That blasted water shut-off!

I was reading a post this am on things everyone should know when they move into a new home, and I was reminded of a panic I had several years ago. It's a small thing really. A simple knob that we all have. the problem is...when you need it...murphy's law will tell you...you won't be able to find it. Most of my clients will tell you I always make a point to find it on our home inspection. It's all becuase of a near disaster I once had.

Living on the 21st floor at the time...my husband and I were up early having recently returned from an overseas trip...so our schedules were a bit out of whack. 5am...Henry pulls the knob on the tub/shower to start the water....IT BLOWS OFF! sending water blowing straight out to the back wall of the tub. He is left standing there naked and grabs the trash can and starts bailing! Visions of our downstairs neighbours getting ready from work....and feeling drips coming from their ceiling...then the insurance nightmare...well...you get the picture. I ran to the elevator...waited and went down 21 floors to our concierge who thought I was raving mad I am sure. We all waited for the elevator again and ascended back up 21 floors...when I quickly remembered I had left my husband bailing and naked! I threw a robe over him as he continued (he wasn't happy at that moment!!). They didn't know where the shut off was either.....Call maintenance...who finally arrived...to show us all where the water shut off was.

The short lesson here is...KNOW WHERE YOUR SHUT OFF IS!....or shower with clothes on.

March 20th Smells don't Sells!

OK...So you may think that your smoking, crazy cooking, wet dog and litter box won't make a difference to  the sale of your house. I'll be truthful here. It's a super turn-off! And..don't forget those of you who over zealously use deodorizers, candles and other scary fragrances!  I can't begin to tell the number of times I have picked out perfectly lovely homes...just to be met with an offensive odor at the door. In most cases the perspective Buyers just want to leave! I will encourage them to take a tour through...knowing that the Seller has prepared his home for our visit. Life happens..and so do  odors. When it comes time to show your home however...it's time to throw them out the window.

I recently read an article...which I will attach here. It is called What Happens if Your Listing Stinks.

I am not trying to be hard on all you bacon loving, pet adoring Sellers...but...there is a price for it all. There are tones of ways to eradicate...or at least alleviate some of the smells. I have all sorts of ideas. I even used an ionizer, once when we had to get rid of cat smells. 

On the flip side, lets not throw out the baby with the bath water. If you are a Buyer...there are remedies. Take the time to check out the house, and let's see what can be done to freshen it up!

http://bit.ly/1C2mDb3