~ SPIRITS ARE RESTLESS ~

~~~ HI FOLKS .... THE GHOULISH SEASON IS UPON US .... WANT YOUR OWN SPOOKY HOUSE BY HALLOWEEN??? CALL CJ AT 909.910.2481 ~~~~

*** NEW FEEL FOR A HOME ***

>>> HI FOLKS .... HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR A NEW FEEL IN YOUR HOME & IF YOU NEED HELP IN BUYING OR SELLING .... IT IS WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU AT 909. 910.2481 ... CJ >>> How to Pick Paint Colors <<< Paint has remodeling power when you use it to emphasize a room’s best features or play down the flaws. Every home suffers a few negatives, but not every solution requires pricey structural changes. Paint is an often-overlooked, low-cost remodeler’s remedy for common complaints with interiors, offering the chameleon-like ability to lighten, warm, enlarge, erase, or attract attention. “Paint is a powerful tool that can enhance the architectural character and intent of space,” says Minneapolis architect Petra Schwartze of TEA2 Architects. “As you choose your paint, think about what the experience in the room should be.” More Schwartze advice: • Always sample paint colors on a few walls. Don’t be shy about painting a few large swaths on walls and trim to consider the effect of natural and artificial lighting. Add samples to opposite sides of a room to judge the paint color from different angles. • Check the space with the samples in place and watch how the paint color changes at different times of the day. • Evaluate your reaction to the proposed colors: Does the space feel cozy or is the openness enhanced? How to Enlarge Space with Color Painting walls white, cream, pastels, or cool colors (tinged with blue or green) creates the illusion of more space by reflecting light. Paint trim similar to walls (or use white on trim) to ensure a seamless appearance that visually expands space. In addition, using white or light colors on walls lifts the ceiling; darker shades can have a similar effect if you select a high-gloss paint sheen, which reflects light and enhances space. Use a monochromatic scheme to amplify the dimensions of a room. Select furnishings in one color and paint walls and trim to match. Lack of contrast makes a room seem more spacious. Make walls appear taller by extending wall color onto the ceiling. Create a 6- to 12-inch-wide border of wall color on the entire ceiling perimeter, or wherever walls meet the ceiling. Vertical and horizontal stripes of alternating color can make a room grand. Although vertical stripes enhance room height by drawing the eye upward, horizontal stripes lure your gaze around the perimeter, making walls seem further away. Use similar light colors for low-contrast stripes, and your room will look even larger. Creating Intimacy When a space feels cavernous, draw walls inward and make it cozy with warm colors (red-tinged) because darker hues absorb light. Similarly, a dark or warm color overhead (in a flat finish) helps make rooms with high or vaulted ceilings less voluminous. Give Peace a Chance The right paint choice can lend tranquility to a bathroom, master suite, or other quiet, personal space. A palette of soft, understated color or muted tones help you instill a calming atmosphere. Some good choices include pale lavenders, light grays or greens, and wispy blues. Define Your Assets Call out notable features in a room with paint. Dress crown moldings and other trims in white to make them pop against walls with color. Make a fireplace or other feature a focal point by painting it a color that contrasts with walls. “Using a higher sheen of paint on woodwork, such as baseboards and door or window casings,” says Schwartze, “creates a crisp edge and clear transition from the wall to the trim.” Hide Flaws Not everything should stand out in a space. Using a low-contrast palette is a good way to hide unappealing elements or flaws. Conduit, radiators, and other components painted the same color as the wall will seem to disappear. Selecting low-sheen or flat paint colors also helps hide flaws. Unless walls are smooth, avoid using high-gloss paint because it reflects light and calls attention to an uneven surface. What’s the Cost? As a DIY job, painting a 12-foot-by-12-foot space costs about $150, including paint, primer, brushes, drop cloths, and other painting tools and supplies. A professionally painted room using high-quality, brand-name paint costs $200 to $400. By: Jan Soults Walker

*** EXTEND THE OUTDOOR LIVING SEASON ***

HI FOLKS ~~~ SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR THAT PATIO LIVING & KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MY NEW LISTING COMING THE 1ST OF OCTOBER LOCATED IN UPLAND, CALIF. ( HELP = 909.910.2481 ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MAKE an outdoor living area comfy long after the sun sets or the leaves turn with outdoor lighting, a patio heater, and a glowing firepit or portable fireplace. Light the deck or patio The sun sets sooner on your outdoor living space in the fall, but that shouldn’t limit the hours you use your deck or patio. Adding low-voltage or solar outdoor lighting fixtures lets you party or relax well after dark. With both lighting types, you can: • Light deck railings and stairs • Define the patio perimeter • Illuminate the edges of paths and walkways • Draw attention to a planter or tree Other fixtures light up dining tables, grill surfaces, and even underwater in swimming pools. Low-voltage fixtures clip onto a safe, 12-volt cable connected to a transformer, which plugs into a GFCI-protected 120-volt electrical outlet. A timer or light-sensitive control automatically turns lights on and off. A low-voltage lighting kit with eight LED stainless steel fixtures, 50 feet of cable, and a transformer starts at $60. Individual low-voltage fixtures range in price from $7 for a simple poly-resin fixture up to about $150 for architectural-grade, cast-brass models. Solar outdoor lighting fixtures don’t need cables and transformers. They simply turn themselves on automatically after dark. Each stand-alone fixture stakes into the ground or secures to a deck or exterior surface. You’ll save energy, as a sunlight-charged battery powers the bulb. The downside to solar fixtures is a dimmer glow than low-voltage fixtures, and fewer lighting hours – many solar fixtures run out of stored energy after 4-5 hours on the job. Cloudy days also reduce power. A four-pack of solar light fixtures that mount on top of deck posts starts at about $30. Or, check out a cast-aluminum solar lantern for about $60. Get glowing with a firepit or portable fireplace Bring a cozy glow and a stylish focal point to your outdoor living area with a firepit or portable fireplace. Irresistible for gathering, warming up, and roasting marshmallows, firepits and portable fireplaces come in a variety of materials, sizes, and styles. You’ll also find options for fueling your fire with wood, propane, gas, or gel cans. Check local fire codes first to find out if your community allows the use of a firepit or portable fireplace on the patio or lawn. (Never use a fire feature on a wood deck.) A firepit ($100-$500) is an open bowl, dish, or pan that varies in size from 24 inches across to about 40 inches. A firepit may come on a stand (some with wheels) or nestle into a tiled tabletop. Select a model with screening to contain flyaway sparks. A portable fireplace ($100-$600) features a chimney to vent smoke up and away from people. Some portable fireplaces offer 360-degree views of the fire. Warm up with a patio heater Boost the warmth of your outdoor living area by as much as 15-25 degrees in the fall or spring with the addition of a portable patio heater. You’ll find three basic models: • Freestanding units resemble large floor lamps. Set them anywhere on your patio that will accommodates their 7-8 foot height. Some models include wheels for mobility. Expect to pay from $150 to $1,500, depending on heat output and fuel source. • A tabletop patio heater rests on a table, bench, or garden wall. These compact units typically produce less heat than tall, freestanding models. Prices range from $100 to $450. • Ceiling- or wall-mount patio heaters free up floor and table space, and typically emit heat via a halogen lamp. Prices vary from $175 to $1,500. Make your selection based on how much outdoor living area you want to heat and whether you want a model powered by electricity or natural gas (each requiring a connection) or with a propane tank, which allows mobility. As a rule of thumb, a 47,000 BTU propane-powered, floor-standing patio heater ($200) will heat an 18-foot diameter space. A 20-pound propane tank (about $36, plus $13 for fuel) offers about 10 hours of heating time. Electric patio heaters use a quartz tube or halogen lamp that emits radiant heat. An infrared wall-mount electric patio heater ($450) equipped with a 1500-watt bulb heats a 9-foot area around the heater and uses about 14.4 kilowatts for a 10 hour period. At 8 cents per kilowatt for electricity, you spend about $1.15 to operate the unit for 10 hours. BY: Jan Soults Walker

Do’s and Don’ts to Make a Home Addition Pay Off

$$$ HI FOLKS $$$ FYI ALONG WITH ANOTHER FYI FOR REAL ESTATE HELP AT 909.910.2481 $$$ ..... When your home improvement projects include an addition, it should suit both your needs and taste, but stick with this simple guideline to help it pay off for you in the long run. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow if you’re looking to add to your home while also adding value to your house. 1. Do Increase the Size of Your Kitchen It’s said that any kitchen improvement project will add to the value of your home. When considering a kitchen addition, make sure that what you’re doing is functional for your current needs and the potential needs of future buyers. Keep your own taste and wants in mind to create your dream kitchen, but if you plan on selling anytime in the near future, remember to keep it functional and neutral. Chef’s kitchens are a huge selling point and stone countertops with upgraded appliances are always a plus. 2. Don’t Overbuild for the Size of Your Lot Adding square footage to your home will almost always pay off, unless it’s at the expense of your lot size. Enlarging a kitchen, adding a sunroom, additional bedrooms or bathrooms will increase the value of your home, but remember that you, and potential buyers, will want outdoor living space as well. If you build to the edge of your property lines you’re eliminating the opportunity for landscaping, patio space and kid’s play areas. You also may upset neighbors. Your homeowner’s association, or city, may have regulations as to how far you can build on your lot, so be sure to check that and pull all the proper permits before any addition. 3. Do Add Additional Bathrooms Just like a kitchen addition, adding one or more bathrooms to your house will likely add value to your home now, and when you are ready to sell. Whether you’re adding a powder room to the main floor, or increasing the number of bathrooms that accommodate the bedrooms, you almost can’t go wrong. You may want to consult with a professional to be sure that both the location and functionality of the additional bathroom makes sense with your home’s layout. 4. Don’t Overdo Specialized Customization If your intention is to stay in this home for decades after your addition, go ahead and do whatever you want. If you have plans of selling, either eventually or quickly, try to consider that your taste may not be universal. Going for neutral in flooring, tiling and appliances is always a plus. You may fall in love with intricate, expensive custom cabinetry that is everything you’ve dreamed of, but a potential buyer may not share your enthusiasm. The bottom line when it comes to home additions is to follow your heart and create the home of your dreams, but if you’re looking to cash in on those dreams at some point, these simple do’s and don’ts provide a guideline to additions that will pay off in the long run.

~~~ CALLING ALL BUYERS ~~~

*** HEY BUYERS ... WANT A POOL HOME FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND ???? CALL ME FOR HELP IN FINDING THAT PERFECT HOME *** CJ AT 909/ 910.2481 ***

~~ COMING SOON ~~ UPLAND SINGLE STORY HOME ~~

#+#+#+# Hi Folks .... I have a New Listing coming to the market in the next couple of weeks ..... It is a 4/Bd; 2 Bath Single Story Home located in North Upland. ... The Sellers are getting the Home ready for Viewing ... Soooooo Stay Tuned & need help with Buying or Selling .... It is just a phone call away at 909.910.2481 Cj #+#+#+#

~ CARBON CANYON LIVING ~

***** Hi Folks .... Interested in this home ??? Call me at 909.910.2481 ***** This is a 3Bd/ 2.5 Bath; 2,268 sf & 4,290 sf Lot ***** IMMACULATE 3 STORY IN THE PRIVACY OF CARBON CANYON. GIANT LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, BEAUTIFUL CROWN MOULDING, SURROUND SOUND, CAN LIGHTING. AND A BALCONY TO ENJOY THE VIEW. STEP UP TO GOOD SIZED KITCHEN WITH BREAKFAST BAR. INDOOR LAUNDRY. GO UP TO MASTER WITH WALK-IN CLOSET AND ANOTHER BALCONY TO ENJOY THE VIEW. SECONDARY BEDROOMS HAVE SMALL WALK-IN CLOSETS TOO. PARK IS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET.

*~*~*~ HAPPY LABOR DAY ~*~*~*

**~** WISHING THE AMERICAN WORKFORCE ~ THE BACKBONE OF THIS GREAT NATION ~ A WONDERFUL LABOR DAY ~ THIS IS OUR CELEBRATION !!! HAVE A FUN & SAFE LABOR DAY **~**

""""" Prepping Your Home For Resale? """""

""""" HOWDY FOLKS ... THINKING ABOUT SELLING? WELL HERE IS SOME FYI SUGGESTIONS """"" IF YOU ARE READY, I CAN HELP ... CALL CJ AT 909/ 910-2481 """ ~~~ """ Get Ready to Take the Stage """ It may seem counter-intuitive to put decorator touches on a home you've decided to sell, but "staging" your home-fixing it up and decorating it so it will appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers-pays real dividends. According to the Concord, California-based International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP), even in the 2007 market slowdown the average professionally staged home sold within 32 days, compared to 160 days for comparable non-staged homes. In fact, 93 percent sold within one month. And the best part? On average, they sold for an increase of 3 to 10 percent. Hiring a professional Stager can cost from a few hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the amount of work in question, but will save you a lot of legwork and elbow grease. You can find a Stager by searching online (try the IAHSP website at iahsp.com) or by asking your real estate agent for a referral. Or do it yourself. Here are some top priority pre-sale home improvements. INDOORS: Staging allows potential buyers to visualize their lifestyle within your home. Your goal is to showcase your home at its cleanest, roomiest and brightest-while avoiding adding too much of your own personality. Here are some proven winners: • Paint Freshen walls by painting them in a neutral hue. • Upgrade lighting Replace out-of-date fixtures and use 100-watt bulbs to brighten the home for showings. • Renovate the kitchen and/or baths Replace stained countertops, old faucets, unfashionable lighting and damaged floors with neutral choices. Cabinetry in an outdated finish can be inexpensively re-faced. In the kitchen, even entry-level stainless-steel appliances will give your kitchen a high-end look. • Cut clutter Don't overstuff your rooms. Pack away your knickknacks and limit furniture to the basics, storing side tables, loveseats, small bookcases and oversized toys out of sight. • Upgrade flooring Use a steam cleaner on carpets, or, if you have hardwood underneath, consider ripping broadloom out altogether. Refinish hardwood if needed, as it's a strong selling point. OUTDOORS: Knowing that many potential buyers do "drive-bys" before committing to an open house or showing, exterior staging should maximize your home's curb appeal and make visitors want to come inside. • Repaint If your porch, front door or siding needs painting, take care of it ASAP. • Re-roof While it can be a big-ticket item, if you're due for re-roofing, it's better for you to have it done now than expect potential buyers to take on the hassle-many will simply pass on your house instead. • Cut clutter Get rid of any outdoor knickknacks like leftover holiday decorations, novelty yard ornaments or signs. The only outdoor accessory your front yard needs is tidy landscaping and landscape lighting. • Clean the driveway and sidewalk Use a pressure washer to clean your sidewalk and driveway. • Freshen the porch Replace an out-of-date mailbox, street number and porch light. Flank the front steps or front door with a pair of large urns with seasonal plants, for a pretty look.