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  • Writer: Ziggurat Realestatecorp
    Ziggurat Realestatecorp
  • Oct 20, 2024
  • 4 min read

The idea of “home” has always baffled me.


Maybe it’s because I’ve never truly felt at home anywhere.


There are places where I’ve felt comfortable, but they were never technically my “home.” Even as I get older and moved to different towns and cities, I’ve never lived in an apartment or house that I’ve felt completely settled in.


There’s always this nagging restlessness, this feeling that ‘no, this isn’t home either.’

So, where is home? Some can argue that home is inside—that it’s with you all the time. I’d like to believe that and deep down, I think I really do.


But I can’t shake this feeling. All my life, I’ve sought refuge everywhere outside of myself—my grandmother’s house, friend’s houses, the homes of relatives. I’ve always felt like a visitor because, well, I was. I’ve never felt like I completely belonged anywhere, especially the place I was supposed to belong.


Over the past 15 years, I think I’ve moved just as many times. I’ve noticed a pattern: I never stay in one place longer than two years, tops. I usually bounce within a year to year and a half. I just can’t seem to get settled, to put down roots.


This is both disturbing and enlightening to me.


It disturbs me because it makes me wonder what I’m running from. Or better yet, what I’m searching for. I like that I’ve lived in so many places and met so many people. No matter where I go, I always seem to run into someone I know. I kind of like that.


I’ve come to embrace this restless energy inside of me, because it’s propelled me to keep moving, exploring, reaching. It keeps my curiosity alive. Sometimes, I feel like it keeps me young.


And sometimes it wears me down.


I’m very tired, all the time. It tears my sleep away because it never lets my mind rest. I’m always thinking ahead, always worrying, always planning. Always trying to make things work. I’m never completely grounded in the here and now, and as we all know, this moment, right now, is the only one that truly matters.


“The only present that might exist is the one in my mind. It’s the closest we come to the absolute present.”

But then I wonder if I’m always tired because I’m always searching for a place and a time that doesn’t exist. I’m pouring all of my energy into creating the life I’ve always wanted to live, the person I’ve always wanted to be, and to some extent, the place I’ve always wanted to come home to.


Hiraeth: a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past.


I guess that’s an apt metaphor for life.


We’re all searching for something. Some feel it more intensely, and those are the movers and shakers, the ones who really leave their mark on this world. They let that restlessness—that drive for more—fuel them. They soak in all the places and faces and names and gestures and words and glances and (not so) chance encounters and joys and tragedies of life that propel them forward. They use it all as fodder to create something bigger; bigger than themselves. Bigger than life, sometimes.


We’re really all time travelers, maybe trying to re-create a feeling we once felt or a dream we once had.


And through this yearning—this nostalgia—we come to create something even better.

“In Greek, ‘nostalgia’ literally means the ‘pain from an old wound.’ It’s a twinge in your heart, far more powerful than memory alone.”

We draw from our pain. We draw from loss and from heartache. I think the only line we can draw between right and wrong is whether or not we’re utilizing our experiences for the betterment of ourselves and the world around us. Whether or not we’re making something beautiful from something awful. Whether or not we’re able to transform pain into love.


I think home resides in the act of taking something born from darkness and baptizing it in the light of renewal. When you’re able to find peace within pain and build from it, manifesting something you never dreamed possible because it radiates so much light and purity and love—that’s when you’ve come home.


Home isn’t a place; it’s a state of being.


Home is balance. Home is reconciliation. Home is forgiveness. Home is release.


“It’s a time machine. It goes backwards, forwards. It takes us to a place where we ache to go again.”

We ache, we journey back and we take those grueling lessons that keep showing up for us, disguised as different faces and bearing different names, and we morph them into something better. We wake up and step into our power. We lay the foundation for the home we’ve either been struggling to return to, or the one we never had.


Home lies within us all. It’s just a matter of how we choose to make our way to it.


  • Writer: Ziggurat Realestatecorp
    Ziggurat Realestatecorp
  • Nov 9, 2023
  • 3 min read

If you need some motivation to make room for the new holiday gifts you received, or to organize your closets, now is the time. You know that sweater in your closet that doesn't look good on you, but you never got around to returning? How about that extra toaster oven you have been storing in your basement for years? Someone out there could be enjoying these items. Donating feels good. As does living in a tidy and organized environment.


Clear Your Home, Clear Your Mind

Clutter creates chaos, which impacts your ability to focus. It also limits your brain's capacity to process information. Clutter is a form of visual distraction, which increases cognitive overload and can reduce working memory. If your space is unorganized and filled with clutter it can be difficult to focus or concentrate. Research has shown that people are less irritable, less distracted, more productive, and better able to process information with an uncluttered and organized work area.


Staying organized can be a challenge for anyone. It can be a daunting task for those with ADHD, brain injury, and/or executive function deficit or disorder. Clearing the clutter and developing systems for keeping certain things like keys, phone, and wallet are essential to managing day-to-day activities and improving time management.

Not only is it hard to physically function in a cluttered space, but clutter bombards the mind with excessive stimuli. Addressing the heaps of paperwork, laundry, and thoughtfully organizing helps to calm the mind.


Improve Mental Health


Several studies show a correlation between disorganization, clutter, and mental health conditions, including, depression, anxiety, and stress. Messy environments can cause frustration, helplessness, and feeling overwhelmed.


Excessive clutter often leads to feelings of shame, hopelessness, and guilt. The feelings can spiral, making it difficult to find the motivation to address the clutter. If someone is already suffering from depression, a cluttered home can worsen that depression. It is often a cycle. The more depressed you get, the harder it is to clean and organize.


Decluttering increases self-worth, creates healthy habits, and boosts productivity. A clean and tidy home can also improve sleep, boost mood, and promote relaxation.


More Energy and More Space


Everything we own and bring into our home takes up some of our time, energy, and space. While some things are worth it, there are usually items that no longer serve us and we could do without. The more things we have, the more things we have to clean, organize and manage. Trying to stay on top of it all in a cluttered home requires more time, energy, and effort.


When our closets and drawers are jammed packed with stuff we don’t use, we spend more time looking for the things we need. How frustrating is it when you know what you are looking for, but you just can’t lay your hands on it? Getting rid of the things we don’t use creates more space and breathing room, allowing us to focus on the important things.


Declutter and Donate—It's a Win-Win!


It seems easy to accumulate all sorts of things we don’t really need, yet difficult to let them then go when they no longer serve us. There are many reasons people hold on to things, from sentimental to monetary value, but at what cost? More often than not, the things we fear getting rid of end up negatively impacting our lives, rather than benefitting them. Another reason we hold on to things that are in good condition, but we know we will never need or use again, is because we don't know what to do with them. The answer is simple: donate. Decluttering not only improves your life, it improves the lives of others in need.


Steps to Declutter

  • Start Small: Set small, manageable goals. Tackle one task, one pile, or one room at a time.

  • Ask for Help: Enlist the help of a family member, friend who can help you make decisions. Sometimes getting "permission" from someone else makes it easier to put your items in the donate pile.

  • Take a Picture: If you have trouble parting with your children's baby clothes and books or mementos from a vacation, take a picture of them. Giving them away often feels like giving up a piece of our identity or our past, making it difficult to let go. By taking a picture of an item that carries sentimental value, you can still have that connection.

  • Decide what you’re going to do with your unwanted items: The goal is to get the items out of your house and into the hands of someone who needs them. Contact local homeless shelters or donation centers to schedule a drop-off or pick-up.

Selling a home can be a challenging and stressful experience, especially in a competitive real estate market.


But what if there was a way to make your home stand out and appeal to buyers? Enter home staging, the art of arranging and decorating a home in a way that showcases its best features and creates an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. But home staging is more than just fluffing pillows and adding a vase of flowers.


It’s rooted in the psychology of buyer behavior and the principles of visual marketing. By understanding how buyers think and what they’re looking for, you can strategically stage your home to make it more appealing and increase your chances of a successful sale. In this article, we’ll explore the psychology of home staging and share tips on how to create a space that will leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

The Psychology of Home Staging

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. Potential buyers make a split-second decision on whether they like a home or not within the first few seconds of entering. That’s why home staging is so important. It helps to create a welcoming atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel at home and allows them to envision themselves living in the space. But home staging is more than just making the home look pretty. It’s about understanding the psychology of buyer behavior and using that knowledge to create a space that will appeal to their emotions and desires.

One important aspect of the psychology of home staging is understanding the concept of visual marketing. Visual marketing is the practice of using visual elements such as color, lighting, and layout to create an emotional connection with the viewer. In the context of home staging, this means using visual elements to create a space that will appeal to potential buyers emotions and desires. For example, using warm, inviting colors in the living room can create a cozy atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel at home. Similarly, using soft lighting in the bedroom can create a relaxing atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel calm and comfortable.

Another important aspect of the psychology of home staging is understanding the concept of buyer behavior. Buyers want to feel like they are getting a good deal, and they want to feel like they are making a smart investment. That’s why it’s important to highlight the best features of the home and create a space that looks and feels luxurious. By doing so, potential buyers will be more likely to see the value of the home and feel confident in their decision to buy.

The Importance of First Impressions

As mentioned earlier, first impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home. Potential buyers make a split-second decision on whether they like a home or not within the first few seconds of entering. That’s why it’s important to create a welcoming atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel at home from the moment they walk in the door.

One way to create a welcoming atmosphere is to use warm, inviting colors in the living room. Colors like beige, cream, and light blue are great options because they create a cozy atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel at home. Additionally, using soft lighting in the bedroom can create a relaxing atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel calm and comfortable.

Another way to create a welcoming atmosphere is to use furniture and accessories that are both functional and stylish. For example, a comfortable sofa and a stylish coffee table can create a cozy atmosphere in the living room, while a comfortable bed and stylish nightstands can create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.

Understanding the Buyer’s Perspective

When it comes to selling a home, it’s important to understand the buyer’s perspective. Buyers want to feel like they are getting a good deal, and they want to feel like they are making a smart investment. That’s why it’s important to highlight the best features of the home and create a space that looks and feels luxurious.

One way to highlight the best features of the home is to focus on the kitchen and bathroom. These two rooms are often the most important to potential buyers, and they can make or break a sale. That’s why it’s important to make sure they look and feel luxurious. This can be achieved by using high-end finishes like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and designer fixtures.

Another way to understand the buyer’s perspective is to think about what they are looking for in a home. Buyers want a home that is both functional and stylish, so it’s important to use furniture and accessories that are both. Additionally, buyers want a home that is clean and clutter-free, so it’s important to declutter and organize the home before putting it on the market.

The Role of Color Psychology in Home Staging

Color psychology plays a big role in home staging. Different colors can evoke different emotions and feelings, and it’s important to use this to your advantage when staging a home. For example, warm, inviting colors like beige, cream, and light blue can create a cozy atmosphere in the living room that makes potential buyers feel at home. Similarly, cool, calming colors like green and blue can create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom that makes potential buyers feel calm and comfortable.

Another way to use color psychology in home staging is to create a color scheme that is both cohesive and stylish. This can be achieved by choosing a color palette and using it throughout the home. For example, a color palette of beige, cream, and light blue can create a cohesive and stylish look throughout the home.

Tips for Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

Creating a welcoming atmosphere is key when it comes to home staging. Here are some tips for creating a space that potential buyers will love:

  1. Use warm, inviting colors in the living room to create a cozy atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel at home.

  2. Use soft lighting in the bedroom to create a relaxing atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel calm and comfortable.

  3. Use furniture and accessories that are both functional and stylish to create a space that looks and feels luxurious.

  4. Highlight the best features of the home, especially the kitchen, and bathroom, to create a space that looks and feels high-end.

  5. Declutter and organize the home before putting it on the market to create a clean and clutter-free space.

The Power of Decluttering and Organization

Decluttering and organization are key when it comes to home staging. Potential buyers want a home that is clean and clutter-free, and it’s important to achieve this before putting the home on the market.

One way to declutter and organize the home is to get rid of any unnecessary items. This includes furniture, accessories, and personal items like photos and knick-knacks. By doing this, you’ll create a clean and clutter-free space that potential buyers can envision themselves living in.

Another way to declutter and organize the home is to use storage solutions like baskets and bins. This will help to keep the home organized and clutter-free, which will make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Enhancing Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is another important aspect of home staging. The exterior of the home is the first thing potential buyers see, and it’s important to make a good first impression. One way to enhance curb appeal is to clean up the landscaping. This includes mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and trees, and planting flowers and other plants.


Additionally, painting the front door and adding a new mailbox can make a big difference in the overall look of the home.

Another way to enhance curb appeal is to make sure the home is well-lit. This includes adding outdoor lighting to the front porch and driveway, as well as making sure all existing lighting is in good working order.

The Benefits of Professional Home Staging

Professional home staging can be a game-changer when it comes to selling a home. A professional stager has the knowledge and expertise to create a space that will appeal to potential buyers and increase the chances of a successful sale.

One of the biggest benefits of professional home staging is the ability to create a cohesive and stylish look throughout the home. A professional stager knows how to use furniture, accessories, and color to create a space that looks and feels luxurious. Additionally, a professional stager can help to highlight the best features of the home and create a space that looks and feels high-end.

Another benefit of professional home staging is the ability to create a space in that potential buyers can envision themselves living. A professional stager knows how to use furniture and accessories to create a space that is both functional and stylish, which will make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Conclusion

Home staging is an important aspect of selling a home. By understanding the psychology of buyer behavior and the principles of visual marketing, you can strategically stage your home to make it more appealing and increase your chances of a successful sale. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional stager, creating a space that potential buyers will love is key to a successful sale.


© Copyright 2018 by Ziggurat Real Estate Corp. All Rights Reserved.

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