Kimberly Bryan REALTOR®

Douglas Realty8096 Edwin Raynor Blvd, Ste C

Pasadena MD 21122key2realestate@mris.comwww.key-2-realestate.com

I HAVE TRANSFERRED TO DOUGLAS REALTY!

In This Edition: Picking the Perfect Paint Color Real Estate Outlook Household Hints: Five Monthly

Fix-It Solutions and MoneySaving Tips

Summer Shrimp and Rice Salad Just a Note...

Picking the Perfect PaintColor for YOUR PersonalityColor Cues from Industry ExpertsAsk any staging or decorating expert and they will tell you that color can make or break a room, butdid you know that what colors you choose can say a lot about you? If you are thinking aboutsprucing your home up this summer with some new splashes of paint, let’s first take a look at thepersonality hints behind the hues and learn how they can affect your family’s mood and morale!

Red: Red colors tend to conjure up emotions such as passion, romance, energy and power,but did you know it is also known for stimulating the appetite and the art of conversation? You may want to consider adding a dash of red to your kitchen as part of your recipe fordining décor!

Yellow: Yellow often symbolizes joy, happiness, energy and wisdom. It’s a great color touse in rooms with little or no natural light. A pale yellow can brighten up a living room, sassup a kitchen, and perk up a bathroom. Deeper, more intense shades of yellow can beoverwhelming so sample first!

Orange: Long recognized as a symbol of vitality, energy and endurance, add a splash oforange to spice up a room, increase creativity and playfulness. Try pairing it with acomplementary color for a dramatic room effect. Perfect for a playroom, studio wall or sunroom accents.

Brown: Considered in alignment with taste, sophistication, order and down-to-earth warmth,this color is wonderful for easy, relaxing living areas and family rooms.

Green: Green is said to be great for concentration and for its calming effect. Perfect for yourhome office, den or anywhere in your home you’d care to curl up with a good book, or getdown to business!

Blue: Soothing blues denote youth, peacefulness, spirituality and calm. Great for bedrooms,guest rooms and even bathrooms for those long, relaxing soaks in the tub!

Purple: Another “romantic” hue, purple is a great shade for bedrooms and even dressingareas. Blue-purples have a more relaxing tone, while red-purples add more energy, so keepthat in mind when choosing color for the walls where you sleep!

Adding color to your home doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. If bold colors intrigue you but make you a little nervous totry on a grand scale, consider painting just an accent wall, or perhaps just as splashes of color in table settings, throw pillows, lampshades or window treatments. Remember, the wonderful thing about indoor paint is that it’s not permanent. Don’t be afraid to trydifferent shades on for size. What’s fun is that the end result will find you seeing more of yourself in the rooms of your home whichvery often adds an extra sense of comfort, well being and security! So go ahead — color your home beautiful!

Real Estate Outlook:When the competition gets tough...The tough take the advice of an expert. Many homeowners trying to sell theirhomes today are facing stiff competition from bank-owned and short saleproperties. How can you compete against the low-cost of foreclosures?

Price it right. There has never been a more important time to ensure that yourhome is priced to sell. Old facts, figures and even sales prices won’t help. Tomove your property in today’s market, you must be aggressive, strategic andjust below market value. Call me today for a Pricing Pyramid which can helpillustrate just that.

Looks count. It’s been said that selling your home in today’s market is a littlelike being in a beauty contest. Looks really do matter, especially whencompeting against homes in foreclosure which may not be as well cared for. It’s an advantage you can’t afford to ignore!

Don’t go it alone. Buyers today are savvy investors indeed. The internet andmedia have given them plenty of ammunition! While “going it alone” may seemlike the way to save, statistically you’ll get more for your investment in less timeand with far less headaches by working with a Realtor®.

Call me today to learn more! I can help.

Household HintsFive Monthly Fix-It Solutions and Money Saving Tips1. Gutter trouble: Don’t let summer rains pour in before you check your steel

gutters for signs of rust. Try this quick fix: Buff off the rust, clean the area andcoat with plastic cement. If a large hole is already there, lay aluminum foil ontop of the plastic cement. If it's too big even for this method, considerreplacing the section of gutter or laying in a piece of metal flashing to bridgethe gap.

2. Get out of hot water: Did you know that heating water is considered the thirdlargest energy expense in a home? To reduce your bill, use less hot water,turn down the thermostat on your water heater, buy a new, more efficientwater heater, and on older models, insulate your water heater.

3. Weed eater: Next time you’re out battling walkway weeds, don’t reach forexpensive commercial “killers.” Use a spray bottle of common white vinegarinstead!

4. Landscape lesson: Rocks are a great way for eco-conscious homeowners toadd landscaping contrasts to their yards which don’t require watering. However, be careful not to use lots of un-shaded rock, cement or asphalt onthe south or west sides of your home. It can increase the temperature aroundthe house and radiate heat long after the sun has set.

5. Clear your "shower" head: Calcium tends to build up on shower heads.Here’s a quick fix. Pour a cup of white vinegar into a plastic baggie andsecure over your showerhead over night. In the morning, rinse clean!

Keep Tabs on ALL the Community News!Visit me today at:www.key-2-realestate.com

Summer Shrimp and Rice SaladTry this simple salad for a light, tasty summer meal!

Ingredients:

1 cup long grain rice 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 cup oil 2 tsp. dried dill weed 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 Tbsp. mustard 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1/2 lb. cooked shrimp, shelled and deveined, thawed if frozen 1/2 lb. sugar snap peas, blanched

Cook rice as directed on package. Then combine vinegar, oil, dill weed,salt, pepper, and mustard and mix well. Pour 2 Tbsp. of this dressing overthe hot rice and toss gently. Cover rice and refrigerate 1 hour or until cold.

In medium bowl, combine rice, green onions, shrimp, pea pods andremaining dressing; toss gently to combine. Spoon onto serving plates andgarnish with fresh lemon wedges.

Just A Note...Sweet summertime! Don’t you love this time of year? When the air is hotand the pace is slower and evenings on the porch seem “just right?” Evenin today’s economy when we are all working harder, there is stillsomething magical about summertime. What kind of memories will youmake this season? Will you travel to new places, see old friends andfaces or consider what many people today are calling a “stay-cation” or achance to just relax and unwind right here in your own home.

Helping people find the right homes all year round is one of the very bestparts of what I do. I get to help consumers just like you better understandreal estate buying, selling and investment. It’s not a small thing to trustsomeone with such a large decision, I know. It’s a privilege and honor Itake seriously every day.

Should you ever have any real estate questions or concerns or justwonder how today’s market may affect you and your family, simply pickup the phone. I'm here if you need me!

I wish you a very safe, blessed and memorable summer. Enjoy!

An Equal Housing Opportunity Broker. If Your House is Currently Listed, This is Not Intended As a Solicitation. This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only.

No reader should rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or to render specific advice.©1995-2013 ProspectsPLUS!®

Kimberly Bryan REALTOR®Douglas Realty8096 Edwin Raynor Blvd, Ste CPasadena, MD 21122

Cell: 443-996-5832Office: 410-975-4585key2realestate@mris.comwww.key-2-realestate.com