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Ask Our Expert: Budget Friendly Bathroom Update

September 6, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Q: Could you suggest some ways to update a bath without completely remodeling?

-Brenda Lee, CENTURY 21 Partners, Owensboro, KY

A: Kitchens and bathrooms are key rooms that are first to date a house. A complete remodel in tight times can be costly. There are, however, a few designer tricks that can put a fresh spin on an outdated bathroom.

Walls: Nothing freshens a space more than a coat of paint. When picking your palette, think “spa.” Wall colors such a deep taupe, shale blue, and rich golden tan always work because they’re nature-inspired. Pair with soft white trim and you’re good to go.

Cabinets: Perk up dark wood cabinets by simply painting them the same color as white or cream trim. Complete the update with modern, oversized hardware. Brushed chrome or nickel finishes are timeless and add sparkle to the space.

Light Fixtures: Replace cold overhead lights with inexpensive track lights in the same color as your ceiling. Use dimmer switches and halogen bulbs to cast arcs of light only where you need them without destroying the mood of the space.

Mirrors: In tight quarters add full-length mirrors framed in molding that matches the room’s trim. This will visually stretch and add more “architecture” to the room.

Accessories: Fresh white terrycloth is a classic touch that says “spa”—so no more fussy accent towels that could simply date the space. Add great looking regional or shore-inspired black-and-white photography framed in nickel to match your new hardware. Hit it with a track spotlight, and it all comes together.

These little touches can help freshen and update any bathroom without breaking the bank. 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: Chris Lowell’s Advice for DIY Curtains

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

-How to Style a Bookshelf

-How to Style a Coffee Table

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5 Productive Things To Do Around the House in 5 Minutes or Less

September 5, 2014 By CENTURY 21

There are a million excuses for your home becoming disorganized, but there’s only one way to solve it – set up a cleaning plan that works for your schedule.This includes doing short tasks outside of your regular cleaning schedule. Try these five key shortcuts that can be done quickly in-between all of the other times you’re checking off your weekly to-do list.

1. Clean out your junk drawer: There’s always a junk drawer somewhere that needs cleaning out. Whether it’s in the kitchen or in your child’s room, take a few minutes to declutter that nasty miscellaneous drawer. Think like a minimalist; throw out old papers, pens and anything else that isn’t necessary.

2. Set a timer and fold laundry: If you’re really limited on time, tackle laundry in five-minute increments throughout the week. In each instance, set a timer before diving into your laundry pile. There seems to always be laundry around the house so every bit counts.

3. Switch out dirty hand towels: This is a task that can sometimes be left off a to-do list so if you’re presented with some free time, remember to do it. A clean hand towel in the kitchen and bathroom is essential to a clean house and is super easy to do.

4. Vacuum one room: Vacuuming the house doesn’t have to be an all day ordeal; you can spread out the chore over many days. Each day that you have a little bit of free time, pick one room to take care of. When you’re done, rotate back to the original room and keep the cycle going!

5. Wipe down the stove: As you’re waiting for the family to assemble at the dinner table, cut down on clean up time by wiping down your cooking area and put ingredients. It’ll make the after dinner process a lot easier.

There are so many things that can be done in less than five minutes. Take advantage of free moments and do something productive.

Recommended Reading:

-Productivity Tips for Working From Home

-10 Incredible Home Organization Tips

-Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

-Home Office Essentials

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

September 3, 2014 By CENTURY 21

There are a lot of advantages to home improvement changes. They can make your space feel more modern, larger, and increase its value. And the good news is you don’t have to be an expert handyman (or handywoman) to make easy and simple alterations. Here’s how to better the look and feel of your home.

1. Install new handles and door knobs: Buy new handles for your cabinets and drawers when you’re changing the style of a room. Get a modern feel by adding steel handles, or achieve shabby-chic comfort with bright colors that contrast classic wood doors and cabinets. Though old-fashioned, using a faux-crystal option will create a delicate look in a room.

2. Replace old light bulbs or add light fixtures: If the light in a room is looking dim, try stronger wattage bulbs (within the safety limitations listed on your lamp or light fixture). Floor lamps will also help achieve a brighter effect. Don’t rely on decorative desk lamps to drastically improve the brightness of a room, though they can enhance the mood and decor.

3. Paint the front door: It’s recommended that you repaint your front door every 4-6 years. (Williams Professional Painting.) Whether it’s a neutral or bold color, if you give a door a new look, it can change the outlook you have on the rest of the house.

4. Polish floors: A weekly sweeping of your hardwood floors isn’t enough. Polish your floors every three months with a urethane-based polish, which creates a protective layer against small scratches.

5. Paint an accent walls: This design technique draws the eye to one wall instead of the others. Choose a bold color or wallpaper on the wall that features the focus of your room (e.g. a fireplace, a large painting). One accent wall technique is to keep with the tone of other walls. For instance, if your room is beige, paint the accent wall a deep, chocolate brown to keep with the neutral tone.

Make these small yet significant changes to your home, and you could be on your way to have your very own redesign at a fraction of the cost.

Recommended Reading:

-How to Style a Patio

-Dorm Room 101: How to Decorate a Dorm Room

-How to Style a Gallery Wall

-Sweet Dreams are Made of This: How to Style a Bed

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The Ultimate Home Personality Quiz

September 2, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Have you ever wondered which type of home is right for you and your family? Take this fast quiz to discover which popular house style might be the best fit for you. (Loosely keep track of which answers you choose so that you can discover your results at the end.)

1. I like my coffee:

a. Black

b. Black with Skim

c. I’d rather have a soy latte

d. I’d rather make a green juice

2. On my day off, I’d like to:

a. Go on a yoga retreat

b. Have a day at the park with the kids

c. Take a spa day

d. Hike in the wood

3. The music that helps me unwind is:

a. Acoustic guitar

b. Jazz

c. Classical

d. Nature soundscapes

4. Choose your favorite color from this list:

a. Orange

b. Blue

c. Maroon

d. Grey

5. In my yearbook, I was voted most likely:

a. To invent something

b. To brighten your day

c. To be President

d. To be in the Olympics

Now it’s time for your results…

If you most often chose A, you may like a Modern Style House

Unique and independent, you’re a low-maintenance person who likes to stand out. Go against the grain, and settle into this bold type of home.

If you most often chose B, you may like a Craftsman Style House

A classic and modest person fits this type. As someone who is traditional, but not boring, you want a home that’s practical and comfortable for you and your family.

If you most often chose C, you may like a Colonial Style House

People describe you as an attention-grabber, and your house should be nothing less. Bigger is better, so after a long day of giving it your all at work, you should come home to a space that feels rewarding.

If you most often chose D, you may like a Ranch Style House

Rough and rugged is a good thing with you. A one-story ranch style home suits your on-the-go and eco-friendly lifestyle. Happiness, to you, is enhancing your outdoor space as much as your indoor area.

Now remember, these results aren’t definite. Choose whatever style you like best when you search the CENTURY 21 ^®website.

Recommended Reading:

-Modern Homes for Your Modern Family

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

-Take Your Kitchen from Good to Great

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Worldwide Wanderlust: More CENTURY 21 Homes From Around The Globe

August 31, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Whether you like to travel the globe or just go places in your mind, you won’t be able to resist taking a virtual tour of these international estates. Have a look at these amazing homes. (And if it’s love at first sight, see the full listing at CENTURY 21 ^® Global.)

Thailand

Golfers beware – you’ll never want to leave this villa located next to Palm Hills Golf Course. The Terracotta tiled terrace faces the 17th-green and a lake. Inside the house are cathedral ceilings, an onsite water-purifying system, and an air-conditioned wine cellar.

Costa Rica

Imagine hiking tropical trails and returning to this San José home. Detailed with granite countertops, hardwood floors, and outdoor stone paths, these rooms provide a comforting space and great views of one of Central America’s greatest natural treasures.

Belgium

This charming 7 bedroom hideaway is an escape to Belgian farm country. Recently renovated, the exposed beam ceiling and chandeliers provide an authentic old world experience with modern conveniences. Plus, there’s plenty of garden space to enjoy!

Jordan

View breathtaking sunsets from either of the outdoor terraces in this Middle Eastern villa. Residents and guests alike will be wowed by the underfloor heating, the soundproof windows, and the indoor swimming pool with ozone filtration system. And to complete this oasis, there’s parking for up to 10 cars.

France

In the city of art, this Parisian condo offers a canopied studio space in the courtyard. But if you’re not artistically inclined, it’s still possible to enjoy access to a Jacuzzi, gym, or a cinema room. Large skylights give you a perfect view of surroundings from Paris’s 8th District.

That concludes the worldwide tour. Thanks for joining us on this trek, and now you don’t have to worry about jetlag as your return to your daily life. Though if you’re still craving more international listing, see all there is to offer on CENTURY 21 Global.

Recommended Reading:

-Worldwide Wanderlust: CENTURY 21 Homes from Around the Globe

-Worldwide Wanderlust: Portland

-Worldwide Wanderlust: Maine

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Benefits of Working With a Real Estate Agent

August 30, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Choosing a house to call a home is one of the most important decisions people make. Working with a real estate agent can make the home buying or selling process easier and more efficient. We spoke with agents affiliated with the CENTURY 21^® brand to find out why you should work with an agent.

What is one reason why a buyer should work with a CENTURY 21 Agent?

-Helen Hunt, CENTURY 21 Homes and Investments: “I can have your home marketed internationally. We are the best real estate brand in the country.”

-Sarah Gravelle, CENTURY 21 Real Estate Center broker in Puget Sound: “Access to resources at our ready – CENTURY 21 Real Estate can assist a client locally or around the world. Free phone apps allows the client to see what is on the market as it changes, drive neighborhoods, search and share listings and questions with their broker.”

-Jerry Tuscano, CENTURY 21 Elite, New Jersey: “Forbuyers we have an easy to use, full featured mobile app that we can share with a buyer in less than a minute and can start being used right away! Complete with a mortgage calculator and area stats and pictures of area where house is located.”

What is one reason why a seller should work with a CENTURY 21 Agent?

-Helen Hunt, CENTURY 21 Homes and Investments: “Professional, trained, serious about your future.”

-Sarah Gravelle, CENTURY 21 Real Estate Center broker in Puget Sound: “All the unmatched tools and forms of communication to expose the seller’s property to the largest market provide great value.”

-Jerry Tuscano: CENTURY 21 Elite, New Jersey “For sellers we have the best Marketing platform at our fingertips that can be also be used on a mobile device. Marketing their property in an instant.”

Make informed decisions faster so that you can start enjoying your new home sooner. CENTURY 21 Agents have the marketing expertise, tools, resources, and research to help you make a house a home.

Recommended Reading:

-Buying a Home: 5 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

-Myth vs. Fact: Home Buying

-5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

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Evidence That Buying a Home Can Be Just Like Dating

August 28, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Overwhelmed with the idea of buying a home? It can be a lot to handle, so try thinking of home-buying like dating. It’s a process that’s sometimes frustrating, but ultimately you’ll be glad you held out for “the one.” Here are some things to remember.

Make sure you’re worth the investment.

“Are you homeowner material” is kind of like, “Are you boyfriend or girlfriend material?” Banks, like dates, aren’t going to take a chance on someone they don’t see a future with. That means a credit score above 600 will increase your chances of getting approved for a homeowners loan.

It’ll cost you money.

Think of it as a “wine and dine” process – you’re going to have to woo a loan program with a down payment 3.5 to 20 percent of the price. After that, it’s common practice to spend about 30% of your gross income on your mortgage.

Compromise.

Your relationship with the seller will be one of compromise – price and closing details are something you’ll probably have to go back and forth on. If you’re unsure of how much you should be offering, read our guide on how to determine an appropriate amount.

Accept that nothing’s perfect.

The home for you probably won’t be perfect. But overall, will the home make you happy the way a true love can? Remember, if you can change your mate’s habits, you certainly can tear down a wall or redo a floor to get exactly what you want.

Trust your friends.

Think of your CENTURY 21 ^®Real Estate Agent as the friend who will help guide you through the process. They’ll introduce you to prospects, give you advice, and just generally be your support until you sign and close.

The road to home-buying isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Just remember that with the help of these steps, you’ll be living your happily ever after in the home that suits you.

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Modern Homes for Your Modern Family

August 26, 2014 By CENTURY 21

If you love sleek lines, glass walls, steel, and open floor plans, a modern style home may be right for your modern family. According to House Plans, “Modern style designs offer clean lines, simple proportions, open plans and abundant natural light, and are descendants of the International style of architecture, which developed in the 1920s. Flat or shallow-pitched roofs, large expanses of glass strong connections to outdoor space, and spare, unornamented walls are distinguishing characteristics of modern home style plans.” According to iMatchDesigners, modern style interiors are characterized by clean lines, minimal decor, materials like metal and glass, and lack of clutter.

These stunning CENTURY 21^® homes are perfect for your modern family.

1. This Miami apartment has sleek lines, minimalist decor, floor length windows, and a great deal of natural light.

2. This Miami home has an interesting and unique architecture. The inside of the home has straight lines and minimalist decor.

3. This modern home has a uniquely shaped pool, bright lights, and lots of windows!

4. This Austin, TX home is an excellent example of modern style architecture. The interior has clean lines, unique shapes, and minimalist decor.

No matter what kind of modern home style you prefer, there’s a place for every modern family to call home.

Recommended Reading:

-Kitchen Design Inspiration from CENTURY® 21 Homes

-Worldwide Wanderlust: CENTURY 21® Homes from Around the Globe

-The 5 Best “Man Caves” For Watching Football

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Watch & Vote: #C21ReadyToSell With Jolie Kerr

August 25, 2014 By Molly

Today the CENTURY 21^® brand is excited to launch a new video series with cleaning expert and The New York Times best selling author, Jolie Kerr.

This six part video series, #C21ReadyToSell, provides homebuyers and real estate professionals with the ultimate guide to cleaning and staging a home to sparkle and sell.

In addition to these helpful tips and tricks, once you’ve watched all six videos you can visit www.century21.com/aboutus/mediacenter/askacleanperson and vote for your favorite video to be entered for the chance to win a $250 gift card.

Watch, vote, enter and then share your favorite pro tips on Facebook and Twitter by tagging @Century21 and using the hashtag #C21ReadyToSell.

You can also send your personal cleaning and staging questions to Jolie via Twitter, @JolieKerr. To purchase her book, “My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag . . . And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha” click here.

Which #C21ReadyToSell video is your favorite?

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8 Things You May Have Thought When Your In-Laws Stayed Over

August 23, 2014 By CENTURY 21

You love your in-laws. They are your family. Still, when they come over on short notice you always feel unprepared.

We’re not pointing any fingers but you may have thought one of the following things while you were smiling, listening to the story they tell every year, or cooking a meal you know they’ll hardly touch.

1. How long are they staying?: He said they were just staying the weekend but that never happens. It’s always so much longer… At least it feels that way. Maybe I’ll fake sick Sunday afternoon to make sure they leave on time. Yes, that’s it! I’ll watch that Ferris movie to plan my strategy.

2. Anything that can go wrong, will: That is just my luck, isn’t it? Either the kids will get sick, someone will have to work later than usual, the house will flood, or the world will end. Nothing can go right if the in-laws are here, that is just not how life works. They call that Murphy’s Law; I call it Murphy’s In-Laws.

3. Cooking Criticism: Last time I slaved in the kitchen, “the chicken was overcooked and the pasta was undercooked.” I’m sure someone will have something to say this time, too. I think the cooking powers-that-be curse me when my in-laws are here.

4. Clean, Clean, Clean: I wonder, if I had hired a cleaning service to come in and take over the house, would it have been noticeable? The house would be cleaner than usual so they might suspect something. That might open a whole other can of worms, so maybe I’ll just clean myself. If only I had a bunch of birds following me along cleaning, like a certain princess who lost her shoe. I wonder what the prince’s in-laws were like. They probably loved the good lady’s chicken.

5. Wine, Wine, and More Wine: I should probably run to the liquor store and pick something up… for them, not for me. I swear, these six bottles of wine are for my in-laws, not for me. I swear, I’m opening the first of them right now even though they don’t arrive until this weekend FOR THEM, NOT FOR ME.

6. Where are those gifts?: I know I put that ceramic elephant they got us for Christmas three years ago in the attic, but which box is it in? I thought I wrote it down the last time they visited so this wouldn’t happen again. Ok, now let me practice my “I love it and look at it every day” face.

7. Please don’t bring that up: I know that his/her ex still lives down the block from you. No, I do not want to hear about their new job and how they look better than ever. Please just don’t bring it up, please.

8. Good attitude: Lots of smiles and a clear head. If I remember to be nice, all will go well — hopefully. After all, in-laws can smell fear.

You finally understand the line, “to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life (Traditional Wedding Vows).” Even this weekend.

Recommended Reading:

-5 Stages of Having Your Kids Home from College

-Moving Advice You Should NOT Take from People in Stock Photos

-7 Reasons You’re Secretly Jealous of Your Dollhouse Family

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

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