stacey-pinard

Mulch, Weed, Final Touch ups

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:42:33 GMT

Day 24 - Prepping your Home for Sale

As picture day approaches, we are getting all the loose ends tied up. The cover shot in MLS/Zillow/Realtor.com will be a tiny, 1-inch thumbnail the first time Buyers lay eyes on your home - so make it count!!

Have any weeds popped up in the flower beds?

Does your much need to be topped off?

Is the entrance free from spider webs and debris?

Is the walkway free of ant hills?

Did you miss any touch ups on the house or front door?

Aren't you glad we did all the heavy lifting weeks ago, so we can comb through the details now?!

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Make a Plan for Pets

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:38:11 GMT

Day 23 - Prepping your Home for Sale

This is potentially one of the most difficult aspects of showing a home from both the Buyer's and Seller's point of view.

What typically happens? Well, last week I was given a narrow, 20-minute window to show a home. The husband came home from work in the middle of the day, loaded up their 50-lb hound mix and drove her around the neighborhood, so we could walk through the house in peace.

With as inconvenient as this may sound, it's par for the course. Showing a house with a dog home alone is a recipe for disaster. Dogs behave differently when their owner isn't home - they may become afraid or aggressive. Keeping the dog crated isn't any better. I've "shown" several homes while the dog loses its mind from behind the bars of the crate. Guess what the Buyers remembered? Yep.

Think of creative options.

Can you stack several showings in one day and send the dogs to daycare?
Is there a professional dog walker in your area?
Do your dogs have any friends or family nearby that they can visit?

Please put the same planning and thought into whatever animals live in your home. I got a brutal scratch trying to catch a cat who was running for the open door. I've also been bitten by a duck - they're stronger than they look.

Long story short, make a plan. No one wants to be bitten, scratched or have her pants ripped running from a duck!

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Do you Dine in your Dining Room?

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:23:34 GMT

Day 22 - Prepping your Home for Sale

The purpose of staging and home prep is to effectively communicate physical space over photography. So I ask you, do you dine in your dining room?

I've seen dining room tables covered in mail, handyman tools, plants and dog leashes...okay, that's me again. But regardless if you have turned your dining table into a homeschool center or home office over the past year, turn it back for photos and showings.

I'm not a big fan of dining table staging with full place settings. Most people are familiar with the activities performed at said table. So clear everything off, and maybe add a fresh floral or fruit centerpiece. Just make it look like a place your Buyer can sit and enjoy a plate of food and good company!

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Liven up the Living Room

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:19:50 GMT

Day 21 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Create a palette for Buyers to envision their friends and family enjoying time together. How we live in our homes and how we sell homes for top dollar are completely different animals!

Speaking of animals, my living room looks like a Doggy Day Care most of the time...tennis balls, toys and dog beds strewn about. This is not the relaxing, home-y lifestyle you want to convey to Buyers.

What is on your side tables?

How many blankets and pillows are on the couch?

Dog toys? People toys?

You don't necessarily need to invest in new hard and soft furnishings. Just declutter, and make the room feel like a serene oasis far from the day-to-day chaos that typically fills a home.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Create a Relaxing Bedroom

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:13:54 GMT

Day 20 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Turn your bedroom into a calming experience for Buyers. Think about walking into a luxury hotel suite. What do you see/hear/feel? (and what do you NOT see/hear/feel?)

Start with fresh, clean bedding. A neutral bedspread or comforter always sets the tone, and you really can't go wrong with crisp, white linens.

What about the nightstands? Do they inspire calm, or chaos? Mine typically showcase a box of tissues, hand cream, a stack of books and magazines I'm working on, bottle of water, coffee cup and a lot of dust - definitely not the relaxing experience I want my home to convey! But remember, living in a home and selling a home can be different!

Also, let's talk about furniture. As in, do you have any pieces that can go into storage now? Yesterday I showed a beautiful water-front condo. In addition to the walk-in closet, the bedroom housed 4 wardrobes/armoires, 2 nightstands, 1 massive dresser with matching mirror and a bed. Talk about chaos! Although the bedroom had beautiful views of St Pete Beach, the only thing the Buyer could see was excessive furniture.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Tackle the Tiny

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:02:34 GMT

Day 19 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Hopefully most of the findings on the Pre-Listing Inspection from Day 2 were addressed weeks ago. Tackle the Tiny refers more to small things we all live with and sometimes forget about.

Does the door to the pantry stick?

Does that 5th stair always squeak?

Is that one bi-fold door temperamental?

These issues are not necessarily home inspection material, but they can make an impression on Buyers. Take the time or hire a handyman for a few hours to correct some of the idiosyncrasies of your home. That way, your home won't be referred to as the "sticky pantry" home or "bi-fold off the rails" home.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Smell your House

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:49:49 GMT

Day 18 - Prepping your Home for Sale

No really, smell your house. Buying a house is an immersive experience and although potential Buyers won't be tasting your house (we hope) they will be smelling it. I personally believe a house should smell like nothing. SO MANY people today have allergies and asthma, don't try to mask a bad smell with another one!

Is it too much to ask Sellers to refrain from cooking while their house is on the market? You know, the heavy meals with food odors that linger for days? Perhaps now is a good time to try some new, local restaurants to minimize food smells in the house.

Pets are another source of odors and allergens in the home. Hopefully the past couple weeks of cleaning have minimized most of the smell. Just be aware, any soft surface will absorb smells and pet dander which some people are allergic to or put off by.

Another big, smelly obstacle for cat owners is the litter box. Let me tell you about my friend with the genius idea. She had a tiny pet door installed into her garage and keeps the litter box in there. This solution might not work for everyone, but it's definitely more creative than putting it in your guest room...which the Buyers envision as a nursery...if they could just get that smell out.

If you have a brutally honest friend or neighbor, invite them over for a smell test. You know the commercial about "going nose blind." It's a real thing. Don't be a victim.

Overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30 Days, and see how we can help prep your home for you.

Check Exterior Lighting

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:31:43 GMT

Day 17 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Just like we checked every bulb and fixture on the interior of the home, now we check the exterior.

Do all the exterior lights work? Do all the bulbs match?

What about light fixtures and lanai fans? Are your paddles droopy?

Replace broken (lawn maintenance casualty?) or well-worn fixtures. Make sure all light bulbs in similar fixtures match and are in proper working order.

Does the pool light work?

Do the carriage lights work? Does the dusk-to-dawn function work, or are they pulsating like they just came home from a rave?

Overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30 Days, and see how we can help prep your home for you.

Touch up Exterior Paint

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:25:50 GMT

Day 16 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Now that the exterior has been power washed and has had a couple days to dry off, prepare to touch up anything that could use a fresh coat of paint. The power washing should have blasted away any cobwebs or hornet's nest (usually found near the front door) and everything should be clean and ready to go.

Is the exterior in good shape? How about the siding, stucco or stone? Any discoloration from reclaimed water? Do the shutters look tired, or welcoming?

Think about adding a trendy color to the front door. Or just a fresh coat of the same color can breathe new life into a stale entryway.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Deep Clean the Kitchen

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 19:23:35 GMT

Day 15 - Prepping your Home for Sale

The day has come. We are halfway to picture day for your house, so clean up and spruce up the kitchen. Buying a home is an immersive experience, and the kitchen is definitely a high-impact room.

The good news is you have already tackled cleaning out the cabinets and drawers in week one. Because this room is so important we've broken up kitchen prep into stages to minimize overwhelm and maximize attention to detail. There is NO cheating and NO skimping when it comes to kitchen prep.

Much like a beauty pageant, here are the following categories you will be judged on

Refrigerator - Clean shelves and drawers, buy a new box of baking soda to eliminate smells if needed, defrost the freezer if needed and wipe down the outside.
Oven - If you have used it, clean it. It's probably self cleaning anyway!
Stove top - Address not only the burners but also remove and clean the knobs.
Microwave - Splatter anyone?
Faucet Gunk
Trash Cans - They tend to retain odors, is it time for a new one?
Cluttered Countertops - Remove everything and keep only the essentials
Smells - Even the most benign smell can be off putting to some. Remove trash more frequently when showing, and be aware of cooking and ventilation during this period as well.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Power Wash the Exterior

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 19:16:30 GMT

Day 14 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Power wash the Exterior

There are plenty of companies available to help out with this task, and it's not as expensive as you may think. Have them address the following areas if applicable;

Mildew-y/Grass-Stained Fence
Exterior siding
Driveway and Walkway
Roof - Most power wash companies also offer soft wash for different roofing materials
Pool Deck

What an easy refresh for your exterior!

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Make the Bathrooms Sparkle

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 19:03:24 GMT

Day 13 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Make your bathrooms Sparkle

Bathrooms are one of the most important areas in the home. Again, whether big or small, make them shine!

If you have loads of lotions, shampoos and beauty products, invest in a couple plastic organizers and store everything under the sink...not on it. Make your bathroom fixtures and mirrors sparkle, free of gunk and hard water spots.

Referring back to depersonalizing, check your shower curtains (if applicable). Fun, bold shower curtains may express your (or your child's) personality, but they never photograph well and can overpower the room. Toss or pack that wacky curtain and grab a neutral/white one on your next Target run.

Whether you choose to keep a towel or two out, a box of tissues or bath mat, remember our goal is to showcase the space on a neutral pallet.

On that note, check for drips and smells. If the faucet drips a little, call the handyman or plumber. It's usually a quick and easy fix. Check the bathroom for wet, mildew-y smells and remediate immediately. Remove trash daily and keep the toilet lids down while the house is being shown!!

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Let's talk about Closets

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 18:48:45 GMT

Day 12 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Let's talk about closets

Take this time to clean and organize the closets in the home. Looking back to Day 4, we want to showcase all the amazing storage space your home has to offer. This step is particularly important if the bedrooms have smaller closets as I've seen Buyers walk away from the perfect home because of closet size. Think, WWMKD? (What would Marie Kondo do?)

Remember you will only need about a month's worth of clothes, shoes, towels and linens on-hand. I've seen people donate 4-5 trash bags full of old towels when they get to this phase. What is your "old towel" addiction?

Keep in mind, you will be packing up the closets as soon as the house goes under contract, so you might as well start now. It will make the actual move less of a chore, AND Buyers will be able to see the extra space in the back of the closet.

So grab those totes and boxes and donate, pack and toss!

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

A/C Tune-up & Filter

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 22:39:46 GMT

Day 11 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Here in Florida, the Air Conditioner is one of the most important systems in the home especially as we work our way into warmer months. Right about now (mid-March) we should start seeing a barrage of AC Tune up commercials on every channel.

Take advantage of their $59 special and treat your A/C to a cleaning and tune up. One of the most frustrating things that can happen is for the A/C to stop working while the house is for sale/under contract. So, order your tune up and add that receipt to your book of paperwork from Day 1.

While we are on the topic, replace your A/C filter(s) at this time. The home inspector will see it and therefore the potential buyer will see it, so make sure it's clean!

Changing the filter frequently is one of the easiest things you can do to extend the life of your unit. And if you have pets like I do, change as often as you like. Between dogs and allergies, I change my mid-MERV rated filters every month. Do some research on MERV ratings and see what works best for you. The higher rating isn't always better, long term.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Windows and Window Coverings

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 22:15:27 GMT

Day 10 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Make sure windows/window coverings are in clean, working order

Looking back at last week, we know lighting is important. Buyers (especially Florida Buyers) want all the natural light they can get! Blinds, shutters, drapes and curtains will all be open for photos and showings so make sure they are clean and easy to open and close.

It's awkward and kind of gross to have to hold a dusty, old curtain aside so a potential buyer can see the view and experience the natural light in a room. Now is the time to wipe down the shutters or blinds. Send the curtains and drapes to the dry cleaner. Clean the windows and window sills.

All my Florida Buyers love light and bright, so make sure everything is in good working order. To minimize the touching of surfaces, we are asking Sellers to open curtains and blinds in anticipation of a showing. Open everything up, or if the property and location call for it, remove the window coverings altogether.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Cut Two Keys (and make sure they work)

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 19:32:11 GMT

Day 9 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Cut two Keys (and make sure they work)

After all the cleaning from Day 8, take a break and head to the hardware store. If you live in a single family home, you may not even know where the key is! You probably don't use the front door much, but agents showing the home will.

One key will go in the lockbox and the other stays with me. The lockbox shows me who has shown the house and at what time the key tray was accessed, so I can always track down the agent that last had the key...should they accidentally take it. The other key is for times in between - an agent getting locked out, or if the lockbox dies with the key inside - true story.

Either way, cut two keys for the front door and make sure they work. Sometimes the locking mechanism itself will rust and the key won't work. I know I've been stranded at a showing on a vacant property and the key just would not work. How embarrassing! And my Buyers are getting hotter and crankier by the second!

If you're testing your lock and it sticks, or doesn't work at all, grab a can of graphite lock lubricant. Works like a charm!

***Note: I always use an electronic lockbox. Too many times buyers are given the code to the combination lockbox (or worse the code to the keypad on your front door) and will view the property unaccompanied. With an electronic lockbox the agent has to be present to show, and it automatically tells me Who and What Time the key was accessed.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Details High and Low

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 19:10:21 GMT

Day 8 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Take Day 8 to clean all things high and low. These items are often overlooked when living in a home, but Buyers with an eye for detail will be taking mental notes. Get out the step stool and the knee pads.

Sweep or Vacuum the ceiling and corners of rooms for cobwebs and clean up the dingy dust bunnies around the air vent

Disassemble your ceiling fans and clean the paddles

Wipe down the Crown Molding and Baseboards - especially if they have an intricate or fluted design - they are a magnet for dust, dirt and scuffs. Magical Erasers work well on these areas

Doors and Door frames

And if you didn't tackle wiping out all the cabinet and drawer space you cleaned out of Day 3, do it now. This is a "biggie" for a lot of buyers

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

De-Personalize Everything

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 19:00:12 GMT

Day 7 - Prepping your Home for Sale

In the words of a woman who has sold 20+ PERSONAL homes over the past 40 years - always within a week and sometimes with a waiting list of buyers - "When you list a home to sell, It is no longer your own."

Depersonalization is a nearly zero-cost action you can take to help Buyers envision themselves in a new space. In my experience, family photos are an unproductive distraction to Buyers. Oftentimes Buyers will study the photos looking for people they may know or places they've been. (Now they're thinking about that trip to the Grand Canyon...maybe Arizona is a better choice than Florida) The house is no longer the center of attention.

On that note, if you have a large collection of anything or a hobby that takes over a guest room, minimize its presence as much as possible. Grab those totes and boxes and get to work!

Refrigerator covered with photos and construction paper artwork? Box it up.

Antique Gas Mask collection? Box it up.

Beachside Mermaid-Maternity photoshoot covering every spare wall and nightstand in the master bedroom? Box up the mermaid tail and clamshells and enjoy them in your new home.

The home should be the focal point! Send buyers away talking about closet space or a beautiful bathroom. Not clowns and Masks! Allow the Buyer to relax and see themselves and their family enjoying the space as their own.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Freshen up Landscaping

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 18:51:07 GMT

Day 6 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Now is the time to examine your lawn and landscaping. A big part of curb appeal is the grass, trees, plants and mulch beds. If your landscaping looks lush and manicured, Buyers assume the inside of the home has also been meticulously maintained and cared for.

Address any bald spots on the lawn right now! That will give the grass a few weeks to come back or the sod to settle before the professional pictures are taken.

Trim tree limbs and bushes and spruce up flower beds with new mulch...after they're weeded of course! If you have any large oaks on the property (protected species here in Florida) start bagging up leaves. Depending on the time of year, it's best to get ahead of it before the property hits the market. It's a never ending process (again, ask me know I know)

Also, if you have any pet areas in the yard. I know it should go without saying, but MLS photos prove otherwise...keep those as clean as possible.

Taking care of these items now will lessen the load before picture day, and give you landscaping worthy of a magazine cover!

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Touch up the Walls

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 18:51:02 GMT

Day 5 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Holes in the wall, mismatched paint and wall scuffs are unsightly and can leave Buyers with a negative first impression regarding the home's worth or how it has been maintained. These imperfections are somehow magnified under the camera lens and often show up worse online!

Take a moment to patch any holes and touch up your paint. Flat paint marries best with existing paint while semi-gloss touched up will almost never look right - so use good judgement. If you have scrubbable paint, wipe down any scuffs. If you don't have scrubbable paint be aware you may just make the spot spread.

Also, I've noticed in many homes pets (embarrassingly, mine as well) may have left their mark on the walls. If your pet has a favorite spot to relax, check to see if they've left an oily residue on the wall - think the couch scene from "Coming to America" - and address it appropriately. Tough areas may require a primer coat of KILZ before painting.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the contact button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Declutter Drawers and Cabinets

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 18:09:09 GMT

Day 4 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Prepping a home for sale requires massive de-cluttering for most people. You're going to have to do it before moving so you might as well maximize the fruits of your labor and get the bulk of it done before putting your home on the market. It's one less thing on your checklist after your home goes under contract, AND your home will show better in pictures and in person.

Buyers WILL examine drawers and cabinets, thinking about their vast kitchen appliance collection or matching set of cookware. Buyers like storage, so whether your property has a little or a lot, SHOW IT OFF!

Take this opportunity to clean out the junk drawer - what's in the back of that thing anyway?

Grab a couple boxes or storage totes and pack up the items you won't be using for the next couple months. Bread maker? Second set of utensils? How many mugs, travel mugs, glasses and stemware do you really need for the next 60 days? (I think I have about a hundred!!)

Put them safely in the garage or pack them up in a POD. You'll be moving soon enough!

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the button for all 30 days and how we can prep your home for you.

Check your light bulbs and fixtures

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 18:00:44 GMT

Day 3 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Once the professional photos are taken your house will live on FOREVER on the internet, so make sure all light bulbs work AND match.

Have you ever seen a bathroom vanity with 3 soft-warm and 1 bright-white bulb? Yep. This kind of atrocity happens every day in the MLS.

Buyers need to be focused on the space, not the missing bulb in the chandelier. Plus, many times a burnt out bulb in the kitchen leads Buyers to think there's an underlying electrical issue (yes, that was a real conversation with a buyer) or more uncovered deferred maintenance.

Also, make a quick scan in each room for outdated or mismatched lighting fixtures. A couple simple swaps can breathe new life into a tired space and make a world of difference in communicating that space effectively online.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the button for access to all 30 days and how we can prep your home for you.

Pre-Listing Inspection

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 17:14:07 GMT

Day 2 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Although we always encourage Buyers to conduct their own home inspections, a Pre-Listing Inspection gives Sellers the opportunity to address potential findings before the Buyer even sees the home online. The more potential "issues" we can mitigate upfront, the lower our chance of derailment along the way.

Knowing the home has had a Pre-Listing Inspection gives potential Buyers the confidence to jump in with both feet and make a strong offer. Why? Because no Buyer wants to fall in love with a house and spend $500-1,000 on home inspections just to find out about a bunch of deferred maintenance. Plus, sometimes when Buyers are made aware of one issue, the whole property becomes suspect! Negotiating repairs (or perceived repair costs) is excruciating for both parties, and it can land your deal on shaky ground!

Hire an agent that seeks to minimize risk. Pre-Listing Inspections are included for my Sellers and are particularly valuable to those who do not live in-state or are no longer living in the home full-time.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the button for access to all 30 days, and how we can help prep your home for you.

Get Your Documents in Order

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 23:31:09 GMT

Day 1 - Prepping your Home for Sale

Potential Buyers are going to want to know as much as possible about your home before buying. They will have questions like:

Who installed the new garage door, and does come with a warranty?
When is the HOA fee due and what exactly does it cover?
How much is the water bill?
Where did they buy the flooring and what color is it?
How much is the flood policy and is it assumable?

Also, the closing attorney or title company will ask for a copy of your survey and title policy, so better dig those out now...hmmm where did I put mine??

Did you change your name after you purchased the property? Did you add or omit a spouse? Have this documentation ready now for a smooth closing later.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the button for access to all 30 days and how we can prep your home for you.

30 Day Guide to Prepping your Home for Sale

stacey@pinardramsey.com (Stacey Pinard) — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 23:03:26 GMT

Take the Overwhelm out of the process - Step-by-Step!

So you've decided to sell your house! What are the next steps to amplify the Buyer experience (so many are purchasing remotely now) and safeguard a smooth transaction? Even in a wild Seller's Market, things can still go awry. Let's take the next 30 Days - or less if you're ambitious- to minimize pitfalls and maximize your net at the closing table.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need help getting things done remotely? Tap the button for access to all 30-days and how we can prep your home for you.

Metal Roofing for Homeowners

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:05:24 GMT

Is metal roofing right for you?

Metal roofing was once reserved for shop buildings or high-end, architectural built homes. However, these days you’ll find a metal roof on many different structures and home designs. It is becoming a popular and more readily available update to many fixer uppers, elevating the look of homes to increase curb appeal and resale value. Before you make the decision, here are a few things you should know about installing a metal roof and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home.

Aesthetics

When considering a metal roof, think about how you want the roof to look after installation. Metal roofing can come in many different colors and styles to fit your taste or neighborhood look. Many of the materials are made to look like common roofing materials like asphalt shingle or slate roofing. The most familiar type of metal roofing is the panel style, which you can find all over Pinterest or Instagram.

Longevity

Quality

The word “Metal” covers a wide spectrum, although steel and aluminum are by far the most commonly available metal roofing materials. Both materials are economical, durable, and hold paint finishes well. The quality of a metal roof can vary depending on the material used in the roof and how thick it is. Some of the higher end products include copper, alloy, and stainless steel roofing which can change the cost, aesthetic and quality of your roof. Aspects of the material including sheet size, design and the mounting hardware used can have a big effect on the durability of the roof.

The Drawbacks

It is worth considering a few drawbacks to metal roofing, even with so many great advantages. Some metal roofs that are made of softer materials such as copper can dent or be damaged by hail. If you live in an area that is used to bad storms that produce a lot of hail, you may want to reconsider a metal roof or talk with a professional regarding your choice of material. Without enough insulation metal roofing can also be louder than other roof materials. If water accumulates anywhere on the roof because of poor installation or repair, it can eventually cause serious damage. The biggest disadvantage of metal roofing is the cost, they can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. While the life of a metal roof is much longer, you may consider only making the investment if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.

Hire a Professional

The techniques for installation and repair of metal roofs are typically specialized skills. Make sure you talk with a qualified contractor to ensure your roof is installed properly and to limit future issues.

Tips for Moving with Pets

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 17:43:00 GMT

Moving to a new home may be one of the most stressful life events you’ll experience. But in the midst of boxes, packing tape and moving trucks, you may forget that your pets can feel stressed out too. When it’s time to move into your new home, whether it’s across town or across the country, make sure your moving day checklist includes your four legged members! Read on for ways to make the transition as safe and stress free for everyone in your family, especially your pets.

Choosing Your New Neighborhood, House or Apartment

Before you decide on your dream home, make sure your pet will love it just as much as you do. Take a walk or drive around the neighborhood to determine whether the area seems safe for your pets. Lookout for neighborhood dogs that seem aggressive or are left unattended. Check for a local dog park if the home you’re considering doesn’t have a lot of yard space.

When it comes to square footage needs, cats differ to dogs:

For your kitty, ensure your potential new space allows for plenty of room to build vertically—it’s easy to create a lot of vertical space with shelving, cat trees, and window perches.
Consider your dog’s needs on a case-by-case basis. Older dogs, puppies and dogs with house training issues will need to go outside often, which might be difficult in an apartment building with lots of stairs or a house without a yard. Energetic dogs will need space to run or require many walks through the neighborhood.

Packing Up Your Home

Cats aren’t big fans of change and prefer to be in a familiar environment. You can help your cats (and skittish dogs) adjust to the moving process by slowly bringing in moving boxes and keeping your furry friends in a familiar room you plan to pack up last. On moving day, keep your pets in a quiet room with the door shut, or at a friend’s house. This will ensure that your cat or dog won’t get scared and try to make a quick getaway while the movers load up the truck. During the moving process, try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible. Maintain the same schedule for treats, grooming and bedtime to help them acclimate more quickly.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

Make sure to inform your current vet that you are moving. They may offer further advice on how to ease pet anxiety while moving, or even prescribe medication for overly anxious pets.

Make sure you have a copy of your pet’s medical records, prescriptions, and tag certificates. Get refills on all prescriptions so you won’t run out mid trip.
You current vet may have a recommendation for another doctor or practice in the area you are moving to.
Update your contact information if your pet has a microchip so you can be easily contacted in the event your pet gets lost during your move.

Planning Your Road Trip

Many pets haven’t spent much time in crates or cars. In the weeks or months leading up to the big trip:

Prepare your pets by gradually acclimating them to their crates. First, place a blanket with a familiar scent and cat treats inside while leaving the door open. Once your feline friend is comfortable, place food inside the crate and allow them to eat with the door closed.
Try carrying your pets around the house in the crate or taking a short drive. Start with a short 10 minute drive, and gradually taking longer rides. You’ll find that your pets anxiety may start to decrease.
You can help your pets develop a positive association with the crate by providing treats and playtime at the conclusion of crate time.

Taking these steps will make moving day a lot more comfortable for you and your furry friends.

Pet-Proofing Your New Home

It is a good idea to pet-proof your new home before their arrival if possible. Make sure to tuck away electrical cords, close off nooks where your pet could get stuck, make sure that all windows have secure screens, remove any dangling cords from blinds, and confirm that no pest-control poison traps have been left anywhere in the house.

Getting Settled In

When you arrive at your new home at the end of your long journey, it will be tempting to set your dog or cat loose in the house to explore. However, a new and unfamiliar space can be overwhelming to your pets. Do not be surprised if your pet “disappears” for a few days while getting used to their new home.

Start by allowing them to adjust to one room—their “home base”—which should include their favorite toys, treats, water and food bowls and litter box for cats.
When they seem comfortable, gradually introduce them to other rooms in the house, while keeping some doors shut.
Take your dogs for a leashed walk around the neighborhood to get used to the new sounds and smells. If you had a previous walking schedule, make sure you stick to the same times to help them adjust quicker.
If you are able, try to allow a couple extra days to spend at home with your pet after the move and before returning to work. During this period, you can begin to stay away from home for short periods of time to get them used to being alone in their new space. Do not leave your dog unattended outside during this adjustment period.

With patience, your cat or dog will enjoy their new home in no time!