Friday HOME Matters
The Mike Parker Team's weekly round-up of real estate-related news & advice and homeowner tips from around the web...
Sales in the Snow: 5 Home Staging Tips for Wintertime
While winter isn't traditionally considered the best time to sell your home, there's no reason you can't get an offer during the colder months with the right staging. In fact, a study found that homes sold faster and for more money in the winter months, even in cold cities like Chicago. Here are five winter home staging tips that can increase your appeal to potential buyers. HouseCall (click on the source to read more)
5 Ways You Didn’t Know You Could Save for a Down Payment
Buying your first home conjures up all kinds of warm and fuzzy emotions: pride, joy, contentment. But before you get to the good stuff, you’ve got to cobble together a down payment, a daunting sum if you follow the textbook advice to squirrel away 20% of a home’s cost. HouseLogic
Trends We Love: Dark Sinks
White sinks are a classic choice we'll always love, but we've been crushing hard on all the dark sinks lately! When paired with a lighter countertop, the contrast is stunning. With dark counters, they add a rich moodiness to a kitchen or bath that is sleek and modern. It's hard to venture off to the dark side, but we love these examples of dark sinks done beautifully! Studio-McGee
15 Organizing Tricks for Inside Your Most Clutter-Prone Spots
Inside the Closet… OneKingsLane
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House? Here's a Reality Check
Show me the money! Admit it, that’s what you’re thinking when you consider selling your house. In fact, chances are good you’ve mentally spent much of the proceeds already—on a new house you’re buying, and maybe even a nice vacation this summer. Slow down there—while selling a home can indeed bring in some sweet profits, not every dollar goes into your pocket. You also have to pay the professionals who help you unload your property. So now the question in your mind is probably: How much does it cost to sell a house? Really? Realtor.com
