Pinterest isn’t the only social media platform to find interior design inspiration. There are several Instagram accounts that feature jaw dropping decorations and designs. Here are some featured accounts that will give you the home renovation bug.

@inspire_me_home_decor – 4.6 million people are following Inspire Me! Home Décor. Founder Farah Merhi curates both exquisite exterior and interior home designs. This page has a great mix of different interior spaces that will give inspiration to any home project. Many of the finishings can be purchased through their online shop for instant décor satisfaction.

@kenparkindesign – Ken Parkin Design specializes in residential interior and home renovations in Canada. This account serves as a gallery of both tasteful and luxurious projects. If you are looking for modern, yet timeless interiors, checking out Ken Parkin Designs is a must!

@ashleytstark – Ashley Stark Kenner, Creative Director Stark Carpets, should be named “Instagram’s Queen of Carpets.” Her unique designs will add flair and sophistication to any space. Besides showcasing beautiful flooring options, @ashleytstark’s photos will make you consumed with interior design envy.

@thehomeedit – Consider yourself slightly OCD? Then this Instagram account is your dream! The Home Edit takes home organization to another level, mixing style and functionality. The Home Edit online store offers custom labels to maximize organization and sophistication.

@highfashionhome – The handle says it all! Browse through endless photos of picturesque interiors. Spot a must have item? You can shop the furniture and accessories shown directly through their online store. @highfashionhomes has a great selection of quality home staples and fun, unique accent items.

Why service industry professionals should show more on paper than in their pocket

It is no secret that a good bartender can make $500 a night slinging drinks. In South Florida, where the hospitality industry thrives, there is no shortage of people who make a great living from being a service industry professional. Cash is king in nightclubs. Not claiming some of that cash will have you living like a peasant.

You are a VIP bottle server in one of Miami’s hottest clubs. You can make a couple thousand dollars in a few nights work. After renting for a couple years, you get the itch to buy a house. Of course you can afford a mortgage payment! You can make that in one good night! Your trusted realtor finds you the perfect house and you don’t sweat the down payment and monthly mortgage payments. You can afford it, right?….WRONG!

The mortgage lender crushed your dreams because you “don’t make enough on paper.” Splurging on that fancy handbag instead of paying it forward to Uncle Sam, has come to bite you in the you-know- what.

When applying for a mortgage, they are going to look at last two years of tax returns to calculate a debt to income ratio. If you are not claiming those hard-earned cash tips, your tax returns are going to reflect a low income. So it doesn’t matter how much you have in your pockets, it’s all about how much you have on paper.

Before starting the home hunt, contact a licensed mortgage lender. They will be able to let a person know if they qualify before they start picking out furniture on that dream home. Turning to a licensed accountant to guidance on what you should be claiming for your upcoming tax returns is also highly recommended.

In today’s technology savvy society, it is only natural that potential homeowners turn to popular sites like Zillow.com, Trulia.com and Realtor.com to search for single family, rental and investment properties. Everyone is familiar with the quote “nothing comes for free,” right? Let’s give these sites a little credit. A prospective buyer or seller will receive free inaccurate, outdated, deceiving information at absolutely zero cost.

Always turn to a licensed real estate professional when making one of the most important purchases in your life. Would you rather make a $350,000 purchase with a person who can physically assess a property, give you accurate listing information, set up a personalized profile with your search criteria, and negotiate the best deal for your dollar? Or would you rather throw your hard earned money thrown into cyber space?

One of the biggest misconceptions about not using a real estate professional is, you will save money. Contrary to popular belief, it is quite the opposite. Here are a couple examples on how to make more with the help of a licensed professional.

1. These sites do not know the true value of your home or the homes in you neighborhood.  Does Zillow.com know that you just installed impact windows, remodeled the bathrooms and replaced the roof while your neighbors still have outdated windows and bubblegum pink bathrooms?
2. Going in with non-representation does not save you anything when purchasing.  A seller’s agent is ultimately being paid by the person/property they represent. They have loyalty to their client and may be limited on helping a buyer. In the end they may receive a full 6 % commission without getting you the best deal.
3. Finding a property or listing your home online is only the beginning. Time is money. Do you have the time and qualifications to host open houses, show home, draft contracts, facilitate loans, schedule inspections, work with appraisers and coordinate closings?

Consider a real estate agent as your personal “home concierge.” Let the experts do the work. Use your online searching skills to research local licensed realtors. It is important to match yourself with a person you feel comfortable and confident with.

by Jade Weiss, Realtor