Realtor.com's Open House Do's & Don'ts

Hosting an open house? Ensure it's successful by avoiding these common mistakes.

1. DON'T attend your open house. This is your realtor's opportunity to showcase the best parts of your home and allow potential buyers to ask questions. Your presence at an open house can put pressure on interested individuals and drive away potential buyers.
2. DON'T leave your pets behind. Letting pets run free in your home during an open house can be annoying to potential buyers, especially those who aren't pet owners themselves. Realtor.com recommends sellers take their pets with them during the open house, for the safety of the animals and the sanity of potential buyers.
3. DON'T forget the kitchen. An untidy kitchen will turn off potential buyers. Make sure your kitchen is just as spotless as the rest of your home by clearing dishes from the sink AND the dishwasher--because buyers may take a peek inside! Similarly, remove any odor-causing foods from the refrigerator.
4. DO swap out your bath towels. To ensure each room of your home is “open house ready,” remove used bath towels from all bathrooms. Not only does this look more tidy, it prevents strangers from wiping their hands on your dirty bath towels during their bathroom breaks.
5. DO hire a professional, if necessary. Sometimes you just need to call a pro. Professional house cleaners will save you time and stress as you prepare your home in other ways. They'll likely hit places you wouldn't think to clean like baseboards and switch plates, and can eliminate odors you may not even notice.
6. DO get a second opinion. After you've cleaned and staged your home to your standards, ask an honest friend or neighbor for their opinion, as well. Realtor.com advises that a neutral third party can alert you to smells or eye sores you may be blind to.
7. DO clean up your yard. This includes coiling garden hoses, hiding trash bins, and raking leaves. Objects cluttering your yard can also be a safety hazard for potential buyers crossing your yard for a closer look.
8. DON'T forget to hide personal items. Realtor.com advises hiding all prescription medication, family photos, and any walkers or canes. Not only is it a good idea to depersonalize your home, but these items can also tip potential buyers off to personal information that may be used against you in the negotiation process.

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Rental Demand in Columbus Remains High

Despite the city adding 3,300 apartments last year, rental demand in Columbus remains high. According to an article by Columbus Business First, the amount of vacant apartments in Columbus (which is already below average for the country) will drop in 2016 to the lowest number since 2000. The vacancy rate, at 4.9% last year, is expected to drop to 4.5% by the end of the year. In terms of supply and demand, developers are projected to complete 1,080 more units, while renters are expected to occupy 1,650 more units in 2016. The article cites low interest rates and “favorable apartment fundamentals” as the cause for the rise in demand. For more information, read the full article here.

How to Cozy Up Your Home Without Cranking Up the Heat

via Pinterest

Already feeling a chill in your home, but not ready to crank up the heat? Never fear. Houselogic has great tips on how to make your home feel warm and cozy, without increasing your gas bill.

1. Dust your light fixtures. Clean bulbs make your home seem brighter and warmer, but won't hurt your electric bill.

2. Check for leaks. Air can leak out through cracks around windows, doors, wall outlets, and electrical boxes.

3. Warm up with the fireplace of the future: Gel fireplace inserts can burn for up to three hours and are completely smoke and allergen-free, according to Houselogic.

4. Indoor plants can help brighten up your home, while decreasing dust. Try either the golden pothos or some gerbera daisies.

5. Let in the light by cleaning your window panes! More natural light can help cure the blues brought on by shorter days and colder temperatures.

6. After you've cleaned your window panes, take out the screens. Dirty screens make your home feel darker and screenless windows have great curb appeal!

Five Maintenance Jobs You Need to Do This Fall

via MBdevelopment.com

Some home improvement jobs are just too much for the summertime. Heavy lifting in heavy humidity isn't ideal and some projects just cannot get accomplished until it cools off. Check out Houselogic's top five maintenance jobs for cooler weather.

1. Improve attic insulation
Not only will working conditions be much more tolerable in cooler weather, but you'll be able to tell
what areas need insulation if there's a draft.

2. Seal the cracks
Another place you lose money through leaks is around windows and doors. With the colder weather
coming, you're going to want to keep warm air in and cool air out. Examine all windows, doors, and
siding and fill in leaks with waterproof silicone caulk.

3. Clean the gutters
Moisture can wreak havoc on a home's condition, so make sure your gutters are clear and your
downspouts are drawing water away from your foundation. Autumn's falling leaves can clog gutters
easily and it's important your gutters are clear before winter comes.

4. Plant a tree
Fall is a great time to plant a tree, advises Houselogic, since the tree's dormant state is easier on the root system. Check out our list of trees with the most beautiful fall colors before making your decision.

5. Clean your garage
Wouldn't it be nice to drive your car straight into your garage once winter rolls around? Most of us
don't have that luxury due to messy garages. Houselogic recommends taking a weekend this fall to sort through and organize everything in your garage and to get rid of the stuff you don't need. It's also a great opportunity to make sure all your snow equipment (snow blowers, shovels, etc.) is in good
working order before the first heavy snowfall.

5 Maintenance Jobs You Need to Do This Fall

via MBdevelopment.com

Some home improvement jobs are just too much for the summertime. Heavy lifting in heavy humidity isn't ideal and some projects just cannot get accomplished until it cools off. Check out Houselogic's top five maintenance jobs for cooler weather.
 
1. Improve attic insulation
Not only will working conditions be much more tolerable in cooler weather, but you'll be able to tell
what areas need insulation if there's a draft.

2. Seal the cracks
Another place you lose money through leaks is around windows and doors. With the colder weather
coming, you're going to want to keep warm air in and cool air out. Examine all windows, doors, and
siding and fill in leaks with waterproof silicone caulk.

3. Clean the gutters
Moisture can wreak havoc on a home's condition, so make sure your gutters are clear and your
downspouts are drawing water away from your foundation. Autumn's falling leaves can clog gutters
easily and it's important your gutters are clear before winter comes.
 
4. Plant a tree
Fall is a great time to plant a tree, advises Houselogic, since the tree's dormant state is easier on the root system. Check out our list of trees with the most beautiful fall colors before making your decision.

5. Clean your garage
Wouldn't it be nice to drive your car straight into your garage once winter rolls around? Most of us
don't have that luxury due to messy garages. Houselogic recommends taking a weekend this fall to sort through and organize everything in your garage and to get rid of the stuff you don't need. It's also a great opportunity to make sure all your snow equipment (snow blowers, shovels, etc.) is in good
working order before the first heavy snowfall.

Prepare to scare with 9 spooky front porch decorations

via HGTV.com

Dying to be the best house on the block this Halloween? HGTV.com has got you covered! Click through their slideshow on spooky front porch decorating ideas. From bootiful luminaries to scary skulls, there's plenty of ideas to help you get your home Halloween ready.

Five must-have components of a garage workshop

via HouseLogic

Many garages have a workbench or toolbox set up somewhere, but what pieces are really necessary for creating the ultimate work space? Houselogic tells us their must-haves, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to transform your garage work space from forgotten to functional.

The first thing you'll need to set up a workshop is space! Set aside a space at least 10 feet long and 6 feet deep for your workshop to ensure you have enough room for any project you tackle.

In addition to space for your projects, you'll also need space for your supplies. Storage space is a must-have when designing your workshop. Hang your tools on the wall or organize them into a tool box, just make sure you keep them off your work bench!

Next, you'll need well-lit space. Ensure each task is completed with care by installing extra lighting around your work bench for up close inspections.

The work bench itself is a crucial component of the workshop. Make sure it's constructed of durable material, so excessive hammering and sawing won't phase it.

Last, but certainly not least, you'll need a space that's easy to clean. Sawdust and scraps can cause a huge mess, so construct a work area that can be swept out with ease.

Want instructions on how to build a bench DIY style? How about tips on getting the right amount of electrical power to your garage? Houselogic has the answers. Click here to get started.