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Colorado Springs Real Estate
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February 26, 2010

Dust – It’s everywhere

Filed under: Seller Tips — Heather @ February 26th, 2010

In Pictures: 15 Kooky Inventions – Dust Cover for Dog – Forbes.com

Don’t want your dog getting all dusty? Neither did Seroun Kesh of Detroit in 1964. Actually, Kesh’s main goals with this full-body suit for dogs were to protect house furniture and allow owners to insert a hair dryer into the suit’s end to quick-dry their mutts after their baths. Not a PetSmart bestseller, to say the least.

Colorado Springs is a very dog-friendly area…to say the least. We boast some of the finest dog parks in the country! But with dogs, comes dust.  And as we all know Colorado Springs homes for sale with dust covered furniture and floors are sure to miss out on generating the “wow” factor they deserve.  But not to worry!  Did you know that someone actually invented and patented a Dust Cover for dogs?  A part of me says – “that would solve a lot of my dirt problems!” and another part of me says – “but it would cause so many more!” – and yet another part of me says “but does it come in pink?”

Old Colorado City Charm

Filed under: Buyer Tips, Colorado Springs Events, Seller Tips — Heather @ February 26th, 2010

City of Colorado Springs – The City introduces the Historic Westside Design Guidelines

The City of Colorado Springs, in conjunction with the Organization of Westside Neighbors (OWN), has completed the Historic Westside Design Guidelines.

The new guidelines are designed to help recognize and preserve the historic significance and architectural qualities of the residential community that developed around Old Colorado City between 1859 and 1930.

The Old Colorado City real estate area is famous for it’s quaint architecture and historic charm.  And the City of Colorado Springs has just taken one step closer to ensuring that the character of Old Colorado City we love today, is maintained for the future.  The Historic Westside Design Guidelines will have a great impact on not only the appearance of our City but also the property values as well. 

For the most part, historic districts attract flocks of buyers looking to own a piece of history.  And for history buffs, it just doesn’t get any better than Colorado Springs!  From the Santa Fe Trail, to Nikola Tesla, to Van Briggle Pottery, there’s enough past to Colorado Springs to fill a text book.  I am glad the City is investing in the preservation of our heritage, and the Westside Design Guidelines are certainly part of that.

February 16, 2010

Painting Tools

Filed under: Seller Tips — Heather @ February 16th, 2010

Norm’s Notebook: Masking Tape | Workshop Accessories | Tools and Products | This Old House – 1

Of all the specialized masking tapes out there, I use blue painter’s tape more than any other. It won’t leave behind a sticky residue on surfaces if you take it off in time, and it’s easy to see, making it far more versatile than the tan masking tape I grew up with. For instance, I’ve used the inch-wide blue tape on floors to help a client visualize where a kitchen island would be. And I’ve put it on the walls to determine the best size and location for a flat-screen TV in a media room.

Paint is a great way to instill personality into your house.  It is possibly the most versatile tool you can use in decorating both the interior and exterior of your home.  And while a fresh coat of neutral-toned paint can often give Colorado Springs homes for sale a competitive advantage over the competition, it is imperative that any paint job looks professional and clean.  And this means….tapingI know, I know… it’s a cumbersome process that always seems to take way more time than it’s worth.  But trust me.  Nothing says “buy me” like a professionally painted house.  Keeping tight, clean lines makes a surprisingly noticeable difference that will please any buyer’s eye. 

February 13, 2010

Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

Filed under: Buyer Tips, Seller Tips — Heather @ February 13th, 2010

Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets FAQs | DoItYourself.com

Kitchen cabinets collect more grease, food spills, and moisture than most other parts of the house. Grime builds up fastest around handles of doors and drawers, which are constantly opened by sticky hands. Greasy soil comes off more easily if it isn’t allowed to build up too long.

Painted wood, metal, laminated plastic or wood-grain vinyl surfaces can be cleaned with detergent and warm water solution. Rinse with a cloth or sponge dampened in clean water. Using a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe the surface dry prevents streaking. Painted, plastic, and metal surfaces, may be cleaned occasionally with a creamy liquid wax, which leaves a protective coating that retards soiling. If the finish is hard and in good condition, this extra step may not be needed.

Kitchen cabinets take a lot of abuse. Humidity fluctuation, grease, food, and constant use can artificially age the appearance of your cabinetry. And there is a lot to be said for having a clean kitchen. Colorado Springs homes for sale that boast spotless and updated kitchens have a huge competitive advantage in today’s market.  Buyers are looking for the kitchen of their dreams and most would prefer to not buy a home that needs to be thoroughly cleaned after they move in.  The above article offers some great advice on how to maintain your kitchen cabinets and keep them spotlessly clean.  The time and effort you spend on maintaining your kitchen may be a chore today, but buyers will appreciate your hard work and you just might be rewarded with a higher offer when it comes time to sell.

Clean Carpets

Filed under: Buyer Tips, Seller Tips — Heather @ February 13th, 2010

How to Remove Every Type of Carpet Stain | Carpeting | This Old House – 1

Oops! Whether it be grape juice, a little present from Fido, or finger-paint artwork from your 3-year-old, it seems whatever is not supposed to get on the carpet always does. Here are a few tips from carpet manufacturer Shaw and rug maker and importer Nourison on how to clean your carpets using products you can find around your house.

When potential buyers walk through your house, one of the first things they’ll notice is the condition of the carpet.  And carpet can reveal a lot about how a house has been maintained.  Many buyers are turned-off by stained or dirty carpet.  Even if the damage isn’t permanent, your home could be dropped from a list of “potentials” simply for appearing to need a lot of work.  Don’t let this happen to your Colorado Springs homes for sale.  Cleaning carpet, although time consuming, is one of the most important and valuable home maintenance projects.  The above link has some great advice for how to remove stains of all kinds from carpets.   

 
Colorado Springs Team
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