Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Your Home - Holiday Staging Tips

You may be trying to sell your home during the festive holiday season, but that doesn't mean you have to forgo the holiday decorations completely.  Just don't overdo it, say the staging experts at Frontdoor.com.  Instead, stick to a few simple decorative touches, such as a pinecone centerpiece or an evergreen wreath.  Avoid religious themed decorations, which may turn off potential buyers.

Avoid using decorations that might clash with your current color scheme.  For example, if the decor in the living room is blue, silver and white, choose accessories that complement that color scheme, such as blue glass ornaments and silver or white candles.

Use accessories to draw attention to the home's best features.  Hang a few tasteful ornaments from the mantel to showcase an elegant fireplace or hang an evergreen garland around the bay window.

Keep inflatable characters in storage while your home is on the market.  Instead, use simple string lighting to showcase a fir tree in your front yard.

Make your home extra inviting by lighting a fire in the fireplace or turning up the heat a couple of degrees on chilly days.  Offer tasty treats like hot apple cider and fresh-baked cookies to create a warm environment.

With a little creativity and common sense, you can enjoy the holidays while trying to sell your home.


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

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Your Home - The Heat Is On

As the weather gets cooler, it's a good time to check your HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system to make sure it's operating properly.  While it's wise to have your HVAC inspected by a heating professional every fall and spring, you can increase the efficiency of your system by following these simple maintenance tips from American Home Shield.

Now: Use a high-efficiency pleated filter with an electrostatic charge that works like a magnet to grab the tiniest of particles.  Replace the filter every 90 days and check it monthly.  If it looks dark and clogged, and if you have pets, you may need to change it more often.

Keep the air-conditioning unit free of leaves, pollen, grass or branches that can interfere with its future efficiency.  Make sure there is at least two feet of space cleared around outdoor units.

Monthly or Seasonally:  Inspect the insulation and refrigerant lines monthly.  Before winter sets in, replace the humidifier filter and turn on the water.

Annually:  Replace the battery in the carbon monoxide detector.  Walk around the exterior of the house and check that outdoor AC units and heat pumps are on firm and level ground.  Pour one cup of bleach mixed with water down the AC condensate drain to prevent a buildup of mold and algae, which can clog the drain.

Always:  Keep at least 20% of the home's registers open to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the HVAC system.


Following these simple tips can prolong the life of your HVAC system and help you be prepared for whatever the winter season may bring.

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

Friday, November 7, 2014

10430 Carter St SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/UJZWS4
Opportunity knocks! 4bdrm home in the Heart of Yelm in need of some TLC! Split-level entry. Living room w/gas fireplace & TV insert. Kitchen w/eating bar - appliances stay! Slider off Dining rm to upper deck. Master bedroom with walk-in closet & separate bath. Bonus rm. Ceiling fans. Utility rm. Large fully fenced back yard with patio. Over-sized 2 car garage. Walking distance to schools, golf course, shopping and miles of hiking trails. Easy commute to JBLM.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.00
Square feet: 2,324
Price: $215,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at 360-400-3475 or cynthia@cynthia-online.com. You can also text 2405584 to 67299.


See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com


MLS ID: 711021

Monday, November 3, 2014

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
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com



Friday, October 3, 2014

3517 180th Ave SW Tenino, WA 98589

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MDZJ65
Prime commuting location - only 2.5miles from I-5! Owners pride & well maintained! Spacious kitchen w/eating bar which opens to Family rm w/wood stove insert. French doors leading to fabulous covered deck (16X27) - wired for surround sound! Separate Dining rm. Living Rm. Heat pump w/air. Updated kohler sinks. Double-headed shower in MB. Appliances included! Large 24x32 insulated shop w/100Amp pwr, pellet stove & lots of storage space! Fire pit. RV hook-up. Newer roof. A home to be proud to own.
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 1,654
MLS #702487

Thursday, October 2, 2014

9825 Greenleaf Lp SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/SUQTG2
3bdrm home in Willow Glenn subdivision. Great floor plan with Living rm, Dining rm, Kitchen, Family rm. Vaulted ceilings. Recessed lighting. Master Bedroom w/walk-in closet & full bathroom. Utility rm for your convenience! Heat pump w/forced air. Entertain outdoors! Fully fenced yard with deck and fire pit. Garden shed for all your tools. 2 car garage. Covered front entrance. Location! Location! Close to schools and all amenities. Quick commute to JBLM east gate!
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.50
Square feet: 1,638
MLS #701634

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

34707 23rd Ave S Roy, WA 98580

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/EVSJ6G
Welcome to life off the grid! Solar powered 4bdrm rambler on secluded 40 acres! Gated entry. Back-up diesel generator & propane. Open living area - light & bright w/vaulted ceilings & skylights. Stainless steel appliances. Gas stove. Free-standing wood fireplace. Covered patio. Attached 3 car garage plus 3 bay carport. Hardi-plank siding. Outbuildings. Zoned agricultural w/ 20+ acres of pasture w/high hay production! Bring the critters! Private grass landing strip for light plane w/hanger.
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 1,908
MLS #701164