Jim Hairston Blog

Our REALTORS® often hear buyers say one of the best things about getting your own home is customizing and decorating it any way you like. That includes decorating for your favorite holiday. A jack-o'-lantern on the porch or as a part of other Halloween decorations in your yard is a fun way to express your creativity. It's also the perfect fall decoration for Mansfield homes for sale. They're festive without going overboard, and once they're cut, they don't last long. Whether you're looking to make a classic simple design, or go next level and carve the best one on the block, these five tips can help.

1. Pick a quality pumpkin. Start with a pumpkin that is in good shape and not split, withering, or starting to go bad. Your pumpkin should be firm, free of soft spots, and relatively smooth and blemish-free on at least one side, so it has a good "face" and is easier to carve. The stem should also be intact. Since most people pick out their pumpkins in advance, you want the freshest possible.

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Have you been thinking of downsizing? You are not alone. Statistics show that almost half of baby boomers are considering downsizing. Many people who downsizing have been thinking about moving out of their large home to a smaller home, condo or apartment for some time. Common factors in making this decision may be a recent retirement, children moving out of the home, financial issues, divorce or inability to continue to care for a larger home and/or yard. I am one of those people. Having had this experience myself, I wanted to write this blog which, I hope, will help you as you downsize.

1. Emotional
   Downsizing brings up a lot of emotions. You will be looking at physical items which will bring up g...

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Changing from summer to fall means crisper air, cooler temperatures, and, of course, an abundance of leaves, pumpkins, and seasonal colors. Fall is also the time to make your home feel warm and inviting. Get in the spirit of fall by playing up the natural scenery outside and giving your front porch a seasonal refresh with carefully chosen fall decorations. And it's easy, enjoyable, and affordable to put together a festive look and elevate your outdoor space. Our REALTORS® have got a few ideas for how you can achieve a beautiful front porch for fall.

1. Go Traditional with Pumpkins and Mums
   It doesn't feel like fall without pumpkins. They come in different colors, shapes, and sizes so you can take advantage of the variety to add visual interest and create an inviting statement. You can place the pumpkins on the ground, put them in a lantern or another decorative container, or place them on a hay bale for a fresh fall look. Also, mums and pumpkins are a natural pair when it comes to outdoor fall decorations. The vibrant tones of the flowers flawlessly complement the soft pastel colors of the pumpkins. Create an eye-catching display by placing small pumpkins and mums on opposite sides of the entryway.

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Mansfield homes for sale have gotten plenty of attention in recent weeks. Sellers are moving forward with their plans. And, drawn by historic low interest rates, buyers are bidding on homes that excite them. Our REALTORS® know now is a great time to be a seller! To get the best value for your home, it's important not to forget the buyer-seller relationship is a two-way street. Buyers should bring serious offers to the table – and sellers should give them due consideration.

It's all about etiquette. And that's especially true in the negotiation phase! Seller etiquette might not seem that important at first, but it really makes a difference. Sellers often feel better when they find a buyer they trust, especially if they're selling property that's been in the family for a long time. Buyers, in turn, are more likely to help you out if you have a strong rapport.

Let's look at common points of negotiation etiquette every seller should know.

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Renovating your home can make it more comfortable to live in. In addition, it also can put a little extra money in your pocket when you decide to sell the home. However, our REALTORS® also know that some renovations can leave you less than happy with the finished result. Some can cost more than you expect, and others can detract from the home's value. The following are five home renovations that aren't worth the headaches and costs that they create.

• Going Against the Grain
  Maybe you like Ultra-Modern, or long for something more Tudor. That is not a problem when the rest of the home matches the renovation style you want to incorporate. However, if you try and put an ultra-modern kitchen in a Tudor home, or a Southwestern style living room in a country cottage, the resulting contrast will make the home less appealing to prospective buyers. When considering style, always choose design styles and features that complement and enhance one another.

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