Your Home, Your Life, 2016

Your Home Your Life2016

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How to prepare your home for prospective buyers MetroCreative

Selling a home can be exciting. Homeowners who made considerable financial commitments when buying their homes may be anxious when the time comes to get returns on their investments, but selling a hope need not be so nerve-racking.

Buyers’ tastes often dictate their interest in a home. For example, no matter how immaculate homeowners may keep their colonials, such homes won’t appeal much to buyers looking for a traditional Cape Cod cottage-style home. But while you might not be able to change your home’s architecture to appeal to the masses, there are steps you can take to make your home more appealing to buyers whose dream home more closely resembles your own.

· Address curb appeal. Curb appeal goes a long way toward creating a lasting first impression, so homeowners can start by driving up to their homes and looking at them through the eyes of prospective buyers. Address the landscape if it needs some TLC, and power wash siding if it’s appearing a little dirty. Examine your driveway for cracks and consider installing a new surface if the existing one is more of an eyesore than eye-catching. Finally, clear the yard of toys and tools before nailing the “For Sale” sign into the ground, as a cluttered yard will give buyers the impression that you did not prioritize keeping a clean and presentable home.

· Clear out the clutter. Some sellers stage their homes when

putting them up for sale. But staging might not be an option for sellers who are still living in their homes and intend to do so until they find buyers. If you can’t stage your home, then do your best to remove clutter, including extra pieces of furniture you might have accumulated over the years that can make rooms seem smaller. Box up any books that no longer fit on bookshelves, and try to keep common areas like family rooms, hallways and kids’ playrooms as open and clean as possible so the rooms appear roomy and relaxing.

· Let the light shine in. Dark homes are less appealing to prospective buyers, many of whom have no interest in living in caves that are void of natural sunlight. When showing your home, make sure all of the curtains are drawn and the blinds or shades are up. If trees or shrubs outside windows are blocking natural light from getting inside, consider trimming them so your home appears sunnier and more inviting. Bright homes tend to feel more spacious, so fix any light fixtures that need fixing and even add small lamps in rooms that could use some extra light.

· Tackle that to-do list. It’s easy for a home’s residents to grow accustomed to certain minor problems, such as a doorknob that always sticks or a creaky kitchen cabinet door. But buyers might be turned off by too many of these minor problems and wonder if any larger and more expensive issues also went ignored. Before showing your home, address all those minor repairs on your to-do list.

Lewiston ID – March 29, 2016 – Barry Wardell, Sr. Vice-President of Assist-2-Sell Franchise Operations congratulates Debbie Lee and her team who have been named #1 of all Assist-2-Sell offi ces in North America in overall sales for the previous year. Wardell said, “This is something to cheer about and it is also a testament to the exceptional quality of service they provide to their clients.”

As a full-service real estate brokerage, Assist-2-Sell’s team of

experienced brokers and agents handle everything throughout the entire process of selling a home. That includes pricing the home; advertising and marketing online and offl ine; showing the home to prospective buyers; working with other local brokers and agents; and managing all of the paperwork and the closing.

In response to Mr. Wardell, Debbie states, “My agents and I worked very hard last year, so I was really proud to accept the #1 producing offi ce award. It’s something that will help keep

us motivated in 2016. Last year, we focused on providing great customer service and saving home sellers a lot of money. And we’re going to keep focusing on those things again this year.”

“It really is a great time to buy a home. Some of the best deals that I have ever seen are right now. The selection of houses is not as abundant as it was; with interest rates still at all-time lows, properties that are priced right are being sold in less time,” commented Lee.

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Make a home offer they can’t refuse MetroCreative

Buying a home can be very competitive. A well-main-tained property with all of the bells and whistles that today’s buyers demand figures to attract many offers, and buyers who have found their dream homes must be prepared to make an offer that sellers can’t refuse.

Standing out in a sea of other potential home buyers is not always so easy, but there are steps buyers can take to ensure their offer is the one sellers ultimately accept.

· Get preapproved for a mortgage. Sellers’ patience may wear thin with buyers who are not preapproved for a mortgage when making their offers. Preapproval can speed up the selling process, as buyers won’t need to secure financing afterward. When sellers re-ceive multiple offers on their homes, they are more likely to sell their homes to buyers whose financing is already lined up as opposed to buyers who have to scramble to secure loans.

· Establish a strong rapport with the sellers. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to develop emotional attachments to their homes, and buyers should keep that in mind when viewing a home and ne-gotiating their purchase. Sellers won’t want to hear about how ugly a home is or how much money buyers will have to spend to bring the home up to their standards. While buyers must weigh such variables when making their offers, keep it as cordial as possible and avoid any inflammatory remarks during the negotiation process. Sellers

may be more likely to accept a lower offer from a buyer they like than a higher offer from someone they don’t like.

· Don’t delay an inspection. When a property is drawing sig-nificant interest, buyers can set their offers apart from the rest by arranging for a near-immediate inspection. Some buyers may want sellers to give them a couple of weeks to arrange for an inspection, and that may irritate sellers who want to sell their homes as quickly as possible. Have an inspector ready to perform an inspection within days of making your offer.

· Include an escalation clause. When making an offer on a home, prospective buyers can include an escalation clause. Such a clause acknowledges that a potential buyer is willing to increase his or her initial offer by a predetermined amount to exceed any bids that are higher than that initial offer. When sellers trigger such clauses, they are often required to show the other offers they re-ceived that triggered the escalation clause. Escalation clauses show the sellers you really want the house while keeping potential buyers’ hopes of buying the home alive when the bids are competi-tive.

Prospective home buyers may find themselves in some stiff com-petition upon finding their dream homes. But a few simple strategies can make their offers stand out and increase their chances of buy-ing their ideal homes.

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Exterior lighting improves the safety and appearance of a home MetroCreative

When drafting a to-do list for home improvements that can increase home value and appeal, several renovations may be atop homeowners’ lists. While kitchen or bathroom remodels may be popular renovations, homeowners also should consider

outdoor lighting schemes that can make homes safer and more alluring.

Outdoor lighting serves various purposes. Such lighting can draw attention to more impressive parts of a property. In addition, such lighting can improve security and deter criminals.

To get started, homeowners should first examine the exteriors of their homes and make note of existing lighting and where improvements can be made. If you’re not sure where to begin, speak with an electrician or a landscape designer, each of whom can offer suggestions on lighting and which options are the best fit for your particular property.

Next, you’ll want to consider efficiency and function. The United States Department of Energy suggests incorporating energy-efficient lighting, including energy-saving LED bulbs or fluorescent lights, into your plans. Timers and other automatic controls can prevent waste by turning lights on only when they are needed. Solar lights can be used as accent lights, further saving energy.

Beauty

When addressing aesthetics, think about the appeal of an accented landscape. Include lights to frame the front door and call attention to certain elements, such as decorative trees or water features. Use lights to light up deck stairways or to accent planters. Speak with a lighting professional about how to position lights to cover the most territory in the most attractive way possible.

Safety

Safety is an important consideration when improving a home. Lighting can help illuminate potential hazards or draw attention to borders or property boundaries. Navigating in the dark can be treacherous, so put lights along pathways and near pools or spas.

Be sure that lights will clearly mark other walkways around your home, such as those leading from doors to the yard or from the garage to where trash and recycling pails are kept. If a design element such as a bridge over a water feature or a particular ornamental tree or shrub is difficult to navigate in the dark, use lights to improve visibility.

Security

Added security is another reason to install more exterior lighting. Dark homes are attractive to burglars. Eliminate dark corners by lighting up areas where thieves may be able to gain access to your home. This includes areas near doorways and ground-level windows. Install motion-sensor lights in such areas so you are not wasting energy.

Lighting may not only deter human intruders, but also it can scare away animals. A raccoon, skunk or opossum may think twice about hanging around your home when your property is bathed in a spotlight.

Revamping exterior lighting elements can improve the safety and the look of a home.

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Spring swimming pool installation tips MetroCreative

Now that the weather is warming up, many homeowners’ thoughts are drifting toward relaxing days spent soaking up some sun by the pool. Early spring is a great time to install a pool so the family has a go-to hangout by the time summer arrives.

Installing a pool is a large financial investment, and homeowners considering adding a pool should not take that decision lightly. When attempting to determine if a pool is for them, homeowners may want to ask themselves the following questions.

Is my yard suitable for a pool?

Some yards may not be large enough for pools, while others may not meet the zoning requirements set forth by the town. Still other yards may have soil that’s not suitable for putting in an inground pool, or may have a high water table that can delay construction.

What is the average weather?

Will a pool be enjoyed enough to warrant the cost? Homeowners who live in areas that get many hot days will likely get their money’s worth. But if the climate suggests that a pool will sit unused more often than not, perhaps a pool is not the best investment.

Can we afford it?

A pool can range from a few hundred dollars for inflatable or self-installing models to many thousands for elaborate inground designs.

You budget will dictate which type of pool you can afford to install.

How will we use the pool?

Decide if you’re putting in a pool for the kids, to entertain the family or to make an architectural statement in the yard. Having a clear sense of purpose will help to guide the decision-making process.

Who will maintain the pool?

Many homeowners tackle the day-to-day maintenance required to keep their pools clean and safe. Others hire pool cleaners to maintain their pools and ensure the water is properly balanced. Maintenance can cost additional money, so consider this potential cost when determining if a pool is for you.

Are there any safety concerns?

Parents of young children may be hesitant to install a pool, but today’s pool installation codes consider many of the potential hazards of a pool and attempt to eliminate them. Fences surrounding inground pools with self-locking gates, as well as locking ladders for above-ground pools can eliminate accidental falls into unattended pools. Your municipality will have a list of requirements for pools, so peruse the list prior to making your final decision.

If the decision has been made to move ahead with a pool, it can be helpful to understand a few facts about the process of installing a pool.

Always work with a pool-installation company that has earned positive reviews and has a stellar record of service. While this does not guarantee that the job will not encounter problems, contractors with glowing reviews tend to have earned those reviews. Read reviews from unbiased, online customers as well as any friends or family members who have used a particular pool company.

It’s important that homeowners recognize that the installation of a pool may require some heavy machinery, which can damage lawns. Fence panels may have to be removed to let in excavation equipment. Sand, soil backfill or gravel may be needed to level out a landscape, and things may get noisy and messy when the installation hits full swing.

Some homeowners can handle installing above-ground pools on their own, but less DIY-savvy homeowners may want to leave the installation to a professional installer to ensure the job is done right.

Always secure the proper permits and inspections prior to using the pool. This not only ensures the safety of swimmers, but also guarantees the pool is legal.

Backyard swimming pools make for an enjoyable place to congregate when the weather is hot. Follow a few guidelines and ask the necessary questions to make a pool installation go more smoothly.

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Factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood MetroCreative

When shopping for a home, it’s easy for buyers to fall in love with a property. A well-maintained home with updated features can be hard to resist, but buyers must consider more than just a home’s appearance before submitting an offer.

Many buyers even value neighborhoods more than homes, feeling they can always fix a home but cannot necessarily fix an undesirable neighborhood. When considering which neighborhood to begin a home search, buyers should research a host of factors.

Crime: Crime statistics are public domain, meaning buyers can examine crime figures for any neighborhood where they are considering buying a home. Some real estate websites list neighborhood crime ratings among the information they offer about a given property. In addition, buyers interested in learning about crime in a given neighborhood can visit a site such as CrimeReports.com to access data on crimes committed near a particular address.

Home values: Home values are another factor to consider when choosing a neighborhood in which to buy a home. Buyers can work with a local realtor to find a neighborhood or area where real estate prices are trending upwards. While buyers might be able to find a great deal on a home in a neighborhood where home prices are dropping, it’s important to remember those home prices are

dropping for a reason. Work with your realtor to find a neighborhood where you can afford a home and where property values are not in decline. Realtors will have access to recent sales figures so you can get an idea of whether a neighborhood is trending upward or in decline.

Amenities: The proximity of amenities such as shopping, restaurants and parks is attractive to many buyers, and that’s something all buyers should consider before buying a home. Even if you prefer a home in a remote location, that could limit your market of buyers when you want to sell the home down the road. While your own comfort and preferences should ultimately prevail over potential resale value, it’s important that you at least consider access to amenities before making a decision. You might be able to find a compromise in a home that is a short drive away from a town center, but still remote enough that you are not in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

Commute: Quality of life is heavily influenced by commute time. Many men and women feel their quality of life improves dramatically the shorter their daily commute is. When considering a particular neighborhood, do a test run before making an offer on a home. Wake up early and drive to the area where you are thinking of buying, and then commute from there during rush hour. Also, do the reverse commute come quitting time.

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10 YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE April 24, 2016 April 24, 2016 YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE 11

Debbie Lee (Broker/Owner)[email protected]

Dick [email protected]

Diane [email protected]

Francis [email protected]

Kylee [email protected]

RIVER CITIESRIVER CITIES

Rick CraneCRS, GRI, Broker [email protected]

RIVER CITIES RIVER CITIESRIVER CITIES

Cam Bickford509-254-1877cambickford@assist2sell.comLewistonClarkstonHomes.com

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Teresa [email protected]

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Financing to make you feel at homeChoosing a lender and the right home mortgage consultant is as important as choosing a mortgage. A powerful combination is imperative for you today and tomorrow. Backed by Wells Fargo, you can expect the best possible service from us to help you:

• Plan effectively • Purchase confidently• Own successfully

You’ll find loan options for most kinds of home financing needs. Plus resources to help you prepare for homeownership and feel more comfortable in today’s real estate market

Contact us today!

Crystal NelsonHome Mortgage Consultant208-791-4422crystal.d.nelson@wellsfargo.comwww.wfhm.com/crystal-nelson1NMLSR ID 189090

Teresa D KoepkeHome Mortgage Consultant208-305-5904teresa.d.koepke@wellsfargo.comwww.teresakoepke.comNMLSR ID 755325

Wesley Lloyd GossageBranch [email protected] ID 400369

Jody LauzonHome Mortgage [email protected]/jody-lauzonNMLSR ID 400375

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS1543580 Expires 03/2017


Top 5 home projects to help you save money MetroCreative

It’s remodeling season, and with so many projects on the to-do list, which should you tackle first? While some projects provide great long-term return on investment, a few simple ones can provide instant

savings. Here are the top home spring projects to help you save money:

Caulk around windows and doors - Stop air leaks around your home by sealing existing gaps and cracks. Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door sweep is also a good idea.

Insulate your home - Use insulation with a high R-value, such as Roxul Comfortbatt, which can be used to top up insulation in your attic. Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches. For whole home efficiency, ensure other areas of your home, such as crawl spaces, basement headers, walls and ceilings, are well insulated. It will keep your house cool in the warm weather and take the stress off your air conditioning unit.

Clean your AC unit - Come spring, it’s not uncommon to find an air conditioner’s condenser and compressor blocked up with

dirt and debris. This can result in greater stress on the unit, causing it to work harder. Giving it a thorough cleaning is easy and can help maximize your AC unit’s service life while minimizing your energy bill.

Plant trees - Direct sunlight can heat up surfaces and building materials, as well as the interior temperature of your home. Consider planting trees in strategic locations to provide shade and reduce cooling costs.

Install a rain barrel - Water is an important, but costly resource. Installing a rain barrel is an easy and affordable measure to reduce your water consumption, while keeping your lawn

and garden looking great.

These simple home maintenance tasks can be well worth the effort, potentially providing hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

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Tips for first-time home buyers MetroCreative

Buying a home for the first time is an exciting period in a person’s life. The process of buying a home is rarely easy, and first-time buyers may feel overwhelmed at times. Such feelings are perfectly normal and felt by first-time buyers regardless of their budgets or home

preferences. But there are a few ways to make buying a home more enjoyable than it is nerve-wracking.

· Examine your finances. The first step toward buying a home has nothing to do with deciding if you prefer a craftsman- or Tudor-style home. Before you even begin your search for a home, carefully examine your finances to determine how much is coming in and how much is going out of your household each month. Figure out how much debt you are currently carrying, be it student loan, automotive, consumer or any other types of debt. Order a credit report so you can see how prospective lenders are likely to see you, and address any errors you find on the report before meeting with any lenders. Peruse past bank statements to track your spending habits, looking for areas where you might be able to scale back if need be.

· Be prepared when visiting lenders. Prospective borrowers can make the home-buying process go smoothly by having all of the necessary documentation ready when visiting potential lenders. Many mortgage lenders will want to see some recent pay stubs (from both borrowers if buying with a spouse or partner), a couple

years’ worth of W-2s and tax returns, as well as your recent bank statements. You can always call ahead and ask lenders what they need to see when applying for a loan. Having these materials ready in advance means you will spend less time at the bank and more time finding the right home for you.

· Secure financing before you begin house hunting. Many first-time home buyers might not realize the benefits of securing financing before they begin looking for a home. Mortgage preapproval lets buyers know how much a bank will loan them, meaning they won’t spend time looking at homes they can’t afford. In addition, preapproval means buyers won’t lose out on their dream homes as they scramble to secure financing after making an offer.

· Work with a local real estate agent. Real estate agents are an invaluable resource to home buyers and are especially valuable to those buyers who have never before purchased a home. Agents can help first-time buyers navigate the often confusing and, at times, disappointing process of buying a home. Choose an agent who is established in the area where you want to buy a home. He or she can provide information about local property taxes and schools as well as a multitude of additional issues that first-time buyers may not think of. Agents also know the lay of the land regarding home prices, which can ease first-time buyers’ fears about overpaying for their first homes.

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Bret Wilson

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MarilynWilson(509) 751-7887

PamTrees

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TysonSmith(208) 305-3308

BarbaraOlsen(208) 553-8328

KathyParsells(208) 791-7298

PamelaRoueche(509) 254-1153

JudyHiggins

(208) 750-5839

KenMiller(208) 791-6101

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Host a successful open house MetroCreative

When selling their homes, homeowners can employ several strategies in an effort to drum up interest among potential buyers. One such strategy is to host an open house, which invites prospective buyers to tour the property. Whether working with a

realtor or listing homes on their own, homeowners can follow a few simple tips to ensure their open house is a success.

· Generate publicity online. Nowadays many prospective home buyers do the bulk of their research via their computers and devices. By advertising their open houses online, sellers have the potential to reach a wide array of buyers. Many real estate agents employ sites such as Zillow.com and Trulia.com to promote open houses and showcase properties, so sellers can make sure their agents are taking advantage of these wildly popular sites. Some even allow sellers to list their homes on apps that buyers can peruse on their smartphones.

· Generate publicity in traditional ways as well. Traditional publicity should not be overlooked when promoting an open house. A $5 “Open House” lawn sign is an effective and inexpensive way to attract buyers who are driving through desirable neighborhoods looking for their next homes. While the Internet is a valuable resource to promote your open house, the sheer volume of online listings can make it hard to reach potential buyers. A traditional lawn sign and

a listing in your local newspaper are budget-friendly promotional opportunities that can generate interest in your open house.

· Invite your neighbors. Neighbors can be great salesmen for your home and the community where you live. Invite friendly neighbors to your open house and encourage them to chat with prospective buyers. Buyers will appreciate neighbors’ firsthand knowledge about the community, and their friendliness can help to create a strong first impression that increases buyer interest in your home.

· Consider some changes to your home decor. When hosting an open house, you might not need to go so far as to stage your home, but you may want to make some changes to the decor to make your home more neutral and appealing to buyers from all walks of life. Remove any potentially controversial artwork or decorative items, replacing them with more neutral items that won’t offend or distract any potential buyers.

· Leave the hosting to the professionals. Unless you’re selling the home on your own, resist the temptation to attend your open house. Let your realtor do the work. Your absence can make it easier for potential buyers to see themselves in your home, while your presence may make them uncomfortable or hesitant to explore the property and ask any questions.

Windermere All Star Realty 132 Thain Rd., Ste. 102 , Lewiston, ID 83501 208-798-7777 www.windermereallstar.com

Marilou AubertinBroker/Owner

Bill Carpenter208-983-6164

Brian Wilson208-305-6257

Jennifer Cicrich208-791-4444

Ken Hobart208-791-8178

Valerie Hobart208-791-4191

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Things to consider before buying an investment property MetroCreative

Real estate can be an incredibly fruitful investment. Buying a property at the right time can provide investors with a substantial return when they decide to sell, and that opportunity compels many men and women to consider investing in real estate.

While there’s no denying real estate can yield a great return on buyers’ initial investments, there’s more to making money in real estate than simply buying a property and waiting for its value to rise. Buyers who are thinking of investing in real estate should consider a host of factors before purchasing an investment property.

Price trends: Recent sale activity in a given town or neighborhood is something prospective real estate investors should study before buying an investment property. Would-be real estate investors can explore real estate websites such as Zillow.com for recent sale information, which may also be available through local government agencies. Such data can be invaluable, showing potential investors which neighborhoods are in demand and which may be in decline.

Taxes: Investment properties are not eligible for as many tax benefits as primary residences. However, landlords can write off repairs, management costs and other fees associated with rental properties. But it’s not just their own tax bill prospective investors should consider before buying an investment property. Many

potential buyers down the road may prefer a property in an area where property taxes are relatively low, so even if you can afford the tax on the investment property, you may find buyers are unwilling to assume that burden when you put the property up for sale in the future.

Location: Prospective real estate investors no doubt know the value of location with regard to real estate, but if you can’t afford to buy in a neighborhood that’s currently hot, that does not necessarily mean you can’t still capitalize on that area’s popularity. When a town becomes popular, its property values rise, and many buyers find themselves just barely priced out. When that happens, the surrounding towns tend to become the next hot neighborhood, as these areas are nearly as close to the attractions that make the initial neighborhood so desirable. Buying on the outskirts of a hot neighborhood can set you up to benefit nicely when that area gets too pricey.

Schools: School systems should be examined even if you do not have children. In a recent Trulia.com survey of American home buyers, 35 percent of respondents with children under age 18 indicated they want to live in great school districts. GreatSchools.org has profiles of 200,000 public, public charter and private preK-12 schools. Investors can use the GreatSchools.org search engine to find information about local schools and school systems so they can better position themselves to buy properties in areas that will appeal to buyers down the road.

Real estate can be a fruitful investment, and investors who want to benefit the most from their properties will explore various factors before purchasing a home or homes.

Did you know? MetroCreative

According to the National Association of Realtors® 2015 Profile of Home Staging, 49 percent of realtors representing buyers say home staging impacts most buyers’ final decisions.

Home staging is the act of preparing a home for sale by presenting it in such a way as to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Professional staging firms often address a home’s interior to reduce clutter and rearrange furniture with a goal toward making a strong impression on prospective buyers during open house events or private showings.

The NAR Profile found that the living room is the most important room to stage followed by the kitchen and the master bedroom. Eighty-one percent of realtors said staged homes make it easier for prospective buyers to visualize properties as their future homes.

In addition, 10 percent of realtors said homes decorated against buyers’ tastes will negatively impact the homes’ values, further emphasizing the potential benefit of staging homes rather than showcasing existing homeowners’ personal preferences.

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How to make older homes more energy efficient MetroCreative

Replacing old or inadequate insulation is one way that homeowners can make older homes more energy efficient. Older properties tend to have a sense of charm that newly built homes may lack. What older homes have in character they may lack in modern

amenities. For example, whereas many homes are now built with energy efficiency in mind, older homes may not be so eco-friendly. Fortunately, there are many ways for homeowners who love their older homes to keep that love going strong while making their homes more energy efficient at the same time.

· Check for leaks and plug any you find. Homes may develop air leaks over time, and such leaks allow air to infiltrate the home. When that occurs, homeowners instinctively turn up the thermostat in winter to combat the cold air getting in. Come summertime, those same homeowners will run their air conditioners on a higher setting in an effort to stay comfortable when hot air is creeping through the cracks. Rather than adjusting the temperature inside, fix any sources of air infiltration you find. Run your hand along doorways and windows to determine if any drafts are coming through. Older homes may also develop cracks in bricks, around the foundation and in siding or stucco. Seal any areas where you feel air infiltrating your home, which will save money, reduce your energy consumption and make your older home more efficient.

· Add insulation. Many older homes are poorly insulated. But according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, adding insulation can reduce energy costs by as much as 50 percent. Older homes may be lacking adequate insulation around attics, crawl spaces, basements, heating and cooling ducts, and water pipes. Cover your water heater with an insulated water heater blanket so the heater retains more heat and consumes less energy to heat the water.

· Stay on top of your home. Much like older vehicles, older homes require a little extra TLC on the part of homeowners. Don’t allow your home to fall into disrepair. Even if your energy bills are not on the rise, inspect windows and doors to make sure they are closing tightly, as over time such seemingly minor problems can add up to substantial energy loss. Don’t forget to clean gutters and downspouts, removing debris that can add up and lead to water damage that may ultimately compromise the effectiveness of your home’s insulation.

· Book an energy audit. Energy audits, which may be offered free of charge by your utility company, can help detect any additional areas where a home may be using energy inefficiently. Even if you have to pay for an audit, the cost savings if any additional inefficiencies are discovered will likely add up to more than the cost of the audit.

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Inexpensive ways to boost a home’s curb appeal MetroCreative

Maintaining plant life on a property won’t cost homeowners a lot of money, but such an effort can add substantial curb appeal to a home.

Curb appeal can go a long way toward making a home more attractive to its inhabitants as well as prospective buyers once the house is put on the market. Improving curb appeal is a goal for many homeowners, and while many projects aimed at making homes more aesthetically appealing can be costly, there are ways for cost-conscious homeowners to improve their properties without breaking the bank.

· Put your green thumb to use. A well-maintained landscape can dramatically improve a home’s curb appeal. Pay attention to the plants, shrubs and trees throughout your property, watering them during periods of little rainfall and trimming them when necessary so your lawn does not look like an overgrown, neglected suburban jungle. Professional landscaping services can help you maintain your property, but even if your budget does not allow for such an expense, you can still make sure your landscape adds to your home’s appeal by keeping a watchful eye on the property and

addressing any issues that arise. Maintain your lawn through the colder months of the year as well, making sure no one walks on the grass when frost has settled, as doing so can produce dead spots throughout the lawn.

· Redo your front door. While their eyes may initially be

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drawn to a well-manicured lawn, prospective buyers will eventually find their way to the front door. If your door is especially old, consider replacing it. If your budget does not allow for such an expense, you can still give your home’s front entrance an entirely new look by installing some inexpensive molding around the door before giving the door a fresh coat of paint. Molding around the front door can make an entrance more impressive, while a new coat of paint can make a home feel warmer and more vibrant.

· Plant flowers. Another inexpensive way to make a home more appealing is to plant some colorful flowers around the property. Line walkways with flowers native to your region, as such plants will last longer than exotic alternatives that may not be capable of adapting to the local climate. In addition to lining walkways, hang window boxes filled with colorful flowers or plants outside naked windows. Doing so can make windows seem larger and add some color to your home’s exterior.

Another creative way to make use of colorful flowers is to place a few planters at the foot of your driveway and painting the numbers of your address on the planters. This can be both effortless and inexpensive, but it can instantly make a home more inviting to prospective buyers.

· Spotlight certain parts of your property. Many homeowners focus on improving the curb appeal of their

property during the daytime hours, but you can take steps to make a home more appealing at night as well. Solar spotlights placed around trees and other attractive features in your yard can shed light on those areas of your property you’re most proud of, even after the sun has gone down. Solar spotlights won’t add to your energy bill, as they are powered by the sun, and they can make certain accents on your property stand out at night.

Improving curb appeal may sound like a significant undertaking, but there are many ways budget-conscious homeowners can make their home’s exterior more appealing without going broke.

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Get to know some of the team!Ever wonder what our Realtors®

did before they were in Real Estate?

Debbie Asplund (208) 791-3339

Jessica Bean (509) 552-6599

Kathy Hollingshead (208) 413-1738

Beverly Ausman (509) 751-6256

Joyce Keefer (208) 305-7401

Ronda Laybourn (208) 413-0197

Laurie Fitzgerald (208) 791-8404

Gary Bergen(208) 816-1750

Tami Sweeney(208) 305-6639(509) 751-7274

Stephanie Rogers(509) 780-7719

Tami Meyers (509) 552-9492

Shelly Miles (208) 816-1477

Rolly Phillips (208) 305-6365

Lacey Port (509) 552-1211

“I scooped ice cream at Baskin Robbins in

high school, but started my career as a

licensed contractor and business

owner.”

“I didn’t enjoy life near as much!”

“I graduated

arts in interior design and worked as a

full-time interior designer.”

“I held several positions in the community, which taught me valuable les-sons I use everyday to

best represent my clients.”

“ I never felt the joy you get from helping a young couple buy their

“I was Mrs. PTA at Webster School for

15 years.”

“I worked in a real

manager ‘ s assistant and learned a lot about the workings of real estate.”

“I did Marketing & Property Management,

but my most memorable time in life was in a commune in

California!Peace Baby!!!”

“I was a portrait photographer, and still

am! I also coached girls volleyball.”

“I studied aboutReal E state in high school . ”

“I was the captain of the Lewiston Fire Department for 25 years before

I retired.”

“ I was going to school to be come a teacher

...and had time to watch HGTV !”

“I had an in-home daycare and

managed rental properties.”

“I worked at Jay Jacobs clothing at

Town Square Mall, and I also worked at UPS

while attending LCSC.”

“I sold sewing machines & vacuum cleaners at our family business, worked

at a print shop & was head of a shoe dept.”

Wendy PriceBroker/Owner

“Viewed open houses dreaming of

selling and eventually

Your Home, Your Life, 2016

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Transcript of Your Home, Your Life, 2016