Happy Memorial Day

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.”

–John F. Kennedy

 

Memorial Day Weekend Events

Pierced Ciderworks 3rd Annual Beer and Cider Fest

Date: Saturday May 29, 2021

Time: 2:00 pm

Location: Pierced Ciderworks

Address: 411 N 2nd St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Category: Festival

Pierced Ciderworks is having their 3rd Annual Beer and Cider Fest. Proceeds benefit One Love One Foundation.

A FINE ART FASHION EVENT IN STUART

Martin County

Date: Saturday May 29, 2021

Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Location: Martin County

Address: , , FL,

Price: FREE AND PAID

Category: Arts / Exhibits

Fashion Show In Stuart

May 29th 2021

5:30pm – 8:30pmA FINE ART FASHION EVENT – “A NIGHT OF INCLUSION”

PLEASE CREATE AN ACCOUNT FOR FREE AND PAID TICKETS

Only 150 Tickets Are Available so please hurry to get your ticket.

USE CODE: EVENT

CONTACT US IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE 561-201-3322

A Fashion Show and Fine Art Exhibit

Sharon Tatem Fashion Collections 2021: Women’s and Men’s Resort Collection,

Dresses, Swimwear, Kimonos, Leggings, Hoodies, Tops

Art Exhibit, Fashion Show, Live Music, Wine, Hors D’oeuvres, Dancing, and Party

Must Have A Ticket To Attend!!!

We are looking for more Sponsors to be in the event. Please contact us at 561-201-3322 for more information on Sponsoring the Event and what you get for your Sponsorship Contribution.

Buy Tickets

 

BEER’D CRAWL- Fun Pub Crawl for Guys with Beards! Beer Deals, specials, and Freebies all day!

Date: Sunday May 30, 2021

Time: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: CLUB NOTES Wine Bar

Address: 872 South Colorado Avenue Stuart, FL 34994

Price: $10

Category: Drink Special

BEER’D CRAWL- Fun Pub Crawl for Guys with Beards! Bars along Colorado Ave. and Downtown Stuart, FL.

Bearded men (and those who love them) — start at NOTES on Colorado Ave. near US1 to get your wristband and free beer koozie, and list of Crawl stops. You can arrive and start anytime between 2 and 4 PM. All participating stops are giving you deals and specials and freebies until 7 PM! This will be so much fun!

$10 Cash day of the Pub Crawl OR SAVE BY PAYING IN ADVANCE just $7.88 and only those who pay in advance get entered in the DOOR PRIZE DRAWING! Free easy parking in NOTES parking lot, all along Colorado Ave. or Kindred St. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVANCE RSVP which helps the participating bars/restaurants prepare for you and give you a better experience! Prizes for BEST DECORATED BEARD and LONGEST BEARD~!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beerd-crawl-fun-pub-crawl-for-guys-with-beards-deals-freebies-all-day-tickets-152574708059

 

Burnout BBQ

Martin County

Date: Saturday May 29, 2021 through Sunday May 30, 2021.

Time: Times Vary

Location: Martin County

Address: , , FL,

Price: FREE

Category: Entertainment

BURNOUT BBQ

MAY IS MILITARY APPREICATION

ALL OUR EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ARE TO SUPPORT THE USO.

https://www.treasurecoasthd.com/default.asp?page=xlistevents&CalendarIDs=8988&id=488359

 

Memorial Day Service in Port St. Lucie

Date: Monday, May 31, 2021

Times: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 2100 S.E. Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952

Introduction: Join us to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Join us at Veterans Memorial Park for this special service to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The United Veterans of Port St Lucie will provide a moving tribute. Seating is limited so attendees may want to bring a lawn chair. Follow social distancing guidelines. Facial coverings recommended.

Fee: Free / Ages: All ages / Contact: 772-878-2277

 

Memorial Day Ceremony in Fort Pierce

Date: Monday May 31, 2021

Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UDT Navy Seal Museum

Address: 3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949

Price: FREE

Category: Educational

Memorial Day is Monday, May 31. Honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for country, the Museum’s Memorial Day Service is outdoors, free of charge, and open to the public. This year the Museum welcomes keynote speaker Sara Wilkinson, Naval Special Warfare Gold Star and Surviving Spouse.

Following the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony beginning at 8:30 AM, the official commemorative ceremony will begin at 9:00 AM at the Museum’s Memorial Wall. Museum Executive Director Commander Grant Mann, USN (SEAL) Retired, will present opening statements, followed by the unveiling of the names of the Navy SEALs who have died in combat or related training in recent past, including Mrs. Wilkinson’s husband, Chad.

The Museum’s annual Memorial Day Service is held outdoors at our Memorial Wall. Admission into the Museum is complimentary following the ceremony. The Museum opens at 9:00 AM and will close at 12:00 noon on Memorial Day.

http://https://www.navysealmuseum.org/memorialday

 

 

Stunning Photos of the Super Flower Blood Moon Eclipse

If you rose early this morning to see the first lunar eclipse in more than two years, yet all you have to show for your experience is an image of a tiny, glowing red smudge in a dark sky—that’s not necessarily a sign of poor photography skills, just a lack of a telephoto lens.

Long-focus lenses can be used to make the moon appear much closer than it is—creating some truly spectacular photos.

A few hours ago, in many parts of the globe, the eclipsing of the sun’s light by Earth shadowed our lunar neighbor, turning it a deep, impressive red—hence the name Blood Moon. Or even Super Flower Blood Moon.

Check out the images these photographers captured and shared on Instagram, and do let us know if you got a great shot too.

Click this link to see all of the pictures

Satisfy Your Smart-Home Curiosity

A new weekly podcast from NAR takes you through what’s here and what’s coming in smart-home technology.

 

What’s the next big technology set to transform home living? You can stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to the new Smart Home Today podcast from the National Association of REALTORS® and the Westwood One Podcast Network. The weekly podcast, which launched March 4, is also a source of fresh content to share with clients.

“I have always loved technology. When I was an 8- or 9-year-old guitar player, I used to record myself on open-reel tape recorders. That was probably the first burst of technology in my life,” says podcast host Stephen Gasque. “Since then, anything that’s plugged into the wall, wired, or wireless—I want to know about it.”

Since 2016, Gasque has been covering smart-home technology as part of the weekly radio show Real Estate Today, which he also hosts. “It’s been very successful, but I wanted to get into these subjects with more depth—longer conversations with experts in those fields,” he says. “Our angle is not the same as most tech podcasts, where they’re comparing and reviewing products. We talk about what these technologies mean to your real estate—the value, the considerations at resale—whether the topic is what to do when you have zero cell phone bars or how to charge your Tesla.

“One of the things we talked about last week, and I’m most excited about, is what smart-home technology means to people with mobility problems,” Gasque says, “because it speaks to how our senior citizens and wounded warriors can have a better life. NAR is all about enhancing the consumer experience in their home.”

Gasque aims to cover technologies that can save consumers money and time and make their lives more convenient, he says. REALTORS® with expertise in smart-home devices, mobility assistance, or energy efficiency may even earn a guest spot on the show by contacting Gasque at sgasque@nar.realtor.

Full Lunar Eclipse and Super Moon Coming This Week

The Sky Spectacle of the Year

May 26, a Wednesday—or ‘Woden’s Day’ for you two or three pagans in the audience—will feature both a total lunar eclipse and a full super moon.

This year, in many parts of the world, the eclipsing of the sun’s light by Earth will shadow our lunar neighbor, turning it an impressive red—hence the name Blood Moon.

This total lunar eclipse is the first in over two years. It will be visible in the western U.S. and Canada, all of Mexico, eastern Asia, Oceania, the Pacific Islands, and western South America before dawn on May 26.

For those on the east coast of the States, the sun will be too low on the horizon when the eclipse occurs—though if you can find a tall enough point (not easy to do in, say, Appalachia), and have a clear view of the horizon—given clear weather you may be able to see the phenomenon.

Check out TimeandDate.com’s excellent viewing guide to find out when the eclipse will hit your location.  Unlike with solar eclipses, you’ll need no special glasses for viewing this event.

A full Super Flower Moon

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the peak full moon illumination will occur at around 7:14am EST on Wednesday morning—but by this point it will be very close or even below the horizon, so you’ll want to head out the night before—or, to be honest, all week is fine: NASA reports that the Moon will appear full from Tuesday night all the way through Friday morning.

May’s Flower Moon—which is also known as the Milk Moon and Corn Planting Moon—will be the biggest and brightest full super moon of 2021.

Farmer’s Almanac reports that this time held a special place in some Native American calendars—as increasing warmth made it safe to bear young, an ideal period for planting crops, and a time that marked the end of late season frosts.

GET Your Friends’ Ready for the Lunar Eclipse—Share This Story…

ST. LUCIE CLOSED SALES SKYROCKET

SELLERS COMMAND 100% OF ASKING PRICE

Newly released market reports from Florida Realtors® detailing recent real estate activity in St. Lucie County. The reports compare year-over-year data for April. Here are statistics on single family homes.

 

“St. Lucie County closed sales skyrocketed in April! We saw a 47.3 percent increase to 694 year-over-year. It’s amazing to see how the market has developed since the COVID-19 pandemic struck America. When faced with adversity and uncertain times, Realtors® came together to help buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals. I’m proud of the resiliency shown by the real estate community and look forward to seeing how the rest of 2021 will play out,” said Karen Johnson, President of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors®.

Closed sales are one of the simplest – yet most important indicators for the residential real estate market. Closed sales are affected by seasonal cycles, so actual trends are more accurately represented by year-over-year changes, rather than changes from one month to the next.

“One key statistic to keep an eye on as the market progresses is the median percent of original listing price. St. Lucie sellers are commanding 100% of their original asking price. Sale-to-list ratio is worth watching as the year goes on. The continued growth that we keep seeing in the market is a huge indication of how South Florida remains firmly one of America’s real estate hotspots. If you’re interested in buying or selling, contact a local Realtor® for their expertise on how you can take advantage of this exciting time in the St. Lucie County market,” continues Johnson.

The median percent of original list price received is useful as an indicator of market recovery, since it typically rises as buyers realize that the market may be moving away from them and they need to match the selling in order to get a contract on the house.

Market Reports: St. Lucie Single Family (Opens as PDF.) | St. Lucie Townhouses/Condos

Treasure Coast Weekend Happenings

The Jazz Market

Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society

Date: Event occurs every Saturday of every month.

Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Historic Downtown on the Waterfront

Address: 200 N Indian River Dr

Category: Festival

Every Saturday, the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society hosts a Jazz Market “featuring creative arts & crafts” in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce on the waterfront of the Indian River. Original hand made crafts, stained glass, Highwaymen paintings, hand-painted glassware and much, more are available for purchase. Funds raised support education programs and local scholarships.

The Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Jazz Market is a year-round event.

The Jazz Market summer hours are 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Although we enjoy promoting our local Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County resident artists and crafters, our market is open to all crafters who wish to participate, given space available and our Market Managers discretion. If you are interested in displaying or selling your items, download the The Jazz Market Guidelines and Vendor Application.

If you are an interested new vendor, applications are now being accepted.

Print and fill out an application and return it with pictures of your items to:

P.O. Box 1086, Fort Pierce, FL 34954-1086

For more information, please email: JazzMarket@jazzsociety.org

Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society

 

Treasure Coast Arts & Mindfulness Fest

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center

Date: Saturday May 22, 2021 through Sunday May 23, 2021.

Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center

Address: 9221 SE Event Center Pl, Port St. Lucie , FL, 34952

Price: FREE

Category: Festival

Join the MIDFLORIDA Event Center and the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance for the inaugural Treasure Coast Art and Mindfulness Fest!

When:

Saturday & Sunday, May 22-23, 2021

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come on out to this FREE event and enjoy two peaceful and spectacular days with local artists; attend available yoga and mindfulness classes; and chat with vendors who offer many other creative products and services.

Participating alternative health practitioners will address areas of acupuncture, nutrition, massage, hypnotherapy, yoga, Pilates, reiki, and tai chi. Visitors will find all-natural soaps, hand-made crystal jewelry, sound-healing instruments, and can have an on-site Tarot card reading or a chakra analysis. Perfect for the entire family!

For more information, visit ArtStLucie.org.

More info MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center

 

Weed Warrior Work Day: Invasive Plant Removal

St. Lucie County

Date: Saturday May 22, 2021

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: St. Lucie County

Address: , , FL,

Price: free

Category: Community

Savannas Preserve State Park is hosting an invasive exotic plant species removal work day in order to restore native habitat! The AmeriCorps Members at Savannas Preserve State Park are inviting up to 8 volunteers for this volunteer event. Enjoy the great outdoors while helping us with our efforts! The service project will take place on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 from 10 am to 12 pm. We will be meeting at Savannas Preserve State Park Jensen Beach Entrance located at 700 Block NE Jensen Beach Blvd, Jensen Beach, 34957. Located just east of the Jensen Beach Blvd/Green River Parkway intersection. Please bring gloves, a reusable water bottle, and closed-toed shoes. Recommended items include sunscreen, hat, long pants, and long sleeves. Volunteers are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Join us! Registration is required by emailing Annie at Annie.Alcolea@floridadep.gov by Thursday May 20th at 5pm

Tony Award Winning Musical Comedy “Little Shop of Horrors” Hits The Barn Stage

Martin County

Date: Thursday May 13, 2021 through Sunday May 30, 2021.

Time: Times Vary

Location: Martin County

Address: , , FL,

Price: $35 Adults; Student and group discounts available

Category: Theatre / Dance

Musical Comedy

www.barn-theatre.com

FLORIDA INSURER GROWING AS 3 PRIVATE INSURERS CANCEL POLICIES

State-owned Citizens Property Ins. is growing rapidly, and Florida insurance regulators recently authorized “extraordinary” terminations for thousands of homeowners insured by Universal Insurance of North America, Gulfstream Property & Casualty and Southern Fidelity.

 

As another hurricane season bears down on the state, more than 50,000 Florida home insurance customers will soon receive notices that their policies have been canceled or won’t be renewed.

State insurance regulators recently authorized “extraordinary” terminations of thousands of policies of Florida-based insurers Universal Insurance of North America, Gulfstream Property & Casualty, and Southern Fidelity.

And the bloodletting will likely continue over the coming months with other insurers seeking to shed risky or unprofitable policies while refusing to insure older homes with roofs, electrical systems and plumbing that have not been upgraded to comply with current building codes, said Paul Handerhan, president of the consumer-focused Federal Association for Insurance Reform.

“For the average consumer, the outlook is not bright,” he said. “There will be less options at higher price points.”

The consent orders by the state Office of Insurance Regulation authorizing the early cancellations did not specify locations of affected policyholders, and officials of the companies did not respond to requests for information. But if recent history is any guide, affected consumers are likely disproportionately located in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, as well as in the Orlando metro area.

Insurers have been reducing their exposure in the three South Florida counties for several years, saying they are the source of inflated damage claims, excessive litigation and outright fraud. The trend recently has spread to Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties in Central Florida, insurers contend.

The consent orders, signed by Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, said approval of the cancellations and nonrenewals “is an extraordinary statutory remedy reserved to address insurers which [otherwise] are or may be in hazardous financial condition.”

Many, though not all, Florida-based insurers have been reporting operating losses over the past five years as a result of rising claims costs, more frequent severe weather events, increased lawsuits and higher costs of reinsurance – insurance that insurers buy to guarantee they can pay all claims after a catastrophe.

Here are details of what Altmaier authorized in the consent orders:

Homeowners who get a notice of cancellation or nonrenewal should move quickly to secure coverage with another company, the Office of Insurance Regulation says on its website. Terms of the consent orders require the companies to work with affected customers and their insurance agents to help them find new carriers.

Many, if not most, of those customers will end up with little choice but to buy a policy from state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the so-called “insurer of last resort.” Citizens policies are considered inferior to private-market policies because the company limits personal liability coverage and subjects its customers to surcharges if Citizens can’t pay all claims after a catastrophe.

Citizens has been rapidly growing as private-market insurers cancel and decline to renew Florida policies. That growth is worrying legislators who know that an inability by a swollen Citizens to pay all claims after a major storm will trigger not just surcharges for Citizens customers but surcharges for all property insurance customers in Florida.

Citizens, which expands and contracts as market conditions warrant, is growing by about 5,000 policies a week and could reach 700,000 by the end of the year. In 2018, it had fallen to 452,000 policies.

Handerhan said policyholders who receive notices of cancellation or nonrenewal should contact numerous agents if necessary to find out if another company will insure them at an affordable price. They should settle for Citizens only if they cannot find a viable alternative, he said.

Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier said he doesn’t know how many of the canceled policies will end up at Citizens. But the company is ready for them, he said.

“We are in a good position to handle any policies that come our way,” he said by email. “We have been in ramp-up mode for some time as we respond to market conditions over the past year.”

Ultimately, owners of older homes in Florida will have some serious and expensive decisions to make if they want to avoid going with Citizens, Handerhan said. More and more companies are deciding it’s too expensive to insure homes that don’t conform to current building codes, he said.

As a result, “owners of older properties are going to have to dig into their pockets and come up to current code” before insurers will accept their business, he said.

Joesph Petrelli, president of the insurance strength rating firm Demotech, said further cancellations could follow, thanks to the Florida Legislature’s failure to pass legal reforms that would have sharply restricted roofing companies’ aggressive marketing practices and slashed financial incentives for attorneys who sue insurers.

“The status of the residential property insurance marketplace in Florida is such that carriers are rethinking their business models and their operations,” Petrelli said by email.

While the reforms that were passed – and currently await the governor’s signature – are expected to reduce costs for insurers, those reductions won’t become apparent for 12 to 15 months, Handerhan said.

 

Source: Sun Sentinel & Florida Realtors

10 Ways the Kitchen is Evolving

As kitchens get a robust workout due to more people cooking and working at home, design professions have responded with chic, functional updates.

Kitchen trends are like fashion—wait a season and this color will be in and that one out. But the changes since the start of the pandemic a year ago have emerged to keep the room true to its moniker as the heart of the house.

With more people working remotely—and cooking all their meals at home—the kitchen has become more than a place to prepare food. It’s transitioned to an all-in-one work, gathering, eating, and storage hub, says designer Prosha Korangy of Prosha Design.

Or as interior designer Ximena Rodriguez, a principal and director of interior design at CetraRuddy Architecture, puts it, “It has become a space to enjoy living.”

From cabinetry and appliances to lighting and smart technology, 2021 kitchen trends have arisen as highly functional and beautiful, says Liz Brooks, executive vice president of sales and marketing at developer Belgravia Group.

While some changes started before COVID-19 hit, others kicked in after stay-at-home orders spread. Many homeowners realized “the importance of their home as their refuge,” says Mick De Giulio, owner of deGiulio Kitchen Design. That spurred homeowners with funds and access to contractors to proceed with remodeling projects, he says.

Here are 10 kitchen changes most sought after by homeowners in 2021:

1. Flexible instead of open layouts.

The number of homeowners renovating interiors to gain an open-concept plan has dropped since 2019, according to the 2021 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. Instead, it’s evolved into a desire for flex space—a reimagined open concept. Since the pandemic started, designer Jodi Swartz found many homeowners hiring her KitchenVisions firm to take down walls “to keep an eye on their children while cooking,” she says. Other homeowners sought an adjacent space to keep work, hobbies, or play out of the main living space.

Within the kitchen layout, De Giulio says the work triangle of the sink, refrigerator, and cooktop being close proximity is still paramount. But with more people congregating in the kitchen, design is shifting to add ancillary zones. Peter Albanese, vice president of kitchen and bath at Bellari Home Remodeling, often puts a charging station near a kitchen entry. De Giulio likes to include a “LaMattina” or morning breakfast center. A baking center has gained interest, according to Houzz, as more homeowners prepare breads and cakes, and post in cooking groups like KitchenQuarantine. Many homeowners also want a comfortable seating area for eating, working, schmoozing, which Interior Makeovers designer Lori Gilder likes to put in a windowed corner, preferably with a banquette.

2. Bigger islands.

“The bigger the better” seems to be the rule, and larger kitchen island designs could replace a table, says Linda Fennessy of Kitchen Magic. Just how big is big? “Enormous,” says architect Bob Zuber with Morgante Wilson Architects, who cites 7×14½ feet as common, so that it can fit several people sitting or working together, plus room for a sink, dishwasher, and microwave. Architects Stuart Cohen and Julie Hacker like to make gathering around these islands more comfortable by rounding corner edges, while designer Susan Brunstrum of Studio Brunstrum recommends chairs or swivel stools with cushions and backs in a laminated fabric for comfort and easy cleaning.

3. Healthier countertops.

Quartz and quartzite replaced granite as go-to surfaces years ago, primarily because they are less ubiquitous, more durable and nonporous, and associated with greater healthfulness due to their antimicrobial properties, says designer Chris Dreith of The Home Improvements Group. The main differences between them are that quartz is manmade and easier for fabricators to match patterns, while quartzite is a natural stone and it takes effort to find slabs with grains that work together. Quartzite can handle higher heat without burning—up to 500 degrees versus 275 for quartz, says De Giulio. There are also materials like Staron®, an acrylic option that’s engineered to be nonporous and is more affordable than quartz, quartzite, marble, and granite.

4. Bolder backsplashes.

Backsplashes have become a way to add personality to a kitchen. Fennessy says more people are moving beyond traditional rectangular subway tiles to herringbone, hexagonal, picket fence, and penny-round mosaic patterns. De Giulio adds visual warmth and character backsplashes with a mix of materials such as textured wood and shiny metal. Another way to introduce boldness is with a single slab covering the backsplash, which eliminates cleaning grout lines, says Korangy. When homeowners tire of their choice, a backsplash is among the easiest, most affordable changes, according to Swarz.

5. Multitasking appliances.

With so many demands placed on the kitchen, homeowners are favoring appliances that serve multiple functions. Dreith says many clients are choosing steam/convection ovens and hot water/filtration systems. Cooking more at home has led to bigger appliances, from longer sinks—sometimes five feet and with features like sliding cutting boards—to tall columns designated for refrigeration or freezing, and more personalized components. SubZero, Wolf, and Cove now offer 15-inch modules that let the homeowner assemble their ideal cooktop, with options such as a wok, deep fryer, and gas or eclectic oven options, says Jeff Sweet, corporate manager of product marketing. Many homeowners are also looking for help from technology. SubZero’s new Cove dishwasher line has a partnership with Amazon and can alert homeowners when they need more detergent pods. And faucets now come in water-efficient, no-touch options.

6. Better ventilation and purer water.

To stay healthy, safe drinking water and fresh air no longer mean having just a purification system attached to a faucet or venting odors and stale air through a range hood. Homeowners want a water purification system for their entire house, says real estate salesperson Tony Mariotti, CEO of RubyHome. He has clients who like to shower with “conditioned” water. To achieve proper ventilation, some homeowners are adding larger windows as well as installing a hood blower with a larger capacity. The size depends on room dimensions, odors produced, and the equipment’s cubic feet per minute (cfms). De Giulio likes to dial back vent noise by placing equipment in an adjacent space and suggests homeowners consult an HVAC specialist. “It’s a tricky science,” he says. But something as simple as houseplants can help purify air, says Gena Kirk, vice president of KB Design Studio for KB Home.

7. Warmer, efficient lighting.

LEDs have grabbed the spotlight, whether under, in, and above cabinets, in ceilings, and along toe kicks. One reason, they’re more energy efficient; another—technology has made it easier to achieve a warmer, dimmable LED, which Gilder favors. She suggests a range between 3,000 and 4,000 kelvins (K). In addition, LEDs are programmable to vary in brightness and colors, says Dreith. Houzz found pendant lighting remains popular dangling above an island, but some experts, like Brooks, now prefer one substantial fixture.

8. More specialized storage.

Besides needing better storage for buying in bulk and making fewer runs to stores, homeowners are also looking to designers to help find places to better stash pantry goods, dishes, glasses, cutlery, and small appliances, says Mary Cook, president of Mary Cook Associates, a design firm. Some homeowners are adding on “super pantries,” akin to small, second kitchens, says Zuber. If space and budget don’t permit something that large, Fennessy recommends building a pantry cabinet with rollout shelves and room at the bottom for taller items.

When it comes to cabinetry, drawers are preferred to cabinets since they’re easier to access, says Dreith. Flat rather than shaker style is also favored for easier cleaning and they because they can be dressed up with hardware, says Brooks. Homeowners are interested in cabinet systems to organize everything from cookie sheets to spices to recycling bins, Houzz found. Those who prefer a modern look want some open shelves rather than all cabinets on top, says Rodriguez.

9. Sturdier floors.

More people at home equate to more wear and tear on floors, so durable, easy-to-clean choices rank high. The Houzz survey found that vinyl wood-style planks have become more popular than hardwood, but many designers like Fennessy say clients prefer hardwood and engineered wood over vinyl wood planks to mimic the modern farmhouse look. De Giulio’s clients favor wider planks, as well as old-fashioned, elegant, hand-scraped floors.

10. Auxiliary outdoor kitchens.

Homeowners value outdoor space more than ever. Designer Cristin Michele Beavers, a real estate salesperson and founder of CMB Designs, outfits clients’ Southern California yards with all the bells and whistles, from pizza ovens and smokers to wine fridges, warming drawers, heaters, furniture, and fireplaces. The warm weather locations offer incentive to invest in the outdoor living area. De Giulio says many of his clients request a good grill, countertop, and maybe an outdoor sink.

No matter the makeover a homeowner is planning, they should be aware of the lumber shortage in the U.S., which is increasing costs of materials and labor. Eventually, “when production and distribution rise to meet demand,” Zuber expects costs will decrease. “A lot was due to people getting sick and factories shutting.”

Is the White Kitchen Passé?

Despite a 4% decline from the prior year, white remains the most popular color choice for kitchens, according to the 2021 Houzz survey, followed by wood tones, then gray. But the bigger news is that many multicolor (often bold) kitchens are steadily growing in preference, says Brunstrum. Reasons cited are that homeowners want to personalize the room and have less concern about resale or what the next buyer wants.

Colors and different materials and textures now appear in myriad ways. Swartz is designing cabinetry in pine green, robin’s egg blue, and navy. Albanese, says pink tiles are back but in a soft rather than bubblegum ‘50s hue. Designer Katja Van der Loo of Papyrus Home Design is wallpapering kitchens again, which might introduce a mix of colors. Korangy mixes it all up: In one kitchen, blackened steel countertops with marble backsplash and laminate cabinets, and in another, salvaged wood, laminate wall surface, quartz countertop, and stainless steel toe kick.

Even appliances come in colors. Brunstrum paired a red range with blue cabinets. Fennessy predicts orange and magenta will be huge, along with more perimeter and island cabinets and countertops displaying different palettes, a trend from years ago that is re-emerging.

New condo developments, often tamer and more monochromatic, now offer greater color choices with their finish packages. At the Parkline Chicago development, residents can choose from four palettes to meet individual aesthetics, says Thomas Roszak, president of Parkline developer Moceri + Roszak.

Elephants Arrive in Florida Sanctuary to Retire

35 Circus Elephants Arrive in Amazing Florida Sanctuary to Retire Among Forest, Grassland, and 11 Watering Holes

 

Some kids dream of running away to join the circus—while the Ringling Bros. elephants that had been performing every night might have been dreaming about a place like this, a dream that is now coming true.

35 Asian pachyderms formerly under the care of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus are being welcomed to a 2500-acre Florida reserve where they can wander among their favorite habitats—wetlands, grasslands, or forest—and splash about in 11 different waterholes.

The White Oak Conservation refuge, located in Yulee, was set up to accommodate the about-to-be retired elephants in what will become the largest herd of Asian elephants in the Western Hemisphere.

Some kids dream of running away to join the circus—while the Ringling Bros. elephants that had been performing every night might have been dreaming about a place like this, a dream that is now coming true.

35 Asian pachyderms formerly under the care of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus are being welcomed to a 2500-acre Florida reserve where they can wander among their favorite habitats—wetlands, grasslands, or forest—and splash about in 11 different waterholes.

The White Oak Conservation refuge, located in Yulee, was set up to accommodate the about-to-be retired elephants in what will become the largest herd of Asian elephants in the Western Hemisphere.

After a period spent socializing to catch them up on herd and family dynamics, the first group of elephants was transported in pairs for the 200-mile journey from the Ringling Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC) in Polk County, Florida, to their new home.

They got their first peak at the sanctuary on May 3, and will be joined by another group of 20 due to arrive in the near future.

“Watching the elephants go out into the habitat was an incredible moment,” said White Oaks’ elephant care lead Nick Newby. “I was so happy to see them come out together and reassure and comfort each other, just like wild elephants do, and then head out to explore their new environment. Seeing the elephants swim for the first time was amazing.”

“Elephants are such amazing creatures, and we are pleased to give them a place where they will flourish,” added Gadd, who oversees the Walters’ conservation efforts.

“We are excited to watch them adapt to the great outdoors, tasting new plants, exploring new areas, experiencing new things.”

And—for the elephants—waking up each morning in retirement is a dream that we can all get behind.

 

Original Article

NAR: Home Prices Soar Nationwide

Home buyers may be getting a price shock. Nearly every metro area saw year-over-year home price increases in the first quarter. What’s more, 89% of metro areas across the country posted double-digit gains, according to the latest quarterly report from the National Association of REALTORS®, released on Tuesday.

The median existing single-family sales price rose to $319,200, registering an annual increase of 16.2%—a record high, according to records dating back to 1989.

“Significant price increases throughout the country simply illustrate strong demand and record low housing supply,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “The record high home prices are happening across nearly all markets, big and small, even in those metros that have long been considered off the radar in prior years for many home seekers.”

Home sellers are certainly benefiting from the sharp price increases, but buyers are facing challenges. The average national monthly mortgage payment increased to $1,067 in the first quarter—up from $995 a year ago. The increase in the monthly mortgage payment came even as the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to as low as 2.93% in the first quarter (a year earlier it averaged 3.57%).

“The sudden price appreciation is impacting affordability, especially among first-time home buyers,” Yun says. “With low inventory already impacting the market, added skyrocketing costs have left many families facing the realities of being priced out entirely.”

The 11 metro areas with the highest price increases in the first quarter of this year saw median sales prices ranging from $100,000 to $600,000. Those cities are:

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  • 
    
    
    
    • Kingston, N.Y.: up 35.5% annually; $303,100
    
    
    • Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Conn.: 34.3%; $580,400
    
    
    • Atlantic City-Hammonton, N.J.: 34%; $277,200
    
    
    • Barnstable Town, Mass.: 33.1%; $567,600
    
    
    • Boise City-Nampa, Idaho: 32.8%; $422,600
    
    
    • Sherman-Denison, Texas: 29.8%; $234,800
    
    
    • Elmira, N.Y.: 29.1%; $126,900
    
    
    • Austin-Round Rock, Texas: 28.2%; $437,900
    
    
    • Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Ohio-Pa.: 27.7%; $119,500
    
    
    • Decatur, Ill.: 27.5%; $102,400
    
    
    • Glens Falls, N.Y.: 27.5%; $214,600
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

 

Overall, the priciest markets in the nation, according to NAR’s report, are:

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  • 
    
    
    
    • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.: $1.5 million, up 11.1% annually
    
    
    • San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif.: $1.2 million, up 21.8%
    
    
    • Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif.: $1 million, up 14.3%
    
    
    • Urban Honolulu, Hawaii: $940,400, up 19.2%
    
    
    • San Diego-Carlsbad, Calif.: $763,500, up 14%
    
    
    • Boulder, Colo.: $726,600, up 16.7%
    
    
    • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif.: $682,400, up 15.1%
    
    
    • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Wash.: $653,400, up 17.9%
    
    
    • Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Fla.: $599,500, up 24.9%
    
    
    • Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y.: $598,600, up 22.7%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

 

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

Weekend Happenings in 772

Drive-Thru Tree Giveaway!

Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful

Date: Saturday May 15, 2021

Time: 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Location: Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful

Address: Public Works Facility, 450 SW Thornhill Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34984

Price: FREE

Category: Educational

The City will give away an assorted variety of trees that are native to Florida. The KPSLB Committee hopes to protect native plants for future generations and encourage public awareness about the need to maintain Port St. Lucie’s natural beauty. This event is a vehicle drive thru. Trees will be placed into resident vehicles by City staff members. NO WALK-UPS WILL BE ALLOWED. Trees are given away on a first-come, first-served basis to City of Port St. Lucie resident (ID’S REQUIRED), WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Event ends when supply of trees run out.

http://https://www.cityofpsl.com/government/departments/public-works/keep-port-st-lucie-beautiful

Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful

 

Farmers Market and Craft Show at the Fort Pierce Marina

St. Lucie County

Date: Event occurs every Saturday of every month.

Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Downtown Fort Pierce

Address: 1 Avenue A – Fort Pierce

Category: Other

Come enjoy the extraordinary Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers’ Market where there are over 70 friendly vendors that offer a wonderful and diverse selection of delicious foods, exotic plants, savory spices, and much much more!

For More Information

 

Vero Beach Seafood Festival

Indian River County

Date: Saturday May 15, 2021 through Sunday May 16, 2021.

Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Location: Indian River County

Address: , , FL,

Price: Free Admission

Category: Festival

Festival featuring lots of delicious seafood and landlubber foods, tasty cocktails, live music, arts and crafts and nautical themed vendors, a kids zone, pirates, mermaids and more

Saturday 10am – 6pm

Sunday 10am-5pm

Free admission

Free parking

Vero Beach Seafood Festival

 

Beer, Bands, Bites, & Biz Festival!

St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce

Date: Saturday May 15, 2021

Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce

Address: 2937 W. Midway Road, Fort Pierce, FL, 34981

Price: $20 Pre-Sale / $25 at Event

Category: Festival

Presented by Boyd Law – Treasure Coast Law Office:

Beer, Bands, Bites, & Business Festival!

Saturday, May 15th from 1-5 p.m. at Causeway Cove MarinaCraft Beer | Live Music | Great Food | Local Business

$5 Admission, $20 Pre-Sale Beer Wristbands, $25 at event

Purchase HERE: https://stluciechamber.org/event/beer-bands-bites-business-festival/

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE HERE: https://stluciechamber.org/event/beer-bands-bites-business-festival/

This event will benefit the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce’s mission to help local businesses prosper through advocacy, education, and exposure and the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Foundation which continues to annually, for the past 36 years, award 15 scholarships through our Young Floridian Scholarship Program as well as our Leadership St. Lucie program to help develop future community leaders. The St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce and Foundation are not subsidized organizations and are a 501c6 and 501c3.

https://stluciechamber.org/event/beer-bands-bites-business-festival/

 

Spring Orchestra concert fundraiser

Indian River County

Date: Sunday May 16, 2021

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: Indian River County

Address: , , FL,

Price: free, $10 donation suggested

Category: Concert / Live Music

The First Presbyterian Youth String Orchestra will present a Spring Concert on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 4:00pm in the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach. Admission is free; donations will be accepted during the performance and also online via the churchs website. The suggested donation per person is $10. Masks and social distancing will be required, and the sanctuary seating is limited to the first 150 people.

During the Spring of 2020, Director of Music and Arts at the church, Dr. Jacob Craig, was approached by a patron of the Aspen Music Festival who just so happens to be a part time resident of Vero Beach and attendee at First Presbyterian. She graciously invited the group to attend the prestigious festival for Summer 2021 and, without any hesitation from Dr. Craig, the invitation was happily accepted. The group will travel to Denver on July 31, 2021, where they will pick up their rented larger instruments and head to Aspen for four days of performing and master classes from world-renowned musicians and educators. Following their educational experience in Aspen, the group will make their way through the mountains back to Denver. On the way, this group of young Floridians will have ample opportunities to experience the wonder and beauty of the Rocky Mountains through hiking, whitewater rafting, visiting historical mining towns, and even a chance to explore the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

The Spring Concert on May 16th will serve as a fundraising event to help offset the costs of the trip from Vero Beach to Aspen, Colorado. Musical selections they have chosen for this performance are: Benjamin Brittens Young Apollo, Opus 16, for piano, string quartet, and String Orchestra featuring Becca Harrison, the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto, Mvt. I, featuring Evan Robinet, Metamorphosen for 23 Strings by Strauss, and a piece entitled Orawa by Polish classical and film composer Wojciech Kilar. All funds raised from the concert will go directly toward trip costs. Donations will be accepted via a bucket upon entering the sanctuary, or, concertgoers may choose to watch the performance via livestream on the churchs website, www.firstpresvero.org, and also donate via the Giving section on their website. If donating online, please choose all other gifts in the dropdown and write String Orchestra in the memo section.

The FPC Orchestra performs during services on Sundays at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach. During special performances, the String Orchestra is joined by professional wind and percussion musicians from throughout the Treasure Coast.

For more information, please contact Ginger Lagemann, Music and Arts Administrator, at (772) 562-9088 or ginger@firstpresvero.org.

http://www.firstpresvero.org/events

The Ultimate Smart Home Office

What better time to upgrade to a smart home office that meets your needs? Here are four products that will improve your ability to work from home.

 

You’re likely spending most of your time working from home. But your home office or workstation might not be fully equipped to handle how you’re selling real estate in today’s world. Now is the perfect time to set up a workspace with smart technology that will help you work more efficiently while you continue to serve buyers and sellers.

1. Lights

Your body’s sleep-wake schedule is controlled by your circadian rhythm. Smart bulbs, such as C by GE, can adjust the temperature of the bulbs from warm yellow glow to a bright blue-white light, allowing you to stay focused during the day and wind down during the evening. Since the C by GE smart bulbs need constant power to stay connected, they can be paired with C by GE smart switches for wall control or adjusted through the product app on your smartphone or your favorite voice assistant.

Knowing what’s available in smart-home technology is a value-add for agents selling new and existing homes. Check out more articles from my Ultimate Smart Home series.

• 
  
  
  
  • Kitchens
  
  
  • Bedrooms
  
  
  • Controls
  
  
  • Locks
  
  
  • 5 Devices That Save Money
  
  
  • Smart-Home Technology for Aging in Place
  
  
  • DIY Home Security Systems and Sensors
  
  
  • Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras
  
  
  • New Construction
  
  
  • On a Budget
  
  
  • Bathroom Tech
  
  
  • Video Doorbell Showdown
  
  
  • DIY vs. Professional Install
  
  
  
  

2. Desk

According to Healthline, people who sit for long periods of time every day have an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. An adjustable sit-stand desk, such as the Airlift from Seville Classics, encourages you to stand—which, along with its health benefits, is said to increase productivity and makes you look better on video. The Airlift electric desk features a sleek modern design with a glass top surface and convenient USB ports located on the front of the desk that allow you to charge your devices. It’s easy to assemble, and memory settings make it easy to create healthy habits of standing while you work.

3. Webcam

Whether you’re on yet another Zoom call or sending a personalized video to a client via BombBomb, it’s important to have a nice webcam. You can pick up an affordable full HD camera that clips right onto your monitor for only $50 to $100—Logitech is a great brand with a few different options. You also want to make sure you have good sound quality. You can either use the same earbuds you use for your smartphone or, for a more professional sound, consider a USB or 3.5 mm microphone that plugs into your computer. For more tips on how to set up for producing professional-quality videos at home, be sure to check out Rehumanize Your Business (Wiley, 2019) by Ethan Beute and Stephen Pacinelli.

4. Multiuse charger

Working all day tends to drain your batteries—literally. Lumicharge is an LED desk lamp, wireless phone charger, and speaker all in one. The cell phone dock makes it easy to keep an eye out for messages while charging. The dimmable display can show your calendar or the time and temperature, and the speaker can be paired with your favorite voice assistant.

 

Brandon Doyle Brandon Doyle, ABR, e-PRO, is a second-generation real estate pro with RE/MAX Results in the Twin Cities. He is also coauthor of the book M3—Mindset, Methods & Metrics: Winning as a Modern Real Estate Agent. Learn more about Doyle at www.doylerealestateteam.com.

7 in 10 Americans Agree That 2020 Made Them a Better Person – Here’s How

According to a new survey, 74% of Americans say 2020 has made them more aware of the needs of others—and more selfless than ever before.

A poll of 2,005 Americans revealed that since March 2020, people are more often embracing the idea of neighborly love. Some examples include:

87% of Americans have donated a portion of their paycheck, even though three in five experienced financial difficulties.

41% have helped a stranger across the street. 38% have gone out of their way to take out their neighbor’s trash, and 31% have walked their neighbor’s dog.

And, for those who live in snowy climates, one-third have shoveled out a neighbor’s car in the past year.

In general, seventy-two percent said they found themselves caring about the health and well-being of others significantly more in the past year.

41% have helped a stranger across the street. 38% have gone out of their way to take out their neighbor’s trash, and 31% have walked their neighbor’s dog.

And, for those who live in snowy climates, one-third have shoveled out a neighbor’s car in the past year.

In general, seventy-two percent said they found themselves caring about the health and well-being of others significantly more in the past year.

“This study validates what we’ve been hearing from our employees and charitable partners: people are looking to better the lives of others and their communities because they envision a greater purpose after such a devastating year.”

Ultimately, while 2020 has been a difficult year for many, it’s heartening to hear that the experience has made a large majority a better person overall.

SPREAD Some Positivity By Sharing the Survey on Social Media…

 

Original Article Link

Flying Through Your Listings

Want to enhance your online walkthroughs? Learn how to prepare a property for an indoor drone tour.

 

The pandemic popularized virtual home tours, and some real estate professionals turned to drones as a coronavirus-safe method of capturing video indoors. Client interest in these polished video walkthroughs is expected to remain high. When deciding whether hiring a drone video service makes sense for your listings, it’s useful to weigh a variety of factors.

At typically $500 to $1,500 per drone session (including video production), you’ll want to assess which properties show best with this marketing treatment. If you go forward, make sure you can clear a safe path through the home for the drone. You also should hire an experienced drone operator who can maneuver indoor space constraints. Avoiding damage to the home is paramount.

Why consider an indoor drone tour? It may appeal to sellers who are leery of a high volume of foot traffic as the pandemic persists. It also helps buyers reduce the number of homes they physically visit. Though properties listed with drone tours tend to draw fewer in-person walkthroughs, Ryan Young, leader of The Young Team at Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan in Cleveland, says buyers who do visit are offer-ready and have a good sense of how well the home meets their needs. The result has been that “they sell faster and for more because the buyer had a truer representation of the property” from the drone tour, Young says.

Showcase the Right Properties

Indoor drone tours work best for homes with dramatic features, such as cathedral ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, or large doors that open to impressive outdoor vistas. “When you do a drone tour, it’s more for the ‘sizzle’ of the property,” says Thomas Wasinski, owner of Cleveland-based drone company Aerial Agents.

Waterfront properties or homes with dramatic views also are good candidates for indoor—and out-door—drone photography, says Wendy Alper, a sales associate with Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, N.Y. Alper has used indoor drone tours for upscale listings in the million-dollar range and above, spotlighting such features as palatial spiral staircases and an indoor basketball court. For properties with large yards and impressive outdoor features, she combines exterior and interior drone footage for virtual tours.

But there’s reason to consider an indoor drone tour even for homes that aren’t aesthetically distinctive. Kara Keller, an associate broker with Baird & Warner in Oak Park, Ill., says she’s used indoor drone tours to help condo listings stand out. The tours offer unique views and seamless walkthrough experiences not available for similar condo listings. Zach Dulla, CEO of Chicago-area real estate video company Indoor Drone Tours, says he has real estate pros who hire him to produce drone footage for homes selling for as little as $250,000.

Find the Right Vendor

Choose a drone operator with the appropriate equipment for an indoor tour. Indoor spaces require smaller drones that can maneuver in confined areas. (Indoor Drone Tours uses custom-built drones the size of a person’s hand.) The smaller the drone, the easier it is to control and the less likely it will be to cause damage. Be sure the vendor uses guards on the drone’s propellers, and ask about how their pilots are trained. Someone with experience flying outside may not know how to adjust for being indoors.

Discuss with your vendor what you want the video to look like: Will it be a continuous, one-shot fly-through of the home, or will it highlight features in each room? Will you use background music, or do you want to narrate the tour? Also, be sure the vendor can edit your tour for different lengths. A one-minute video is sufficient for social media, but you will likely want longer versions for your YouTube channel and the property listing site.

Clear the Way

For the most part, you’ll stage a home for an indoor drone tour as you would for a traditional photo shoot—but with a few added touches. Secure any hanging cords from ceiling fans, overhead light fixtures, or blinds so they don’t get entangled with the drone’s propellers. Make sure all interior doors are open, especially shallow closets or small storage spaces the drone can’t fit into.

Get as much light as possible into the home. Turn on all interior lights, and bring in natural light by opening blinds and shades. Good lighting is key to a good video. Some operators may bring in lighting for particularly dark rooms. “Everything has to be perfectly set,” Keller says.

Thanks to the hyper-evolution of technology during the pandemic, consumers now expect dynamic, detailed home tours online. You may soon find that indoor drone tours are a helpful part of your marketing toolkit. Potential buyers gain the feeling of being inside a home and seeing it from angles conventional photographers can’t easily reach. Because drone tours aren’t yet commonplace, they also can convey a sense of exclusivity around a property.

“The more information you can get people, the more they get excited and the more committed they are” to buying, Young says.

 

John N. Frank John N. Frank is former managing editor for REALTOR^® Magazine.

4 Easy Ways to Light Up Your Listings

Home stagers show how lighting can improve a home’s presentation for showings and online photos.

Lighting matters for making strong impressions. In a 2020 survey of 1,000 real estate professionals conducted by HomeLight, a real estate referral company, 45% of respondents said a home with outdated light fixtures can be a big turnoff to potential buyers. Decorative light fixtures—often referred to as the “jewelry” of home design—and natural light can instantly change the feel and look of a space.

Home stagers offer up four ways to help find the right light for your properties.

1. Swap out dated light fixtures. Decorative lighting that makes an artistic, sculptural statement is a growing trend in home design. Bell says popular fixtures for chandeliers or pendants include geometric or ball-clustered shapes, spiral chandeliers, and gridded honeycomb compositions. Many of these fixtures are in gold and brass metals to make them a room’s focal point, says home stager Krisztina Bell, founder of No Vacancy Inc. and Virtually Staging Properties Inc. in Atlanta. “Builders, flippers, and investors are renovating and updating homes to impress potential buyers, and lighting is one of the features they’re going all out on to really make a statement,” Bell says.

2. Filter in natural light. Dated window treatments—like valances, drapes, and curtains—not only block natural light but also risk making your sellers’ home look outdated, said nearly half of real estate pros in HomeLight’s survey. “Let as much daylight into the room as possible,” says Audra Slinkey, president and founder of Home Staging Resource, a training center for the staging industry. “Usually this is best done by removing dated window coverings and trimming back greenery on the outside.”

 

 

Overgrown shrubbery can also block light and any picturesque views. Bell says her team of stagers often recommends removing drapes and opening blinds—and pulling them all the way up—to expose windows. This creates “less distraction so buyers focus on seeing themselves living in a home, not observing the purple curtains or heavy traditional gold draperies left behind,” Bell says. “Ensure the sun’s rays are flooding into the property as much as possible.”

3. Use softer bulbs. Swap out high-intensity lightbulbs for warm or soft white ones with a lower Kelvin rating, Slinkey suggests. “The best lightbulbs to purchase for lamps are LEDs with Kelvins at 2700 to 3500 tops,” Slinkey says. “They give the most flattering light to a living space.” Keep all the lightbulbs at the same wattage. “Consistency is key in good lighting, especially for taking photos of a staged home,” Bell adds. “A mix of cool and warm tones can make it challenging for photographers to get that perfect shot.”

4. Layer in the lights. Don’t rely solely on overhead fixtures to light up spaces. “Stagers often will layer the lighting with at least two table lamps and possibly a floor lamp, depending on the size of the room,” Slinkey says.

Using lamps for uplighting against a wall can make a room feel taller. Height and scale matter, too.

To layer lighting near a standard-sized sofa and side table, Slinkey suggests that the combined height of the table and lamp should be 58 to 66 inches. “In a room where people are moving around, it prevents them from having to look into the bulb from either a seated or standing position,” Slinkey explains.

And lighting that sits too high can appear disconnected from the sofa or other adjacent seating.

Dimming can also help highlight certain room features. A dining room becomes more dramatic if there is lower light on the periphery and brighter light on the table, especially if the light is showing off crystal and silver on the table, says Al DeGenova, a longtime lighting industry marketing executive.

Bulbs and windows aren’t the only light sources at your disposal—reflective objects such as mirrors can work, too. “Mirrors can be placed opposite a window, over a fireplace, or near a lamp to reflect the ambient light in the room and have a multiplying effect,” Bell says. Plus, “oversized mirrors that lean against a wall can help a room appear larger.”

 

 

See Getting the Right Light to better understand the variety of lightbulbs available today and how to chose the right ones for a home.

Melissa Dittmann Tracey  Contributing Editor – Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine. She can be reached at mtracey@nar.realtor. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @housingmuse