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Land Of The Free
Is a Real Estate business possible without a license? Each state requires its own licensure and continuing education to start a business in real estate however most people find it a hassle to start a real estate career. Each state has dozens of MLS...

No More Estate Agent Fees
Follow a few simple guidelines, and marketing your own home can be easy. And it will save you thousands. The recent property boom has a lot of people thinking of selling. Unfortunately, the costs of selling can really eat into your profit....

Real Estate Marketing -- Putting Your Prospect First
Too much agent ... not enough prospect. It’s one of the most common mistakes in real estate marketing, especially with those new to the profession. In your marketing, you should focus on putting your prospect first. That means you should identify...

Real Estate: The Ins And Outs Of Becoming A Real Estate Agent
Getting into the real estate business can be one of the most rewarding, yet tiresome occupations out there. Whether the rewards outweigh the downfalls of the position really does depend on the person looking into the career. If you are a...

Selling Real Estate On Ebay
Selling real estate over the internet may sound like an awkward idea. However, the exposure the real estate receives over such a widespread media like the internet is every realtor’s dream. Can eBay be used to market real estate? The answer is a...

 
Tips on Budget Decorating




Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and patience. If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and wiggle your nose and **poof** it's done. However, that takes away from all the fun! Follow these tips and you'll have a home that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!


*Visit Furniture Showrooms


Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling inside of you. By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends and styles.


*Browse Through Decorating Magazines


Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for your home.


*Shop Second-Hand Stores


One person's trash is another person's treasure can never be so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper. I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions. Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an old couch or chair.


*Color! Color! Color!


To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods that colors can create.


*Create Your Own Art


For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my


own original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through art books at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer and frame the pictures.


*Shop Discount Stores


Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very little money. Who will ever know?


*Be Patient!


Take your time and shop during sales. Decorating should be fun. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!






Maria Palma is a writer, painter, jewelry designer, interior decorator, and real estate consultant based in San Diego, California. She received her degree in Psychology from California State University, Chico, but realized that she wanted to pursue her artistic passions. She has two websites: Salon de Maria (http://www.salondemaria.info), which showcases her art, and Home Solutions (http://www.homesolutionssandiego.com), a resource for real estate and home decorating in the San Diego area.