3 Tricks That Will Make Your Small Space Feel Big

If you own a studio or a small one bedroom in Queens or Brooklyn and you might be struggling with the sizing of your apartment. Thinking about throwing the towel and upsizing? 

Not to worry with the following clever solutions you will be able to maximize and optimize your space and get a couple of more years on your 500 square feet bachelor apartment.

PAINT MAKES YOUR SPACE SEEM BIGGER

Selecting the correct paint shade for your small apartment can instantly give your space the impression of being larger. The key is to stick to neutral colors such as white, cream or even a light gray. Those colors will make your room look larger by creating a bright and airy feel. Light pastel tones make spaces appear larger while deep/dark tones make spaces seem closed in and tight. 

If you do decide to go with a light color try painting the ceiling white to help draw the eye up and create an airy and inviting space. 

If you want the space to look cozy use a dark color paint paired with a white ceiling. It will give your apartment a unique design.

Whether you are trying to make the space look larger or smaller the choice of paint is highly important. 

CRAFTY STORAGE

With tight spaces it's hard to find the storage space necessary for all your things. By incorporating space saving solutions into your apartment's design you will have more space and avoid the look of clutter. 

Try a roll away island and pantries! It's clever and looks amazing! They are flexible and will really give you a nice clean look for your kitchen. Similarly, try adding shelving on the walls. 

You don't have to buy anything to be crafty. Just think about utilizing spaces that are not being used like on top of a burrow or cabinets. Remember, the walls are your friend when it comes to a small apartment. Get your hardware tools out and get those shelves up!

MULTI-TASKING FURNITURE

When buying furniture think double duty! Each piece of new or old furniture should at least have 2-4 functions for storage. They need to have hidden storage and be able to be compacted or put away. Think transformers "couch that’s in disguise."

What’s all the new craze is Murphy Beds, fold down dinner tables, fold out beds, and other unique functional combos.

Having a small place does not mean you have to be cluttered and or feel claustrophobic. It can be cool and sleek if done correctly! So before you throw in the towel on your small space remember with creativity and vision you can make it happen! 

New York Home Owners: 5 STEPS TO A COOL DIY FIRE PIT

So let's face the facts, fire pits are cool and if you like hosting events like BBQ's, making s'mores, hosting parties or just like having friends over to chat around the fire pit, it's a great addition. Many people hire someone to create it or buy expensive metal cast iron ones. You are a DIY'er and want to create this awesome fire pit by yourself. So here is what you will need: 

ITEMS NEEDED:

1.  Bricks for the fire pit wall
2.  Gravel
3. Twine or string
4. a tape measure
5. a stake
6. a large shovel and a trowel
7. a tamp (NOT NEEDED)
8. a level.

WARNING: Before you begin building, be sure to consult your local fire code to find out whether fire pits are allowed in your city. Also, find out how far away the fire pit has to be from a structure. Safety is a top priority for this DIY project.

Step 1: Pick a spot that's a safe distance away from a tree and or bushes. Place the stack in the ground and tie the twine or string to the stake. Make sure the diameter of the circle is about 4-5 feet. Use your trowels sharp end to circle the area of ground where the pit will be going. Next, dig 6 to 12 inches deep within the diameter limits with your shovel. 

Step 2: Tamp down the soil. If you do not have a tamp you can use the back of the shovel. Make sure the soil is packed firmly. 

Step 3: Make sure the dirt you tamped is level. Adjust accordingly before laying down the bricks. 

Step 4: Put a thick layer of gravel in the fire pit. Spread the gravel around evenly. 

Step 5: Arrange the bricks in a circle and stack them in layers until the fire pit wall is at least 12 inches tall. For added safety, you can leave some of the gravel to halo the wall. 

Step 6: Make a s'more sandwich for us! 

5 Ways to Avoid Driving Your Realtor® Insane

Not all agents are made equally. Not all agents will be great at what they do. So it’s important to find one with a great reputation and someone who holds their business to a high standard.

SO, YOU FOUND ONE? That’s awesome; I hope your agent is treating your family with the highest level of loyalty and respect.

Like any professional relationship it’s important to be on the same page. So this is how you avoid driving your agent insane.

Being Untrust Worthy. Price Swapping.

Most buyers don’t really pay for a realtor’s time. Some buyers unintentionally or intentionally put themselves and their agents into compromising situations. If you agree to work with an agent, it is wise to stay in communication with your agent.  It is important to be upfront about your intentions. Are you not looking to work with one agent? Are you looking to find a place yourself?

One huge issue that can cause major issues is price swapping. Attempting to negotiate a deal behind your agents back is a big no-no! It not only will cause potential issues legally, but it might cause you to lose the property and sometimes lead to legal issues. So, don’t do it.

Making Unjustified Lowball Offers.

So, you walk into a fully renovated house marketed at $600k. You put in an offer for $400k just to see what the owners say. The real estate business is a business based on building relationships. There is nothing more insulting to a potential seller or agent than constantly low-balling. 

It is in your best interest to be strategic, but you must be realistic and realize that you get no where by insulting someone's biggest asset.

Unrealistic Expectations During Showings.

Demanding loads of unrealistic attention early on is a sure fire way burn a bridge with a realtor who is only trying to help you.

It’s important to educate yourself on the market. Viewing houses is not going to necessarily mean you are ready to purchase. You may be 1-2 years away from actually being ready. You shouldn’t demand so much time from a realtor if you are just looking around. Realtors are not tour guides. They are “home purchasing” consultants.

Indecisiveness

One moment you want a condo, then you want a co-op. Then you read an article and decide to buy a house. Then you realize you can't really afford the upkeep of a house and decide to go back to a co-op. Any good realtor will help you come up with a game plan – before showing your properties . Lay out all your options and help you figure out your budget.

LOOKING TO BUY A HOME IN QUEENS?

So, the next time your not sure how to proceed just ask your trusted realtor. Transparancy is the best form of business. You wouldn’t tell a doctor how to do your surgery? A good professional deserves your respect and loyalty as well.

Happy house hunting!