“Over the years we’ve probably all learned a few lessons the hard way. Hopefully, we were able to move on from them and not repeat them. Here are some that we particularly like.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Tag Archives: Flooring
Tips on How to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests
“Want to be ready for when your guests arrive for the holidays? It only takes a little extra effort to show you care.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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Tips on How to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests
Is your home ready for holiday visits from friends and family? Here’s how to prepare for the invasion. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2016 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
How to Make Your Kitchen a Sociable Space
“When you entertain, you almost always end up in the Kitchen. Why not decorate and design with that in mind?”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Do you want your kitchen to be the heart of your home and more than just a place to cook and eat? Here are the key ingredients for creating a welcoming space where family, friends and guests will love to spend time.
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Keep it cozy. On the whole, people aren’t keen on hanging out in stark rooms. If your kitchen feels comfortable, it will draw people to it and make everyone in it feel at ease.
Here, generous seating, an array of comfy cushions and a rustic wooden table with a big bowl of fruit help to give the room an inviting, lived-in feel.
Include a casual seating area. Once people flop down on a comfy sofa in your kitchen, they won’t be in a hurry to leave. Whether it’s in your main living space or part of an extra seating area, a sofa creates a welcoming atmosphere, and you don’t need a huge kitchen to fit one in.
Here, putting the sofa perpendicular to the peninsula subtly divides the cooking, eating and chill-out zones.
Combine kitchen and dining areas. If the kitchen includes your dining area, it’s more likely to feel like the hub of your home, especially when you’re entertaining. You may be surprised at how many people you can accommodate even in a relatively small space.
Here, the kitchen cabinets run along one wall, freeing up the opposite wall for a large table that’s ideal for entertaining. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll have to be a confident cook and not get distracted by your guests’ banter for this arrangement to work!
Build in a breakfast bar. If you don’t have space for a dining table in your kitchen, you can still create a spot where family and guests can perch and chat to you while you prepare a meal.
A breakfast bar at the end of an island or a peninsula is the ideal solution. The overhanging lip of this counter provides a comfortable place for people to tuck in their knees as they sit, and the bar stools can be neatly pushed under and out of the way when not in use.
Fancy having a kitchen island? Find out if you have room
Make it a room with a view. When you’re planning your kitchen, think carefully about the view you’ll have when working and eating in it. An attractive one will make it much more inviting.
Try to avoid having to do the dishes while facing a brick wall, and don’t position the dining table so that it looks directly at your washing machine. If your kitchen has windows or glazed doors that look out on your garden, terrace or balcony, try to ensure that this is, for the most part, what everyone will see.
Go for an island combo. If you have young children who are out of highchairs but not yet tall enough to climb and sit safely on a bar stool, consider lowering one end of your island to create an informal seating area that little ones and their friends can sit around comfortably.
Different levels identify the different functions of this island, and the standard-height table area is perfect for children to eat supper and do their homework.
Open onto the garden. If your kitchen opens directly to your outdoor living space, it will feel like the center of your home. Here, bifold doors open the entire room to the terrace, blurring the distinction between the outdoors and inside.
Brighten it up. No one wants to spend time in a dark and dingy room, so make your kitchen feel as light and bright as possible — you want people to feel uplifted as soon as they enter.
Painting the space white or in a pale shade is one way to do this, but think about your window treatments too. Here, shutters cover only the lower part of the windows, allowing natural light to flood in at the top.
Also consider whether you can open the space by removing walls, and include a mirror or two, as these can be useful in reflecting light around a room.
Focus on the TV. You may not want to admit it, but the TV is probably a big draw when it comes to your home’s social spaces. In this kitchen, it’s unashamedly out on display, but if you don’t want the TV to be a distraction all the time, conceal it behind the doors of a purpose-built unit.
Originally Published on Houzz, by Anna Tobin
10 Tips for Creating a Welcoming Entryway
“Been wondering how you could dress up your foyer or entryway? Lighting, colors and light decor may just do the trick.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
You have only one chance to make a first impression. So it’s important that the entry to your house is welcoming to guests, reflects your personal style and makes you feel happy and comfortable as soon as you walk through the door. This space sets the tone for the rest of your home.
1. Layer in light. In this relatively small space, a beautiful lantern, table lamp and sconce create different lighting options for different moods. The Moroccan lantern, chinoiserie lamp and iron sconce each add a unique style to the space in addition to the glow.
2. Provide an artful story. In most apartments, the entry space is small, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a big statement. This home is bold and chic right from the entryway. A Jackson Pollack-like wallcovering, plush stools, a statement mirror and a geometric rug welcome guests and let them know they are entering a stylish home.
3. Get the scale right. A grand foyer with one tiny table is a sad state of affairs. In this beautiful entryway, a large console table, a bench, a mirror and sconces stand up to the large space and architectural elements such as the columns. In addition, accents like the antique crock, bin of flowers, umbrella stand and throw pillows add personality.
4. Foreshadow your home’s style. Interior designer Jeannie Balsom used wood, iron and other rustic textures throughout this relaxed retreat. Using this mix at the entry sets the tone and lets visitors know exactly what they are walking into from the front door.
5. Add a rug. Sometimes the dimensions of an entry seem tricky for a rug. But the floor is a great place to add pattern, color and softness. Because an entry is a high-traffic area, pick a rug that’s durable enough to stand up to heavy use.
6. Go bold. Primary colors provide an exciting entrance in this Vancouver beach house. While a basket of oars nods to nautical style, the geometric rug and bright colors are unexpected and playful.
7. Dazzle with wallpaper. This entryway to a circa-1900 house in Providence, Rhode Island, needed to respect the architecture but also to suit the homeowners’ chic personal styles. The designers at Taste Design chose a bold grass cloth wallcovering with vertical lines of acanthus leaves, giving the classical ornament a modern twist. The wallcovering also suits the client’s art collection and easily transitions from the foyer up the staircase.
8. Provide a place for stuff to land. A dresser, chest or console table with drawers will help you keep the entry from becoming cluttered whether you need to ditch mail, keys or gloves.
9. Provide a transition. In this entry, plants, a stone floor, outdoor furniture and rich wood provide an easy transitional zone between indoors and out.
10. Add local flavor. In this Kiawah Island, South Carolina, home, the spectacular staircase railing depicts local flora and fauna. While I usually try to avoid writing the overused phrase “bring the outdoors in,” this is the epitome of accomplishing that in a beautiful and unique way.
Originally published on HOUZZ, by Becky Harris
16 Ways to Get More From Your Small Backyard
“When you have a small backyard, it’s easy to feel like you have few options of what to do with it. You may be surprised to see what others have come up with for their small space.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Big cities have a lot going for them, but spacious backyards aren’t one of them. Designers in high-density places like San Francisco and New York have long dealt with getting homeowners the most bang for their buck when it comes to their compact homes, and that means turning tight, narrow or awkwardly shaped backyards into comfortable, functional extensions of the home. No matter the locale, their methods can work for anyone trying to maximize an outdoor space and turn it into a destination to enjoy. Here are 16 ideas to try.
1. Break it into multiple rooms or zones. Create multiple functions by strategically using built-ins and arranging furniture to establish different “rooms” for lounging, dining, mingling and cooking. This backyard space in Brooklyn, New York, has all four zones.
2. Implement a smart lighting design. This space also has a multifaceted lighting scheme. Sconces serve multiple purposes of task lighting by the grill, landscaping lighting by the plantings and overall ambient lighting. Meanwhile, an arm pendant hangs over the dining area.
3. Extend an indoor space. Architect Carson Arthur likes to ask his clients which indoor room they feel is too small, then establish more of that space in the backyard. “Is your kitchen too small? Do you need a bigger family room? Why not do that outside?” he says. “With the development of outdoor technology, anything inside can now be done outside.”
Here an outdoor rug helps establish an extra living space on a small deck in Detroit.
4. Complement your interiors. Use the same colors and style that you’ve already established inside your home for your backyard to make it feel more like its own living room. “Stylistically, you want to pick up on colors and textures that tie the two spaces together,” says Amber Freda, a landscape architect in New York. “Make it more than just a couple of chairs and a dining table. A plain dining table with wooden chairs won’t entice you to use it very much, but really comfortable lounge seating will.”
5. Play with the angles. If you’ve got a small square spot to deal with, San Francisco landscape architect Rich Radford suggests turning paving in a lateral direction to your property line to create more hardscape space. For the 25-foot by 30-foot backyard seen here, he shifted the paving 45 degrees to get more surface area.
6. Pay attention to scale. If you’ve got a small backyard, the last thing you want to do is cram in a 10-person dining table. Instead, consider built-ins or extendable tables. Likewise, you won’t want to plant a tree that’s going to grow to 100 feet tall and completely overtake your yard. Here Radford smartly worked in small, native plants and grasses to keep an open feel.
7. Use one surface material. If you have multifunctional areas, use one material to unify the spaces. “Small spaces need that cohesion,” says Arthur, who designed this 17-foot by 25-foot space for a family with small children. A separate play zone keeps the kids close by while the parents are entertaining, and the continuous paving ties it all together.
Radford goes even further, suggesting using the same material that’s found elsewhere on the property. For one of his backyard projects, he used the same paving material as in the front entryway. “It created a unified space that made it seem bigger,” he says.
8. Avoid clutter. The more elements your yard has, the tighter it will feel. Instead, try to use built-in seating, incorporate clean lines, avoid bulky furniture and keep plantings under control. “If there’s one thing that will get out of control and take over a small space, it’s a plant that’s too happy,” Arthur says.
Freda agrees: “Avoid the hodgepodge effect,” she says. “Instead of doing 20 little pots, do five big pots for a more clean look with bigger impact. Pick only two or three styles of planters, two or three colors — it makes it feel less accidental, chaotic and overwhelming.”
To get the most out of this 25-foot by 20-foot Toronto backyard, architect Erik Calhouncreated raised decks over a large tree’s very high roots. He skipped big plants in favor of creating more recreation space. “Hedges or bushes would stick out 3 feet, and you wouldn’t be able to move anymore,” he says.
9. Enclose the space. This may sound counterintuitive to making a small space feel larger, but it’s something that might work for your space. “When you enclose a small space even more, you play up its coziness and make it intimate, something that’s hard to achieve with large spaces,” Arthur says. “This also takes it to the next level of feeling like an outdoor room.”
Pergolas are great for creating an intimate feel, but you can get the same effect with plantings. Architect Gary Beyerl’s backyard (shown here) is 10 feet by 20 feet. Because he has apartment units attached to his home, he wanted to do something that would afford him privacy. He used vertical plantings like humongous trumpet vines and a redbud tree to create an envelope of plant material. “By extending the plant zone up the vertical surfaces of an urban space, you can make a lot of visual greenery work to your advantage,” he says. “I’ve got a verdant environment even though it’s tiny.”
10. Consider your view. If you’ve got an unsightly view from your backyard, Beyerl recommends using elements to control the sight line. His favorite: trellises. He used them for this Chicago home to block views to the notorious network of wires running through the city’s alleys. “Trellises give you the advantage of perception,” he says. “They conceal the view but let light and breezes pass through. They’re less oppressive than an actual fence.”
11. Include contrast. “Always think about interesting contrast,” says Freda. Mix square and rectangular shapes with circular ones. Put spiky-leaved plants next to billowy ones. “It’s visually more interesting than if everything is similar,” Freda says. “If you have a square space, I’d do square planters, but then a circular table in the middle so there’s at least one counterpoint.”
12. Keep maintenance to a minimum. One of the great things about small spaces is that they’re easy to clean. So don’t muck with this advantage! Arthur suggests using more planters rather than ground-cover soil. “Otherwise mud inevitably ends up all over your small patio space,” he says. “Containers give you the warmth of planters but are more manageable.”
Native succulents and grasses minimize water use, but you should also consider artificial turf. “It maintains color and character better than a natural yard,” Beyerl says. San Francisco designer Martha Angus used artificial turf in the backyard space shown here; she also recommends faux boxwood. “A boxwood hedge might be 18 to 24 inches deep,” she says. “That takes up a lot of space. Faux boxwood comes in squares that are 3 inches deep that you can staple to a fence. They’re absolutely gorgeous, don’t require water and take up no room whatsoever.”
More ideas for using artificial turf
13. Terrace a sloping yard. Angus’ project here highlights another good method of increasing a tight backyard space. If you’ve got a severely sloping yard, consider terracing. Granted, terracing can be incredibly expensive, says Angus, because an extensive substructure must be created to support the terraces, but, as you can see, it provides more flat surface for activities.
14. Give it personality. Character is much more important in a small space. You want something that people will remember it by other than its size. “It’s more important to drive character in a small space,” Arthur says. “You don’t want guests saying, ‘Oh, what a tiny backyard.’ You want them to pick up on that personality of the space.” Arthur suggests primary colors for not only kid elements but for funky furniture to give a space more charm. Angus suggests commissioning a local artist to do some interesting tilework on a wall or for paving.
15. Create a focal point. As with adding character, a focal point takes attention off the size of the space. Arthur likes to use water features. He’s even added a single large planter right in the center of a small backyard to draw the eye into the center and push the walls away. “It’s a trick of the eye,” he says.
Art and sculpture are good candidates, too. “A single sculpture with uplighting can be phenomenal,” Angus says.
16. Get design help when you need it. It might not seem like it, but small spaces are often more difficult to design than large ones. An expert will be trained to deal with your needs and challenges.
Calhoun suggests going with an architect who can best come up with the right approach for your unique space. Is there a lot of sun? Rain? Wind? “You want someone who has a whole philosophy,” he says. A landscaper who specializes in country-style gardens could come in and do the usual, and it might be lovely, he says, “but it won’t be as satisfying as something that reflects what’s going on with the building. Call an architect instead of calling the nursery.”
Beyerl suggests bringing in a team of pros to get the job done. “Room making is an architect’s profession,” he says. “Then a carpenter can complete all the design finesse. And a landscape designer will understand how the plantings will work over time.”
Originally Published on HOUZZ, by Mitchell Parker
To-Dos: Your March Home Checklist
“Now that it’s starting to warm up outside again, take the time to tidy up inside, and check on the outside to see if there are any maintenance issues after a long cold Winter.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
March can be unpredictable when it comes to the weather, but no matter what Mother Nature is doing outside your window, it’s natural to crave a fresh start this time of year. The first official day of spring is March 20, so usher in the new season with a bit of spring cleaning, fresh flowers and — if you can get outdoors — a little dirt under your fingernails.
Plant a tree. Spring and fall are the best times to plant trees because wet weather and cooler temperatures make it easier for root systems to get established. Be sure to check with your local nursery to determine which species will do best in your microclimate and to get detailed planting instructions. If your area has a late date of last frost, you may need to wait until all threat of it has passed before planting.
Inspect your home’s exterior. Once winter storms have passed, carefully inspect the exterior of your home for damage. If you had an ice dam on your roof during the winter, now is the time to repair any damage it caused, and make changes to your roof to prevent ice dams in the future.
Simplify the table. Cupboards feeling overstuffed? Simplify your life by paring back on dishes and glassware, letting go of mismatched and chipped pieces and sets you no longer love or use often. Keep a basket of fresh cloth napkins within easy reach of the table to make it more convenient than grabbing paper napkins, and invest in a living centerpiece (potted succulents work well) that will stay fresh and green with little maintenance.
Spring-clean the kitchen. Give your kitchen a fresh start by cleaning some of the areas we often skip during quicker daily cleanup sessions: Clean small appliances; wipe grease and grime from the range hood, backsplash and light fixtures; clean grout; and vacuum hard-to-reach places (like under the stove) using an attachment.
Clean slipcovers and soft furnishings. Smaller slipcovers and washable rugs can be laundered at home; drop off larger pieces with professionals. When laundering items at home, be sure to check the instructions carefully and err on the side of caution. Most items like curtains and slipcovers can be put back while damp — for the best fit and to prevent wrinkles.
Get ready for tax time. Tax deadline isn’t until April 18, but getting your ducks in a row this month will make things a lot less stressful. Sort through paperwork, update your files and gather all important documents in one place so you’re ready to go.
Treat yourself to spring blooms. Spring flowers such as daffodils are plentiful and inexpensive this month, so keep an eye out for bargains. And if you have blooms popping up in the garden, why not snip a few to enjoy indoors?
Make a garden plan. There’s still time to get your garden growing! Sketch out a plan and jot down ideas for this year’s plantings, as well as any ideas you have for changes to the hardscape, like putting in a new path or fence. Start some seeds indoors, or pick up seedlings at your local nursery. Check botanical gardens for spring plant sales too, as these can be great places to find native plants that do especially well in your region.
Tidy the entryway. Put away any lingering mittens and wool hats and make room for those mucky spring boots. A clean boot tray lined in river stones will help water drain away from your footwear. Clear off the hooks (or hangers, if you have a coat closet) and be sure to put out an umbrella holder stocked for spring showers.
Clean up patio furniture. Outdoor furniture can get really grimy over the winter, so be sure to give everything a good scrubbing before you start using it for the season. Launder washable outdoor cushion covers, and replace worn-out pieces if needed.
Tune up lawn and garden tools. Sharp tools get the job done. Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tuneup before you begin work in your garden.
Originally post on HOUZZ, by Laura Gaskill
How to Carve Out a Corner Designed Just for You
“Want a special place in the house you can call your own? Check these out to see what might work for you.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Having a room of one’s own is an appealing idea — a space just for you, where you can read, journal, craft, do yoga or simply relax, away from the bustle of a busy house. But even if you don’t have an entire room to spare, carving out a special corner designed for you and you alone is something doable. Rev up your inspiration with these 10 creative corners, from reading nooks to hammock hangouts.
1. Tea garden. Carry your tea and a treat outdoors to enjoy in the fresh air for a delightful change of pace. Essentials for a tea garden include a place to sit and set down your tea, and lush plants (in pots or planters is fine). With a tea garden, small can be considered a virtue — look for a private corner of the garden, or revamp a small side yard or patio. Add a wall fountain or wind chimes for ambiance and a few plump cushions for comfort. If you’re concerned about keeping your cushions clean and dry, store a few indoors (a storage bench makes an ideal spot) and take them with you when you venture out.
2. Reading nook. Set up a cozy corner for diving into that new book by arranging a comfortable armchair and footstool, a reading lamp and a table for setting down your drink and book. Next to a window where you can read by natural light during the day is ideal. A bookcase nearby for choosing your next read and a soft throw to wrap up in on chilly days will complete the scene.
3. Napping porch. A sun porch makes a wonderful spot for a catnap. Position a daybed for maximum sunlight and plump it up with a feather mattress and plenty of cushions. Adding green plants all around will help clean the air and add to the relaxing vibe, while a rattan stool can keep a stack of magazines or a mug within easy reach if you’re not feeling sleepy.
4. Hammock hangout. Relax in your own private backyard retreat with a fringed hammock and quiet seating area. Weathered finds in wood and wrought iron will lend an earthy feel to the space. If your outdoor space is a patio, you can still bring in greenery in the form of potted dwarf trees and mossy ground cover planted between stones.
5. Meditation corner. If you want to start carving out more time for meditation, one good way to begin is by earmarking a corner in your home as a meditation zone. Clear away clutter (and dust) and place a few floor cushions within reach. If you like, add a statue, candle, bell or a stack of inspiring books.
6. Creative work zone. Whether you’re a writer, crafter or artist, having a dedicated space to pursue your art is essential. A simple desk by a window with a bit of shelving nearby, along with good light, is all you really need. Keep the tools of your trade on display — it’s convenient as well as inspiring.
7. Guest bed getaway. If you have a guest room, it can feel like a waste of precious space between visits. Instead of letting it go unused, why not think of it as your own mini getaway? Put fresh sheets and extra pillows on the bed, hang a vintage painting and add a comfy chair. Treat yourself to a nap or an afternoon of reading and journal writing from your private lair.
8. Yoga shed. Sure, you can roll out a yoga mat just about anywhere, but having a special spot dedicated to your practice can actually make it more likely that you’ll use that mat. Here, a tiny backyard shed was transformed into a yoga studio for one, but you could create the same feeling in a corner of a master bedroom. A rug defines the area and provides extra cushioning beneath your mat. Store blocks and other props nearby and add a few inspiring details like potted plants and candles.
9. Window seat. Positioned to take in the view, a window seat makes the perfect perch for reading, napping or simply daydreaming. Put your feet up and let your mind wander — and store a blanket nearby in case you start to drift off.
10. Thinking chair. A swinging or rocking chair placed in a peaceful corner of the home is a wonderful spot to sit and think through things that have been on your mind. If something has been worrying you, purposely sit down in your “thinking chair” to consider the problem, and consciously let it go when you get up.
Originally published on HOUZZ, by Laura Gaskill
5 Tweaks for Updating Your Wood Deck
“If you want to continue to enjoy your deck, check out these updates that you can do to enhance your outdoor space.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
The deck is one of the most useful outdoor spaces because it can support so many different functions: lounging, cooking, throwing parties, container gardening or just sitting outside to enjoy the view. As a multifunctional surface, a deck needs to always look its best. Read on if you have an existing wood deck and are looking to make some simple tweaks to update its look and improve how it feels and functions.
1. Practice basic deck care. A deck can be improved in just a few hours through routine surface care. It’s recommended that you refinish a wood deck about every two years, either naturally with a linseed oil rub or with stains and sealers, to keep moisture away.
Whatever refinishing method you choose, know that moisture invites organisms into the wood that cause it to rot over time, so remove and clean up anything that is allowing water to collect in parts of the deck. Also, repair anything that may be habitually splashing water onto the deck, such as a leaky hose spigot.
To winterize, clean your deck of debris and remove and store your outdoor furniture in a dry place. Leaving your furniture out during the wet winter months can cause it to wear down more quickly.
2. Upgrade your railing. If your railing is looking shabby, consider changing it for an overall deck upgrade. A cable railing can contribute to a more contemporary deck style, or consider a different balustrade style or material.
You will likely need to hire a carpenter or contractor to help you design and install new railings, because they consist of detailed parts and connections. Have an idea of the railing type you want installed, and ask for product and design recommendations from the professional you hire. Also, check that your preferred railing type meets local codes before having it installed.
3. Add an edible container garden. If your deck receives full sun, and you have the space, consider building or purchasing a few containers for an edible garden. Edibles growing close to the house are easily accessed from the kitchen, and with a deck, you are always working on a level surface.
Keep water from pooling under your containers by placing a saucer beneath them to collect excess water or raising the containers off the deck.
Be aware that large containers can add a significant amount of weight to the deck, so it’s best to locate large, heavy containers over structural beams. Always consult a professional if you are unsure of your deck’s weight capacity.
4. Create more lushness at the edges. Sometimes a deck feels too open and exposed. Create a lusher setting by planting large shrubs or a small tree around the deck’s edges. Be sure to keep them away from the foundation of your home. If you can’t plant directly in the ground around the deck, create lushness with planted containers around the deck’s perimeter.
5. Use the space underneath the deck. If your deck is raised to meet a second-story door, consider how you can use the space underneath the deck to create a shaded outdoor area. The ground below should be sloped to drain water away from the house and have basic paving that allows you to use the space. Once those pieces are in place, you can add seating, potted shade plants, a hammock, lighting and whatever else you desire.
Advanced project: Screen it. Screening all or part of your deck is not a simple tweak, but it’s an option for getting more out of your deck. Screening all or part of your deck transforms it into a space that can be used more comfortably on the sultriest, most mosquito-filled summer nights. If you are only screening and not adding additional levels, you may be able to proceed sans permit, but always check with your local building department first.
Selling Your House Next Spring? 5 Fall Projects to Do Now
“Getting your house ready to sell takes planning and time, if you want to sell it quickly and get top dollar for it.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Originally appearing on HouseLogic, by Jennifer Nelson
Planning on selling your home in the spring? Good news — that leaves plenty of time to tackle all sorts of projects this fall that will help you snag top dollar when the tulips start blooming. Take an objective look around your home from a buyer’s perspective. What would stop you from making an offer? What do you need to do to put your home’s best face forward?
Here are some fall projects to jump on now in order for your home to be in tip-top shape for a spring sale:
1. Update Your Curb Appeal
Image: Laurin Lindsey, Landscape Designer
“Curb appeal is important,” says Steve Modica, sales associate and property manager at HomeXpress Realty Inc. in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla. “Make sure the bushes are all trimmed. Re-mulch or replace stone walkways and paths. Remove any dead plants and trees, and aerate your lawn so it will be lush come spring. Pressure wash the driveway, the front walk, and the exterior of your home. If need be, have the exterior of the house painted and, at the very least, apply a fresh coat of paint on the front door.
Related: Tips on Aerating for a Lush Lawn in Spring
2. Get a Home Inspection
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® says 77% of homebuyers have an inspection done before completing a home purchase. To avoid nasty surprises once you’re in the process of selling your home, have your own inspection done and make any repairs over the winter months before you list the home. Homebuyers often use flaws and needed repairs to negotiate a lower price.
3. Replace Flooring and Paint Walls
Determine if your carpets need replacing or just a deep, professional cleaning. If they need to go, consider if hardwood or another flooring material might be more appealing to buyers.
You’ll also want to inspect interior rooms for dirty or scuffed walls that need a fresh coat of paint. “Paint the whole wall, don’t just do touch-up repair work, because it never looks as good,” says Modica. Also, if you have eccentric or loud wall colors, now is the perfect time to update to a more neutral palette. Stagers recommend beiges, light grays, and off-whites.
4. Tackle the Basement, Attic, and Garage
Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic
Often overlooked, these storage meccas can become a catch-all for junk. Use cool, fall weather as an excuse to get down and dirty in these hot spots and organize them from top to bottom. Install shelving, pegboards for tools, and hanging brackets for bicycles and other large sporting equipment. Your goal is to pitch the junk, sell what you no longer need, and categorize the rest.
“Donate or recycle clothes and bedding you don’t use anymore in order to free up storage space in your closets, basement, and garage,” says Amy Bly, a home stager at Great Impressions Home Staging in Montville, N.J. These areas should look roomy, well-organized, and clean.
Related: Garage Storage Ideas Under $50
5. Consult a Stager
Buyers need to picture themselves living in the house, and they may have trouble doing that if all your personal effects are on display. In order to accomplish that, a professional stager can create a plan for you that you can spend the winter months implementing. Bly spends about two hours walking through a property assessing curb appeal, interior flow, closets, bookcases, media cabinets, flooring, and more.
“I give homeowners a multi-page, room-by-room form they can use to take notes on my recommendations,” says Bly. She typically recommends things like neutralizing out-of-date decor, removing old furnishings and carpeting, and updating light fixtures. She also suggests the type of shower curtains, towels, bedding, and pillows to display for an upscale look.
Getting a jump on these fall projects will give you a leg up on selling in the spring. Today’s buyers are savvier than ever before, especially millennial first-time homebuyers who may have searched homes online for months prior to getting in the field. More than just listing your home in the spring, you want to make it’s as perfect as possible. That means everything works and looks immaculate, and there are no glaring issues that will turn off buyers. When you’re ready, have a friend or relative drop by for a tour and point out anything you may have overlooked.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-thoughts/selling-your-house-projects/#ixzz3rBWhpxF0
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9 Tips for Setting Up a Home Office
“Trying to set up an effective Home Office can be tough. Location, Lighting, Supplies, Organization, all go into the planning process.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Who’s the best boss ever? You are, of course.
If you plan to begin your own business soon or have already experienced the joys of self-employment, you need a dedicated place to work. You look and feel more professional and you’ll be more productive in your own space. It’s also a great way to separate work and home life.
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We’ve broken down the steps you need to take to create the most efficient and comfortable workspace.
1. Decide on a Location
Converting an extra bedroom into an office makes the most sense, but never locate your business in the room you sleep in. Experts say that’s a sure way to encourage insomnia. If all the rooms are in use, try a large closet or as a last resort, a quiet corner of the dining room, kitchen or recreation room. Look for a place with some degree of privacy, a good source of natural light and a low noise level.
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2. Make a List of Work Tasks
This itemization helps you determine the furniture you need – a desk and chair for sure – but will clients meet here, as well, and need their own sitting space? If you generate paperwork, you’ll require files and file cabinets. Do you need storage space for the products you sell?
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3. Organize the Space
Place your furniture and equipment by frequency of use. Computers and printers used everyday should be close together and within easy reach. Also, have a designated space for papers or bills that need processing immediately. Put office supplies like pens, pencils and paperclips in small containers or on trays on top of your desk.
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4. Remember Your Health
An ergonomic chair makes sitting a little less fatiguing. Place your computer so the top of the screen is at eye level and your feet rest flat on the floor. Add a foot pad if you’re short.
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5. Lights and More Lights
If you can, move your desk close to a window to absorb more of that natural light. You still need lamps because the overhead light won’t shed enough brightness on your work area. Add table lamps and floor lamps until you have what you works best. When the sky turns gray for most of the day like it does in the Pacific Northwest, you might invest in alamp especially designed for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
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6. Add a Planning Zone
Enhance the room with a recliner, comfortable chair and ottoman or even a sofa if you have the square footage. Getting away from your desk spurs your creativity, solves problems and lets you power nap.
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7. Personalize Your Space
Hang family photos, favorite works of art or certificates of accomplishment. Bring in house plants. They improve your health by purifying the air and helping you breathe better. Burn a scented candle made of essential oils to help you handle certain tasks. Lemon advances clear thinking, lavender calms and peppermint boosts energy.
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8. Stock Up on Supplies
Nothing makes you lose your train of thought or focus like having to run to the office supply store for something. Keep a backup supply of what you use regularly like copy paper, envelopes, pens, staples, stamps and ink cartridges.
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9. Change the Paint
To refresh your home office, change the colors of the walls. Choose green for a balanced and restful room, orange for an energetic feel or purple if you need to frequently call on your creativity.
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Originally Published on Pro.com