Home Decorating with POSH Home Staging & Redesign

8 STEPS ELEVATE TO

YOUR HOME’S VALUEWith Pets

Pets can be a wonderful part of our lives and offer unconditional love, and their presence adds warmth, love, and comfort to any home. However, when selling a home, buyers may see our beloved pets as an unattractive element. It could be a turn off to those buyers, and they may assume that the home has damage or is not as clean as other homes on the market. 5. Things like toys, bowls, leashes, crates, bedding, and cat litter should be removed from the home before showing. Any signs of pets can be a huge red flag to buyers and quickly eliminate your home from contention.

6. If your pet does its business in your yard, now is the time to clean up. After all, we do not want an unsuspecting buyer stepping in anything and tracking it back through the house.

Many realtors recommend removing pet toys, beds, or any signs of your pet while your home is on the market. This can be inconvenient but well worth the increase in buyer traffic.

Below are eight steps to staging your home with pets for mass appeal to potential buyers:

1. Remove any items with stains and repair any damages from pets. A puppy may have had an accident on the carpet. They may have chewed up some baseboards or scratched up the back door. No matter the size of the damage, these things should be repaired or removed before a photographer shows up for listing photos.

2. Pets shed a lot. You may have become accustomed to seeing hair on the floor or sofa. However, potential buyers will notice this and raise a red flag. Vacuum at least once a day; if it is during warmer months, vacuum twice a day to avoid unwanted pet dander.

3. Now is the time to have a professional clean out the vents. You can also clean outside the grate of your vents by wiping them down and replacing the filters with new ones that address pet dander.

4. Most people become used to the smell of their own home and are unaware of what it smells like to an outsider. With pets, there is a good chance that your home includes traces of your pet’s odor also.

Opening the windows each day to air out your home is helpful. Also, clean your home weekly to avoid any offensive aromas for potential buyers. Prior to hitting the market,

I recommend hiring a professional cleaner to deep clean your home. 7. Pets are also known for running through gardens and digging in flower beds. Take a peek at the beds to see that mulch is in place and everything is fresh and in tip-top condition.

8. When depersonalizing your home, do not forget to remove pet photos, too. Some buyers will still turn a nose to any evidence of a pet living in the home. It is best to start packing away any unnecessary care items and photos now for a quick sale.

Following these eight easy steps will help elevate your home’s value and give it the best chance to impress everyone.

940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM

CPR Taking TOHEART

by Jean Eisenmann | photos courtesy of Jean Eisenmann

NOW, WE AREN’T AS CONCERNED WITH CLEARING THE AIRWAYS OF A CARDIAC ARREST VICTIM AS GETTING THE BLOOD MOVING WITH CHEST COMPRESSIONS.

Did you ever want a do-over? An opportunity to do something again, but differently this time? For example, you encounter someone in need of CPR, but you don’t know how to perform it. Sure, you call 911. But when minutes – more like seconds – might mean life or death, your immediate action before first responders arrive can make all the difference to the victim, their family, friends -- and you. Those moments of administering CPR will become one of the most important acts of your life.

No do-over needed.

Lantana residents likely have heard about the runner who collapsed from cardiac arrest while on Lantana Trail on December 28th. Luckily, a man driving by who knew how to administer CPR stopped and immediately performed the life-saving act after calling 911. A Bartonville police officer heard the emergency call and arrived before the ESD paramedics. The officer used a defibrillator to shock the victim, then continued with CPR until paramedics arrived to transport the man to the hospital. Assured that the patient was in good hands, the silent hero simply left the scene without being identified. This is a commendable example of citizens

taking the initiative to help someone – even during COVID-19 – and then passing the baton to paramedics.

Thanks to that good Samaritan and first responders, the Lantana runner (who wishes to remain anonymous) is doing extraordinarily well. Amazingly, he didn’t suffer any neurological or heart damage. Before that fateful day, he had been a runner for decades and routinely went on a run around noontime. Taking his doctor’s advice to live life normally, he has recently returned to work, though walking has replaced his daily runs. These days he uses a runner’s app, which alerts his wife when he begins and ends his exercise – assuring her that he’s safe. Through several channels, the couple managed to locate the gentleman who performed those life-saving actions and were given a chance to express their sincere gratitude.

“My husband and I also want to convey our thanks and appreciation to all those who were involved in saving his life,” she said. “And another thanks to everyone who expressed concern and well wishes for his recovery.”

To repeat what everyone should already know, the American Heart Association defines Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as an emergency life-saving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. The AHA also states that immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. And nearly 45 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when bystander CPR was administered.

“Compressions are the most important part of CPR,” explains Cody Miller, Division Chief of EMS and Training for Denton County ESD No. 1. “Every five years or so, regulations change due to new medical innovations. Now, we aren’t as concerned with clearing the airways of a cardiac arrest victim as getting the blood moving with chest compressions. Both the 911 call and administering compression are equally important to a victim’s survival.” The Denton County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 1 is dedicated to providing emergency medical services, fire protection, and fire prevention education in Argyle, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Corral City, Lantana, Northlake, and other parts of southern Denton County. There are three fire stations, with Argyle being the central station, another station housed in Northlake, and an engine house in Copper Canyon.

February is American Heart Month, which reminds everyone to focus on their hearts and cardiovascular health. So with that in mind, what a suitable time this is to learn CPR.

Always proud to offer services to the community, a Free CPR Kit Drive-Thru event was held at the Copper Canyon station on February 6. Citizens were invited to pick up a free CPR kit from the convenience and safety of their cars. Kits are still available at all three stations.

CPR classes had been offered and conducted at the Argyle station, but COVID-19 has put a temporary hold on that opportunity. Classes will resume as soon as possible, so check their Facebook page (Denton County Emergency Services District #1) for updates.

The ultimate goal is for every citizen of Denton County and beyond to know how to administer CPR. It could mean saving the life of a stranger or someone close to your heart.

Things5TO DO

EAT, PLAY, LOVE AT THREE DOG BAKERY

threedogdfw.com

This bakery has its own unique flavor— guaranteed to delight your doggo. An ever-changing selection of unique toys, rawhides, chews, grooming gear and the latest four-legged fashion accessories gives you and your pup plenty to peruse. And of course, you can’t leave without trying they’re famous gourmet pastries or their beloved Pupcakes.® photo courtesy of Three Bog Bakery Plano Facebook pg @ThreeDogPlano PUPPUCCINO | STARBUCKS

Happiness at Starbucks isn’t limited to just humans. Bring in your four legged family member for a Puppuccino! This secret menu item is offered for free at most Starbuck’s locations. This doggie delight is just a shot of whipped cream served in an espresso or sample size Starbucks cup. No matter the size or shape Starbucks has something everyone can enjoy. photo courtesy of starbuckssecretmenu.net

DOGGIE DAY CARE

Doggie daycare works a lot like daycare for children. You drop your dog off in the morning on the way to work. Your dog’s day will be filled with activities based on the curriculum set out by the daycare facility on your dog’s specific needs and temperament. And Happiness Starts With A Wet Nose & Ends With A Tail! JACK’S OUTFITTERS

jacksoutfitters.com

Jack’s is all about the dogs! Our store is named after the owner’s best friend – JACK!. They offer unique gifts for your beloved pooch such as luxurious dog beds, beautiful styled & bedazzled dog collars & leads, toys that make the noise, and specialized candles, dog treats & signs for dog lovers across the globe!

BEN & JERRY’S DOGGIE DESSERTS

benjerrys.co/3sjKcdQ

If your furry friend gives you the puppy dog eyes when you dig into a bowl of ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s has a solution. The ice cream maker is debuting Doggie Desserts, which will hit the shelves of grocery and pet stores this month. The line kicks off with two flavors named after its employees’ pets: Pontch’s Mix and Rosie’s Batch. photo courtesy of Ben & Jerry’s Facebook pg @benandjerrysUS