Selling A Home With A Pool?

The kids are sold! Now Dazzle the Adults! No need to keep those floaties, balls and pool toys out and seen...store them. Also store all pool equipment!! Adults need to see how they can be "pampered" and relax by the pool. Special Touches will entice buyers and you will hook even the toughest of them. Naturally if they have children they're already anticipating having fun with the kids. This is a given.
Now, take it up to the next level – Create an atmosphere for entertaining, relaxation and romance.

--Have several comfortable chairs with a small table near the pool or spa.

--Naturally colorful towels neatly stacked or fluffy white ones neatly folded with a flower is attractive.

--Stage a small table with a book, sunglasses and a plastic glass.

--Potted plants are wonderful for accenting pool and spa areas.

Small pots will be overwhelmed and look out of place because pools and spas are large. Medium and midsize can give you an interesting mix. Lots of small pots will present a busy look, not one of luxury. Experiment in setting them around in different locations to see you what gives you the best affect.

--Continually water and fertilize plants and pull off dead leaves.

--Keep the water sparkling clear and all leaves, bugs, or other debris out of the pool.

--Remember to seal all the concrete joints and repair any damage tile.

--Damaged or worn spa covers should be out of sight whenever the home is being shown.

Your beautiful "oasis" could be the selling point of your home! Make it appeal to those buyers!

How To: Paint your Laminate Counter Tops!

Want to update your counter top but don't want to spend the money for a whole new one? If it's laminate, paint it!

Here are the steps to achieving this look:

(1) Wash the countertop with some ammonia-based cleaner or some warm ammonia diluted with water. Get it as clean as possible, removing all dirt and grime. When the surface is dry, you may wish to put strips of low-tack painter’s tape on any trim around the countertop.
(2) The next step is to prime the countertop surface with a bonding primer, this will make sure the paint will stick to a non-porous surface. Some good bonding primers are XIM 400, Sherwin-Williams PrepRite®, or Zinssers Bin. Follow the primer manufacturers instructions; plan on allowing the primer to set for about 24 hours before painting. The odor can be strong, so consider opening windows and closing the room off from the rest of the house when using these products.
(3) When the primer is dry, it’s time to paint your selected new color paint to the existing laminate countertop. Nothing changes a kitchen’s look quite so much as countertop finishes, so make sure you’ve matched swatches to your existing colors – appliances, walls, flooring and all. If you use your laminate countertops to prepare food directly on, use water based paint; the chemicals in oil based paints may leech into your food, which is not a good thing. Apply two to three thin layers of paint, letting them dry between each coating.
(4) The final step is to seal the paint. Three coats of satin or high-gloss non-yellowing polyurethane will give you maximum durability. I prefer water-based sealer; it will not alter the appearance of your paint’s colors when it dries. Allow the sealer to dry 24 hrs. You might have to order take-out dinners for a couple of days, but it will be worth it when you see your fabulous new painted laminate countertops in your kitchen.

For more information and other laminate painting projects, see http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf999197.tip.html

Happy Painting!