So Fresh and So Clean! Top 3 DIY Transformations You Can Do Before Listing Your Home

Posted on June 30, 2023December 31, 2024 by Jamis Minnis

Preparing your home for sale is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. To maximize its appeal and potential value, consider making some DIY updates before listing. In this blog post, we will explore the top three updates that you can easily tackle yourself. These improvements will not only enhance the overall look and feel of your home but also attract potential buyers and leave a lasting impression. Let’s dive in and discover the transformative power of these DIY updates.

Fresh Paint, Fresh Start

One of the most impactful updates you can make is a fresh coat of paint. Painting is a cost-effective way to give your home a renewed look and create a neutral canvas that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Here’s how you can approach this DIY project:

Choose Neutral Tones: Opt for neutral colors such as whites, grays, or warm beiges. These shades provide a clean and versatile backdrop that allows buyers to envision their own style and personal touches.
Pay Attention to Detail: Ensure that your paint job is precise, with clean lines and no drips. Take the time to properly prepare the surfaces by sanding and filling any imperfections before painting. A professional-looking finish can make a significant difference in the overall impression of your home.
Consider Accent Walls: If you want to add a touch of personality, consider creating an accent wall in a bold but tasteful color. This can add visual interest and make a lasting impression.

First Impressions Matter

Improving your home’s curb appeal can instantly captivate potential buyers. Here are some DIY updates to elevate your home’s exterior:

Landscaping Makeover: Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and add fresh mulch to flower beds. Consider planting colorful flowers or adding potted plants to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Revitalize the Front Entrance: A well-maintained and inviting front entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home. Repaint the front door, replace outdated hardware, and add some stylish accents like a new doormat or potted plants.
Lighting and House Numbers: Ensure that your outdoor lighting is in good working condition and provides adequate illumination. Consider updating house numbers with modern, easy-to-read designs that complement your home’s aesthetic.

Stylish and Functional Updates

Small updates that enhance both the style and functionality of your home can make a big impact. Here are some ideas to consider:

Update Light Fixtures: Replace outdated light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. Lighting can dramatically change the ambiance of a room and give it a fresh, contemporary feel.
Hardware Upgrades: Replace worn-out cabinet handles and drawer pulls with new, stylish options. Updating these small details can instantly modernize your kitchen or bathroom.
Refresh Flooring: If your carpets are worn or outdated, consider replacing them with hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring. These options are relatively easy to install and offer a clean, modern look.

With a little time and effort, you can transform your home and increase its appeal to potential buyers. These top three DIY updates—fresh paint, enhanced curb appeal, and stylish and functional upgrades—can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived. By investing in these updates, you’ll not only increase your chances of selling your home faster but also potentially fetch a higher price. So roll up your sleeves, unleash your creativity, and get ready to make your home shine in the real estate market.

Lake Oswego Idyllic Living

Posted on November 17, 2022January 6, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Idyllic Living In Lake Oswego!

1451 Greentree Circle, Lake Oswego, Portland OR 97034

Offered at $950,000

4 Bed 3.5 Bath

Portland, OR 97034

VIEW LISTING

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (11/19) FROM 10 am – 12 pm

1451 Greentree Circle, Lake Oswego, Portland OR 97034

Stunning Home In Desirable Lake Oswego, Beckons You Into This Bright, Spacious Home With Plenty Of Space To Entertain. Remodeled In 2018 And Well Maintained, This Expansive One Level Home Features High Quality Finishes With Designer Touches, Form Following Function, An Open Floor Plan, The Skylights Allow Natural Light To Pour In From Every Angle. Move-In Ready, Newly Painted Inside! 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms. The Grand Kitchen Features Quartz Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Built-in Wine Cooler, Deep Set Kitchen Sink, And More. This Large Kitchen Makes This The Ideal Home For Hosting! Primary Ensuite Oasis Has Heated Tiled Floors And Soak Tub. Cozy Up To The Indoor And Outdoor Fireplaces And Hot Tub. Excellent For Entertaining! Peaceful And Private Backyard Includes Large Yard Space, Storage Shed, Extra Parking For Your Boat Or RV. Create Elegant Seating On The Deck To Enjoy The Beauty Of The Pacific Northwest. Option To Join And Walk To The Greentree Community Heated Pool. Easy Access To Downtown Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Country Club, Lake View Village Shopping Center, Whole Foods, New Seasons, Lake Grove Shopping, Restaurants, And More!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (11/19) From 10am – 12pm

OFFERED AT $950,000

4 BEDROOM | 3.5 BATH | 2,328 SQFT

2 Attached Garage | Lot Size: 0.26 Acres

MLS# 22197451 | TAXES: $8,133.47 (2021)

Highlights & Features

Freshly Painted
New Landscaping
Brand New Carpets
Gourmet Kitchen
Mud room laundry room
Built-in Wine Fridge
Two Sided Fireplace In The Kitchen
House Is Pre-wired For Cat 5 Wiring
Remote Controlled Window Treatment
Kitchen Faucet With Touch Technology
Heated Tile Floors in Primary Ensuite
Smart Thermostat
Newer Roof 2018
Private Outdoor Space
Shed In Back
RV parking
Exterior Hot and Cold Water Spigot
Fresh Landscaping
Outdoor Fireplace
Hot Tub
Epoxy Finished Floors In Garage
WiFi Enabled Garage Door
6-Setting Shower Head In Primary Suite Under Heated Tile Floors

It’s A Beautiful Day In The Taborhood!

Posted on June 29, 2022December 31, 2024 by Jamis Minnis

Congrats to my rad client Amanda (and fam). This Sun-Filled bungalow featuring high ceilings, hardwood floors, a fireplace, a dreamy front porch perfect for tea sippin’, an updated kitchen, bonus room upstairs, newer exterior paint, and a sweet backyard deck ready for Portland Summer received multiple offers in a short period of time. We were able to secure a great buyer, had a seamless closing, and a free rent back to boot. It was wonderful working with my client and I wish them the best!

Cutest Little Craftsman that you ever did see…….

Posted on December 19, 2021December 29, 2024 by Jamis Minnis

Congrats to my clients that just closed on the cutest little craftsman that you ever did see.We were victorious in a multiple offer situation and my clients were ecstatic.The home has been well maintained over the years. It has a wonderful and quaint layout, a separate garage, and beautiful backyard. It checks all the boxes. My clients paused their search earlier this year after making a couple of offers in the height of the extremely competitive market. They paused, collected themselves, saved up a bit more, and viola. With persistence, patience, and, practicality. They are now officially homeowners!

Summer Tips for the Home and Garden!

Posted on July 23, 2021July 23, 2021 by Living Room Realty

Summer is here and now is a great time to take advantage of our cool mornings and sunny afternoons to give your house and yard a little extra love!

#1 Prune for shape!

This is a great time of year to do some tree pruning when you’re trying to control growth or keep fruit trees “orchard-pruned” (meaning you will actually be able to reach all the delicious fruit!) A general rule of thumb is prune in the summer to control the size and shape, prune in the winter to stimulate growth. *Always double-check city/county requirements for permits — especially if pruning street trees and definitely hire a licensed arborist when those branches are getting close to the power-lines!

#2 Give your house a little space!

While doing your summer pruning, think about where all the leaves will land later in fall — is it possible to safely prune trees away from the house? Clear shrubbery and vines that are growing right up next to the house/windows, especially if you have wood siding as this can break down the integrity of your paint job over time.

Check the perimeter of your foundation — does the soil grade away from the home? Is it cozying right up against the wood framing on basement windows? Do you have areas of wood siding, lattice or posts that are in direct contact with the soil? Pull soil back from any direct wood contact — this will protect the wooden elements of your home from rot and insects, especially when our rains return.

#3 Clear the roof and gutters!

Start now to get your home in great shape for fall! Have moss cleaned from the roof and make sure the gutters are clear. Also this is a great time to check your downspouts. If they are disconnected, make sure there are water diverter to send it *ideally* 10ft away from the foundation. Just don’t divert into your neighbor’s yard! This will prevent settling, preserve the integrity of your foundation, and prevent moisture issues like rot and mold.

#4 Touch up paint

If you happen to live in a home that does NOT have wood siding, remember that the window and door frames often have wood trim that can easily get overlooked. This is a great time for touch up for all of us in homes of cedar siding, hardi-plank, aluminum, vinyl, etc. Aim for paint touch ups on a cool morning!

Clear foliage from touching the house and touch-up paint on the wood elements!

#5 Plant Fall Veggies!

We have such great growing seasons here in the Pacific Northwest, and now is a great time to think about Fall for the veggie garden too! Roots like carrots, beets, turnips can be directly sown and cooler veggies like spinach, chard, kale, cabbage and peas can get started now too. Just don’t forget to water, as those plant babies are extra vulnerable to our hot days. Shade cloth can be a great tool on the hottest of days, especially in the afternoon.

Send me a message if you have any questions or need a recommendation for arborists, handy-people, gardeners or roof/gutter cleaners — I’ve got lots of resources to share!

Happy summering and loving on the HOME!

Just Sold! 1950’s Cozy Charm

Posted on June 24, 2021June 24, 2021 by Living Room Realty

Congratulations to my clients (and dear friends!) on the sale of their sweet little home!

Matthew and Kelly have been absolute dream clients, trusting my guidance and taking all the steps necessary to list their home from day 1. A lot goes into getting a home ready for market, even when it’s THIS market, prepping, cleaning and tidying inside and out makes a big difference!

All of their hard work paid off with multiple offers well over asking in the first weekend on the market. This is definitely one of those homes where you can feel all the love and energy put into it. Everyone who came through loved the warmth, charm and extra bonus workshop space — the perfect home for folks looking to garden, create and enjoy the sweet combo of brightness and coziness all in one home.

My sellers navigated a couple unexpected bumps like champs and I am delighted that they are on their way to the next dream home and new adventures to come! Congratulations Matthew and Kelly!

TRUSTING THE MAGIC!

Posted on February 1, 2020February 11, 2020 by Living Room Realty

Congratulations to my client on the sale of his sweet condo up in the SW Hills! We met last summer after I sold another unit in the complex, and given that there was a hefty special assessment in the works (which makes selling condos a little trickier than normal), he was impressed to see a successful sale go through. I could feel his trust from the get-go and the foundation for an excellent client-agent relationship was made.

We listed the condo in the summer but due to the slowing condo market, showings were sparse and eventually decided to pull it off the market and wait until the following Spring.

But in the meantime, Fall came around and with the shifting market, new energy for selling. We did a small price adjustment, updated the marketing and went back on the market just days before Thanksgiving. In just over two weeks my client’s condo was pending with three offers, all over asking! Just goes to show, really ANY time of year is a good time to sell — not just spring and summer. AND when the time is right, it’s RIGHT (even if it may not logically make sense.)

In that time just before Thanksgiving, I also found myself with a deep intuition to plan a long awaited trip (10 years in the making) to visit India for the first time in January 2020. I was very hesitant at first, as leaving the country with business in the works can be a little scary, but with the help of my fantastic colleague, Scott Shoji, I was able to turn over the transaction to him and prepare to leave knowing my client would be in great hands. While there was an exciting Christmas Eve “bump” in the road (Buyer #1 decided to back out with some first time homebuyer jitters), Buyer #2 was thrilled and we got the second round of transaction-action underway! On December 31st, as I began my journey towards India, I turned over my condo business to Scott and took a leap of faith knowing that everything was exactly as it should be — lots of trust that the path which had presented itself to me was the way I was meant to follow. While my logical brain was just a bit nervous, my heart knew everything was going to be just fine.

And in my absence, all was smooth sailing. No more bumps in the road, inpsections, appraisal and funding all came through with ease, and here we are, closing January 31st! Huge congrats to my seller on his new adventures taking him to home ownership in a new state. Thank you for your trust, optimism and excellent communication throughout the whole process ~ thank you to Scott for holding it down and being so easy and great to work with ~ and thank you to myself for listening and trusting the inner guidance that suggests seemingly crazy ideas, but are really part of the medicine and joy in this wild journey of LIFE!