Brian Sells Chicago · Vacation: Water Heater

Traditional water heaters heat water throughout the day, even when you’re not using water. Before you head out on a vacation, put the heater in vacation mode. Check to see if your water heater has a VAC setting — which is for vacations. If it doesn’t, you can turn down the thermostat to the lowest setting. But don’t stop at the water heater: turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and any sinks. The last thing you want to come home to is a flood in your house because a pipe broke or a hose burst. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Vacation: Turn Down (Up?) the Thermostat

Your thermostat makes sure your home maintains a specific temperature throughout the day. Before you leave, set the thermostat to a higher (or lower, depending on the season) temperature if the house is going to be empty. This will help conserve energy while you’re gone. If you do turn down the thermostat, be sure to keep your home at a temperature that will still protect plants, pets and furniture. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Vacation: Unplug

Of course a vacation is a time for you to “unplug” from your daily life. Give your electronics the same courtesy. Small appliances and electronics can be energy vampires when plugged in, and some are still active even when they look like they’re turned off. I talked about this before back in December. Before you leave, unplug those items that won’t be used while you’re gone (coffee makers, toasters, espresso machines, etc.). It’s also a good time to make sure all smoke detectors work properly throughout your home. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Vacation: Mow Your Lawn

Grass can grow pretty fast in two or three days. If you have a lawn, make sure it’s trimmed before you embark on your trip. If you’re going to be gone longer than a week, ask a family member or neighbor to cut the grass in the front yard while you’re away. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Vacation: Put a Light on a Timer

A dark house stands out in a neighborhood, especially when all the other homes are lit up. Before you leave, buy a timer and install it on a lamp in your home. It’s also a good idea to install a motion-activated sensor on an outdoor floodlight that will be triggered should someone walk by it. You can also ask a neighbor to turn on the front porch light in the evening. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Vacation: Park Your Car in the Garage

The last thing you want is to get home from a vacation and have your car gone. If you can, park your car inside the garage, or have a family member park it at his/her house. You can also ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway, making it look like someone is leaving each morning. OK, I suppose your garage doesn’t look like this. But what if it did?!   Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Vacation: Stop Your Newspaper and Mail

One sure sign of being absent from your home is a pile of newspapers in the driveway. Contact your newspaper delivery person and stop service while you’re gone. If you don’t have a locked mailbox, contact the post office and have them hold your mail. You can also ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail, newspapers and deliveries and have him/her hold them for you until you’re back. Mail Delivery Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Prepping Your Home for Vacation

Vacations are a time to relax and escape from regular life. When you’re miles from home, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your home. If you plan on taking a vacation this summer (or any time this year), the next few posts will include some simple tips on prepping your home for a vacation, like: Stop your newspaper and mail Park your car in the garage Put a light on a timer Mow your lawn Unplug small appliances and electronics Turn down (up?) the thermostat Put the water heater in vacation mode Tidy up the kitchen Leave emergency contact info with neighbors   Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Staging: Art and Accessories

De-cluttering is important, but so is playing up what you have in your house. Adding art to a drab wall can also add character to a room. Try breaking up the art by patterning and grouping pictures or images together. Add a small touch by accessorizing your room — layer accessories in threes, with varied heights and widths. The eye naturally reads a room from left to right, so adding a large or striking object in the far right corner will draw the eye to it and make the room seem bigger. Another accessory not to be overlooked: plants. A vase of fresh flowers, branches, twigs or greenery will add depth and character to a room. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Add Some Color

Color on the walls or as an accent can really make a room pop. Painting is an inexpensive and easy way to give your house a new look. Neutral colors don’t mean beige or off-white; warm tans, honey and soft blue-greens all attract the eye and help to make a room feel warmer without going overboard. Accent walls can also add a burst of color. If painting is too daunting, add richly colored accessories, pillows and throws for subtle bursts of color. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Re-Purpose Rooms

Do you have a designated junk room? Re-purpose rooms that have lost their identity. Most designers look at junk rooms and envision fantasy spaces: an exercise room, meditation space, art studio, etc.. Re-purpose a clutter/junk room into something that will add value to the house. Also consider loft spaces, stairwell nooks and other areas not utilized or gathering dust as possible areas for increased space. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Let the Light in! (Part 2)

Just a few more thoughts on lighting, because it is that important! Many homes are poorly lit, making rooms too dim or harsh on the eyes which can deter buyers when they walk into your house. Try to aim for a total of 100 watts for every 50 square feet. Don’t be afraid of dimmers, and replace light-switch covers that are old, dingy or broken. Uplights also help add depth to a room, especially when positioned behind a plant or piece of furniture. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Let the Light In! (Part 1)

Natural light does wonders for a home and makes rooms more inviting. Take down heavy drapery and replace with gauzy and airy fabrics. If you have views, play them up! Look into roman shades, which help with privacy but also let light in. Simple curtain panels made from airy fabrics like cotton twill or translucent linen will let the light in during the day and still help with privacy at night. After making the best use of natural light you should make sure that every electrical light socket is working and using the highest wattage bulb allowed. You can still conserve energy by turning off lights when not in use. When a potential buyer is viewing the house though, always opt for more light! Uncategorized
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