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.

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.

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.

Light It Up

When we bought our house 7 years ago, one of the first improvements we made was the addition of exterior lighting. I was absolutely amazed at the impact it made on night time curb appeal. The company we used was All American Turf Beauty Nite Time Décor, and the investment was around $2000. As you can see from the photo, it lights up from the ground and on the dormers of this home.

Buyers typically like to drive by a home before taking a look, or if they have already seen it and have some interest they will likely drive by often. So curb appeal is not only important during the day, but at night time as well. This is especially important during the winter months, when it gets dark much earlier. So, light it up, and see your curb appeal soar!

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.

Love It or List It --- Get A Dumpster!

Whether you are getting your home ready to sell or not planning a move at all, you would certainly benefit by de-cluttering/de-junking your home.

We recently went through the de-junking exercise, having a 10 yard dumpster delivered to our home. Atomic Roll-Off delivered it and the cost was $180. We were able to keep the dumpster for a week, but chose to really motivate ourselves and only have it for 2 days. After the first day we had filled the dumpster maybe 1/4 full and I thought we would be lucky to make it to the halfway mark. Knowing we only had one more day we went into overdrive. Should I or shouldn't I --- if I had to think about it more than a couple of seconds, it went into the dumpster. As you can see from the photo, we made it way past halfway, in fact it was full! 

Three trips to donate items to the thrift store benefiting Animal Lifeline of Iowa occurred during the two days as well.

So, go through that attic, crawl space, closets, basement, and donate or pitch those things you just don't need or use. It will be like a load has been lifted off your shoulders --- I promise!

Great idea --- if you can't fill a dumpster on your own, or think the cost is a bit steep, share with your neighbor.

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

Have You Seen The Little Free Library?

Not too long ago I started seeing these small houses on a post in my neighborhood. Once I realized there were books inside, I found myself drawn to them. What a great idea --- take a book, give a book. 

The mission of "Little Free Library" is to promote literacy, the love of reading, and to build a sense of community. The sign on the Little Free Library states it is a "gift from friends who wanted to PAY IT FORWARD. Take a book, return a book". Many have found this to be a great way to connect with neighbors and engage in conversation about a new and unique concept. You can purchase or build your Little Free Library. 

Is this something you are seeing in your neighborhood? Would you participate? For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

For Your Pinterest Only

Are you addicted to Pinterest? Me too! I am amazed at the information available. Most of my “boards” are home related. For instance: home improvement, decorating, DIY projects, cooking, gardening, local attractions. Some of my favorite recently prepared meals are recipes from Pinterest. I’ve also attempted several DIY projects and posted several of mine own as well.

I would love for you to Follow me on Pinterest. I"ll check your boards as well, and we can share ideas. For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Ask Your Realtor; How Important Is Home Maintenance?

Recently I met with a couple who bought their first home 5 years ago. Now that their family has grown it is time for a larger home. In the time they have owned the home improvements have been limited to interior painting. Mechanicals, appliances, roof, are now in the 15+ age range. In addition, the many minor items identified in the home inspection when they purchased the home have not been addressed. The problem; a potential buyer will see nothing but dollar signs as they consider this home with potential upgrades necessary in the near future.

Dining room wainscoting adds "wow factor".

My advice - when you purchase a home, plan on making one improvement a year and certainly correct any required repairs when necessary. The inspection report you receive when purchasing a home could be used as a checklist of repairs over time.

My husband and I have been in our current home for about 6 years. Over that time we have made maintenance and cosmetic improvements. For instance, although our furnace and a/c were only 17 years old and working fine, we took advantage of the incredible tax credits available last year and replaced with high efficient units. My husband has recently taken on some home DIY projects like brick patio with built-in grill, bar, and fire pit. His most recent project was installing wainscoting in our dining room.

So, enjoy your home, but also show a level of care that the next buyer will appreciate and value. For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

My New Favorite Decorating Tool...

Recently while checking out paint colors at The Woodsmith Store I discovered the Affinity Line by Benjamin Moore. Comprised of 144 versatile hues, each designed to work on their own, or harmoniously in combination with one another. What makes this such a useful tool is the color fan deck, which can be purchased at the store for $24.99 or at BenjaminMoore.com for $25.00.

Benjamin Moore Affinity Color Deck

Choose any 3 colors and they will blend nicely together. I was skeptical at first, but after giving it a try, I’m a fan! The colors are rich, sophisticated, and elegant.  Choosing coordinating colors for a room is now a breeze.

Not only is this a great tool for choosing paint colors, but also for coordinating room accessories. For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Ask Your Realtor

 

Don't Sell Your House with a Dead Tree in the Yard!

So, your house is on the market and you have a dead tree (or two!) in the yard, what do you do?

Very simply, have it removed! The exterior of your home is the buyer's first impression, make it a great one.

I recommend Bennett Tree Service Inc., Des Moines, 515-276-5528. I have found their prices to be competitive and work done in a professional manner.

Do you have a real estate question I can answer? Leave a comment! For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Lori’s Tips to Prepare Your Home For Sale

Beautifully staged living room

Spring market is here and we are seeing more activity in our market place than in the last several years. Typically this time of year inventory is high, so your home must stand out. By ensuring your home is as inviting as possible, you stand to substantially increase your home’s appeal, and hopefully selling price.

The first hurdle in preparing your home for sale is to take the emotion out of the equation and look at your home through a buyer’s eyes.

• Front Door.  You may never use your front door, but that is where you want the buyer to enter your home, so start there. Are there cob webs present, does the front door need a fresh coat of paint, does the door bell work, do you need to sweep, is there a nice new welcome mat at the door?
• Clean and Clean Again.  Now go room by room and clean, clean, clean. Clean until it shines. Don’t forget windows, this will make a world of difference. A buyer will many times look over the fact that a home needs redecorating (this is of course assuming that is reflected in the price), but a dirty home is a real turn off.
• De-Clutter.  Buyer’s can't see your home’s full potential if it is cluttered. While showing your home, consider renting a storage unit if necessary. Remember, selling your home involves showing the buyer the possibilities of the space. Don’t forget to remove magnets, photos, notes and other things from the front of the refrigerator. Remove most items from the kitchen and bathroom countertops. Hide your special collections, take down most family photos. You want people to look at the house, not your personal stuff.
• Freshen Up.  Adding a fresh coat of paint or neutralizing a wall can be your best investment of time and money. This can instantly turn a room into an inviting space.
• Let there be light!  When showing the house, keep curtains and shades open. Have all lights on when possible. Bright rooms appear more spacious, not to mention cheerful.
• Curb appeal is important.  Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, maybe put in some flowers. The outside of your home is the buyers first impression.

I’m happy to walk through your home and give you my ideas. Just give me a call at 515-789-0089! For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Des Moines --- Spring time in March?

Springtime crocus in Iowa

Usually by May I am ready to get my hands in the dirt, planting my garden. Looks like this year that may be a possibility a bit early. I’ve noticed that my crocuses, daffodils, tulips, bleeding heart, and daylilies are well on their way. With our early arrival of spring it will be hard not to get ahead of ourselves. After all this is Iowa, we could have snow on the ground tomorrow! But for now let’s just enjoy the warm weather. In case you are wondering when to plant garden vegetables, I found a guide from the Iowa State Extension office. Soon we'll be planting lettuce, onions, peas, and other spring crops.

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