8 Laundry Room Must-Haves

Straight from the experts! Check out these 8 laundry room must-haves that are not only visually pleasing, but highly functional.

1. Deep Countertops

- Having a decent amount of counter space in your laundry room is the number one request for most homeowners. Consider swapping out a top loader machine so you can place a countertop directly above your washer and dryer. You’ll want the countertops to be at least 24 inches deep — or ideally 25.5 inches deep, if you have the room — so you can include a decent-size sink as well as counter space to put baskets and folded clothes on top

2. Drying Racks

- Installing drying racks or a drying cabinet in your laundry room design means you can say goodbye to having those pesky free-standing drying racks all over the house. Place them over a heating vent or in a purpose-built cabinet.

3. Hanging Rod

- A hanging rod or rail installed above a countertop makes drying shirts easy and helps reduce the amount of ironing. Install the rail underneath overhead cabinets or make it a feature by installing it to hang from the ceiling. Just be sure to allow for enough clearance between the rail and the counter for shirts to hang!

4. Forgiving Finishes

- When it comes to flooring, experts recommend tiles that have a patina or stone look as they are great for minimizing scuffs and smudges that regularly occur in a hardworking spot such as the laundry.

5. Smart Storage

- Think about whether or not you want to store other items in your laundry room such as cleaning supplies, ironing boards, mops and brooms, or your vacuum cleaner. If so, you’ll want to plan your design carefully to accommodate for the extra storage you’ll need for these items. Include additional electrical outlets in your cabinetry design so you can charge cordless vacuums while keeping them out of sight.

6. Room for a Hamper

- A pull-out hamper fitted into your laundry room cabinetry is an excellent addition to any laundry room. This also deters you from having clutter or having to store dirty laundry in bedrooms.

7. A Big Enough Space

- If you are doing a complete laundry room remodel, it’s important to consider how much space you’ll need. A common mistake is designing a too-small laundry room, particularly in a busy family home. The recommended minimum amount of space for a laundry room is 80 square feet. This provides enough space for a single row of cabinets, including a recess for the washing machine, a generous sink and a decent-size hamper space, plus a sufficient walkway.

8. Clean Design

- To reduce visual clutter, conceal washing machine connections and direct bypass draining. Pull-out hoses are great for this application.

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Fall Ready

Happy First Day of Fall! Get your home colder weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Add Weatherstripping

- Have older windows in your home? Inspect them and consider adding weatherstripping to help retain heat and stop drafts. If you’ve applied weatherstripping to your windows before, inspect the areas where it was previously applied and see if any need replacing.

2. Remove Window A/C Units

- Used window air-conditioning units? Now is the time to remove them! Or if they are outside, cover them with protective insulation. Removing the units is the better option because this will allow you to close the windows, minimizing winter heat loss. If you choose to leave them in over the winter, be sure to pick up insulating covers made for this purpose and securely attach them outside.

3. Cozy Up With Warm Layers

- Yes, it’ll still be in the high 80’s this weekend, but now is the time to bust out your warmer bedding, blankets, coats, and shoes. Bring added warmth to the other rooms in your house with throws and pillows in rich fabrics like wool, velvet or faux fur. Thicker area rugs and curtains not only feel cozier, but they also can actually help your home feel warmer — and cut down on your energy bills!

4. Clean Leather Furniture

- It’s important to know whether your leather furniture has a finish before treating it with any products, so check labels or look up the item on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s website before you begin. If you have unprotected leather (aniline), wipe it clean with distilled water and a cloth. If you have protected leather (semianiline or pigmented), you can be a little harsher and use a homemade cleaning solution or commercial leather cleaning product. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.

5. Inspect Roof and Gutters

- Give your roof and gutters a quick visual inspection. Pull out any sticks, leaves, or other debris blocking your gutters. Make note of any worn out seals around your vent pipes and chimneys.

6. Schedule Chimney and Furnace Maintenance

- Speaking of chimneys, make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now. Having your chimney cleaned will also ensure that you don’t try to start a fire when an animal family (or an old nest) is inside. And if you don’t have a chimney cap yet, speak with your chimney sweep about adding a one. The metal cap with screened sides can prevent critters from getting in and helps protect your roof from burning embers.

7. Check Safety Devices

- Test those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors! It’s also a good idea to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if need be.

8. Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

- I cannot stress it enough! It is so incredibly important to clean out your dryer vents on a regular basis! If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning out your dryer vent, hire a professional to do it for you. Washing-machine hoses need to be replaced from time to time, and a cracked hose can cause a leak — which can mean costly damage to your home. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machine work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.

9. Consider Beefing Up Insulation

- Energy bills can get fairly costly during the fall/winter. Consider adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls. Not only would this help save on your energy bills during the winter, it also helps to keep your home cooler during the summer months.

10. Order Firewood

- Whether you use a wood stove for actual warmth or just for coziness, now is a good time to order a delivery of firewood. If you can help it, don’t store large quantities of wood directly against the house, which can encourage pests, but do keep it protected from rain and snow beneath a shelter.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your September! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Summer Ready

Happy Summer! Get your hot weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Prep Your Porch

- Get your porch ready for summertime hangouts by cleaning the front door, flooring, exterior windows, and windowsills. Dust light fixtures and remove cobwebs. Add some summer decor with a new doormat and some seasonal flowers.

2. Add Shade to Outdoor Spaces

- Adding a few free-standing umbrellas to your outdoor space will make a huge difference when it comes to enjoying the nice weather or when you are entertaining. For a more permanent solution, considering installing a shade sail.

3. Keep Your Landscape Fire-Safe

- It’s important to do what you can to keep your home fire safe, especially if you plan on using a firepit this summer. Remove old fallen leaves, weeds, etc. and if your landscaping gets a little dry due to the heat, spray everything down with water before lighting up the grill or firepit.

4. Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

- Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed – even something as small as a soda cap filled with water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stay ahead of the problem, walk around your property once or twice a week and dump out any water that may be collecting in tarps, children’s toys, flower pots, saucers, bird baths, patio furniture, etc.

5. Clean Out Your Garage

- It will likely take longer than one weekend to go through, clean, and organize your garage, but it’s well worth it! Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

6. Check Your Safety Devices

- You should always check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries when necessary. Don’t forget to replace them every 10 years!

7. Inspect Kitchen and Bath Fixtures

- Start by making notes of areas needing new grout or caulk and any slow leaks that need to be repaired. Freshen your kitchen drain by using a garbage disposal cleaner or by grinding a few ice cubes along with a few tablespoons of salt.

8. Tune Up Your Lawnmower and Garden Tools

- Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tuneup so they’re ready to work hard. Sharp tools are safer and do a better job! After using your garden tools, wipe them off with a damp cloth, dry them well and coat them lightly with a few drops of a multipurpose oil.

9. Schedule Big Home Projects

- Thinking of replacing your deck or a landscape makeover? Now is the time to schedule the right pro for the job. Contractors tend to fill up fast during the summer so to ensure your project gets done in a timely manner, don’t delay booking.

10. Deep Clean Your Grill

- Hello grilling season! Make sure your grill is ready for your backyard barbeques by giving it a deep clean. This will also help prevent flare ups while grilling. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Spring Ready

Nice weather is on its way! Welcome Spring with a little gardening and some spring cleaning.

1. Remove Winter Layers

- Time to swap out your heavy winter bedding for lighter covers and quilts. Consider changing deep-pile rugs for flat-weave or natural-fiber versions for the warmer months.

2. Make Mirrors and Table Lamps Shine

- Remove dust from table lamps with a duster or soft rag and wipe down mirrors with a damp microfiber cloth. Doing this will enhance the light throughout your space.

3. Simplify the Table

- Go through your cupboards and let go of any mismatched or chipped dishes and donate any sets you no longer have love for. Keep a basket of fresh cloth napkins within easy reach of the table to make it more convenient than grabbing paper napkins, and invest in a living centerpiece that will stay fresh and green with little maintenance, such as potted succulent plants.

4. Spring Clean the Kitchen

- Give your kitchen a fresh start this spring by cleanings items and areas normally missed during your day-to-day cleaning. Start with your smaller appliances, clean out grease and grime from your rangehood, clean the backsplash, dust light fixtures, and vacuum those hard to reach places like behind the fridge and under the stove.

5. Clean Slipcovers and Soft Furnishings

- Smaller slipcovers and washable rugs can be washed at home, but drop off larger pieces with the professionals. If you are washing anything at home, be sure to carefully read the washing instructions and err on the side of caution.

6. Dust High Corners and Baseboards

- Use a vacuum attachment or a duster to dust and remove cobwebs from the low and high spots we often miss during routine cleaning.

7. Refresh the Entryway

- With winter gone, it’s nice to give your entryway a refresh. Start by either cleaning or replacing your doormat. Clear out or organize your coat closet or anything you have on hooks. Don’t forget to put out your umbrella holder for our PNW spring showers.

8. Clean Up Patio Furniture

- Winter can take a toll on your outdoor furniture if not stored or covered properly. Be sure to give everything a good scrub before you start using your patio furniture in the warmer months. Wash any washable cushion covers and replace worn-out items if needed.

9. Tune Up Lawn and Garden Tools

- Sharp tools get the job done! Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tune up before you begin work in your garden.

10. Make a Garden Plan

- There is still time to get your garden growing! Sketch out a plan, jot down some ideas for this season’s plants, and pick up some seeds or seedlings. Also consider making changes to the hardscape of your garden. Maybe a new path or new fencing?

Lastly, another great home maintenance tip for this spring would be to inspect your home’s exterior for winter damage and make repairs as needed.

Hope you all have a wonderful Spring Season. Until next month!

Resource: https://www.houzz.com/

8 Ways to Add Value During Your Bathroom Remodel

When remodeling any room in your house, it’s always important to carefully think about where to spend and where to save (unless you are lucky enough to have an endless budget 😉). The following is a list of bathroom upgrades that design experts believe are worth the extra expenses because they still make a significant difference to the look and functionality of your bathroom, all while adding value to your home.

1. Custom Cabinetry

- Custom cabinetry can add so much to a bathroom. Spending a little more on custom cabinetry means perfect fit cabinetry that is completely tailored to fit your needs.

2. Mirrored Cabinet

- This upgrade doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Consider switching out your bathroom mirror for a mirrored cabinet. Mirrored cabinets can either be partially-recessed into the wall or wall-mounted and save a ton of countertop space.

3. Skylight

- Who wouldn’t want natural sunlight streaming in their bathroom? Skylights are one of the most effective upgrades you can make to your bathroom because of the serene spa-like feel they give. If you are installing a skylight to an existing home, be sure to have a builder or contractor to assess for obstructions in the roof space before starting this project.

4. Exhaust Fan

- Mold is no joke in the Pacific Northwest. It’s important to think about upgrading your exhaust fan while you are remodeling to ensure proper air circulation and removal of excess moisture – you wouldn’t want all of your hard work to go to waste because of mold. If noise is a concern, check the labeling and choose an exhaust fan with a lower decibel rating.

5. Drawer Storage

- Upgrading a vanity with cupboard doors to a vanity with drawers is worth the extra outlay because of how much additional and functional storage you get in return. Another plus – drawers are easier to clean because you don’t have to awkwardly reach to the back of cupboards.

6. Integrated Electrical Outlets

- This is a big one! When electrical outlets are installed in drawers or cabinets, not only do they hide everyday cords from electronic toothbrushes and rechargeable shavers, they also clear your countertops of mess and clutter.

7. Shower Niche

- This might be my favorite bathroom remodel upgrade. Get rid of your shower shelves and opt for a shower niche instead. Giving off a more sophisticated and streamlined look, shower niches provide a neat and practical spot to store your shampoo, soap, etc. and they don’t encroach on your standing space.

8. Underfloor Heating

- With these last few weeks of winter chill in the air, stepping onto a warm bathroom floor sounds like a dream! This upgrade is definitely recommended to anyone remodeling an ensuite bathroom.

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Winter Ready

Happy first day of winter! Get your home winter ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Prevent Pipes from Freezing

- Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and place an insulated cover over the faucet. Keep the heat set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away.

2. Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors

- Nothing new, but you should always check your detectors monthly and replace batteries when necessary. This is especially important to do during the winter since we keep windows closed and use fireplaces more often.

3. Protect Entryway Flooring

- Avoid damaging your flooring by adding protective mats inside and outside your home’s entrance. It might be a good idea to provide a waterproof bin for wet shoes and boots.

4. Remove Debris from Gutters

- Don’t let water back up in your gutters. Remove any debris to prevent leaks, ice dams, and damage to your roof and gutters.

5. Check Your Emergency Supply Stash

- Better safe than sorry! Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, fresh bottled waters, shelf stable food etc. in case of any emergencies or power outages.

6. Reverse Ceiling Fans

- Running the blades in a clockwise position during the colder months can push heated air down. This home maintenance task makes rooms with high ceilings more comfortable.

7. Install Storm Windows & Doors

- This will help reduce heat loss during the winter months, especially homes with single-paned windows. If you plan on purchasing storm windows and doors, take accurate measurements beforehand.

8. Clean Window Weep Holes

- Window weep holes are designed to drain rainwater that can collect in your window frames’ bottom channel. Sometimes bugs, dust, and debris can clog the weep holes which can cause water to fill up the channels and spill over into your home. If you notice your window weep holes are clogged, poke a wire hanger into the hole and use compressed air to clean it out.

9. Check Outdoor Lighting

- Make sure all of your outdoor lights are functioning correctly, especially any motion sensor lights you might have. This will help prevent any slips or falls on ice covered driveways and pathways.

10. Check for Air Leaks

- Check for air leaks around windows and doors and check for cracks in caulking or weatherstripping. Also, replace caulk and weatherstripping if necessary.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season! Until next month!

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Autumn Ready

Happy Fall Ya’ll! Get your home autumn ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Clean Out Your Gutters

- An old plastic spatula comes in handy when it’s gutter cleaning time. It doesn’t scratch up the gutter and you can cut the spatula to fit gutter contours. Grime wipes right off the spatula too, making cleanup a breeze.

2. Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors

- With heaters running and fireplaces roaring, fall is a great time to make sure your smoke and CO detectors are working. Be sure to check the batteries and expiration dates. Smoke detectors are typically good for 10 years and CO detectors last for about six years.

3. Replace the Furnace Filters

- Changing your furnace filter is one the simplest tasks on this list. If it’s been awhile since you’ve changed it, be sure to replace it with a new one before kicking on the heater this fall.

4. Schedule Chimney & Furnace Maintenance

- Speaking of furnaces, depending on the last time it was cleaned, you’ll want to schedule a chimney cleaning. Make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now.

5. Remove Window A/C Units

- If you used window a/c units this summer, which A LOT of us have, you’ll want to remove and store them. If you choose to keep them up, make sure to pick up some insulating covers to minimize winter heat loss.

6. Fertilize the Lawn

- Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn one last time. With the epic heat waves we had this summer, your lawn could use some fertilizer and the long anticipated PNW rainy season.

7. Add Weatherstripping to Windows & Doors in Need

- Newer double-paned windows won’t necessarily need weatherstripping, but it is a good idea for older windows to prevent leaks and retain heat. This goes for your doors as well. You don’t want tiny pests seeking solace from the autumn rain in your home.

8. Maintain the Washer & Dryer

- It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean out your dryer vents often, but you’ll want to make sure that your washer hoses are in good shape as well. Cracked hoses can cause leaks and costly repairs. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machines work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire – which is always a good thing.

9. Cozy Up with Warm Layers

- Now’s the time to start thinking about changing out your lighter-weight bedding with some flannel sheets and fluffy duvets. Bring warmth to your home by adding a few throw blankets around the house or even swap out the area rug for something thicker. Not only will slight changes like this make your home cozy, it can also cut down on your energy bills.

10. Get Your Wardrobe Fall Ready

- Fall is a great opportunity to sort through your wardrobe, donate things you no longer wear, and get your colder weather pieces repaired or dry cleaned. Gather your summer clothes and put them in an out-of-the-way spot so your fall wardrobe can be front and center.

By prepping your home for the colder months ahead of us, you’ll prevent breakdowns, save money and keep your home looking brand spanking new! Now add a few cozy touches here and there, relax in your favorite chair, and enjoy the comforts of your fall ready home.

Get Your Home Summer Ready!

Summer is right around the corner, so let’s take a break from the “PDX Neighborhood Spotlights” and discuss ways you can get your home ready for the sunny day BBQs ahead of us!

Inspect the Exterior of Your Home

Speaking of BBQs, let’s talk grills. If you have a charcoal grill, empty your grill and wipe away any dust or residue. Clean the outside and inside of your grill with hot water, dish soap and a scrub brush. Don’t forget to let your grill dry off before using it. If you have a gas grill, close the lid, turn the heat on high and let the grill cook for about 30 minutes. Once the grill has cooled, use a grill brush to sweep the grill. Clean out all of the drip trays and then wipe down the outside with a sponger and cleaner.
Even though cleaning out gutters and downspouts may seem like a spring or fall chore, doing it in the summer is also a good idea because summer storms and high winds can cause debris to fall into your home’s gutters.
Inspect your home’s foundation for leaks and cracks. Cracks can create an entry point for groundwater which can lead to serious flooding.
Wash your windows inside and out.
Repair and repaint any cracked, chipped or faded exterior paint.

Power Wash

Pressure wash your home’s siding and brick. There are very few things more satisfying than watching how much dirt, dust and grim pressure washing can remove from your home’s exterior surfaces.
Check out this video for some great pressure washing tips.
Before pressure washing your porch or deck, inspect it to see if there are any rotting boards that need to be replaced. If you notice any bubbling/cracks in the sealant of your deck, it’s time to reseal!

Inspect the Interior of Your Home

Re-caulk seals on doors and windows if you are notice any leakage in your windows/doors. This can also help increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Reverse the setting your ceiling fans to counter-clockwise! This pushes air down and helps create a nice breeze in your space.
You’re not the only one who loves a nice and cool home… watch out for bug/pest infestations. Try an outdoor bug repellent barrier spray if you start to notice ants or spiders inside your home.
Clean your garbage disposal to avoid a costly plumber invoice.

Inspect Air Conditioners

Get your A/C checked and serviced. By doing this, you can extend the life of your A/C unit and reduce the need for costly repairs.
If you have a window A/C unit, make sure to clean off the filters before using them.
If you are running your A/C a lot during the summer months, you’ll want to clean the filters once a month.

Clean Your Dryer Vent!!

This is soooooo important! Be sure to clean clogged lint and dust in your dryer vents to avoid house fires (approximately 2,900 home laundry dryer fires are reported each year!).
Check out this video for the proper way to clean your dryer vent.

This list may seem a little daunting, but even tackling a few items on this home maintenance checklist will help prevent breakdowns, save you some money and keep your home looking brand spanking new!

Home Seller Preparedness

Selling a home involves many moving parts, so it’s best to be proactive. Start planning upwards of 6 months ahead to avoid rushing at the last minute to complete deferred maintenance repairs, consider your next living arrangement, and be able to time the marketing strategically to local market conditions. Deferred maintenance can affect not only the value of what your home can sell for, it can also affect your time on the market. If you plan on selling without taking care of maintenance that you have not done on the home, then be prepared to price your home accordingly. Getting these critical components in place prior to listing could enhance the value of your home, ensure a smoother listing experience, and mitigate buyer negotiation leverage once you accept that offer.

Create a punch list of repairs.

Using an Excel spreadsheet, a pad of paper, or your smartphone or tablet, go room by room identifying what repairs are needed.

1. Windows open and close easily.
2. Install GFCI certified outlets.
3. Doors close and doorknobs turn easily.
4. Chipped or nicked trim?
5. What else?

Perform a deep clean

Closets, oven, range, refrigerator (pull it away from the wall to vacuum the coils), carpets/hardwoods, windowsills, chandeliers/fixtures all need attention.

Hire a professional painter

Liven up the walls and doors inside and outside with fresh paint. When you’ve lived in a place for a while, your mind begins to ignore little inconsistencies. A new visitor to your home will notice these details, so keep in mind they contribute to the overall first impression. A professional painter can help repair cracks in ceilings and walls as well.

When getting your interior or exterior ready to be painted, think base colors like creams and whites for your paint colors at time of sale. You may love that purple colored room for your own use, but these more extreme colors can influence a buyer’s interest in your home. Provide the new buyer with a fresh palette to introduce their own color scheme to their new home. This one preparation can save you on market time, putting more money in your pocket at closing.

Install new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Oregon law requires new detectors to be installed. There are some affordable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors available at your local hardware store.

Landscaping

It’s all about curb appeal! The first impression is usually the last.

Prune, weed, clear brush, mow, lay down fresh bark mulch.
Hire an arborist to shape existing trees (never refer to it as “thinning” a tree). In fact, this should be done even if you’re not selling!
Having a tidy home on the outside bodes well for the inside.

Assess the roof

One of the most overlooked components of selling a home is the roof condition. Inspectors will assess the condition of the roof after you receive an offer, so if repairs or even replacement are necessary, it will mitigate the need for negotiation on the price of your home while saving time on repairs already completed.

Organize Documents

Have your paperwork and invoices available for work you’ve had done on your home. If you had work completed by a contractor that required a permit, verify all permits were finalized with your local bureau of planning and permitting. You don’t want to get into a transaction on your home and have an open or voided permit come into question. If a final inspection was not completed, you may have to open walls, cut into sheet rock, or pull up flooring so as to prove to a city inspector that work was done to code. Avoid a potential nightmare in the middle of a real estate transaction.

If selling a condo, line up all your HOA governing documents and proof of insurance. Your management company may have a login to access documents electronically. Request access for your yourself and your agent, so a tedious yet critical detail is taken care of in advance.

Appliance Check

Ensure all appliances are in clean and working order. If there are any dings to the enamel, thermometer adjustments needed in the oven, thaw a freezer, replace the dryer lint filter, or anything else you find, these will be good to have taken care of before people start viewing your home.

Staging

Consider coordinating a staging company with your broker as the final step in preparing to sell. Staging will showcase your home to people who may not have an imagination or need a physical visual in order to imagine themselves having the lifestyle you’re selling. Part of staging involves decluttering and depersonalization. You want the new buyer to imagine themselves in your home, not what it was like for you to live there. Another side benefit? Packing up personal items saves you time for when the real move happens.

Photography

Use a professional real estate photographer. They have the digital technology to deal with minor touch-ups, enhance lighting, and streamline your photos for use in virtual tours and/ or 3D tours.

Pricing your home

Your broker should provide this “apples to apples” home sales comparison of properties within a mile or less and over the last 3-6 months. This information helps determine the best listing price. Keep in mind the market determines the actual sales value of your home.

Strategy

Pricing your home too high can cause the home to stagnate on market and necessitate a price reduction. Don’t wait too long to consider a price reduction if showing activity is not producing an offer. If you have been seeing double-digit numbers in showings without an offer, then a price reduction should happen within a few weeks. Perception is reality. If buyers see a home on market for more than a few weeks, their perception can be that there is something wrong with the home.

Portland is also known as a “polite market” where buyers will usually not make offers on homes they think are overpriced, so as to not upset the seller with a lower offer. Buyers in the Portland Metro area will often wait for the seller to make a price reduction before submitting an offer. Real estate values can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on factors like the state and national economy, unemployment rate, interest rates, and other factors.

Showings

Be ready to accept raw feedback about your home. You have memories and emotions attached to your property, so it’s best to remember to try to not take constructive criticism personally.

Create a showing schedule with your real estate broker that works both for you. Maximize the availability of the home to buyers to see your home, such as evenings, after work, and weekends.

I’d love to learn more about what your greatest challenges have been when selling your home. Did I miss anything on this list? I look forward to hearing from you.

Published September 10, 2020

Five Gardening Tips You Can Use Right Now

There are more than five things you could do right now, but why not start with your landscaping? Here are five helpful tips:

1. Take inventory of the native and non-native species in your yard.

Are the non-native species crowding out native plant life? Native plants and trees in the Pacific Northwest like rhododendrons, ferns, Pacific Madrone, to name a few, require less maintenance than say, Black Lace Elderberry or bamboo. Even though there are benefits to the non-native plant life in your garden, consider weighing more on the side of the native species in the native-to-non-native plant ratio. Oregon State University has great information on native plant life.

large dark-leafed bushy tree with pink blossoms — Black Lace Elderberry (before pruning)

2. Identify your plant cycles

This is key when it comes to transplanting and pruning and is most obvious regarding when to plant. Bulbs and seeds will have different timing, depending on the plant. Lilacs should be pruned in the spring before they bloom, just after the blooms are gone, or in the fall.

3. Remove dead, dying, or out-of-place plants

You’ve heard the expression, “dead weight”. This applies to gardening, too. Removing anything that is on its way out means creating space for things to thrive. If the leaves on an artichoke are failing, for example, cut them off and you will see new growth emerge within a week or two. The plant is still feeding energy to the dying leaves, so the cutting away encourages newer, healthier growth.

4. Identify the borders

Remove or move anything that interferes with the boundaries previously set. The defined lines will lend a tidier look to your garden. Sometimes it hurts to remove some of the plants that have been nurtured over the years, but those could be transplanted elsewhere or given away to neighbors in your local free group. Or, redefine your borders.

5. Pruning is for suckers!

Ever notice little green shoots coming out of the base of your lilac, trees, or other woody shrubs? Those are called suckers. These should be cut back so the plant’s energy is focused on the main growth. See #4 for when to prune your plants. If you’re pruning a tree in the City of Portland, the code is very specific. Street trees require a pruning permit unless the diameter of the branch you’re pruning is ½-inch or smaller. There are many more restrictions and in-depth tips on the city’s website.

I hope these quick tips get you started with a garden maintenance road map! Please feel free to send me before-and-after photos of your work if you’d like it to be featured here. Or, tag me on Instagram at @seanbessorealty. Happy gardening!

Published June 16, 2020