A Word of Caution to my Readers: Be Careful Of What You Post On Those Social Networking Sites

New warnings are coming out about posting too much information about yourself on the popular social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc. Whether you are just posting for personal contact or for professional marketing purposes, revealing too much about your personal life, your family, and your business can also provide ammunition to stalkers, thieves, former clients who may be unhappy about your service, or others who wish to cause harm against you. Become familiar with the websites privacy settings before posting anything. Anything you type into your computer can potentially be there for everyone to view, so don’t put any information online that you do not want the world to see.

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Use Caution When Removing Leaded Paint

Experts are warning again about the dangers of removing leaded paint products in your home. If your home was constructed prior to 1978, there is a 75% chance that there is leaded paint somewhere on the walls. Take heed, as this would be true of many of our homes in the older Portland Homes for sale. Leaded paint is not harmless until you go to remove it. Take all precautions when sanding or removing the paint. 

Check with your city’s building department regarding any regulations regarding the removal and disposal of leaded paint chips and air dust.

Faced with strict local removal and disposal regulations, many painters prefer to leave lead removal to licensed subcontractors. “Abatement is more than just having the equipment and sucking up the dust,” says Portland, Ore., painting contractor Kathleen George. “You need to understand and follow all the rules. I prefer calling in a pro so that I can focus on painting.”

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Time To Upgrade That Old Fireplace

According to the National Association of Home Builders, fireplaces rank among the top three features desired by new homebuyers, but unfortunately, traditional fireplaces can send up to 8 percent of valuable furnace-heated air out through the chimney, making them really fun to look at but inefficient as heating sources. You can transform your firebox in your Portland Home into an efficient room heater by adding an insert, installed by a factory-trained professional (to ensure proper venting and best efficiency results), will draft-proof an open fireplace while the unit’s shell keeps heat in the room.

Check out the possible tax credit and the savings on your monthly heating bill and it might be time to look into installing a new fireplace insert.

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Return on Home Improvement Investments

When we are getting ready to sell our Portland home, or even if we are just wanting to update our homes we need to know which improvement has the best return in value. Obviously some updates will bring in a better return in value than others. First and foremost is kitchen remodels which is always 100%. Doing high end kitchen remodeling is not always the best way to go either. Mid range or minor remodels of kitchens most often brings in best return in value according to Remodeling Magazine. Most potential buyers don’t care if the new refrigerator is a built in Sub Zero type or something less. The same is true with having the 8 burner stoves, under-mount sink or travertine floors. Granite counters are not necessary. Simple laminates, newer faucets and sparkling sinks sell. Buyers don’t want leaky faucets or stained sinks. With regards to the cabinets; resurfacing is the best option and replacing the doors and/or hardware is the best way to go.

The national average of recouped cost is more than 100% for bathrooms. New floors, fixtures and lights payoff. Buyers will shy away from buying a home if the roof needs to be replaced. Some other suggestions: Patch cement cracks in the sidewalks, resurface asphalt driveways, plant some flowers, caulk the windows and doors, replace doorknobs and locks, repair and paint broken fences. Overall, buyers want to buy a home that has no deferred maintenance, newer appliances, updated plumbing, electrical and heating (including a/c), modern conveniences and is ready to occupy.

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Using Accessories to Decorate Your Vancouver Home

No amount of decorating of your Vancouver home can make a house feel like a home without using the right accessories. The correct accessories can be the icing on the cake – the touches that transform a space into a unique and personal reflection of its inhabitants.

Good planning and some basic knowledge about decorating is essential when adding any accessories, for any occasion. You can also make your own accessories. This is a fun way and a cheap way to add some style to your home. For example, things like curtains, pillows and other items made up from any fabrics will soften a room and add comfort to a home.

Many good books on the subject are available and are recommended whether you are new at this or an old pro. Books that cover floors, furniture, doors, windows, furniture arrangement, using flowers and bouquets, painting ideas, tools required, tips and many other ideas are available, as well as the going labor costs if you have to hire outside help.

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