Boring to Brilliant ~ Garden Transformation

There is always a project or two going on at our home. The latest was a drab looking garden space in our backyard.

Beginning stages of garden transformation

My husband took care of the brick work and retaining wall. I handled the garden design and planting. I knew that I wanted a simple, English style garden. After scouring our yard for plants I could divide or move, a trip to Miller Nursery, and the relocation of the focal point, the garden started to come together.

Almost done

Done!

The finished garden consist of boxwood, fountain grass, day lilies, and hosta.

For more gardening inspiration, visit my Pinterest gardening board.


For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

What’s not to love about Iowa --- 75 degrees and snow all in the same week!

Just last weekend my daughter and I enjoyed a lovely walk around Gray’s Lake. The weather was gorgeous and the park was full of activity. We even took our binoculars to gaze at the eagles nest just on the other side of the river. A fun day indeed!

Photo Courtesy of blog.dsmhomes.com

Fast forward 4 days, and we now are at 34 degrees with a steady flow of snow. Granted it will probably be gone tomorrow, but it is May 3. Really?!?

Photo Courtesy of ncnewspress.com

Tomorrow is the first downtown famer's market of the season. I plan to be there rain, snow, or sun.
For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Resurface or Replace Laminate Countertop

 Recently I was working with a client on preparing her home for sale. She was very willing to take my advise along with the advise of a home stager. The laminate countertop in the master bedroom bath was in poor condition. Instead of replacing we recommended resurfacing. The countertop was painted white to match the cabinetry and looks great. Of course the seller could have gone to the expense of replacing, but this was a much quicker and economical solution.

If your laminate kitchen countertops are worn but still sound, give them a fresh, new look by resurfacing them. A variety of colors are available, and the process is no harder than painting.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Downtown Des Moines Made Forbes List of 15 Emerging Districts

Des Moines' effort to revitalize its central core has won a spot on Forbes magazine's list of U.S. Cities' Emerging Downtowns. The article cited development of a master plan, expanded public transportation and increased housing. Other cities on the list include Denver, Louisville, Milwaukee and Atlanta.

Since 2000, more than $3 billion has been allocated to redevelop Des Moines' downtown. In 2008 the city enlisted urbanist and Princeton professor Mario Gandelsonas to help draw up a master plan that encompasses a skywalk system, updates to and expansion of public transit, and a public art-filled Riverwalk. From 2001 to 2011, more than 4,500 residential units were constructed in the area, boosting the local population above 8,000 residents, the largest demographic of which is young professionals ages 25 to 34 (16%). And there’s one place this desired demographic, college-educated professionals, tends to want to live: tight-knit urban neighborhoods that are close to work and have lots of entertainment and shopping options within an easy walk. This is one of the reasons city planners have been plowing money and resources into revitalizing their core business districts.

Several major projects add to the appeal of the downtown area. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park, opened in September 2009, features artwork by 21 of the world’s most celebrated artists and located on a 4.4-acre park site. The Principal Riverwalk, started in 2004, was recently completed. It includes the Hub Spot on the west side of the Des Moines River near Court Avenue. It's a landscaped plaza and kiosk that will offer food and drink options. Wells Fargo Arena, opened in 2005, is part of more than $3 billion in public and private investment downtown since 2000.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com. 

*Sources: Forbes.com and The Des Moines Register


For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

My New Best Friend ~ The Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump!

Heat Controller, Inc. Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

I now believe in love at first sight. This tiny miracle unit has made our attic one of the most popular spots in our home. Where before it was necessary to use a portable heater in the winter and window air conditioning unit in the summer to make the area somewhat tolerable, the wall mounted heat pump automatically heats or cools to the desired temperature. While this is not an inexpensive solution, it has given us that second living space that we will need moving forward.

As our daughter is fast approaching the teen years, and sleepovers are a regular event, we decided the 3rd floor attic space was a perfect hangout for them. To make it an extra cozy place, we also had super comfy carpet installed.

So, the big event is tonight ~ her first sleep over in the new and improved attic. So we'll hope a movie, popcorn, and a cozy spot get the thumbs up!

Punelli Heating & Air Conditioning installed the unit. Call Tony at 515-284-1426, and tell him Lori sent you.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com. For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

3 instant turn offs to buyers when selling your home

Over the years of selling real estate, I have learned there are clear turn offs to buyers that sellers should address before your home goes on the market.  Taking the time to make these changes could make the difference between selling your home, or lingering on the market.

Curb Appeal

First impressions are critical, and that starts from the time the buyer pulls in the driveway. As in the photo, a dead tree and over grown landscaping are not appealing. A home's interior condition is usually consistent with the home's exterior condition. I have had buyers in my car, and based on the look of the exterior will make a determination as to whether they want to go inside or move on to the next.

Odor

An offensive odor can kill a deal in a matter of seconds. Walking into a home that reeks of smoke, pet odor, or over powering cooking odor is not an invitation to stay and look around. Many of these odors are difficult to remedy and may require professional assistance.

Make Your Home Sparkle

Many times a buyer will overlook the fact that a home needs updating if it is clear that the home has been maintained over the years. One of those indicators is cleanliness. Clean your home from top to bottom (base boards to ceiling fans). The kitchen and baths should sparkle. While you are at it ~ declutter as well!

Here are more issues that turn off buyers.

So, pull up your sleeves, get out your garden rake and cleaning supplies, and get ready to work. In the end it will all be worth the effort. I promise!

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.





For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Des Moines…No Mountains, No Ocean, BUT a 10 Minute Commute!

Grand Avenue - Downtown Des Moines

 On vacation take me to the ocean, desert, mountains, but for everyday living, I’ll take Iowa!

Yeah, we may not have the glitz and glam, but what we do have is a high quality of life. That’s right, instead of spending an hour or more a day commuting to work, I get to spend that time with my family. Speaking of work, my commute time is 8 minutes.

I love going home for lunch.

Why?

Because I can!

Additionally, you can get most anywhere in the metro in about 20 minutes. With that said, I find it irritating if I have to travel more than 10 minutes to the places I frequent. Sounds spoiled? Nope, just Des Moines.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Photo credit  http://www.flickr.com/photos/w4nd3rl0st/ For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.