A Tale of Three “Lucy”s – Lucy Two Is Moving!

A Tale of Three “Lucy”s – Lucy Two

You have probably heard from several sources to plan ahead when moving.  It’s never too early to start thinking about what to pack and how it will get to the new facility.  This past November, I was faced with three moves at the same time.  I will call my clients Lucy 1, Lucy 2 and Lucy 3. 

Lucy 1 lived in an apartment on the 15^th floor.  The view was wonderful, the space was large.  But there was this pesky little issue of persistent leaks that the property manager shrugged off as a small problem.  But mold growing under the carpet for years, and several trips to the hospital were hardly small issues for my client, retired from her teaching position.  It was time for a move.

Lucy 2 lived in a maintenance-free townhouse.  At 89 years old, her memory was failing and she had caregivers coming every day to help her dress and eat.  As her disease progressed, it became clear to the daughter that her mother needed someone watching her 24 hours/day. 

Lucy 3 lived in development specifically for residents over 55 years of age.  The homes were single family, but maintenance-free.  A widow, she lived there alone, but had children and grandchildren in the area to help.  She was able to drive, but when her multiple sclerosis and the weather got worse, she was unable to go outside.  She had to rely more and more on others, and began falling more frequently.  When she fell, she couldn’t get up on her own.  She decided to move to assisted living.

Over the next few posts, I will tell the stories of each of my clients and the unique challenges each faced. 

Here is the story of Lucy 2:

Lucy Two lived in a maintenance-free townhouse.  Her daughter had recently taken her car keys away from her because her memory was failing and it wasn’t safe to have her on the roads.  She was 88 years old when I started visiting her a few times a week to take her to the grocery store, to get her hair done, etc.  All those things she couldn’t do herself because she wasn’t driving any more.

Dining Room Before Staging

Over the next few months, her health remained stable, but her memory was fading fast.  She would forget to eat.  She didn’t know night from day.  She thought her bedroom was her house, and the rest of her house was the office where she worked.  She soon needed assistance 7 days/week, and someone to visit her every night to make dinner.

This went on with a bevy of caretakers over several months.  Lucy began getting more confused.  She didn’t understand why people were coming over when she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.  She thought we were only visiting, and became belligerent when we tried to help.  After some serious episodes, her daughter, Lynn (the only child living in the area), decided to put her into Memory Care.

That decision was difficult enough for Lynn.  But then came the task of selling the townhouse.  It was full to the brim with family memories and loving knick-knacks – most of which Lucy couldn’t even remember how

Parlor Before Staging

she’d acquired.  The day of the move, November 1, Lynn and I took Lucy to her new rooms, stayed for lunch with her, then went home to pack up some belongings while Lucy attended mass at the facility.  We packed enough clothes for the winter months, and some personal effects, like photographs of the great-granddaughters she loved so much. 

The next step was to allow the family to claim what they wanted from the house.  Children came from out of state to pack up/claim what they wanted.  Then, with the help of the real estate agent, we selected those items that would stay in the house for staging.  I marked those items with painter’s tape.

Dining Room After Staging

A junk removal company, Ease Services, came to pick up the furniture we didn’t need for staging.  They took items in good condition to a charity.  Once the belongings were pared down, the entire house was painted and new carpet was installed.  Lynn had a handyman come and do some small cosmetic repairs.

I packed up the small items that we didn’t need for the showing, and with the help of Lucy’s daughter and grandson, the boxes got loaded and dropped off at a local donation center.  I used what was left to stage the house.  I brought in some accent pieces and colorful towels, and set the dining room table.  It looked like a warm, loving home.  

The house was listed on a Thursday.  By Saturday, it sold!  Yes, that quickly!  What did that mean?  The rest of the cabinets had to be emptied, and the furniture removed.  No rest here!  So the phone calls started again. 

Lynn had friends/family come in to take what they wanted/needed for themselves or children who were moving into their own apartments.  Lynn got estimates from moving companies for shipping her sibling’s items to her in Idaho.  Their brother drove up from Florida with a van to get his things.  Once we knew what was unclaimed, I finished emptying all the cabinets, garage, laundry room, etc., and boxed everything up for

Parlor After Staging

charity.

Ease Services came for a second load, taking the items we knew wouldn’t sell.  Then I called an auction house, who loaded up their truck the same day as Lucy Three's load, and paid Lucy Two for what they took away.  I finished cleaning out the garage, taking the garbage to the dumpster, and the last of the donations to Goodwill.  

The house was empty!!  The closing took place on March 28.  It was a real whirlwind of activity.  Thank goodness Lynn worked close to her mom’s house, so between the two of us, we were able to meet with drivers, repairmen, etc..  And although there were a few glitches, it all worked out in the end.  My final task was to mail some mementos we found in Lucy’s drawers to her daughter in Idaho and her grandson in Oregon. 

Lynn and I are going to dinner to celebrate! 

Click here to see Lucy One's Story
Click here to see Lucy Three's Story

Remodel Now, Reap Rewards Later

Moving on Monday

When selling your house, the question usually arises--should I invest money in remodeling my home for a higher selling price, or leave it as is and take whatever offer I get?

This is never an easy answer because of the many variables.  When do you plan to move?  Do you want to enjoy the upgrades yourself before selling?  How fluid is your cash?  Can you afford to lose 50-60% on a project you undertake?  Would the house benefit greatly from the improvement even if you don’t get 90% back on the investment?

Answer these questions honestly before starting a project.

Should you go overboard and start putting in high-end appliances and granite countertops if you can afford it?  Or scale back and replace door fronts instead of all new cabinets?  

Before undertaking any remodeling project, consult with a real estate agent as to the return on investment you can expect.  If a $25,000 kitchen make-over will only net you 60% return, is it worth it?  Especially if a $5000 investment might net you 110%?  

According to Remodeling magazine’s recent study of the cost of various home improvement projects versus their resale value, some of the biggest bang for your buck is in the smaller projects.  For example, a new garage door can greatly improve a home’s exterior.  This is important when potential buyers are driving by to determine if they want to see more.  An average $1878 cost of a door yields a 62% return.  Vinyl siding can yield a 64% return.  However, a $54,000 bathroom addition added only about 42% of the value to the selling price.  

That isn’t to say you shouldn’t do any remodels.  If you will be in the house for a while, you can certainly enjoy the new spa bathroom.  But be prepared to eat 60% of what you laid out when the house hits the market. 

Showing Your House Through the Seasons

Moving on Monday

As summer turns into fall, your house is still on the market.  You’ve been taking care of it, mowing the lawn and watering the gardens.  But now that the weather is cooler and leaves are starting to fall, there are other matters you must attend to for it to show at its best.

The most important part of your house when selling is the outside.  It is the first impression potential buyers have when they drive by or come for a viewing.  Before they even step into your house, they will be assessing the condition of the driveway, the size of the trees and bushes, and the amount of clutter on the porch.  If they are just driving by, they may decide to cancel an appointment with a real estate agent.  If they already have an appointment, they will probably still come in, but their opinions will be affected by what they saw outside, no matter how nice the house is inside.

So if you are showing your house during this change of season, make sure you keep up with maintaining the exterior of your home.

Rake the leaves, sweep the walkway and porch, and clean out the gutters.  Have your asphalt driveway sealed if necessary, or the cracks in your concrete fixed.  With the upcoming snow and ice, potential buyers know that little cracks can turn into large problems.

Clean all the cobwebs from the front door and windows.  This is what buyers look at when they are waiting for the agent to unlock the door.  All dead plants should be removed from the front porch, and replaced with fall foliage.  If there are any nests in the lights (bird or wasp), get rid of them, and any mess they may have left.  If the wreath or decoration on your front door is seasonal, swap it out for a fall version.

It gets dark earlier now, so make sure all the light fixtures are working properly.  Put both interior and exterior lights on a timer so buyers driving by at night can see the house lit up even if you aren’t home. 

Make sure your address is visible from the street both night and day.  Use numbers in contrast with your house color.  That is, use black numbers on a white house, or brass numbers on a brown house.  Look at your address as you drive up from both directions, both day and night.  Brass or silver numbers reflect the sun, making them difficult to read.  If your house is set back off the street, have your address on a mailbox or post near the street.

Finally, cut down flowers and plants as they die for the season.  If you have extensive landscaping with mature perennials and you want buyers to see what you have planted, then leave photos on the counter of what your house looks like in the summer. 

Keeping your house showing its best will keep you a step up from the competition.

Home for Sale: Staging the Air in a Home – Yes, the Air!

Moving on Monday

When a house has all the features that an approved buyer is looking for, but the home’s air quality has everything left to be desired…

Home sellers, realtors, advisors all know the drill.  If a person wants to sell their home it has to be cleaned up, any excess furniture and other loved items put away or stored away from the house in order to make it look more presentable to possible buyers.  Few sellers or professionals consider de-cluttering the air.    

Habits that we have come to love, whether it is a cigar or cigarette or the love of spicy cooking, the odors fill a house as much as any large unsightly couch.   The evidence, however, is in the air.   Our pets, including furry felines, large or multiple dogs or birds, other pets can leave distinct and unwanted odors and dander in the air that may turn away a potential buyer before getting even a few feet into the door.  The home may have been a perfect fit, but not with an indoor air quality problem.

Sometimes perfumed air fresheners are used to cover up the offending odor and make the home more desirable.  These may hide the immediate problem, but just as putting a rug over a soft floor board doesn’t fix the floor, the perfume doesn’t make the house safe for future occupants, especially children or otherwise sensitive individuals.

Basements often have musty, moldy odors, even long after the water leak or flooding damage has been remediated.  That too must be changed before a house is put on the market.  

The solution is relatively easy, there are air purification units for rent or purchase that clean any of those problems in a short time.   No need to purchase multiple units;  the best ones are small, portable and will do the entire home in a relatively short time.   Best of all, they do the job.   Begin decluttering the air in your home – moving or not.  

If you have stale air in your home, selling or not, contact Brigitte Cornelius of TGI Clean Air & Water. She san help you come up with a solution that is best for your individual situation. 

TGi Clean Air & Water
Brigitte & Steve Cornelius

P.O. Box 113
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
www.tgicleanair.com

Is Staging Worth the Investment?

Moving on Monday

Many homeowners struggle with whether or not they want to have their home professionally staged.  Professional stagers charge anywhere from 1% to 3% of the sale price of the home.  That is a sizeable investment.  Yet, when they consider the benefits, they can see that Home Staging can easily make back what is spent, and often earn the homeowner more. 

Staging helps a home stand out and presents it as move-in ready playing up the positive and playing down the less than perfect.

·         Leaving a house “as is” will help sell the competition.

·         Staged homes sell for more money. (Stats show that they earn a 586% ROI on staging.)

·         Homes that are staged sell up to 78% faster than those that aren't.

·         The longer a house is on the market, the lower the selling price will be.

·         Staging doesn’t cost anything, because it is made up in increased value of the home.

·         79% of buyers value updated kitchens.

·         63% of buyers will pay more for move-in-ready status

·         Top selling features in a home are fresh paint, adequate storage, and updated flooring.

So you decide—IS Staging worth it?

Should I Remodel My Bathrooms Before Selling?

Moving on Monday

This question is often asked by homeowners when they are planning to put their house on the market.  The answer isn't an easy 'yes' or 'no'.   Can it increase the value of the house?  Of course it can.  But there are several factors to consider before diving in.  

First, how much would it cost to remodel the space?  If you are doing simple cosmetic changes, the cost will be much less than if you were tearing out the vanity, tub and toilet.  How old or worn do the cabinets look?  Are the tiles in bad shape?  Or would a good grout cleaning brighten the space? 

If you are simply painting and replacing the countertop, the changes are worth it.  If you have to replace everything, the cost may be more than the return on investment. 
The average ROI on a bathroom remodel is 172%.  So you would probably recoup your money on simple changes.  However, if you go with high-end cabinets and granite countertops to compete with the neighbors, will you get that money back on the sale of the home?  Possibly. 

Buyers like rooms that don't need remodeling.  But if you have to drastically increase the selling price of your house to recoup the costs, it may not be worth it. 

The solution?  Be sensible.  If you want to update the space, look for deals.  There may be tile close-outs on discontinued patterns.  Or visit a Habitat for Humanity Resale store for deals on vanities and cabinets.  Look for paint 'mistakes' at your hardware store to see if there is a color that will work in your home. 

Finally, are you going to do the work yourself, or hire someone?  If you do it yourself, it will be less expensive.  But will you have the time to get it done before listing the property?  Are you experienced enough in laying/grouting tiles?  Even new tiles that are poorly laid will not attract buyers.

So yes, it can be worth your while to remodel, but be smart in your choices.

Showing Your Home in the Spring

Moving on Monday

Now that the weather is warming up, more home buyers are getting out to look at houses. There is a large inventory of homes on the market, some from last year, and new ones from this year. How will yours stand out from the rest? What will make buyers choose yours? Does it look its best now that winter's snowy cover is gone? What was hidden from view?

Now is the time to take a good look at your home and spruce it up for the spring.

• Clean out gardens from leaves and branches.
• Cut back dead foliage and broken branches from plants.
• Lay new mulch to retard weed growth.
• Clean out gutters.
• Look for damage to your roof.
• Have your asphalt driveway sealcoated.
• Open windows and let in fresh air.
• Have carpets cleaned and floors washed.
• Clean winter's grime out from your garage floor.
• Mow the lawn often during the growth spurts of spring.
• Fertilize and lawn and apply weedkiller.
• Wash your windows and clean the draperies.
• Dust the cobwebs from the corners.

Remember, your home has lots of competition. Make sure it sparkles!

Your Moving Timeline--One Month Before

Moving on Monday

Last week, we talked about the importance of planning ahead for your move for the least amount of stress. Sometimes moves come on suddenly, and the planning needs to be done in a short amount of time. But when you know about your move months in advance, start planning as early as possible.

We covered what you can do up to six months before your move date. But now the move is getting closer. This week, we'll look at what you can do just one month before your move.

• Take inventory of your possessions. What goes with? What gets sold or donated?
• Mark the items that are staying in your current home
• Create a floor plan for your old and new homes
• Color-code the rooms to coordinate with stickers
• Place coordinating stickers on boxes and furniture for each room
• Get estimates from moving companies/hire a mover (may need to do this earlier if you need a weekend date in the summer)
• Book a moving van if moving yourself (may need to do this earlier if you need a weekend date in the summer)
• Arrange for a temporary storage facility if necessary

Your Moving Timeline--Six Weeks Before

Moving on Monday

Last week, we talked about the importance of planning ahead for your move for the least amount of stress. Sometimes moves come on suddenly, and the planning needs to be done in a short amount of time. But when you know about your move months in advance, start planning as early as possible.

We covered what you can do three to six months before your move date. This week, we'll look at what you can do six weeks before your move.

• Take inventory of possessions--what goes with?
• Mark items that are staying in current home
• Create a floor plan for old and new homes
• Color-code rooms to coordinate with stickers
• Place coordinating stickers on boxes and furniture for each room
• Get estimates from moving companies/hire a mover
• Book a moving van if moving yourself
• Arrange for storage facility if necessary

Your Moving Timeline--Three Months Before

Moving on Monday

Last week, we talked about the importance of planning ahead for your move for the least amount of stress. Sometimes moves come on suddenly, and the planning needs to be done in a short amount of time. But when you know about your move months in advance, start planning as early as possible.

We covered what you can do six months before your move date. This week, we'll look at what you can do three months before your move.

• Begin packing off-season items
• Arrange for temporary storage
• Stage your home for the sale
• Get your credit report for future financing needs
• Start weekly To-Do lists and enter tasks on calendars

Planning Ahead--Six Months Before the Move

Moving on Mondays

Most people know they are moving at least six months before the move. Sometimes corporate moves will come about suddenly. Even then, businesses will often transfer the working spouse and let the rest of the family move at a later date for school or other reasons.

Some homeowners know as many as two years before the move if they are planning on retirement or may be downsizing or upsizing. It is beneficial to know about your move ahead of time. You can plan appropriately and be ready for the big day. Planning will make your move less stressful.

It is recommended to start at least six months ahead of the move date to give yourself plenty of time to get done what needs to be done. Here is what you can do six months before the date to start on your way.

• Make necessary repairs on current home
• Contact realtor to put home on market
• Contact Organizer/Home Stager
• Start a file for moving-related expenses
• Create calendar sheets for upcoming months
• Start decluttering/purging your seasonal items as you use them

Maintaining Your Home During the Winter

Moving on Monday

When your house is on the market, you must keep it looking its best. You never know when a realtor will call to show your home to 'the' buyer. You've de-cluttered and cleaned, and spruced it up and made repairs. But keeping it neat and tidy is always a challenge. Especially during the winter.

You know the basics of maintaining your home inside--picking up clothes, putting away mail, etc. But when it's cold outside, there are other issues to keep in mind. Here are some things you should/should not do during the winter months if your house is for sale.

• Keep decorations to a minimum during the holidays.
• Disconnect all hoses and turn off outdoor water supply.
• Keep driveways shoveled.
• Keep walkways to the front door clear and free of ice.
• Watch for ice build-up in gutters.
• Place a mat outside your front door for wiping feet, and another inside your front door for shoes.
• Provide shoe covers for visitors or ask that they remove wet/snowy shoes before viewing.
• Make sure your chimneys are clean.
• Don't leave fires or candles burning when you are not in a room or not home.
• If your home is vacant, keep it warm enough so pipes don't freeze, and make it comfortable for viewing.

Showing Your Home During the Holidays

Moving on Mondays

It is important to keep your house looking its best while it is on the market. This can be challenging if you have children, pets, or work full time. It can also be challenging during the holidays. Besides being busy with preparations, you have all that extra…clutter…around the house.

There's gifts, wrapping paper, decorations, cookies, and cards. You have packages to wrap and ship, recipes to find and bake, and cards to write, address and stamp. While projects in process can usually be left out, it's not a good idea when your house is on the market. You don't want the home to look too cluttered.

Here are some tips for keeping your home neat while it's on the market during the holidays:

• Keep decorations to a minimum. Don't overdo it by covering every inch of space with garland, trees or knick-knacks. Select a few key areas to decorate. Respect the fact that others may not share your traditions. Some potential buyers may be turned off by a home that is screaming "Christmas."
• Don't overcrowd rooms. Decorations can take up valuable floor space. Placing your tree in the corner means the chair has to come out into the middle of the room. Keep pathways clear, and store extra furniture off site if possible.
• Don't have packages (wrapped or unwrapped) piled under the tree. This is a prime time for thefts. Potential buyers may be thieves casing your house.
• Baking cookies can fill your home with wonderful aromas. Just make sure to put away all the ingredients and bake ware when you are done.
• If you are traveling during the holidays, let your real estate agent know you will be out of town. Put your lights on timers so the home is never dark during the hours it might be shown.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Seven

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. Last week, we looked at bathrooms for potential water disaster areas. This week, we're looking at kitchens.

Kitchens
• Are the countertops in good condition?
• Are the countertops affixed properly?
• Does the plumbing show signs of leaking?
• Does the water line to the refrigerator work/leak?
• Does the garbage disposal work properly?
• Does the dishwasher work properly? Leak?
• Are all the appliances in good working condition?
• Is the floor in need of repair?

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Six

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. These last weeks, we looked at storage spaces and possible fire hazards. This week, we'll look at potential water disaster areas--your bathrooms.

Bathroom
• Do toilets flush properly?
• Do toilets show signs of leaking?
• Is the sink area/under dry?
• Is the sink top attached firmly to the vanity?
• Do the tiles in the tub/shower area need repair?
• Are the walls damaged from moisture or water?
• Is the whirlpool tub working properly?
• Do the pipes show signs of leakage?
• Does the ventilation fan work?
• Is the room equipped with a GFCI outlet?

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Five

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. These last weeks, we looked at storage spaces This week, we'll look at fire-hazard areas--the fireplace and laundry room.

Fireplaces
• Have the fireplace and chimney been cleaned recently?
• Is the masonry missing cement or mortar?
• Is the flue clear?
• Does the damper operate properly?

The Laundry Room
• Are appliances properly ventilated?
• Are vents clear of lint and debris?
• Is the wiring correct for the appliances?
• Are there signs of leaks from appliances?

Will Your Home Pass Inspection?--Part Four

Moving on Monday

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. Last week, we had a checklist of things to look for in the attic. This week, we're looking at another storage space--your basement.

• Do walls show signs of seepage or past water damage?
• Are there cracks in the foundation?
• Is there rot in the woodwork?
• Is the electricity up to code?
• Are there signs of leakage from plumbing?
• Are basement windows operational? Broken?
• Do the stairs to the basement have a railing?
• Are stairs uneven/of equal height?
• Are there signs of pest or rodent infestation?
• Are there signs of water leakage from upper floors?
• Is the insulation adequate?
• Are there holes where the foundation meets the walls?
• Is the sump pump operational?
• Does the sump pump have battery back-up?

Will Your Home Pass Inspection?--Part Two

Moving On Monday

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. The next few weeks will be a checklist of things to look for around your home. Here's what to look at when inspecting the exterior of your home.

Garage
• Is the driveway cracked or uneven?
• Are doors and windows rotted or peeling?
• Is there fire protection between house and garage?
• Is there fire protection between house and garage?
• Does the garage door opener/safety mechanism work?
• Is the floor cracked? Clean?

Landscaping
• Are trees and shrubs clear/trimmed from the house?
• Are large trees far enough from the house that they don't pose threat to foundation?
• Are trees and shrubs trimmed to allow clear view of road?
• Are trees and shrubs clear from walkways and entryway?
• Does land grade away from house for proper drainage?

Will Your Home Pass Inspection?

Moving on Monday

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. The next few weeks will be a checklist of things to look for around your home. Here's what to look at when inspecting the exterior of your home.

• Are any painted areas peeling?
• Is the siding loose or damaged in any area?
• Are wood doors and windows rotted or peeling?
• Is the mortar between bricks missing or worn?
• Are soffits and fascia in need of paint or repair?
• Are walkways cracked or uneven?
• Do the stairs have an adequate railing?
• Are steps of equal height?
• Do steps need painting or repair?
• Are deck boards warped? Nails secure?
• Are deck railings loose or wobbly?
• Are deck railings within building safety code?
• Are exterior lights working?
• Are there any signs of rodent or pest infestation?
• Are gutters and spouts clear of debris?
• Is the foundation cracked/uneven?
• Are roof shingles missing/worn?
• Is flashing loose/missing mortar?
• Is chimney clear?
• Are any window panes broken or cracked?

Preparation is Key!

Moving on Mondays

Moving isn't easy. Not only are you trying to get through your daily activities, you have all the extra tasks of packing and looking for a new home. In order to make your move as smooth as possible, enlist the help of family members in both the execution and maintenance of all the tasks involved. Everyone should help with whatever they can on their level, whether it's teens decluttering and packing their bedrooms, or middle school children sorting through their books and toys, everyone can pitch in.

Older children and spouses can complete the files you've been collecting, make phone calls or run errands. Hold weekly meetings to keep everyone informed on the progress of the packing and move, and assign the tasks for the upcoming week. Have each person give a progress report of the previously assigned tasks. You may need to have meetings more frequently as the moving date looms closer.

Don't try and do everything yourself! You will suffer physically and emotionally.