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The Real Estate Market is HOT HOT HOT!

4/25/2016

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Tips for getting your home ready to list...

Homes are selling over asking price in most areas this spring. The market is on fire! 

Do you need some help this spring getting your home in tip top shape to ensure you earn top $$? 

​Call Blake Today!
1. Make it feel warm and welcoming
Swap out your bright white light bulbs for a soft and flattering wattage that invokes a cozy, yet welcoming feel and hides any tiny imperfections. Opt for bulbs that emit yellow-toned and red-toned hues.
2. Wash your windows
Have your windows professionally washed, or devote an afternoon to washing them yourself from both inside and out. Even on gray days, clean windows will let in more light and make your rooms sparkle — and buyers will definitely notice if it isn’t done.

3. Mind the details
Small details can make your home look dumpy without you even realizing it. Freshen up rooms with new switch plates and outlet covers if yours are grubby from fingerprints or yellowed from aging. Polish handles and hardware and use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove minor spots and scuffs.

4. Make minor repairs
  • Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
  • Patch holes in walls. 
  • Fix leaky faucets. 
  • Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam. 
  • Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls.
    (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.") 
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs. 
  • If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
5. Make the House Sparkle!
  • Pressure wash the sidewalks and exterior of your home. 
  • Clean out cobwebs. 
  • Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks. 
  • Polish chrome faucets and mirrors. 
  • Clean out the refrigerator. 
  • Vacuum daily. 
  • Wax floors. 
  • Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures. 
  • Bleach dingy grout. 
  • Replace worn rugs. 
  • Hang up fresh towels. 
  • Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows. 
  • Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.
6. Scrutinize. 
  • Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you? 
  • Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer. 
  • Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense. 
  • Make sure window coverings hang level. 
  • Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz? 
  • Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.
7. Check Curb Appeal.
If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
  • Keep the sidewalks cleared. 
  • Mow the lawn. 
  • Paint faded window trim. 
  • Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive. 
  • Trim your bushes. 
  • Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number
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Spring Home Maintenance

4/3/2016

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Spring is in the air!!!
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As this season approaches, you can take a few key steps to ensure your home serves you well through the coming months. Please take time to check these items in and around your home (as they apply to you) and attend to any that need maintenance:
– Clean and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide testers.
– Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.
– Adjust registers and confirm that registers and cold-air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.
– Operate the air conditioning system; if service is needed it is more conveniently arranged now, before the busiest part of the season arrives.
– Make certain the air conditioner compressor is level and clear of debris.
– Drain sediment from the bottom of the water heater per manufacturer’s instructions.
– Inspect grout around tile (floor and wall) and touch up as required.
– Wash windows and screens, clean drainage holes, and lubricate tracks.
– Check caulking, indoors and out, and touch up as required.
– Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals.
– Test exterior faucets for broken pipes.
– Clean gutters and confirm that downspouts or splash blocks drain away from the house.
– Look for settling of backfill soils and fill in where needed.
– Check exterior paint and stain surfaces (especially stained doors) and refinish as needed.
– Plan your first barbecue of the season!

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    Blake has been in the construction industry for over 20 years. 

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