Brian Sells Chicago · Tidy Up a Bathroom

Bathrooms are another large selling feature of properties, and outdated bathrooms are a top sale killer. Update within reason of your budget and time: replacing the vanity, counter, sink and faucet can be a quick fix that is also budget friendly (some home improvement stores have entire kits available for this). If this doesn’t fit your budget, consider painting the vanity and replacing the hardware and faucet. Other updates that can be done in the bathroom: change out a toilet (you can usually find energy efficient toilets at a local big box store for under $200), update a shower head, and replace any vanity or overhead lighting for more modern and energy efficient options. Join me on Google+ to discover more on bathroom tidying. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Update Porch Columns

Porch columns are another item buyers see immediately; if you have columns that have chipped paint, are decaying, or don’t match the style of the home, consider updating or replacing them completely. Sand and paint over chips, or update the look with vinyl wraps. If you have the budget to replace the columns, consider fiberglass, which is weather resistant and helps support the weight of the porch roof. You can ask me more questions by tweeting me to @BrianTWolf Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Freshen Up the Kitchen

Kitchens appeal to so many buyers. If you don’t have the budget or time to overhaul your kitchen, don’t panic. If you have nice wood cabinets and don’t have the budget to update them, consider adding a coat of paint to freshen them up. You can also add new hardware (knobs, handles or pulls) to help give cabinets a younger look. You can also change out any outdated countertops, and adding a new faucet to the sink is another way to give a kitchen a new vibe. If you have the time and the budget, consider changing any flooring that is chipped, cracked or broken. Vinyl flooring is economical and affordable, and it’s available in a number of types and styles to suit any kitchen design. Want more tips to sell your house faster? Get my book (paperback or Kindle) at SellingHousesExposed.com, and learn how. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Spruce Up the Front Door

The front door is one of the first things potential buyers see when viewing your home. Spruce up the front door by touching up paint (either paint over chipped or fading paint, or change the color completely), adding a kick plate, changing out the hardware, or you can replace the door completely. A new front door can add energy efficiency and additional security if you choose a metal door. Making the front door pop not only adds a special touch to your curb appeal, but potential buyers definitely notice a door that’s been taken care of. Want to learn more about front doors? Join the discussion on Twitter.  Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Fast and Easy Updates to Help a Home Sell

We are smack dab in the middle of home buying season, and while some properties are off the market before they’re even on it, others haven’t had such luck. A great way to boost your home’s selling power is to make small and affordable updates throughout the home. These quick updates and fixes won’t break the bank or a budget, and they will help make your home more inviting to potential buyers and a potential sale. Watch for the upcoming posts for tips or get a copy of my book at SellingHousesExposed.com Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Barbecue and Fire Pit Summary

Do not light a fire in windy conditions, and it’s important to remember to stay up-to-date with burn bans or burn ordinances in your area. If the pit is located in an area near trees or bushes, pick up any leaves or combustible material from around the pit before starting your fire. Keep a bucket of sand, a fire extinguisher or a garden hose nearby in case things get out of control.  Modern fire pits come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles from the table-sized ones to big ones which can be the focal point in an outdoor set up. To view the entire series check these links: Barbecue and Fire Pit Safety Barbecue Tips Pet Safety Propane Tips Proper Propane Storage Transporting Propane Fire Pit Tips Wood Burning Tips Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Wood Burning Fire Pits

When it comes time to light the fire, be sure to always burn dry, seasoned wood that was cut at least six months earlier. In order to prevent sparks, keeps logs no longer than three-quarters of the pit’s diameter. When starting the fire, don’t use gasoline, lighter fluid or kerosene as these are not meant for fire pits! Use a fire starter or newspaper and kindling. Wood Fire Pits tend to be cheaper than propane plus they take less time to set up. This kind of fire pit perfectly should be put on a non-flammable surface for instance a brick, concrete, stone,  or sand surface and placed a safe distance from plants or any other flammable surface. The sight of a glowing firewood as it burns to shining embers is reminiscent of a campfire. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Fire Pit Tips

Sitting beside a fire pit, enjoying a drink, roasting marshmallows, or just listening to the crackle of the wood can be some of the most enjoyable and memorable moments of the summer. Fire pits are a great outdoor accessory, but they do require an amount of safety to operate. A fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any structure or combustible surface. Unless the owner’s manual says it’s ok, do not put a fire pit on grass, a wood deck or in an enclosed deck/porch. Other fire pits can act as a coffee table and an outdoor dining table, and all have a pit in the center. You can also get lightweight fire pits which are easy to carry folding fire pits, table top and portable propane fire pits models. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Transporting propane

When transporting propane, make sure the pressure release valve is closed and that there is cap or plug over the valve outlet. Tanks should always be transported in an upright position, sitting on the tank’s foot. During transport, the tank should be secured, even if it’s empty. You can secure the tank with a safety strap, the seat belt, or some kind of container to prevent the tank from tipping over. Storing propane is an important part of propane use. A propane tank should always be stored and transported upright, and proper propane storage requires the tank be in a temperature controlled area. If you store a propane tank in an area that’s susceptible to high temperatures, there is a risk of the pressure release valve opening and releasing gas, which is a fire hazard. It’s important to remember not to transport more than four propane tanks inside an enclosed vehicle at one time. You can carry more than four if you are transporting the tanks in the bed of a truck and they are secured to prevent escape. Also
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Brian Sells Chicago · Proper Propane Storage

Storing propane is an important part of propane use. A propane tank should always be stored and transported upright, and proper propane storage requires the tank be in a temperature controlled area. If you store a propane tank in an area that’s susceptible to high temperatures, there is a risk of the pressure release valve opening and releasing gas, which is a fire hazard. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Propane Tips

Propane can be found in both liquid and gas form. Naturally odorless, an additive is added to the gas to give it a distinct odor to help people identify when the gas is around. Propane, when stored under pressure, is a liquid. When you hook up a propane tank to a gas grill, the tank is opened which allows propane gas to leave the tank and power the grill. Liquid Propane is very cold, so cold that it can cause freeze burns if it comes into contact with skin. Uncategorized
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Brian Sells Chicago · Pet’s Safety With Barbecue and Fire pit

The most important thing to remember is to never leave the grill unattended, especially if you have children and pets. The second most important safety item is to remember to keep the grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup. You can also clean or replace any trays that sit below the grill and collect food waste, oil and other grill debris. Uncategorized
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