Refreshing Your Home

This week I'd like to really delve into a topic, I really got inspired by cruising Pinterest this morning. Right now in the Bay Area, and in Marin especially, we have a huge shortage of inventory. Many have speculated that this is because the market is doing relatively well, and potential sellers are waiting so they can get the most for their home when the conditions are right. Right now we have a relatively good market, with sellers getting a fair price for their worth, and buyers are still getting a good value for their money. However, it can be tricky with a low inventory of homes on the market. It's been predicted that home prices will continue to rise over the next year, and in that spirit I was inspired to talk about getting ready for a move or a change, and updating the look of your home, outside and in.

There are so many things you can do to update your home, and not all of them have to be expensive. Did you know that just putting a fresh coat of eye catching paint on your doorway can provide around a 100% return for your money? That's a good investment, no matter what! So if you're thinking of selling, spring cleaning, or if you just want a change around your home, I'm talking about this subject all week long. I'll be making my way through the whole home, hunting for inexpensive big impact fixes, or showing you grand remodels for big inspirations. Maybe I'll even start a Pinterest board inspired by remodel week! Can you tell I'm pumped to talk about this stuff this week?

...

We'll start where everyone does at your home, the front yard and front doorway. I'm sure we've all heard the term "curb appeal", and reinvigorating the front of your home can range between weekend project and major transformation. The top projects for the front yard that increase the value of your home are replacing or refinishing the front door and the garage door, and simplifying or updating the landscaping. Right now xeriscaping is popular, especially here in California. We don't typically have big front yards in Marin County, so a dynamic statement like this yard is right at home here:

Better Homes and Gardens

Replacing your front door can be expensive, but it also pays you back immensely when you're selling your home. If you can go that route, it'll pay big in the long run, and if you're handy and can do it yourself, all the more savings and payoff.

Bright Bold Beautiful

Even without the breathtakingly simple stained glass window, the color on this door is so classic and yet unexpected. One or two unexpected things can really make a lasting impression on people. 

Bright Bold Beautiful

Even bold accents around the door or simple pops of color above windows or accented places can have a big impact.

Garage doors run a lot more traditional, but that doesn't mean you can't be creative. There are all kinds of ways to transform your garage door appearance, from inexpensive to expensive replacements, paint and accent hinges, to creative tricks of the eye.

Better Homes and Gardens

Paint and some hardware go a long way. homefiated.com

Fengshui.about.com

There are so many ways to freshen up the front of your home, both expensive and inexpensive. All you need to do for inspiration is to go online and do a little bit of research. I've found that Pinterest is an amazing source to find ideas big and small, and just looking at all the styles and techniques can really get the creative juices flowing! I hope this post has inspired you in some way to freshen up your home, and come back throughout the week for more tips and ideas!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Graphic

Another week, another busy schedule. This app we use to make our graphics, Canva, has been quite the learning experience. However, we're never ones to stick to one thing, so we'll be trying new ones in the months to come to see which ones we like best, and then we'll share that info with you, of course.

Canva has had its uses, and it's great that it's free, but it has limited designs and the styles aren't as crisp or professional as I'd like it to be. It also has had a few glitches which has made us delete and re download the app, at least once so far. However, our information wasn't lost, so that's a plus. It's also relatively easy to navigate.

Here's a little something that was put together in a few minutes yesterday, one of our own photos combined with a graphic of mine that was run in Marin magazine a little while ago. I thought I'd share and see how you like it.

What are your thoughts?

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Day of Reflection

It's absolutely beautiful here. Arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. We're taking a beach day today, and it's those little days that make you grateful to be alive, and truly appreciative for this amazing place.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and I hope today you can take a minute to see something that reminds you why you love to be alive.

Have a great evening everyone!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez