Your Home - Custom Scents

There is a strong connection between smells and human emotions. Given that home-buying can be an emotional process, you’ll want your home to look and smell good when you’re getting it ready for a showing.  Make sure your home passes the smell test by following these tips from HGTV.

If there are any foul odors in your home, don’t just cover them up by baking cookies – try to identify the source and focus on eliminating the odors.  Old carpets are often the biggest culprit.  If you don’t have the time or budget to replace old rugs with new carpet or hardwood floors, wash the carpet with mild detergent soap and water solution, then go over it with a damp towel to neutralize the odor.  And be sure to circulate the fresh air by keeping windows on opposite walls open.

After you’ve rid your home of bad scents, or if you just want to fill it with more pleasant smells, consider boiling fruit peels, spices or herbs in water.  Rather than throwing away lemon or orange peels, boil water and let the peels sit for a few minutes, adding water every half-hour or so.  You can also mix the peels with other soothing scents. Using oils such as sandalwood, lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus can be therapeutic and inviting.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Curb View

Everybody knows that first impressions matter. The outside of your house ways a lot to guests and potential buyers before they even walk in the door.  There are easy ways to clean and freshen up the exterior of your home that don’t require gallons of paint or a landscaping crew.  Consider these tips from DIY Network.

Start with the front door.  If you’re willing to make a bold move, paint your door a bright color like canary yellow to help your house stand out (as long as the color is complementary to the trim, the shutters and the rest of the house).  Also, make sure lighting fixtures match the style of your house and are working properly.  Another quick way to brighten up the front of the house: add flower boxes or pots with colorful blooms to your porch railings or around your door.

Curb appeal is all about the details.  Ask yourself:  Is there sufficient outdoor lighting?  Are overgrown plants and bushes creating an unsightly mess?  Is your home address visible?  Revitalize your door by replacing old hardware, installing tidy new address numbers or giving it a paint job.  What’s more, as simple as it sounds, installing a new mailbox – near the road or mounted to your house – can go a long way toward showing off your home.  The options and materials are endless, but as with any other updates, make sure the style fits your house.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475