The Sandy Erickson Team Difference for Sellers!
Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Integrity Realty
2680 Snelling Ave. N, Suite 100
Roseville, MN 55113
Direct: 651-269-3487
Email: Sandy@SandyErickson.com
Website: http://www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com
Gardening is a fun spring and summer hobby! You can grow an array of vegetables and fruit. You can also garden to create curb appeal for your home. If you are looking to sell your home, curb appeal makes a huge difference in the interest level of a potential buyer. Here are some fun gardening tips and tricks!
1. Use cut gardening hoses to store your garden tools.
2. Want to remove the salt deposits that have formed on your clay pots? To remove the salt deposits that form on clay pots, combine equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the pot and scrub with a plastic brush. Make sure you let the pot dry before you plant anything in it.
3. Line your raised garden beds with chicken wire to keep out gophers and moles.
4. To create markers for your plants that are natural, write the names of plants (using a permanent marker) on the flat faces of stones of various sizes. Place them at or near the base of your plants. It keeps your plants organized, and your garden looking beautiful. You can make them pretty with colors and pictures, or you can just write the names on the stones.
5. Use your old coffee grounds in the garden. Use leftover tea and coffee grounds to acidify the soil of acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, gardenias and even blueberries. A light sprinkling of about one-quarter of an inch applied once a month will keep the pH of the soil on the acidic side.
Read this article to get five different ideas on using coffee grounds in your garden: http://www.nwedible.com/2013/02/5-ways-to-use-coffee-grounds-in-the-garden.html
6. Want a quick and easy way to dry your herbs? Lay a sheet of newspaper on the seat of your car, and arrange the herbs in a single layer. Roll up your car windows and close the doors. Your herbs will be quickly dried to perfection. Even better, your car will smell great!
7. Plastic milk jugs can be used for many different garden tools!
8. Are you always losing your garden twine? To have garden twine handy when you need it, just stick a ball of twine in a small clay pot, pull the end of the twine through the drainage hole, and set the pot upside down in the garden. Do that, and you’ll never go looking for twine again.
9. Dirty fingernails after gardening? To prevent accumulating dirt under your fingernails while you work in the garden, run your fingernails across a bar of soap and you’ll effectively seal the undersides of your nails so dirt can’t collect beneath them. Then, after you’ve finished in the garden, use a nailbrush to remove the soap and your nails will be sparkling clean.
10. Save your veggie water! The next time you boil or steam vegetables, don’t pour the water down the drain, use it to water potted patio plants, and you’ll be amazed at how the plants respond to the “vegetable soup.”
11. Start seeding in eggshells. When you are ready to plant, put the whole eggshell in the ground. The shell will naturally compost and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
For more curb appeal tips, call us directly at 651-269-3487 or email us at Sandy@SandyErickson.com
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Kitchen cabinets can either make or break the look of your kitchen. If you have an outdated kitchen, with a small budget, consider painting your current kitchen cabinets. Painting kitchen cabinets are a great weekend project. The process isn’t difficult, but it can be tedious. The great thing about painting your cabinets is that you can save thousands of dollars!
Wood, metal, and wood-laminate cabinets can usually be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets may not be so easy. If any of the cabinets are badly worn, damaged or warped…consider buying new unfinished doors and drawers and paint them along with the existing cabinets.
1. The first step for the job is to remove the cabinet doors and drawers and remove all pulls, knobs, latches and other hardware from these parts. Put all of the hardware in a plastic bag, and stick inside the cabinet. That way you don’t lose it. Also, consider numbering each door and corresponding location so you don’t mix up their locations. The last thing you want is to have to figure out which hinge matches up where.
2. Next, clean all of the surfaces that are being painted. We recommend 4 parts water and one part tri-sodium phosphate. Make sure after they are washed, that they dry completely. Do NOT get overly wet.
3. Next you need to lightly sand all of the doors on all side and faces. If old paint is sound and well-adhered, there is no need to remove it all. The point of sanding is to created a rough surface for the new paint to stick.
4. After sanding, vacuum areas to remove all of the dust. Wipe down all the areas being painted with a tack cloth to pick up any remaining residue.
5. Apply an even coat of primer-sealer to all surfaces. This provides a good base for semi-gloss and water-based paint. These are preferable paint options in the kitchen because they are easily cleaned and resist stains and water.
6. Lastly, start painting the cabinets. Start by painting the inside edges and openings of the face frames, then the outer cabinet sides, and finally the face frame fronts. Next, paint the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, along with any separate wood pieces or moldings. ALWAYS paint in thin, light coats and cover every area. Thin coats of paint allow for fewer visible brushstrokes, bubbles and drips. The paint can also dry faster. The paint needs to dry for at least four hours between coats. Two coats of quality paint are usually all that is necessary. A third coat never hurts.
For more ideas on less costly renovations that make a big impression, get in contact with our team. Call us direct at 651-269-3487 or email us at Sandy@SandyErickson.com. Visit our website at www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com!
Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Integrity Realty
Make a statement with a fun weekend project that will bring a great first impression to your home! By adding some color and eye-catching detail to your front stoop, you are sure to make your home stand out among the rest.
Paint is one of the easiest and cost efficient additions to your front door. Sometimes, all it takes is a pop of color! Here are some unique and fun colors that we love:
Color is not the only option you have when thinking about dressing up your front door and surrounding area. Here are some other great ideas:
1. Hang a wreath. Change it out according to season with different flowers and leaves. Or make a DIY family letter that can stay up year round.
2. Add a personalized door knocker. Add an engraved door knocker with your family name. See here: http://www.your-door-knocker.com/engraved-door-knocker.html
Or, consider adding detailed door knockers that make a statement.
3. Light up the area. If you don’t already have front door lights, add them! If you have them, consider adding a pop of color. Matching the color of your door to your lights can make a great statement.
4. Add planters. Colored and textured plants can add great detail and catch the eye. Add a nice ceramic pot that you can easily switch the plants out of. Consider tall grasses to add height, or twinkle lights during the holidays. Add hay and pumpkins during the Fall.
5. Add your address with vinyl stickers to your front door! Don’t waste money getting it etched into the glass. Add vinyl numbers to the glass or front portion of your door. Also add greetings such as “welcome” or your family name. You can find vinyl stickers that are cheap, modern and easily replaceable if your style changes. Here are some ideas of front door vinyl stickers: http://stores.ebay.com/TheStickerHut/Front-Door-Decals-/_i.html?_fsub=2055668014
Remember, your front door is the first thing that people see. Make a good first impression by adding some easy, inexpensive changes. If you are listing your home for sale, these tips are especially important to consider. Make potential buyers want to step in your front door, and see the rest of your home!
For any questions about home staging or curb appeal, please contact us at: 651-269-3487 or Sandy@SandyErickson.com
Website: www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com
Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Integrity Realty
The daylight is lasting longer, the sun is starting to peek through the clouds, and there are streams of water flowing from the melting snow. This past winter has been long, hard and cold for most people. As agents in the real estate world, we couldn’t be more excited to start the spring buying and selling season. The Spring market seems to be off to a great start!
We love the Roseville area! Here are some photos from the area surrounding our office.
If you are interested in buying or selling this spring, talk with a professional real estate team! 651-269-3487 or Sandy@SandyErickson.com
www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com
Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Integrity Realty
Roseville, Minnesota is a city in Ramsey County just north of Saint Paul and east of Minneapolis. It is one of two Twin Cities suburbs that is both adjacent to Saint Paul and Minneapolis making it a popular area to reside. Roseville is known for its strong and safe neighborhoods, excellent local business climate, quality schools and outstanding recreational parks.
As of 2010, there were around 33,700 people in the Roseville area, and 14,600 households in the city. Currently, Roseville’s property taxes are some of the lowest in the Twin Cities, making it a popular place to live and do business. The activities are endless, due to several major shopping centers in the area. Rosedale Mall and Har Mar Mall are two popular destinations.
Below is a picture of homes both “for sale” and “sold” in the Roseville area. Out of 25 homes for sale, the average listing price is $280,000. When looking at 25 recent sold homes in the area, the average sold price was $240,000.
Roseville neighborhoods are a great place to live. Keeping in mind that Roseville is close to both big cities (Minneapolis & Saint Paul), the crime rate is actually very low. Below is a picture of crimes in the area. There have been 16 recent crimes (theft, accidents, etc…) and no major violent crimes. This is a very important aspect to consider when purchasing a home.
When specifically looking at the housing market, Roseville is in great standing. The average listing price is rising, along with the median sales price of homes.
Comparing Roseville to other locations in the Twin Cities is also something important to look at. Roseville is in one of the most popular zip codes in the Twin Ciites! Other popular areas are: Arden Hills, Maplewood, Shoreview and Saint Paul.
‘The Roseville area has an impressive average household income and family income. The city is well above state averages!
If you are interested in more housing-specific data, (current homes on the market, sold listings, popular listings, foreclosures and short sales, and more) please view our community page at: http://www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com/community/area/Roseville/
If you are interested in searching for homes, or comparing your home to others in the area, please try our search tool: http://www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com/search/
If you are interested in talking with a professional real estate team, give us a call today! 651-269-3487 or Sandy@SandyErickson.com
www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com
Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Integrity Realty
Market Data Info From:
http://www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com
http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Roseville-Minnesota/community-info/
Although the bitter cold and snowy days may deceive you, it’s true that the spring real estate market has begun!
And…spring is one of the busiest times for real estate. The market slows down through the holidays and winter months, and picks up heavily into February and March. There may be buyers on the market during the slow months, but there is also a lack of inventory to select from. Buyers in the spring are usually pretty SERIOUS buyers. If you are interested in getting the most money in the shortest amount of time possible, now is a great time to sell.
But, don’t be the homeowner who waits until the flowers bloom to put your house on the market.
You can start preparing today by doing a few things:
1. Get a home value analysis- Know how your home compares to the others in the market. There are many different sites that offer FREE home value analysis reports. Knowing how much money you can get for your home in its current condition is important. It is also smart to get an idea of your home’s value in the beginning. After receiving the report, you can make the necessary changes that you may need to increase your market value. We offer a free home value analysis: http://www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com/sell/
2. Start packing- This sounds crazy, right? Well, it actually can help get you more organized and create a home that is less cluttered. Sort through storage areas, the garage, or the basement that have not been touched all winter long. You can also start to pack away personalized items in your home that you should not have out when selling. Depersonalizing a home makes it easier for a potential buyer to see themselves living there. Packing up, can make your home look larger and neater, and will make the moving process much simpler in the end!
3. Make minor, but IMPORTANT repairs- You do not want to start renovating a kitchen or bathroom right now, but making minor repairs can go a long way. Freshening up some rooms with a fresh coat of neutral paint is always a good idea. Replace caulk and grout in the bathrooms and kitchen to leave a clean feeling. Update small fixtures throughout your home (lights, doorknobs, hardware, fixtures).
4. Start interviewing REALTORS®- Having the right listing agent can save you a lot of stress and time. You will realize that having the right agent for your specific needs can be extremely important for your end profit goal. Interview multiple agents (you are hiring them)! Lastly, choose a REALTOR® who is familiar with the area, the style of your home and the price range you are in.
5. Start looking for a new home (if you will need one)- Do you need to sell before you buy? Can you afford to buy a new home, and empty out or stage the house you are selling? Just starting to look and becoming familiar with what else is out there in the market is a great idea. By knowing what you are looking for, it makes the buying process much easier when the timing is right. Having an educated agent is extremely important for buying as well as selling. Make sure you can find a REALTOR® who listens to you, and what YOU want and need.
So, if you are thinking of selling your home and making that move, but the market was not quite right, NOW is the time! If you are interested in talking with a professional real estate team, give us a call today! 651-269-3487 or Sandy@SandyErickson.com
Once in a while, we have a unique listing that we want to feature. The listing we chose to talk about today is located in Phalen Park in Saint Paul, MN. We chose this listing, because the house is large, the lot is large (unique for the city), and we thoroughly enjoy the history and location of this home!
View from E Shore Dr and front of home overlooking Lake Phalen.
Lake Phalen is said to be named after an Irish Settler named Edward Phelan (different spellings), who was born around 1811. Edward was one of the first settlers in Saint Paul, and later convicted of the first murder in Saint Paul. Still remains an unsolved mystery today! Many different locations in Saint Paul, Minnesota are named after Phelan as a result of his early land claims.
Lake Phalen (which drains from the Mississippi River),is one of the largest lakes in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The lake is popular for fishing, swimming, canoeing and boating. Gas powered motors are not allowed on this lake. The park surrounding the lake today offers an array of activities and perks to the surrounding communities. There are numerous paved trails, a swimming beach, a golf clubhouse and banquet facilities! Near the Lake, there are different activities such as sand volleyball, tennis courts, racquetball courts and barbecue grills for a fun summer picnics.
Our featured listing is located at 1478 E. Shore Drive on a beautiful 1-acre lot with subdivision possible! The home has been owned by one family, and has been up kept beautifully over the years. The home boasts over 4,200 square feet, and the floor plan allows for beautiful Lake Phalen sunset views. There are numerous custom and timeless features of the house that new homes just cannot offer!
Here are a few other features we love:
Huge wall of windows overlooking Lake Phalen.
Beautiful landscaping with spring and summer gardens.
Truly, a home is location, location, location! This is just one listing that is too special to pass up. If you are interested in seeing this or any other home, please contact us to schedule a private home tour today! 651-269-3487 or Sandy@SandyErickson.com
Click here for more listing information:
http://www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com/listing/mlsid/152/propertyid/4447807/
Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Integrity Realty
Direct: 651-269-3487
Email: Sandy@SandyErickson.com
Website: www.ericksonteamhomesearch.com
Looking to sell your home? Or make the home you live in more cozy and inviting?
Here are some perfect tips for painting your home!
Painting a room or a whole house is not necessarily an easy task…but, it can add a LOT to any room, and is well worth the process. Personally, I have painted many different homes. My parents used to leave the house to run errands and they would come home with a painted living room! Many times, my dad had to touch up a few spots or clean a few carpet speckles…but, they still look back and laugh at it today. I have grown up painting my parents, and friends homes. I have also painted every home I have lived in. Whether it’s a large blank canvas, or cracked walls in my 1941 house, there are some simple things I have learned over the years.
The tips and tricks I provide may be a bit daunting, but don’t get overwhelmed. Painting a room is inexpensive, EASY, and a wonderful DIY project that anyone can tackle! And trust me, you’ll be glad you saved the money and accomplished something that makes your home look great.
TOOLS
PAINT
PAINT COLOR
PREP WORK
By far, my least favorite part. When you are sitting there with a can full of color ready to splash on the wall, the last thing I want to do is prep. However, this is also one of the most important parts.
PAINTING
CLEAN-UP
Good luck, and happy painting!
Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Integrity Realty
As a seller, the cost of your home only affects you for a short period of time. But, as a buyer, the price of the home affects you for YEARS, and many buyers do not take this into consideration. Of course it is all dependent on the type of mortgage your choose and the interest rate at the time.
Interest Rate– is the key thing to keep in mind. In the recent news, many of the major players projected that mortgage interest rates will increase. Possibly even a FUll 1% in the next few months. So, in addition to home prices rising, interest rates will also continue to rise.
So, if you are considering a home purchase in the near future, NOW may actually be the right time to buy. Waiting…may cost you more then you think. Although the fluctuating interest rates can only be as estimate from week to week, talking with an experienced realtor in the area you’re looking in could help you get a closer estimate.
So, if the average price of a home is $250,000, and the interest rates rise by 1%… here is how you would be affected. Your mortgage cost would be an extra $150 dollars a month. An extra $1,800 a year. And approximately $54,000 in interest over a 30 year loan.
If you have any questions on buying or selling, give us a call at 651-269-3487 or email us at Sandy@SandyErickson.com!
Buying now could actually save you around $54,000! These are fairly significant changes for the average middle class family.
Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team 