How to wow potential buyers with your open house this spring

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, sellers enjoy a bump in home sales during the spring and summer months. There are several factors that lead to the rise in sales; children are on summer break, the holiday season is over, ideal weather for visiting homes, and overall, schedules are often more flexible. Parents are more likely to coordinate a move during the summer months, especially when a move entails changing schools. Also, packing and unpacking moving vans is much easier when you don’t have to contend with cold temperatures or ice and snow!

Take advantage of the market upswing and make the most of your spring open house. Capitalize on curb appeal and ensure your landscape is up-to-date. A newly mowed lawn and freshly planted flowers make a great first impression that potential buyers will remember. Remove any clutter that may detract from your outdoor space, such as toys, bikes or gardening tools. Clean outdoor furniture so buyers can linger and if you have a pool make sure it is clean and inviting.

Once inside, potential buyers get to see your home in the natural light, so clean those screens, windows and sliding glass doors inside and out! As with every open house, no matter what the season, your house should be clean and organized, smell fresh and personal photos kept at a minimum. Attention to detail goes a long way, so fix that creaky door, tighten that loose floorboard, and paint over any scuffmarks. Lastly, remember to serve refreshments, think fresh pies to celebrate the season!

Six ways to live greener and save on your electric bill this summer

These days we’re all trying to save money wherever and whenever we can. Luckily, as warm weather approaches we don’t have to travel at all to save big. Check out our ideas on how to save on utilities this summer.

1. Bring in the experts. Consult the Energy Star directory and make an appointment for a professional to test your home for leaky ducts and optimum efficiency. Depending on their results you may need to purchase new insulation or just caulk small drafts.
2. New and improved. When purchasing new appliances look for energy star ratings and buy energy-efficient products.
3. Get with the program. Set thermostats so the temperature is regulated and the system does not waste energy when no one is home.
4. Light bulb of an idea. Compact fluorescent bulbs and dimmers conserve energy and don’t heat up a room like normal bulbs.
5. Unplug. Simply turning off items that are not in use is not enough. Unplug to avoid what experts call ‘vampire power’ that devices consume even when they’re off.
6. Everything in moderation. Set your refrigerator to a moderate setting instead of the coldest temperature available.

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