 Well, as we know, the weather has been a little bit all over the place, but many of us are getting some of those outdoor projects done before the more permanent summer heat bears down on us. And we wonder: What are the most important things that can boost curb appeal and higher perceived home value? Well, I’m going to give you some simple pointers that won’t break the bank.  1. Your Mailbox. Yup. If your mailbox looks old and icky, that’s one of the first things that makes an impression. Solution: A can of Rustoleum Spray Paint for around 5 bucks can give that sucker an instant face lift. I picked Rustoleum in Red for mine because it is easy for my visitors and clients to find me when they are looking to where to turn into my driveway (I'm on a busy road!) And, while you are at it, you can easily paint the post white and put some simple day lilies that can hold up to the heat right there around the mail box. 2. Freshen up your mulch. Old mulch can look sparse and tired. Somthing else - Some of the trends are even going to more rocks instead of mulch with lovely plants in the midst of them, and I’m okay with that. Either way, be sure to weed. Best time to weed? After a good rain. Something called Weed and Feed can help grow what you want, and eliminate what you don’t want. Simple, right? 3. Fresh Paint on your front door. Gloss black (SW Tricorn Black), a classic blue, or a great red can add higher perceived value to your home. Freshly painted shutters can add value, also.
4. Simple plants and flowers to freshen up. Add a happy garden flag, and a potted bright,cheery plant on your front steps, and it just screams “WELCOME!” I just bought these begonias (below) from Home Depot and it makes me happy :)  5. Trim Your Bushes. I walk my neighborhood a lot - and often, I see homes where it looks like either a security issue where you can't even see out the windows as to who is coming to your door, or it just plain looks uncared for. Trimming bushes back can really give your home a face lift. Well, that's about it. Keeping it short and simple, because I'm off to another project! By the way, let me know if you need help with a summer refresh in your home! I even do working consultations where we can come up with a simple plan on the spot to get your home freshened up! Happy Summer! 
0 Comments
Easter is just around the corner. With that in mind, I wanted to send you 6 ways that you can spruce up your home for spring! Enjoy!
Choosing paint colors can be overwhelming, right? Standing at the paint store and looking at paint in their light, and then bringing home the paint chips that then, somehow, seem to change once you get them home. How does one choose?
Well, believe it or not, even neutrals have undertones. Yep, that's right. So, when you are choosing, you have to consider this. You also may want to consider lighting, whats already in that space, what you are keeping, and what is going. But to make it a little easier, I'm going to give you 5 top paint colors that are top pics for neutrals and they work well in the right space. Hi my lovely Friends!
"Out with the Old, In with the New," right? Most of us are finishing putting away our Christmas and Holiday Decorations, but as we walk down that path,, we realize that we really....need...to...purge. Right? Sometimes it's easier said than done! To be honest, we've been looking at the same old pile, or bookshelves, or cluttered area for so long, it's like wasting existing real estate we really don't know what to do with. Right? So, as you are putting away your new clothes you got for Christmas, or putting away your decor and "stuff," here are 5 easy steps for you to "unfreeze" your brain as to how and where to get 'er done! I recently received a call from a super sweet lady who was frustrated because her house had been on the market for thirty days. She and her family were starting to panic. This was her late mother-in-law’s home, and the family had worked long and hard preparing it to look nice for sale. The house was in a wonderful location, but potential buyers seemed to be walking away due to the confusing flow of the home. And, of course, no one wants to drop the price of their home, and 30 days is usually right around the mark for that.
As always, I listened attentively and asked a few questions. I asked about feedback from prospective buyers who were shown the home. Of course accurate pricing to be competitive is important, too, and they were good on that. The house was lovely, in a well-sought after neighborhood, with a lot of great potential. It had a spacious great room with built-ins around the fireplace. The kitchen was updated, and there was fresh paint and carpet throughout the home. The bathrooms were average sized for the 1970s-era date of the home, yet were recently updated as well. Hmmm, what exactly could it be that was turning away potential buyers? I began to study photographs of the home and continued talking talked further with the sellers. This is what I love. I love solving problems like this!  Happy Thanks-Living!
Did you suddenly wake up this week and realize that, “Wow! Thanksgiving’s next week!” I kind of did. Are you ready? I’m ready because….well,, for a nice change, I’m not hosting it! And I only have to bring a few side dishes! Yaaay! How about you? Anyway, with the busyness of life and sometimes wondering how to keep it all “under control,” I know I really have to make sure to think more about intentional living. And contentment. And, of course, being thankful.  Can you feel it? The twinge of fall is HERE! I'm just loving those Indian Summer days....Everyone’s getting excited about it,, too! Football, apples, more indoor activities…harvest parties and outdoor activities...
As we scurry like squirrels getting our nests ready for cooler weather....I just wanted to pass along a few great tips to help your home look great, and increase its value and perceived value as well. Get ready for fall……ya’ll… And if you are a realtor and want to forward this info to your clients, feel free!
Happy Valentine’s Day! - Hearts to You!
Today, as we all think of chocolate, candy, and flowers…well, really, for me, mostly, I think of chocolate, there are also some great loves we can have in our own homes. Although most of us drool over the homes we see on HGTV and in magazines, there are some things we need to remember in our own homes that are critical to make them uniquely our own. As we are all incredibly different, there are places in our own homes that our areas of “love” can show -- whether it is a love of art by local artists, your love for cooking, or a love of music, let it show in your home. When we put things in our homes that appeal to our senses, we have a smile on our face when we come home to them.  As the weather really starts turning colder now, I start thinking more of indoor activities and spending more time inside, don’t you?
All the comforts of home come to mind when we think about staying inside more. Comfort food, warm drinks, cozy spots to nestle in and relax at the end of a hard day are what we long for. The thought of comfort becomes even more enticing as we realize we want those things of comfort surrounding us to have texture, softness, visual coziness, and great scents. Warm coffee and cider, lightly scented candles, soft throws, and yummy pillows give us those fantastic reasons to want to be at home more. All the comforts of home come to mind when we think about staying inside more. Comfort food, warm drinks, cozy spots to nestle in and relax at the end of a hard day are what we long for. When putting together those inviting spaces, think about what feels good, but also about simple visual beauty. Here are a few questions to ask yourself: |
AuthorBeing the creative and energetic person that she is, Patricia loves her family, her clients, and finding new and creative ways to "think outside the box." You may find her spending time with family, scouring antique stores, figure skating, talking to Alhzheimer's residents, camping, and being active in her church and community. In the MediaArchives
|
RSS Feed
Contact Us336-422-6775
Location
|
|