Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal - Repairing Walkways and Driveways

The curb appeal of your home is important if you're desiring to sell your home.  If the outside of your home is not welcoming, buyers won't be interested in seeing the inside.  Repairing the Driveway and Walkways dramatically improves the entry to your home and makes it more inviting to buyers.

The best way to repair the joints in  a walkway is with a sand-topping mortar mix, which is stronger than regular mortar and can handle wider joints. Mix it with an acrylic fortifier so that the joints will be less susceptible to water penetration.

The hardest part of this job is chipping out the crumbly old mortar without damaging the stones. Once the old stuff is out, filling the joints is as easy as decorating a cake. Just keep in mind that while the new mortar won't match the existing mortar color, it will lighten and blend in over time. The only way to get the same shade would be to replace all the old mortar, crumbling or not.  Click here for more on this project, and others, to improve the curb appeal of your home, and get it ready for sale. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,20471893,00.html

13 Top Bathroom Remodel Trends

Odds are you have a room in your home you don't enjoy spending time in. Of all the rooms that are renovated each year, the bath is probably the most difficult to plan for. What's in style? How do I keep it pretty but up to code? How do I inject a sense of style but keep it functional? Click here for the 13 top bathroom remodel trends - MSN Real Estate

And Now For Something Totally Different

Our blog is usually something about homeowning, home decorating, ideas for busy families but today, we're wandering off the beaten path.

Earlier this week, I celebrated a milestone.  Two years ago, on February 17, 2010, I broke free from an abusive marriage.  As most people do, I had always thought of women who stayed as weak and needy.

How can a woman wake up every morning and take that?  Why doesn't she leave?  Doesn't she love her children, or herself, enough to get out?  I can tell you now, it's not that simple.  Women stay because there is a real danger in leaving.  Sometimes the danger of leaving is more terrifying than the reality she lives with everyday. Most women who die at the hands of their spouse are trying to leave.

SC is eighth in the nation statistically for domestic violence related homicides. After dealing with some of the legal web, I now know why. SC legistlators who had anything to do with the laws on the books should be charged as conspirators. Don't assume that because someone is walking around free that they are innocent. This place is a mess.

You can do a thorough background check as a civilian for $50. Don't overlook warning signs or expect that just because he's a smooth talker you're safe. We had many of these warning signs in front of us and it never occurred to me there would be a problem.

WARNING SIGNS

Many of the signs women are taught to Interpret as caring, attentive, and romantic are actually early warning signs for future abuse. Some examples Include:

INTRUSION: Constantly asks you where you are going, who you are with, etc.

ISOLATION: Insists that you spend all or most of your time together, cutting you off from friends and family.

POSSESSION AND JEALOUSY: Accuses you of flirting/having sexual relationships with others; monitors your clothing/make-up.

NEED FOR CONTROL: Displays extreme anger when things do not go his way; attempts to make all of your decisions.

UNKNOWN PASTS / NO RESPECT FOR WOMEN: Secretive about past relationships; refers to women with negative remarks, etc.

MORE WARNING SIGNS
1. Was or is abused by a parent.

2. Grew up in a home where an adult was abused by another adult.

3. Gets very serious with boyfriends/girlfriends very quickly – saying “I love you” very early in the relationship, wanting to move in together or get engaged after only a few months, or pressuring partner for a serious commitment.

4. Comes on very strong, is extremely charming and an overly smooth talker.

5. Is extremely jealous.

6. Isolates partner from support systems – wants partner all to themselves, and tries to keep partner from friends, family or outside activities.

7. Attempts to control what partner wears, what she/he does or who she/he sees.

8. Is abusive toward other people, especially mother or sisters if he is a male.

9. Blames others for one’s own misbehavior or failures.

10. Has unrealistic expectations, like expecting partner to meet all of ones needs and be the perfect partner.

11. Is overly sensitive – acts ‘hurt’ when not getting one’s way, takes offense when others disagree with an opinion, gets very upset at small inconveniences that are just a normal part of life.

12. Has ever been cruel to animals.

13. Has ever abused children.

14. Has ever hit a boyfriend or girlfriend in the past.

15. Has ever threatened violence, even if it wasn’t a serious threat.

16. Calls partner names, puts him/her down or curses at him/her.

17. Is extremely moody, and switches quickly from being very nice to exploding in anger.

18. If a male, believes women are inferior to men and should obey them.

19. Is intimidating, for example using threatening body language, punching walls or breaking objects.

20. Holds partner against his/her will to keep him/her from walking away or leaving the room.
21. Stories about past relationships don't reconcile with the way he/she REALLY deals with conflict.

22. His/her idea of discipline is ALL physical and overboard. The thought of it brings a smile to their face....

23. Anybody they've ever dated/married has "done them wrong", with no provocation.

24. Constant "white lies" are a clue to dishonesty in bigger issues. Honesty = safety

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or you suspect that someone is, be their way out.  Ask questions and offer an escape route.  You'll never get yesterday back, but you can reclaim your today.

Kitchen Tips: Improve the Appeal Of Your Home to Buyers

Does your kitchen feel cramped?  Even a small kitchen has value, you really don't need an expansive space to cook, but who wants to spend time in a kitchen they feel is closing in on them?  Remove the doors on upper cabinets to make a cramped kitchen feel more spacious. For a finished look, paint the interiors to match the base cabinets. Here, white enamel matches the subway tile backsplash and countertop for a sophisticated monochromatic look.

Going A Little Coastal: Peeling Mirror Redo

I am so doing this!  Ever come across an awesome frame with an old mirror in it?  This is the easiest DIY project ever......

Hop on over to Going A Little Coastal and find out how.....

Going A Little Coastal: Peeling Mirror Redo

Money Saving Energy Tips That Won't Break The Bank

EASY ENERGY-SAVING HABITS (Free!)
Don't forget the basics. This simple stuff will save energy -- and money -- right now.
• Unplug seldom-used appliances, like an extra refrigerator in the basement or garage that contains just a few items. You may save around $10 every month on your utility bill.
• Unplug your chargers when you're not charging. Every house is full of little plastic power supplies to charge cell phones, PDA's, digital cameras, cordless tools and other personal gadgets. Keep them unplugged until you need them.
• Use power strips to switch off televisions, home theater equipment, and stereos when you're not using them. Even when you think these products are off, together, their "standby" consumption can be equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously.Enable the "sleep mode" feature on your computer, allowing it to use less power during periods of inactivity. In Windows, the power management settings are found under control panel.Configure your computer to "hibernate" automatically after 30 minutes or so of inactivity. The "hibernate mode" turns the computer off in a way that doesn't require you to reload everything when you switch it back on. Allowing your computer to hibernate saves energy and is more time-efficient than shutting down and restarting your computer from scratch. When you're done for the day, shut down.
• Set your thermostat in winter to 68 degrees or less during the daytime, and 55 degrees before going to sleep (or when you're away for the day). During the summer, set thermostats to 78 degrees or more.
• Use sunlight wisely. During the heating season, leave shades and blinds open on sunny days, but close them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. Close shades and blinds during the summer or when the air conditioner is in use or will be in use later in the day.
• Set the thermostat on your water heater between 120 and 130 degrees. Lower temperatures can save more energy, but you might run out of hot water or end up using extra electricity to boost the hot water temperature in your dishwasher

Looking for a way to liven up your dull decor?  After the Christmas Tree is gone, you may be looking at your home and thinking "Was it this bland before?".  Refresh your dark wood or white cabinets by painting them a spiffy hue like a pale sage green.  For added oomph balance the the room with an intense red painted floor.  Don't be timid, it's your home, make it reflect your style.

How Can I Incorporate a Coastal Vibe in my Non-Coastal Home?

Summer is my favorite season, the coast my favorite place.  Living in Upstate SC, however, I have to take daytrips whenever I can and incorporate simple ideas into my décor and routine that may let me take a short braintrip when a trip on the road is just not on the calendar.  These are cute, quick, and make me think of Charleston, with it’s crabhouses and pluff mud.  Make these little cuties and you may take a braintrip of your own…….

Stenciled Tea Towels

It’s in the details….. place these in a guest bath for a simple nod to your favorite place? I love them! Anita shares how to stencil a tea towel over at Going Coastal!

Picking Great Colors For Your Home

Picking out paint colors always left me frustrated.  When you walk into a paint store they'll display thousands of shades of color on several walls, how are you supposed to make a decision with so many choices?  Trying to figure out which of those colors will complement your furniture and home style drives many to simply opt for some shade of white.

One way to go, however, is to use a complementary color scheme. Paula Abdul was right! There really is a rule that opposites attract, these pairings can always be found at opposite ends from each other on a paint color wheel. When put together, they bring out the best in each other, making both colors look cleaner and brighter.

An essential tool for artists, painters and interior designers everywhere, the color wheel is constructed to help you see the relationships between different hues. The bases are three primary colors: red, blue and yellow. These are then combined to make the three secondary colors: orange, green, and purple. Finally, the remaining six colors on the wheel are known as tertiary colors and are mixes of the secondary colors, including such hues as red-orange and blue-green.

Familiarizing yourself with the color wheel can help you understand how to best mix and match a cool color with a warm one, for a naturally balanced room.  Don't be afraid!  Many chain home improvement stores now offer small "pots" of paint that you can have tinted to whatever you want a trial of.  When you get home, make sure you not only try a small block of color on one wall, but on each wall to see how the color reacts to light.  Leave it on the walls for a few days (a big blob of color on the walls makes for a great conversation piece for visitors!) and see how it looks throughout the day.  You Can Do This!

Why Should I Look For Listings Over My Price Range?

If a home doesn't sell, there must be something wrong with it, right? True, but maybe not the “something” you suspect. It's not always location or condition.

The number one reason why a home does not sell is price. Homes that are grossly overpriced often never sell at all. Why? Because home buyers don't make offers on them. You should be looking at homes listed over your price range for one simple reason........ The listing price is not always indicative of the market value.

Why Don't Home Buyers Make Offers on Overpriced Listings?

· They don't want to offend the seller. It goes against human nature to offer substantially less than asking price to a seller.

· Buyers erroneously believe that the seller knows the home is overpriced. They believe that if a seller would be willing to sell for less, the seller would simply lower her price. Many times the Realtor has tried to reality check the seller, but it takes a buyer offering market value, sometimes, to drive the truth home.

· Buyers also assume that the seller must have turned down lower offers from other buyers because surely someone, somewhere along the line, had offered a reasonable price to the seller. But many times, there are no offers at all. You’ll never know until you try!

How Do You Find an Overpriced Listing?

The easiest way is to ask your Realtor about the average days on market (DOM) for your area. Multiple listing systems are designed so it's fairly easy to compute the DOM. Then ask your Realtor to sort through the listings and find the homes that have been on the market longer than average.

If your Realtor is local it is likely she has toured these homes and has intimate knowledge of condition and layout of these homes. Ask her to share this information with you. You can also ask your Realtor which of the homes she thinks are overpriced as well. You will be amazed to learn that often agents don't tell listing agents whether their listings are overpriced because agents don't want to offend anyone either! But listing agents aren't infallible. Sometimes they make mistakes when estimating market value prices for a seller. Ultimately, however, remember that it is ALWAYS the seller's responsibility to select the sales price. If a Realtor advises a client on a listing price, it’s still the seller’s responsibility to put the final number on the contract.

Why Would a Seller Lower the Price?

Not every home that is overpriced will ultimately sell for less than listed price, but many homes that are listed at unrealistic prices are owned by sellers who are motivated and who are willing to listen to reasons why they should sell at a reduced price to you. If you find out that a seller has turned down multiple offers for less money, it might mean that it's just a matter of timing. Eventually the light bulb will go on and a seller will say yes.

There are overpriced gems hiding among the inventory of homes for sale every day. Don't just pass them by. You could be passing up an opportunity to buy your dream home.

Galvanized Countertop Weekend Project

How Can I Update My Kitchen Countertops?

GALVANIZED METAL COUNTERS
This is such an awesome project. Stainless steel counters for less! You can do this! I love that this is a semi – DIY project, you can have someone do the hard work FOR you so inexpensively! Check it out at http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2011/02/galvanized-countertop/

Should I Purchase Or Ask For A Home Warranty?

The last thing a home buyer wants to worry about after closing is what could possibly break or malfunction in her new home. Since that can cover a multitude of items and systems, for peace of mind, it's a good idea to get a home protection plan. It's especially a good idea to obtain a home warranty if you're a first time homebuyer. A point to keep in mind, the purchase of a Home Warranty does not negate the need for a thorough home inspection before closing. There are certain items that can be caught in an inspection that may be covered under a Home Warranty.

Who Pays for the Home Warranty?

Now, whether the seller pays for the home protection plan and home warranty coverage or whether the buyer pays for it, will depend on your local customs. It varies. In many locales, it's normal for a seller to pay for the coverage because it's a seller benefit. Why? It’s a good selling point and covers them in case something wasn’t covered in disclosures.
How Much does a Home Warranty Cost?
They are fairly inexpensive, typically ranging from $250 to $400, depending on coverage. Home warranty companies sometimes run special sales and either discount policy prices or offer additional coverage for the same price. The policies are prepaid for a year in advance, at which time they expire or can be renewed.

How Do They Operate?

Although specific plans provide for specific types of coverage, most operate the same way.
•If a home system or appliance breaks or stops working, the home owner calls the home warranty company.
•The home warranty company calls a provider with which it has a contract.
•The provider calls the home owner to make an appointment.
•The provider fixes the problem. If an appliance is malfunctioning and cannot be repaired, depending on contract coverage, the home warranty company will pay to replace and install the appliance.
•The home owner pays a small service fee.

Types of Coverage

Because all plans differ, you will want to ask specifically what is covered. Ask your real estate agent if upgrades are available. Pay close attention to whether the home warranty company will pay for repairs to make certain types of systems or appliances compliant with new regulations.
What If I Disagree With the Diagnosis?
Sometimes a service provider will deny a claim. If that happens or if you are unhappy with the service provided, call your real estate agent and complain. Your real estate agent, if she has a good working relationship with the representative from the home warranty company that is covering your home, well, she can seek resolution for you. Agents all over the country are going to be very upset at this suggestion, but it works. If my client calls me with a problem, I call my rep, and she eventually finds a way to work out a solution acceptable to all the parties involved.
In short, don't take "no" for an answer unless you feel the “no” is reasonable.

What is Not Covered?

•Outdoor items such as sprinklers
•Faucet repairs are not covered under all plans
•Not all plans pay for refrigerators, washers & dryers or garage door openers
•Spa or pools, unless specific coverage requested
•Permit fees
•Haul aways

What Can Cause Denial of Payment?

•Improper maintenance
•Code violations
•Unusual wear and tear
•Improper installation

General Coverage
•Air conditioning
•Dishwashers
•Doorbells
•Furnace / heating
•Water heater
•Ductwork
•Garbage disposal
•Inside plumbing clogs
•Ceiling fans
•Electrical systems
•Range and oven
•Telephone wiring

Because coverages vary from state to state and from policy to policy, ask to see a sample copy of a policy before you commit.

Looking for a rental? Renter Beware!

If you are looking for a home to rent, be careful! Many homeowners are getting desperate and sometimes desperate people do desperate things. Many rentals are going into foreclosure and the renter doesn't know until they receive eviction notices. There are also listings on websites like Craigslist placed there by people who don't own the homes they're advertising. Don't send deposits by mail, meet face-to-face and ask questions. You can determine who owns a home by looking in county tax records online. If you feel uncomfortable, don't do it!

How To Improve Your Chances of Selling Your Home

The real estate market is quite volatile these days.  There is much more supply than there is demand. Buyers are picky, and market conditions allow them to be.  How can you improve your chances of a sale?  Follow these simple tips, and you’ll gain a leg up on the competition…..

·         Be realistic about your home’s value.  Your Realtor is trained to determine what your home is worth.  Listen to his/her opinion and allow it to carry more weight than any other factor. 

·         Keep your home “showable”.  Those last minute callers wanting to look at your home are the most likely of candidates to put in an offer.  They are in a hurry to see it, they’ll probably be quicker to put in an offer.  Putting your Realtor off until tomorrow, or the weekend, may put your home out of the running.

·         Make sure your chosen Realtor is making the most of his/her marketing tools.  Ask to see a list of places your home will appear.  If buyers can’t see your home, they can’t buy your home.

·         Consider neutralizing your home.  Colors, scents and large collections of items placed in your home may overpower the marketable points of your home.  Allergies to air fresheners can overpower a buyer as they walk through your home.  Bright purple rooms can leave an impression that you may not want.  Your son’s bug collection covering the walls in his room may turn buyers off.  These are easily changed after the sale, but if the home next door is also for sale without obstacles, it will sell first.

·         Keep your curb appeal consistent.  Buyers often drive by before they request a showing.  If your home looks unkempt, cluttered, dark and dreary from the outside, no one will want to overlook those issues to see the inside.

·         Know when to fight for that extra dollar.  If a buyer submits an offer, know that once you give them a counteroffer, they are off the hook.  They are no longer contractually obligated to you.  Fighting for that extra little bit that you could really do without may cost you the sale.  Pick your battles.

In the end, your Realtor should give you competent, relevant information to make sure your property has the best chance of getting to the closing table.  Choose your Realtor wisely and let them guide you through the selling process.  Make them earn that commission.