turkeys, woodpeckers and other birds, bats, snakes, abundant spiders, our semi-domesticated Shepherd-Husky mix rescue dog, and our rambunctious eight year old son.  So yes, outdoor space is a precious commodity.  Although the deck is an amazing space for us to use, we often find ourselves at the patio out back.  Like others have stated, it seems to invite us into a more intimate setting.

Here are some nice ideas for patio and outdoor room designs that can be accomplished on a budget.  If you haven't worked to make your outdoor space more comfortable and accomodating, now's the perfect time.  Cheers! 

  

Rich Looks for Thrifty Outdoor Rooms

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INDEPENDENCE DAY

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

What a fun week ahead of celebrations, cook-outs, and fireworks!  I love celebrating the fourth of July for many reasons - it is warm outside (my favorite!), it's a day off with my family and friends, fireworks are always a *blast* (get it?), and most importantly, it is a day to appreciate all of the freedoms that our country offers. 

When preparing for the festivities this week, many a flag will be hung - both as a show of patriotism, and as a very fitting decoration for the holiday.  I got to thinking about the proper ways to hang a flag, and thought some of you might appreciate a little clarification too on the appropriate etiquette.  Here's a little clip from YouTube with instructions to making sure that your flag is hung correctly. 

Happy Independence Day!

 

PACKING STANDARDS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz 

Last week we showcased a move management job that we were hired to execute, and I bet some of you are wondering how we pack items securely.  Our staff are trained in the proper packaging techniques, and we participate in on-going training through videos and articles on the subject.  The owner of Key Associates learned to pack during a CRTS (Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist) Certification course, and through various demonstrations at conferences, and through following the latest research.  Packing isn’t as simple as it may seem, and professional packers, such as Key Associates, are up-to-date on the standards and techniques that ensure that your possessions will be protected during your move.  There are specific recommended techniques for packing pictures, dishes, and other fragile items, and it is our job to make sure that those criteria are researched, staff members are trained, and all packing is executed properly.  We utilize techniques such as packing dishes vertically rather than stacked, for example.  We are experienced in determining how many boxes of varying sizes will be needed, as well as which types of protective packing materials will best suit your possessions. 

We can take your home from looking like this:

To this:

Let us assure that your belongings will safely arrive at their destination.    

 

PACKING IT UP

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz
 

Several of us at Key Associates had the pleasure of packing up the belongings of a return client this week.  This client was living in one of our favorite retirement communities in Greenville, SC - The Woodlands at Furman - but, after the death of a loved one, had decided to make the move to upstate New York to be closer to family.  

We were called upon to handle the move so she could head to her new destination in advance.  We facilitated the hiring of a moving company, coordinated schedules and packed up her furniture and possessions in preparation for the movers.   

This particular client was a collector, and many of her pieces were heavy and fragile.  Key Associates is highly qualified to professionally pack our client's prized possessions as well as their everyday belongings, and we do so with care.  We can assure you that when the moving truck arrives every precaution has been taken to protect your valued possessions.  

From beginning to end, we do as much or as little as needed to smooth the way for a hassle-free move!

The amazing Jennifer is wrapping an item from the collection with care.

As you can tell, there were a lot of boxes that needed to be packed.

 

 

MAN CAVE DESIGNS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

Father's Day is this coming Sunday, so it seemed like a perfect opportunity to explore some designs for the ever-popular Man Cave.  Are you looking for a great Father's Day gift?  How about creating a space for him to call his own?  Now is the perfect time to clean out and organize that basement, spare room, attic, or garage and set it up to welcome the man in your life.  Now, my husband does not have a Man Cave, but I would be all for him having a space to get away to sometimes.  In fact, I wouldn't mind having one too - I happen to be a gal that loves shooting pool, throwing darts, and sipping on a cold brew.  And, the fact that I have two full drum kits in my house - one for my husband and one for my son - makes the Man Cave option all the more appealing.  I long for the day that I can get one of the drum sets out of my office, and the other out of our spare room. 

Key Associates has abundant experience in masculine-themed interior design, and a good number of our clients over the years have been men.  If you need help creating an amazing Man Cave space, we are here to guide you.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

       

8 Ways to Style Up the Man Cave

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CLEAN OUT & ORGANIZATION

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

In case you haven't noticed from the various blog postings that we write, Key Associates offers a diverse array of services.  Today we had the pleasure of assisting a client with cleaning out and organizing two different storage units.  Stephanie and I were tasked with today's project, and our client was a lovely younger lady.  She had recently moved here from Atlanta, and has a plethora of boxes and items in storage as she works to complete her new home in North Carolina.  As we helped her access the boxes that were tucked back into the storage units, she started working through the contents to make decisions on what to keep, what to sell, what to donate, and what to trash.  Her goal was to work down to one storage unit, rather than two, as she continues to finish space in her new house.  Stephanie and I were on hand to help with the lifting, and by using our trucks to remove the unwanted items.  After several trips to the thrift store with donations, we were left with a few items to sell, and a small load to remove to the dump.  We then organized the space to make room for the merging of the units.  Our client was able to be hands-on through this process, without the burden of the heavy lifting or the haul-off.  This is just one example of the many types of services that we can provide.  Please visit our website at www.keyassociates.biz for more information on our diversity of options. 

MEMORIAL DAY DESIGNS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorite times of year, mostly because it indicates the unofficial beginning of the summer season.  Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where the weather can be cold, hot, snowy, rainy, and completely unpredictable, I welcome this time of year when the chances of colder weather tend to decrease significantly.  Summer break for schools are beginning, and the overall atmosphere shifts to a happier, more casual, and generally celebratory nature.  Many of us are planning for time at the lake, the beach, the swimming pool, and outdoor cookouts.  We can take a break from nightly homework sessions with our children.  Life is good.

 

In addition to all of the fun and happy emotions that Memorial Day spurs in me, I also want to celebrate what the holiday really stands for - remembering all of the sacrifices that those in the armed forces have made for our great country.  In remembering those that have served, and their families, my patriotism springs to life.  Here are some patriotic design ideas to help salute and remember the amazing men and women who have served our country.   

A Memorial Day Salute

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NATIONAL SENIOR MOVE MANAGERS WEEK

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) has declared this week (May 12th through May 18th, 2013) to be National Senior Move Managers Week.  NASMM is a nationally recognized non-profit organization, with a commitment to assisting older adults with transitions.  Key Associates is proud to be a member of NASMM, and to follow their practices and principles in Senior Move Management.  The theme for this year's celebratory week is "Redefining Relocation for Boomers & Beyond".  Read more about it HERE, or visit www.nasmm.org for more information on the National Association of Senior Move Managers.  Happy Moving!

PROFESSIONAL MOVE MANAGEMENT

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

We've discussed the benefits of hiring a move manager for Seniors, but I realized that we've never mentioned offering our professional move management services to others.  I have a friend that will be moving soon, along with her elementary age daughter and several pets.  She and her husband both work, and trying to juggle the move with family and work life can present a whole world of challenges.  This inspired me to think about how beneficial the Move Management services that Key Associates offer can be for families as well as older adults.  We are quick, efficient, and able to help you sort and organize your possessions room by room.  We can then do the actual packing, and we are extremely skilled in doing so in the shortest time possible.  We coordinate with professional moving companies to manage the actual transportation of your belongings, but we will have it all ready for them to pick up, oversee their process, and be on hand as they unload it to direct it to the appropriate location within your new home.  We can then do the physical unpacking of your items, and put everything in place - including the hanging of pictures.  We can manage every step of the process:  purchasing packing supplies, selling or donating items that will not be making the move, packing possessions that will make the move, supervising the moving company, unpacking at the new home, and removing all packing materials.  You could even take a family vacation to avoid the dreaded moving process, and return to your belongings in your new home.  For more information, give Key Associates a call, or call a qualified move management company in your area.

 

     

HOME STAGING

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

We've made several posts covering the importance of staging a home that is for sale.  As we are still in a tough seller's market, it continues to be challenging to set your home apart from others that are available, and home staging can be the perfect solution.  Since we have just entered the month of May, when real estate is hitting the busy season, it is a perfect time to reconsider home staging if you haven't already been persuaded to give it a try.  We've previously shared the statistics on why it makes sense to stage a home that is for sale, and there is no time like the present to go for it.  Give Key Associates a call to see what we can offer for your situation.  Our staff is highly skilled, and we want to share our expertise with our clients.  Here's a short video that reinforces some of the principles in home staging, as well as the tips and experience that a professional home stager, such as Key Associates, can bring to the table. 

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE IN DESIGN

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz
 

Monday was Earth Day, and since I have a BA degree in Environmental Studies, I couldn't pass up incorporating my eco-friendly principles into a post.  In the design world, there are many unique and exciting approaches to repurposing various items.  I love the character that comes from the creativity of altering a salvaged object.  I especially love anything that keeps stuff out of our landfills.  I have been somewhat obsessed with the very cool designs that have been surfacing from the re-use of shipping pallets.  Since pallets are often available for free, they are a great option for exploring creative design.  A few things to keep in mind - pallets come in different grades, and with different chemical treatments.  Some of the chemical treatments are not advised for indoor use, so please do a little research before implementing a pallet design into the interior of your home.  Here is a fun "Ideabook" from the folks at Houzz.com with some suggestions on how to incorporate pallet designs into the inside or outside of your home.  Although the ideas in the Houzz article may not suit all tastes, they are merely examples of responsible and practical ways to incorporate environmentally sound practices into design projects.  Even the most high-end design projects have eco-friendly options.
Happy Earth Day!
  

Salvage Style: Reinvent Shipping Pallets

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HOME STAGING

Key Associates

By: Lue Kirchner

www.keyassociates.biz

 

Key Associates was recently called in to stage a home that had been on the market for three years.  The owners decided to take the home off the market for 90 days during the slow winter real estate market (January through March) to allow time for our staff to make recommendations and implement updates.  After we determined what needed to be done, we enlisted the help of our painting contractor, Paul Jones of Down Home Painting, for the bulk of the work.  All of the wallpaper and borders were removed, and then the entire main floor was prepped and painted in appropriate neutral colors that were selected to complement the existing tile, carpeting, and stonework. 
 

The dated "pickled oak" finish on the kitchen cabinets was sanded down and re-painted in a beautiful, updated neutral color and new hardware was installed.
 

 

At our recommendation, the owner removed some oversized furnishings that they had left when they relocated.

 

 

We also removed or modified/simplified existing window treatments and updated a couple of light fixtures in the foyer. 
 

Just as we were preparing to bring in our "staging" furnishings prior to the home going back on the market, the Realtor arranged to bring a potential buyer through.  That's all it took - we never even got to what we (Key Associates staff members) feel is the really fun part of actually placing the furniture and accessorizing a home to show it off to its best advantage.  After three years on the market, the very first showing produced a contract, and the closing is set for the coming weeks.  All it took was a little "staging expertise", and a lot less wallpaper, to show off this home's potential and prompt a sale. 

Photo Credits: 

©2013 Barbara Donithan Poole,InSight Photography; all rights reserved

EASTER TABLE DESIGNS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

Although it is officially spring, our weather in Western North Carolina has been anything but spring-like.  We have had snow on and off all week, and it is still frigid outside.  My mom's side of the family is Jewish, so my mom, son, and I made a quick trip to Atlanta for the Monday evening Passover Seder with extended family.  Even in Atlanta, we woke up to snow sticking to the ground...in spring...in Georgia!  Regardless of what Mother Nature is trying to tell us, the holiday's of Passover and Easter certainly inspire feelings of spring.  Although the main Passover festivities have passed, this weekend is time for Easter celebrations.  Like many families, mine is a melting pot of religions and traditions, and so I now prepare for the Easter celebration.  Here are some inspirations for bright Easter or springtime decorating.  Enjoy the holiday!

 

10 Ways to Set the Table for an Amazing Easter

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REALTORS AND MOVE MANAGERS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

At Key Associates, we absolutely adore the collaborative relationship that we have with our local realtors.  Within the real estate market, there are many different aspects of that process in which partnering resources can benefit clients.  We often refer our clients to realtors for help in buying or selling homes, and realtors often refer clients to us for various services.  For real estate clients selling homes, we can assist with home staging to both increase sales prices and to decrease market time.  For clients purchasing new homes, we enjoy assisting with interior design.  We also very much enjoy assisting older adult real estate clients with senior move management.  By collaborating resources, Key Associates and the realtors we work with, both benefit from offering our clients an increased level of professional service.  Here is a short video that discusses some of the benefits that can be realized when realtors partner with a Senior Move Management provider such as Key Associates.  

 

   

SPRING CLEANING

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

Since we just passed the "spring forward" time change, and the first day of Spring is next week, it is a good time to get into spring cleaning mode.  For me, I tend to rotate deep cleaning tasks into my weekly cleaning routine - tasks such as wiping down ceiling fans, vacuuming the baseboards, orange-oiling wood furniture, and washing down cover plates and walls.  I like to pick one task to add to each weekly cleaning session, so as to not have an overwhelming stack of deep cleaning needs.  For many people, spring cleaning also involves decluttering.  That too is something that I try to maintain on a regular basis.  I most always have accumulating piles for thrift store donation, consignment or other re-sale, or just plain trash. 

 

If you are one of the many people who aren't the best at keeping clutter and cleaning at bay, remember that the staff at Key Associates is skilled at helping.  We have one client who was extremely organized and neat in the main part of her house, but who needed assistance with her large basement and garage - which were literally packed full.  Our staff was just the nudge she needed to work through her piles, and establish new approaches.  With our assistance, our client was able to discard a very large truckload of junk, to make a room full of yard sale items, and to implement organization systems throughout her newly decluttered spaces.  Here's an article that I enjoyed on getting help decluttering.

 

 

Decluttering — How to Get the Help You Need

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DECK DESIGNS

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

 

This morning we woke up to approximately 2 inches of snow on the ground.  Although I wouldn't mind a little sledding time with my son, the arrival of March has encouraged full-fledged spring fever for me.  We had a nice taste of warm weather last weekend, and I took some time to spread pine straw in my flower beds.  Here in Western North Carolina, we enjoy a taste of all four seasons, but summer is definitely my favorite.  There is no place I'd rather be then outside, on my deck, enjoying the nature that surrounds my mountain home.  Since I'm looking forward to warm weather and days on my deck, I thought some deck design ideas might be appropriate.  Enjoy!

 

TIPS FOR RETIREMENT

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

As my parents and I have watched my grandparents address the challenges of aging, we have often discussed their own goals for retirement.  I'm lucky that my parents are very practical, and open to moving to an appropriate retirement living situation before it would become such a daunting task.  My maternal grandparents spent many of the summers of their retirement years working at summer camps.  They received free room and board at camps in exchange for my grandmother to teach tennis and my grandfather to teach rifelry.  I doubt that they received any sort of stipend, but they thoroughly enjoyed teaching the kids and the camaraderie of the camp setting.  It got them out of their retirement condo for a few months out of the year, and gave them some wonderful experiences.

Although my mom still has a few more years of full time work ahead, my dad is already embracing his retirement.  He bought an RV, and my parents enjoy travelling in it on my mom's breaks from teaching at our local college.  My dad also volunteers several days a week at our local food kitchen.  And, once a month, my dad and several of his friends enjoy an afternoon of "old man poker".  They've played together for over 30 years, and their games used to be at night when I was growing up.  Now, that they are retired, they have switched to a more respectable time of day.

Earlier this week I was speaking to an 88 year old lady who is legendary in our small town for the level of activity that she has maintained.  She still teaches water aerobics classes, and was telling me about the upcoming marathon that she is running.  Yes, that's right, at 88 years old, she's about to embark on her umpteenth 26.2 mile marathon run.

Here are some tips from About.com on how to have a happy retirement - 10 Tips for Happy Retirement Living.  Enjoy!


 

PRESIDENT'S DAY

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz

President's Day was created primarily to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and will be celebrated by many people on Monday with a day off of work or school.  I came across this article on decorating with an Abraham Lincoln theme, and thought it was a fun way to honor our former president.  Happy President's Day!    

Abraham Lincoln, the Hottest President in Home Decor?

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