Cynthia Upp Blog

Cynthia Upp Blog

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Buy a Home | 11 Posts
Buying A Home | 5 Posts
Doers of Good | 1 Posts
Family Fun | 1 Posts
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Holidays | 4 Posts
Home Improvement | 34 Posts
Market Reports | 132 Posts
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Sell a Home | 5 Posts
Selling A Home | 5 Posts
Spokane Life | 41 Posts
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Uncategorized | 5 Posts
May
20

With summertime and milder weather in full swing, it's the perfect time for a backyard BBQ. For homeowners, it's also an opportunity to not only showcase your property, but to fully enjoy the outdoors and neighborhood you call home. With the right theme and a little planning, your at-home BBQ can feel less like a casual cookout and more like a thoughtfully designed event.

 

Start With a Clear Theme

A theme sets the tone for everything, from the menu to the décor. It doesn't need to be over the top: The "classic summer BBQ" works just as well as something more specific like a coastal seafood boil or a Southern-style cookout. The key is consistency. When your food, music and setup all align, the experience feels intentional and elevated.

 

Design Your Space for Flow

A successful summertime party isn't just about what you serve; it's about how guests move through the space. Create clear zones for cooki...

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May
19

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May
15

5 Simple Ways to Declutter Your Home Before Selling


If you're thinking about selling your home in Spokane, the timing is worth paying attention to. The local market currently has a limited supply of homes, well below the six months typically needed to reach a balanced market, and homes that are priced right and presented well are still attracting competitive offers. With a median home value hovering around $400,000 and nearly 28% of Spokane homes selling above asking price in early 2026, sellers who put their best foot forward stand to benefit considerably.

That said, Spokane buyers today are more discerning than they were a few years ago. They have more options to compare, and overpriced or poorly presented listings are sitting longer. That's where decluttering comes in. First impressions aren't just important, they're everything. Buyers form an opinion...

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May
15

Empty homes don't go unnoticed – and as travel plans pick up this season, a few simple moves can reduce risk and add home security while you're away. With the right mix of everyday habits, subtle automation and smart technology, you can step out knowing everything at home still looks and functions as it should.

 

Make Your Home Look Lived-In While Traveling

One of the easiest ways to protect your home while traveling is to keep it visually active. Start outside with motion-activated fixtures, solar lighting and timers that turn lights on at dusk to help eliminate dark areas and create natural movement around your property. Inside, small adjustments go a long way.

 

Smart plugs can power lamps, TVs or radios at different times throughout the day. Smart thermostats can mirror typical energy use, while automated blinds open in the morning and close at night. Together, these subtle shifts create a steady, fami...

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May
15

After seasons of soft neutrals and understated palettes, spring 2026 is ushering in a confident return to color. Homeowners and designers are embracing bold accents as a way to inject personality without overwhelming a space. The key isn't a full-color overhaul—it's knowing where to use color for maximum impact.

 

One of the most popular places to introduce bold color is the front door. A rich navy, deep green, or even a muted terracotta can instantly boost curb appeal and create a memorable first impression. It's a simple, cost-effective update that signals style and care before buyers even step inside.

 

Inside the home, kitchens and powder rooms are becoming color playgrounds. Painted islands in shades like forest green or charcoal add contrast and depth, while powder rooms are perfect for experimenting with bold wallpaper or saturated paint tones. These smaller spaces allow for more creativity without overwhelming the entire home.

 

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