Lush lawn = higher home value

Turn that lawn into a fine green carpet and your whole house becomes more valuable. Good landscaping can increase your home's value by 5% to 11%, according to a Michigan State University study. And by far the biggest component of your landscape is the grass.

Cut the lawn high
Cutting the lawn short makes it grow faster - and stresses the plant, ramps up its need for fertilizer and water, and weakens its roots. Most lawns should be cut between 2 1/2 and three inches high.

Don't bag the clippings
Some people bag their clippings to prevent thatch, which is a matted layer of undecomposed stems that can strangle the lawn. But clippings are not the culprits. Setting your mower to "mulch" grinds up the clippings so fine that they won't harm the lawn, and it recycles nutrients and moisture back into the turf.

Fertilize in the fall
Autumn is when grass plants focus on growing their roots, making it the best time to fertilize and water. Deeper roots can help the lawn withstand heat or a dry spell next year. You should also spread seed on the lawn in the fall because winter is easier on young grass than the summer heat that faces spring-planted grass.

Don't over water
Stick your finger about an inch into the dirt. If it feels damp, the lawn doesn't need water. If it feels dry, turn on a sprinkler for a good 20- to 40- minute soak, stopping if water puddles up on the lawn. Always water in the morning. There's less evaporation than at midday, and the grass has a chance to dry before nighttime, when dampness breeds diseases.

It may take two or three years of spraying, watering, fertilizing, seeding and mowing just right to make your lawn strong and vibrant - but once it is, you'll be able to reap a long-term boost in property value.

Safety Tips for Homeowners

Indoor Tips

• Inspect deadbolts and locks on your doors.
• Replace all locks and deadbolts for best security when first moving in.
• Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every floor outside sleeping areas and in every bedroom, are in good working order and have fresh batteries.
• Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher in your kitchen, garage and near fireplaces.
• Replace rubber or plastic washing machine hoses with stainless steel ones.
• Look for telltale signs of electrical problems such as dimming of lights, frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses. Ask a qualified electrician if your home would benefit from AFCI protection, especially during inspections of older homes or upgrades to electrical systems.

Outdoor Tips

• Periodically clean your gutters and make sure the bottoms of downspouts are cleared of debris so that water does not pool near your house.
• Make sure the outside of your home is well lit. Burglars won't find your home and "easy mark" if they are forced to work in the light.
• If you have a pool, it should be completely fended in, at least 4 feet high and have self-latch gate.
• Before mowing, walk around the area in which you will be working to remove any objects like sticks, glass, metal, wire, stones and string that could cause injury or damage equipment.
• Have a tree removal professional remove any heavy limbs that hang over your roof.

"As-Is" Homes For Sale

A listing that is advertised as an "as is" sale can be a put-off to buyers. They might assume that something major is wrong and might be costly to repair. If they don't have much free time or extra money, they might decide not to even look at the property. Sometimes sellers list the property "as is" because they don't want to deal with paying for any repairs that might come up in the inspections. This might not be the best way to market your home since you may not get as many showings just by having it advertised that way. The repairs and costs are always negotiable into the final contract. Sellers will be in a better position to sell in today's market if they have the work done before they put their homes on the market.
An "as is" sale can also mean that the property is part of the estate of someone who died. Some properties are sold in their "as is" condition and without warranty in order to protect the heirs who might know nothing about the property. "As is" doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem.
When a bank forecloses on a property, the sale is usually an "as is" sale. As with an estate sale, the bank might know nothing about the condition of the property. It's up to the buyers to satisfy themselves before buying. Homeowners who let their homes go into foreclosure because they can't afford to make the mortgage payments also might not have enough money to keep the home well maintained.
If you are considering buying an "as is" property research the reason why it is being sold that way and don't skimp on inspections. The money will be well spent even if the deal doesn't go through if it keeps you from buying a property that needs more work than you can afford to pay for.

Disaster Preparation Safety Tips

Have everything you will need ready in case of an emergency or disaster.

• Plan to be without power. Have flashlights, batteries, candles and matches/lighter.


• Have extra water available for every person and pet. Don't depend on tap water after a disaster since it could be contaminated. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking so plan on 1 gallon per person per day.


• Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Also have a non-electic can opener, eating utensils, plates, bowls & cups and soap.


• First aid supplies and medications.


• Clothing, bedding and personal supplies (toilet paper, contact lens supplies, eye glasses, etc.)


• Tools (pliers, hammer, tape, trash bags, utility knife, etc.)


• Radio and batteries.


• If you have a baby, make sure you have diapers, wipes, extra clothes and formula if needed.


• If you have older kids, have games and toys available.


• Important family and legal documents in a waterproof sealed container.


• Money.


• Cell phone.


• Full tank of gas in the car.

Planning for a Successful Move

If you're planning to use a moving company, call as soon as possible. They usually need plenty of notice -- often at least six weeks or much more if you're moving a long distance.

Be sure to build in some overlap between the closing/possession date of your new home and the last day of the lease on your rental (or closing date of your current home). Moving always takes much longer than you think. If you want to make any changes to your new home -- for instance, paint walls, put in new carpeting or refinish wood floors -- plan enough time to do it BEFORE you move in so your furniture and belongings are not in the way.

Pare down your belongings. There's no sense moving things you don't need or want. Look through your house for rarely used items. Discard anything that's beyond repair, have a yard sale to get rid of the rest, and plan to load unsold merchandise into your car right away so you can take it to the charity of your choice.

Make notes about your new house -- room measurements, door measurements, location of electric/cable/phone outlets -- so you can determine exactly where your belongings will go and if they will fit through the door. Measure appliances to make sure they fit the space available.

If the previous homeowners are taking their curtains and blinds, you'll want to measure windows in places you want privacy immediately (like bedrooms and bathrooms) and buy curtains or blinds before you arrive.

Start arranging now for phone and utility hookups. They may need a few days (or even a week or more in some cases) to get you connected. Arrange now for the type of internet connection you want (if it's DSL or broadband rather than dial-up), and order extra phone jacks or cable outlets if you need them. Fill out a change of address form with the Post Office. If you have automatic debits on your bank account, alert your creditors if you're changing banks.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make

Common Mistakes Sellers Make:

• Putting the home on the market before it's ready.


• Pricing the home based on how much the seller wants to net or pricing the home too high and not reducing the price with market conditions.


• Hiring a realtor based on friendship or a reduced commission agreement rather than experience and a proven track record.


• Not disclosing or trying to cover up known problems with the home.

Painting a room

Painting a room can dramatically change the mood and appearance of the entire space. If you need a change then paint is the easiest way to accomplish that.

If you think your room is boring, look at it in terms of the 60-30-10 rule that designers employ: Sixty percent of the color in a space generally comes from the walls; 30 percent from upholstery, floor covering, or window treatments; and 10 percent from accent pieces, accessories, and artwork. Translation: Liven up those white walls.

Don't be afraid of a little color. The best way to get over color fear is to start with a color you love -- a rug, painting, fabric. Then test it on the wall. If it's too strong lighten it or to tone it down by adding more gray.

There's no need to rush into choosing a new color. The best way to find a color you can live with is to paint a 4-by-4-foot swatch on the wall and live with it for at least a day or two so you can see it in natural and artificial light.

Also, don't forget the primer. When changing the color of a wall, primer (white or tinted) is vital to getting the actual color you picked out.

Just for fun...

What your favorite color might say about you:

• Orange: You probably get along well with others. You tend to be social and hate to be alone. If you're feeling down in the dumps, adding a tad of orange to your day can help.
• Yellow: You have a cheerful spirit and are inclined to be intellectual, idealistic and imaginative. The color yellow has been found to improve the thought process of young children.
• Green: You are an affectionate, loyal friend who is inclined to be frank and moral. "Green rooms" in theaters promote a clam, restful atmosphere.
• Red: You are impulsive, possibly athletic, sexy and given to mood swings. You are determined to experience life to its fullest. Red demands attention and helps create a cheerful atmosphere. Some studies have shown people become hungry around the color red.
• Blue: You crave harmony. You are capable, sensitive and make an outstanding friend. You are cautious in your manner of dress and conscientious at whatever you're working on. Its calming effects make it the color of choice for hospital nurseries.
• Violet: You may think your strong, sensitive, observant personality makes you quite unique. Chances are you are artistic and enjoy being creative and glamorous. Its lavish nature is seen on religious robes and smelled in expensive perfumes.

Top things buyers want in a house

Top things that Buyers look for/want when searching for a house:

• Welcoming feeling and nice entryway


• Hardwood floors


• Upgraded fixtures


• Beautiful clean bathrooms


• Stainless steel appliances


• Organized closet spaces


• Lots of lighting


• Built-ins are always a bonus


• Manicured landscaping

Biggest Decorating Mistakes

Too many colors or patterns - keep it simple
Improper lighting
Frames hung too high
All the furniture pushed-back onto the walls
Boring or no window coverings
Fear of color
Too many knick-knacks
Fake flowers - they look fake and collect dust
Too many photos
Lots of cables and cords showing
Lack of traffic flow
Furniture that doesn't fit - either too big or too small

Popular New Year Resolutions

It's that time of year to make a fresh start in 2008 and for lots of people that means making a New Year Resolution or two. Here are some of the most popular resolutions:

• Lose weight
• Pay off debt
• Save money
• Get a better job
• Get fit
• Eat right
• Get a better education
• Drink less alchol
• Quit smoking
• Reduce stress
• Take a vacation
• Volunteer

One more I would add the list is:

• Love your house - either buy a new one or improve your current one!

Smell Helps Sell Homes

Smell is a very important factor in selling your home. If it stinks it probably will not sell quickly or for as much profit as you hoped. Here are some suggestions to make your home welcoming and smell wonderful.

• Bake cookies, but do not burn them!
• Bake an apple pie.
• Put vases of fresh flowers throughout the house.
• Warm a split vanilla bean or a couple of drops of pure vanilla extract in water on the stove top.
• Simmer cloves & cinnamon sticks in water or apple cider (ideal for around the holidays).
• Get rid of old carpet that can trap offensive smells, especially if you have animals.
• If you have animals make sure to wash their bedding and vacuum up the hair.
• Hide the kitty litter and make sure it's a clean box. Don't just mask those odors with air fresheners.
• Make sure to scrub your house top to bottom to get rid of any mildew. No one likes a musty smelling house.
• Don't smoke inside your house. If the home has been exposed to cigarette smoke run a HEPA air filter at the highest setting. This may help allergy sufferers and eliminate many more obvious odors, but sometimes more in-depth cleanings are needed to get smoke residue out of the carpets, curtains, beds and other places where fabric can collect cigarette smoke.
• Air out the house. Either open the windows up before a showing or run the central fan with clean air filters and set the temperature to an economic level that will keep the place feeling "fresh."
• If you use any type of air freshening/perfumed candles, sprays, oils, etc., use a natural scent. This may help reduce the negative reaction from buyers who are prone to allergies or scent-sensitivity.

Whatever you do make sure it's not overpowering so that buyers don't assume you are trying to hide something.

Safety Tips for Winter Weather

Winter brings bitter winds and dipping temperatures. But perhaps the most chilling result of wintry weather is the marked increase in home injury during this season.

Carbon Monoxide Precaution: Heating Systems and Gas Appliances
• Install at least one smoke alarm and CO alarm on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up central heating system and repair leaks.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
• Avoid using a cooking stove to heat your home.
• Never use a gas grill inside your home or in a closed garage.

Home Fire Precautions: Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
• Burn only wood- not trash, cardboard boxes, or Christmas trees because these items increase the risk of uncontrolled fires.
• Check the chimneys you use regularly every year for cracks, blockages and leaks.
• Keep all people and flammable objects, including wallpaper, bedding, clothing and pets, at least 36 inches away from fireplaces and wood stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Hire a professional sweep to clean your chimney at least once a year to prevent creosote build-up.

House Fire Precautions: Space Heaters
• Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Avoid using space heaters to dry flammable items such as clothing or blankets.
• Keep all flammable objects at least three feet from space heaters.

Power Outage Precautions: Lighting Sources and Perishable Food
• Stock up on batteries, flashlights, portable radios, canned foods, manual can openers, bottled water and blankets
• Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid a possible fire hazard
• Run water at a trickle to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting if outside temperatures are below freezing for an extended period of time and your home has no heat.
• Store perishable food outside in the snow or in an unheated outside building if power goes out.

Information For Sellers

Home Sales

• 2004/2005 - 43% of Buyers came from open houses


• 2007 - 3% of Buyers came from open houses, 80% of Buyers came from the internet and other Realtors

Prelist Home Inspection

Evaluates and identifies potential and actual problems, gives the seller time to repair or disclose to a buyer upfront to eliminate unpleasant surprises
5 areas mostly concerned with:

• Structural
• Roofing
• Plumbing
• HVAC systems
• Electrical

Creative Marketing with Mortgage Options

• Ameridream – Seller pays Buyers’ closing costs and downpayment *rule of thumb – 5.5% - 6.0% of sales price
• Seller Paid Buydown – 1 or 2 years of interest rate buydown
• Seller pays up to 6 months on Buyers’ mortgage payments (P & I)
• Combination of any

Appraisals and Value

Market values are changing constantly. Appraisers are having a more difficult time with appraising properties. Generally speaking, there are 10% more homes on the market now than this time last year. The number of sold homes is down by approximately 8-36% from last year this time. In addition, the dollar amount (home pricing) is down by 33%, which indicates pricing has gone down. The average days on market are 6-12 months. This is twice as long as last year.

How To Keep Your House Clutter-Free

• Tackle messy rooms one room at a time.


• For every new purchase, get rid of something old.


• Have the kids get involved by making cleaning up fun.


• Imagine what the room looks like clean and it will help you acheive the goal.
  Teach your kids how to sort.


• Go through mail when you get it and throw out the "junk mail" right away.


• If you haven't used it in year, you probably don't need it.


• Ask yourself if you really need something. If you hesitate, you don't.


• Keep the items you use most in the kitchen in easily retreivable places.


• Organize your garage into storage bins by items and holidays (baby clothes, Christmas decorations, etc.)

Air Quality in Your Home

The air quality in your home can play a major role in your overall health. Here are some suggestions to make your home healthier:

• Get rid of fumes and particles trapped inside your home by regularly opening the windows.


• Remove your shoes to avoid tracking pesticides and lawn chemicals inside.


• Use glass or other microwave-safe containers when microwaving food. Don't use plastic containers or plastic covering that could leak the plastic into the food.


• Use non-toxic cleaners like baking soda and white vinegar instead of toxic chemicals to clean your home.


• Take your clothes out of the bags after dry cleaning and let them air out for at least a day before wearing.


• Place a dehumidifier in the garage to cut down on potentially toxic mold.


• Store old paint and varnish as far from your living area as possible in a well ventilated area.


• Put plants like spider plants, golden pothos and philodendrons in your home. They are execellent at converting carbon dioxide to oxygen.

Most Important Features Buyers Look For

Central air conditioning 74%
2 car garage or larger 57%
Walk-in closet in master bedroom 53%
Backyard/play area 50%
Cable/Satellite TV ready 46%
High-speed Internet access 40%
Separate shower in master/main bath 36%
Patio 36%
Fencing 36%
Home less than 10 years old 33%

• Source: 2007 NAR Profile of Buyers' Home Features Preferences

Benefits of Buying vs. Renting

Equity: Equity is the difference between the value of your home and the amount you owe on the mortgage. As you make payments on the house, the equity increases. Typically values increase over time and your equity also increases.

Savings: Money you pay for rent is gone forever. Purchasing a home is an investment. The Federal Reserve Board estimates that home owners have a net worth nearly 36 times more than that of renters.

Tax Benefits: You may be able to deduct the interest paid on your mortgage, property taxes, and even some of your closing costs from your yearly income taxes.

No Landlords: You have the ability to remodel, decorate, paint, garden and have pets without permission. It's your house!

The Facts About FSBOs

Each year some ambious home sellers try to sell their home without the assistance of a licensed real estate professional. It often turns out to be an experience they find less than gratifying. The numbers tell the true story.

Last year 12 percent of sellers decided to sell on their own (For Sale By Owner: FSBO), down from 13 percent the previous year. This is down from about 20 percent in 1987. 40 percent of all FSBOs sold their homes to someone they knew prior to the transaction. This means that only 7 percent of all home sales are open market FSBO transactions. The rest are simply unrepresented sellers in private transactions.

As for saving money by not hiring a Realtor — after all is said and done, FSBOs don’t always come out richer. Homes sold with the help of a Realtor in 2006 sold on average 32% more than FSBO sales. The median FSBO selling price in 2006 was $187,200, compared with $247,000 for agent-assisted transactions.

• Data and stats compiled from the National Association of Realtors, NAR's 2006 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

The Importance of Staging Your Home

The market is flooded with housing inventory and if you want to sell your home you want to make your home stand out. Staging or redesigning might be the answer.
More often than not, effective staging can be achieved by decluttering and relocating existing furniture and accessories throughout the house to achieve elegant simplicity. Removing heavy curtains can let in more light and make the home seem larger and brighter. Cleaning up the yard and adding some "curb appeal" can make a big difference.
Just like a car needs certain preparation before selling (a good cleaning, removal of trash and personal belongings, or a tune-up), a house is very similar.
Staging is crucial. A home has to be perfect from the start, because we only have one shot to make a good first impression. Your home reflects your personal style and taste, staging does just the opposite. Staging depersonalizes a room. Often personal photos or collections are removed so they don't distract prospective buyers. Buyers need to be able to admire the architectural features of the home, instead of what's in it.
If you're trying to sell a house in today's market, and it has something buyers see as a challenge or defect, you may be stuck with a house that won't move. If improvements and changes are done properly, before a house goes on the market, 'problem homes' may not be problems at all.
Buyers have so much to choose from and negatives of any kind will not be overlooked by today's discriminating shoppers. Sellers must work harder to attract buyers and that's where home staging comes in. Generally staged homes, on average, sold in half the time that the non-staged homes.
Staging is quickly gaining consumer awareness. It has shows dedicated to it like HGTV's "Designed To Sell" and other popular shows have dedicated segments to staging - ABC's Nightline and The Oprah Winfrey Show to name a few. Stories have been published in USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Money magazine, Business Week, and aired on CBS Market Watch and CNN Radio.
Some of the staging shows on cable have done a disservice by giving the idea that lots of money must be spent in order to change the look of a room. That is just not the case.
The most common problems are that most homes have too much "stuff" in them. Editing and depersonalizing is the first and most important task. Another challenge in today's market is the empty home. With properties sitting on the market longer, it's more likely that the homeowner will need to move - with the furniture. Furnished homes show better. The solution lies in planning long before the move. I can recommend what to leave in the house and what to move to the new location. Professional staging is becoming an indispensable part of the home-selling process.
Since I am a Certified Interior Redesigner and Real Estate Stager myself I can help you set up your home for maximum profit and exposure.

Helpful Cleaning Solutions & Mixtures

*Stove: Cream of tartar & vinegar paste
*Weeds: Vinegar & lemon juice
*Carpet stains: 3 tablespoons dish soap, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon ammonia, 3/4 cup water, mix to foamy consistancy and use only the foam on carpet
*Clothing stains: automotive hand cleaner (white)
*Silver: 1 tablespoon water softner, 1 tablespoon salt. Mix in hot water in either a foil pan or place in glass pan with foil on the bottom. (Foil must touch the silver)
*Flies outside: Mint oil, chewing gum or crushed mint leaves
*Ink on clothes: Spray heavy with hair spray (soak) then rub with bar soap and rinse in cold water
*Scuff marks on the floor: Toothpaste
*Markers: Spray with hair spray heavily and wipe up
*Sneakers: Ammonia in spray bottle, spray on sneakers and wipe off
*Grass stains on clothes: Spray ammonia then rub with toothbrush and rinse in cold water
*Pet Hair: Rub with rubber glove
*Faucets: Wet cloth with vinegar
*White patio furniture: Bleach and dish soap
*Storage: Fill black trash bag, wrap end tight around vacuum and suck out air
*Tubs: Make a paste of cream of tartar with hydrogen peroxide and clean stains out of tubs and sinks