Here is our in depth report on the third quarter real estate market statistics - we are seeing some changes that may be helpful for you to be aware of. 

If you're planning to sell your home, you've probably already started to consider how you're going to stage it. Staging is one of the most important parts of the selling process. The way you present your home is key to leaving a positive impression on a potential buyer. Let's explore a few ways that you can stage smaller outdoor spaces to make them feel like they're much more than they are.
 
Go With Smaller Furniture Options
 
If you're trying to stage a small patio, deck, or yard area, you'll want to stick with smaller furnishings. Yes, that means packing up the enormous hammock or chaise lounge that you love to lazy around on. Remember, perspective is going to matter as potential buyers have never seen your outdoor spaces before. So any large furniture sitting in a small space is going to appear to be that much bigger.
 
One great idea is to use furniture that you can see through, as it will give the illusion that the area around it is much larger. Consider options like open-backed or Adirondack chairs which let light pass through.
 
Use Glass To Create A Spacious Illusion
 
Keeping visibility in mind, the second trick you'll want to leverage is to use as much glass as possible. Glass-top tables and other transparent items which let light through are an excellent way to highlight a small space. And don't forget – keep any glass spotlessly clean! The last thing you want is to be showing off a pile of greasy fingerprints.
 
Take Your Plants Vertical
 
Another excellent tactic for making the most of smaller spaces is to grow any plants vertically. If you have the room for it, a plant wall can really shine as it adds a pop of green and other colors to the area. If not, just stick with slender plants that grow straight up. Try to avoid plants that tend to spread out wide as they grow. If they look like they're taking up a lot of space, any potential buyers touring through will have the impression that your outdoor areas are smaller than they are.
 
There you have it – three easy tips for staging your small, intimate outdoor spaces. When you're ready to list and sell your home, our professional real estate team can help. Contact us at your convenience and we'll show you how.

Buying a home for the first time? One of the key considerations you'll need to make is just how much 'house' you want to buy. While going minimal might seem like a good idea to save on costs, having a smaller living space can end up cramping your lifestyle in many ways. Let's look at three great reasons why your first home should be roomy, spacious and luxurious.
 
You Might End Up With More Family Than You Think
 
Have you considered whether you want to have a family? Whether you're a single young professional or part of a newlywed couple, there's always a chance you'll end up with more kids than you think. If you're buying a home for the long haul, you'll want to ensure that you have enough bedrooms to contain a growing family. It's much easier to make other use of a spare room than to invent an extra bedroom if you end up with one or two more children than you had planned. Even if you don't have kids, you may end up welcoming other family members into your home for extended periods.
 
Small Spaces Limit You In Just About Every Way
 
As you might imagine, small living spaces will limit your options. Whether you want to build out a new media room or just want more luxurious furniture, much of the time living small means living without. Buying a larger home from the start will give you all the space needed to build your dream home. And over time, you're far more likely to enjoy living in a home that you can tweak and customize to suit your changing tastes.
 
You Can Always Monetize The Extra Space
 
Don't forget that extra space can always be put to good use. If you have a finished basement, you can rent the suite out to a tenant. Or, you can host guests in your extra bedrooms using apps like Airbnb. If you're more of an entrepreneurial type, you can start a small business out of one of the spare rooms.
 
These are just a few of the many reasons why buying a larger home is an excellent idea. For more information about luxurious homes that are for sale in the local area, contact one of our professional real estate agents today.