Springtime can present many difficulties when it comes to curb appeal.
For many areas of the country, this time of year means brown lawns, leafless bushes and trees, and a depressing lack of color.
Yes, we have the hope of the color splashes and lush landscapes that go hand in hand with summer, but what can be done now?
Improving curb appeal has shown to increase not only your property's value, but also the property values of your entire neighborhood.
Whether you are selling or staying put, here are five tips that can help you on your way to a beautiful home.
1. Sidewalks and Driveways:
This may be the first part of your property that your guests or prospective buyers step foot on. Literally.
An affordable, virtually maintenance free option for sprucing up your paths is concrete stain. It can cost around $30 a gallon and requires very little prep work. This is a do-it-yourself project.
Consider picking a color that is in the same color family as that of your home. A blue home could be happily complemented by a gray drive.
Another tip: Fix cracks and uneven sections. This project may require a bit more professional attention, but will give buyers the impression that your entire home, not just the entrace, has been maintained.
2. Accent Door:
It has been called the lipstick on the lady. It's inviting and it draws visitors – or buyers – in to your home. A plain door tends to recede into the background.
Consider a contrasting color to the siding of your home. On the color wheel, green is opposite red and yellow is opposite blue. Don't be afraid to be daring (think a fushcia door on a cream colored home). Just a pint of paint can cover most doors, and if you don't like the result – you can try another color!
3. Trimming Trees:
Stand in front of your home and take a close – and fresh – look at your trees and bushes. Are there branches that have become overgrown and now obstruct the view of the home?
You want your landscaping to complement your home, not hide it. Trees should frame paths and entries. To trim tree branches yourself you can buy a pole pruner or chain saw. Or you can hire a professional, who has experience in shaping trees.
Keep in mind, however, that spring is NOT the time to prune flowering trees or maples. These should be done in late Summer and early Fall.
4. Early Spring Planting:
The last frost date varies by area. It also varies from year to year in that area, but if you feel that your home will not see another frost, then you may be safe to plant a few hardy annuals to add some pops of color to your yard. Even if a frost catches you by surprise – you can cover the plants for the evening to save them from succumbing to the cold.
The plant must also have time to take good root before severe rains come.
Some plants that you can give you an early burst of color:
Pansies: these bolts of color can even survive winter in some areas
Calendula: these “pot marigolds” are a versatile plant
Violets: heart shapes petals
Other options: cornflower, foxglove, larkspur, sweet alyssum, dianthus, baby’s breath, bells of Ireland, blue sage, candytuft, celome, forget-me-nots, love-in-a-mist, snow-on-the-mountain, strawflower, and torenia
5. Outdoor Lighting:
Low voltage (12 volt) and solar lighting are great options for improving curb appeal.
There are hundreds of designs of solar lights. These small fixtures are generally set on stakes in the ground and can be used to accent paths or gardens. And they are a great do-it-yourself option.
Also, consider using uplighting on trees to create night-time focal points – great for buyers doing after work drive by inspections!
by Carla L. Davis
Friday, February 26, 2010
Clean Homes Show Better--Five Areas To Scrub to Make Yours Sparkle
So, here's a question for you. Would you rather walk into a clean home or a dirty one? No, it's not a trick question but it is an important one. You see, when it comes to selling a home, many people forget how important the answer to that question really is. Sellers get busy looking for their new home, preparing the kids for a move, packing up their belongings, getting organized for their new life and relocation so much that sometimes their home that's for sale doesn't get the TLC that's needed to push it to the top of the buyers' must-have list.
It's not until the home sits on the market for long periods that sellers realize something has to change. Sometimes it's the marketing, sometimes it's the price, and sometimes it's the fact that the home that's being shown isn't clean enough. Yes, a clean home shows better and there are five ways to make yours sparkle from roof to baseboards.
Hard to Reach Windows/Skylights.
These often get overlooked either because they're difficult to access to clean or because they aren't right at eye level. Whichever the case, cleaning windows in high ceilings or skylights provides a brighter light to shine in your home. Sometimes just getting out the cloud of dust and dirt that accumulates can make a difference between a murky-looking room and one that is eye-catching. And here's a tip from Buzzle.com, "Clean the windows on a cloudy day, but not a rainy one. If you clean the windows in the direct light of the sun, traces can appear on the window, as the cleaning solution gets dry before being cleaned.”
Baseboards and Walls.
I have written about giving your home a fresh coat of paint prior to putting it on the market. But maybe you can get away with a good wipe-down instead. Using a wet, mildly soapy cloth you can scrub the baseboards and walls to make them look like they've had a fresh coat of paint, if the paint isn't chipped or too worn. However, a product called Mr. Clean's Magic Erasers will save you the mess and ease the elbow grease. These rectangle-shaped cleaning pads help take the grime off nearly everything. You don't have to spray anything on the surface you're going to clean; just wet the eraser and wipe off the marks. I've done whole walls with these pads and made it look as though the wall had been freshly painted. Be sure to get the baseboards and get down to kids' level and wipe off the marks where they place their fingers while walking down the hall or up the stairs. When buyers see homes that are scoffed and worn like that, they may think it's an indication that the home might not have gotten the care it needed for the bigger things too—such as furnace, disposal, plumbing, electrical wiring, etc. It gives a general feeling of un-cleanliness and can leave a negative lasting impression.
Toilets.
It may seem like this goes without saying but I'm sure any real estate agent you ask will have a horror story about toilets. Whether they're leaking, continuously running, stained, or simply stinky, they pose a major deterrent. If you've got an older toilet, give it a good inspection and be sure to check under the lid. Buyers sometimes use your toilet when they're looking at your home and nothing is worse than seeing rust stains and other unsightly marks. A good product is Zep Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
Tile.
When you're showing your house, hopefully, you'll get lots of foot traffic. This, however, can lead to very dirty flooring and grout. Yes, you can supply those footies and the sign placed by the door asking buyers to remove their shoes or put the footies on before entering your home, but, the truth is, not all will comply. Still, the tile and the condition of the grout will matter to buyers should they decide to make an offer. There are certainly many products to get the dirt out of those tiny grout lines; one that I've had success with is called Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner for tile. Use a brush to really scrub those dirty lines; doing so will make the tile standout and not look like it needs re-grouting.
Closets, Cabinets, Computer areas.
"Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. That's according to About.com Guide, Elizabeth Weintraub. She writes about the need to de-clutter closets, hang shirts all facing the same way, and even alphabetize the spice cabinet. Wow! Love it! I realize you may feel you don't have time for all of that. Still, the point is, don't have junk stuffed inside closets and cabinets so that when potential buyers open them to have a peek, everything comes crashing down on them–and gives the impression that the closets are too small. Computer areas are becoming more popular in homes and behind most of those computers is a tangled web of wires collecting tons of dust.
Organize the wires using Velcro zip-ties and dust them off! Or, better yet, if you don't have to use the computer daily, arrange the area like you were filming a movie or shooting an advertisement—you never see wires. Remove all of the computer and accessory electronic cords. You can leave the monitor display on the desk but taking away the wires and storing them will give the area a more spacious, clean, and professionally staged look. A little cleaning and preparation before you market your home will help show buyers that you've cared for the house and that could be just the signal a buyer needs to make an offer.
by Phoebe Chongchua
It's not until the home sits on the market for long periods that sellers realize something has to change. Sometimes it's the marketing, sometimes it's the price, and sometimes it's the fact that the home that's being shown isn't clean enough. Yes, a clean home shows better and there are five ways to make yours sparkle from roof to baseboards.
Hard to Reach Windows/Skylights.
These often get overlooked either because they're difficult to access to clean or because they aren't right at eye level. Whichever the case, cleaning windows in high ceilings or skylights provides a brighter light to shine in your home. Sometimes just getting out the cloud of dust and dirt that accumulates can make a difference between a murky-looking room and one that is eye-catching. And here's a tip from Buzzle.com, "Clean the windows on a cloudy day, but not a rainy one. If you clean the windows in the direct light of the sun, traces can appear on the window, as the cleaning solution gets dry before being cleaned.”
Baseboards and Walls.
I have written about giving your home a fresh coat of paint prior to putting it on the market. But maybe you can get away with a good wipe-down instead. Using a wet, mildly soapy cloth you can scrub the baseboards and walls to make them look like they've had a fresh coat of paint, if the paint isn't chipped or too worn. However, a product called Mr. Clean's Magic Erasers will save you the mess and ease the elbow grease. These rectangle-shaped cleaning pads help take the grime off nearly everything. You don't have to spray anything on the surface you're going to clean; just wet the eraser and wipe off the marks. I've done whole walls with these pads and made it look as though the wall had been freshly painted. Be sure to get the baseboards and get down to kids' level and wipe off the marks where they place their fingers while walking down the hall or up the stairs. When buyers see homes that are scoffed and worn like that, they may think it's an indication that the home might not have gotten the care it needed for the bigger things too—such as furnace, disposal, plumbing, electrical wiring, etc. It gives a general feeling of un-cleanliness and can leave a negative lasting impression.
Toilets.
It may seem like this goes without saying but I'm sure any real estate agent you ask will have a horror story about toilets. Whether they're leaking, continuously running, stained, or simply stinky, they pose a major deterrent. If you've got an older toilet, give it a good inspection and be sure to check under the lid. Buyers sometimes use your toilet when they're looking at your home and nothing is worse than seeing rust stains and other unsightly marks. A good product is Zep Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
Tile.
When you're showing your house, hopefully, you'll get lots of foot traffic. This, however, can lead to very dirty flooring and grout. Yes, you can supply those footies and the sign placed by the door asking buyers to remove their shoes or put the footies on before entering your home, but, the truth is, not all will comply. Still, the tile and the condition of the grout will matter to buyers should they decide to make an offer. There are certainly many products to get the dirt out of those tiny grout lines; one that I've had success with is called Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner for tile. Use a brush to really scrub those dirty lines; doing so will make the tile standout and not look like it needs re-grouting.
Closets, Cabinets, Computer areas.
"Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. That's according to About.com Guide, Elizabeth Weintraub. She writes about the need to de-clutter closets, hang shirts all facing the same way, and even alphabetize the spice cabinet. Wow! Love it! I realize you may feel you don't have time for all of that. Still, the point is, don't have junk stuffed inside closets and cabinets so that when potential buyers open them to have a peek, everything comes crashing down on them–and gives the impression that the closets are too small. Computer areas are becoming more popular in homes and behind most of those computers is a tangled web of wires collecting tons of dust.
Organize the wires using Velcro zip-ties and dust them off! Or, better yet, if you don't have to use the computer daily, arrange the area like you were filming a movie or shooting an advertisement—you never see wires. Remove all of the computer and accessory electronic cords. You can leave the monitor display on the desk but taking away the wires and storing them will give the area a more spacious, clean, and professionally staged look. A little cleaning and preparation before you market your home will help show buyers that you've cared for the house and that could be just the signal a buyer needs to make an offer.
by Phoebe Chongchua
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Why RE/MAX?
• RE/MAX Associates are professionals who are fully committed to their clients.
• RE/MAX Associates lead the industry in advanced professional education.
• RE/MAX Associates have numerous marketing tools to provide exposure for their listings, including RE/MAX advertising, remax.com and the Design Center.
• RE/MAX Associates will smoothly handle the myriad details of a home sale and help sellers understand the process.
• RE/MAX Associates are well-known for their community involvement and for their contributions to Children's Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
• RE/MAX Associates lead the industry in advanced professional education.
• RE/MAX Associates have numerous marketing tools to provide exposure for their listings, including RE/MAX advertising, remax.com and the Design Center.
• RE/MAX Associates will smoothly handle the myriad details of a home sale and help sellers understand the process.
• RE/MAX Associates are well-known for their community involvement and for their contributions to Children's Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Tips for Successfully Marketing Your Home
Today more than ever homeowners need to focus on creating a comprehensive plan for marketing their property. Use this video to learn why RE/MAX agents are uniquely qualified to help you successfully market your home in today's real estate market.
Considering a Home Purchase?
With an investment as large as a home there are many things to consider. Market trends, area information and government programs should all play a role in the decision to buy. Use this video to learn why RE/MAX agents are uniquely qualified to help you identify your ideal place.
Network Front and Center at Olympics
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: This is one of many print ads, in addition to TV and online ads, promoting RE/MAX during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver are well under way and RE/MAX is in the thick of the action, thanks to intense marketing and advertising efforts by RE/MAX of Western Canada. Here's a sampling of where RE/MAX is appearing:
CTV and ctv.ca
RE/MAX of Western Canada’s new 30-second commercial is airing on CTV, the official Olympic broadcaster in Canada. Nearly 600 commercials are running across the region, creating over 40 million viewing impressions. Fans accessing Olympic highlights online are seeing RE/MAX spots throughout the www.ctv.ca site.
Global TV – BC
For British Columbia viewers, Canada’s Favorite Agents commercials aired during prevalent programming that featured live broadcasts of “News On the Road” reports from Whistler Feb. 8-20.
Local advertising
Local-level RE/MAX exposure in Vancouver includes:
1) Thousands of Vancouver and area maps featuring a RE/MAX print ad.
2) A RE/MAX sponsored “Medal Standing” section in 24 Hours, the daily commuter publication.
3) Full-colour banner ads in both the Vancouver Sun and The Province.
4) Outdoor video display boards boasting Canada’s Favourite Agents messages located in prominent areas throughout the city.
February Real Estate Magazine ad
A print ad in the February issue of Real Estate magazine proclaims that "Canada's Favourite Agents are in the game."
Obama Pledges $1.5 Billion for Homeowners
During a speech in Henderson, Nevada, President Obama announced $1.5 billion in funding to help struggling homeowners in states hit hardest by declining home values and unemployment. The effort is expected to help state agencies in California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida and Michigan, according to reports. The money will come from the Troubled Asset Relief Fund (TARP).
February 19Th
February 19Th
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