When a potential buyer is in the neighborhood, it’s important for your home to look the best on the block. Here are some tips for boosting curb appeal and capturing the attention of passersby.
1. Mow the lawn and plant sod where grass is sparse.
2. Trim tree limbs that are close to the roof and power lines.
3. Weed flower beds and lay mulch.
4. Store tools and equipment in a shed or garage.
5. Add color by planting flowers.
6. Clean your windows.
7. Install lighting that illuminates the driveway and entrance of your home.
8. Wash sidewalks and driveways with a pressure washer.
9. Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
10. Clean siding and apply neutral paint to the exterior of your home.
For more information on how you can prepare to sell your home, click here.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Studio Apartment Living
Affordable, luxurious one, two or even three bedroom apartments and homes are hard to come by; however, studio apartments are a bit more affordable and accessible. Make your studio more functional with these simple tips.
Take Your Studio to New Heights
In a studio apartment, it’s absolutely necessary to utilize all the space you have—that means using your wall-space and stacking anything and everything as high as the ceilings will allow. Be creative by building tall bookcases that can double as kitchen cabinets, closets or just about anything you need. Adorn the walls with gadgets to store wine bottles, margarita glasses, kitchen utensils and pots and pans. You’ll be surprised how much space you can create when you think vertically.
Storage Where You Sleep
Lofting your bed can be the perfect way to create more storage space in your studio. It will provide you with much more floor space. Depending on how high your bed is off the floor, you may be able create an office or reading nook in that space. You can also try placing a dresser below your bed for easy access.
Become an Illusionist
It’s important to separate your sleeping area from the rest of your apartment – make it feel bigger than it really is – you’ll fall asleep more easily and rest more soundly in your “bedroom.” There are many different ways to divide the room into sections. Try using a folding room divider to create the illusion of two separate rooms. Curtains are also a great way to separate the room and they allow air and light to flow freely throughout.
No matter the size of your apartment, be certain to fill it with things that define your personality. Your home, where you spend much of your time, has to be a place that makes you happy. So, be creative, think efficiently and outside-the-box to create the home you have always wanted.
Take Your Studio to New Heights
In a studio apartment, it’s absolutely necessary to utilize all the space you have—that means using your wall-space and stacking anything and everything as high as the ceilings will allow. Be creative by building tall bookcases that can double as kitchen cabinets, closets or just about anything you need. Adorn the walls with gadgets to store wine bottles, margarita glasses, kitchen utensils and pots and pans. You’ll be surprised how much space you can create when you think vertically.
Storage Where You Sleep
Lofting your bed can be the perfect way to create more storage space in your studio. It will provide you with much more floor space. Depending on how high your bed is off the floor, you may be able create an office or reading nook in that space. You can also try placing a dresser below your bed for easy access.
Become an Illusionist
It’s important to separate your sleeping area from the rest of your apartment – make it feel bigger than it really is – you’ll fall asleep more easily and rest more soundly in your “bedroom.” There are many different ways to divide the room into sections. Try using a folding room divider to create the illusion of two separate rooms. Curtains are also a great way to separate the room and they allow air and light to flow freely throughout.
No matter the size of your apartment, be certain to fill it with things that define your personality. Your home, where you spend much of your time, has to be a place that makes you happy. So, be creative, think efficiently and outside-the-box to create the home you have always wanted.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Summer Watering Tips
Here are some summer watering tips to help green your lawn and satisfy your pocketbook.
• Make a rain barrel and connect it to a downspout.
• Use a soaker hose instead of sprinklers to minimize evaporation.
• Nozzles help reduce water waste by controlling water flow.
• Mulch your landscape. Mulch keeps weeds from growing and helps retain moisture.
• Landscape with drought-tolerant plants.
• Hydrate plants with greywater—water recycled from doing laundry and washing the dishes.
• Water during cooler hours of the day to minimize evaporation.
• When mowing, keep grass blades long. This promotes a more resilient lawn that fares better during dry times.
To calculate your personal water usage, check out this H2O Conserve Water Calculator.
• Make a rain barrel and connect it to a downspout.
• Use a soaker hose instead of sprinklers to minimize evaporation.
• Nozzles help reduce water waste by controlling water flow.
• Mulch your landscape. Mulch keeps weeds from growing and helps retain moisture.
• Landscape with drought-tolerant plants.
• Hydrate plants with greywater—water recycled from doing laundry and washing the dishes.
• Water during cooler hours of the day to minimize evaporation.
• When mowing, keep grass blades long. This promotes a more resilient lawn that fares better during dry times.
To calculate your personal water usage, check out this H2O Conserve Water Calculator.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Changes That Sell, Changes That Don't
Think home improvements will substantially increase the selling price of your home? You may want to think again. Before you invest a lot of money into home improvements and upgrades, you should consult with a real estate agent to determine which changes will most impact your home's sale.
Some renovations not only fail to improve resale profits, but could actually detract from your home's overall value. Swimming pools, water gardens and greenhouse additions fall into this unfortunate category.
So if you're considering the change simply to increase the value of your home, check out this list first. The list from the National Association of Realtors® includes improvements that enhance the sale of your home and an estimated rate of return on the improvement or upgrade. This information is based on 2006 national averages.
• Remodeled kitchen, 80.4% (major upgrade). 85.2% (minor upgrade)
Kitchen updates can offer a solid payback. Simple, functional and neutral are the key words here.
• Second Bath, 74.9%
Add a second full- or half-bath to your home and you'll reap some benefit. Even a humble lavatory can make a difference for many potential buyers.
• Family Room Addition, 71.5%
This is one of the most popular choices for improving resale value.
• Remodeled Bath, 84.9%
With a master bath on most buyer wish lists, this is a wise place to invest your money. Consider installing two sinks, which goes over big for buyers who have to handle morning rush hour.
• Deck, 76.8%
Regardless of locale, outdoor living spaces are in high demand. Low-maintenance deck materials give potential buyers more time to enjoy the view.
• Finished Basement, 78.8%
A terrific way to add space without building a costly addition is by simply finishing your basement. And if you can include walk-out access in the mix, you'll add even more value.
• New Windows, 85.3% (wood), 83.7% (vinyl)
New windows can offer reduced energy bills, which is very appealing to prospective homebuyers.
Now if you aren't ready for major home improvement projects like these, get started with some quick-fixes to make your house more appealing. Or, connect with a real estate agent to get some professional insight on the topic.
Some renovations not only fail to improve resale profits, but could actually detract from your home's overall value. Swimming pools, water gardens and greenhouse additions fall into this unfortunate category.
So if you're considering the change simply to increase the value of your home, check out this list first. The list from the National Association of Realtors® includes improvements that enhance the sale of your home and an estimated rate of return on the improvement or upgrade. This information is based on 2006 national averages.
• Remodeled kitchen, 80.4% (major upgrade). 85.2% (minor upgrade)
Kitchen updates can offer a solid payback. Simple, functional and neutral are the key words here.
• Second Bath, 74.9%
Add a second full- or half-bath to your home and you'll reap some benefit. Even a humble lavatory can make a difference for many potential buyers.
• Family Room Addition, 71.5%
This is one of the most popular choices for improving resale value.
• Remodeled Bath, 84.9%
With a master bath on most buyer wish lists, this is a wise place to invest your money. Consider installing two sinks, which goes over big for buyers who have to handle morning rush hour.
• Deck, 76.8%
Regardless of locale, outdoor living spaces are in high demand. Low-maintenance deck materials give potential buyers more time to enjoy the view.
• Finished Basement, 78.8%
A terrific way to add space without building a costly addition is by simply finishing your basement. And if you can include walk-out access in the mix, you'll add even more value.
• New Windows, 85.3% (wood), 83.7% (vinyl)
New windows can offer reduced energy bills, which is very appealing to prospective homebuyers.
Now if you aren't ready for major home improvement projects like these, get started with some quick-fixes to make your house more appealing. Or, connect with a real estate agent to get some professional insight on the topic.
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