I'll Huff and I'll Puff and I'll Blow Your House Down (not)

Photos: Brett Weinstein/Realty Advocates

Why would someone build a house out of straw? Because if you are eco concious and looking for a sustainable product, straw is undeniably green! Packed tightly, straw in the walls helps to retain heat, keeping a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and minimizes the home's carbon footprint. Straw is also a sustainable material; it is the leftover stalks from grain that would otherwise be burnt. Aside from the environmental issue, if looking at the home above is any indication, straw homes can also be beautiful structures. It is a perfect reflection of the owner's respect and care for the environment. What a cozy and unique home this would be to stage or decorate!

Lisa Ryan owns Smart Move Design, a home staging and redesign company servicing Syracuse NY and the surrounding areas.

To flip or not to flip

As a home stager I work with several home "flippers" to stage their homes prior to going on the market. And with a great success rate. Hoping to flip a home myself one day, I've been compiling info on flipping. Here are a few general rules of thumb if you are thinking about entering into this business venture.

1. Have a Plan
Flipping is a business and requires a business plan. Do your research - research materials needed, housing market comparables, budget and carrying costs, and create a time line to stay on track.

2. Pick the right house in a familiar neighborhood.
Know your neighborhood, then don't buy the biggest house on the block. Start small - a little fixer upper that needs mostly cosmetic changes is a good beginner flip.
3. Get an inspection.
Do not overlook this step. An inspection will cover all major aspects of the home (plumbing, electrical, foundation). Not getting an inspection can be a budget breaker in the long run.
4. Find a good contractor.
A good contractor is gold in your pocket Get referrals, see the work the contractor has done, and then check references. A good contractor also knows what permits are needed. Not having the right permit can hold up work and cost you money.
5. Do what you can yourself.
Painting, swapping out light fixtures, new hardware in the bathroom , landscaping-these are areas where you may be able to do the work yourself and save some money.
6. Over estimate costs
Figure out your budget then add 10-20% on to it. This will help you deal with any surprises that may come up during your flip.
7. Hire a good realtor.
Find one that knows the area and is experienced. A good realtor will help sell your home faster. For a "flip" you want to do just that, sell fast. Which leads us to number 8.
8. Understand the value of home staging.
Home Staging is putting the icing on the cake. Home stagers pay attention to detail and create a warm and welcoming appeal for your buyers. They can help with paint color, interior finishes, and give creative suggestions for space. They bring in the right furniture and accessories for the home style. The bottom line? Staged homes sell faster and for more money.

Smart Move Design is a Home Staging and Redesign company serving Central New York (syracuse, camillus, liverpool, fayetteville, and all other surrounding areas

Transformation - Plum Court Condo in Franklin Square

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Our staging inspiration - we kept a contemporary look using clean lines in cream and black. We drew in red from the exposed brick and green from the stained glasss light in the kitchen area (as well as the outdoor courtyard).  We carried the colors throughout the first floor.  Upstairs we had the blue/gray carpet to draw from.

The asking price on this condo is $299,900.  It is a first floor condo in Plum Court.  Open floor plan,  1st floor location with private courtyard, high ceilings, gas stove, hardwood floors, marble, exposed brick, 1st floor laundry,  pantry, 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.

Plum Court is located in a renovated warehouse in Franklin Square, Syracuse, NY.  

Email for additional info on home staging or realtor contact info.

Smart Move Design, a home staging and redesign company serving central and northern NY

What's Your Style?

I am Cottage Chic.

Shabby, yet stylish. Cozy and comfortable with muted shades taken straight from a flower garden. 

Shabby Chic and Cottage work in my home.

What's your style?  Follow the link below and click on "restart quiz".  The site may prompt you to sign up for a free account at HGTV, so go ahead, sign up. Then click the link below again and find out what your decorating style is. 

What's your style?

Reclaimed Timber Wall

I have been inspired in the last few weeks to take a closer look at eco friendly products and materials.  

We are re-doing our camp in the 1000 islands and found this cool wall at Livingetc.  It is made out of reclaimed timber. 

I could see doing one wall like this. What a great focal point it would make!