Is your dog's house nicer than yours?

Is your dog's house nicer than yours?

One of the best parts of my job is helping people find homes they love in neighborhoods that they want to be in.  Each neighborhood has its own interesting flavor whether it is coveted for its family friendly appeal, a convienent location, or arcitecture.  Sometimes the things that make a neighborhood unique are a little out of the ordinary...like the home in this short video clip.  Enjoy!

Really Real Realtors

Just a little humor to start your week.  Enjoy!

Curb Appeal - Part 2

The second installment in this series will focus on the space around your windows.  Think of windows like the eyes to your home.  If you had to wear glasses you would pick a frame that creates a specific feel for how you wish to be perceived…trendy, classic, smart, quirky, fun.  Now consider how you want to make the space around your windows look.  Will it be traditional, contemporary, approachable, or ornate?

Shutters can be really affordable or pretty spendy.  You can get prefab shutters from any big box home store and attach them directly to your siding using screws.  They come in a variety of colors and are generally plastic.  If you are handy, you can make your own shutters out of wood fairly inexpensively.  Stain or paint them to compliment your home or trim color.  This option is definitely more work but the result feels expensive and allows you to create something that no one else has.

Window boxes are another way to add a little pizzazz to your exterior.  To create a good window box, make sure it is nearly as wide as your window or exactly as wide as your window.  Don’t forget to match your window box to the style of your home.  If you have a quaint home you don’t need an extra large sized box as it would over power your home.  However if you live in a large home, window boxes should reflect the scale of your structure.  Regardless of the physical size of your window box make sure that you choose the right kind of plants for the amount of light you will receive.  Also, make sure you get plants that will get at least 12” high.  You want the box to make a statement from the street.  If the plants are too small no one will see them from afar and the result will look whimpy.  

Curb Appeal - Beyond Landscaping Part 1

This is a 2 part series in creating curb appeal by thinking beyond landscaping (still important) and  enhancing exterior elements on your home  Perhaps you want to consider a stylish garage door, front door, shutters and/or window boxes.  Think of these things as jewelry for your home.  They instantly add a different higher end look and feel to your existing structure.

First we will touch on doors.

Garage doors are not inexpensive but if you are in the market for a new door or are looking for a way to make a statement a new garage door is a good way to go.   This is especially true if you have a garage that faces the street. Think beyond basic and look for something with some architectural interest like trim, windows, or a complimentary color.



Front doors also create and set a mood for your home.  This is the space where you greet guests into your space and a nice front door makes a great first impression…especially if you are looking to sell.  Perhaps a beautiful wooden door, a door with a window, or a door with a pop of color would spruce up your space.  Make sure you do not overlook the handle.  Look for something that has a nice feel in your hand and be sure that the door opens smoothly and feels solid.  These tactile elements suggest that your home is high quality from the moment that you step into it.

The Remodel Card

I recently heard about an interesting business that will save you between 20% - 50% on many of the items you may need for a variety of remodeling projects, large and small.  The discount varies by vendor and the products they carry.   The Remodel Card, works a little bit like a membership card which gets you contractors discounts at top area stores like Warners’ Stellian, Minnesota Tile and Stone, Muska Lighting, Drywall Supply, Patio Town, and Twin Cities Fireplace and Stone to name just a few.  Just to give you an idea, the card gets you products like appliances, cabinets, closets, window treatments, fire places, stone, tile, fencing, garage doors, gutters, windows, roofing, doors, carpet and just about everything else that could be used in a remodeling project.

The business is web based.  You apply online for your membership card which is $499 for the first year and $5.99 for each month thereafter.  However, if you enter coupon code MINNETONKA you will a one-time sign up fee of $149 and no monthly fees for the first year.

Customers who carry the card are generally pleased with how it works and the benefits they get.  The card takes away the uncomfortable feeling that many have about asking for a deal…they now get the same deal as a contractor without any of the haggling.

Check it out.  If you consistently have remodeling projects going on this may be a great deal for you.  Visit their website at  www.remodelcard.com to see a full list of vendors, discounts, testimonials, and apply online.

Popular Basement Ideas

Do you have an unfinished basement space and would like to do something with it?  I thought I would compile a list of neat ideas that I have seen as I tour homes in the Minneapolis and St Paul metro area.  Of course, before you start any revamp/ remodel you will want to address any water issues you may have.  There are many great solutions that vary in price depending on how you plan to use the room.   If you plan to create a bedroom in the basement you must have a window or exit which is up to code.  Here is a link with information on MN codes http://www.dli.mn.gov/ccld/PDF/bc_webescape_06_07.pdf

Once main issues are addressed you have a nice shell of a space to have some fun with.  Here are some popular ideas I have seen lately:

1.       Bar.  I have seen home owners go to town on their basement bars.  Generally there is a place for some sort of game like pool or ping pong in addition to the bar itself.

2.       Home theatre.  Basements certainly are dark enough!

3.       Game room.  Darts, ping pong, pool tables.  I have also seen some arcade style rooms with spaces for video games.

4.       Kids play room.  Basements are a great space for lots of rough and tumble fun and a great place to keep overflow of toys.

5.       Exercise room.  Treadmills, elliptical, stationary bikes, rowers, and weights all work really well in the basement. 

6.       Guest Room or suite.  One of the things you can do with your basement that could actually get you some profit…who does not need or want more bedroom space?

7.       Wine Room.  The coolness of a basement is perfect for storing wine.

8.  Craft Room. 

9. General storage. 

One thing to consider is that if you are going to make a more unique and specific room you should make it for you.  Generally, in the future if/ when you sell potential home buyers will not be as enthralled with your addition as you are.  Keeping that in mind, create a space with good bones where people can somewhat imagine how the space may work for them.

How to Care for Your Lawn in Excessive Heat

Did you know that Americans spend $8.5 billion on their lawns each year?  Here are a few simple tips to help you keep it looking its best during these extra hot days of summer.

When you mow, set you blade a little higher than you normally would.  The best height tends to be around 2”-2.5”.  This allows the grass to shade itself and its roots from the hot sun.

Use a summer style fertilizer.  It is best to use a spreader as it is easy to over fertilize a lawn if you are just scattering product with your hands.  When you fill up your spreader make sure you do it on the pavement.  That way, if you have any spills they will not land in your lawn and over fertilize that spot which could leave a scorch mark that could take a while to grow back.

Regarding watering, early morning watering is best.  2-3 times a week works great.  Your aim will be to water about 1”-1.5” during each watering session.  Watering less but deeper allows for stronger root systems which ultimately do better in excessive summer heat.