4 Curb Appeal Projects to Max Out Your Home’s Value!

July 6, 2017

By: Anne Arntson

The yard of your dreams just might be more achievable than you thought.

You’ve been spending so much time on projects inside your home (like that new shower you have to drag yourself out of), that your front yard is starting to scream for a bit of attention.

Poor neglected, thing.

You know your yard has some super curb appeal potential, but where to begin?

Check out the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2016 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features (full disclosure: NAR is HouseLogic’s sponsor). It’s got some interesting data on how landscaping affects home value, especially those with tons of curb appeal. They beat out all indoor projects when it comes to adding value to your home!

Below are four projects with so much curb-appeal juice, any money you invest in them is likely to pay you back much more.

#1 Add or Replace a Few Design Basics:

Every few years, you overhaul your closet, replacing your worn-out basics with a few new pieces to ramp up your wardrobe. Why not do the same with your yard? Give it a basic makeover so it has some good, classic, value-boosting “bones” to build upon.

Landscape design basics like:

• A winding flagstone walkway
• A couple of stone planters (6 feet by 2 feet)
• A few flowering shrubs
• A deciduous tree about 15 feet tall
• Quality mulch

Why you can’t go wrong: The median cost for this makeover is $4,750. But the recoup (how much more your house would sell for after doing this project) is $5,000! Pretty sweet, right?

#2 Add Color and Texture in the Right Places:

Experts call it “softscaping.” But basically, it’s adding plants in a designed, intentional way that makes your yard interesting to look at year-round.

It’s a great project if your yard is already in pretty good shape with some basic design elements mentioned above.

A typical softscaping project includes:

• Five trees
• 25 shrubs
• 60 perennials
• Natural edging
• Boulder accents

Why you can’t go wrong: You’ll invest about $7,000, but you could recoup every cent in home value, according to the Report. Plus, here’s what the report doesn’t include: You’ll get super energy savings.

Who doesn’t love lower utility bills?

Just three trees in the right location can save up to $250 a year in heating and cooling costs, says the source for energy-saving stats: the U.S. Department of Energy.

#3 Build a Deck or Patio if You Don’t Have One:

If you’re spending sunny days admiring the great outdoors from indoors, it’s time for a change to get you outside… like finally building that deck or patioyou’ve been dreaming of.

Why you can’t go wrong: A patio costs about $6,400 and recoups 102%. A wood deck will cost $9,450 with a slightly higher recoup of 106%. Plus, how can you put a price on all those evening cookouts and Sunday brunches al fresco?

#4 Heap Loads of Love on Your Lawn:

Yep, you read that right. Especially if you know you’re going to sell in the next year or so.

It’s the easiest project to do — and it has a whopping ROI of 303%!

Lawn maintenance is simple:

• Fertilize
• Aerate
• Weed
• Rake

Why you can’t go wrong: It’s the cheapest project to do with an annual cost of only $330. Every year, you’ll reap the benefits of a lush, barefoot-friendly lawn.

(But note that unlike the other landscaping features listed in this article — deck, patio, hardscaping, trees, etc. — you’ll only get that fabulous 303% ROI on your maintenance costs for the year right before you sell. That’s because lawn maintenance has to be repeated annually, unlike the other projects).

The 7 Most Financially Savvy Home Upgrades You Can Make!

June 30, 2017

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Enjoy your home more today — and sell it for the best price tomorrow.

When it comes to home improvement, some dollars stretch more than others. And if you’re on a limited budget, it becomes even more important to spend those dollars wisely.

Here are seven affordable  home improvement projects that’ll help you enjoy your home more today and provide excellent financial return in the future.

#1 Add the Finishing Touch of Molding:

Wood moldings come in hundreds of options — from simple to ornate — that you can stain, paint, or leave natural.

You can also find moldings in flexible materials, such as foam, that make installation a whole lot easier. Some moldings even include lighting that casts a soft, ambient glow.

Buyers consistently rank both crown molding and chair railing in their list of most desirable decorative features they seek in a home (#3 and #7 respectively), according to the annual National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, “What Home Buyers Really Want.”

And at $1.50 per foot if you DIY it, or $8 per foot if you hire, it’s a no-brainer in terms of personalizing your home while adding value. (Although we don’t recommend DIY unless you’ve got above-par mitering skills.)

A few tips about molding:

Use crown molding to make a room seem bigger and taller. But be careful about proportions. If your ceiling height is 9 feet or less, go with simpler styles to avoid overwhelming the room.

Place a chair railing at one-third the distance of the ceiling height. Chair railing placed incorrectly can make a room seem out of proportion.

Don’t forget entryways, doors, and windows: Bump up the trim around these areas to give rooms a completed and expensive feel.

#2 Install Quality Ceiling Fans:

Once ceiling fans were frowned upon — they were just a cheap solution to rising energy costs — ugly, wobbly, noisy eyesores endured because they were cheaper than air conditioning.

Not today!

If your ceiling fans are old and outdated, new ones (coupled with a fresh paint job and crown molding) could give your rooms a refreshing update while saving money.

Some tips about ceiling fans:

• Hang 7 to 8 feet above the floor.
• If you’ve got a low ceiling, buy a hugger ceiling fan that’s flush-mounted.
• Go for the biggest Energy Star-rated fan that will fit the space.
• Choose quality. You’ll get better cooling results, less noise, and good looks at a digestible price point of $200 to $600.

#3 Plant Some Trees:

Say what? Adding trees doesn’t instantly pop into your head when you think of adding value to your home. But trees are moneymakers that get better with age.

A mature tree could be worth between $1,000 to $10,000, says the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. A 16-inch silver maple could be worth $2,562, according to a formula worked out by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.

In urban areas, money really does grow on trees. A recent study of home sales by the Pacific Northwest Research Station of Portland showed that street trees growing in front of or near a house boosted its sale price by an average of $8,870 and shaved two days off its time on the market.

There’s more. Trees also:

• Save $100 to $250 annually in energy costs
• Lower stress
• Prevent erosion from downpours and roof runoff
• Protect your home from wind, rain, and sun

#4 Install a Patio:

A patio practically pays for itself, costing about $6,400 with a 102% return when you sell.

But don’t go crazy and trick out your patio with high-end amenities, like an outdoor kitchen — especially if you’d be the only one on the block with one. When it’s time to sell, you won’t get back much — if any — of your investment on outdoor kitchens and other high-end amenities. Instead, keep it simple and functional.

Some wise advice when planning a patio:

• Check property for slope, sun, and shade patterns.
• Remember ‘dig alerts’ that utilities provide free of charge.
• Don’t skimp on patio lighting. It can make all the difference in functionality and beautification.

#5 Do Almost Any Energy-Efficient Upgrade:

The value of energy-efficient houses just keeps going up and up. A UCLA study examined the sales prices of 1.6 million California homes from 2007 to 2012 and found that homes with Energy Star, LEED, or GreenPoint certification had, on average, a 9% higher price.

That finding is echoed in NAHB’s report that surveyed homebuyers across the nation: Nine out of 10 potential buyers would select an efficient home with lower utility bills over a less efficient home priced 2% to 3% less.

One energy-saving home improvement project that not only saves energy but gives you tons of enjoyment, too, is converting a wood-burning fireplace into a gas one. If you like to crunch energy numbers, gas fireplaces have energy-efficient ratings as high as 77%, compared with wood-burning fireplaces that convert only 15% of wood’s energy into useful heat.

In fact, 39% of homebuyers say a gas fireplace is an essential or desirable feature of the next home they purchase. So when it comes time to sell your home, more than one-third of potential buyers will be looking for a gas fireplace.

In the meantime, it’ll be paying for itself in reduced heating costs.

Some tips for converting to gas:

• A direct-vent gas insert most closely replicates the wood-burning experience at a cost of about $3,000 to $4,000, installed.
• If you don’t have an existing fireplace, you can install a direct-vent (vents directly outside so you don’t need a chimney) gas fireplace for about $5,000 (installed and finished).

#6 Add Some Creative Storage:

We don’t have to sell you on the value of storage and built-in organization. Since when have you heard someone complain about too much storage? Never, we bet.

Adding storage is a no-brainer, but it does take a little brainpower to find your home’s hidden storage.

Here are a few ways to think outside of the toy box:

• Open drywall to create storage cubbies between your wall’s studs.
• Install platform storage that hangs from your garage ceiling.
• Even stairs can give you more storage. One clever mom repurposed an old chest of drawers and created storage within a basement staircase.

#7 Light Up the Outdoors:

Exterior lighting makes your home shine in the evening, accents features you like most about your house, and helps keep burglars away. A hard-wired lighting fixture can cost $150 to $250 to install. On the plus side, you could get a 50% return on your investment, says Judith Patriski, a Cleveland appraiser and REALTOR®. Installing motion-detecting lights can even lower some homeowners’ insurance premiums. (Check with your agent.)

And with technological advances in solar lighting, it’s easier and more cost-effective than ever to boost your home’s nighttime curb appeal.

Plus, 90% of buyers say outdoor lighting is on their list of desired home features.

Tips:

• Place accent lights under your favorite trees to show off your landscaping’s top earners.
• If your lights are hard-wired, put them on a timer so you don’t waste energy running them during the day.
• Choose a warm white light. It’ll make your home look and feel welcoming.

6 Things Everyone Should Do When Moving Into a New House!

June 29, 2017

By: Courtney Craig

Settling in will be just that much sweeter if you do these things.

When I bought my first house, my timing couldn’t have been better: The house closing was two weeks before the lease was up on my apartment. That meant I could take my time packing and moving, and I could get to know the new place before moving in.

I recruited family and friends to help me move (in exchange for a beer-and-pizza picnic on the floor) and, as a bonus, I got to pick their brains about what first-time homeowners should know.

Their help was one of the best housewarming presents I could have gotten. And thanks to their expertise and a little Googling, here’s what I learned about what to do before moving in.

1. Change the Locks:

You really don’t know who else has keys to your home, so change the locks. That ensures you’re the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $10 per lock, or call a locksmith — if you supply the new locks, they typically charge about $20 to $30 per lock for labor.

2. Check for Plumbing Leaks:

Your home inspector should do this for you before closing, but it never hurts to double-check. I didn’t have any plumbing leaks to fix, but when checking my kitchen sink, I did discover the sink sprayer was broken. I replaced it for under $20.

Keep an eye out for dripping faucets and running toilets, and check your water heater for signs of a leak.

Here’s a neat trick: Check your water meter at the beginning and end of a two-hour window in which no water is being used in your house. If the reading is different, you have a leak.

3. Steam Clean Carpets:

Do this before you move your furniture in, and your new home life will be off to a fresh start. You can pay a professional carpet cleaning service — you’ll pay about $50 per room; most services require a minimum of about $100 before they’ll come out — or you can rent a steam cleaner for about $30 per day and do the work yourself. I was able to save some money by borrowing a steam cleaner from a friend.

4. Wipe Out Your Cabinets:

Another no-brainer before you move in your dishes and bathroom supplies. Make sure to wipe inside and out, preferably with a non-toxic cleaner, and replace contact paper if necessary.

When I cleaned my kitchen cabinets, I found an unpleasant surprise: Mouse poop. Which leads me to my next tip …

5. Give Critters the Heave-Ho:

That includes mice, rats, bats, termites, roaches, and any other uninvited guests. There are any number of DIY ways to get rid of pests, but if you need to bring out the big guns, an initial visit from a pest removal service will run you $100 to $300, followed by monthly or quarterly visits at about $50 each time.

For my mousy enemies, I strategically placed poison packets around the kitchen, and I haven’t found any carcasses or any more poop, so the droppings I found must have been old. I might owe a debt of gratitude to the snake that lives under my back deck, but I prefer not to think about him.

6. Introduce Yourself to Your Circuit Breaker Box and Main Water Valve:

My first experience with electrical wiring was replacing a broken light fixture in a bathroom. After locating the breaker box, which is in my garage, I turned off the power to that bathroom so I wouldn’t electrocute myself.

It’s a good idea to figure out which fuses control what parts of your house and label them accordingly. This will take two people: One to stand in the room where the power is supposed to go off, the other to trip the fuses and yell, “Did that work? How about now?

You’ll want to know how to turn off your main water valve if you have a plumbing emergency, if a hurricane or tornado is headed your way, or if you’re going out of town. Just locate the valve — it could be inside or outside your house — and turn the knob until it’s off. Test it by turning on any faucet in the house; no water should come out.

11 Tool Organizing Hacks to Make Yard Work (Kinda, Sorta) Fun!

June 23, 2017

By: Stacey Freed

Sweet ways to solve your crusty, rusty outdoor tool storage.

Untangling the hose. Searching for the spade. Stepping on a rusty rake and getting whacked in the face like you’re in a cartoon — again. It’s not that you expect yard work to be as easy as sipping a cold hefeweizen on the patio (it is yard work, right?), but does it have to be a drag before you even get to the work part?

It doesn’t, actually. These 11 tool organizing ideas are so clever, they’ll help you whip through all your yard tasks with such a can-do attitude, you’ll be on the patio sipping that beer in no time.

#1 Put Your Hose in a Bucket:

If you haven’t invested in a wall-hung wind-up reel, an inexpensive, galvanized bucket is a great option to corral your hose — especially if the alternative is a muddy, rubber rat’s nest behind the bushes. Be sure to cut drainage holes in the bottom of the bucket to avoid creating a mosquito haven.

“This would also make for easy winter storage,” says Sara Pedersen, a professional organizer from the Twin Cities. Just pick up the bucket, and put it in the garage.

#2 Use a Pallet in That Awkward Garage Space:

A slim pallet can make clever use of what is typically unused space between the wall and garage door frame. Snag a pallet — after asking for permission! — from a building site or behind a grocery store.

You can even attach it to the wall with hooks, as this homeowner did, so she could lift the whole thing off the wall to clean behind it.

#3 Go Vertical With Shelves:

“Any time you can get items off the floor and onto the wall is a good thing,” Pedersen says. People tend to forget to go vertical. Now you’ve got room underneath for a small work table or storage bins.

Simple shelving systems come in many price points. You can add or subtract shelves to fit your space. “It’s also really helpful,” Pedersen says, to “set up zones for different types of items, gardening, sport, car maintenance, etc.”

#4 Use S-Hooks on Easy-to-Install Bars:

Hang a couple of inexpensive Ikea storage bars, designed for kitchens and baths. Simple S-hooks allow for lots of small tools to hang. If you need more storage, just add more bars.

#5 Hang an Old Box Spring:

The best outdoor organization tool might already be in your attic gathering cobwebs. A bed spring “potentially has room for every small tool,” Pedersen says. “It’s a great use of vertical space.”

If you don’t want a rusted look, spray the springs with Rustoleum paint. You may also want to situate it under a protective overhang or use it for element-proof tools only.

#6 Convert an Unused Filing Cabinet:

Who has paper files anymore? Scan and shred those documents, and give your old filing cabinet a more exciting second career. Turn the cabinet on its side and install sturdy casters. Pegboards on each end offer additional space for smaller items.

“My clients would love this; it’s easily accessible, and you can just shove in tools without worrying where they have to be placed,” says Lisa Mark, a professional organizer in Los Altos, Calif.

#7 Customize Your Own Tool Cart:

Like the file cabinet cart, this idea also recycles old stuff: Here it’s two doors, unused sewer pipe, salvaged closet rods, and a pegboard. Unlike the filing cabinet, you can determine where the separations go — customizing the width of each storage section — and design the pegboard area to really fit your needs.

#8 Turn an Eyesore Into Storage:

Cut off the back of a $20-yard sale armoire for a perfect way to hide that jumbled group of utility meters — and providing a place to store your yard stuff.

This one is attached to the wall with L-brackets and concrete anchors. A concrete and stone base keeps it safe from standing water, and a coat of marine varnish keeps it dry.

#9 Don’t Forget the Kiddos!:

Kids love digging in the dirt. These planters-turned-storage bins keep kids’ “tools” handy and allow dirt and water to fall right off. Stick with plastic items to avoid rust issues and “just make sure the holder is low enough so kids can easily grab what they want,” Mark says. And more easily put them away, of course (if you’re so lucky).

#10 Build Fold-Out Storage in a Tight Corner:

This storage cupboard fits snugly into what otherwise would be unused corner next to a patio door. And the smart engineering makes it deceptively roomy inside. “A simple unfold reveals whatever tool you’re looking for,” Mark says.

When you’ve got what you need, the accordion-like hinged portion on the left side folds back up to cover the cubbies. Tools are protected from the elements, and you’re protected from having to go on a scavenger hunt to find your shrub rake.

#11 Dream Big With a Shed:

If you’ve got the budget, a shed is the ultimate fun solution. And think about a wide doorway — for moving a wheelbarrow, ladders, mowers, etc. in or out — but note that “a really big swinging door [is difficult to open and] can be a barrier to use,” Mark says. Opt for an easy-open sliding barn door.

The Most Annoying Things About Summer — And What to Do About Them!

June 22, 2017

By: Amy Howell Hirt

13 pains in the arse you can kiss goodbye with these tips.

Summer should be the stuff dreams are made of: long, sunny days and warm nights filled with important questions like, “Ice cream on the porch, or another pint on the patio?”

Summer also comes with bugs, heat, humidity, and other annoyances around the house. So this year, eradicate 13 of the worst irritations of summer before they crush your summer buzz. Here’s how:

#1 Mosquitoes:

These ubiquitous party crashers can suck the fun out of any outdoor fiesta.

What to do:

Clean your gutters. “That’s often a main, and neglected, breeding site for mosquitoes,” says Chris Enroth, a horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Extension office in Macomb.

Plug in a fan. Or install a ceiling fan. “Mosquitoes don’t like flying in high wind,” Enroth says. Cheers for cool breezes sans bug bites!

#2 Doors That Stick:

Wooden doors can swell, outgrowing their jambs (what holds doors steady as you open and close them) on humid days, causing an annoyingly sticky situation.

What to do:

Tighten the hinge screws. There’s a chance your door’s just slipped out of alignment.

Scale back the weather stripping. If you installed it in the winter to keep out drafts, it could be too thick come summer.

Shave down the door. As a last resort, use a planer or sander to trim down the door ever so slightly, concentrating on the area with a visibly worn finish. Seal the newly exposed edge with paint or wood sealant to block out future humidity.

#3 Carpenter Ants and Carpenter Bees:

Although named for a helpful trade, both carpenter ants and carpenter bees often make their nests by burrowing into your home’s wood, which can cause some really pricey damage on top of their annoying presence.

What to do:

Keep all exposed wood sealed or painted. Don’t forget the bottoms of window sills!

Direct water away from wood.Gutters and flashing will help keep wood dry, says Bob Boucher, owner of a handyman company in Concord, N.H.

Evict existing colonies. Look for sawdust trails to find the entrance, then use a rinsed squeezable ketchup bottle to blow an insecticide dust or boric acid powder into the hole.

#4 AC That Causes You to Freeze in One Room and Sweat in Another:

Moving from your first-floor kitchen to a second-floor bedroom shouldn’t require a wardrobe change.

What to do:

Check your ductwork. Look for unsealed joints or hire a pro to make sure your ducts are properly sized. Both can affect your system’s ability to deliver conditioned air to each room.

Set your whole-house fan to “on.” This continuous circulation will mix the air so no space is too hot or too cold.

Direct more cool air upstairs. Look for ductwork dampers in the basement to open during the summer months.

#5 Fruit Flies:

Because fruit flies lay their eggs on decaying organic material (yeah, yuck), summer’s bounty of fresh fruits and veggies can invite these disgusting freeloaders into your home. There’s a ton of solutions on the Internet, but preventative measures work best.

What to do:

Keep sinks, drains, and disposals clean. Even dirty dishes can harbor fruit flies.

Freeze food waste. Place rotting fruit, meat scraps, etc. in a bag in your freezer until garbage day.

Pitch overripe fruit. And until you eradicate the flies, keep all other produce in the fridge or a sealed container.

Pour bleach or boiling water down the drain. This will kill any eggs or remaining adult flies.

#6 Weeds in Patio Cracks:

Besides ruining a well-manicured view, resilient weeds can crack or shift your pavement. Again, prevention’s best.

What to do:

Block new growth. Fill the weed-free cracks with asphalt or cement crack filler, sand, or corn gluten meal, which prevents future germination. If you’re too late, you need to…

Pull ‘em. Especially if you don’t want to use an herbicide, which can spread and damage desirable plants. Sorry!

#7 Faded Furnishings from Harsh Sun:

You want to throw open the shades and revel in that summer sunshine, but your furnishings and flooring are sensitive to the fading and drying effects of UV rays.

What to do:

Add transparent window film. It shuts out 99% of UVA and UVB rays without blocking sunlight or a welcome view. Today’s films are undetectable when properly installed and won’t tint the light coming into your home.

Spray furnishings with a protectant. Spritz upholstery, curtains, and rugs with a UV-blocking fabric protector and treat wood with a varnish — which provides better sun protection than other types of sealant.

#8 Splinters on the Deck:

As long as the decking is in otherwise good shape, your bare feet don’t have to suffer through a gauntlet of splinters again this summer.

What to do:

Resurface it. Apply one of the newer deck restoration products that essentially gives your deck a coating that will prevent splinters. This works best for small splinters, before they’ve gotten too bad.

Sand it.Best if splinters are deep and big. Then apply a water-repelling, UV-resistant sealer.

#9 Dust Mites:

Dust mite populations peak in summer’s heat and humidity, inflicting stuffy noses, sneezing, and coughing upon those who are allergic.

What to do:

Make your home inhospitable. Clean more frequently and use your AC to keep indoor humidity to 50% or less.

Get a new pillow. If your pillow is older than three years and has not been washed (experts recommend it twice a year), toss it: It’s likely loaded with dust mites.

#10 Slamming Screen Doors:

Slam. Slam. Slam. Annoying, right? Beyond rattling your bliss, this sound of summer can damage the hinges of your screen door.

What to do:

Adjust your door closer. If your door has a closer, find the perfect bang-free tension by simply turning the screw on pneumatic models or rotating the body on hydraulic styles.

Add a closer. It costs just $10 to $20 to retrofit an older screen door.

Apply felt pads to the door frame. How’s that for a low-cost option?

#11 A Patio or Deck That Burns Your Feet:

Hot dogs and burgers should be the only things you risk burning on your patio this summer.

What to do:

Throw some shade. Position an umbrella or pergola over frequently used areas.

Add an outdoor rug. Choose a lighter color that won’t absorb as much heat. Plastic styles, in particular, are touted for keeping their cool.

Refinish the surface. Again, choose a lighter color. Resurfacing products and overlays are available for all types of patio and deck surfaces.

#12 Ugly, Dried-Out Brown Grass:

Widespread browning, rather than patches of brown grass, has two common causes: lawn care oversights and a cool-season grass going dormant.

What to do:

Sharpen or replace your mower blades. This could be all that’s needed if just the tips of your grass are brown and jagged.

Set the blade height to 3 inches. When you take less off the top, it helps grass absorb water before it evaporates.

Water less frequently, for longer periods of time. This helps grass develop deeper, drought- and disease-resistant roots. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week, and even a cool-season grass can keep its green during the summer.

#13 A Smelly Basement:

When humid air meets cool surfaces in an unconditioned basement, condensation occurs — setting the stage for mold and mildew, and that noxious, nose-wrinkling smell.

What to do:

Check for other sources of humidity. Leaking floors and walls, improperly vented clothes dryers and bathrooms, poorly graded landscaping, and ill-positioned downspouts all can direct water into the basement.

Buy a dehumidifier sized for your needs. Use the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers’ “Directory of Verified Dehumidifiers” to find your match.

Set the dehumidifier to “auto” (i.e. running only when needed). Running continuously, even a small model could cost $20 a month.

How to Stop the Smells and Funk That Invade Your Home in Summer!

June 16, 2017

By: Jamie Wiebe

Anti-eeeew tips to keep your house from getting gross.

When did hanging out on your patio with that privacy wall you DIYed back in May stop being fun? All you can see is that rusty grill staring at you, and bird poop piling up on your outdoor chaise while you sweat and fight off bugs. And, eeeew, what is that you smell? Summer’s great — but, boy, can it turn on you when the dog days set in.

Don’t start job hunting in Alaska just yet. You can take back your summer. Here’s the worst of what it can inflict on you (in no particular order) — and how to fight back:

A Stinky Bug Invasion:

Squish a stink bug, and you’ll quickly learn how they got theirnom de pee-yew.While the brown pests may be harmless, your family’s noses will be happier without them.

• Use caulk or sealant to close up cracks a sneaky stinker could use to enter your home. Look around windows, doors, vents and outdoor faucets for any openings.
• Stick a nylon stocking over your vacuum’s hose to suck up stink bugs into the stocking instead of the vacuum bag.
• Drown these nasty visitors by dumping captured ones into a bottle filled with an inch of soapy water. No tiny cement shoes necessary.

A Mildew-y Smell That Won’t Go Away:

Hot, humid summers create an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, which your nose knows isn’t right. At the first whiff of these funky fungi, strike back hard.

• Keep things clean and organized. It’s the best defense against summer’s musty aroma. That allows air to move around, keeping moisture (mold and mildew’s best mate) at bay.
• Dry out your home with dehumidifiers and air conditioners — or at least increase air circulation by adding fans.
• In rooms that tend to get that musty smell, line closet walls and drawers with cedar for a sweet smell all year long.
• Waterproof your basement concrete and masonry with cement paint to prevent damp walls — and the sneaky mold that comes with them. But be sure to figure out the cause of the dampness before waterproofing. It only works if the moisture is coming from the soil outside.

A note of caution: Sometimes a musty smell is a harbinger of bad news — serious water damage in your home. If these tips don’t work, you may need to call in a pro.

Gross Garbage Funk:

Summer’s heat waves make the stench of garbage 10 times worse. Keeping trash cans clean (duh) is your first line of defense. But there are a couple more things you can do.

• Yes, scrubbing out your garbage can is disgusting, but it helps control the stink and pests. Give it one good clean when your stomach’s feeling strong, and then quickly wipe it out each time you empty. You’ll never have to face that throw-up smell again.
• Dust the bottom of the clean, dry can with baking soda to suck up future pungency.
• Or slip a dryer sheet or two underneath the bag when you change it out.
• Cat litter in the bottom of the can also works to absorb garbage odors.

Excessive Bird Droppings:

Not even the most dedicated bird watchers want to watch droppings accumulate on their porch and outdoor furniture.

The easiest and most humane solution is to install some yard art — the kind that moves or makes a racket. Think wind socks, chimes and fun whirly sun catchers.

If, however, the birds are barn swallows that have nested (you’ll know because their nests are made of mud instead of twigs), you mustn’t shoo them away, no matter how gently. Barn swallows are federally protected. Instead, install a flat board below it or place a newspaper on the ground to prevent droppings from ruining your porch. Then next year (because they will come back — and they will bring friends) install bird netting between your eaves and the side of your home before nests are built.

Rusty, Greasy Grill Grates:

You never really got around to cleaning your grill at the beginning of the season, and now that you’ve invited some new work colleagues over for a barbecue, you realize your grill isn’t going to stir up any appetites with all that rust and grime.

• Vinegar, baking soda, salt, and lemon juice are all natural rust eliminators. You can use individually or create a paste between wet and dry ingredients. Apply and let soak overnight. Then a little elbow grease should do the rest. Try these combinations: vinegar and baking soda; lemon juice and baking soda; or lemon juice and salt.
• If the rust is really, really tough, do the above but get a wire brush attachment for your drill and use it to scrub the rust away.
• Once clean, season the grates by rubbing with vegetable oil and heating them.

Uninvited Homesteaders:

Snakes at the zoo: super cool. Snakes around or (gasp!) in your house: NO. NO. NOOOO. Snakes might be the worst intruder (or is it bats?), but any unwanted rodent or animal in your home is gross. Your best offense is defense. But if they break through, call a professional exterminator.

• Cover holes more than a quarter of an inch wide (snakes don’t need much). Check behind gutters and roof flashing.
• Trim trees to keep pesky animals, such as squirrels, from getting on your roof and into your attic. Keep branches at least eight feet from your house.
• Eliminate any food sources — like a garbage bin with an askew lid — that might tempt a scavenging pest. The closer they are to your house, the more likely they are to find a way in.
• Get rid of yard debris, such as piles of leaves and twigs, and mow frequently to eliminate hiding spots.

I want to buy a new home… Do I need to sell my current home first?

June 15, 2017

This is a very common question in today’s real estate environment!  With low interest rates and low inventory, homeowners know they can sell their home quickly, and at a great price. These conditions make purchasing a new home a very appealing prospect, but how do you do it?

Many experts suggest listing your current home first. Their reasoning is simple – if you already own a home, your offer on a new home may not be accepted unless your current home is listed. While this option is the best scenario for some homeowners, it does come with drawbacks. By listing your house and obtaining a buyer quickly, you can easily get caught up in the frenzy of trying to find a new home FAST, which can leave you vulnerable to overpaying and/or settling for a home that isn’t what you want.

Luckily, there are other options to avoid that situation!

KNOW YOUR REALTOR:

Your first step is to meet with your Realtor. They will provide you with a current and accurate market analysis of your current home, and guide you through any repairs or upgrades that should be made before listing your current home. Your Realtor can even help you create a schedule for them to help keep everything on task.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS:

Your next step is to meet with your mortgage professional. They will help you determine how much down payment you will have to work with, what the net profit from the sale of your current home will be, and what your interest rate is based on your credit. These are all important numbers to be aware of, and comfortable with when you make the decision to purchase.

KNOW YOUR MARKET and YOUR PARAMETERS:

Do you have a specific area you are looking to move to? What is the average price per square foot of the house? What will the property taxes and town utilities cost yearly? You will also need to discuss what you are looking for in a new home with your Realtor. Do you want a small yard with less maintenance? Are you dreaming of an in ground pool? How about a 2 car attached garage with work space, or an in-law suite? Knowing what you absolutely must have, or can negotiate with is important. Research is key and knowledge is power, and your Realtor can help you find these answers to determine if the area you are looking at is right for you, and your budget.

Finally…

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS:

There are many ways to facilitate a sale and purchase without being caught between a “rock and a hard place”.

Option One:

Buy First:  If you have the ability to either pay cash for new house or carry two mortgages then you might want to consider buying first.  This will give you the luxury of time to search for your new home and make great purchase decisions.  Your mortgage professional can provide the details on this financial situation for you.  This option by far gives you the most flexibility with the timing of your purchase and sale.

Option Two:

List First:  Since not many people have that option to carry multiple mortgages they can list first and offer their buyers a “rent back option” while making a “contingent offer” on their new home.  The “rent back” allows the seller to stay in the current house after closing and “rent” it “back from the buyer.  The offer on the new home is “contingent” upon the current home closing to that buyer.  It is good to have a “backup plan” for alternative living situations (in-laws, relatives, short term rentals) just in case to keep your sanity!

While this can be accomplished easily with sound contract negotiations, it does put the pressure on for you to identify a house quickly and can often make the process feel rushed.  If you find this is the option that best suits your situation, your Realtor can make it much less confusing and stressful.

Option Three:

Identify your purchase and THEN list:  With a sound strategy, advance preparation and solid contract negations, you can find your house FIRST, and then list so that you are still not carrying two mortgages. You will also not be under pressure to quickly identify a house that may not be on the market at the time you accept your buyer’s offer.  It IS possible to have your contingent offer accepted on your purchase without being listed if you can demonstrate that you are ready to list.  This is a great solution to reducing the stress, managing the timing of the closings, and finding the right house to purchase at the right price.

Which option is best?  The simple answer is that it depends on your individual situation and what you want to achieve with your sale and purchase.  Each option presents advantages (and disadvantages) but it really comes down to what makes the most sense for you and your family.  Meet with your Realtor and put together a plan.  Selling and buying a home is a complicated process that can be very stressful but it doesn’t have to be!  Strategy, preparation, forethought, market knowledge, experience and sound contract negotiations can make this one of the best moves of your life!

Super Simple Ideas for People Who Hate Yard Work!

June 15, 2017

By: Scott Sowers

Yards are meant for fun times — not chores.

Look at those smug neighbors, lounging around on their stylish teak patio furniture, sipping cocktails, and loving life. Meanwhile, you’re behind on mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges. Who has time to prep for a patio party when you can’t even keep up with the regular stuff? Shouldn’t you get to kick back on your lawn, too?

Yes, you should. It’s just a matter of designing your landscape so it requires less attention from you. Here are a few strategies to help:

Use Rocks for Interesting Landscape Features:

Grass doesn’t grow on rocks. Besides stating the obvious, what that really means is that they’re the perfect, versatile tool for creating a low-maintenance outdoor space. Use them to create walkways, or group them together to form decorative outcroppings.

You can even lay out stones to be ornamental dry creek beds.

Small yards, especially in desert climates, can be completely rocked over, or you can use them as strategically placed accents.

And if you’ve got spots that are constantly wet, they’re great for keeping mud (and mosquitoes!) under control because they’ll help the water run off instead of collecting.

Add a Rain Garden if You’ve Got a Soggy Spot:

Speaking of wet areas, do you have a depressed corner of the yard where puddles rule?

Try a rain garden, which is kind of a mini-wetland that reduces storm-water runoff. And done right, they’re almost maintenance free because they require no mowing, no watering, and little weeding.

They make much prettier focal points than soggy grass, too.

Rain gardens are fairly easy to create, using gravel, sand, and native plants. The idea is to slow down rainwater so less of it goes into the sewer system, and more is used to nourish plant life.

DIY the Easiest Deck Ever:

Decks do require some maintenance, but you don’t have to mow ‘em every weekend, that’s for sure. And a platform deck — no steps, no railings — is the easiest of all.

“There are lots of dense hardwoods like ipe and cedar, redwood and composites that last a long time and are very low-maintenance,” says Tomi Landis, president of Landis Garden Design in Washington, D.C.

While you’re dreaming of your new deck, think about this: How you will use it?

“Will you be using it in the morning while having coffee?” Landis asks. “If so, it should be oriented to the east. If it’s mainly for dining out in the evening and having cocktails, it should be facing west.” But be sure shade is available in the hotter months.

Switch to Tall Grass That Never Needs Mowing:

Not all grass is created equal. Tall grasses, like switchgrass, bluestem, muhly, and fountaingrass, all grow fast and require very little TLC. Nor do they ever get mowed.

“Native grasses are a great solution to a lot of landscaping problems,” Landis says. They soak up lots of water and provide an organic privacy screen while trimming your mowing time.

How to use tall grasses:

• Group along a fence line.
• Group into geometric patterns in your yard for a clean look.
• Go more random for a more natural look.

The most maintenance you’ll do with these is cut them back in late fall. They dry up in the fall, which sends some of those glorious long leaves flying across your yard. But they can be used as (free!) mulch or ignored. They’ll do no harm.

Create Pathways to Reduce High-Maintenance Grass:

Like the rocks above, pavers (sometimes called “steppers”) are decorative stones used to create pathways that need little or no care.

“A stepper in a natural shape looks really great in a lot of contexts,” Landis says. Traditional house styles like bungalows, colonials, and Victorians tend to go well with more natural pavers, like flagstone.

If your house is more on the modern side, opt for some rectangular or square pavers.

Go For Fake Grass — No One Will Know (Seriously):

Some purists might consider fake grass to be over the line, but the newer faux turf doesn’t make your yard look like a putt-putt course, nor does it get so hot it burns your feet like the fake turf in your parents’ day.

“It’s great for somebody with no time on their hands,” says Doug DeLuca, founder of Federal Stone and Brick in Sterling, Virginia. “It comes like a roll of carpet, you set a bed for it with gravel, then use sod staples to hold it down.”

It doesn’t need to be cut, watered or fertilized, and pets can’t kill it.

Plant Your Own Mini Forest if You Get Lots of Rain:

Where there are trees there shall be no grass. But there will be shade, and that’s a plus for picnicking and lawn-chair lounging.

“Trees can soak up a lot of rainwater,” Landis says, and therefore, need a lot of water. Consider your local climate, as soaking up water can be good or bad. Do you need to sop up excess water? Is the yard already too dry?

Keep in mind that native trees are less maintenance because they’re adapted to your area.

Use Objects to Add Color — Instead of Flowers:

Color is the secret to a stunning yard, but that doesn’t mean you need to plant a garden full of labor-intensive dahlias.

It means choosing bright pots, benches, bird baths, Adirondack chairs — anything that just sits there and looks lovely while you pour the cocktails.

The options are as numerous as the Pinterest search results for “yard art” (which is somewhere between 5,000 and infinity).

And if you decide to pop some colorful flowers into your colorful pots, what could be better a better backdrop to your finally-realized cocktail party?

8 Costly Missteps New Homeowners Make in Their First Year!

June 9, 2017

By: Amy Howell Hirt

How not to make money mistakes as a fledgling homeowner.

The negotiations are over. Your mortgage is settled. The keys to your first home are in hand.

Finally, you can install your dream patio.

You can paint the walls without losing your security deposit.

Heck, you could knock out a wall. You’re soooo ready to be a homeowner.

So ready in fact, you’re about to make some costly mistakes.

Wait, whaaat?

“You have to rein it in and be smart,” says Daniel Kanter, a homeowner with five years under his belt. Especially in your first year, when your happiness, eagerness (and sometimes ignorance) might convince you to make one of these eight mistakes:

#1 Going With the Lowest Bid:

The sounds your HVAC system is making clearly require the knowledge of a professional (or perhaps an exorcist?).

But you’ve been smart and gotten three contractor bids, so why not go with the lowest price?

You might want to check out this story from a Michigan couple. Rather than going with a remodeler who’d delivered good work in the past, they hired a contractor offering to complete the work for less than half the cost, in less time.

A year later, their house was still a construction zone. You don’t want to be in the same spot.

What to do: Double-check that all bids include the same project scope — sometimes one is cheaper because it doesn’t include all the actual costs and details of the project. The contractor may lack the experience to know of additional steps and costs.

#2 Submitting Small Insurance Claims:

Insurance is there to cover damage to your property, so why not use it?

Because the maddening reality is that filing a claim or two, especially in a relatively short period, can trigger an increase in your premium. “As a consumer advocate, I hate telling people not to use something they paid for,” says Amy Bach, executive director of nonprofit United Policyholders, which works to empower consumers. But, it’s better to pay out of pocket than submit claims that are less than your deductible.

Save your insurance for the catastrophic stuff. “You want the cleanest record possible,” Bach says. “You want to be seen as the lowest risk. It’s like a driving record — the more tickets you have, the more your insurance.”

Some insurance groups, like the Insurance Information Institute and National Association of Insurance Commissioners, say it’s hard to generalize about Money TipEven claims on your house by the previous owner can count against you if the issues haven’t been fixed; insurers fear the home is likely to have more claims.premium increases because states’ and providers’ rules differ. But this stat from a report by UP and the Rutgers Center for Risk and Responsibility at Rutgers Law School is pretty sobering: Only two states — Rhode Island and Texas — got top marks for protecting consumers “from improper rate increases and non-renewals” just for making:

• An inquiry about a claim
• A claim that isn’t paid because it was less than the deductible
• A single claim

Your best protection? Maintaining your home so small claims don’t even materialize.

#3 Making Improvements Without Checking the ROI:

Brandon Hedges, a REALTOR® in Minneapolis-St. Paul, recalls a couple who, though only planning to stay in their home for a few years, quickly replaced all their windows. When the time came to sell, he had to deliver the crushing news that they wouldn’t get back their full investment — more than $30,000.

New windows can be a great investment if you’re sticking around for awhile, especially if windows are beyond repair, and you want to save on energy bills.

Just because you might personally value an upgrade doesn’t mean the market will. “It’s easy to build yourself out of your neighborhood” and invest more than you can recoup at resale, says Linda Sowell, a REALTOR® in Memphis, Tenn.

What to do: Before you pick up a sledgehammer, check with an agent or appraiser, who usually are happy to share their knowledge about how much moola an improvement will eventually deliver.

#4 Going on a Furnishing Spree:

When you enter homeownership with an apartment’s worth of furnishings, entire rooms in your new home are depressingly sparse. You want to feel settled. You want guests at your housewarming party to be able to sit on real furniture.

But try to exercise some retailing willpower. Investing in high-quality furniture over time is just smarter than blowing your budget on a whole house worth of particleboard discount items all at once.

What to do: Live in your home for a while, and you’ll get to know your space. Your living room may really need two full couches, not the love seat and a recliner you pictured there.

#5 Throwing Away Receipts and Paperwork:

Shortly after moving in, your sump pump dies. You begrudgingly pay for a new one and try to forget about the cash you just dropped. But don’t! When it comes time to sell, improvements as small as this are like a resume-builder for your home that can boost its price. And, if problems arise down the road, warranty information for something like a new furnace could save you hundreds.

What to do: Stow paperwork like receipts, contracts, and manuals in a three-ring binder with clear plastic sleeves, or photograph your documents and upload them to cloud storage.

#6 Ignoring Small Items on Your Inspection Report:

Use your inspection report as your very first home to-do list — even before you start perusing paint colors. Minor issues that helped take a chunk of change off the sale price can cause cumulative (and sometimes hazardous) damage. Over time, loose gutters could yield thousands in foundation damage. Uninsulated pipes? You could pay hundreds to a plumber when they crack in freezing temperatures. And a single faulty electric outlet could indicate dangerous ungrounded electricity.

What to do: Get the opinion and estimate of a contractor (usually at no charge), and then you can make an informed decision. But remember #1 above.

#7 Remodeling Without Doing the Research:

No one wants to be a Negative Nancy, but there’s a benefit to knowing the worst-case scenario.

Homeowner Kanter tells the time he hired roofers to remove box gutters from his 1880s home. Little did he know, more often than not aged box gutters come with more extensive rot damage, which his roofers weren’t qualified to handle.

“We had to have four different contractors come in and close stuff up for the winter,” he says. Had he researched the problem, he could have saved money and anxiety by hiring a specialist from the start, he says.

What to do: Before beginning a project, thoroughly research it. Ask neighbors. Ask detailed questions of contractors so you can get your timing, budget, and expectations in line.

#8 Buying Cheap Tools:

You need some basic tools for your first home — a hammer, screwdriver set, a ladder, maybe a mower.

But if you pick up a “novelty” kit (like those cute pink ones) or inexpensive off-brand items, don’t be surprised if they break right away, or if components like batteries have to be replaced frequently.

What to do: For a budget-friendly start, buy used tools from known quality brands (check online auctions or local estate sales) that the pros themselves use.

81 Staging Tips That Help Buyers Fall in Love!

June 7, 2017

By: Natalie Burg

Their agent won’t have to say, “Picture this.” Buyers will see your home at its best.

Staging your house can make you money. Seventy-one percent of sellers’ agents believe a well-staged environment increases the dollar value buyers are willing to offer, according to the National Association of REALTORS® “2015 Profile of Home Staging.”

Just take this real world tale of two condo listings from Terrylynn Fisher, a REALTOR® with Dudum Real Estate Group in Walnut Creek, Calif., who also stages:

Both units were in the same complex. One hadn’t been staged or updated since it was built; the other was staged and had been slightly refreshed (a little paint here and there and one redone bath). Otherwise, both units were the same size and layout. The staged condo sold for about $30,000 more than the unstaged unit, she says. “People couldn’t believe it was the same model.”

Before your eyes turn into dollar signs, keep in mind staging isn’t guaranteed to get you more money. But it’s an important marketing tool to help you compete at the right price, which means you can sell faster. (A study from the Real Estate Staging Association bears this out.)

Helping buyers fall in love with your property takes more than running the vacuum and fluffing the pillows: It’s all about decluttering, repairing, updating, and depersonalizing, say real estate agents and stagers.

With help from Fisher and other sources, we’ve compiled the ultimate home staging checklist.

Jump to a specific room or area of the house:

Living Room:

• When placing anything from accent pillows and table lamps, go for symmetry, which is pleasing to the eye.
• Light it up with lamps. Chic lamps provide both added lighting and appealing decor.
• Make that fireplace glow. Scrub away soot stains and replace the old screen.
• If you’re using staging furniture or buying slip covers, choose light colors for an airy, inviting feel.
• Whatever amount of furniture you have in your living room, remove a few pieces to make the room feel spacious.
• Use bright, coordinated accessories like accent pillows and throw blankets for a chic splash of color.
• Help buyers imagine their life in your home. Set the scene by displaying a board game or tea service on the coffee table, and arrange furniture in conversational groups.
• Let a slideshow of beautiful images play on your television like a screensaver.

Kitchen:

• Clear everything from countertops except one or two decorative items, like a vase of flowers or bowl of fresh fruit.
• Pack up all the dishes except one attractive, matching set. Do the same with glassware, flatware, and cookware, and pare down all other cupboard and drawer items down to the minimum.
• Freshen up and modernize those cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or stain and new hardware.
• Seriously evaluate your appliances. Can they look new again with a good scrubbing? Give it the old college try or consider replacing with new models. The Real Estate Staging Association strongly recommends stainless steel. Tip: You can get the look of stainless for the cost of a cheap dinner with stainless films.
• Remove those fridge magnets and give the door and handles a good cleaning.
• Scrub dirt, grime, and stains from walls, cabinets, and backsplashes.
• Clean cabinet interiors, especially under the sink.
• Clean and organize the pantry, leaving some empty space to make it look bigger. Store items in decorative baskets and display a few jars of fancy jam and other upscale condiments.
• Empty all trash cans and move them out of sight.

Bedrooms:

• Go gender neutral in the master bedroom. Ditch those dainty, floral pillow shams or NASCAR posters.
• Pack up all but the clothes you’re wearing this season to make you closets look larger.
• Swap out the motley crew of mismatched hangers in your closet for a set of wooden ones to create a classy, boutique look.
• Put jewelry and other valuables in a safe spot.
• Consider giving extra bedrooms a new identity as a home office, sewing room, or another interesting function.
• Remove televisions or video game consoles from bedrooms to depersonalize and create a serene setting.

Dining Room:

• Let buyers entertain the idea of entertaining. Set out some chic place settings around the table, or a few wine glasses and a decanter on the buffet.
• Strike a balance between overly formal and too casual with an attractive runner and a few fun, decorative elements — think small floral vases or short candle holders.

Bathroom:

• It’s de-grime time: Scrub and sanitize the walls, floor, shower door — virtually every surface that comes in contact with steam.
• Spend extra time scrubbing that tile grout and re-caulk around the tub if necessary.
• If your bathroom tile is dated, try paint instead of replacing it. Start with a high-adhesion primer and either epoxy or latex paint.
• Remove clutter from the countertop, tub, and top of toilet. Clean surfaces until they gleam.
• Pack up and hide all your personal products — from medicine to razors.
• Create a luxury spa look with a fancy soap dispenser, fluffy white towels, decorative baskets, candles, plants, a white shower curtain, and a new bath mat.
• Fix leaky or running toilets and replace toilet seats.
• Remove hard water stains on faucets and shower heads. (Try vinegar!)
• Take a daring sniff of the drains. Odorous? Clean them out, and deodorize with baking soda, boiling water, or vinegar.
• Time for a new sink anyway? Try a pedestal sink to optimize precious bathroom space.

Walls, Windows & More:

• Have a dark corner or hallway? Brighten it up with a decorative mirror.
• Neutralize the walls. If any rooms are painted in dark colors, repaint white or beige.
• Paint adjacent rooms the same color to make the whole space feel larger.
• Fill nicks and holes in walls, and touch up with paint.
• Sorry, wood paneling. It’s time. Paint over paneling with a neutral color. To really cover your tracks, use wood filler between panels and paint over the entire thing.
• Make sure every switch plate and outlet cover matches and looks brand new.
• Wash the windows, inside and out. Repair any holes or tears in screens.
• Replace those family portraits with interesting art placed strategically throughout the house. Avoid leaving dead space on walls.

Throughout the House:

• Declutter! Consider it pre-packing for your move. Box up books, clothes, and personal items and place them (neatly!) in the garage or — better yet — a rented storage unit.
• Don’t forget to include memorabilia in those decluttering bins. Family photos, diplomas, and the kids’ artwork should all go.
• Keep closets, basements, and attics as empty as possible to maximize the appearance of storage space.
• Transform underused areas of the house — the alcove under the stairs or the end of a hallway — into functional spots. Add a desk to create a mini office, or a chair and small bookshelf for a reading nook.
• Swap dim lights for high-wattage bulbs.
• Check every door, drawer, and cabinet to ensure they open and close easily. Swap out any faulty — or dingy — hardware.
• Damaged or aging hardwood floors? Replace damaged boards with new wood, sand down the entire floor, and re-stain.
• Do a deep (deep, deep) clean. Hire a professional cleaning service to clean your home from top to bottom — including carpets — before viewings.

Exterior:

• Hang attractive house numbers that are legible from the road.
• Brighten up your porch with fresh paint or stain.
• Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door, preferably red, black, blue, or wood stain, so long as it complements the trim and doesn’t blend, says The Real Estate Staging Association. Steer clear of unconventional colors like purple.
• Buy a new doormat to welcome home buyers.
• Power-wash the house exterior, walkway, steps, driveway, and porch until everything sparkles.
• Make sure the locks and doorbell function.
• Make that mailbox look clean and welcoming, or get a new one.
• Plant lots of colorful blooms in attractive pots and planter beds.
• Trim back trees and shrubs from the approach to the front door.
• Whip that yard into shape with fresh sod or new seed
• Store yard equipment and children’s toys out of sight.
• Repair shaky banisters.
• Get a hammock (or bocce ball game or raised fire pit) to show off how fun your yard can be.
• Dress up any imperfect planting area with mulch.
• Make sure entryway lights function and are free of cobwebs and insects.
• Hide trash cans, recycle bins, and garden hoses.
• Don’t forget your outdoor living space. Stage your patio like a second living room, with fashionable furniture, accent pillows, an outdoor rug, and other patio-friendly decor.

For Pet Owners:

• Scrub those pet stains on the carpets and rugs until totally gone or replace them if necessary. Try cleaning formulas made especially for pet odors.
• Pet odors soak into your best friend’s favorite things. Completely remove pet beds (or Fido’s most-loved couch), blankets, toys, play structures, food bowls, and the like.
• Use air fresheners that eliminate odors, rather than simply mask them. There’s nothing worse than the smell of artificial pine with kitty litter undertones.
• Repair or remove any furniture that’s been scratched or gnawed on.
• Clean all pet “presents” from the yard.
• Keep cat boxes immaculate and hidden away, or — better yet — see how your feline-loving friends feel about a temporary houseguest and remove litter boxes altogether.
• Remove any dog or cat doors. Pets? What pets?
• When you leave the house for a viewing, take all the furry (or feathery or scaly) residents along with you.
• Make a pet hair sweep the last thing you do before you leave the house.

Day of Showing:

• Add a seasonal touch. Simmer cinnamon sticks in the fall and set out fresh cut lilacs in the spring.
• Tidy like you’ve never tidied before.
• Avoid cooking any food for your own meals, but do bake some cookies or other baked goods to leave a welcoming aroma behind.
• Take off. After all that staging work, you deserve a trip to the spa while potential home buyers are busy falling in love with your house.