Tips and Trends for Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers

THE TOP 10

trendiest

HOME FEATURES

Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or have an eye on remodeling with solid return-on-investment potential, think about which features make your home oh-so-desirable when it’s time to list.  An analysis of the Realtor.com listings over the past five years found that the following items were listed most often; solidifying a venerable spot among buyers’ favorites:

1. Fireplace
2. Wood floor
3. Carpet
4. Granite counter
5. Stainless steel appliances
6. Open floor plan
7. Walk-in closet
8. Formal dining room
9. Vaulted ceiling
10. Open kitchens

Do trends lose steam?  Oak and cherry cabinets had a strong foothold in the cabinet marketplace but are no longer popular.

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

Your Home - Fall Tune-Up Checklist

Home-ownership comes with its share of routine seasonal tasks and chores.  But keeping track of what needs to be done - and when - can be a challenge.  To help homeowners stay on top of their maintenance projects, home improvement retailer Lowe's offers easy-to-follow checklists for each season of the year and covers both inside and outside chores.  Get your home ready for fall and winter with these tasks:

Indoor Tasks:

ü  When you turn your clocks back, change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

ü  Install weather stripping where needed around the windows.

ü  Have the furnace professionally inspected.

ü  If needed, set traps for rodents.

ü  Dust blinds and vacuum curtains throughout the house.

ü  Clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets and throw away outdates food, medicine and cosmetics.

ü  Change or clean furnace filters.  Consult the manufacturer's instructions to determine how frequently the filters should be replaced.

ü  Clean kitchen appliances inside and out, including refrigerator coils.

ü  Maintain clean drains by adding one-half cup of baking soda followed by on-half cup white vinegar.  After 10 minutes, flush with boiling water.

Outdoor Tasks:

ü  Clean gutters and downspouts.

ü  Inspect the roof and chimney for cracks and damage, and have them repaired.

ü  Rake and shred leaves to use as mulch or dispose of them.

ü  Close or install storm windows.

ü  Remove hoses from spigots and drain, store indoors, coiled and flat.

ü  Store outdoor furniture and cushions.

ü  Walk around the house and check for open crawl space vents and close them before cooler temperatures set in.

ü  Cover your central air conditioning unit, and remove and store window air conditioners.

ü  Clean and store garden tools.

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

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

www.cynthia-online.com

15407 107th Lp SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/DUL277

Stunning 3bdrm home! Freshly painted! New carpet! Crisp and clean! Spacious living room and family room with double sided fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Open kitchen with island counter. Dining rm. All appliances stay! Gas forced air heat and water. Light and bright! Vinyl fenced yard with apple trees. Covered back patio & covered front deck! Detached 2car garage. Concrete driveway. In town, close to schools and shopping. Owners pride!

Home information

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,782

MLS #682608