Hello Again! It has been a few days since I lasted posted here. I just wanted to give you a few more suggestions on how to prepare your home for selling.

Repair & Cleaning Checklist
Front Door:
Newly painted
Doorbell operating
Door brass polished
Hinges oiled
Exterior of House:
House recently painted
Gutters recently cleaned
Exterior lights operating
Missing shingles replaced
Moss removed from roof
Windows:
Window trims painted
Windows operating freely
Cracked windowpanes replaced
Windows washed
Driveway:
Resurfaced
Potholes patched
Recently sealed
Patios:
Wood stained or painted
Fencing secure
Lawn:
Lawn in good condition
Grass mowed
Edges trimmed
Trees/Shrubs:
Dead branches pruned
Dead shrubs replaced
Overgrown shrubs pruned
Entry:
Entry lights operating
Floors cleaned
Closet cleaned
Closet light operating
Living Room:
Recently painted
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
Wallpaper secured
Woodwork repainted
Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
Drapes/blinds opened
Carpets cleaned
Furniture positioned to show space
Kitchen:
Sink free of stains
No dripping faucets
Appliances in good working order
Walls, cabinets free of stains
Countertops cleared and cleaned
Pantry neatly arranged
Pantry hardware replaced
Refrigerator defrosted
Family Room:
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
Wallpaper secured
Woodwork repainted
Windows washed
Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
Windows operating freely
Drapes/blinds opened
Carpets cleaned
Hobby supplies put away
Bedrooms:
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
Wallpaper secured
Woodwork repaired
Windows washed
Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
Floor waxed/refinished
Carpets cleaned
Beds made
Laundry put away
Floor free from clutter
Basement:
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
No evidence of water penetration
Dampness removed
Cold water pipes covered
Dehumidifier installed
Sump pump installed
No musty odors
Drains cleared
Furnace cleaned
Storage neatly arranged
Excess storage removed
Floor swept
Light fixtures operating
Handrail secure
Stairway runner secure
Dining Room:
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
Wallpaper secured
Woodwork repaired
Windows washed
Drapes/blinds open to view
Floor waxed/refinished
Carpets cleaned
Bathrooms:
Sink stains removed
Leaky faucets repaired
Grouting stains removed
All joints caulked
Missing tiles replaced
All fixtures operating
Floors cleaned
New shower curtain
All supplies stored
Guest towels

I hope that you find some of these suggestions helpful in the preparation of your home for being sold!

Hello All! Here is another bit of personal advise from me to you!


Dress For Success Before you put your house on the market, its best to put a shine to it.The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference.Without investing in expensive and time-consuming renovation and redecoration,it's still possible to show your home to its very best advantage.
Curb Appeal That first impression when prospective buyers drive up is very important.If they don't find the outside appealing, they won't be interested in seeing what's inside.
The Yard Mowed lawns, trimmed shrubbery and clean windows are a start.Planting a few flowers or plants can do a lot to a front yard.Fertilize and water the lawn and plants thoroughly 2-3 weeks before putting the house on the market.Clean up oil spots on the driveway. Make sure the garage door opens easily.Swimming pools should be clean along with the pump and filters.Clean up and throw away any junk or items laying around the yard.Now is a good time to have a yard sale, get rid of those items that you don't planto take with you. Do this before you put your house on the market to greatly reduce the "detrimental clutter look". Start packing away little things that you don't use everyday.Recycle magazines, newspapers, bottles, cans and so on.Pet droppings can easily turn the buyer back to the front door.
The Exterior If your house could use a paint job and you don't have the time or money, some times hosing it off(from the bottom up) and repainting the trim will update the entire facade.At least paint the side facing the street.A clean front porch with a fresh looking front door that opens smoothly is a must .Any broken windows should be fixed now as they will most likely be before closing.A few gallons of stain or paint can add real impact to a fence.
The InteriorInside, everything should be spotless.Spending $100 to have someone do heavy "spring cleaning" if needed can bring a return many times over in the sales price and time on the market.A fresh coat of light colored paint on the walls is always recommended.Painting only the trim and the doors will add a lot.Check to see that all doors open and close freely. Oil any squeaky doors.Replace any burned out light bulbs. Brighter lights enhance many rooms.Steam clean the carpets if new carpeting is not possible and to help eliminate any pet odors. Wash and wax linolium floors. Repair or replace damaged or missing tiles.Bathrooms should sparkle. Remove soap scum and mildew. Replace old looking toilet seats. Kitchens should be clean and bright. Clean oven and stove top. Exhaust fans should be free of grease and dust. Clear all unnecessary objects from the countertops.Keep curtains and blinds open and interior lights on for a bright warm cozy feeling.Store stuff and clutter under beds, not in closets.
Focus RoomsBuyers react most strongly to kitchens, bathrooms and closets, so it pays to concentrate your efforts here.Sometimes just switching door handles, knobs, and light switch plates is a dramatic improvement. Replacing new shower curtains and sink faucets can pay off.
Tip Preview the competition's open houses to see what you are up against in both pricingand condition. Potential buyers will be previewing these and more.
In General Try to look at your house "through the buyer's eyes" as though you've never seen it before.

More than 20,000 Americans die every year after accidents in their homes. And, each year, 3 million more children and adults become disabled because of accidents at home. These are alarming numbers. But, what’s more alarming is that thousands of these deaths and injuries may be prevented. Easter Seals and the CENTURY 21® System are working together to make everyone aware of some easy and important home safety tips. Take a few moments to check
out your own home. This family checklist identifies some of the most common hazards, which will help you find and correct them. For almost 30 years, the CENTURY 21 System has supported Easter Seals’ work to help children and adults with disabilities live fuller lives. But, whenever we can, we’d like to help families know how to prevent disabilities from happening in the home.


CHECK FOR THE BASICS
THROUGHOUT YOUR HOME

■ Do you have emergency numbers next to the phone?
■ Is there a stepladder handy?
■ Are electrical outlets exposed? They can be covered
if unused.
■ Are extension cords frayed? Replace them.
■ Do you check electrical outlets to be sure they’re
not overloaded?
■ Do you know where the circuit breaker or fuse box
is? Do you have spares?
■ Do you know how to turn off the electricity and gas
in an emergency?
■ Is your hot water heater set at 120° F or below?
■ Do you have fresh batteries in the smoke detector
and the carbon monoxide detector?
■ Is your fire extinguisher ready to use?
■ Are your floors non-skid?
■ Are your floor coverings and rugs secure?
■ Do you have protective screens in front of fireplaces?
■ Are candles kept away from walls and curtains?
■ Do interior doors have safety release locks so they
can open from either side?
■ If there are small children in your home, are
windows and screens secure?
■ Is lead-free paint used on all surfaces?
■ Are furnaces and flues regularly inspected and
cleaned?
■ Are guns unloaded and locked up?
■ Does everyone know two ways to exit your home?


Congratulations for every “yes.” For every “no,” please correct the problem quickly. You’ll be making your home sweet home a home safe home.

For more information on making your home safe,
visit www.easterseals.com/easyaccess

Good Morning! I am a bit behind on my work htis morning so I will keep this short! Have a great day and enjoy the GREAT weather we are having.

Today is Tuesday, however, I have it stuck in my head that it is Wednesday. I used to take off on Tuesday to be home with the kids. We have changed that day to friday now, so I am still trying to get used to working on Tuesdays. Anyway, I want to make some comments about this time of the year regarding people wanting to put there houses on the market in the spring. I had a client contact me yesturday to start the preparation of there home for potential sale in the early spring. THAT was the best thing that they could have done. NOW is the time to start making the little updates or repairs that your home might need to make it the most desirable in order to get the highest possible selling price. I know a lot of people think that if they put there house up on the market in the spring it will look better since things will be blooming etc.. This may be true however, most peoples home need a little shall we say "touch up" work to look it's best. Things like paint, inside and out makes a world of difference. Cleaning out the "clutter" that we all have, and fixing the small little things like a leaky faucet or something along those lines. If you don't start working on those things now ans wait until the spring, your house is not going to be the first and best out there! The early bird gets the worm as they say. Let me know if you need any help along these lines, I would be happy to help! Have a GREAT day!

Hello Again! Again another day of excitement, today is my daughters 1st birthday!! We have a few days of parties to come. My father in laws birthday is next week as well. Thankfully my friend who had brain surgery yesterday seems to be doing well, as well as can be expected anyway. What a relief for her family, she has a long road of recovery ahead of her though. I have to admit that I freaking hate paper cuts! I got one on the top of my ring finger last night and it is stinging like crazy today!!!! Take care and have a great day!

Hello! Today is my sons 3rd birthday. I am so excited for him, I remember how special birthdays used to be for me when I was younger, now, only a little exciting. He is really getting itthis year, he knows it is a special day and he is singing happy birthday to himself, it's so cute. We will be having a party weekend. Tomorrow is my daughters first birthday so we have lots of celebrating to do! Have a great day!!

Today is cold but sunny, unlike yesterday, it was pouring! I took a ride to visit a friend who is in the hospital waiting to have brain surgery. I have to admit that I have never been to North Shore L.I.J. hospital before. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in, everyone was so helpful and kind. Making sure that no one was lost or needed some assistance. I must have heard at least 5 people that work with the hospital give directions to people, and happily at that. I am so used to small townsville here in Riverhead where the hospital is sooooo small. I know my way around it in my sleep. LIJ is huge in comparison to Riverheads Central Suffolk. I don't really like going to the hospital since usually it is not for a good reason. I must admit that the visit was as pleasant as it could be.

Hello and welcome to my new Blog! I am so excited to get this started for a few reasons! First I get the opportunity to say what I want with this open space, the other I get the chance to let everyone know a bit more about myself. I am in Real Estate and have a family so I must of course learn to balance both. I hope to make you laugh or even just smile through out this. Please enjoy and give me feedback and post comments!