A Guide to Selling Your Vacant Home

Preparing an unoccupied property for the market is different from arranging one currently being lived in. Maybe your home didn’t sell quickly enough, and you couldn’t pass up on the perfect place you found! Or maybe you owned several properties and had a tenant move out unexpectedly or have acquired a newly built house.

Whatever the reason may be, if you find yourself with a vacant home on your hands that you need to sell, these tips will help you do it successfully!

The for-sale sign outside your vacant property signals an opportunity for burglars to act. Make sure you take the appropriate measures to keep the property safe and protected. Alert local authorities and ask them to make a note of your vacant home. This way, they’ll recognize any strange activity and can even schedule a drive-by every so often. It’s also a good idea to inform your old neighbors that your house will be unoccupied for some time, so they can be attentive and check in with an extra key.

Don’t let the exterior of your vacant home fall to the wayside! Occupied or not, the outside of a home is the first impression buyers get of the space—make sure it doesn’t look neglected and unkempt. Boost curb appeal by mowing the lawn frequently and maintaining the front and back yards. Trim the shrubbery and sculpt the garden and other greenery surrounding the property. A nice set of porch furniture and a welcome mat also adds a charming touch.

The best way to entice buyers is to stage your vacant home so it looks lived in. It’s difficult for people to envision themselves living in an empty space. You need to give their imagination something to work with and show off the best assets of each room. The most efficient and cost-effective option is to have a professional staging company come in to make the place look inviting to potential buyers.

There are also a few small things you can do to make your home look occupied in addition to home staging. Keep the lights on or put them on a timer to give the impression that the house is being used. Don’t forget to grab the newspaper and mail every few days so it doesn’t build up, create clutter, and signal an easy target for burglars.

6 Renovation Projects for Boosting a Home’s Value Before You Sell

Renovating may be a lot of stress to take on, but it’s worth it when you keep in mind all of the amazing value it can add to your property. From updating your windows to keeping the property safe from flooding, there’s a lot the average homeowner can do to boost the house’s price.

These are some of the most valuable renovation projects you should do before listing your home for sale!

It may seem simple, but people judge a lot on a property from the way its roof looks. First, how old is the roof itself? Beyond that, when’s the last time the gutters were cleaned? If your home is on a property that has a lot of trees on it, it’s a good idea to install gutter guards so that you don’t have to worry about them filling up with leaves while you’re trying to sell the house.

Beyond just appearances, gutter guards also add value to your property since it saves buyers the amount of work they would have had to spend every year cleaning gutters when fall comes around. This saves everyone a lot of work and boosts your property’s value instantly.

Older windows can be a major issue for anyone trying to sell a property. Not only are they unsightly, but they also have problems allowing drafts and insect life into the home. Instead of letting windows ruin your home’s value, consider looking into window replacement inserts so that you can update these.

Seek out windows that can handle whatever weather your area has and that can seal your home’s interior away from any risk of boosting the heating and cooling bills.

Updated windows are a major selling point because buyers know it’ll save them money every month, plus it’s enticing for them to know they won’t have to update their windows again for another twenty to fifty years.

The exterior of your property tells a story to buyers: what story is it telling? Is the driveway stained and dark? Does the brick have horrible staining from years of pollen, or is the siding dirty and gross to look at?

You can rent a power washer for less than a hundred dollars a day and use it to scrub your home’s exterior, from steel siding to concrete paths, without any trouble besides hooking up the water. These are amazing because it gives you the chance to deep-clean your home’s exterior and make it look brand new so that buyers won’t have to think about how old it is when they arrive at the property.

Flooding is something that many are worried about, and currently, 12% of the properties in the USA are at risk. If you want to help your property’s chances and ensure buyers don’t have to worry, there are some steps you can take to protect it from standing water or flooding from rainfall.

One of the best landscape drainage solutions is covered ditches that run through your property and are only noticeable if someone is actively looking for them. These can be covered by pavers to make pleasant walking areas while also directing water away from your home.

You can also build a rain garden, which allows your soil to absorb as much water as possible, and adds a gorgeous look to any property. This can be more expensive to do since you have to buy, plant, and upkeep the plant life, but it’s worth it for all of the value it adds.

The home update that adds the best return on income is updating your garage door. You’ll get every cent you put into the garage door and even more just by editing it: and this also adds curb appeal on top of everything else. While you’re at it, take the time to update your garage into a beautiful work and storage space. Adding vertical storage, a great waterproof garage floor, and updating the lighting in this area can make a garage feel brand new.

Smart homes have been an obsession on the American public’s minds for the last hundred years, so it makes sense that everyone still wants one! The average home for sale should have one key piece of smart technology built into them to be alluring. This is a smart thermostat, which allows homeowners to control their temperature, and, therefore, their heating and cooling bill, regardless of where they are in the world.

Whether this is a home you’ve owned for years and you’re updating it finally to sell, or you’re flipping this property and moving on to another property you want to convert, it’s a great idea to update it with your return on investment in mind. Try a couple of these great options, and your property’s value can skyrocket! All of these projects can really help a property stand out when staging it to sell as well.

10 Easy Pieces: Striped Sofas

Striped sofas are one of the most versatile and timeless choices in interior design. With their ability to blend classic appeal with contemporary trends, these statement pieces can elevate virtually any living space. Whether you’re aiming for a bold, modern look or a subtle, traditional aesthetic, incorporating stripes into your sofa design adds visual interest, structure, and personality without overwhelming the room. This blog explores ten accessible and stylish ways to incorporate striped sofas into your home, offering practical advice for layout, color coordination, and complementary décor.

1. Classic Nautical Stripes
Nothing evokes timeless charm quite like navy and white stripes. A sofa with crisp, horizontal stripes can serve as the focal point of a coastal-inspired living room. Pair it with light wood accents, woven rugs, and crisp linen throw pillows to maintain a fresh, airy feel. This combination works particularly well in rooms with abundant natural light, enhancing the sense of space and openness.

2. Bold Contrasting Stripes
For those who crave drama, high-contrast stripes in black and white or deep jewel tones can make a striking visual statement. Such sofas work best in modern, minimalist interiors, where clean lines and monochromatic palettes allow the striped pattern to shine. Balance the boldness with neutral walls, metallic accents, or simple geometric rugs to avoid visual overload.

3. Subtle Tonal Stripes
If you prefer a more understated approach, consider a sofa with tonal stripes—variations of the same color that add texture without competing with other elements in the room. This is ideal for neutral interiors where warmth and cohesion are key. Soft beige, taupe, or gray stripes blend seamlessly with surrounding décor, creating a refined, sophisticated atmosphere.

4. Vertical Stripes for Height
Vertical stripes on a sofa can visually elongate the piece, making low ceilings or compact rooms appear taller. This technique adds elegance and a sense of grandeur to smaller spaces. Complement with a high-backed chair or tall floor lamps to further emphasize verticality while maintaining a balanced composition.

5. Mixed Stripe Directions
Combining vertical, horizontal, or even diagonal stripes within the same piece can create a playful, dynamic look. This approach works particularly well for eclectic or contemporary interiors, where experimentation is encouraged. Keep other elements simple to ensure that the striped sofa remains the room’s centerpiece without clashing with surrounding patterns.

6. Pastel Stripes for Softness
Pastel-striped sofas introduce a gentle, inviting energy to living spaces. Light pinks, mint greens, and soft blues can make a room feel cheerful and tranquil simultaneously. Pair these with light wood furniture, soft throws, and neutral walls to enhance the sense of serenity. Pastel stripes are especially effective in bedrooms, sunrooms, or casual lounges.

7. Earth-Toned Stripes
For a grounded, natural aesthetic, choose earthy stripes in shades of brown, olive, or terracotta. These colors evoke warmth and stability, ideal for living rooms aiming for a cozy, organic feel. Pair with natural fibers like jute rugs, linen curtains, and wooden furniture to create a harmonious, inviting environment.

8. Oversized Bold Stripes
Oversized stripes can make a statement while keeping the décor simple. Large, wide stripes work particularly well in modern, minimalist interiors, providing a strong focal point without excessive ornamentation. To balance the boldness, use solid-colored accent pillows, understated artwork, and neutral rugs to maintain visual harmony.

9. Layered Textures and Stripes
A striped sofa doesn’t have to rely solely on pattern. Combining stripes with textured fabrics—like velvet, boucle, or linen—adds depth and sophistication. This approach works well in transitional interiors, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary styles. Layer with complementary throw blankets or cushions to enhance comfort and visual appeal.

10. Multi-Functional Striped Sofas
Modern living demands multifunctionality. Striped sofas that double as sleeper sofas, sectionals, or storage units combine style with practicality. Opting for stripes ensures that even multifunctional pieces retain a strong visual presence, maintaining elegance without sacrificing function. Neutral or subtle stripes allow the sofa to adapt to different rooms and settings over time.

Conclusion
Striped sofas offer a perfect balance between style and versatility. From bold, high-contrast designs to soft, tonal variations, the possibilities are virtually limitless. When selecting the ideal striped sofa, consider your room’s size, color palette, and overall aesthetic to ensure the piece complements your space seamlessly. By integrating a striped sofa thoughtfully, you can create a focal point that enhances your interior design, adding sophistication, depth, and timeless charm to your home.