Tag Archives: Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

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With the cheer of the holiday season I am reminded of a story I would like to share:

The Littlest Elf

Way back in the history of Santa there was an elf so tiny he always seems to be underfoot.

If he went into the doll room to help paint little blue eyes, he might get his fingers banged with a paint can. If he went to help put tires on toy trucks, he was always bumped and jostled.

As Christmas came closer, the other elves seemed grumpy and in a hurry. No one seemed to notice the littlest elf, but he smiled, hummed and tried to help wherever he saw help was needed.

One night Santa came to the elf factory and saw that the big elves were still grumpy, but the littlest elf was cheerful and helpful as always. While the other elves worked just as hard, the littlest elf seemed to be the happiest.

“Littlest elf,” called Santa, “I want to ask you something.”

All the other elves stopped in their tracks and Santa continued, “Why is it you get jostled and bumped and yet you never complain? You are always happy to help.”

“Well, Santa,” responded the littlest elf, “I love what I do, and no matter how much life bumps and jostles me, I am just thankful to be able to do the thing I love the most.”

The other elves looked around at each other and thought about if they really loved what they do. They thought about how they never noticed their happy workmate as they hustled and bustled. They did not take time to remember how much they loved the work they did.

The next day, the bigger elves were not only more cheery and smiling, but they hummed the same tune as the littlest elf and remembered to be more mindful of his presence.

During this holiday season, I wish you joy, happiness, health and wonderful memories for the holiday as well as the coming year. Like the littlest elf, I am thankful to be able to work and play in this area I love so much. Thank you all for your amazing support in 2016, and I can’t wait to help you to find the perfect home or to sell yours to the perfect family in 2017.

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Your Home, Your Holiday: It’s About the Wreaths

Your Home, Your Holiday: It’s About the Wreaths

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The holidays are a festive time to sell your home. Potential buyers can just feel the cozy vibe and imagine themselves tucked up in the master bedroom waiting for Santa Claus to deliver gifts. However, selling your home over the holidays also means you may want to tone down your decorations so that that the property is not overshadowed by the bling of the season. Hundreds of lights and yard ornaments distract the eye from the natural form of the house and yard. The buyer may not see the house’s year-round curb appeal and be turned off to a purchase.

To enjoy holiday décor and keep your curb appeal tasteful, the best ideas are simply stated. Evergreen wreaths are a nice addition to your entrance area that can liven up your holiday look. Even better, they have a wonderful history of symbolism.

Historians speculate that our modern evergreen wreath is based on the Lutheran Advent wreath, a custom dating back three hundred years. Soon after, many other traditions decided to adopt the wreath, each adding candles or other bright objects to represent a light for each day of their Advent celebrations. It is also said that a circular wreath of evergreen boughs are used to represent God’s eternal love. What a wonderful story to share with friends during this time of year.

Even the evergreen you choose to dress up your home has specific symbolism dating back for several centuries. Master gardener Margaret Rose Realy of Morning Rose Gardens shares some of these great meanings:

  • Balsam is one of the most commonly used evergreens for wreaths.  Balsam is symbolic of eager anticipation, much like awaiting Christmas day.
  • Fir is another favorite, although it is used more in garlands and swags. Fir boughs symbolize being lifted up or elation.
  • Pine, is the most commonly used evergreen and conveys eternal life.
  • Spruce boughs represent hope in times of adversity.
  • Cedar is very fragrant and one of the longer lasting evergreen boughs. Cedar is known as and evergreen of healing.
  • Juniper is another very popular choice. Juniper symbolizes protection, and many people used to plant a juniper under their windows to keep away intruders.
  • Holly is considered to be reminiscent of the Crown of Thorns. The red berries are a striking addition to any wreath.

Wreaths can be placed on doors and in windows and can be accessorized to fit any theme you choose. This year, additions of gold and browns to wreaths look to be the trend and are quite striking on a modest sized wreath on the front door, especially on smaller porches.

Simple and tasteful décor is also an important consideration if your listing photos will be taken over the holiday season. If you just can’t help yourself and super decorating is your passion, make sure to hold off on decorating until after your listing photos have been staged.

If you are selling your home and would like more guidance on how to make it the most it can be during the holiday season or any other season, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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Light Up Your Home to Sell During All Seasons!

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Light Up Your Home to Sell During All Seasons!

photo taken in light

Have you ever had a photo taken in light that was just not flattering? It made you cringe, right? Having the correct lighting is important, not just for your selfies, but for photographing and staging your home to sell. We think about adorning our homes with festive lights at holiday times, but you can improve the look of your home year-round with a few extra lights. Changing the lighting in your home is a simple, inexpensive way to make your home seem open, airy and warm. Here are some tips for illuminating your home to sell:

· Add curb appeal. Motivated homebuyers are viewing your home in daylight hours and after sundown so make sure it looks its best at all times. You always want to keep your front exterior lights on but you can add a few simple outdoor light fixtures to add curb appeal. Solar walkway lights can light up your sidewalk to improve safety and ambiance. A spotlight or two on the front of your house can also add to your house, improve safety and give visitors a clear view of your home’s exterior. Landscape light packages sold at your local Lowe’s and Home Depot stores provide easy install methods while providing dramatic results inexpensively. If you have a beautiful tree, shrub, or flowers let people know by complementing natural beauty with a little added light. And, of course, if you’re selling during the holiday season, a few festive white neutral lights will really show your spirit and help folks envision themselves at home for the holidays when viewing your house.

· Use natural light. Whenever possible, take full advantage of natural daylight. Keep blinds and curtains open during the daytime to light up your home, make it seem open and airy all day long.

· Use flattering light sources. Overhead fluorescent lights are typically harsh while floor lamps and touchier lamps create mood and plenty of up lighting. Use soft, warm tones and rely on smaller lamps to disperse lighting to specific areas. You can also turn lamps during the day to enlarge the sense of space and brighten up your home.

· Add subtle lighting. Small under-counter kitchen lighting shows off your countertops and makes one of the most important rooms in the house warm and inviting. Add wall sconce lighting to places that are short on space. If you have art on your walls, you can showcase it with small light fixtures.

· Change a light fixture. Swapping out dated light fixtures for sleeker, more modern versions can be a wise investment that won’t cost you a lot. Better yet, spray paint old light fixtures with new modern colors to update any look inexpensively. Installing or updating attractive light fixtures is worth the money spent and will always catch a buyers’ eye!

Still not sure what lighting is right for your home? Jacobson Realty and Home Staging can help you fully stage your home to sell quickly and for the best price.Contact us today!

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