DIY Flooring Installation

Installing a new floor is a great way to liven up your house. Before you change your floor, however, you need to decide what type of flooring is best suited to your budget and lifestyle. Hardwood floors are a classic choice, while many homeowners prefer the ease of tile or the affordability of laminate flooring. While some floors can be installed by an inexperienced homeowner, other floor types require the services of a professional or an experienced handyman.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors have always been a popular choice. Beautiful, traditional wood floors can last a lifetime if properly maintained and, because hardwood floors are more hygienic than carpet, they are a good choice for people with allergies. The National Wood Flooring Association, points out that wood is:

Low-maintenance

Renewable

Recyclable

Varied

Enduring

Hardwood floor types can be new or salvaged and might be smooth, distressed, or hand-scraped for an antique look. Stains give you a variety of color choices, even allowing oak to masquerade as rare exotic lumber. Research all your options before investing in a hardwood floor, as each of the many choices offers advantages of its own.

Maintaining Hardwood Floors

Prefinished hardwood flooring can be expensive, but it is easy to maintain. To keep your hardwood floor looking its best, you should put down area rugs in places that get a lot of foot traffic. You should also damp mop your floor frequently to remove dust and dirt. If your hardwood floors get a few minor scratches, you can repair them with a touch-up stick. Solid hardwood floors can be refinished if they have a lot of scuffmarks, which is one advantage over other products like laminate flooring.

Installing Hardwood Flooring

If you have never installed any type of flooring, you might want to hire a professional to lay your hardwood floors. Get an estimate, ask for references and never pay for the entire job upfront. If you do decide to do it yourself, do your homework because installing flooring can be tricky. The following tools are needed for installing hardwood floors:

Circular saw

Measuring tape

Nail gun or hammer

Table saw

T-square

Floor sealant

Nails

Safety glasses

According to Steve Seabaugh, director of technical education for the NWFA, installers of wood floors must take care to:

Check the subfloor for flatness.

Avoid laying over particleboard, which does not hold nails well.

Acclimatize wood to the space in which it will be installed.

Laying hardwood floors takes time, and this last step adds several days to your project calendar. The flooring should sit in your home for at least 48 hours before installation in order to expose it to the room's environment. This allows it to expand or contract according to the temperature and humidity of the room. If this takes place after the floor is laid, you'll wind up with shifting boards and uneven flooring. In addition to this brief period of acclimatization, plan to spend at least a few full days installing hardwood floors, depending on the size of your home.

Quick-Growing Alternatives to Hardwoods

Some homeowners choose cork or bamboo floors as an alternative to hardwood. These faster-growing products can be "green" in more ways than one - gentle on the planet and on your wallet. Prefinished bamboo is made from a grass and performs much like hardwood when it's used as flooring. Cork is a wood-bark product that can also make an attractive floor. According to BuildGreen's independently publishedEnvironmental Building News, the most eco-friendly bamboo floors are those with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.

Tile Flooring

Tile is another beautiful choice and a great option for DIY flooring. The price of tile varies greatly because there are so many choices, from ceramics and terra-cotta to marble and slate. Regardless of the price, tile is extremely durable and will last for decades with proper care.

Before installing new floors, you should first learn as much as you can about how to tile. Many hardware stores and home centers offer classes in tiling. You can also hire a professional to install your tile floor, but this will greatly increase the price of your total flooring expenses.

When you do undertake a tiling job, be sure you already understand the process. You'll need to be sure your subfloor is suitable and then create a level bed of mortar. Tiles will be set according to a careful plan, with room left between for grout. After the mortar has set, you'll fill the gaps with grout, carefully wiping the surface of the tiles as you go. Finally, a week or more later, you'll seal the grout to protect it from stains.

Tile-Laying Supplies

The basic supplies for laying tile include:

Grout floats

Mortar trowels

Sponges

Tile cutters

Tile grout, mortar, and sealant

Tile saw

Tape measure

Pencil

Level

Rags and a sponge

Installing tile flooring will take time, as grout and mortar take several days to dry. You should expect to get your hands dirty during this process, but the end result will be one of the most easily maintained flooring options out there.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is made from a synthetic material that looks like hardwood or tile. Laminate flooring is a great choice for anyone who wants the look of hardwood or tile but doesn't have a big budget to work with. Laminate flooring is usually less than half the cost of hardwood floors.

Another advantage of laminate flooring is that almost anyone can install it. For most types of laminate flooring, the manufacturer's instructions are easy to follow and the pieces snap into place for "lock and click" installation. According to the North American Laminate Flooring Association, glue and fasteners are usually not required. Durability and affordability are listed by NALFA alongside ease of installation as reasons to consider a laminate floor.

Eco-friendly Laminates

Environmental concerns can sway consumers towards laminates, too. A product with NALFA's green seal will have the following features, according to the association's website:

Natural ingredients such as wood chips

Recyclability

Low emissions

Recycled content

No VOC-producing installation adhesives

Easy to Buy, Install and Maintain

Caring for and maintaining laminate floors is very easy - simply sweep or wet-mop regularly. With excellent care, laminate floors can last up to 20 years. The time and skill required to install a laminate floor are relatively low, making this a popular choice for first-time DIY floor installations.

A Floor for Every Lifestyle

Whether you choose easy laminates, classic hardwoods, or beautiful tile, your floor will help define your home's personality. By matching your budget, taste, and skill to the best product for you, you can find a DIY flooring solution that will make your home more comfortable, beautiful, and valuable.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. Contact Katie Oakes for more information about buying or selling your home in the Wheaton/Winfield area or simply visit Wheaton Homes For Sale online to start your search now!

Tips For Buying a Foreclosed Home

Homebuyers in the market for a deal on their dream home need two things: lots of patience and the stomach to do battle with investors. Any home that is in a decent area and priced right is facing keen competition in today's market. Homebuyers in the market for a foreclosure need those qualities tenfold. Buying a foreclosure is a lengthy process, and, although most investors prefer pre-foreclosure sales and auctions, you will face your share of competition for bank-owned homes. Let's take a look at some foreclosure-buying options and how to participate.

Buying a Foreclosure at Auction

• Homes that are sold at auction, typically carried out at the county courthouse, are those that homeowners have lost because they failed to bring the mortgage current during the reinstatement period.

• The lender's representative, known as the trustee, will be on hand to receive the money from the winning bidder, if there is one. The opening bid is typically equal to the loan balance, trustee's fees, accrued interest and other costs incurred by the lender during the foreclosure process.

• Can you get a bargain at auction? That depends on how much the homeowner owed before defaulting on the loan. The opening bid must be met or the trustee purchases the property and it then becomes an REO, or "real estate owned" by the lender.

• You may have seen foreclosure auction shows on TV. If so, you know it isn't the place for a novice to get a good deal. Most of the bidders are highly experienced flippers and investors offering up fierce competition.

• You will also not be able to view the inside of the home or perform inspections. Plus, if you're the winning bidder, you may have to evict the current occupants. Depending on the state in which you live, eviction may be costly and time-consuming.

• Finally, many foreclosures have additional liens against them, which you will take on if you purchase the property. Recorded liens are public information; you can search for them at the county clerk's office, the county recorder or the assessor's office. But not all liens are recorded.

• One way to ensure you're protected is by purchasing an owner's title insurance policy.

Buying an REO

• Purchasing a bank-owned property is much easier than buying a home at auction and much like a conventional purchase.

• You'll need a loan preapproval letter from your lender, unless you're paying cash, and the services of a real estate agent.

• Most REO properties are vacant and somewhat cleaned up. Although the bank won't supply you with property disclosures as sellers in a conventional transaction are required to, you will be allowed time for inspections.

• Many experienced REO buyers perform extreme due diligence, such as checking the city planning office for permits that may be on file for any work the previous owner performed. Have anything that looks the slightest bit suspicious inspected, from the roof to the foundation.

• Your buyer's agent should be able to assist you in learning as much as possible about the home's history. And, since real estate brokers are required to hold on to transaction files for a number of years (varying according to state), if the home sold in the past few years, your agent may be able to track down a past disclosure.

• Banks typically don't pay for repairs to the property and other transaction fees, so you'll need to take on those expenses. Ultimately, although it may seem that you're getting a bargain-priced home, once all is said and done, it may be worth it to purchase another home in better condition.

Contact Katie Oakes to start your home search today or to learn more about the process of purchasing a foreclosed home. All information and services are provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. Servicing Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Winfield and the greater DuPage County area with over 130 million in closed sales volume.

The Advantages of Getting a Mortgage Preapproval

The homebuying process can be exciting, but also stressful. When there are a large number of buyers in the market for real estate, the odds of being able to purchase your desired home can be low. However, getting a mortgage preapproval prior to home shopping can dramatically increase the odds of success. 

Make Mortgage Preapproval Your First Step

A mortgage preapproval should be a homebuyer's first step when purchasing a home. A borrower can choose to meet with a lender or get an initial preapproval via the Internet. The preapproval process is similar to the actual mortgage process and will, in fact, eliminate a lot of time after a home has been chosen.

When obtaining a mortgage preapproval, the borrower will complete a mortgage application and submit the necessary documentation to the lender. The lender will pull a credit report and examine the borrower's credit.

Based on all of this information, the lender will determine the amount of funds that the borrower qualifies for. The borrower will receive a Conditional Commitment, which states the amount of funds that the lender agrees to lend provided that the conditions are met. While a preapproval is an important first step, it is not the final mortgage approval.

Impress Homesellers With Your Mortgage Preapproval

One of the advantages of having a preapproval is that this letter can be shown to real estate agents and sellers when looking for a home. By doing so, both the agent and the seller know that the borrower can qualify for a certain amount of funds. It is proof of the borrower's financial standing and ability to proceed with the home purchase.

Another advantage is that some of the work that is involved in obtaining a mortgage is already done. The lender has already examined the borrower's financial situation, including credit, income and assets. During the preapproval process, the lender will also discuss the most appropriate type of mortgage program that fits the borrower's needs, whether it is a conventional loan or a government loan.

This is significant because not all sellers will accept a buyer who is using a government loan. Knowing the details of what type of loan is appropriate for the borrower, the agent can then show them homes that will fit their preapproval both for cost and type of funding.

How Mortgage Preapproval is Determined

The preapproval is determined by putting the information given to the lender through automated underwriting. In most cases, the preliminary loan file goes through a preprocessing before the preapproval is given to the borrower. Since there is an actual examination of the borrower's documentation, the borrower will also receive a list of additional information that may be needed. The borrower can then submit this information while shopping for a home.

Once a home is found and the sales contract is signed, processing the loan is faster since most of the work for the credit file has been done. The final process involves verifications, ordering and receiving the appraisal, ordering title documents, obtaining insurance, etc. The final underwriting is the last step before the loan file is sent for closing.

The preapproval process is an important part of a home purchase. Since there is a lot of information involved in obtaining a mortgage, it eliminates many last minute problems that can arise. Obtaining a mortgage preapproval helps the home purchase process go smoothly.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. 

To start your home search now or for local lender recommendations contact Katie Oakes directly!

Just Listed 1618 E. Geneva Road in Wheaton

1618 E. GENEVA ROAD IN WHEATON, IL

This well maintained property oozes warmth and distinction.  The circle drive here provides easy access on and off Geneva Road. Pull up and make yourself at home in this spacious two story home with a full basement. Abundant storage throughout this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home. Enjoy the cozy fireplace in the living room. So many updates done here in the past 5 years including new garage doors, freshly painted living room and dining room, new roof, new air conditioner, new water heater, and new washer/dryer. Don't miss the bonus sitting room in the master bedroom or the 2 car attached garage AND 2 car detached garage in the extensive backyard space! Wheaton address with Glen Ellyn schools. All that's left to do is update the cosmetics - make this your new home!

Backyard & Bonus Detached Garage

Please contact Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group to set up an appointment to view this home or for more information about this home or others like it. The Champagne Group will be holding an open house for 1618 E. Geneva Road in Wheaton on August 18 from 1-3pm.

Formal Living Room

This home is offered for sale by The Champagne Group with Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn. The Champagne Group has consistently ranked in the top 1% of all DuPage County brokers and has sold over 65 properties in 2013 alone. The Champagne Group is your go to brokerage team for Glen Ellyn and Wheaton homes for sale. Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com now to start your free property search or to learn more about The Champagne Group.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a House

Lucky is the homeowner who has experience with selling a home. First-time sellers have a steep learning curve ahead of them and many obstacles on the road to a successful sale. Although common with first-time sellers, some of these obstacles aren't obvious.

1. Not Preparing the Home for Sale

"Dress your house for success," is probably the best advice for home sellers. Just as you wouldn't attempt to get top dollar for a car without cleaning the interior and detailing the exterior, so it goes with the sale of your home.

Cleaning the house is the first step because, face it, nobody will buy a dirty house. But, here's incentive for you to put on the rubber gloves and drag out the cleaning supplies: Clean houses sell quicker and for more money.

According to a recent survey, commissioned by one of the big real estate companies, a $402 investment in cleaning and decluttering a home realizes a 403 percent return on investment. That is a whopping $2,024 in your pocket at the closing table.

As impatient as you are to move on to the next phase of your life, it is vitally important to get the cleaning, painting, repairs and staging done before the house goes on the market.

2. Not Pricing the Home Realistically

The first few weeks that your house is in the local Multiple Listing Service database are known as the "honeymoon period." This is the time when it will get the most traffic. All the traffic in the world, however, won't compensate for a too-high price.

Buyers aren't ignorant and neither are their real estate agents. They are well aware of current market values in the areas they are searching and will know that your home is overpriced. In the meantime, you've wasted the honeymoon period. By the time you lower the price, agents and buyers will think there is something wrong with the house.

3. Not Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Yes, you will pay a real estate fee when the home sells. The flip side to hiring an agent is going it alone. If this is your first time selling a home, that would be a huge mistake.

First, unless you are a lawyer, how will you know how to protect your interests during the process? How will you understand the contracts and which ones to use when? Then, consider the negotiating process. Without an agent to advise you or to negotiate for you, you may make costly mistakes.

Finally, a 2008 Stanford University study showed that "the use of a broker increases the probability of a sale during the first month on the market by nearly 25 percent."  In other words, homes sold by owners remain on the market significantly longer than those sold by real estate agents.

4. Trying to Hide Problems

Full disclosure of everything you know about the property is not only the law, but it protects you as well.

Home sellers are legally required to disclose anything that affects the home's desirability or value. This doesn't mean just the big stuff, but neighborhood nuisances such as the weekly parties the college kids next door hold or the yappy dog that keeps you up at night.

A buyer can sue you in a court of law when the defect is discovered if you didn't disclose it, in writing.

Remember, you are only required to disclose issues that you know about. There is no need to hire an inspector to learn if the house has defects you don't know about. That is the buyer's responsibility.

5. Letting the Ducks Run Wild

Many first-time sellers are also purchasing another home. Trying to juggle two real estate transactions is challenging, and it's easy to let some of the details fall through the cracks. When that happens, though, you risk derailing either - or even both - of the transactions.

Line up all the stray ducks early in the process. Get your financing for the new home under way, and respond to the lender's requests in a timely fashion. Check your current mortgage for prepayment penalties. In the case of a short sale, determine if there is a second lender. This is important information for your real estate agent.

6. Being Inflexible

Buyers look at houses when it is convenient for them, not for you. Many look at homes after work or on weekends - busy times for most families. It's important to try to accommodate showings, even if it's inconvenient for you.

You never know, these may be the buyers who fall in love with the home. It's important to understand, and let your family understand, that, although the situation is uncomfortable, it's only temporary.

7. Not Checking With Your Homeowner's Insurance Agent

There will hopefully be a lot of people coming through your house and wandering around the property. Find out if your insurance covers slips and falls or anything else that might happen to a buyer while touring your property.

Take the time to walk around the property to find any hazards that exist. Cover the pool during showings and remove pets.

With the right real estate agent you'll avoid most of these mistakes, experience a smooth transaction, and soon be on the road to your new life.

Please contact Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group to set up an appointment to view this home or for more information about this home or others like it.

This home is offered for sale by The Champagne Group with Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn. The Champagne Group has consistently ranked in the top 1% of all DuPage County brokers and has sold over 65 properties in 2013 alone. The Champagne Group is your go to brokerage team for Glen Ellyn and Wheaton homes for sale. Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com now to start your free property search or to learn more about The Champagne Group.

Just Listed 261 S. Ellyn in Glen Ellyn

261 S. ELLYN AVENUE IN GLEN ELLYN

Calling all investors who are looking to flip and turn a quick profit or home owners looking to create instant equity in their home! Contact The Champagne Group now to setup a showing for this home, it will not last long!

The wonderful tri-level is priced-to-sell with tons of space. This freshly painted home features hardwood floors, a master bathroom, extensive yard, an over-sized garage and a cozy family room complete with a fireplace. The large utility room in the lower level holds the laundry room and offers exterior access. New items include siding, windows and carpeting in family room. Don't miss the great location close to shopping, golf, parks and schools.

Please contact Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group to set up an appointment to view this home or for more information about this home or others like it.

This home is offered for sale by The Champagne Group with Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn. The Champagne Group has consistently ranked in the top 1% of all DuPage County brokers and has sold over 65 properties in 2013 alone. The Champagne Group is your go to brokerage team for Glen Ellyn and Wheaton homes for sale. Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com now to start your free property search or to learn more about The Champagne Group.

Just Listed: Charming Home For Sale in Glen Ellyn

324 BRANDON AVENUE IN GLEN ELLYN

Check out this in-town Glen Ellyn home that is sure to charm even the pickiest of buyers. This lovely red brick Dutch Colonial house offers ageless character and warmth alongside all the modern amenities you need. Recent upgrades include but are not limited to the fully finished basement, a total kitchen remodel, central A/C, hot water heater, boiler, landscaping and a new washer/dryer set. Relax by the fire in the spacious living room or take in the outdoors in your very own screened in porch. Don't miss the walk to train, town, and schools location. This home is a must see!

Please contact Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group to set up an appointment to view this home or for more information about this home or others like it.

This home is offered for sale by The Champagne Group with Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn. The Champagne Group has consistently ranked in the top 1% of all DuPage County brokers and has sold over 65 properties in 2013 alone. The Champagne Group is your go to brokerage team for Glen Ellyn and Wheaton homes for sale. Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com now to start your free property search or to learn more about The Champagne Group.

How to Hold the Perfect Garage Sale

When you need to either store or get rid of a lot of "stuff" to make your house look its best while on the market, holding a garage sale may be the ideal solution. Not only will your current house stage easier, but you will lighten the load of what needs to be moved to the new home - and make money in the process.

To be successful, a garage sale requires some planning and preparation. In fact, planning the sale may be the key to its success.

Planning the Garage Sale

I once knew a real estate agent who was so excited over her first listing that she planned to hold an open house the weekend after the home went on the market. She did no advanced planning – just chose the date. Nobody showed up at the open house – not even one person. It turns out that she was holding her open house on Super Bowl Sunday and the local team happened to be one of the teams playing.

When you settle on a date for the sale, dig out the local TV listings to ensure that there isn't a major sporting event that will be televised on that day. Also make sure there isn't a local event, such as a popular festival or parade. Although there are a lot of die-hard garage sale fans, even they will skip a sale if there's something else competing for their attention.

The Yard Sale Queen suggests that if you have a major corporation in your area, find out when the employees get paid and hold your sale the weekend after payday.

Here are a few other things to consider during the planning stage:

• Have everything ready the night before the sale so that you're not running around in the morning.

• Sketch out a plan for the sales floor, allowing room to move between aisles and ensuring that you can see all items from your perch.

• Make a list of each item you're selling and the price you'll be asking. During the sale, cross out each item sold and make note of the price received.

• Price items clearly.

• Ensure that you'll have sufficient help the day of the sale and that everyone is in agreement over pricing and bargaining policies.

• Have an extension cord on hand so that customers can test electrical items.

• Save grocery bags in the weeks leading up to the sale so that you can bag the items your customers purchase.

• The Yard Sale Queen suggests that you go through all the pockets of clothing you plan to sell, check compartments in handbags, and fan books to make sure there's nothing of value, or even old credit card receipts that may contain private information.

The Day Before the Sale

Now that you're prepared for the sale, it's time to make sure folks know about it. There are several ways to get the word out about your garage or yard sale. One of the best is by placing an ad on Craigslist. Here are a few other things to do the day before the garage or yard sale:

• Make signs to be placed around the neighborhood and to direct customers from a main thoroughfare. They should be large enough to be seen from the road and directions should be clear. Arrow-shaped signs are ideal.

• Go to the bank and get some cash, such as rolls of quarters, 20 to 30 $1 bills, and five to 10 $5 bills.

• Consider how you will hold the cash during the sale. A cashbox isn't a good idea as it's too easy for someone to walk away with it. Wearing a "fanny sack" around your waist or keeping a wallet in your pocket are much safer ways to hold your cash.

Sale Day

• Move sale items out onto the driveway if that's where you've decided to set up the sales floor. Remember to put the most desirable items out front to entice customers to stop their cars. The Yard Sale Queen suggests placing some "manly" items out front, such as lawnmowers or power tools, to make it easier for wives to get their husbands to stop and shop.

• Set up the neighborhood and directional signs.

• Ensure that all items are clearly marked with the price.

• Greet people as they arrive to make them feel comfortable. Ask if they're looking for anything in particular.

• Keep an eye on customers, but don't hover over them.

Considerations

If you lived in a gated community, getting people into the sale is a bit more challenging. Contact your homeowners association first to determine what rules they have about yard sales and if there are any restrictions. Many HOAs hold annual community-wide sales where the gates swing open and the public is allowed to stream through.

Check local regulations to make sure your street signs aren't in violation of any city or municipal codes.

Be aware of some of the more common scams:

• When making change, don't immediately pocket the bill the customer gives you. Either hold it in your hand or place under a paperweight while you make change. This way, the customer can't claim to have given you a larger bill.

• Large groups of customers arriving at once or rowdy children can be distracting. Have someone help you keep an eye on folks when you feel they may be deliberately trying to distract you.

• The Yard Sale Queen suggests that you always look inside any large items that you sell before allowing the customer to leave with them to ensure something else isn't hidden within.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com today to learn more about how The Champagne Group has closed over 120 million in volume.

Designing with Your Teen: Bedroom Décor

It's time to put away the beloved character comforters and sheets - your little girl or boy is no longer a child. The switch from cartoon characters to a more mature bedroom décor can be a smooth experience for both parent and child.

When tweens enter the full-fledged teen years they yearn for independence. They want control and decision-making privileges. It might be scary to imagine teenagers choosing their own paint colors, furniture, and decorations, but with a strong design plan this process doesn't have to be intimidating.

Get Inspired With a Design Board

Teen bedrooms can be mature but still have an element of fun. Their décor can reflect their interests in sports and hobbies in a stylish, organized way. Creating a design or inspiration board is the perfect way to find a happy medium between what parents want and what teenagers want. Choosing the perfect design elements will create a space that fosters confidence and self-expression while avoiding clutter.

The design board should include everything that will go into the bedroom. Not only should it have pictures of furniture and paint and fabric swatches, it should also include details like lighting fixtures and accessories. One to create the board is to cut out pictures from magazines and glue them to a paper poster board. Your teens can also search online for pictures that can be printed out and affixed to the board. Another option is to copy and paste pictures from websites like Pinterest and Tumblr to a blank document on your computer. Once the design board is made, parents and teens can go over it together to be sure both parties agree on the design plan.

Choosing Colors

Don't be caught off guard if your teen chooses an outrageous color like bright pink or black. Bold, funky colors can be a fantastic outlet for their personalities. If you can't deal with all the walls being drenched in an over-the-top color, use the wild color as an accent on a single wall, a border, or as a pattern throughout the room. Another option is to use a more subtle color for the walls and brighter or bolder fabrics and accessories throughout the room.

Bedroom Furniture

Beds, dressers, entertainment centers, desks, nightstands and bookcases are often part of a teen's bedroom décor. If all of these pieces are too much for the size of the space, then consider picking dual-purpose furniture, like a workspace that includes shelving or an entertainment center that houses a television and has shelves for books and accessories. You may want to forego the dressers for under-bed drawers to keep clothing neatly stored. Installing a closet organization system is another way to store everything from clothes to shoes, bags, coats, and accessories.

One thing you don't want to skimp on is shelf space. Shelves are great places to display books, but they are also perfect for displaying trophies, photo frames, and more. When purchasing basic furniture like the bed and nightstand, consider the future use of each piece. Will the furniture be staying long after your teen graduates from college, or will your child be using the furniture to fill a college dorm or first apartment? This will help you decide how much money to invest in the furniture as well as what style options are most appropriate.

Lighting and Accessories

Overhead lights and lamps come in every style imaginable. A simple overhead ceiling fan with lights can provide circulation and bright light when needed. Matching or coordinating small lamps are good for desk areas and nightstands. Dimmer options on all lights are practical features that will allow optimal lighting for any situation.

Framed wall art can give teen rooms a grown up appeal without going overboard. Buying art from a local artist or encouraging your teen to create their own art can make these accessories affordable. Words and geometric designs that adhere to the walls are fun ways to allow teens to express themselves without ruining wall paint.

Information is provided by Katie Oakes with Keller Williams with the Champagne Team. Contact Katie Oakes today to find out how much your how is worth or to begin the search for your next dream home!

Kitchen Redecorating on a Budget

Although many claim that they're willing to undertake minimal cosmetic fixes, the typical homebuyer wants a home that is move-in ready. Two rooms in particular are important to them: the bathroom and the kitchen. Outdated, worn and unattractive kitchens and bathrooms drag down the value of the home and may make it harder to sell.

Pressing the buyer's kitchen "hot button" may not necessarily require a complete remodel of the room, but merely a freshening up. Even the smallest of budgets can provide some attractive updates to everyone's favorite room.

Paint Dramatically Transforms the Kitchen

When redecorating any room, fresh paint on the walls is the best place to start. Paint adds an instant transformation, and, depending on the color, can make a room appear larger. It also provides you with a base color on which to build the rest of the kitchen's color scheme.

Most real estate staging experts caution homeowners to use neutral paint colors to provide a broader appeal. One designer, however, claims that green is the new neutral color on which to build your color palette.

Benjamin Moore, on the other hand, claims that Lemon Sorbet is the trendy color of the year. If you're confused, play it safe and use Sherwin-Williams "color visualizer," which allows you to actually picture the paint color before you slap it on the walls.

Update Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

If you're lucky enough to have attractive kitchen cabinets that don't require painting or refinishing, replacing the hardware may be all that's needed to give them an updated look.

Home improvement stores offer the kitchen-decorator a mind-boggling array of hardware for your kitchen cabinets. From stainless steel to hand-forged pewter, there's a handle or knob to match any kitchen decor.

Accessorize to Add the Final Touch

Kitchen accessories include not only the decorative, but the functional as well.

Let's start with the decorative: New throw rugs, window coverings and linens that compliment your new wall color will tie the room into a cohesive whole.

Artwork isn't something a lot of people think about when decorating the kitchen. Be on the lookout for interesting pieces, such as plates, tapestries and sconces.

Lighting is not only necessary but can add a distinctive decorative touch. When creating House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year, designer Robert Stillin used table lamps on the kitchen counters to soften the "laboratory" feel of the kitchen.

Under-counter lights add a soft glow, while sleek track lighting is a must for an industrial-style kitchen.

Add a new kitchen faucet that coordinates and compliments the new décor. Try to match the finish to the new cabinetry hardware to pull the room together. Again, your local home improvement store offers an array of faucets.

Stuck for ideas? Model homes are staged to sell, so if there's a new home community nearby, take a tour of the models and bring your camera to photograph kitchen ideas that you'd like to replicate.

Start your home search now (by selecting the home search tab above) or contact Katie Oakes by visiting WheatonHomes4Sale.com! 

Information and data provided by Katie Oakes with The Joe Champagne Team at Keller Williams Premiere Properties. 

The Joe Champagne Team is based in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, has sold over 100 million dollars in real estate volume and ranks in the top 1% of DuPage County agents in Illinois.