A Measure of Success is a Q&A session with a successful blogger from a home-related field like real estate, interior design, and home improvement. Today on A Measure of Success, we’re pleased to have Cara Gardner.
Introduction
My name is Cara Gardner, I write the lifestyle blog Lilac and Grey, as well as work as a real estate and design consultant in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. I live with my husband and Pomeranian in a small town outside of a beach community. We just built and moved into our first house a year ago, and have slowly turning it into our “home”.
How did you get started in the real estate, home-staging and interior design fields?
After college, I worked, in what I thought, was a dead end job for a famous jewelry designer in Manhattan. In reality, I was just working for someone else’s dream (which can be extremely draining.) I would go to Weichert.com to search for homes on my lunch hour, and dreamed of being able to own one of my own one day. I also saw the mega-success my former boss had achieved doing what he deemed as just a “hobby.” He turned his hobby into a successful company. That’s when I made the decision to go into real estate.
What are some quick, easy interior design tips that you recommend to improve a home?
Paint, paint, paint! If you are getting ready to sell your home, the easiest and most cost effective change is to paint all of the rooms a neutral shade. As a real estate consultant, I am always trying to guide buyers not to pay attention to colors and furniture, but to the “bones” of the house. No matter how hard I try, most buyers cannot see through a thick layer of 80′s wallpaper, or maroon paint.
What are the most valuable changes/renovations a homeowner can make to their home?
If you are going to renovate anything, focus on the bathrooms and kitchen. Most buyers look for the quality of the materials used, and the design. Please note that you will not see a full return on your investment in your renovations, but you will see a larger number of interested buyers if your house is “updated” and priced right.
What are some common mistakes that homeowners make when they are attempting to get their house ready to sell?
Most homeowners do not get rid of the clutter. Pictures, knickknacks, and sports memorabilia should all be packed away once you put your house on the market. It could be a deal breaker if a Yankee’s fan walks into a house for sale and sees a Boston Red Socks jersey hanging on the wall!
What has been your formula for success in your career?
In my mind I am far from the success that I know, and want to achieve for myself. However, my advice is to stay true to yourself, believe in what you stand for, and hold the highest quality of standards for you and your clients. I always say that real estate is a very emotional process. When I meet a potential client for the first time, I never think of the potential money I will make from the deal. I listen and ask questions, and my goal is to provide excellent service and advice for my clients to get from point A to point B. I know that if I continue to guide my clients to achieve their goals through my consulting services, oversee all of the details, and truly love what I do everyday, I will continue to be successful.
About the Author
Brandon Mercury is a writer for InGoodMeasure.net. He grew up on the beaches of the Deep South before moving to the mountain tops of Salt Lake City. He focuses his writing on home improvement and interior design topics. Brandon is an avid football and basketball fan. You can find Brandon on Google+
