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.

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.

Real Estate bidding wars in 2013?

Hello pre-2007 real estate market, I’ve missed you! Yes that’s right, looks like we are off to a great start this year. Yesterday I listed a home, after 4 showings we had multiple offers by the evening. Last week another listing produced an accepted offer within 24 hours. So even though very different homes, what did they both have in common (other than an awesome list agent!)? Both homes had been meticulously maintained, clean, and staged well. Most importantly, they were priced at what current market conditions indicated. If you have made recent improvements to your home, it might mean you will not recoup the amount invested. Also, your home may not be worth what you paid. Remember, in the end a home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay, not what you owe or your perceived value.

In the event you are a buyer and interested in a home with multiple offers, if you can afford to, don’t be afraid to offer over list price. For every $1000 on a mortgage, at today’s interest rates it would equate to about $5 additional on your monthly payment. So maybe you skip that latte, or bring your lunch to work once a week. Wouldn’t it be worth it for your dream home?

This home sold this week after only 4 showings.

Perfectly staged living room.

This home sold last week in 24 hours.

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.

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.

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.

Now You See It, Now You Don't; Airplane Inspired Portable Home Office

No room for a home office? This is a great option and looks awesome too.

Blackhawk Trunk Desk available at Restoration Hardware

This office space can be wheeled around and is made out of polished aluminum panels. The drawers are lined with black cotton canvas so your tech items don’t get scratched by the aluminum and the desk is easily wheeled around so you don’t have to pick up the 525 lb box to move it. The Blackhawk Secretary Trunk will run just under $4,300.

This great tip was found on the Coldwell Banker Blue Matter Blog. For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.

Trends in New Construction

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with home builder, Jerry Bussanmas, and his wife Nichole to discuss trends in new construction.

Jerry began building homes in 1998. When Jerry began his company, Jerry Bussanmas, LLC, his philosophy was to allow the buyer creative input in the process and to say “yes” within budget constraints. Nichole’s role is to provide design expertise, helping make selections in layout, flooring, paint colors, etc.

I currently have a buyer who is working with Jerry on building a custom home in West Des Moines; it has been interesting to see how traditional design has evolved into organic, natural details. Clean lines and simplicity seem to be the overall theme, thus providing a crisp, clean back drop for decorating.

More people are choosing dark woods, like walnut, with natural finish. High gloss white kitchen cabinets continue to be a popular choice as well. Quartz counter tops in solid colors, white, gray, and black are an upgrade from the standard granite. Stainless steel appliances are still the standard.

Fun accessories like chandeliers in unique areas like closets, add to the custom feel. Interesting banisters add flair, as do distinctively placed bookcases and custom crafted woodwork.

For a more contemporary feel, stucco is used on the exterior frequently with interesting trim pieces.

Dramatic Living Room Details

Nichole suggests getting inspirational photos and ideas from houzz.com. The site allows you to set up an idea book. This is helpful in the overall process and enables the builder to understand the buyers design concept.

What design elements do you see in your dream home? 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.