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Consumer articles, downloads and links for all things home and especially home in the South!
Hummingbird Attractor
The Firebush is one of many plants that attract hummingbirds to your yard. The depicted yard is in the Wesley Chapel area of Pasco County and North of Tampa. Go here if you want more information about Florida Friendly Yards and here
The Solar Clothes Dryer
The solar clothes dryer is a natural in the sunshine state, saving you money on your electric bills. This time of year one must dodge thunderstorms, but sheets take minutes to hang and only about an hour to dry. They smell oh so wonderful when they come off the line. The umbrella type clothes dryer is fairly simple to install and cost is minimal. Are outdoor clothes dryers permitted in your neighborhood? Check your deed restrictions.
Oregon Family of Four Loves Simplicity in 540 Square Foot Charmer!
Think your home's too small? Enjoy this Houzz article and photos about an Oregon couple and their two small children who have found they prefer togetherness and sustainability in 540 Square Feet!
4 critical items inside your home to take care of first when you get ready to sell.
Must Read Guide if you are even thinking about selling your home
Do you want a Faster and Better Sale of your Home? Then this Home Selling Guide from Houzz Editor Vanessa Brunner is for you. The beautifully written guide is actually a collection of nine guides which include large, compelling photos explaining the text portions of the guides. Be sure to take the various links which expand on the different guides for selling your home. One commenter writes, "This is how I want my home to look for me and my guests, forget about potential future buyers...
There is even a guide for making your vacation home dreamy for renters!
Here are FOUR BIGGIES to take care of when getting your home ready to sell and they don't cost a lot of money.
1. Clean, clean and clean some more! This costs almost nothing and returns 100% value if you do it yourself. Unless you are Mrs. Clean I am not talking about your every day cleaning. For the kitchen take everything out including shelf paper. Wipe down the interior and exterior. Older cabinets can be repaired/painted inside. Newer ones usually just need new shelf paper. Buyers respond positively to clean living spaces. Remove all stains in kitchen and baths. Clean appliances. You are moving anyway so remove/pack away odd or extra dishes, pots and pans, groceries, linens, etc. Clean your sinks until they sparkle and your appliances that stay with the house should be deep-cleaned as well. Remove odors by cleaning them up. Don't cover up odors with plug ins either. They are offense to buyers and some are even allergic. You can add scent with unlit candles, cinnamon or vanilla extract in a warm oven, baking bread or cookies, etc.
2. Clean out up to one third of the items in your closets. People are buying space and if your stuff does not fit how will theirs? Sell, give away or store all your extra clothes and anything you are not using on a daily basis off site.
3. Declutter and depersonalize your living spaces and garage. Remember buyers are trying to envision themselves living in your space. It's hard to do that when all they can see is your family's photos, trophies, memorabelia, etc. Pack up all these items so buyers can see your freshly painted spaces.
4. You are going to paint, right? Clean and fresh paint means buyers can move right in at closing. They will have packed up and now need to be unpacking and putting their stuff away in the clean bedrooms, kitchen and baths. Painting is not too expensive when you do it yourself. But, please choose a neutral color--white doesn't offend anybody and shows off architectural details like wood floors, fireplaces, etc. Beige, greige and gray are popular right now too.
If you begin with these four items you are well on your way to getting your home sold for more more money and less hassles. Want more tips? Visit: Houzz.Com Sell Your Home Fast: 21 Staging Tips