Masculine/Feminie -- All in one Package....

 

Yes, I'm a Realtor -- I work with many tools and technology.  Computers, hammers, laser measures, lockboxes and drills....it's a mini carpenter shop in my trunk!  BUT - as much as I am a tom-boy, I am a woman, who likes to play 'dress up'! I have to be able to stand out by not standing out -- blend into any situation and area, be the knowledgeable one.  It doesn't make sense to show homes that are investor specials/fixers in heels and skirts, not does it make sense to attend a closing of a transaction in cutoff pants and tennis shoes. 

 

So - here's to leather and lace!

Vines - A Love/Hate Relationship

Ah, the charm and character Ivy gives to a home -- perhaps if you were in England.  Ivy growing in the garden beds look lovely and does add something to the character of your home.  But, Ivy also is very evasive and quickly overtakes everything around it -- including growing up the side of the home!  Ivy, and other vines, can lead to damage to the brick, siding, windows -- exterior of the home, by causing rot and mold/mildew.  At times, the vines can grow through the crevices of the window sills and begin growing INTO the house.

SO,  if you choose to garden with Ivy, or other vines, please be cautious and tend to the growth often!

Well done conversion, or waste of space?

I didn't post yesterday, but I did take my photo!  #Conversion was the prompt --

In real estate, many times we see how the owner modified what they had for what they needed as they still live there.  But, sometimes, it doesn't translate when the home is on the market for sale.  Converting a one car garage to an added living space can be a gamble -- for a small home, a second living room helps growing families from stepping all over each other.  But, you lose the garage.  Now, it was a one car garage -- and where we live, a one car garage usually turns into storage space anyway.  Although, for future owners, that garage may be the make or break of a sale. 

I've also seen third bedrooms turned into a walk in closet.  Now, I can see past the shelving and hangers of clothes -- but, while showing the home to a buyer, clothes hanging on the racks takes up visual and physical room.  Making the third bedroom feel cramped and smaller than it actually is.  Also, it begins to add doubt into the mind of the potential buyer -- 'Is there enough closet space, if they had to use one entire bedroom for a closet?' 

If you are making a decision on converting a unused or underused space -- really consider all your options and even future resale value.  Even if you don't plan on selling your home for many years to come.

Every House Has a Story...

We drive by them on our way into work - on our way to the next soccer practice - on our way to the store....Neighborhoods are made of them.  Even rural areas are peppered with them.  Houses.  Some have children playing in their front yards, homeowners tending to the landscapes and gardens.  Others you can see have some wear from the elements, possibly an old bike left in the yard, weeds coming up between the old and over grown perennials, but still, signs of life are there.  Perhaps we know the family, know they've fallen behind on the maintenance due to an injury, extensive travel, etc.  BUT, we all know of 'That' house.  The description may change from person to person, but 'that' house has no signs of life.  In it, or on it.  'That' house has a different type of story.  'That' house - with no windows, like a black eye after a fight.  Grass and weeds so tall and thick, a house cat would feel like a lion stalking its prey.  We can all see the end of this story, but sometimes they make you wonder what the back story is.  What could it have looked like in its hey-day?  Did this home ever hear the beautiful sounds of children laughing, filling its hallways?  Did a warm, Spring breeze ever loft through the windows, carrying with it the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie?  Unfortunately, some stories have an unhappy ending -- but, it is truly the end?  There are people out there, who can still see the potential through the scars -- rewriting 'That' home's story.  For now, all I can do is just wonder....what's its story....

 

Day 3, Project Life 365 Real Estate Edition, #Abandoned

#Relax -- It is Friday, after all...

Ahhhh.....#Relax !!!

What's better from a rough week at work, than to come home to a great back patio, overlooking the pond?  In Real Estate terms, location, location, location!!!

The same house, literally - same sq. ft., bedrooms, floor plan and on the cul-de-sac with a pond/water view, can sell much more quickly than one in the middle of the main street --- AND for a higher value all because of a desirable location.  It's attractive for potential buyers, less traffic, no backyard neighbors, etc.  Plus, there is some added value for an appraisal -- two things to keep in mind, even if you are a buyer now, you will be a seller at some point, too!  Resale value, is JUST as important as the mortgage payment's bottom line....

So, It's Begun....

SO -- This is it!  Today is the FIRST day for my Project 365, Real Estate Edition posts!  While I wanted to have my first post be something beautiful....this is what I saw while showing homes! 

Now, keeping a house neat and tidy while it is listed for sale can be, understandably, difficult.  Almost spotless at all times, so at any moment you can leave for the unexpected showing - that will bring "THE buyer" who eventually makes an offer on your home.  Even more challenging if you have young children!  BUT -- there may be a better way to showcase your dishes, which don't even stay with the home! ;)  Leaving dishes, even clean and freshly washed ones, can lead a potential buyer to believe that the dishwasher doesn't work, that you may not have kept the rest of the house clean or well maintained -- and causes them now to look at your 'things', instead of the house!  You don't want to give the buyers ANY reason to have a negative thought while they sit home that evening and review what they've seen.  You don't want to become, 'That House that had the dirty dishes' when you really are, 'That House that has the great coffered ceilings'!

Just what I see - All In a Day's Work....