At Home With Valerie

Ah, fall. That time of year to freshen up the home. One way to do so is to give each of your rooms a fresh coat of paint. So, if you are thinking about doing just that, here are my tips for your next interior painting project Purchasing the paint If you’re not fully committed to a color, start with just a quart, and use it to paint a foam board. You can then move the foam board around the room to see how it’ll react to varying levels of light from different angles. Once you’ve settled on a color, you’ll need about one gallon of paint for every 400 square feet . Prep Clean the walls (and allow them to dry!) before you begin. Place drop cloths or old sheets on the floors rather than slippery plastic. Remove outlet covers and other obstacles, as it’ll make for an easier, cleaner, and all-around better job.Be sure to clean the ceilings, too. There’s sure to be dust and cobwebs that need to be removed if you want your painting project to go as smoothly as possible. P...

These days, a home theater is one of the most popular trends in the nation.   Homeowners are opting to save a bundle on the cost of theater tickets by bringing the fascinating world of cinema into their own homes in a big way. Quality Counts When it comes to creating a home theater, the choice is yours when it comes to the level of quality that you want to deliver.  A home theater can include something as basic as a television and DVD system or it can include a projection screen with surround sound and, for the family who really wants the authentic experience, actual theater-style seating. Money Matters Building a home theater isn't cheap, which is why it's important to set a realistic budget before getting started.  Unless you are an expert at installation, hiring a professional to install your home theater may be a wise idea.  This means that you will not only be considering the cost of the theater itself, but also the labor necessary to get the ...

One of the questions I am often asked is "Do I really need to hire a REALTOR® to sell my home?"  This question is usually a result of the homeowner having the desire to save on the commission when selling their property. I often answer by saying "no, you can sell your home yourself but it is best to consider hiring a REALTOR®."  Here is why.  Some homeowners prefer to sell their home without the benefit of a real estate professional, because they feel they know their home better than any REALTOR® ever could.  Obviously, this is true.  But knowing what it is like to live in your home and knowing how to sell it-or any property-are entirely different things.  So if you have been thinking about selling your home without the benefit of a REALTOR®, and before you commit to putting your home on the market as an FSBO (for sale by owner), allow me to go over a few important details with you.  Why should you bother?  For starters,...

The beauty and relaxation that your garden can provide you and your family is certainly worth all the work you put in each year.  Putting in a little extra work at the end of the season, however, can make getting your garden ready next spring easier and can help keep your plants healthy through the winter months.  Here are a few great tips that will get your garden ready to handle the cold and snow. Clean Up: Though not a favorite task of any gardener, it is a very necessary step to getting your garden ready for winter.  Remove your annuals, empty and store any pots and containers, and give your garden one last mow.  Also, raking up all those leaves is one chore all homeowners are familiar with each autumn, but they do make great mulch for your perennials and vegetable garden, and are also a great addition to your compost. Plant Or Relocate Trees And Shrubs: The fall is the best time to get new trees into the ground, or move those you have earmarked to b...

It's nearly time for autumn, and that means that the holidays are coming!  Are you ready to welcome visiting friends and family into your new home?  It might seem like you have a lot to do, but relax; I've included a handy list of things to take care of before your guests start arriving! I hope this list is helpful for you, and I hope you'll give me a call at (780) 700-8638 if you need any additional information (about your home or about real estate in general)!  I love to help and very much enjoy being your friend and REALTOR®. FIVE QUICK TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR GUESTS Plug it in: Make sure that all of your appliances are in working order.  The last thing you need with a house full of guests is a broken dishwasher or washing machine! Make space: Clean out the dressers and closets in the guest room(s) to ensure that your friends and family will feel comfortable and at home. Baby-proof:  If your house isn't already baby-proofed an...