Tips from the Pros

OUR EXPERTS SHARE SOME OF THEIR BEST ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME AND LIFESTYLE!

Bryan Baeumler Island of Bryan, HGTV

There is not a single reason to go a penny over budget if you set your budget ahead of time and build a plan that’s going to fit within that budget, accounting for 25-35 percent contingency for things you can’t anticipate. There are two things that cause people to go over budget. The first is not having a detailed plan. If you’re guessing on how much you might spend on flooring but haven’t actually picked the flooring you want, it might not add up they way you planned. The second is making additions to the renovation over time and making changes, such as upgrading materials, which end up costing more and eating into your contingency. If you take the time to create a solid budget, plan your design details in advance and enter the project determined to prioritize what needs to be done over cosmetics, you should know exactly what your renovation is going to cost the day you start - or even before!

Bruce Brady, Realtor Bruce Brady Real Estate

Buying or selling real estate at an auction is the most pragmatic and transparent way to sell a property, according to Bruce Brady, an industry expert. The money and time spent on MLS and showings will only generate offers according to what buyers are willing to pay.

The auction system is more transparent. Everyone knows exactly what the offers are and you can see the other buyers standing right next to you! That is why auctions are catching on. In Australia, for example, they buy and sell real estate primarily using the auction system.

There are a couple ways to approach an auction sale including an MLS assisted sale or straight auction without MLS. Having the right team to aide you through the process helps to ensure your house gets the exposure needed so you can spend less time worrying about selling and more time doing what you love.

Andrew Hibbs CEO, Kitch Inc.

Cost and timeline often cause homeowners to shy away from tailormade cabinetry, but personalization is what really makes a home feel like your own.

The perfect solution is to start with an affordable base like IKEA’s SEKTION cabinets. Then, create a unique space by customizing the fronts and hardware to match your desired style. With Kitch, you can mix and match a wide variety of styles and finishes for your IKEA cabinets to create the perfect, unique design for your home.

Jason Bolden WINNERS Style Expert

Looking for a way to freshen up your style this fall? Mixing prints and textures is the perfect way to add some edge to your looks!

What is the easiest way to accomplish that? When shopping for fall wardrobe items, select pieces with complementary hues to keep the look cohesive.