The House that Pinterest Built

I'll admit it. Right here, for the whole world to see. I have an unhealthy addiction to Pinterest. It is my nightly routine, to stay up late, the hours ticking away into even more ridiculously late, pinning my heart out. It is my time to breathe, reflect on my day and fantasize about all things beautiful. 

I often wonder, what would it be like to actually live among such luxurious surroundings. What if I could cook in that shiny, chef's dream kitchen? Wash off the day in that spa like retreat? Or put my clothes away into a closet that could double as a small clothing boutique? Do these homes actually exist? They do, in Jonesboro, AR. 

2052 Sloan Lake Drive is a lake house currently for sale and it is indeed the house that Pinterest built. Let's take a tour, shall we?

 Symmetry is so satisfying, don't you think? The entire exterior of the home is outfitted in a beautiful white washed brick. And that crown molding above the mahogany door is the perfect perch for a fall swag arrangement.

This house is all about that lake view. 3 sets of functioning French doors in the living room can open up for those summer parties that spill onto the back porch.

 The living room features a gray, dry stacked stone, gas fireplace with custom mantel, surrounded by trendy neutral paint colors. Just imagine it draped in Christmas decor...

 The gourmet kitchen it outfitted with gray and white Brazilian marble counter tops, a 48 inch Thermador gas range, full side by side Electrolux refrigerator and freezer, an extra large, enameled apron front sink, drawer storage everywhere, and gorgeous, glass front cabinets. 

 Now, that is a pantry! I love the red drawer baskets. What a great idea for easily accessible kids' snacks.

If the first pantry was not enough storage for you, don't worry, there is a butler's pantry with attached china closet. I love the contrast of the dark cabinets against the gray and white marble.

 The formal dining room (staged as a playroom in this picture) features gray polished cement floors. If you haven't heard of the polished cement, yet, it is fantastic. Unlike acid stained concrete, it does not need be re-stained and re-sealed and it does not show wear and traffic. It could not get any easier. 

 Fire places in bedrooms might be one of my favorite features in a home. During those cold Arkansas winters, I can't think of anything better than curling up in bed with a fire and watching the snow fall over the lake. 

 Now, that is a Pinterest bathroom! Its not often that you see a home that perfectly balances rustic and refined. A second washer and dryer peeks out from behind a sliding barn door. The floors are weathered gray, wood grain tile, and a custom rustic beam runs the length of the enormous walk-in, Italian marble shower and soaking tub. I don't think I would ever need to go to the spa again, if this was my bathroom.

 Her walk in closet is so large and spacious that it is very difficult to fit it all in one photo. Here, no expense was spared on the details. Custom cabinets and drawers were designed to hide away clutter and look gorgeous at the same time. 

A third gas fire place and custom mantel can be found out on the 700 sqft porch. Whether you are sipping coffee in the morning and taking in the sunrise or enjoying a glass of wine and star gazing this porch is the perfect retreat any time of day.

And those were just a few of the stunning features of this gorgeous lake house. I have had the privilege of actually being in this home, myself and I believe that it is a must see for anyone who appreciates beautiful finishes and breathtaking views. For more pictures and information, you can check out the listing here: 2052 Sloan Lake

Or call Exit Realty agent, Kristin Carbo at 870-273-2311.

What colors sell a home?

Last week, I covered the topic of staging a home with furniture. While it makes a huge difference to a space, did you know that changing your paint colors can sell a house too? Take it from the girl who once tried to list her house with pumpkin spice orange walls, color can make or break how quickly your house sells.

If you have tuned into HGTV or thumbed through a home magazine lately, you will have undoubtably noticed palette after palette of neutrals such as beige, white, gray and cream. It is for a good reason. These colors tend to show better than the more saturated hues. Why? We tend to associate clean, new, and fresh with the neutrals. A neutral palette can make a room seem larger, a ceiling taller, or light brighter.

Here is tasteful example of how I should have shown my love for all things pumpkin spice with just a pop of orange.
Photo by www.traditionalhome.com

Not only is this a gorgeous use of neutrals, but textures as well. Photo from Fixer Upper via www.hgtv.com

Home buyers have an easier time picturing themselves in a spaces that are neutral because it acts like a canvas. There is going to be a very small percentage of your buyer population that is going to like the same colors that you do. So it easier for them to imagine making the space their own if you paint it in colors like beige or white.

However, beware. The old idiom that too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing can also apply to paint colors, even the neutrals. A beige wall, with a beige carpet, that transitions into a beige tile bathroom is not going to sell very well either. This is because all that neutral color does not photograph well. Home buyers are increasingly turning to websites like realtor.com and zillow.com to scope out houses that they want to tour. They will sift through hundreds of pictures during their search. Adding pops of vibrant color with accents like an abstract art piece, throw pillows, or accent chair is a great way to make your house stand out from the rest.

I love how colorful, fresh flowers make any room feel warm and luxurious. I always try to use them in my listing photos and open houses.  Photo By: Adan Torres via www.hgtv.com

So that pumpkin spice orange room I mentioned earlier... I am almost embarrassed to admit that it was accompanied by a jalapeno green bedroom and citrus green bathroom as well. What can I say? I was young and color clashing was my version of a rebellious tattoo. At the time, I loved it, buyers, understandably, did not. Our house sat on the market for months until our realtor gently suggested that we repaint it in neutral colors. Upon taking her advice the house sold in a couple of weeks.

Need some inspiration? Here are some of the best selling neutral paint colors by Benjamin Moore:

Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore

Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore

Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore

Shaker Beige by Benjamin Moore

Sheep's Wool by Benjamin Moore

To see all of the best selling neutral paint colors go here: Benjamin Moore. Thinking about listing your home and not sure where to start? Call or text Kristin Carbo at 870-273-3211 to set up a free consultation.

Staging to Sell

Interview with Amanda Barker of Amanda Barker Interiors

I recently had the pleasure of working with local interior designer, Amanda Barker on my client's listing at 2264 Williamsburg Drive. She took time out of her busy schedule of renovating and remodeling to answer some questions and give some expert advice on staging a home and getting it ready to put on the market. Amanda lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas and has been working in interior design for 18 years. She was the first to bring staging to Northeast Arkansas and been accredited since 2006. 

Kristin: What drew you to interior design?

Amanda: It was something I practiced at an early age, long before I even knew it was a career option. I was sketching, and designing new spaces as well as moving things all around and giving my parents' home a new look. 

Kristin: What is your favorite thing about your work?

Amanda: Every job is something fresh and different. I get to help people make the most of their space for a more enjoyable lifestyle.

Kristin: What are you currently inspired by?

Amanda: Custom trim, built-ins, and the color navy. 

Kristin: Why is staging so important in real estate?

Amanda: It is so important for the maximum return on investment, as well as helping new potential owners envision themselves in the space. 

Kristin: Do you have any advice for anyone trying to stage a home on their own?

Amanda: Clear as much of the perimeter of the rooms as possible. It's great to be able to see lots of baseboards. Less is more and that goes for closets too. Try to have empty closet floors and store things toward the top instead. 

Kristin: What is your number one tip for preparing a home to be listed?

Amanda: Take photos first, and then assess your home through the photos. We get so accustomed to seeing our own things that we often don't see what needs to be addressed in the way of clutter. Clear and pack as much as possible. We want buyers to see the bones of the house instead of your things. 

Kristin: What was your biggest staging challenge?

Amanda: I can think of a log cabin home that I did once that was a bachelor pad and home of a big dog. I tell this story to anyone that makes apologies for their home. I always tell them of the time that I saw dog hair in the form of a tumbleweed and I assure them that theirs looks just fine! On a serious note though, that home was professionally cleaned, staged with beautiful rustic pieces and showed beautifully. It still stands out as one of my favorite end results. 

If you are ready to take your listing to the next level and start getting the attention of your buyer market, call or text Amanda Barker at 870-930-4181. See examples of her work at facebook.com/AmandaBarkerInteriors. If you like the pictures you see above, that is also Amanda's handy work and it is currently for sale! Check it out here 2264 Williamsburg Drive. To set up your personal tour of this gorgeous home or get a complimentary comparative market analysis on your home call Kristin Carbo at 870-273-2311