decorating studio fringe trim
Home Info SHOP! Contact View Cart
Chainette Fringe Beaded Fringe Beaded Garland Feather Fringe $ale

Main Shopping Directory

Decorating ~ Home Decor
Wedding & Event Ideas
Selling A Home

Decorating Studio Home Page

Shop all our Fabulous Finds
Beaded Fringe & Beaded Trim
Beaded Garland Strands
Sequin Fabric
Chainette Fringe
Feather Fringe
Rhinestone Tablerunner
Monogram Wedding Cake Toppers
Anniversary & Numbers Cake Toppers
Rhinestone Trim & Chain
Rhinestone Banding
Embellished Jeweled Ribbon
Wedding Cake Rhinestone Ribbon
Wedding & Event Cheap Centerpieces
Wedding Cake Jewelry & Toppers
Beaded Tassels
Wedding Flower String Lights
Crystal Glass Teardrops
Flower Trimming
Shop all Collections
Sales & Closeouts

chainette fringerhinestone wedding cake bandingbeaded garland strands

Decorating By Room
Bathroom & Spa
Children's Rooms
Entry & Foyer
Family Room & Den
Game & Bonus Room
Home Office
Home Theater & Media Room
Kitchen & Dining
Laundry & Hobby Room
Master Bedroom
New Homes: Planning & Designing
Outdoor Living
Sunrooms & Conservatories
Apartment Decor
Guest Rooms
Exercise & Workout Rooms

Decorating Ideas
Artwork & Accessories
Cabinets & Countertops
Careers In Interior Design
Color Trends & Color Schemes
Decorating & Home Decor Trends
Education In Interior Design
Fabrics & Upholstery
Floors & Flooring
Furniture
Home Financing
Home Health & Safety
Interior Design
Interior Designers, Working With
Lighting
Painting & Home Decor
Walls & Doors
Window Treatments

View Cart
View Your Shopping Cart
Shipping & Return Info
Help
Contact Us

Phone #615-776-2951

Our beaded fringe trims are 1st quality and exceptional in craftsmanship and detail.

This Life Advice section about Home Improvement was produced by
the MetLife Consumer Education Center with assistance from the
National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
Editorial services provided by Meredith Custom Publishing.

If you've decided to sell your home, chances are you're caught up in a host of emotions. You may be looking forward to moving up to a new dream house or facing the uncertainty of a major move across country. You may be reluctant to leave your memories behind or eager to start new adventures. Whatever turbulent feelings you're experiencing right now, there are plenty of practical matters that need your attention. Keep in mind the following considerations to help the whole process go more smoothly.
 
Time Becomes Money
 
It's a good idea to place your home on the market as far in advance as possible of purchasing a new one. If you find a new home first and then try to sell your present home, you may wind up with two mortgages. If this does happen, ask your real estate agent or banker about a bridge loan to help you make the double payments. Lenders use the same criteria for offering bridge loans as they use for mortgages. Should you choose to accept a bridge loan, beware of the expense; during the term of the loan you must continue to pay both mortgages. Shop around for the best terms.
 
Keep in mind that when people move, sell and buy, there usually is a domino effect. Closing and moving dates have to be coordinated, and the more firmly everyone commits to a window of dates and sticks to them, the better for all involved. Put all agreements about dates in writing, and protect yourself by negotiating financial penalties for failure to comply.
 
Check Your Curb Appeal
 
A home that's visually appealing and in good condition will attract potential buyers driving down the street. Use this checklist to view your property through an outsider's eyes.
 
Are the lawn and shrubs well maintained?
Are there cracks in the foundation or walkways?
Does the driveway need resurfacing?
Are the gutters, chimney and walls in good condition?
Do the window casings, shutters, siding or doors need painting?
Are garbage and debris stored out of sight?
 
On the Inside
 
Strong curb appeal will lure potential buyers inside, where you have to live up to their expectations. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy improvements you can make to your home's interior without spending a lot of money. Cleaning is No. 1. Your windows, floors and bathroom tiles should sparkle. Make sure you have clean heating and air conditioning filters. Shampoo dirty carpets, repair dripping faucets and oil squeaky doors. It may not seem fair, but a peek in the oven may be the hallmark by which a buyer judges how well you have kept up your home.
 
Remove unnecessary clutter from the garage, basement, attic and closets. If your home is crowded with too much furniture, consider putting some things into storage. If a room needs a fresh coat of paint, use a neutral off-white. Think, too, about how your home smells. You may be used to the smell of a pet or cigarettes, but such odors can be a strong turn-off to others. Finally, set a mood for the buyer. Make your house homey with live flowers and fresh guest towels in the bathroom. Place scented potpourri around the house or, on the day you're expecting a potential buyer, pop a batch of frozen cinnamon rolls into the oven for a welcoming aroma.
 
Remember, cosmetic changes do not have to be expensive. In fact, costly home improvements do not necessarily offer a good return on your investment when you sell. It's attention to the basics -- anything that says "this home has been carefully maintained" -- that will help you get the price you want.
 
Go It Alone--or Choose an Agent?
 
Some homeowners decide to sell their homes themselves in order to save the commission charged by a real estate agent. The commission rate may vary, depending on where you live or what agency you choose, but it is generally upwards of 5%. However, handling your own sale means you will be responsible for placing ads, answering phones and showing your home to strangers. What's more, buyers who know you are saving on an agent's commission may offer less for your home, wiping out the financial incentive to do it all yourself.
 
You may decide an agent's commission is a bargain the first time that a would-be buyer shows up unannounced at dinnertime. Also, be aware that a real estate agent probably knows a lot more about the business of selling a home than you do. Here are some of the advantages professional agents
offer:
 
They will help you establish a fair asking price for your home.
They will promote your home to other agents and list your property in multiple listing services. A multiple listing service is a book or
computer database that all real estate agents who subscribe to the service can access. Your home will get exposure to all those agents, one of
whom may have the perfect buyer.
They will create, pay for and place advertising for you.
They will schedule appointments to show your home to prospective buyers even when you are not there.
They can weed out buyers who will not qualify for a mortgage.
They can refer you to sources for insurance, inspections, legal counsel and financing.
They will help you negotiate with the buyer.
 
If you decide to sell through an agent, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Talk to several agents before picking the one you want to work with. Taking a walk through your home with an agent should give you a feel for how that person will handle prospective buyers. Ask prospective agents how they plan to market your home. Don't sign with an agent just because he or she suggests the highest asking price. Negotiate the broker's commission prior to listing your home, and sign for a limited period of time -- usually three to six months.
 
Setting a Fair Price
 
Naturally, you want to get top dollar for your home. But, at the same time, you don't want to scare off potential buyers with a price tag that's too high. Setting an artificially high price may cause your property to languish on the market for months. Reducing your asking price later on may lead buyers to wonder if there is something wrong with your home. Here are some of the factors to consider in pricing your home.
 
Your location
Economic conditions
Supply and demand in the local housing market
Seasonal influences
Local schools
Average home prices in the neighborhood
Your home's extras -- pool, fireplace, central air, etc.
 
To determine the value of your home, you probably will want the advice of a real estate agent or appraiser. Ask an agent to prepare a market analysis for you, showing the recent selling prices of three neighborhood properties comparable to your own. The agent can help you adjust for the unique features of your own property.
 
Either you or your agent will want to quickly weed out potential buyers who cannot really afford to purchase your home. A number of factors will help determine whether or not you are wasting your time negotiating a sale.
 
The buyer's debt and credit history
The buyer's current income and employment
The buyer's cash position and availability of a down payment
The length of time the buyer needs before closing on your home
How interested the buyer appears to be in your home versus others
 
Seek Legal Representation
 
When selling your home -- particularly if you are selling on your own -- it's a good idea to be represented by an attorney. Look for an attorney with expertise in real estate transactions. When a potential buyer puts an offer in writing and you accept it, the signed acceptance becomes the sales contract. Your attorney will be present at the actual closing to protect your interests and can assist you with the following elements of a sales contract:
 
The sale price
What is included in the sale price -- draperies, carpeting, light fixtures, heating oil, etc.
The amount of the down payment
The date of settlement and possession date
Contingencies to the sale--inspections, required improvements, legal review of the contract by the buyer's or seller's attorney, etc.
The amount and length of the mortgage loan, interest rate and time limits to secure the loan
Determining which closing costs are to be paid by the buyer and which by the seller
 
Tax Implications
 
Selling a home can have a major impact on your federal and state tax returns. Check with your tax consultant on the factors that may affect taxes
resulting from the sale of your home. For example:
 
Gain from the sale of a prior home on which tax was postponed
Whether you purchased the home or acquired it by gift or inheritance
Whether you used your home partly for business or rental
Costs associated with selling your home
Home improvements or additions, which may help to offset capital gains Your age (If you are 55 years of age or older, you may be eligible for a one-time-only capital gains exclusion of up to $125,000 on the sale
of your home.) Purchase of another home of equal or greater value within two years prior or subsequent to the sale of your current home The sale of your home. In certain cases you can exclude up to $250,000 in gain ($500,000 for married couples filing a joint return) on the sale of property that was your principle residence for at least two years. Generally, you can use this exclusion every two years.
 
Congratulations!
 
You've successfully weathered the logistics of selling your current home, and you're ready to move on to a new and exciting chapter in your life. As you prepare for the coming changes, check out the Life Advice sections Moving and Buying a Home to aid you in this transition.
 

   Copyright 1996, 1997 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
All Rights Reserved
PEANUTS Copyright United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
96051CQC(exp0699)MLIC-LD


Decorating Studio, LLC or www.DecoratingStudio.com is not affiliated with the authors nor responsible for the actions or content of the articles, or any 3rd party information within or linked to or from Decorating Studio or Decorating Studio's website.
Liability Statement

 
 
www.DecoratingStudio.com Home Page
"Decorating Studio tops the list of popular home decorating, interior design, chainette fringe, event and wedding decorations & home improvement sites because you always come first! We have Home decor, rhinestone trim, home decorating tips for events, receptions and weddings, home decorating guides, home decorating ideas and home furniture and decor. Do you want to be a decorator or interior designer? We have a complete list of Interior design and decorating schools, colleges and universities by state."