My New Blog

Many home owners want to make the most of the homes they currently own and ask me what improvements will yield them the best return. You can’t please all the buyers all of the time, but you can do some improvements that will appeal to the majority of them.

Here are some ideas that may just make the difference between deal and no deal:

PAINT: Interior or exterior, paint will add a fresh face to your home. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you are capable of completing the task. Unfinished work leads to questions from buyers about the condition of the home. Was there a problem with the house and the owners are making repairs? Are they hiding something? If you choose to have the work professionally done, you expect to pay about $3,000-$7,000 interior and up to $7,000 or more for exterior. If you are worried about picking the right colors, neutral is the safest bet. Dark colors can make a room look smaller, while lighter colors can appear to add space.

OUTSIDE SPACES: Decks and porches should be maintained annually. A front porch is the first thing a potential buyer will see when they visit your home. A poorly maintained entrance will give a first impression that may lead them to think you aren’t into maintenance. Decking that shows signs of rot should be repaired. Not only for cosmetic appearance but for safety issues as well. A deck is a place to entertain and enjoy the outdoors. Making a transition from the indoors to the outdoors makes your home feel as though you are offering optional living space.

In the next addition to this blog I will cover more home improvements that will help you enjoy your home and in the future make a difference in selling your home. Keep checking back for the next installment!

Thanksgiving always has been a special holiday for my family. The anticipation of turkey and dressing and chocolate pie, for me, is almost too overwhelming. 9 years ago I took this holiday and spiced things up a bit and gave birth to my second child.Bless my Mom for bringing a chocolate pie to the hospital so I wouldn't miss out.

I would like to take this chance to Thank all of you for everything you are in my life. That is what Thanksgiving is all about, being thankful. So, be you a friend, a client, a family member, or all of the above:Thank You.

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Leaves are turning new colors, night is cooler and darker, and winter is just around the corner. It is time to start thinking about getting all the garden tools put away and dragging out the snow blower. But getting ready for winter isn't just about what is going on outside, there is plenty to prepare inside your home. In the long run this maintenance will save you money and keep you warm and happy through the long winter months.

Here is a simple checklist to get you started:

 Check the attic, walls and basement for adequate insulation.

Feel around electrical outlets and switch-plates for cold air, add insulation where necessary.

Look around doors and windows for gaps and potential places where warm air can escape.

Caulk or apply weather-stripping around problem draft areas.

Consider replacing windows with energy efficient double-paned windows.

Clean gutters and downspouts in mid-fall and double-check them before winter.

Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles and loose gutters.

Replace the filter in your furnace.

Have a heating/cooling expert look at your furnace if you are unsure of its efficiency.

Have chimneys and woodstoves cleaned early in the season.

Test the flue for each fireplace for a tight seal when closed.

Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather.

Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water.

Consider installing an overhang above the entrance to your home to make steps safer.

Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies before the messy weather hits.

Keep extra water and canned food in storage just in case.

I am happy to announce that the official APOV website is up and running.Visit us at www.apointofviewrealestate.com  

I am still working on all the little things so bare with me. Suggestions and comments welcome.If you would like to know more about any information on our sight, please let me know.