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Let the Games Begin: Which District Should You Live In?

November 21, 2014 By CENTURY 21

May the odds be ever in your favor!

It’s the time of the year when your favorite movie franchises hit the big screen. Whether it’s vampires, wizards, or victors, you can always identify with one of your favorite characters (even if you don’t agree with their personal aspirations). In this case, you may be able to identify with a particular district because each one is different and unique in its own way.

We’re not saying we’d want to participate in the ever famous Games, but take the quiz and keep track of your answers to figure out which district of Panem you belong to!

1. Which material do you prefer to have in your home?

Marble
Wood
Water
Stone

2. If you could decorate with only one color, which would you choose?

Pink
Brown
Blue
Black

3. What is your favorite food to make?

Caviar
Fish
Chili
Bread

4. What is your favorite activity?

Interior Design
Swimming
Camping
Hunting

Now it’s time for your results…

If you chose mostly As, you belong in The Capitol!

You enjoy the finer things in life and are more creative than most of your contemporaries. You love being in control, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

If you chose mostly Bs, you belong in District 4!

District 4 is the fishing district so if you love the water, you belong here! Your parents were helping you achieve their your dream career path since you could walk. You follow along (for the most part) but you have rebellious side that comes out when tested.

If you chose mostly C, you belong in District 7!

You’ve had an ax to grind with people for as long as you can remember. You may have been the tree in your school play every single year. This is the district responsible for lumber and wood. If you adore being outdoors and love nature, District 7 is the place for you.

If you chose mostly D, you belong in District 12!

Well aren’t you a regular Katniss Everdeen! District 12 is the coal mining district but also home to the girl on fire. You may not have had a lot of money growing up, but you know how to make do. You’re decisive and you’re never on the fence (partially because it is an electric fence…).

For entertainment purposes only.

Recommended Reading:

-The Ultimate Home Personality Quiz

-Carrie, Seinfeld, and Friends: NYC Apartments Straight from the Screen

-10 Real Houses Where Your Favorite Scary Movie May Have Occurred

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6 Natural Home Decor Ideas

November 11, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Contribution by Andrea Davis, HomeAdvisor

Can’t get enough of the outdoors? If you want more of it in your home without maintaining a jungle, then consider alternatives. Here are some top ideas for homeowners wanting that extra touch:

1. Add natural elements: One of the easiest ways to incorporate the outdoors indoors is literally to add it to your home decor. It might be pebbles, wood, straw, leaves and other pieces in smaller amounts throughout your home. You could also add photographs, paintings and framed pieces of wood or leaves to the walls of your home.

2. Assemble flowers and plants in pots: If you are willing to do the maintenance and manage the upkeep, you can add potted plants to your home. This adds elements of color and natural fragrance to your home. You might avoid real plants if you have severe allergies and do plastic versions to be safe. You should also be aware of any plant varieties that are poisonous to your pets.

3. Install natural flooring: If you have tile, laminate or vinyl floors, you can have a flooring installer replace them with hardwood, cork, bamboo or other natural flooring materials. They feel warmer underneath your feet, and they are organic and biodegradable compared to what might have been in your home before.

4. Make the most of your windows: Your windows are for more than a beautiful view. You can let in natural light by opening them or replacing heavy curtains with light, see-through drapes. You can also let in fresh air and the scents of the outdoors. If you’re worried about pests or debris, install new screens.

5. Use outdoorsy colors: Another option is painting parts of your home with naturally-inspired colors. Some color options include green, blue, yellow and brown. There are also neutral tones like white, tan and beige to evoke cleanliness. Whether you paint an entire room or just a wall, you can complement the room with elements like plants to make it seem more outdoorsy.

6. Consider stenciling: You can also stencil outdoor-related images onto your walls. Maybe it’s trees, leaves, the sun, moon, stars or an entire landscape. You can do random stenciling or theme it by room. The end result will be a design that attracts visitors and complements the outdoor landscape.

Your interior can get closer to the outdoors depending on how much money or time you want to spend bringing the elements indoors. The end result will be a natural, seamless transition from the beautiful landscape outside to the same relaxing feel inside.

Photos courtesy of DesignMine

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Email Etiquette for Real Estate Agents

November 7, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Email is an essential component of every real estate career. It’s especially helpful in generating leads, in fact, 42% of businesses report that email is the primary source of lead generation. When you are using email for business, it is crucial to make sure that you are following the unwritten rules of email etiquette.

1. Subject: Always use a clear and concise subject line that clearly indicates the purpose of the email.

2. BCC, CC: CC stands for carbon copy. It is used when you want someone to receive the email even though the email primarily concerns someone else. BCC stands for blind carbon copy. When you use blind carbon copy the people you BCC can’t see each others contact information. BCC is a useful way to protect people’s privacy when you send an same email to a group of people who don’t know one another. A good time to use BCC would be if you are emailing a marketing email to all of your clients.

4. Edit: Always check your grammar and spelling before you hit send. Additionally, keep in mind that emails can be printed and saved. Email last forever. Make sure that you are representing yourself, and your company well.

5. Respond in a timely manner: Make sure to read and respond to email promptly. You may miss something important if you do not check your email often. Your clients may also have time sensitive decisions or questions that need to be responded to right away.

Email is going to be an essential form of communication in the foreseeable future. These tips will help you manage your email while maintaining a standard of professionalism.

Recommended Reading:

-5 Essential Networking Tips for Real Estate Agents

-6 Simple SEO Tips for Real Estate Agents

-Tech Talk: 5 Apps for Real Estate Agents

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Carrie, Seinfeld, and Friends: NYC Apartments Straight From the Screen.

November 4, 2014 By CENTURY 21

It’s the city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made up, and the backdrop for so many iconic television shows and movies. If you take a walk or hail a cab you may spot one of these iconic apartments.

1. Carrie Bradshaw wrote, slept, and stored sweaters in the oven of this charming West Village townhouse. We can picture her falling in love, hosting Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte, and storing her Manolos here. We had to find an image of the townhouse next door because the Google Street View is blurred out for privacy reasons.

2. You could find Holly Golightly sleeping in this Lexington Avenue apartment with Cat. We could just imagine Ms. Golightly sitting on windowsill, singing Moon River. It’s the perfect place for any rising star to throw a party.

3. Whatever you do, don’t go upstairs. Miranda Priestly lived in this Upper East Side apartment and would commute to Runway Magazine to wreck havoc on Andy, Emily, and the rest of her team. That’s all.

4. Monica’s rent controlled apartment was the perfect spot for all of her Friends. The gang (and a few ducks) lived in this Greenwich Village building. Note: Don’t rearrange Monica’s furniture.

5. There’s no need to be mad. When he wasn’t busy at Sterling Cooper & Partners, creating the best ads in the business, or visiting his wife Megan on the West Coast, Don Draper lived lavishly in this apartment building located in Greenwich Village.

No matter where you go in New York City, there is bound to be a familiar apartment that brings nostalgic memories of your favorite television characters.

Recommended Reading:

-Modern Homes for Your Modern Family

-Worldwide Wanderlust: More Century 21 Homes From Around the Globe

-The 5 Best “Man Caves” For Watching Football

For entertainment purposes only. All images via Google Street View.

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We Asked, You Answered: Advice for First-Time Homeowners

November 3, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Buying a home for the first time is exciting, but it can seem overwhelming because there are so many factors to consider. Potential homebuyers must excogitate the price of the home, the mortgage costs, neighborhoods, safety, and more. We posted on our Facebook page asking CENTURY 21 ® Agents for their best advice for first-time homebuyers.

Here are seven pieces of advice:

1. “After you get your mortgage approval, sit down and make a list of needs, must haves and wishes, work with a realtor who can find you your dream home.” —Denise F.

2. “Work with an agent that is experienced with first time homebuyers. There is a lot to know and navigate. A good agent is essential to making the transaction as smooth as possible.” —Toni M.

3. “Put together a really good Real Estate Agent, Mortgage Broker, Attorney team that will take the time to explain the entire process to their client. If they can explain it; they can do it.” —Ronald S.

4. “Work with a knowledgeable agent who cares about his or her clients, not just dollar signs. See your banking institution 1st. Ask a lot of questions. Consider the location. Hire a reputable home inspector! Arm yourself with knowledge and really think before you leap since it is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. It is a key in avoiding buyers remorse!” -Cheryl C.

5. “Choose a quality agent, practice self-restraint, look at the quality and condition, not just how pretty it is, know your budget and your comfort level and, for heavens sake, if you are going to listen to everyone else’s opinion besides your agents then they should be with you on every showing, not just the house you want to buy!” -Paul S.

6. “I’m not a realtor but I wish someone would have told me to make practice payments. I jumped from $1500 per month to $2400 per month on my first house. The extra $900 wasn’t the big deal as much as everything else, utilities, yard maintenance, etc. I think making 6 months of increased payments while you are still renting, saving that money and putting it as a down payment would have helped me. I try to tell every person wanting to buy a new home that.” -Darin P.

7. “Pre-approval is step number one. Look at homes in your price range. Nothing worse than falling in love with a home you can’t afford.” -Linda Z.

For more great tips, check out our Facebook post and buying advice on our site then find a CENTURY 21® Agent who can help you find your home sweet home.

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Bring on the Patterns: How to Combine Designs with Confidence

October 31, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Usually when it comes to options, more is better, but that may not be how you feel when you get to a home decor store. There is an overwhelming number of fabric, color, and style options. Don’t worry. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that even the pros use formulas to create the styled rooms we all love. Use these tips and techniques to create a home you’ll love.

Adopt the Rule of One: One floral, one stripe, one check, and so on. Use this approach to limit your selection to no more than one of each so that you won’t have to worry about similar patterns clashing. Create a cohesive design by selecting similarly colored detail pieces like throw blankets, pillows and vases.

Start Small: If you’re uneasy about decorating with a large-scale or dominant pattern, use it in small doses. Decorative pillows are a great way to introduce patterns into your space without needing to make a big change.

Live Large: The larger the room, the bolder your use of patterns can be. To create a more intimate feeling in a big space, repeat a pattern or two. For example, use the fabric from window treatments on a chair cushion.

Give Texture a Try: Not into big blooms and colorful stripes? Create an alluring room by combining textures like hard wood and rugs and fabric in a variety of textures.

We hope that these tips help you create a beautifully decorated home. We’d love to know your tips for combining patterns and designs. Connect with us on Twitter and share your advice!

Recommended Reading:

-5 Ways to Take Your Living Room From Good to Great

-10 Secrets for Making Your Bedroom Appear Larger

-Small Changes, Big Differences: 5 Low Cost Ways to Give Your Home a New Look

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Text Messaging Etiquette for Real Estate Agents

October 29, 2014 By CENTURY 21

It has been reported that 31% of Smartphone users prefer text messaging over regular phone calls. Although you may be used to calling clients, your clients may prefer to communicate by text messaging. When it comes to text messaging clients, it can be tricky to know what is appropriate. Here’s the 411 on text messaging etiquette.

1. Proper language and punctuation: When speaking with clients over text, it’s important to remain as professional as possible. It’s best to not use abbreviations or “text message language.” Remember, this is still a business matter and you should behave as if you were talking on the phone, speaking in person, or writing an email.

2. Business Hours: When it comes to text messages, you should treat it the same as phone calls and emails. Would you call a client at 5 am or 11 pm? If the answer is no, do the same with text messages. Only send messages during “business hours.”

3. Length: Keep your text messages short and sweet. Don’t overwhelm your clients with information that is probably best received face to face. Send text messages with information that needs an immediate, short response and be sure to not discuss important, legal information over a text message. Use text messaging to coordinate logistics.

4. Permission: Before you start texting your clients ask them if they would prefer to communicate by phone, email or by text.

Text messaging between real estate agents and clients can help business flow smoothly. It can be beneficial in showing that you are tech savvy. This may be even more important with first-time homeowners who are younger and more accustomed to texting.

Recommended Reading:

-Facebook Tips for Real Estate Agents

-Instagram Tips for Real Estate Agents

-5 Simple Pinterest Tips for Real Estate Agents

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How to Turn Your Home Into the Ultimate Haunted House

October 27, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Trick-or-treat! Halloween is around the corner and, besides watching horror movies, the best way to get into true spooky spirit is to decorate. Pick pumpkins for a hint of Halloween spirit, or put in a lot of effort so that you have the spookiest house on the block. WARNING: Even the bravest trick-or-treaters may stay away this year.

1. Pick a theme: You may want to pick a unique theme such as a haunted graveyard or a vampire’s den. Staying within a theme will make it easier to find the right decorations and make your house stand out.

2. Eerie atmosphere: Attack the five senses. Create an eerie feeling in your home by hanging dimmed twinkle lights, setting up a smoke machine, and adding sound effects like screams and ominous music. You’ll spook your guests the moment they walk through the door!

3. Creative, scary props: Mix and match with bigger and smaller props. For the bigger ones, choose something that will bring a spookier feel to the house, like (fake) body parts strewn across the room or hologram wall photos that seem to be staring into your soul. Choose smaller props like (fake) spider webs, a (fake) pool of blood, or even (fake) hanging bats.

4. Dress up: Ask family, friends, and neighbors to help scare your guests. Ask them to dress up as spooky creatures that match your theme.

5. Main attraction: Having a big finish at the end of your haunted house can be the icing on the (poisonous) cake. Set up something big that will give your guests goose bumps, like a haunted laboratory with a monster, or a graveyard scene.

Get ready to scare anyone who is brave enough to enter. You may end up having a lot of leftover candy to eat. The scariest thing in your future may be a trip to the dentist.

Recommended Reading:

-5 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy for Fall

-5 Zombie-Proof Houses Your Family Won’t Be Caught Dead In

-First Impressions: Door Decor For Fall

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What’s Your Favorite Scary Movie? 10 Real Houses Where Your Favorite Scary Movie May Have Occurred

October 23, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Do you like scary movies?

Halloween season is in full force and it brings out the Psycho in all of us, doesn’t it? Horror movies instill us with an overwhelming fear that is almost unbearable. Whether people are performing an exorcism, or running away from Michael Myers, one thing thatalmost every scary movie has in common is a haunted house. Here’s where your favorite scary movies could have occurred.

WARNING: THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART.

1. Located on the same street as the famous, haunted Amityville house, this home looks like it jumped right off the movie screen.

2. Would you stay in a hotel that looked like this at night? It doesn’t matter if Norman Bates has a believable face; we know what happens in these places.

3. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Don’t fall asleep in a house like this without expecting to find Freddy Krueger knocking at your door.

4. Would you enter Room 237? This home bears a resemblance to the hotel where someone axed through the bathroom door.

5. It’s Halloween, of course, so you’re entitled to a good scare. Hopefully Michael Myers stays away from this Chicago home.

6. Take a trip and visit Ichabod Crane in the infamous town of Sleepy Hollow.

7. Can you say paranormal? No one wants that kind of activity in their home.

8. Would you feel protected from Damian in this house?

9. What an excellent house for an exorcism. This Boston house would make Linda Blair feel right at home.

10. Always have Caller ID. A stranger may call this Seattle, WA home.

Stay safe and sound inside your non-haunted house! The only visitors you’ll be getting are friends, family, and neighborhood kids looking for candy.

Recommended Reading:

-5 Zombie-Proof Houses Your Family Won’t Be Caught Dead In

-The Ultimate Home Personality Quiz

-Modern Homes For Your Modern Family

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Ask Our Expert: The Art of First Impressions

October 22, 2014 By CENTURY 21

How can my clients add style to their entryways?

-Jan Maness, CENTURY 21 Real Estate Group, Alcoa, Tennessee

While they may only be pass-through spaces, entry halls allow you to show your style while offering a glimpse of what’s to follow.

Here are a few tips:

Establish the Home’s Theme Immediately: If your entry hall is visible to several other spaces, its décor should create a seamless transition from room to room. Meaning, don’t decorate your entry hall as if it were an island.

Flip-flop Paint Trick: Reverse wall and ceiling colors from a visible nearby room into the entryway. But keep the trim color the same for visual continuity.

If You Can’t Build Out, Build Up: Though the footprint may be small, entry wall space is usually significant. So don’t be afraid to merchandise it floor-to-ceiling. Wall mounted shelves and picture ledges can start from 3 feet above the floor to within 2 feet of the ceiling. Framed art can tell your story while a collection of frames adds architecture to the space. Mirrors in interesting frames can help to visually expand smaller entryways.

Think “Hotel Entrance:” A small, round central table offers a place to locate a large vase of flowers, or a great palm tree that jets upward, helping to add a living element and more drama.

Include Fabric: Texture-driven materials from surrounding rooms help to integrate the entryway into the overall home design scheme. Small-upholstered pieces and drapes also help make hollow acoustics more intimate. You can do it!

Christopher Lowell, an interior designer and Emmy Award-winning TV host, is known for doable design advice that nets stunning results.

Recommended Reading:

-Ask Our Expert: First Things First

-Be My Guest: How to Style a Guest Room

-How to Style a Gallery Wall

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