Staging New Hampshire

 

I see agents around me make mistakes with contracts all the time and dealing with people.

We all make mistakes in life. In general they are ok. Not that we want to make mistakes, particularly devastating, earth shattering mistakes but they are the exception rather than the rule.

Most mistakes are minor, somewhat annoying and we move on. Or do we?

Mistakes Can Be OK But Lessons Need To Be Learned.

That is where most people fall down. They DON'T GET the lesson from their mistake. In other words, don't do that again!! Like missing a question on a test early on in training and then NOT missing that question on the FINAL EXAM again. It may be an oversight in your growth that you tripped up the FIRST time. But don't make the mistake AGAIN.

It's your life to trip and stumble as much as you need or as slow as it takes for you to GET THE LESSON. It really is all up to your awareness and REALIZING you had gone astray. Do what is right and don't make the mistake the SECOND time.

Don't make me send Sister Mary Francis after you with her ruler!!!  LOL.

 

I tell my neighbors.  I tell my clients.  I tell everybody who will listen.  NEVER pressure wash a deck!  When the pressure-wash companies send their college kids to knock on my door to "wash" my deck, I tell them why they should not be doing that to decks!  When I see their trucks*, they advertise cleaning decks, patios, siding, roofs - you name it!  Don't do it!

The older the deck, the worse the wood reacts to pressure washing.  The big mistake is that companies and homeowners have a tendency to set the pressure way too high.  But even at low pressures the deck can become damaged.

What does pressure washing decks do?

• It removes loose material and leaves a gafillion dangerous splinters and gaps.  Those gaps open up further letting in more damaging sun and water.
  
• It removes the natural oils in the wood that are not replaced with sealants.
• It causes wood to dry quickly causing cupping and warping.
• It causes damage.
• It loosens nails as the wood expands.
• It can cause water to enter the house.

So what to do instead?

There are various, excellent, gentle cleansers out there.  Be sure to select cleansers that do not have caustic lye or acid, or say not to use around children, pets or water features.  A company called Dekswood makes an excellent cleanser that can be followed with sealants.  And the so-called "oxygen" cleansers, with the active ingredient of sodium percarbonate, are great and don't damage the wood, the kids or pets, the house or the yard.

You MUST seal your deck after cleaning.  The sun does more damage to your deck than rain and snow.  BE SURE TO USE A SEALANT THAT HAS UV INHIBITORS IN ADDITION TO WATER PROTECTION.  Read the label.  It will tell you what the contents are.  Water proofing alone is not enough.

My recommendation:  Keep your deck gently cleaned and protected and it will last many decades.  Not doing so makes it unsafe and age much faster.

* I once gave my spiel to a guy sitting in his company truck in a parking lot (with a smile on my face) and he told me he would NEVER pressure-wash his deck.  He said he sees what damage it can do later!

Little things have an impact--both positive and negative--on your home's appearance.  Read about two of the "little things".

 Below are two little things you can do to make a difference in your home--even if you aren't planning to sell:

•·         Positive Impact

It will not come as a surprise that fresh flowers are always welcome in a home, but to make them even more meaningful (not to mention more economical) pick seasonal bouquets from your own yard!  Believe it or not, this detail is often noticed and commented on by potential buyers.  They not only love the extra touch, but appreciate that it is something they can do without any additional expense when they purchase your property!  Make simple bouquets for the entry and as centerpieces on dining and kitchen tables.  Use single stems on bedroom nightstands and bathroom vanities.  Try using a different flower or different combination of flowers for each location.  Potential buyers, guests, and even you will appreciate and enjoy this "little thing".

•·         Negative Impact

Again, you won't be surprised to learn that "lots of little things" (aka clutter) have a negative impact on buyers.  But did you know that they can also have a negative impact on the people living in the home?  Try substituting one large item for every three to five smaller items throughout your house.  Do this with wall ornaments and art, collections on shelves, mantles and table surfaces.  The look will be simpler, and consequently calmer, to anyone observing or living with the "little things".

 Try this for yourself.  Remember, "Little things mean a lot!"

Submitted by Kim Dillon, ASP, Creative Eye Home Staging.  Creative Eye serves Chester County and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and parts of Maryland.