5 Cheap Upgrades for Your Deck!

Want to update the appeal of your deck for under $300? 

Here are five projects you can do this summer. The double bonus here: most of these projects can be done in a weekend AND you get to enjoy the outdoors while you are completing the project!

1. Add Solar Lighting

• Rope Lights
• Hanging Lanterns
• Carriage Lights

2. Install a decorative landing at the foot of your deck stairs

• Flagstone
• Pavers 
• Stamped Concrete

3. Put up a privacy screen or 

• Lattice Panels, 
• Bamboo Fencing
• Trellis
• Outdoor Fabric Walls

4. Add a floor rug on your decking

• Paint the whole base for a "wall-to-wall" carpet look
• Paint just a "rug" in your favorite design in the seating/table area
• Place an outdoor rug that will withstand the elements

5. Wash and refinish your wood decking

• Use a good deck cleaning product then stain and seal or paint

Read more from the source: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/decks/deck-makeover-ideas-under-300

NEED MORE INSPIRATION?  

CHECK OUT MY OUTDOOR SPACES BOARD ON PINTEREST!

More on HOME RENOVATION!  Get some landscaping ideas or ramp up  your curb appeal!

Enjoy your improved summer space!


Come Share with me!

Where can you donate that stuff?

Who will take my stuff?

Do you have a lot of stuff in your house or clothing that you are not taking with you when you move?
The best time to get rid if it is BEFORE you even put your home on the market to sell.
If you don't have someone to take your things and you can't sell them (or just don't want to) here is a list of places you can donate them and pick up services you can use.

Some items you can donate or have picked up are: Furniture, cribs, mattresses, household items, clothing, shoes, linens, drapes, toys, books, electronics, dishes, appliances, sporting goods, computers, sofa beds, rugs, jewelry, unopened toiletries, and more! (All of these places accept different types of items and some are specific about condition.)

• Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores and Donation Centers 612-861-9550
• Bibles for Missions Thrift Center 763-522-1786
• Bridging 952-888-1105 www.bridging.org (information only)
• Christ United Methodist Church 651-739-8875
• Courage Center 952-881-1100
• Epilepsy Foundation 651-287-2300
• Hope Chest 952-471-8700 or 651-642-2850
• Lupus Foundation of Minnesota 651-748-0400
• Minnesota Disabled American Veterans Pickup Service and Donation Centers 651-487-2002
• Pilot City 612-348-4762
• Salvation Army 612-332-5855
• St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store 612-722-7882
• Steeple People 612-871-8305
• Vietnam Veterans of America. 651-778-8387

A more comprehensive list can be found at Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers.
Hope this helps!

[VIDEO] What is Title Insurance?

Do I Need Title Insurance?

What is Title Insurance?

An insurance policy that is issued by a title company to protect and indemnify the property owner against any financial losses resulting from title defects, once the purchase is complete.

What is the purpose of Title Insurance?

A title insurance policy provides coverage in the event that some person asserts a legal claim against your property. Some common risks that it will insure you against include property liens for unpaid taxes, forged title deed, missing or undisclosed heirs, impersonation of the property's true owner or mistake made while recording legal documents.

What Does Title Insurance Cover?

There are the two main types of title insurance

An owner's title insurance policy - Insures the property owner up to the purchase price paid for property. A new title insurance policy is issued each time there is a change in property ownership. The coverage it provides cannot be transferred or assigned to subsequent owners of the same property.
A lender's title insurance policy - Insures the lender up to the amount of the loan issued. The policy's value decreases over time as the loan is paid off. The lender's title policy insures the lender's valid and enforceable lien in the property. It can be assigned to any other party that owns the loan.

How much is Title Insurance?

There is a one time fee for the insurance premium due at closing of escrow.

Need more information?

Contact us!

Packing for a Move: Where do you get the boxes?

Packing and Unpacking

Finding moving boxes that fits both your needs and budget takes some preparation. It includes assessing what kind of assortment and how many boxes you will need and researching the costs. And being prepared with moving box knowledge saves time - you won't be running out at the last minute to buy more boxes and good organization helps save time during the loading and unloading process for your movers.

And don't forget, after the move, compress your boxes, remove the tape, and find place to stash them, like a storage unit or an overhead closet. You will have exactly what you need for the next time move.

1. Cardboard boxes 
Cardboard boxes are convenient because they can be bought virtually everywhere -- from Amazon to Home Depot to Sam's Club) The downside is that they are usually sold in one-size packs and you may end up with a surplus of unused, wasted boxes. 
Some online moving supply companies, like directmovingboxes.com and usedcardbordboxes.com, have solved this by selling "moving kits," which include a variety of box sizes and other necessities, such as bubble wrap, packing tape and markers. The benefit of buying a package is that the supplier helps you estimate how many boxes you will need, based on the size of your place.

2. Grocery store boxes (apple boxes, plastic milk crates, and glass or wine boxes)
Best to stow small, heavy items for the move. It's a cheap, eco-friendly way to get boxes for your move; however, it requires a little extra work on your part to get chummy with the manager of a local grocery and start accumulating a set of boxes. Restaurants and coffee shops are your best bet for finding plastic milk crates, free of charge.

3. Banker boxes (boxes that usually store paper or legal files; roughly a foot wide and high, by 2 feet long) 
They have handles for easy transport and lift-off lids. Best for little or heavy items, such as books, DVDs and cooking utensils or children's clothes.

4. Wardrobe boxes (the tall, slender boxes that come with hinged holes and a metal bar) 
Works well for light, bulky belongings such as pillows, comforters, sleeping bags, etc). Do NOT put heavy things in these boxes.

5. Eco-friendly boxes (eco-conscious moving boxes). 

You can rent these storage boxes for a couple of weeks to pack and move, and then they are picked up once your move is complete. The downside of this is usually cost.

Read More: DONATE YOUR STUFF
 9 Ways to Save on Moving Expenses
Five Must Have Moving Supplies

• Packing Supplies for a Smooth Move
• Green Moving Guide

• Packing Your Home for Moving Day
• Best Ways to Unpack After Moving

• Move with Storage Containers: Packing and Unpacking Made Easy

Planning a Move

Planning a Move

Before you start packing boxes you should be thinking about logistics. These guides will get you thinking about the decisions you need to make before a move. It's important to have the best tips and resources possible when planning a move! 

• Moving on the Cheap
• Moving Made Easy with a Timetable
• Don't Move It! Yard Sale Tips and More

• Home Improvements, Before You Move In
• Moving Costs: Ways to Budget for Your Move

• Changing Rentals? Save on Your Next Move
• Moving Tips for Every Season

Read More: 9 Ways to Save on Moving Expenses

Five Must Have Moving Supplies
Where do you get Moving Boxes?

Choosing Movers

When preparing to move one of the biggest decisions is figuring out how to find trustworthy movers to get your stuff from A to B. These guides will help you find the right movers for you.

• Movers: Hire Professionals or Do It Yourself

• Movers You Won't Regret

• How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote

Want more GREAT TIPS from a GREAT AGENT? Call Sarah First!