Monday, April 27, 2015

Home Improvement Projects Under $150

Tackle common home improvement projects and transform often overlooked spaces with simple and budget friendly solutions. Try one... or more... of these quick, affordable mini makeovers to help your home look better!

Kitchen Storage  1. Boost Kitchen Storage Whether your kitchen is large or small, ample storage is always a selling point. Take advantage of unclaimed wall or corner space with open shelves to keep dishes, spices, and cookware within easy reach. Embellish plain shelves with decorative brackets to add personality. If you frequently entertain, consider mounting a wine rack next to cabinetry.


  2. Upgrade Your Cabinets With the simple addition of molding, you can give your cabinets a brand new look. Here’s How…

  3. Restore Your Floor's Shine The versatility and warmth of wood is incomparable to other flooring materials, but regular exposure to dirt, dust, and high foot traffic will leave it looking dull and distressed. Restore your floor’s shine factor by polishing with a product that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. A wooden floor should be polished once a year, and every four to six months in high-traffic areas of the home.

  4. Give the Fireplace a Facelift Give a dated brick fireplace a modern makeover with a fresh coat of paint. Before starting, thoroughly clean the fireplace to loosen grime. Apply a stain-blocking primer to the clean fireplace before you paint to help cover soot stains. Choose a high-gloss paint to give your fireplace a beautiful look that lasts.

  5. Stop Clutter at the Door As one of the first rooms guests see, the entryway has a big job to do: make a good first impression and keep drop zone items tidy.  Use a do-it-all storage system to merge function and flair. Furniture can be used for double duty as a bench and a shoe caddy. A combination of storage solutions, like wall hooks, lockers, cubbies, or a bench, will help your entryway stay organized and accessible.

Lighting  6. Shed a Little Light Beautiful light fixtures can go a long way in energizing or soothing a space, and savvy designs can ease eye-intensive tasks. Successfully light a room by creating layers of light with task, accent, and ambient lighting. An interesting pendant, sconce, or chandelier instantly boosts a room’s sophistication. Here, a whimsical chandelier makes a statement above the kitchen sink and provides a practical light source for prep and cleanup.


  7. Banish Closet Clutter One size does not fit all when it comes to closet storage and organization systems. Maximize your closet capacity and cut the clutter with easy, affordable ideas that work for your routine and your stuff. Before rushing off to the store for a new closet organizer, measure your closet space, take an inventory of what’s being stored, and consider your current and future lifestyle.

8. Add a Sink Filter An undersink filter gives you clean, great-tasting water without cluttering your sink or countertop space. Even better, you can easily install a water filter without hiring a professional. Before starting your project, make sure your undersink space is large enough to accommodate a water filter system.

  9. Go Modular If space is at a premium in your humble abode, don’t fret. Boost your blank wall and storage capacity with a modular shelving unit. Various books and display pieces add colorful interest to white shelves in this small space living room. The cubby style shelving is also a perfect fit for baskets, boxes and bins to keep storage accessible yet out of sight.

  10. Accessorize Your Entryway Curb appeal is always important when selling your home. Entryway details can make a lasting impression on guests and give your exterior a distinct personality. Matching finishes on accessories will give your entryway a classic look, while mix and match accessories will create a one of a kind aesthetic.

Carpet Cleaning  11. Professionally Clean Your Carpets When was the last time your carpets were cleaned? For a little bit of money, you can revive your carpets and improve your family’s health with a professional carpet cleaning. Weekly vacuuming removes topical dirt, dust and hair, but a carpet cleaning service will remove stains, allergens, dust mites, and grit. If you have carpet in high-humidity areas of your home, carpet cleaning will also help prevent mold and mildew growth.

  12. Backsplash for Less A backsplash not only adds a dose of character to a kitchen, it also protects walls from splashes and spills. Beaded-board backsplashes, as well as tile backsplashes, are easy to install and can be done without the help of a professional. A beaded-board backsplash keeps this white kitchen fresh and livable.

 Lisa Southern Real Estate, located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601, is dedicated to help you sell your home for more money in less time! If you are thinking about selling your home, call us at 919-800-0880 to set up a free consultation, or visit our website to see what your home is worth in today's real estate market!      

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Are You Looking to Buy a Home? Visit Our Open Houses This Weekend!


With the warmer weather comes spring cleaning, yard sales, and open houses! This weekend, we are holding homes for sale open to the public in Cary,Fuquay Varina, Holly Springs, and Knightdale! If you are looking to buy a home, thinking about buying a home, or are interested in seeing what is available, don't wait! Visit our Open Houses this weekend!

5433 Lafayette Dr. Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Open House: Saturday, April 18th 2pm - 4pm

4 Beds, 2.5 Baths  2,673 Sq. Ft.




112 Maltland Dr. Cary, NC 27518

Open House: Sunday, April 19th 2pm - 4pm

4 Beds, 2.5 Baths  2,872 Sq. Ft.




106 Lyric Ct. Cary, NC 27519

Open House: Sunday, April 19th 1pm - 4pm

5 Beds, 3 Baths 3,027 Sq. Ft.




1004 Ranchester Rd. Knightdale, NC 27545

Open House: Sunday, April 19th 2pm - 4pm 

4 Beds, 4 Baths 3,377 Sq. Ft. 





1314 Dexter Ridge Dr. Holly Springs, NC 27540

Open House: Sunday, April 19th 3pm - 5pm

5 Beds, 3 Baths 3,027 Sq. Ft. 









Open House at 112 Maltland Drive Cary, NC 27518

Join us for an Open House at 112 Maltland Dr. Cary, NC 27518 on Sunday, April 19th from 2-4pm! This home is a hidden gem of Edinborough Pointe, a small community backing to Lochmere Golf Course! Charming home minutes from the heart of Cary! Beautiful wood floors and crown molding throughout the first floor. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, and the family room is cozy with a fireplace. Come relax on your over sized screened porch or your private patio!



For more information, visit our website, or call us at 919-800-0880 today!









Lisa Southern Real Estate specializes in the Cary, North Carolina real estate market. If you are looking to sell your Cary home, call us today at 919-800-0880 for a FREE Consultation! If you are looking to buy a home in Cary, NC, visit our website to start your home search today!




Friday, April 10, 2015

More Green Space in Downtown Raleigh Coming Soon!

More Green Space in Downtown Raleigh

The City of Raleigh Public Works Department is preparing to begin renovating Exchange Plaza and Market Plaza, on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. The civic plazas will be redesigned to create more flexible and modern new spaces. The city will oversee the installation of concrete and paver sidewalks, benches and seat walls, updated planters, improved site lighting and shade structures.  




Construction is expected to begin in mid to late April and last about 5 months. Check back for updates!  

Lisa Southern Real Estate, located at 15 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601, is in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. If you are interested in moving to Downtown Raleigh, or the surrounding areas of Apex, Cary, Fuquay Varina, Holly Springs, or Morrisville, give us a call at 919-800-0880!

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Cary, NC Home For Sale - Coming Soon!





As the real estate market heats up for Spring home buyers, Lisa Southern Real Estate is excited to announce we will be exclusively listing 112 Maltland Dr. Cary, NC 27518 soon! Cary homes for sale go under contract quickly, and this one will be no different!

For more information, contact Lisa Southern Real Estate or visit our website to start your FREE home search today!