Tom and Bev's Blog

Since the arrival of spring, most of the nation has seen alot of rain.  Many homeowners have a long list of chores to accomplish as the weather permits.  During this season, it is so important for homeowners selling their homes to maintain a beautiful lawn.  With all this rain, the grass seems to get out of control if we don't stay on top of it, which is a big turn-off for potential homebuyers. 

First impressions mean alot when it comes to selling your home.  To get buyers in the home, you first have to get them past the yard.  Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a beautiful lawn, especially in this day and time when it can be more difficult to sell real property. 

Some homeowners are able to hire a service to maintain their lawn for them.  However, many of us are unable to afford the service fees and have to maintain the lawn ourselves.  A dependable mower with a sharp mower blade is essential.  Dull blades simply make for a ragged, ugly lawn.

Here are some tips and advice to get your mower in tip-top shape to maintain a beautiful lawn while your home is on the market.

Routine Maintenance:

·         Drain the gas - Pull the gas plug from the gas tank and run the engine until the mower stops running.

·         Unplug the spark plug wire - Disconnect the spark plug wire so the mower cannot start.

·         Change the oil - Remove the oil drain plug and drain all old oil into an oil drip pan.  Replace the oil plug securely back in place.

·         Clean under the mower - Tilt the mower to its side and scrape away any grass stuck on the mower with a putty knife.  Use a water-hose sprayer to remove any remaining grass or dirt. 

·         Remove the blade for sharpening - Using a towel or rag, remove the blade with a socket wrench.  You can now sharpen the blade yourself or have a professional sharpen it for you.

·         Replace air filter - You can either clean or replace the air filter.  However, it is suggested to change the air filter at least once a year.

·         Replace the spark plug - You can either clean or replace the spark plug.  However, it is also suggested to change the spark plug at least once a year.  If you choose to clean it, use a wire brush to clean off carbon deposits.

·         Getting started - When you're finished with the maintenance, it's time to replace the spark plug wire and fill the mower with gas.  You are now ready to get started on maintaining a beautiful lawn.

Sharpening your mower blade yourself:

·         Wearing safety-glasses, begin sharpening the blade with a steel file by using smooth, quick strokes across the blade.

·         After every few strokes, dip the blade in icy cold water so the steel doesn't soften.

·         Test for balance after grinding by placing the blade on a screwdriver and spinning it.  If one side is heavier, work more on that side.  Once you are satisfied with the sharpness of the blade, leave it alone.  To help with balance, grind a little off the back or a corner of the blade.

·         Reattach the blade once it's sharpened.  Be sure to oil the bolt hole before replacing.

These tips and advice are sure to get your mower ready to help you maintain a beautiful lawn that potential homebuyers will be very pleased with.  Now that you've got them past the yard and into the house, that's a whole other blog.  Check back often for more homeowner tips and advice.

Realtors® Tom and Bev Herring  ~  Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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Many sellers of real estate believe they can sell their home without the help of a real estate professional.  And many of them don't expect or factor in many things, such as the gap between the selling price and the actual net proceeds.  All too often, in the haste of transferring real estate property, the cost of selling is often overlooked or underestimated.  As real estate professionals, we see this time and time again.

Once the loans and liens are satisfied, there comes the cost of brokerage fees and more.  This is where many sellers go wrong by not seeking the help of a real estate professional. 

Many sellers simply don't know what to look for a Realtor® or they are leery of all the newbies that seem to flood the real estate field each year.  Therefore, we have some tips and advice on what to look for in a Realtor® when you're ready to sell your home.

A real estate professional's duties can be broken down into three main categories: compliance duties, functionary duties and fiduciary duties.

Compliance duties basically mean the real estate professional will make sure you are in compliance with all the legal mandated requirements for your state.  This is also known as a risk reduction strategy.  Without the help of a real estate professional, many sellers will not know what the government regulations are and the sellers responsibilities or what will happen if they fail to provide them.

Functionary duties are what the real estate professional does best.  They will canvas the neighborhood, design flyers, hang a lock-box, market your home and so much more.

Fiduciary duties are what the public does not usually see.  Top professionals are usually selective in the clients they accept.  The fiduciary relationship is built on fairness and honesty.  In a nutshell - trust.  Basically, the real estate professional has educated themselves, continued their training and committed themselves to mastering the legal and technical duties of the business.

Some other factors you will want to look for in a Realtor® is one that is attentive to your needs and one that is easily accessible when you need them.  When you are talking to your real estate professional, are they listing to you or talking over you?  Can you call your real estate professional anytime you need to speak to them?

These are very important questions to ask yourself and good tips to look for when you are ready to sell your home.

Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring  ~  Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate

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