Want to give your home authentic Native American style decor? Try using Shaman drums along with your rustic home furnishings like I did. My love for these unique, American Indian drums began right after my husband and I purchased our new home last year. We knew that because of our love for the old west, we wanted true southwestern and Native American style home decor with one of a kind rustic home furnishings. Once that was decided I started filling my new home with unique western and Native American pieces that would go with my rustic decor and entertain my guests by telling a story at the same time. That is when I came across how simple it was to give my home that beautiful country style that you see in designer home magazines, by decorating with shaman drums.
Maybe you are like me when I first began learning about the history and meaning of Native American drums, and have only a rough idea of what the Shamans drum is. Or, maybe you are wondering how to choose the right drum to play in your Shaman drum circle. Whatever the case, it is important to understand the significance this raw hide drum plays in Native American culture so you can develop a true appreciation for its art and let its power lead you in the right direction.
If you are fortuneate enough to attend or be involved in a Shamanic ceremony you will notice that the Shaman, or spiritual leader, will beat a unique looking raw hide hand drum with a soft drum stick to create the soothing monotonous beat used to take him to an altered mental state. During this altered state of mind, called the Shamanic journey, the Shaman receives healing and spiritual powers he uses to guide his people. If you take a close look at the Shaman's drum you will realize that unlike many other leather Native American drums used during tribal ceremonies, these rustic drums have natural raw hide, stretched over a wood frame on one side and are laced with raw hide string on the other side. They don't have the loop hold like many other tribal drums do. A drum fashioned in this way allows for a natural hand holding position so you can fully control the drum and easily manipulate the sound that is vital in bringing out the right tones necessary to lead you on your Shamanic journey.
You will also see that many Shaman drums have symbolic paintings on the rawhide drum face. These unique Native American symbols often depict a map of the universe or symbols of spiritual powers you can use to guide you in your meditating and journeying experience. If you are using the drum for Shamanic work, take time to study the symbolic meaning of the painting. Since the rustic paintings have a spirit and power that guides the journey, you want to make sure it is in line with your own practices and guides you in that direction.
Also, I always make sure to check the quality of the drum before purchasing. It's important to check that there are no thin places at the points where the cords of the drumhead are connected. This is important for the quality and life of your Shaman drum and will save you money in the long run by not having to have it repaired or buy a new one.
A lot of focus is placed on the drum alone but don't forget to choose the right striking mallet so you can enjoy the resonating sound of these native drums to its fullest. You will see that there are many variations of mallets that pull out different sounds from the drum and although I personally like using a mallet with a fur covered head, it is a matter of what works best for you. Whether you are purchasing Native American musical instruments such as drums to incorporate into your home decor or are using it to help you in your spiritual journey, I guarantee that you will love the authentic Native American style and southwest charm added to your life and home by Shaman drums.
For most markets the Spring and Summer are the hottest home shopping times, but that's not exactly true in the mountains. We may get many lookers in the spring and fall because of the many art festivals going on in the Blue Ridge Mountains. but many times those lookers may not contract till the next season. In fact smart buyers buy in the winter when the summer foliage is not an issue and you don't end up surprised by that junk yard past the kudzu. But in return summer issues such as flies from a nearby chicken or horse farms is something a buyer will want to know about an area before a big purchase too. So don't think one season or another is a better time to sell plan on it taking on average a year for your vacation home to sell especially if your pricing is above "real " market value.
Here are some things you should know before putting your vacation home on the market.
1. Know what your home is worth. A real estate agent can run comparable's to find out what you might be able to get for your home. Be aware of agents who promise to get you a significantly higher price; agents may tell you you can get more than you actually can just to get your business. Going with one of the agents will mean a longer period your house sits on the market, and could even mean no sale at all. You may also want to get a licensed appraiser to give you an appraisal of your home, although sometimes even that may not be an accurate account as many appraisers seem to set prices high or low depending on who they are working for. You should also check with neighbors on any recent home sales. Remember that, a home's price is tied to square footage, condition and location of the home. Views, privacy and acreage can also effect mountain home values.
2. Know the costs. Selling one home for another can cost you about 10-15% of the price.You may pay about $20,000 to sell a $200,000 house,if you consider moving expenses and loan costs for another home. If this is a second home you are not replacing with another consider if it's better to sell it furnished then moving and storing extra furniture you may not want or have room to store.
3. Decide whether to hire an agent or sell on your own. Sales commissions can take a big bite out of your profits:about 5-8%. While you may put more money in your pocket by selling it on your own as a "for sale by owner" remember that it may take up a chunk of your time. Not only that but you could open yourself up for a lawsuit? Every state has certain laws about real estate sells real estate brokers have to take hours and hours or courses to get their licenses. Every year they have to take refresher courses coving new laws and changes in the real estate codes. Not working with a realtor could get you into a situation that could end up costing you much more then the 8% a broker may charge. The National Association of Realtors reports that more than half of the people who do sell their own home say they would not do it again. If you choose to sell on your own be seller in research,and use a good attorney.
4. Hire a good agent If you do hire an agent, check them out. You will be required to enter into a contract, usually lasting anywhere from one year to six months. Talk to friends for good recommendations in the area and look for an agent who works full-time rather than as a side job. Have your prospective agent create a comparative marketing analysis, a marketing profile, and a suggested list price for your home. Ask them how they plan to find buyers and advertise your property.
5. Add "curb appeal." Give your home those little touches that will bring passers-by walking up your doorway. Trim the lawn and shrubs, keep your gardens neat and healthy, put out a few potted flowers if you don't have many plantings. Pressure wash the exterior and repair any visible damage. Always keep clutter, including children's toys, trash barrels,and yard equipment out of sight.
6. Make inexpensive but important inside improvements. One of the best ways to add inside appeal is to spend a few hundred dollars on paint and new carpet. A fresh coat of paint on interior walls will do wonders in presentation. Also make sure the house looks clean and organized and get rid of any stains, marks or odors. Un-clutter closets and storage, not only will it make them look bigger it will give you a head start on your move once the home does sell.
7. Tell the truth - Disclose Most realtors will tell you it is best that you leave the home while it's being shown that way you are not put into an uncomfortable situation. However, if you are asked questions from a buyer, be sure to tell the truth. Misrepresentations could lead to trouble down the road, including possible lawsuits. Discloser's are filled out when you sign a selling contract with your realtor, you should disclose things like a leaky roof or traffic noise and what items are taking with you or leaving.
8. Use an attorney. If you're at all in doubt about the documentation, there are complications in the sale and/or you do multiple transactions, get an attorney. The fact is it is foolish not to use an attorney in a real estate closing. The few hundred dollars you spent may well be worth it for both peace-of-mind and protection of your assets.
Both Craig Chambers & Gary Ward are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Craig Chambers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Culture and Society and Interior Design. Craig Chambers is the director of and author offering free information online about how to use. Craig Chambers's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
Gary Ward has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Painting and Interior Design. Buying property in the North Carolina Mountains is a huge investment. Having someone to keep your interest in mind can be the difference betweena good investment or a poor one. Be a smart buyer hire a responsible buyers agent like Gary Ward. When you want. Gary Ward's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.