
April showers bring May flowers…and many home care opportunities. This is a great time to check on gutters, downspouts, rain barrels, foundational cracks, and windows.
Did you know that for every inch of rainfall on a 1000 square foot roof, 600 gallons of water can collect? If you collect water in a rain barrel, you can reuse it for irrigating ornamental trees, lawn, and flowers; washing your vehicles; rinsing out recyclable containers before tossing them into the bin; and spraying down your walkways.
Rainy spring days are a good time to check on the basement and crawlspace. Water stains along the wall and floor, excess moisture, or mold can be good indicators that you need to look further at windows and foundational issues with a professional.
If the sides or bottoms of your windows show a few leaks during a downpour, y...

When selling your Roanoke Valley home, the goal is usually to sell in the shortest amount of time for the highest price. It might seem like getting there is out of your control, but the truth is, there are so many things you can do right from the start that will make your home sale go smoothly.
That said, there are also some things you can do that will make the process more difficult. Here are my Top 10:
Pricing too high

I work with a lot of homes that have been rehabbed before going on the market, so I'm always interested in home improvements and the effect they have on a home's value.
The National Association of REALTORS put out a Remodeling Impact Report. The report looks at the typical cost of remodeling projects as estimated by members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. It also reports what Realtors are seeing in the market regarding home improvements.

Selling your house, even in a busy market like the one Roanoke has now, can be a trying experience. You've got a lot wrapped up in your house -- money, of course, but also emotion and memories. Add to that the stress of having strangers in and out, navigating negotiations with buyers and preparing yourself for a move.
A good Realtor should make selling your home easier. He or she will get to know the particulars of your situation -- how much you need to get out of your house, how fast you need to sell it and where you can and can't compromise. Your Realtor will act as your negotiator, advise you as problems arise and help you see the facts if emotions start getting in the way. With the right...