SIX TIPS FOR “MAKING AN ENTRANCE” – Has the “spring cleaning” bug bitten you yet?  Why not take that urge one step further–right out the door! Now is the perfect time to clean up, warm up and maximize your home’s curb appeal!

We all know the curb appeal “standards” such as keeping the lawn watered and cut, trimming the hedges and pulling those pesky weeds.  Those, of course, are the “must-dos” that make your home look neat.  What about adding a little sizzle to your steps with some things that shout “welcome home” not only to you pulling in at the end of a long day, but also to potential buyers searching for a new home of their own?

1. Plant flowers, flowers and MORE flowers. Pick a color scheme of flowers that complements your shutters and front door, and plant them not just in your flower beds, but in pots as well.  Choose pots of varying heights and sizes for contrast and interest, and place them in groups of three on your porch or patio.  Fertilize, water and dead-head them throughout spring and summer to keep them looking picture-perfect.
2. Be front door friendly.  Give your front door a fresh coat of paint and polish up the hardware or replace it with new. Take a look at your light fixtures, and replace anything that’s dated, weathered or worn with one of today’s beautiful, new designs.  Clear those cobwebs and sweep away the dust, then add an attractive welcome mat, shiny new door knocker or a seasonal wreath.
3. Take a seat. The right piece of weatherproof furniture creates a focal point for your front porch and invites all who enter to sit down and stay for a while. Choose a pretty chair for a corner, a pair of rocking chairs, a porch swing or a nice bench with a colorful array of pillows for just the right flair.
4. Power wash or paint. The wood trim on your home is often the first thing potential buyers and guests notice.  Sand and add a fresh coat of paint to trim that’s chipped and weathered, or simply power wash that which is just in need of a good cleaning, and you’ll instantly create a home facelift!
5. Wash your windows. Make it a point to really make those windows sparkle! A good cleaning inside and out adds shine to the outside of your home and lets that beautiful spring light in!
6. Add a touch of charm and whimsy. Little things mean a lot when it comes to adding just the right touch of charm to the face of your home.  Hang a small windchime, add a book, magazine or accent candle to porch table, keep your bird feeders full, or even tuck a lavender sachet close to the doorway for a welcoming fragrance.

Whether you’re looking to sell or simply want to renew your sense of pride in the place where your family “hangs its hat,” spring cleaning and the extra “curb appeal” awaken and rejuvenate both the inside and outside of your home.

REAL ESTATE 101 – There is much to learn in every aspect of the real estate experience.  New laws, new regulations and market shifts make buying and selling property a constantly changing venture.

I’ll do my best to help my clients, neighbors and customers stay forward of current events by highlighting a different topic each month.  If there is anything that you want to know, call me!  It’s not just something I do, it’s something I love!

This month’s topic is… Property Appraisals – Property appraisals are not something most people know a lot about.  As such, most have not had the opportunity to sort myth from fact.  The information below should help clear things up!

• Myth: The main reason for an appraisal is to make sure the buyer doesn’t pay too much for the property.
• Fact:  An appraisal provides valuable information for both buyer and seller, but the appraiser’s primary goal is to protect the lender. Before a lender offers final approval for the loan, it’s important to have the most up-to-date and accurate information about the property.
• Myth:  Appraisers use a price-per-square-foot formula to determine a home’s worth.
• Fact:  Appraisers weigh many factors, including the home’s location, its proximity to desirable schools and other public facilities, lot size, size and condition of the home itself and recent sales prices of comparable properties.
• Myth:  If I clean the house really well, it will improve my appraisal price.
• Fact:  Appraisers aren’t interested in dirty dishes or dusty dressers; however, they do notice signs of neglect such as cracked walls, chipped paint, broken windows, torn carpets, damaged flooring and inoperable appliances.

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If you or someone you know has been thinking about making a move please contact me today.  As a buyer, I can introduce you to lenders who can help you find the best financing product for you.  As a seller, I can produce a personalized home market analysis on your property, an estimate a proceeds, and explain my marketing plan that will help get your home sold for the most amount of money in the least amount of time.  I will be there for you through the whole process after you’ve accepted an offer through the closing.

To keep your summer lawn looking ball park great, just employ these four proven care tips:

1. Water to a depth of 3-4 inches to encourage deep rooting.

2. Mow no more than 1/3 of the grass height during summer.  During heat spells, don’t cut it at all.  Keep your lawn mower blades sharp to avoid grass damage.

3. Fertilize your lawn with a natural fertilizer.  Try to use pesticide-free products which contain non-burning natural nitrogen.  The slow-release formula releases just the right amount of food to keep your lawn looking fantastic.

4. De-thatch and aerate your lawn.  This loosens compacted soil and improves air, water and fertilizer penetration.

Following these tips will result in a very healthy lawn, which in turn prevents weeds from getting established.

A little information about West Des Moines - This city started out as a railroad community in the 1890’s.  As Valley Junction draws visitors today, in the beginning it attracted people to drugstores, banks and boarding houses.  Currently it is a favorite haunt for antique collectors and everyone who might enjoy strolling down the sidewalk to the various shoppes, restaurants, and costume store. West Des Moines boasts the areas only mega-mall Jordan Creek but conventional shopping can be had at Valley West Mall, Water Tower Place, Normandy Plaza, Governor’s Square and Clock Tower Square. If you check out the Jordan Creek area, you will find more shopping than I can possibly list here.  West Des Moines is one of the fastest growing cities.  The different price ranges make it a great place to search for everything from your first home to your last with lots of luxury choices.  You have a variety of choices for entertainment - dining, outdoor activities, sporting events, shopping and cultural events.  Thursdays in Valley Junction from May to September check out the Farmer’s Market. You can also attend antique jamborees, art shows, as well as Jazz in July.  As you can see, West Des Moines offers a great living experience.  Want more information – call me at 515-577-2412 or email me at virginiagruver@realestateconcepts.net. 

If you receive my monthly newsletter, you already know that I have a trivia contest.  Congratulations to Vona Kean of Des Moines for correctly answering the question.  (The answer was Sir Charles Chaplin, who was commemorated with a UK postage stamp in 1985.  If you live in the Des Moines area and would like to participate for a chance to win a couple movie tickets – the question for this month is – In the movie Beauty and the Beast, a road sign points to 2 California cities.  What are they?