Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1213275
The weather and the housing market are about to heat up! Spring is the biggest home-sale season: blooming flowers and sunshine make for great photos, and people are eager to start the purchase process so they can move in and get settled before autumn. As a realtor, I appreciate the emotional and practical considerations that go into these personal real estate transactions. Every home owner wants to have an advantage over the competition when their home goes on the market, and every home buyer hopes to find a place that's just the right fit. Before listing a home, sellers should prepare it with an eye for what appeals to today's buyers. I spoke with Diana Cousineau Aveni, the owner of Hingham Furniture & Design, home of Framing Concepts in downtown Hingham, about her take on how to give your home that special appeal that makes it stand out among the crowd. Aveni is an expert at getting homes to look their best. She is an artist, designer and author whose exquisite talents help make everyone's homes more beautiful. For 20 years, Aveni and her design team at Hingham Furniture & Design have been providing style consultations and crafting personalized furniture and fine art to suit anyone's taste and space. Aveni believes that design is "not about simply placing items in your home, but about creating spaces where you can grow, thrive and love." I spoke with Aveni about her take on how to give your home that special appeal that makes it stand out among the crowd: What can you do now to get ready for Spring showings and open houses? Walk through each room and critique them from a buyer's perspective. Hire a contractor or handyman to handle major and minor projects, including repairing cracks and holes in the walls. Paint interior walls with neutral colors and clear the clutter! Organize a few dates for a yard sale, and sell, donate or trash anything you don't need. By clearing clutter, you depersonalize the space, which allows potential buyers to visualize it as their own home. These steps can sometimes be overwhelming, so don't hesitate to call me for help: I am available to do a walk- through with you. Having someone assess the space with a neutral eye and a fresh perspective is invaluable. What are the latest trends in home decor? I'm not a trendy girl myself; I think outside of the box. Color trends come and go, but black and white remains a classic duo, and we are seeing a lot of handcrafted wallpaper designs that really enhance spaces. How old is too old? When do you suggest redoing kitchens and baths? It really depends on the condition of the cabinetry and the floors, but I'd say 8-10 years. If the construction is high quality, you can get more longevity out of it without having to do a full makeover. by Stanley Blackmur, Coldwell Banker REALTOR Reveals the Best Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Spring Finest Designers One of Hingham's 18