In probably every real estate book I've read, they all say that you should change up something on the exterior right before you sell your house. That way people who pass the house on a daily basis notice that there are changes taking place.
Well, I did that today. At least started that. I painted the porch door & door trim, front door & trim, screen door, upstairs front windows, and shutters. The upstairs windows and shutters need another coat, but I can square that away tomorrow.
The color I used was kind of an earthy green that I thought would compliment the white well. Hmm... it's growing on me, but I'm still not sure. I wanted something that was reminiscent of 1920's arts and crafts design, so I thought the green would work well. People will either think of arts and crafts when they see it or of a baby's dirty diaper. I'm hoping people will think of the first reference, not 'lets not buy the house with the diarrhea trim'. It was dark out by the time I finished, so I haven't had an opportunity to get a good look at the place. It was also too dark for pictures. Sorry, I'll get 'em tomorrow.
Tomorrow will mark my last day at the Hotel Donaldson, leaving me unemployed and ready to kick the house repairs into overdrive. With each little thing that gets done I can take a little bit of a deeper breath and my shoulders relax slightly further from my earlobes. I'm just kicking myself for being such a lazy putz this winter. I could have had so much more of this done!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
NYC in 22 Days! Panic Mode!
Wow, so I'm in a mad dash to the finish. Finish in relative terms... I could spend five years working on this house! So far I've mostly been running in circles trying to figure out the best place to start. A few days ago I painted the trim in the kitchen white 
and this morning, on a whim, I decided to paint the walls in the kitchen. What is wrong with me and picking out paint colors? I can't seem to do it. I picked up this paint about five months ago. What is it that takes the paint from the nice light sage green on the paint swatch and turns it into a dark SEAFOAM green mess on the walls?
Ok, so it's a little bluer and darker than I would have wanted, but I think it's ok. It does make the white trim 'pop'. If the realtor says it will hurt the sale, I guess it did only take me about three hours to do the job. I still need to paint the ceiling and cabinets a nice pure white. Not a job for today. No way!
Usually I'm not one to be extremely boastful about things, but I captured this bit of sheer magic on film for you. It's me cutting in with a paintbrush. I haven't used painters tape in years and I think it's my best quality in the scheme of home renovating. Steady hand... check it out!
Oh yeah!
More to come soon. Nothing like an impossible deadline to keep you moving!
and this morning, on a whim, I decided to paint the walls in the kitchen. What is wrong with me and picking out paint colors? I can't seem to do it. I picked up this paint about five months ago. What is it that takes the paint from the nice light sage green on the paint swatch and turns it into a dark SEAFOAM green mess on the walls?
Ok, so it's a little bluer and darker than I would have wanted, but I think it's ok. It does make the white trim 'pop'. If the realtor says it will hurt the sale, I guess it did only take me about three hours to do the job. I still need to paint the ceiling and cabinets a nice pure white. Not a job for today. No way!
Usually I'm not one to be extremely boastful about things, but I captured this bit of sheer magic on film for you. It's me cutting in with a paintbrush. I haven't used painters tape in years and I think it's my best quality in the scheme of home renovating. Steady hand... check it out!
Oh yeah!
More to come soon. Nothing like an impossible deadline to keep you moving!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
More Photos! Wood! Stairs!
Ok, I just finished stripping paint for the day and I'm really happy with the results so far. I have all of the spindles done on three sides and have four of the backs done. I shot a few more snapshots because I'm really excited to see so much woodgrain going on!
Notice the laptop on the stairs. The ipod decided to take the 'dirt nap' (as my professor calls it) so the headphones had to connect to something!
Too bad the house smells like old, melting paint. Sorry roomies!
Notice the laptop on the stairs. The ipod decided to take the 'dirt nap' (as my professor calls it) so the headphones had to connect to something!Too bad the house smells like old, melting paint. Sorry roomies!
I believe I've made a decision...
I'm going to sell the house. I'll be working hard to get it ready to list in May. Plan to see big changes; big inexpensive changes.
My Realtor came over today and we sat down to talk about selling the place. She had a list of homes on the market now that would be comparable to my house once I make those fixes I posted a few days ago. Her estimate fell about where I expected it. Basically the value is higher than when I bought it, but the fees associated with the sale cancel out most of the increase. If I got my asking price I could make a little pocket change, but not too much. There'd be even less if anyone asks for closing costs.
Basically, I just need to not have this liability in North Dakota when I'm in New York, Paris, Milan, etc. What if I couldn't find renters? The furnace breaks down? Renters damage the house? Just too much to worry about.
Now for some news that's a little more fun: I'm working on the staircase today. Blasting off that paint with my best friend and favorite tool. See it there? Sitting on the newel post. Just waiting to play!
The two whitish spindles are the ones that, for some reason, someone decided to sand and prime before painting. Jerks! This is one time I'm glad that the P.O.'s were too lazy to do things the right way.
I found that a box works really well for dropping the hot paint scrapings into. The cardboard is easier to scrape against to get the stuck-on pieces off instead of newspaper or paper towels.
Anyone for some delicious chips? Paint chips? Now featuring 30% MORE lead!
Scrumptious!
My Realtor came over today and we sat down to talk about selling the place. She had a list of homes on the market now that would be comparable to my house once I make those fixes I posted a few days ago. Her estimate fell about where I expected it. Basically the value is higher than when I bought it, but the fees associated with the sale cancel out most of the increase. If I got my asking price I could make a little pocket change, but not too much. There'd be even less if anyone asks for closing costs.
Basically, I just need to not have this liability in North Dakota when I'm in New York, Paris, Milan, etc. What if I couldn't find renters? The furnace breaks down? Renters damage the house? Just too much to worry about.
Now for some news that's a little more fun: I'm working on the staircase today. Blasting off that paint with my best friend and favorite tool. See it there? Sitting on the newel post. Just waiting to play!
The two whitish spindles are the ones that, for some reason, someone decided to sand and prime before painting. Jerks! This is one time I'm glad that the P.O.'s were too lazy to do things the right way.
I found that a box works really well for dropping the hot paint scrapings into. The cardboard is easier to scrape against to get the stuck-on pieces off instead of newspaper or paper towels.
Anyone for some delicious chips? Paint chips? Now featuring 30% MORE lead!
Scrumptious!
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Realtor Said I Could Sell Easier if I Kept Stripping...
The staircase, people. The staircase. Although, if it raises the value any, some other arrangements could be made ;)
I had a Realtor come over yesterday to help me decide what to do with the house. She is awesome and I wish I had worked with her in the first place. Direct, to the point, honest, and EASY TO COMMUNICATE WITH. Even a sense of humor. Perfect.
She walked through the house with me and told me what changes were worth my time and money if I plan to put the house on the market this spring/summer. Things like, don't bother with the ceramic tile but instead replace the vinyl tiles with more stylish new ones. Things like that.
I don't think you'll be seeing the 1920's inspired dream bathroom that is bouncing around my imagination. It's just not worth my time/money. Like I stated earlier, she did think it would be a good idea to finish stripping the banister, so that's on the to-do list. Here's that progress pic I promised you:
Gotta love the 'Flame Thrower' and it's magical abilities. I just feel like the wood grain can finally breathe! Once I get the rest of the spindles all toasty-warm and paintless I'll go back with the chemical stripper and get the rest of the paint off.
I guess I'll also post the photos of the dining room trim all painted and the blinds FINALLY up.
Basically, the things I need to get done to put the place on the market would be to:
* Paint the kitchen cabinets a fresh white, replace hardware
* New vinyl tiles in the kitchen and downstairs bathroom
* Paint the walls neutral colors and the trim a crisp white
* Replace a couple light fixtures
* Finish replacing the missing trim
* Refinish the hardwood floors (argh!)
* Paint the front door
* Get the upstairs plumbing working again
* Find remnant to replace the carpet on the stairs
* Find a vinyl flooring remnant for the upstairs bathroom
* Either find carpet remnants or refinish floors in the bedrooms
* Repair broken bead board on the porch ceiling (porch swing fiasco)
* Replace shower curtains with ones with bright colors or patterns. They will distract the potential buyers from how much the bathrooms suck. This is also why she liked my roommates bright paintings.
She said she was going to go back to the office and run some comps from my area. She hoped to get back to me today with an estimate. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be enough to cover the costs associated with selling the house (realtor commisions, etc.) and pay off the mortgage. A little extra in the pocket so I don't have to beg for change in the subway would be nice too!
I had a Realtor come over yesterday to help me decide what to do with the house. She is awesome and I wish I had worked with her in the first place. Direct, to the point, honest, and EASY TO COMMUNICATE WITH. Even a sense of humor. Perfect.
She walked through the house with me and told me what changes were worth my time and money if I plan to put the house on the market this spring/summer. Things like, don't bother with the ceramic tile but instead replace the vinyl tiles with more stylish new ones. Things like that.
I don't think you'll be seeing the 1920's inspired dream bathroom that is bouncing around my imagination. It's just not worth my time/money. Like I stated earlier, she did think it would be a good idea to finish stripping the banister, so that's on the to-do list. Here's that progress pic I promised you:
Gotta love the 'Flame Thrower' and it's magical abilities. I just feel like the wood grain can finally breathe! Once I get the rest of the spindles all toasty-warm and paintless I'll go back with the chemical stripper and get the rest of the paint off.I guess I'll also post the photos of the dining room trim all painted and the blinds FINALLY up.
Basically, the things I need to get done to put the place on the market would be to:
* Paint the kitchen cabinets a fresh white, replace hardware
* New vinyl tiles in the kitchen and downstairs bathroom
* Paint the walls neutral colors and the trim a crisp white
* Replace a couple light fixtures
* Finish replacing the missing trim
* Refinish the hardwood floors (argh!)
* Paint the front door
* Get the upstairs plumbing working again
* Find remnant to replace the carpet on the stairs
* Find a vinyl flooring remnant for the upstairs bathroom
* Either find carpet remnants or refinish floors in the bedrooms
* Repair broken bead board on the porch ceiling (porch swing fiasco)
* Replace shower curtains with ones with bright colors or patterns. They will distract the potential buyers from how much the bathrooms suck. This is also why she liked my roommates bright paintings.
She said she was going to go back to the office and run some comps from my area. She hoped to get back to me today with an estimate. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be enough to cover the costs associated with selling the house (realtor commisions, etc.) and pay off the mortgage. A little extra in the pocket so I don't have to beg for change in the subway would be nice too!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Crazy Crazy! Gotta Get Going!
Oooo! Life's getting crazy! I have less than two months to get everything straightened out here in Fargo. I'm starting a big push to get as much done with the house as soon as possible.
You'll have to forgive my lack of photos (camera's at my Fraternity house) but I've actually gotten some stuff done! I painted the trim in the dining room (except for the trim that I haven't replaced yet: crown moulding, baseboards, cap around doors/windows) and I started stripping the paint off of the banister.
Yup, I broke out the flame-thrower! Yesterday I accidentally took one of those Sunday afternoon naps that goes a little too long. What was intended to be an hour nap turned into a 6 hour slumber. One of those times when you wake up and the sun's just gone down, but your body says 'Good Morning!' I pulled paint off of the newel post and the first four spindles. I will still need to get some citristrip on there, but for an initial stripping I think they look pretty good. Here's a before:
I'll make sure to post a picture of the progress as soon as I can.
I'm going to get a Realtor over here this week to give me an estimate of what I could get for the house if I decide to sell it this summer. I'll get an idea of what would need to be upgraded to get my money back out of the deal. Then maybe estimates from contractors? I'm not sure what I'll do yet but I'm trying to keep my options open.
Gah! I wish there were three of me right now!
You'll have to forgive my lack of photos (camera's at my Fraternity house) but I've actually gotten some stuff done! I painted the trim in the dining room (except for the trim that I haven't replaced yet: crown moulding, baseboards, cap around doors/windows) and I started stripping the paint off of the banister.
Yup, I broke out the flame-thrower! Yesterday I accidentally took one of those Sunday afternoon naps that goes a little too long. What was intended to be an hour nap turned into a 6 hour slumber. One of those times when you wake up and the sun's just gone down, but your body says 'Good Morning!' I pulled paint off of the newel post and the first four spindles. I will still need to get some citristrip on there, but for an initial stripping I think they look pretty good. Here's a before:
I'll make sure to post a picture of the progress as soon as I can.I'm going to get a Realtor over here this week to give me an estimate of what I could get for the house if I decide to sell it this summer. I'll get an idea of what would need to be upgraded to get my money back out of the deal. Then maybe estimates from contractors? I'm not sure what I'll do yet but I'm trying to keep my options open.
Gah! I wish there were three of me right now!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Sell? Keep? Burn to the Ground?
Well, loyal readers, there is a reason you have not heard from me in quite a while. A 100% life changing opportunity has occurred over spring break and now I find myself moving. To New York.
Yes, the big apple. I need to be there in May, which doesn't give me much time left with the house here in Fargo.
Due to Fargo's current market (crap) I'm pretty sure that I'll hold onto the house and keep renters in it until more favorable conditions surface. I'm also expecting my neighborhood to go up in value in the not too distant future due to some recent and planned development. Basically as much as I would like to just cash out right now, I need to hold until I can get my money back out of the deal!
The reason you ask? I went to New York for spring break and while I was there I dropped off some photos at some modeling agencies. As luck would have it, I signed a 3 year contract with Fusion Model Management, one of the top 10 agencies in New York. Your little Nate up in Fargo will now be a high-fashion editorial and runway model. Didn't see that one coming? Yeah, neither did I.
I'm putting school (and home rehabbing) on hold to take advantage of this amazing opportunity that fell into my lap. My agency wants to get me started in New York as soon as the semester is over and, hopefully, I'll be in position to go to Europe for castings this summer for Paris and Milan's Fashion Weeks.
So, yeah. I need to hurry up and get some work done on the house to make it presentable to renters by May.
How's that for an interesting post?
Yes, the big apple. I need to be there in May, which doesn't give me much time left with the house here in Fargo.
Due to Fargo's current market (crap) I'm pretty sure that I'll hold onto the house and keep renters in it until more favorable conditions surface. I'm also expecting my neighborhood to go up in value in the not too distant future due to some recent and planned development. Basically as much as I would like to just cash out right now, I need to hold until I can get my money back out of the deal!
The reason you ask? I went to New York for spring break and while I was there I dropped off some photos at some modeling agencies. As luck would have it, I signed a 3 year contract with Fusion Model Management, one of the top 10 agencies in New York. Your little Nate up in Fargo will now be a high-fashion editorial and runway model. Didn't see that one coming? Yeah, neither did I.
I'm putting school (and home rehabbing) on hold to take advantage of this amazing opportunity that fell into my lap. My agency wants to get me started in New York as soon as the semester is over and, hopefully, I'll be in position to go to Europe for castings this summer for Paris and Milan's Fashion Weeks.
So, yeah. I need to hurry up and get some work done on the house to make it presentable to renters by May.
How's that for an interesting post?
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