Free Interior Design. Yes, Free.

Photo Credit: robbstucky.com

Many first-time homebuyers  have taken advantage of the first-time homebuyers tax credit to purchase the home of their dreams. Yet once they are settled into their new home, it becomes quite a task to decorate it as they dreamed of. Often people think that they cannot afford the assistance of a professional interior decorator, especially after spending much time, effort, and thousands of dollars on a home purchase. What many do not know, is that there are many local resources to help, often at little or no charge.

Whether you are looking to redesign your entire home, or are just looking for the right lighting solution for a dark corner, let one of the talented experts at Robb & Stucky be your partner in design inspiration. Robb & Stucky offers you a personalized design consultation at no cost.

Also, Pottery Barn has a host of services to assist in creating your home design. Their services range from online help, interior design consultations with their design studio specialists, and with the variety of complimentary decorating classes held in-store.

If you are local in Las Vegas, find more details in my Examiner.com article.

Take a moment and check out these local resources. You will be amazed at the quality of service your receive without spending a fortune. Plus, you can’t beat free.
 

Made in the Shade: Updating Your Outdoor Space

Spring is house hunting season, and if you are in the market to sell don’t forget some prime real estate within your home– your outdoor space. 

Now is a great time to appeal to a buyer’s outdoor sensibilities by staging your outdoor space.  Staging a dining area or casual conversation area is always a good idea, and don’t forget one essential component, shade!

This does not mean that you must contract to build a patio cover if you don’t already have one.  There are many cost effective alternatives to creating a cool, creative outdoor space.  One of my favorites is using a market umbrella.  A market umbrella easily transforms any space into an upscale look, such as those found in exclusive hotels and restaurant patio dining areas.  Market umbrellas also come in a variety of different colors which appeals to a broad audience, from conservative neutrals to bright pops of color.

With these choices, you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg:

Pottery Barn has market umbrellas priced from $99.

Wal-Mart has some, too, and with this chic Delahey Coastal Blue model at $49, you’ll have more room in the budget for other accessories!

Cost Plus World Market has some smart looking umbrellas that will certainly bring life back into your outdoor space.  One of my favorites is this Embroidered Umbrella at$129, beautiful!

It’s April 15, You Know What That Means

No not that. (Besides, you’ve had your taxes done long before today, right?)

Your 15 days starts…now. 

Ready, set, go buy home!

If  have your paperwork done by April 30 and can close by June 30, and you qualify, you’ll could eventually pocket up to $8,000 for a first-time home buyer tax credit or $6,500 for a long-term homeowner tax credit.

For those in the market for a new build, home builder Lennar has 90 move-in ready homes available that will meet the tax credit deadline at several of its new-home communities in the Las Vegas area.  Definitely worth checking out, and a tax credit is not bad either!