Author: oi_admin

Clean Out Your Closets

Posted on June 30, 2017 by oi_admin - News

When selling your home, it’s often the small things that make a huge difference. Storage can be a critical factor for buyers so here are two simple tips that will make your home seem larger:

Remove at least half of all items from closets, shelves and cupboards so they appear larger and get rid of anything on the floor. Use the same matching hangers (no wire!) throughout.
Organize the remaining items so your closets and cupboards look tidier. Make sure to neatly fold up towels and linens and use attractive bins and boxes to organize any loose items.

The points above may seem obvious but they’re often overlooked. Remember that storage space sells and if buyers see your closets bursting at the seams, they’ll assume your home isn’t big enough for you or for them.

Inspection Insights: High Humidity in the Home

Posted on June 30, 2017 by oi_admin - News

A high relative humidity in your home encourages mold growth and dust mites, can make your house smell musty, and can potentially damage your home and your possessions. In simplest terms, “relative humidity” refers to the amount of dampness in the air. This Pillar To Post^® Info Series offers suggestions for addressing high humidity.

Control Humidity at the Source

Whole House High Humidity

Lack of ventilation - Newer homes are “tight”, meaning well-sealed, restricting ventilation. Without fresh air circulation, humidity builds up inside your home (only an issue during heating season when the windows are closed).

Oversized central air conditioner - Central air conditioning is an excellent dehumidifier. An oversized central air conditioner, however, has on-cycles that are too short to effectively remove humidity.

Caution - A gas-fired appliance not venting properly may cause high humidity. If you have any doubt, immediately contact a qualified heating contractor to investigate.

Localized High Humidity

Overcooling - If an area, such as a basement, gets too much cold air supply, may create condensation and a high humidity problem. Adjusting the supply registers prior to the cooling season may help.

Clothes dryer discharging into house - This situation creates a huge source of moisture concentrated in a small area. Clothes dryers should discharge to the exterior even in winter. Verify that the discharge pipe is clear and connected properly at the back of the dryer.

Bathroom fans - Showers and baths add a great deal of moisture. Install an exhaust fan.

Basement dampness - Before you crank on a dehumidifier, find the moisture culprit and reduce or eliminate it at its source.

Crawlspace dampness - Put a sheet of plastic covered in sand or gravel over a dirt floor crawlspace to keep the dampness down.

Dehumidifier - A dehumidifier may be your only way to control moisture in a damp area. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air and drains the liquid into a reservoir or drain. If the room is colder than 65 °F (18 °C) the dehumidifier may ice up. In this case, shut off the unit until it has defrosted then turn it back on. You may also have to increase the temperature of the space. Some units will operate down to about 42 °F (6 °C) and automatically defrost when they ice up.

The Power of Lemonade

Posted on June 30, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Load up on lemons if you’re searching for a powerful, friendly environmentally cleaner that can tackle virtually any household chore!

Just a few ways to make your home naturally sparkle:

Lemon juice is great at absorbing stains on countertops.
Soak carpet stains for 20 minutes then rinse and blot.
Mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a scouring paste.
Heat a bowl of water with sliced lemons in the microwave for a few minutes before wiping it down.

Lemons are an excellent alternative to toxic cleansers plus they’ll fill your home with a refreshing citrus scent!

Pre-sale Tips to Use Now

Posted on June 22, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Many home sellers often overlook easy and relatively inexpensive fixes that not only increase visual appeal, but may also add to a home’s selling price. While major remodeling is costly and may not address the needs and tastes of prospective buyers, these repair and maintenance suggestions have universal appeal and may help a home sell more quickly – and for a better price.

INTERIOR

Bathrooms and the kitchen must get a deep cleaning. Sellers should consider a cleaning company that offers “move in / move out” cleaning services to do the job.
If kitchen cabinet exteriors are in bad shape, refacing may be an option. Far less expensive than new cabinetry, refacing can give old and worn cabinets new life and can visually renew a kitchen. Alternatively, many cabinet materials can also be painted, for an updated look without costing a lot.
Consider replacing kitchen or bathroom counters with a neutral colored laminate surface if the current material is badly worn or stained. This gives the room a fresh appearance and, most importantly, prevents potential buyers from focusing on an eyesore.
Fresh paint on the walls and ceilings will do wonders for all rooms in the house. Stick to neutral tones so that buyers aren’t distracted by colors that make a statement. They’ll be able to imagine themselves and their furniture in the space much more easily.
If carpet now covers up hardwood floors, consider having it removed to expose the hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors are desirable, so they should be shown off. If carpet is to remain, it should be thoroughly cleaned.

EXTERIOR

If the home’s exterior needs painting, get it done. Buyers notice if paint is faded and peeling. If the paint is in good shape overall, renew the doors and trim with a fresh coat.
Clean the windows inside and out so they sparkle. It’s amazing what a difference this can make in a home’s appearance. Hiring a professional window cleaning company is the easiest and safest way to get the job done on a multi-story home.
Clear clutter from the yard, keep the lawn mowed, and trim any overgrown shrubs that detract from the home’s appearance. The home should look well maintained even at first glance.
Place pots of bright, colorful flowers along an entry path and near the doors to add a cheery, welcoming touch.

Homeowners should save major remodeling projects – and the budget required – for their new home, not the one they are about to sell. But implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment in time or money.