 By HomeLight When preparing your single-family home for sale, the goal is to make an excellent first impression that lasts when prospective buyers take a closer look. Every aspect of the house should look its best. Much of the first impression comes from curb appeal, the well-groomed, attractive look seen from the curb. Curb appeal projects consistently bring excellent return on investment for sellers. Although without the obvious beauty of a rosebush in bloom, the garage door is usually a substantial portion of your house’s façade. Thus its look does contribute to the exterior style. And although it is functional rather than decorative, it is something people see every day. Getting ready to sell can be the perfect time to replace an old garage door with something that works better and has more style.  There are door choices to fit every major American home style, from colonial to Mediterranean, in a range of materials from steel to glass to wood. As you depersonalize the house and paint the walls neutral colors, you can also select a popular garage door style that meets buyer expectations. One example is the carriage door, which is made to resemble the old-fashioned doors of carriage houses. Excellent for older homes and traditional styles, they can also add charm to a contemporary house. Because they evoke the past, they can easily look rustic or highly elegant, or anywhere in between. Despite their look, they do operate like modern doors. Some people prefer to opt for the more standard “raised panel” door with the rows of panels a lot of us picture when we think of garage doors This typical style is restrained enough to fit with many exterior looks. It may not have a major “wow” factor, but it also won’t distract from other features you would rather emphasize.  Modern style with clean lines is trending today. This look can be enhanced by the right garage door. Steel, frosted glass, or even wood can express this sleek style. Some garage doors are also “single slab,” meaning they raise as one unit instead of as hinged sections, and this old stand-by choice works with modern looks. If you are undecided, consult the professionals who can guide you through your garage door choices to your best curb appeal. We hope you enjoyed these garage door tips from HomeLight! HomeLight uses actual sales data and client reviews to find the best real estate agent for you. They are a small team of talented people in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Seattle, excited to change the face of real estate. Their writers’ work has been featured in numerous award-winning publications, including MarketWatch, ABC7 News, Mercury News, CountryLiving, and HouseBeautiful. Learn more at www.homelight.com. Cheers, AP Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter
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1 Daniels Street, Salem, Massachusetts, listed by the Merry Fox Team of Merry Fox Realty for $610,000. Photo: Realtor.com
Did you catch our latest Splurge vs. Steal on SecondShelters.com? It features one of the oldest residences in Salem, Massachusetts, and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history. Check out the excerpt below or read the full post here just in time for Halloween. 
From SecondShelters.com:
Who is ready for the popped corn, the bat brownies, the fabulous return of Hocus Pocus on repeat? Well, then it shouldn’t take long to figure out why we selected Salem, Massachusetts for our latest Splurge vs. Steal.
Need a Hocus Pocus refresh? Here goes, courtesy of Wikipedia: After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
Thus, comedy, sibling rivalry, and teenage love ensues. We love a cult classic this time of year! And speaking of classic, the historic town of Salem affords more than witch trials and its annual Halloween Ball. Salem is a seaside city nestled on the northern coast of Massachusetts. It’s famous for its 1692 witch trials, but has come a long way since. There’s oodles of authentic New England charm, gorgeous lighthouses, eerie museums, historic homes, and more! In fact, today we feature two historic beauties in our latest Splurge vs. Steal that truly capture the spirit of the fall. Take a look! Here is a look at our Salem Splurge: One Of The Oldest Homes In Salem Available For $610K According to the description, it was built in 1667 for shipwright Stephen Daniels, and is aptly known as the Daniels House. It features multiple fireplaces, wide plank pine wood floors, exposed beams, and the list goes on. If only walls could talk! 
Property records indicate the oldest parts of the building are the lower two stories of the southern half of the structure. The northern half, situated on the third floor, plus the sizable lean-to were added by Samuel Silsbee in 1756. Silsbee was Daniel’s great-grandson and a carpenter by trade.
From our research, it appears the Daniels House recently operated as a bed and breakfast, but has since closed shop. A Facebook page for the Stephen Daniels House reveals it was owned by a Ms. Catherine Gill, best known as “Kay,” who owned and operated the Daniels House for over 55 years...
See what people who actually stayed at the Daniels House are saying on SecondShelters.com and discover which historic Salem home we chose we for our Steal here.
Cheers, and Happy Halloween! AP Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter
 Crittal Doors, Image courtesy of Décor Aid As we near the end of 2018, there’s the annual talk of emerging trends that are certain to make a splash in the world of luxury interior design in the coming year. Industry experts work to predict the direction that styles are leaning towards, and catapult these ideas into their own work and designs. Thinking about a 2019 renovation? Our designers have scoured the trendiest of innovative design shows, followed the leads of industry giants, and have been inspired by adaptive innovators to predict the future of design for the next year and beyond. See how you can elevate your home and be on the forefront of interior design currants with these striking new trends.  Image courtesy of Décor Aid Color Trends Décor Aid’s designers admit that they were a bit surprised to see more feminine shades emerging as dominant color schemes, even in homes that are a bit more masculine. Soft shades like muted coral or dusty peaches were given a more adaptable, neutralized hue to better pair with more gender-neutral decor, while still providing a bit of warmth. Soft shades that veer more towards greys have proven to be a viable option for those that want the best of both worlds - color, but easily managed color. Look to shades like powdery sage green to meet this balance. 2019’s color palette also seems to be inspired by our plates, with shades like apricot, aubergine, and plum emerging as standouts. Decadent, heavy colors are on the rise, not only as standalone wall colors but also punctuated throughout rooms via accent walls, furniture and decorative pieces. These colors provide an elegant, moody ambiance that elevates the luxury in any room.  Image courtesy of Décor Aid. Kitchen Trends One of the most important areas of any home, the kitchen is constantly evolving. In fact, rooms from even a few years ago have come to look outdated. This year, our designers predict trends that will last. In the past, homeowners have opted for darker walls with light cabinets to brighten up their kitchen, but now designers are preaching the opposite. Instead of lightening your cabinets, choose shades that are deeper plays on bold color. You’ll find that a deep slate blue provides something more interesting to the eye than a true neutral, but is muted enough to not seem overwhelming in the space. Use a bright white on the walls to balance out the room, as dark colors can oftentimes shrink a space. Hardware is a detail that defines the kitchen - often creating the tone of the space based on the finish, material, and style. Designers from all over are loving brass, not only for its contrast to bland neutrals, but for its true contemporary flair. It also becomes a striking addition when paired with the aforementioned trend of darker cabinets. Cutting edge kitchens have incorporated brass into anywhere a metallic element is necessary: faucets, handles, drawer pulls, light fixtures, knobs, and chair legs have all become areas that catch the light (and the eye) and influence the feel of the room.  Image courtesy of Décor Aid. Structural Trends When frustration sinks in with an outdated home, don’t look at the big picture— look to making smaller but crucial edits that will modernize the space and leave a lasting impact. A few shifts in the structure of a room or two can make your home more on trend than even the newest buildings. Crittal doors, while not new, have become a lot more familiar to those in the design world in the last few years. Our designers predict they’ll make a far bigger appearance in 2018 in homes that want to have a more sectioned off space without shrinking the home. Crittall style doors have quite an industrial minimalist look about them, usually with matte steel and glass framed in a grid-like formation, making them able to let light in and keep a space looking open. A full crittall wall with a door can function as a dividing wall between two areas, designating separate rooms. Because there’s glass, you won’t be compromising light or space. Recessed floors are also making a comeback. While your first thought may be that they seem a bit outdated, designers have been taking great strides in modernizing the look of a sunken floor. While not always suitable in contemporary 2019 (after all, which direction would the TV or fireplace face?), they make the perfect upgrade to a space meant for entertaining guests, as they have the ideal arrangement for facilitating conversation and interaction. With the addition of a small coffee table or bar, your home will certainly be the designated spot for get-togethers. Keep your fabrics within a neutral color scheme; because there is four times the area of a traditional couch, most colors may be a bit too much on the eye at this level.  Image courtesy of Décor Aid. Furniture Trends In the world of furniture, it seems to be that current trends are holding steady, and accelerating at that. Tufted seating options — from couches, to ottomans, to stools — have remained a staple of any space that wants to add a touch of decadent luxury. Our designers have also seen them making appearances in spaces you wouldn’t initially think of, like bathrooms. For a master bathroom with space to spare for a stool or bench, a velvet tufted piece makes the perfect accent. Use them to dress up a space that may be slightly lacking in luxury, or doesn’t provide as much of an opportunity for expression, like a hallway or entryway. These pieces make a notable difference. Like what you see? Learn more about Décor Aid’s award-winning designers here.
Cheers and Happy Designing! AP Thank you to Décor Aid for collaborating on this post. Amy Puchaty's thoughts and opinions are her own. As a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist, her marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Follow Amy at #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter  So you're sitting at home and want to invest in new bedding but mainstream prints and patterns aren’t for you? Enter Falneur Bedding, a contemporary world of made-to-order, custom color bedding that is about to get wondrously more interactive thanks to their newly relaunched website hiflaneur.com.  “Inspired by resort collections, luxurious travel destinations, and ongoing fashion trends, we call out shades such as midnight blue, grass green, candy turquoise, and winter earth tones,” says Ariel, an expert in all things Flaneur, who reached out to us about the company’s innovative approach to high-end bedding.  Falneur customers can now enjoy a color match from an uploaded image, a Pantone color code, or engage with one of their dedicated color experts online. Sounds like a designer dream to us.  Check out their Fall/Winter forecast of rich saturated hues, including luxurious jewel tones, and earthy-chic wonders at hiflaneur.com now. Are you more moody Camelot or vibrant Wadi Maghara? Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments.  We are leaning towards a timeless classic with the softness of Sudd but could easily see any of these capsule collections making a bold statement in our guest rooms.
Cheers and Happy Shopping! AP Thank you to Flaneur for collaborating on this post. Amy Puchaty's thoughts and opinions are her own. As a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist, her marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter  According to Lee Arenberg, “Renovating a home is like building a character. You start with the foundation, work with the lines, then there’s costume fitting. It’s the same with remodeling and staging.” At least that's what he told me when I got a personal call from the Pirates of the Caribbean star back in August.  His stunning Dallas Craftsman hit the market and sold within a month, thanks to the help of listing agent Kyle Baugh of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, and a hefty dose of interior design from Arenberg's wife.  Originally listed for $549,900, I had the pleasure of covering the home on CandysDirt.com. You can read the full post here. In the meantime, I'll just leave you to marvel at these jaw-dropping property photos.        Yes, we wish it was ours too. Congrats to the lucky new homeowners!
Cheers, AP Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter  Our latest post in Inman News puts the spotlight on 8 Gorgeous Property Websites That'll Inspire Your Marketing. We love scouring the internet to find the best of the best to share with you and this article does not disappoint. It's filled with inspo from heavy hitters in the real estate industry who continue to up their website design game. On Inman we highlight property websites ranging from private residences to second home offerings, high-rises to sporting retreats, and more. If you are an Inman member, you can read the full post here. If you're not a member, don't fret. We share a few of favorite property websites below.     Cheers and Happy Marketing, AP Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter  2204 Patterson Way, Southlake, Texas, currently listed by Kim Bedwell, Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty. Can you believe summer is almost over? It’s been a hot one here in Colorado but we are loving every minute of it. And it seems our luxury real estate clients are loving it too. They are selling homes like hot cakes in a traditionally sluggish summer market when buyers and sellers are out traveling and enjoying their summer break. We’ve been busy writing marketing copy for agents from Dallas to Denver, New York to California. It’s a miracle we can even keep our time zones in order! Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to.  We are always writing marketing copy for real estate agents and this French-inspired masterpiece at 2204 Patterson Way in Southlake, Texas was one of our favorites for August. Ideally nestled on a lushly landscaped double lot in beautiful Southlake, rests this 8,800-square-foot family home, custom built to the highest standards of quality by certified master builder, J. Custom Homes. Exquisitely appointed and designed for effortless indoor-outdoor and entertaining, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom estate is reminiscent of one you might find along the French Countryside, blending both French Normandy and French Provincial styles into a masterful work of art. It's still up for grabs if you're interested. And if you are a real estate agent with a need for compelling property descriptions, reach out to us. We love bringing your listings to life and our turn around times are the best in the business. We get copy to you in 24-48 hours!  So this might not be specifically about homes, but the person we featured sure is. We love the agent bio we wrote for Denver real estate expert Jon Goldberg. You can read the full bio here. We help dozens of agents each month with polishing and crafting new professional biographies that will set them apart. Agent bios are such a personal thing and we work closely with our clients to ensure the final bio meets their goals and needs. Let us know if you need a refresh!  This month we managed to write about the coolest shell space in Dallas, Texas for Inman.com. Real estate agent Carla Perez of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gave us all the details on the incredible Dallas offering. If you're an Inman member, you can read the full article here.  So we have a weekly feature on CandysDirt.com, the source for all things Dallas real estate news, called Friday Four/Five Hundred. Each Friday we feature a newly listed Dallas property with a four or five in its price. Do you have a listing that should be featured? Email us for consideration. Full post on that stunning 1920s Tudor here.  Speaking of top real estate blogs, we also write two weekly posts for SecondShelters.com called "Splurge vs. Steal" and "What Can I Get For A Million In...?" We hope you'll follow along! To read the above Asheville post, click here.  Did you know we hired another writer? We made the announcement a while back but Molly Lee has been a great asset, assisting with blog posts, and gaining her footing in the business. Here are a couple of her previous blog posts here and here to check out if you missed them. Her humor and honest reviews get us every time! We hope your summer has been just as fab as the homes, real estate agents, restaurants, and businesses we covered!
Cheers, AP Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter  Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences, Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Starting from $475,000 to $1.285 million a fraction. Photo credit: Shawn O’Connor. Last week we had the pleasure of unveiling the new model at the Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences to all of our 300,000+ readers on SecondShelters.com. This incredible resort offering is the only private residence club with fractional ownership on Kiawah Island, and the newest oceanfront offering in over 30 years!  The interior design is enough to entice one to buy, but those views...and the pricing! It's a gem of a find for oceanfront living starting at $475,000 to $1.285 million a fraction. Here, the rich architectural heritage of the Lowcountry meets the contemporary demands of today’s buyer to bring you one unforgettable oceanfront retreat. Sidenote: If there is one thing readers should know about my design tastes, it's that I am a sucker for a classic blue and white color palette. Timbers Kiawah does not disappoint!  Learn more about the talented design team, Hilton Head-based J. Banks Design, plus read my interview with Managing Director of Development at Timbers Resorts, Chris Burden, on SecondShelters.com now. You'll quickly see why Timbers Kiawah is the place to buy in South Carolina. Check it out and give us a thumbs up if you like what you see.
Cheers, AP Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter  You don't have to be gimmicky to stand out from a crowd. Case in point, this elegant luxury real estate brochure from top-producing Wolfe-Bouc Group in Denver, Colorado. It's sharp, sophisticated, and to the point, allowing luxury real estate clients to connect with the brand's story without complicating things. And it's so great, Inman.com let me do an article about it. You can read that full post on Inman News here. Below is a summary of that Inman post, including my top five reasons this luxury real estate brochure rocks.  1 - You immediately know what the Wolfe-Bouc Group stands for. They are "your guides to Denver real estate" - this little phrase may seem simple, but combined with their logo and city theme, it instantly answers the who, what, where, and why, of their brand story. Who? Wolfe-Bouc Group. What? Real Estate. Where? Denver. Why? Guide.  2 - They share their legacy right away. The Wolfe-Bouc Group's history is a rich one, and potential clients get a quick snapshot of who they are, where they came from, and where they are going right away. Consistently recognized by the Denver Board of REALTORS among the Top 5 Teams for outstanding production, and by the Wall Street Journal and Real Trends as one of the top 250 Real Estate Teams nationwide, Wolfe-Bouc Group has a story to share. This is the perfect place to showcase awards and skills to establish credibility. Their longstanding reputation is second to none and it shows.   3 - They present a polished image, both relatable and approachable. Although they are well-known for closing multi-million-dollar real estate deals across the Front Range, the Wolfe-Bouc Group makes it clear that they put in the time to educate and advise their clients. It's not just about the numbers, but about building and maintaining lasting relationships. Their polished and professional image, is both relatable and approachable, and will attract a wide range of clientele.  4 - They clearly state what sets them apart. In just a few short paragraphs, clients get a clear picture of how the Wolfe-Bouc Group operates, what skills they bring to the table, and why clients should hire them over the competition. Their passion for helping people buy and sell homes is loud and clear.  5 - They highlight their brokerage, which is a leading luxury real estate brand. The Wolfe-Bouc group is smart to lead with personal achievements, but they don't forget to leverage the reach and resources of their brokerage, LIV Sotheby's International Realty - which was recently named the #1 Sotheby's International Realty affiliate in the world for 2018.     And the wins keep on coming...the group emphasizes local expertise. Neighborhood knowledge is one of the top reasons buyers and sellers hire real estate agents. The Wolfe-Bouc Group emphasizes this with a snapshot of the neighborhoods in which they specialize, as well as a description on how they connect buyers and sellers to properties in these communities every day. But don't just take their word for it. Their client testimonials say it all.  Branding brochures can be a challenge, especially for teams, but clearly the Wolfe-Bouc Group nailed it! Every agent and real estate brokerage is unique, the trick is to zero in on your personal story and present it in a way that resonates with your target audience, while putting the spotlight on the things that matter most. Relationships, service, results. I had the privilege of writing the copy for Wolfe-Bouc Group's brochure and could not be more pleased with the result. If you or someone you know is looking for luxury real estate copywriting expertise, give us a call. We would be happy to do the same for you! Cheers, AP Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter
Picture this: the most adorable English bulldog you’ve ever set eyes on—complete with wrinkly face and soft white fur. Throw in a couple of cute toddlers in the mix too. While this picture is my heart, my world…they are also the culprits of chaos when it comes to my car. I’ve had my car for a little over three years and I clean it regularly. I take it for a wash, make sure to clear out the trash every day, and vacuum it as often as I can. And still, somehow, it’s never the same as when I bought it. Now, I’m not delusional, I know that new-car smell and look doesn’t last forever, but come on! Three years? Thanks to the cuteness overload I mentioned above, my car recently looked like it had been around since the dark ages. Dust and goop and things I don’t even know how to explain had settled between the cracks, in places none of my efforts could reach. My chubby bulldog’s white fur had managed to slip into the interior in the back like the finest thread in the hardest to rip seam. Seriously, I tried everything to get rid of the dog hair—from the vacuums at the car wash, to my husband’s shop-vac, to duct tape! I even listened to the advice of Pinterest and took a squeegee to it! All to no avail. Sure, these processes took some of it out, but I was certain that a good amount of the fur had settled in for the rest of the car’s natural life. Finally, we decided it was time to get it professionally detailed. It didn’t take us long to find out that one of the highest reviewed places was a home-run business called R.A.P.D Automotive Detailing. A few messages later, I was set up with an appointment. I barely had any expectations going into the process, save for a cleaner car, but what I came home with is still shocking me today. It’s like a new car! I’m kicking myself for not taking before pictures—hence the aforementioned painting I illustrated earlier. Toddlers. A chunky tank of a bulldog. Hectic life. You get it. Messy. Beautiful but messy. The owner, Craig, has been doing this for thirty years and it absolutely shows:
It’s like he had a magic wand that restored the vehicle to its fresh off the line look. Though, in reality, I know it comes down to a ton of hard work and being an expert in your field. And that is what R.A.P.D is. Experts. Friendly, accommodating, and fairly priced, I will take both vehicles to him every single time. It’s been a week since he made my car sparkle and I’m still shocked each time I get behind the wheel. I feel like I’ve got a new car without the price tag! In a life filled with the constant go-go of two toddlers and a bulldog, there is something so wonderful about slipping into a clean car, and thanks to R.A.P.D, it’s been nothing but smooth sailing ever since. Cheers and happy detailing, ML Molly E. Lee is an associate copywriter at Amy Puchaty Communications - a Colorado-based copywriting firm specializing in luxury real estate marketing and creative copy that inspires. Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter |
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