This time of year, everyone is taking pictures of their Christmas tree.  You may think it’s not possible to get a really great picture of your tree with your iphone, but I am here to tell you- you CAN!!     *app used to create pic?  Piccollage It even works for sleepy spouses and puppies on a Sunday afternoon There are some things you can do to turn those phone pictures into something you are super proud of, and might even choose to use for your Christmas cards.  You can absolutely take amazing iPhone Christmas pictures! Use the Portrait setting on your iPhone! It takes a little extra time, but the quality of the pics are worth it! Get low. Hold your phone on the ground and angling up to get the full view of the tree from an interesting perspective. Turn all of the lights off...except the ones on the tree!  Try taking pictures during the day. (note:  daylight peeking through the window!) Fill the frame!  You can eliminate clutter in the background, and bring the focus to just the tree, and your subject by filling the frame with lights, part of the tree, and your subject. Use an app to edit your pictures!  Always!  Piccollage, Snapchat, Instagram, and Photoshop Express are just a few that I LOVE to use!  What are your favorite apps for photo editing?

  Are you thinking of selling your home? Statistics show that homes stay on the market for less days when staged and sellers receive up to 3% more! We are sharing our expert tips for getting your home show ready.  Boost Curb Appeal. Many people thinking of touring your home will do a quick drive-by first, often deciding on the spot, if they want to look inside. Make sure the lawn is cut, shrubbery is pruned, pick weeds, and plant some seasonal flowers in a few planters by the front door.  If the siding needs to be cleaned, go the extra mile to pressure wash. Don't forget the backyard either. This can be a "must have" for buyers. Clean and stage your deck or patio for a relaxing oasis. Clear Away All Clutter. This step is HUGE! Sort through your closets, drawers, garage, and other areas to purge anything unnecessary. Have a yard sale or donate unwanted items. Box up and store what you can live without for a short time frame to give the look of more space to a potential buyers eyes. This also gives you a head start on packing up and moving. Organize everything neatly and use baskets for small items. Take everything off bathroom and kitchen counters. De-personalize by putting away family photos, taking down everything from refrigerator and anything that isn't neutral. Neutralize. Most buyers get distracted by bold paint colors and taste specific decor. We suggest a fresh coat of paint with a "greige" or neutral paint color. Buyers do want to see a staged home and not a bare house. Simple staging with neutral rugs, towels and decor will make a home feel cozy and inviting. Deep Clean. This is a great step to do after de-cluttering. From scrubbing floors, clean baseboards, to dusting ceiling fans, every surface should sparkle. This is the easiest way to help your home put it's best foot forward. Repairs. You don't want to scare away a potential buyer with any necessary repair issues. Make sure to have repairs completed before any showings.

We have the latest on the trends coming in and the trends going out for 2018! Ready or NOT! Everyone is welcome to their own opinions, of course. From our research, here are the top trends to try or skip... Barn Doors - This farmhouse inspired trend is not showing any signs of slowing down. Zillow research shows homes listed with barn doors sold 13% faster than those without.  Granite Countertops - In 2016, 64% of new construction homes were dressed with granite countertops per the National Association of Home Builders. However, there are other attractive options that are more practical and not so overused. Before you hop on the granite train, consider other options such as quartz, marble, concrete or even high-quality laminate. We were even shocked with the updated look of laminate in 2018! Minimalism - Less is more! This isn't to say to live with bare walls and a room with one chair. Instead, furnish your home practically and decorate with a few extra pieces. Mix Metals - Copper and brass, yes BRASS, are in. To avoid getting fixture fatigue, consider mixing metals instead of committing to just one type.  Word Art - Simple signs or throw pillows are a great way of creating a fun focal point. However, over the recent years the concept has been overused. Try large wall art and say goodbye to word art and gallery walls.