Search results for 'home and garden'

Packing Service Inc

PackingServiceInc — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:13:55 GMT

Packing Service, Inc. Packing - Crating - Loading - Delivery - Moving.
Better Business Bureau Member, ALSO PROVIDING FREE INFORMATION ABOUT
MOVING COMPANY SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM AT: www.MovingScam.Info

We Do: Crating & Packing Services, Packing Boxes & Crates, Moving Boxes Services company, shipping palletizing.
Loading / Unloading: Truck Rental, Pods, Shipping Container, Self Storage.
Deliver Boxes, Home Delivery Service, Moving, Relocation, Relocation Services, Storage Containers, Delivery Companies, Movers, Packing Company.

As a member of the Better Business Bureau, Packing Service, Inc. is NOT a Broker company, so we use our very own professional employees. Brokers contract other companies and do not know who the employees will be.

954-615-PACK--7225
1888-PACK-PSI--722-5774
www.PackingServiceInc.com

At the Locations of:

Miami, Kendall, Aventura, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Bal Harbor, Miami Beach, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Opa Locka, Coral Gables, Carol City, Miami Springs, Westchester, South Miami Heights, Cutler Bay, Naranja, Homestead, Florida City, Key Largo, Florida Keys, Marathon, Key West.

Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Hallandale, Miramar, Davie, Dania, Cooper City, Lauderhill, Sunrise, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Margate, Weston, Plantation, Coral Springs.

West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Parkland, Lake Worth, Greenacres, Palm Springs, Wellington, Westgate, Royal Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Singer Island, Lake Park, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Stuart, Port Saint Lucie, Fort Pierce, Lakewood Park, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Melbourne.

Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Bonita Springs.

Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acers, Punta Gorda, Bradenton, St Petersburg, Treasure Island, Clearwater.

Jacksonville, Saint Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fruit Cove, Palm Valley, Orange Park, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Port Orange, Edgewater, Smyrna Beach, Titusville, Cocoa Beach.

New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Long Island, Long Beach, Brentwood, Holbrook,

*AVOID MOVING SCAMS, moving companies will provide you an estimate over the phone, when they come, they will load your shipment and then charge you DOUBLE with all their hidden fees and services. let us help you find the best moving company with the best and less expensive flat fee guaranteed estimate.

*Protect yourself from being ripped off. Packing Service, Inc. will educate you about the entire move process by letting you know what to watch out for and how to prepare and check the parties you encounter with.

The Benefits of Using P.S.I. and Ways to Save Money When You Move:

We at Packing Service, Inc. are members of the Better Business Bureau and been in business since 2003 and we are rated A+ (the highest rate).
P.S.I. have established a great reputation among our repeating customers in Florida with not even one complaint since we have opened. Unlike every moving company that will send unprofessional employees and temporary labor, our employees are experienced with packing and crating services, loading/unloading trucks, containers and pods. They are seasoned professionals with the best knowledge in the business with expertise in packing, loading and stacking Household and Commercial goods.

www.BBBsoutheastflorida.org/BBBWeb/Forms/Business/CompanyReportPage_Expository.aspx?CompanyID=4009703

Please BEWARE of:

* Any company that charge by the hour, they will come and waste the time to make more money. Go always with a FLAT FEE GUARANTEED.
* Broker companies, they will sell your job to a company you don't know about. First ask if they are.
* Companies on the Black List, you can check our website (in the Helpful Website option) to find out who is there and check with the Better Business Bureau.
* Owner operators, same of moving company scams. Use Pods, Door To Door, ABF, or any container company.
* Out of state companies, you will not be able to contact your county sheriff to help or any other sources, they will say that they cant do anything, only that you can sue them (and it will cost you move then the move)
* Unlicensed and uninsured companies.
* getting an estimate online or on the phone, ask for someone to come and see what you have to move and ask only for a FLAT FEE GUARANTEED

Check this website out and you will know what we are talking about moving company scams: www.ripoffreport.com

Packing Service, Inc.
Packing - Loading - Crating - Delivery.
Helping You Avoid Moving Company Scams.
www.MovingScam.Info
www.PackingServiceInc.com
Info@PackingServiceInc.com
954-615-PACK--7225
1888-PACK-PSI--722-5774

Raised Garden Beds - Grow more with less pain (and save money)!

adutra — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:01:00 GMT

I missed out on my opportunity for a summer garden, but I'm determined to get some fall crops in. In the spring, I planted seeds and seedlings in my landscaped area - unfortunately I did not successfully manage to harvest anything. The mixture of topsoil & clay just did not help my veggies grow :(

This time around, I have decided to grow organic the easy way - Don Rosenburg recommends raised garden beds to make a gardener's life easier. One of the main advantages of a raised bed is that you can control the soil much more than when you attempt to plant in existing soil in your yard. This means that you can be sure the soil is weed-free, which saves you work in weeding, but also means you don't need to use chemicals to control unwanted plants. A recommended mixture of compost(75%) and sand(25%) will ensure that you have no live weeds in your garden bed to start with (during the composting process, any weed seeds present are heated so much that they are killed). Raised garden beds are also a little easier to reach (you can bring the height up to 2 feet to make them wheelchair accessible) and can be built very easily to blend with your landscaping and add to the appeal of your yard. You can use lumber, stones, or a borderless approach.

What does it mean, growing an organic garden? Simply, it is to avoid chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides in the growth of your plants. Only use what is found in nature in your garden - there are organic pest repellents (lemongrass, clove oil, etc) or plant flowers and herbs that most deer and rabbits do not like.

One of the key things about your home garden is that you should plant what you LIKE to eat - don't feel guilty if you skip something you don't like, because you won't eat it anyway! So in my fall garden, I'm planning on carrots, broccoli, arugula, spinach, english peas, bush beans, leeks, garlic, and maybe one or two cabbage (because even though I won't eat it, they are pretty - and I have a friend who will!). I'm getting a late start, so it may be possible to extend my growing season with the use of a cold frame (mini greenhouse).

Anyone out there have tips for me? How about sharing what you might have in your fall garden?

Rain barrels

adutra — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:48:00 GMT

While planting my garden and working on landscaping this spring, I began to be very interested in ways I could save on water and irrigate effectively. I started investigating various options, and one of the simplest I found is rain barrels. These come in many shapes, colors, materials, and can be filled with gutter diverters, direct down spout flow or from attractive rain chains.

You can build your own rain barrel(video), following various build a rain barrel instructions (non video) or if you are looking for really inexpensive DIY rain barrel solutions, you can trade effort for price. Naturally, your price may range quite a bit, depending on materials. Many sources recommend you check with local restaurants, wineries, or on craigslist for inexpensive or free food-grade containers. I'm partial to recycled wine barrels for an attractive look, but not so fond of the price. There are many, many pre-fab rain barrels - here's the 50 gallon rain barrel I found that I liked - and I saw the natural terra cotta color version on sale at Sams Club. A lot of handy people scorn paying for a manufactured rain barrel, but if you just want something to hook up and use right away, that cost might be worth it to you. Whatever version you go with, you'll probably want to ensure you have some filtration from the water source (prevent roof debris & leaves from getting in), an overflow valve, and either raise the base of the rain barrel, use a rain barrel stand, or add a small pump (maybe a solar-powered pump!) to help ease the use of the water. If you live in an area where mosquitos are an issue, there are ways to keep mosquitos out of your rain barrel.

If you live in Mecklenburg county of North Carolina, there's even some savings you can realize by buying from the county-sponsored rain barrel program. These aren't quite as pretty, but you could get creative (make it a family project?) and paint your rain barrel with your own custom flair! Check with your local city or county to see if there's a similar program in your area.

There is some controversy brewing about rainwater capture however. Some states actually have laws that would make collecting rainwater illegal. Some home owners associations (HOA) restrict rain barrels or placement. Of course unreasonable HOA restrictions could easily brew another 5 posts!

Branching out a little, here's a few other interesting options I came across in my research:

Thai Jar
Harvesting Fog
Harvest the run-off from your deck
If you can pull it off, turn your roof into a living sanctuary

Once you've mastered your rainwater collection, another area of interest might be how to harness your graywater for effective reuse. Ah, the possibilities... what do you think? Share your ideas about reclaiming, recycling, and conserving water in the comments below.

When a Home Renovation Digs Up Buried Treasure

tipsandtoolsadmin — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 19:15:00 GMT

Found an arrowhead in your garden or a cache of letters in your attic? Learn what you should do if you find buried treasure or historic artifacts on your property.

If these walls could talk…
In April 2005, Andrew Mayes was renovating a home he’d bought in Lockport Township, near Chicago. While knocking out a wall in a closet, he discovered several unusual antiques: Several boxes of ammunition with a receipt dated 1940 and a mint-condition 1928 A1 Thompson submachine gun, a favorite of 1930s Chicago gangsters.

Surprised by his unusual find, Mayes immediately contacted the police, who quickly confiscated the weapon and ammunition. A sheriff’s spokesman, who estimated the gun’s value at around $10,000, praised Mayes for his honesty and noted that since Illinois state law prohibits civilians from owning automatic weapons, Mayes would not have been able to sell the gun if he had kept it to himself. He could have even faced up to 10 years in prison for possessing or selling an illegal and unregistered weapon.

While Mayes was unlucky in that he discovered something he wasn’t allowed to keep, don’t assume that what you find will automatically be taken away from you. In March 2006, for example, a demolition crew uncovered a stack of bills worth over $30,000 hidden in the walls of a flood-ravaged home in New Orleans. The surprised homeowner, a woman in her 50s who opted to remain anonymous, believed the money had been stashed away by her father, who grew up during the Depression and was wary of banks. And, once the woman’s identity was confirmed, she was allowed to keep every cent.

Finding items of significance -- historical or otherwise -- during home renovation projects is rare, but it does happen. Here’s what to do if you uncover something of interest:

Notify the proper authorities
You should always notify the proper authorities if you discover something out of the ordinary. State laws vary in regards to the legal ownership of artifacts found on private property, but generally speaking, all items (with the exception of things that are illegal to own) belong to the person who holds title to the land from which they were retrieved. Items found on federal or state land, or with federal or state money, however, become the property of the respective governments. You must obtain written permission from the landowner before you can legally remove items from property you don’t own.

Consider the historical value
If you come across something that may have historical or archaeological significance, you should report it to your state archaeological society (The Archaeological Institute of America has contact information for most state boards). The society will most likely dispatch an investigator to examine your item in person and determine its validity. Don’t worry, he or she can’t and won’t take it from you, or excavate your property, without your permission.

Look, don’t touch
If at all possible, don’t move an item that may have historical significance. It helps archaeologists to see the item in the condition it was discovered to determine its use or function. Take a picture of the site and protect the item from the elements. Some metal and wooden artifacts that have been buried in soil or under water may be damaged when they come into contact with the surface atmosphere again, so it’s always best to leave them where they lay.

Don’t commit grave errors
In the event that you should uncover human remains on your property, contact the police and the county coroner immediately. Do not touch or move them if you can help it. Accidentally disturbing graves or human remains is not a crime, but intentionally doing so or not reporting their discovery to the relevant authorities is a violation of state and federal laws.

Get it in writing
While you are allowed to sell artifacts that are legally yours to museums or private collectors, it’s always wise to get an accredited archaeologist involved first. Unless an item is officially documented as ‘historic’ and appraised, it will likely be significantly harder to sell or sell for a reduced price.

Should It Stay or Can It Go? What You Can Take With You When You Move

tipsandtoolsadmin — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:10:00 GMT

You've just sold your home and are preparing to move. But which items and appliances are you allowed to take with you?

Personal property disputes are a common problem in real estate transactions. Some buyers who’ve fallen in love with a home’s decorative accents have moved in to find the chandelier, mirrors and even the doorknobs have been stripped from the house by the previous owners. Conversely, some sellers have discovered that items they assumed they could legally take with them are considered to have been sold with the house. How can you tell what’s yours and what’s not?

Real property
State laws differ on specifically what is and isn’t yours to take, but there are some general rules. “Real property” usually includes any improvements to the land or physical structure that cannot be easily moved. It includes such things as wiring, plumbing, roofing, masonry, staircases and in-ground pools. Basically, if it would require a contractor to remove it, it stays.

Chattels
“Chattels” are pieces of personal property purchased by the homeowner that can be easily moved. Chattels are not considered to be a part of the house. If an item can be unplugged or easily unscrewed from the wall or ceiling, it’s usually considered a chattel. Home appliances, potted plants, hanging mirrors, artwork and security systems are some examples of common chattels.

Fixtures
“Fixtures” are chattels that are physically attached to the house or property. These items are more permanently affixed than chattels but less so than real property. They are generally considered to be a part of the house unless it’s specifically indicated otherwise in the purchase agreement. Doorknobs, chandeliers, garden sheds, shutters and curtain rods are some of the items that qualify as fixtures.

Out of sight, out of mind
When selling your home, a good way to avoid problems down the road is to simply remove or replace any items that could be subject to dispute before you hold an open house. If a potential buyer never sees your antique chandelier, they’ll never miss it. Placing “does not convey” note cards on items is also acceptable, however, there’s a chance you may receive an offer conditional upon them being left behind -- or a request that you lower your price in order to compensate for taking them. Most residential sales contracts contain a checklist where the “staying or going” status of fixtures can be clearly indicated. If yours does not, consider drawing one up yourself.

Removing things like doorknobs or chandeliers after a buyer has viewed or even purchased the house may not necessarily be illegal, but it is unethical. If you remove them before the deal has closed, it could endanger the sale by forcing those buying to wonder: “If they took that, what else did they take?” If you remove fixtures from the house that are included in the purchase agreement after the deal has closed, it may qualify as breach of contract.

Don’t get burned
When a sale agreement is signed, the buyer’s agent should check the house and make a careful list of all its fixtures. Sellers should check this list very carefully to make sure they are in agreement with the buyer as to who owns what. In some cases, buyers have included things on this list that didn’t actually exist in the house to begin with, like a refrigerator with a built-in icemaker or a workshop tool bench. Since the purchase agreement is a legally binding contract, the seller will then be liable to supply these “missing” items.

Chattels and fixtures are often negotiable, depending on individual seller’s wants and needs and can be factored into the selling price of the house at later stages. The bottom line, though, is to always be prepared. A written agreement is the best way to determine who is entitled to what.

What typically stays (unless otherwise specified in writing)

Wall-to-wall carpeting
Permanent light fixtures
Landscaping (patio stones, masonry, in-ground pools)
Window coverings (shutters, blinds, curtain rods)
Skylights
Fireplaces and mantelpieces
Garden sheds (with concrete foundations)
In-ground plants and trees
Mirrors permanently affixed to walls

What typically goes (unless otherwise specified in writing)

Carpets and area rugs
Household appliances (refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, washer/dryers, etc.)
Non-permanent light fixtures
Potted plants
Curtains
Hanging mirrors
Paintings and wall hangings

For more information and advice, we recommend that you consult an attorney or real estate professional.

21 Ways to Enjoy Your New Home

tipsandtoolsadmin — Sat, 05 May 2007 20:31:00 GMT

Move-in day is the perfect time to create some very special memories.

Few homeowners ever forget the first time they unlocked and opened the front door to their new home. It’s in that moment, after the paperwork has been signed, the keys have been collected from the REALTOR®, and the household goods have been packed and transported, that the true joys of homeownership begin.

Before you start to unpack and get settled into your new home, take at least a few minutes to relax, unwind and make some special memories for your loved ones and yourself. While every family has its own traditions, here are 21 suggestions of the first things you might want to do to enjoy your new home:

1. Order pizzas from a local delivery service and use your unpacked cartons as tables. The pizza boxes make great paper plates too!

2. Write welcome notes signed "from your new home" to each of your children and leave the notes in their bedrooms.

3. Hang your favorite artwork or family photos on the walls. Even if there’s not a piece of furniture in sight.

4. Bring in cut flowers from your new garden and place them in vases throughout the house.

5. Make up all the beds with new or freshly laundered sheets.

6. Turn on your new lawn sprinklers and then run across your new lawn and get sprinkled!

7. Display a meaningful flag or a colorful banner outside your new home.

8. Let your kids and your pets run wild throughout the entire house. If it’s after dusk, flash the lights on and off.

9. Light up your new barbeque and grill whatever edibles you have on hand. Or just light’er up even if you’re not going to grill anything!

10. Hang new curtains in your new bedroom.

11. Stock your new kitchen with your favorite snacks and beverages.

12. Run your new dishwasher, trash compactor or other appliances, even if they’re empty.

13. Pop open a bottle of champagne and toast your new home even you haven’t unpacked the flutes yet.

14. Get romantic with your spouse or sweetheart in your new nest.

15. Climb up into the attic and introduce yourself to any rumored or resident ghosts.

16. Memorize your new address and telephone number. Check your new mailbox for cards and letters with your name on them.

17. Take "before" photos of your new house before you unpack your belongings. Boot up your laptop and send the photos to your friends and family.

18. Invite your friends and family over to tour your new home and help you unpack.

19. Measure all your new rooms and create floor plans on graph paper before you settle your furniture into place.

20. Play your favorite CDs or find a new local radio station that plays the kind of music you enjoy.

21. Equip your new bathrooms with toilet paper, soap and maybe new toilet seats. Take a hot shower or a long luxurious bath!

Home Listing Words That Sell (And Those That Don't)

tipsandtoolsadmin — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:13:00 GMT

Be careful how your home listing is worded. Some traditional real estate terms aren't as effective as you'd think.

Some real estate listing terms have been in use for so long they’re practically clichés: “Must-see!” “Handyman’s special!” “Motivated seller!” But recent research has found that many of these familiar phrases aren’t as effective in selling your home as you might expect. Some can even negatively impact your final sale price and cause your home to linger on the market. Before you list your home, find out which words work and which ones hurt.

Motivation = desperation
Logically, you’d expect terms like “motivated seller” and “must sell” -- phrases that imply a willingness to negotiate on price -- would help move a home faster. But according to a recent study by Paul Anglin, a real estate economist at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, these words have the opposite effect.

Anglin’s research found that “must sell” homes sold 30 percent slower than others, and terms such as “good value” typically resulted in sales five percent lower than average. Emphasizing the price point or the seller’s willingness to unload the home implies that the seller initially overvalued it or that there’s something wrong with the house. Palpable desperation in a listing is also a definite turn-off, so keep the exclamation points to a minimum.

“New” and “clean” aren’t enough
Other words that can have a negative influence on a listing’s effectiveness are terms that mention the cleanliness of the house or basic improvements such as “new paint” or “new carpet” as primary selling points. These simple statements convey a sense that the home is unremarkable. If a new paint job is the most exciting aspect of your home, don’t expect buyers to be lining up around the block to see it.

Stress distinguishing features
Terms that catch the eye and distinguish your home from a crowded marketplace are the best ones to lure in buyers. Anglin’s study found that homes described as “beautiful” tended to move 15 percent faster and sell at five percent more than usual.

Words that convey curb appeal and a sense of value beyond sale price are also excellent motivators. Listings including the word “landscaping” tended to sell up to 20 percent faster, with “granite” and “maple” also scoring big with buyers. Keywords that play up a property’s nearby features, like “golf course” or “lake,” also work well because they situate the home in its real-world environment, as opposed to just some house on an anonymous street.

Think like a buyer
When writing your listing, keep in mind that you’re not selling a house, you’re selling a home. Most buyers are looking for a home that feels special, attractive and immediately livable. Phrases like “move-in condition” and “turnkey” communicate that your house can be moved into with minimal fuss and can speed up sales time by 12 percent.

With a little creativity, you can make just about any home sound special. Don’t just say your home is a “must see,” prove it. What’s more evocative: A “quiet backyard” or a “garden sanctuary?” A “basement rec room” or a “lower-level entertainment room?” Creative language both describes your home’s best features and gives potential buyers room to dream.

Know your market
If your home has some significant drawbacks, it’s best to come clean with them up front. That way you can tailor your listing to attract the specific type of buyer who is likely to be looking for your kind of property. Being honest about the fact that your home has a few flaws may appeal to someone who is willing to put some work into a place and is looking for a bargain. Anglin found the phrase “handyman’s special” cut selling time by 50 percent. However, you wouldn’t want to use it unless your home really was one. It also reduced the selling price by 30 percent.

In all cases, it’s important to note that Anglin’s percentages were just averages and there were wide variations within categories. When selling your home, honesty is always the best policy. Never use deceptive wording in your listing -- as soon as potential buyers drop by and see your home for what it really is, they’ll suspect a scam. And while proper word choice and creative language are a definite plus, remember that the ultimate determining factor in almost all home sales is the asking price. Not even a listing worthy of Mark Twain is likely to sell an overpriced home.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

tipsandtoolsadmin — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:52:00 GMT

Follow this helpful spring cleaning checklist to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Home cleaning and maintenance is an essential rite of spring, like adjusting your clocks one hour ahead. Preparing a checklist for spring cleaning puts you in a forward-thinking mode, letting you both enjoy your home in the present and enhance its future resale value.

Use the following ideas to help you get started.

OUTDOORS

Roof: Check for any damage incurred during the winter season, such as loose, broken or missing shingles. Arrange for a roofing professional to perform a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs.
Gutters and downspouts: Remove any leaves, dirt and debris left over from winter. Make sure that water drains away from your home to protect the foundation.
Siding and foundation: Repair any broken masonry or lifting siding. Fill in or caulk any areas where insects could get inside the house to nest. Power-wash siding yourself or hire a professional to give it a thorough cleaning.
External water taps: Hook up the garden hose and turn on the tap to make sure everything’s running properly and to check the water pressure.
Outdoor lighting and landscaping: Test all outdoor light fixtures and replace light bulbs. Sweep away winter debris and dead leaves. Rake the ground (take care around newly sprouted plants and flowers) to aerate the soil. Prune shrubs and tree branches as needed.
Porches and decks: Check for peeling paint, broken masonry and splintering or rotting boards. Rent a power washer for a thorough cleaning. Apply sealant, re-stain or re-paint as needed. Bring out and clean patio furniture.

INDOORS

Windows and doors: Wash the windows until they sparkle and replace storms with screens.
Air conditioners and humidifiers: Install individual room air conditioners or, if you have central air conditioning, hire a professional to clean and service it. Test all equipment to make sure it’s running smoothly. Turn off all humidifiers.
Air ducts and vents: Vacuum your air vents to keep them clear of dust and debris. Consider hiring a professional to thoroughly clean your air ducts.
Faucets and plumbing: Check for any leaking pipes or dripping faucets and have them repaired or replace washers where necessary. Remove calcium deposits from faucets and showerheads.
Cabinetry and drawers: Tighten loose knobs and wobbly doors. Repair or sand down drawers that stick.
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: Test to ensure all detectors are operating properly and replace all batteries.
Kitchen and medicine cabinets: Take inventory and discard any canned, jarred or packaged goods and medications that are past their expiration dates.
Mattresses: Rotate and flip your mattresses to help prevent sagging and increase their life span.
Rugs and carpets: Send area rugs out to be dry-cleaned. Have carpets cleaned professionally or rent a machine and do it yourself.
Clothing: Pack away winter clothing and dig your summer clothes out of storage. This is also a perfect opportunity to prune your wardrobe. Get rid of items you haven’t worn in the last three years. Donate them to charity or organize a neighborhood yard sale.
China, glassware and silverware: Set aside half a day to clean, wash and polish those unused dishes and glasses that have been sitting on shelves collecting dust.

All done? Sit back and relax knowing you’ll be free to ring in spring with no unpleasant chores to dampen your spirits.

10 Easy Ways to Update Your Home

tipsandtoolsadmin — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Looking to modernize your home to increase its resale value, but not deplete your bank account? Here are 10 easy ways to spruce it up quickly.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive upgrades to enhance the appeal of your home and make it more attractive to prospective buyers. With a little resourcefulness and creativity the following ideas can cost very little and yet make a dramatic difference.

1. Repair and replace. Patch up cracks and holes in walls. Fix or change broken light switches, door handles and screens. Replace or re-grout any broken, stained or loose tiles in the kitchen or bathroom.

2. Paint to refresh. A fresh coat of paint is an easy, cost-effective way to brighten up a room. As a general rule, avoid bold colors and stick with light, neutral tones like off-white or beige to make your home as appealing as possible to the widest range of potential buyers.

3. Refinish flooring. Are your wood floors showing their age? Sand them down and refinish them, or paint them a neutral color. Have your carpets professionally cleaned and replace any that are very worn or permanently stained.

4. Update hardware. Modernize the look of your kitchen and bathroom instantly with new stainless steel knobs, drawer pulls, towel racks and hooks. Save money by repainting, instead of replacing, dated kitchen cabinets.

5. Buy new fabrics. Fresh new curtains, lampshades and colorful throw pillows can transform the look of any room. New bedding and duvet covers can also punch up a bedroom. And a fresh new shower curtain can drastically improve the look of a bathroom.

6. Hang mirrors. Trick the eye by hanging a mirror to widen a narrow room or hallway. Expand the space further by positioning a mirror on the wall, kitty-corner, at the same height.

7. Modernize lighting. Swap in a modern, stainless steel lighting fixture in place of an outdated chandelier to give a room a contemporary look. Install dimmer switches on overhead lighting to enhance mood.

8. Display contemporary art. You can give your home a unique, artsy look even if you’re not artistically inclined yourself. Make black-and-white photocopies of your favorite family photos and insert them into new, contemporary frames. Black-and-white always looks timeless.

9. Add greenery. Add a touch of green to your home by purchasing a few low-maintenance indoor plants from your local greenhouse. Group the pots together for maximum visual impact. A two-tier herb garden in your kitchen can be easily installed on glass shelves across a sunny windowsill to bring in a touch of the outdoors.

10. Create a grand entrance. Replace rusty house numbers, drab porch lights and frayed doormats with new ones. Rejuvenate a tired-looking front door with fresh paint or stain. And place a planter of colorful flowers by the entrance.

When you’re finished, you will be the proud owner of a clean, modern-looking, desirable home that potential buyers will easily be able to picture themselves living in. All you have to do is sit back and wait for the right offer to come your way.

Choose a Home That Will Hold Its Value

tipsandtoolsadmin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:43:00 GMT

Before you buy, think about how appealing your new home will be when it's time for you to sell.

The most important features that help sell a home are the three you hear about all the time: location, location, location. But beyond neighborhood, there are a number of factors that influence resale value.

This is an important consideration. Even if you believe you’ve found your dream home and will never move, chances are you will sell it one day.

Here are some of the home features that help sell a home:

Outside
REALTORS® cite curb appeal as key to selling a house. In fact, it can add five to 10 percent to a home’s value. But if a home doesn’t make a good first impression, a stunning interior seldom compensates. So, if a house has curb appeal when you buy it, maintain it, because it will work for prospective buyers, too, when you want to sell.

Ironically, the elaborate garden or pool that attracts you to a house is a deterrent for many prospective buyers because it looks like too much work to maintain. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to add what many REALTORS® consider the best landscaping feature for resale: very large, healthy, mature trees. A garage is a definite plus for resale, especially if most houses on the street have one, and the rule is the bigger, the better.

Inside
On the inside, the ambiance of the house matters almost as much as how new it is or how well finished individual rooms are. A light, bright feeling appeals to buyers. Look for a home with large windows, good sun exposure, walkouts to the garden and perhaps even a vaulted ceiling in the main room.

The floor plan is a vital consideration for resale. If it is cut up into small spaces with rooms that relate to each other awkwardly, the house will always make a poor impression on prospective buyers, even with superb decorating. Layout preferences vary from region to region and are often related to climate. But some features are universally popular: a large separation between the master bedroom and secondary bedrooms; a central area where living, family dining and kitchen areas flow together; and a main or second-floor family room.

Not surprisingly, experts say kitchens and bathrooms are the areas that affect resale value most. The only debate is over which room has the most impact. A contemporary kitchen with new appliances is a big draw. Updated bathrooms, especially a luxurious master suite bath, are also popular.

Most REALTORS® say that a three-bedroom house has a much wider market than one with fewer bedrooms. Four or more bedrooms don’t necessarily help sell a house, but shifts its market to larger families. A spacious master bedroom is an expected feature in newer homes, at least, rather than a selling point -- if you don’t have one, it can be a problem. Ample storage and closet space are also compelling resale features.

Services and structure
Modern services, especially those that are difficult to add, such as built-in air conditioning and central vacuum, are important features for many buyers. Up-to-date wiring and plumbing are not so much selling features as significant deterrents to potential buyers if they are not present. Even in older homes, these must be up to current standards or the house languishes on the market.

Just as sparkling new kitchens and baths help sell a home, certain flaws have the opposite effect. For instance, damp basements, signs of water damage (especially from leaky roofs), or permanent damage from poor maintenance, are major sales detriments. Avoid a home with these obvious problems unless you know you can afford to fix them and make your money back when it’s time to sell.