Why Some People Want To “unlawn” America

Lush, green and freshly mowed, well-maintained lawns may be as American as democracy itself. Many homeowners view managing pristine yards as a way to respect their property and neighbors. However, due to droughts in recent years plus a growing interest in sustainable living, more people are looking to “unlawn” America. Here are a few reasons why:

1.     Lawns use large amounts of resources and chemicals. There are 40 million acres of manicured turf in the U.S. (more than any irrigated farm crop), and upkeep requires massive amounts of water, fertilizers, pesticides, and gasoline.

2.     Lawns alter natural landscapes and ecosystems. Most lawn grasses aren’t native to American soil, and yard maintenance requires killing off existing plants and limiting habitats for wildlife.

3.     Lawns can represent a decades-old tradition. According to BusinessInsider.com, Americans spend about $30 billion on lawn care each year. TheAtlantic.com puts it this way, “We spend our money and our resources and our time cultivating our carpets of green not just because we want to, but because we are expected to.”

Unlawning advocates promote non-traditional yards that are as attractive as they are eco-friendly. Some commercial and residential landscaping now features native plants, cultivated gardens or mowed paths through wild grasses, hoping to maintain properties that respect both nature and the neighbors.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Make Buyers Feel at Home and Sell Faster

There’s never been a better time to sell a home.

Millennial’s are ready for home ownership and renters are seeing consistent rent increases. This means more buyers than ever are on the market for a home like yours.

Home equity is also at all-time highs, which makes now the perfect time to sell and get more cash to put toward your next home.

Considering listing your home? Let’s start with the proven ways to maximize your returns: 

1. Clear the clutter. Crammed closets and overfilled garages can give buyers the impression your property is short on space. De-clutter aggressively to accentuate the storage possibilities buyers get excited about. 

Pro Tip: Buyers love to open cabinets and drawers. Clear those spaces, too.

2. Maximize the possibilities. A potential home should be a blank slate — a space buyers can imagine making their own. Keep personal items to a minimum and aim for a neutral look. 

Pro Tip: Set the dinner table so buyers can visualize coming home after a long day.

3. Brighten it up. Expose as much natural light as possible. For darker or interior rooms, use high-wattage bulbs in light fixtures.

Pro Tip: A fresh coat of light paint makes a home feel cheerful and shows pride of ownership.

4. Rearrange the furniture. Can people move around without bumping into furniture? Does the layout invite guests to sit down and relax?

Pro Tip: To invite conversation, don’t make a TV the focal point of any room. 

5. Outside views matter. Exteriors make a critical first impression. Ace yours by repainting your entry door and polishing the door handle. Potted plants on patios or balconies also make the outside of your home feel welcoming.

Pro Tip: Colorful flowers on window sills look great indoors and add to the outside appeal.

Do you need help staging your home? Or maybe you have budget concerns about upgrades needed before you list. Reach out today. Let’s make sure we maximize the appeal of your home, simply and cost-effectively. Please call, email or text me today! I would love to hear from you.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Modern Or Contemporary: What’s The Difference?

Your friends may describe a home as “modern” or “contemporary,” but what do they really mean? According to REALTOR^® Magazine, here’s how these two styles differ.

Modern: This style of house focuses on straight lines and limited details. Honesty and simplicity are characteristics of modern architecture. Here are some other traits:
• rectangular exteriors with flat roofs
• open floor plans
• changes in elevation (such as split levels)
• monochromatic color palettes
• limited decorations

Contemporary: This style of house may combine traits from several design styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Contemporary architecture is constantly evolving, characterized by the following:
• curves or sweeping lines
• asymmetrical shapes
• mixed materials – wood, stone and brick
• a combination of indoor-outdoor spaces
• large windows and skylights

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

7 Tasks To Do After Moving Into Your New Home

The safety and security of your family, guests and pets are the most important reasons to complete these tasks as soon as possible after moving in.

1. Change the locks and the garage door entry code. You have no idea how many of the former owner’s neighbors, friends or relatives have a key or know the garage code.

2. Hide an extra key in a combination lock box. Burglars know all of the usual spots where people hide keys such as under a flower pot or in a fake rock.

3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If there aren’t any or they look dated, make sure to install new ones.

4. Check the temperature on your water heater, especially if you have young children. The safest and most eco-friendly setting is 120^° F.

5. Make sure there’s a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one on each additional floor.

6. Check motion lights and other security lights to make sure they have working bulbs.

7. Locate the main gas and water shut-off valves. Find the circuit box and label all of the breakers.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

Transform Your Yard Into An Edible Landscape

Lawns take up three times as much space as cornfields in the U.S., according to a study from NASA. All that real estate, plus the water and fertilizer required to maintain pristine yards, means that Americans spend a massive amount of resources on a “crop” that no one eats.

Over the past decade, “edible landscapes” have grown in popularity as some designers and homeowners are looking to transform “sterile lawns” into spaces that are both beautiful and productive. These re-imagined landscapes can range from small raised beds to full-yard takeovers, and they often include native perennials, fruit trees, herbs, and other food-producing plants.

It has been said that edible landscapes can have many benefits including producing fresh food for your family and community, increasing biodiversity, saving natural resources, and using less fertilizer.

Companies that offer edible landscaping often provide design, installation and maintenance services, plus many offer workshops or one-on-one mentoring so you can learn how to care for your new yard. These organizations often work with homeowners associations to make sure lawns are both productive and aesthetically pleasing.

If you’re interested in creating your own edible landscape, here are some of the best plants to consider:

·         Perennial herbs: Try sage, lavender, rosemary, oregano, mint, or thyme, which tend to attract fewer animals than annuals and biennials such as parsley, basil and cilantro.

·         Peppers and beans: Animals are most interested in the leaves of these plants, and taking a few precautions can limit any damage to the produce itself.

·         Edible flowers: While a fun, surprising addition to any salad, make sure you’re careful about what products you use to feed and spray your edible flowers.

·         Eggplant and artichokes: These are both beautiful and nutritious additions to your landscape and most animals will leave them alone thanks to their prickly leaves.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

Style Your Coffee Table Like A Pro

A well-designed coffee table complements the rest of the room and creates an interesting visual story. Consider these tips to make your table look professionally styled:

·         Display decorative items in odd numbers (especially in groups of three) to create an effortless look. Add at least one tall item to draw the eye up, such as a vase with flowers or stems.

·         Aim for a cohesive, balanced design. For example, add a sculptural piece on top of a stack of books to keep them from looking too flat. Pull in colors from the rest of the room or pick items that are similar in shape. Try using a serving tray to tie your decor together.

·         Include one statement piece that sparks conversation or showcases your personality. This could be something you bought on a trip, an interesting antique, or an item in a color or texture that pops.

·         Keep functionality in mind by leaving enough space for drink glasses and snack plates. Add a decorative box or basket to catch remotes and other daily items.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

5 Ways to use Pantone’s Color of the Year

For the past 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced interior design, fashion and other creative industries. This year’s color is called Living Coral, an orange-pink hue that symbolizes optimism and lightheartedness.

Try one of these ideas for using Living Coral in your home:

Paint your front door. Experts say a colorful door boosts curb appeal, plus it’s a chic, inviting way to welcome your friends and family.

Style a nursery. Bright but calming, Living Coral makes a cheery addition to a nursery. Try pairing it with light pink, deep blue or eucalyptus green.

Use it as an accent. Energize your living room with a throw blanket or a few decorative pillows, or make your entryway pop with a new piece of art.

Warm up the kitchen. The director of design at Master Brand Cabinets says this hue “breathes life” into kitchens. Try painting the kitchen island, an accent wall or the inside of glass-front cabinetry in Living Coral.

Go bold. Living Coral can be the “star of the room,” says House Beautiful. Try painting built-in shelves, or make a coral couch or chair the focal point. Tone it down by adding neutral colors and pieces made of wood, brass or marble.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email-    homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

Surviving a kitchen remodel

Living in your home while renovating your kitchen comes with a certain level of chaos, but a little forethought can help you make it through.

Plan for simple meals and lots of takeout. Think sandwiches, soups and anything that can be grilled. If you’ll have access to a fridge, consider making and freezing meals that can be added to a slow cooker as needed. Factor takeout costs into your renovation budget and look for restaurants with daily deals such as kids eat free or two-for-one specials to help ease the financial strain.

Set up a temporary kitchen. Ideally, this will be away from the construction zone and close to a water source. Make sure the electrical outlets in your “kitchenette” can handle small appliances and a mini fridge, if possible. Plastic drawers on wheels work well for storing dishes, utensils and non-perishable food, and be sure to protect your temporary countertops from hot dishes.

Helpful items for your makeshift kitchen include: a microwave, coffee maker, electric teakettle, slow cooker (or Instant Pot), toaster oven, electric grill, cutting board, sharp knives, grilling tools, dish soap, scrub brushes, dish towels, a few spices, and a large tray to carry food to your eating area.

Control the mess. There will be days when you just need to use disposable plates and utensils, but relying on them too much creates a lot of waste. Try keeping only one place setting per family member, which will force you to wash dishes right away. If you’re rinsing plates in a bathtub or bathroom sink, catch stray food scraps with a drain strainer to prevent clogs.

Expect delays. It’s helpful to practice patience if or when the contractor encounters “unforeseen issues” after tearing out the old cabinets, your new stove arrives 10 days late or the plumber accidentally floods the adjoining laundry room.

Keep your sanity. Designate at least one room in your home that’s construction-free and tell your contractor, if necessary. Having a peaceful place to escape during renovations can help your family regain a sense of normalcy along the way.

Five Star award Winner 2011-2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View an accurate list of ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington  m

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Weighing The Benefits and Risks Of Prefabricated Homes

Prefabricated or prefab homes are gaining interest among some segments of the population. Made in a factory and assembled on site, these homes are far more stylish and accessible than most people expect. Of course, there are benefits and risks associated with prefab homes. Here are a few points to consider:

Cost
While prefab materials will likely cost less than a traditionally built house, the costs associated with the property could prove more expensive in some cases. Plumbing, excavation, foundation work, and electrical costs add up quickly. To save your hard-earned dollars, talk to your agent about property that already has some of these checked off the list.

Sustainability
Prefabricated homes are often considered more environmentally friendly than traditionally built homes. The construction process produces far less waste than a typical build and prefab homes are known to be more energy-efficient.

Availability
The costs and risks associated with purchasing and building a new prefabricated home may be dodged by purchasing one that has previously been owned. Ask your real estate agent for help locating resale prefab homes that can deliver on the cost and efficiency perks without the hassle of purchasing from the factory.

Style
As prefab homes become more popular, they are also becoming more fashionable. Interior spaces are designed intelligently and are typically less architecturally complex. Many have a sleek, modern feel and, as a bonus, are very sustainable and low-maintenance.

Quality
Many traditionally built homes contain materials which have been exposed to the elements. This means precipitation, temperature changes and humidity can all impact the quality of the materials. Because prefab housing materials are factory-made, they are protected until they are ready to assemble. On the flip side, many prospective home buyers view prefab homes to be of inferior quality, which can affect future resale potential.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

Here is how to spot the next hot neighborhood

Location, location, location
Location is one of the most important elements – if not the most important element – to consider in a home search. While it’s easy to find markets that are already buzzing, how can you spot up-and-coming neighborhoods?

Uptick in businesses
Take note when chic hotels, stylish boutiques and trendy restaurants begin to emerge in the surrounding areas. If a neighborhood is creating a higher demand for new venues, then its property values are likely to soar.

Fixer-upper potential
Neighborhoods that may be considered past their prime but offer unique architecture and structural integrity are prime real estate opportunities. Victorian, Tudor and Spanish-style older homes are popular, especially among millennials and first-time home buyers who are willing to invest in a home that requires a little extra love, attention and elbow grease.

Fast-selling properties
As homes begin to spend less and less time on the market, it’s a good sign that the neighborhood is increasing in popularity. Sometimes, it only takes a few buyers taking an interest in a neighborhood before other buyers take note and begin to see its potential for future growth.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington