If you've ever picked up a home magazine or turned to HGTV, I'm sure you've read all kinds of advice about how to sell your home. How to prepare it for potential buyers, agents, what to put out of site and what to draw attention to. For those who can recite it in their sleep, maybe this post isn't for you, but for those who are hesitant about preparing to sell (especially in this economy) read on.
It's no surprise that the housing market isn't what it was. There are so many homes on the market that aren't selling. There are many many reasons for this. Most people who are preparing to sell think that tidying up and mowing the lawn is all they need to do. In a healthy market that may be the case. In today's market however, potential buyers have a huge selection of homes and because of that, they can be more choosy. So, how do you make your house stand out from the rest? The following is a list that will help you target the areas outside, that buyers want to come home to.
* When a potential buyer drives up to your home, they should be able to see it! Prune shrubs, bushes, trees and plants. Pull weeds. You don't want people thinking about the work that they'll have to do before they even get inside the house!
* Most people like some color by the door. It makes a home feel more friendly and welcoming. So plant some flowers along the walkway to the front door or put a couple pots on either side of the door and plant some flowers.
* Check out your mailbox. Is it in good shape? Is it covered in bird poop? Clean it off, paint the post, make it look fresh.
* Take stock of the siding. Are there cobwebs everywhere? Is it peeling, fading? Use a broom to brush cobwebs away. If possible, touch up areas with paint and/or rent a power washer to take the grime build up off.
* How are the light fixtures outside? Full of cobwebs, bird nests, burnt out bulbs? Clean them up and/or replace them. Fixtures are an inexpensive fix but have a big impact. (some buyers will drive by at night to take in the view and a dark front is never a selling feature) Add some to the walkway too. Remember, safety first!
* Do you have numbers on your house? Are they all there? Broken? Are they located in an easy to read spot? When someone is looking for your house, it should be easy to spot. Don't make them guess between your house and the neighbor's.
* Clean the windows! Children's fingerprints, doggy paw and nose prints are only cute to you.
* Check the gutters. If it's raining on the day the house is being shown you don't want them staring at a waterfall coming off the roof.
* Check the front door hardware. Does it look outdated? If there is a kick plate, is it all scuffed up and dirty? Does the doorbell work? Is there paint peeling off the front door? A quart of paint can have a big impact on an entrance.
There you have it! Nothing listed is extremely expensive. Just a weekend and some elbow grease. If you're not sure about how it looks, take a photo. I find that homeowners are so accustomed to seeing their home, both inside and out, one way that it is hard for them to see anything wrong. A photo is an easy and quick way to view your home from another perspective!
Stay tuned for Selling Your Home-Part 2 The Interior
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Bare Bulb Facts
Goodbye incandescent bulbs, goodbye...
Actually, that isn't entirely true, yet. But it is in our near future. California has already started phasing out incandescent bulbs. By 2014 they will be hard to get.
That doesn't mean that you should run to your nearest Home Depot and stock up! You won't be stuck looking in the mirror and seeing your face bathed in an awful, sick looking fluorescent light. They have made progress using Halogen and LED's. Plus, they are working on better compact fluorescents.
I know it's hard to conceive, giving up incandescents even though deep inside you know it's the right thing to do for the environment. Yes, they will be more expensive, but they will last so much longer.
So let's look at some options:
Light Emitting Diode (LED's)
Long lasting (up to 20 years!), low wattage (not hot) great for task lighting in kitchens and illuminating art. **Mercury-free**
Compact Fluorescent (CF's)
Can be used in most household fixtures, uses 75% less energy then an incandescent, produces less heat and lasts up to 10 times longer then incandescents. Available in soft white, cool white and daylight. CF's do contain trace amounts of Mercury so be careful when handling and should be dropped off at a recycling center.
Halogen
Typically last 3 times longer then incandescents, more expensive then CF's, common in outdoor floodlights and small indoor spotlights (such as under cabinets)
One of the most common complaints about CF's is that they take several seconds to reach full light output. We are accustomed to instant light and the flickering can be annoying. Have no fear! GE has created the first Hybrid Bulb which is a combination CF and Halogen. When you flip on the light, the Halogen lights up for about 30 seconds while the CF reaches capacity! Genius!
You can also purchase LED and Halogen decorative bulbs for your chandeliers and wall sconces.
And for all the dimmer lovers out there, not to worry, Lutron and Leviton are introducing dimmer switches that work with CFL and LED bulbs along with the traditional incandescents and halogens.
Well folks, there you have it. All tied up in a neat little bow. But, if you're standing in the light bulb aisle of your favorite hardware store and can't remember anything you've just read, just remember: choose bulbs that give you more lumens per watt.
Actually, that isn't entirely true, yet. But it is in our near future. California has already started phasing out incandescent bulbs. By 2014 they will be hard to get.
That doesn't mean that you should run to your nearest Home Depot and stock up! You won't be stuck looking in the mirror and seeing your face bathed in an awful, sick looking fluorescent light. They have made progress using Halogen and LED's. Plus, they are working on better compact fluorescents.
I know it's hard to conceive, giving up incandescents even though deep inside you know it's the right thing to do for the environment. Yes, they will be more expensive, but they will last so much longer.
So let's look at some options:
Light Emitting Diode (LED's)
Long lasting (up to 20 years!), low wattage (not hot) great for task lighting in kitchens and illuminating art. **Mercury-free**
Compact Fluorescent (CF's)
Can be used in most household fixtures, uses 75% less energy then an incandescent, produces less heat and lasts up to 10 times longer then incandescents. Available in soft white, cool white and daylight. CF's do contain trace amounts of Mercury so be careful when handling and should be dropped off at a recycling center.
Halogen
Typically last 3 times longer then incandescents, more expensive then CF's, common in outdoor floodlights and small indoor spotlights (such as under cabinets)
One of the most common complaints about CF's is that they take several seconds to reach full light output. We are accustomed to instant light and the flickering can be annoying. Have no fear! GE has created the first Hybrid Bulb which is a combination CF and Halogen. When you flip on the light, the Halogen lights up for about 30 seconds while the CF reaches capacity! Genius!
You can also purchase LED and Halogen decorative bulbs for your chandeliers and wall sconces.
And for all the dimmer lovers out there, not to worry, Lutron and Leviton are introducing dimmer switches that work with CFL and LED bulbs along with the traditional incandescents and halogens.
Well folks, there you have it. All tied up in a neat little bow. But, if you're standing in the light bulb aisle of your favorite hardware store and can't remember anything you've just read, just remember: choose bulbs that give you more lumens per watt.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
1x1 Tile Application
This photo of Hearst Castle's indoor swimming pool shows an impressive use of 1x1 tiles. Hearst was inspired by the 5th century mosaics of Ravenna and chose the cobalt blue and the gilt (22 carat) tile after being taken by the mausoleum of the emperor's daughter, Galla Placidia. It took 3 years to complete.
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