How's Your Curbside Appeal?

                                             

Spring season is an active time for real estate sales. First impressions count - especially when you are selling a home. Generally, it takes only 7 seconds to make a good impression. That means a potential buyer will base a large part of their decision according to their first impression. Here are some simple and cost effective ways to ramp things up and attract the right buyer.

1. Perspective: If you want to know how someone will perceive your home at first glance, then go outside and take a look at your home from across the street. Better yet, park your car down the street and walk towards your home. What are the first impressions? Where can improvements be made? And don't forget to take a look at night. You never know who may decide to do a 'drive-by' during the evening hours. Illuminating your property effectively is paramount.

2. Landscaping: Keeping up the yard is key when it comes to curbside appeal. There is nothing like overgrown bushes, trees, weeds or barren property to turn away a potential buyer. Stay on top of mowing the lawn and raking out any debris from the beds. Plant some bright flowers to accent beds and front entrance. This is a perfect way to draw positive energy to your property and home. Neat and tidy lawns are definitely a head turner!

3. Power wash it! Think of it as giving your home a good shower. Wash off the mildew, dirt and mold. Don't forget to hit the sidewalks, walkways and doors. If your home looks dirty on the outside,  people will think it is dirty on the inside.

4. Roof: While you are power washing the rest of the home, don't forget about your roof. Think of the roof as your head. You wouldn't want to shower your body without shampooing your hair. A dirty roof will move the potential buyer to think the roof is faulty and in need replacement.

5. Fresh paint: Notice if the paint looks worn, cracking or peeling on the body of the house, trim or doors. Many times a simple touch up is all you need to make that lasting impression.  A little paint goes a long way to attract buyers.

6. Front Door: This is  the mouth to the home and can be a deal breaker. Spruce up the front door by either painting it, replacing it, or adding new fixtures to it. While you are at it, take notice of the lighting fixtures and address numbers around the door entrance area. Replacing these accents can add a whole new look and turn shoppers into owners!

For feng shui real estate advice you can email me

Happy Sales!
Mary Jane Kasliner
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Managing Your Garage Space

Managing Your Garage Space

     Many think a garage is nothing more than a drop zone. The truth of the matter is a garage can be a part of your home. Here are 5 simple tips you can employ to make your garage a whole new space!

1. Garage Floor Makeover: One of the best ways to add a little style and color to your garage is to start with the floor. All good garage floor coverings begin with preparing and repairing the concrete floor. If you are handy, there are plenty of DIY ideas to guide you. Painting with latex intended for concrete floors is relatively inexpensive and easy to do. Personally, I like the look and feel of garage floor tiles or garage floor mats that simply roll out. They come in a variety styles, colors and materials. 

2. Reallocate Space: If you have lots of stuff that you can't seem to get rid of, consider dividing up the space. Build a storage area that can hold equipment, tools, yard materials, and so on. Incorporating attractive storage cabinets, closets, sliding doors, and built in shelving can add functionality without detracting from the overall look and feel of your garage. Make sure you categorize your items so everything has a home.  

3.Cover Up Exposed Architecture: Exposed pipes, electrical wiring and visible insulation is an eye soar. Use construction materials that can hold up to moisture and heat when covering these exposed items. 

4. Get Creative: This is the fun part. You can create fun storage bins using scrap wood. You can paint them or stencil an icon or words that identify what to house in your new bins. If woodworking or painting is not your thing, consider using Rubbermaid Roughneck Trash can as a solution to house some of your items. This works well especially if you are unable to re-allocate space for storage.  

5. Maximize Vertical Space: Utilize vertical space by hanging items from rafters. This is an option for those who are unable to cover up exposed architecture. Large S-Hooks are great for this. It is a perfect way to eliminate items on the floor especially if you are dealing with a small space. 

      Think of your garage as another room in your home. Take time to create a new look and notice the difference it makes every time you enter the space.. Here's to your garage!

Mary Jane Kasliner

Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Dublin, Ireland

We may not enjoy the rain but it sure does wonders for these flowers! The month of May is a beautiful time to appreciate the vibrant colors of Spring. While you are enjoying the scenery of nature's gifts, you may want to know what the feng shui energy is for this month. Here are a few areas to be mindful of.

•  Connect with family this month. Take the lead in setting up a reunion or creating a family tree album. Take interest in your heritage, ancestors and new additions to the family. There can be tension that arises especially between patriarch and eldest son. Vulnerability to tendons and ligaments of the legs and neck area. Add water element (can be virtual water) to the east portent of your home so things flow with ease.
•  Creative writing and literature is strong this month, so if you are a writer take advantage of this energy. On the flip side, watch bank account and credit cards as there is a possibility of them being compromised. Avoid using credit cards online or at the gas pump. Use cash instead. Place virtual water element in the southeast to weaken this potential issue.
•  Ideas seem to pour in this month that can translate to windfalls. The tendency is to act quickly on these ideas, but it is better to slow the pace and move with precision. Add a fire element to the south direction to slow down this otherwise raspinarious energy.
•  Chaos in relationships this month. Listen before you speak and take into consideration  someone else's point of view. Place strong metal element or ring a bell frequently in the southwest direction to break up this negative energy.
•  Take time this month to review your long-terms goals and plans. Make sure the element of FUN is included in your plan. Add a metal element to the west direction this month and open up time for some R&R.
•  Network with like-minded people this month. Those who share your vision and goals. This will lead to great opportunities. Add water and wood element to the northwest direction and watch your goals unfold before your eyes.
•  Reading, writing, and literary works are all a part of your job this month. In other words, research and paperwork are necessary to advance in career. Add water element to the north direction and let your career path move forward.
•  Meditation practice may be thwarted this month. Resist the urge to busy your schedule up so there is no time to become quiet. To sacrifice a quiet mind is to sacrifice your peace of mind. Add metal element to the northeast to drain this negative energy.
•  Money and resources have the ability to soar this month. This is a very fortuitous energy that graces the center of the home. Place strong terminating crystals, plug-in incense burner and money to attract wealth. Keep activity high in the center of your home.

Enjoy all the beautiful flowers!

Om,

Mary Jane - www.fengshuiyoganj.com