http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-real-estate-sales-script-a-valuable-tool-or-ineffective-crutch.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-real-estate-sales-script-a-valuable-tool-or-ineffective-crutch.html Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:54:47 -0500
These days, advertising is everywhere—on billboards, in email inboxes, on news websites, and intruding on our phone lines via telemarketers. There are so many people trying to sell us something that anything resembling an advertisement is regarded with annoyance and suspicion. This is why scripts have lost much of their value in terms of winning over clients.

When you start your script, you likely sound cheerful, purposeful, and talk fast. This is because you know you need to get your spiel out before the person has an opportunity to reject you. You also want to make sure that the person hears what a professional salesperson you are, and how your services are exactly what they need. Unfortunately, even if your script is compelling, if it sounds rehearsed, your prospect's defenses will be raised.

If scripts are such a difficult sell in today's world, why do so many agents still use them?

Most new agents have inadequate training in cold calling. Without proper training in the art of communication, a new agent will feel overwhelmed by the idea of calling strangers and trying to promote their services. In order to avoid having their minds go blank during a call, they rely on scripts to guide them. It's a way for them to navigate some very intimidating waters. Unfortunately, rejection is exactly what they'll face most of the time if they rely on sales scripts.

In order to engage a prospect, you must be natural. You want the flow of the conversation to be organic and spontaneous, while getting across important points. To make sure that you don't forget key items, it's a good idea to brainstorm before making calls. This way, you can create an outline to guide you, while being flexible and 'in the moment'.

It's also critical that you shift your focus from selling to problem solving. If your goal for making the call is to get the prospect to hire you, you're headed in the wrong direction. People can sense when others are trying to manipulate them, and are less likely to fall for sales pitches than they used to.

To avoid stirring up your prospect's defense mechanisms, be genuinely concerned with helping them with a problem. In order to find out what their main concerns are, you need to ask open-ended questions and to truly listen to their answers. Then you can suggest ways that you can solve their problems. When you talk about your services, don't go into automatic pilot—listen and react naturally. When they sense your genuine desire to help them, they'll be much more receptive to you.

Active listening also promotes trust, which is a key component in sales. Prospective clients need to know that their best interests are your top priority—which is really hard to convey when you're relying on a static script. This is especially true when prospects steer the conversation in a direction you weren't prepared for. Panic can set in as you try to get the conversation back on track to suit your preset dialogue.

Sales scripts suck all the natural flavor and authenticity out of a conversation. While they can create a sense of comfort to agents who are nervous about picking up the phone, the second you go into your speech, you disconnect from the person on the other end of the phone.

For new real estate agents, the best way to learn how to do cold calls is to practice with other agents. Role-playing can significantly reduce fears, and make the process of cold calling more comfortable. It's also a good idea to record yourself reading your scripts. Once you see how unnatural you actually sound, it'll be easier to trust in your own abilities, and to just be yourself.

--
Contact the team at AugustaHomeStore.com for expert advice and gorgeous Augusta real estate inventory. The site is a useful tool for viewing inventory, and also has great information about homes for sale in Augusta Georgia.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/austin-an-eclectic-destination-in-the-heart-of-texas.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/austin-an-eclectic-destination-in-the-heart-of-texas.html Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:11:55 -0500
The origins of Austin stem from way back before Texas was even a state. The area was settled in the 1830s and became the capital of the Republic of Texas and then eventually the state capital. Modern day Austin has come a long way since it was known as the village of Waterloo as it was in those days though.

The unofficial motto of present day Austin is "Keep Austin Weird", which refers to the city in a variety of ways and reflects the diversity of the people who reside there. The city is home to an engaging cross-section of lifestyles and personalities who are very much engaged in environmental concerns and supporting myriad small businesses in their city.

The inhabitants of Austin range from employees of big high-tech business, to environmentalists, country music afficionados, and bats. While the people live in the city's assortment of houses, apartments, and condos, the bats mostly all live under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. The million and a half Mexican Free-tailed Bats that live in the city emerge en masse in the summer months which attract many locals and tourists alike.

Other things that the city has to offer its human residents are local festivals such as Eeyore's Birthday Party, the yearly Reggae festival, and Austin City Limits Music Festival. The city also has a great selection of museums including the Texas Memorial Museum, Blanton Museum of Art, numerous galleries, the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture, and the O. Henry Museum where the author lived from 1893 to 1895.

Austin's official title is that it is the Live Music Capital of the World and it has a staggering number of clubs and other venues. There is also a stunning array of nightclubs on 6th Street. The city boasts more music venues per capita than any other city in the country.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Austin area has many popular trails for hiking and biking as well as many places for swimming. The city plays host yearly to the Capital of Texas Triathlon on Memorial Day. The city has three man made lakes within the city limits and one clothing optional park on the shores of Lake Travis.

If you have long held the opinion that Texas was just all about cowboys and steers then the city of Austin is definitely an eye-opener. The city is a great supporter of diversity and the celebration of differences. It is a fabulous jewel in the southern United States.

--
Search for the perfect Austin real estate at NewHomesMarketCenter.com. Explore Austin's many surrounding cities including finding a Pflugerville home.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/%24100-%240-home-staging.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/%24100-%240-home-staging.html Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:27:04 -0500
1. The Garage Sale (maybe $20 for sign materials, labels, etc.)

Ruthlessly prune your belongings. Price them cheaply and don't worry yourself about selling them for "what they're worth". Sell them for what they'll get. Chances are that you could earn enough money to finance your entire home staging operation. Take the time to clearly label them with prices and put them out neatly. Take the rest of the items to the local thrift store.

2. The Preliminary Packing (FREE)

Everything you do not need to operate with while your house is on the market should be packed up and stored in the basement, shed or some other out-of-the-way place. Anything that absolutely does not need to be there shouldn't. Extra chairs and stools should be put away. The aim is to make your rooms seem as large as possible to a prospective buyer. Don't worry; as soon as you've moved, you can restore these items to their former glory. Pack away the library, leaving only enough books to produce an attractive display.

3. The Painting ($5-15 per gallon, $5 for brushes, $15-30 for spackle, scrapers, tape, cloths, etc.)

Quite probably the cheapest thing you can do to cover up marks, dings, smells and childhood artistic attempts, painting is easy and cheap if you do it carefully. Cover up nail holes and dents with spackle and paint over. Take the time to tape things up properly and lay down floor coverings and you will find that the painting goes pretty quickly.

4. The Cleaning ($5-30 for supplies)

After you've de-cluttered and packed up all your extraneous pieces of furniture, knick-knacks and other superfluous belongings, it's time to start cleaning. And I do mean cleaning. Prospective buyers should be able to feel that they could have a five course dinner on your kitchen floors without any ill effect. This is more than vacuuming; this is purification and quite possibly the hardest thing on your list. Don't feel that you have to spend a huge amount on supplies; baking soda, vinegar, water and some good scrub brushes, rags, vacuum, broom and mop will get your place to the surgically hygienic level it should be. Clean one room at a time and threaten death to anyone who mars the sparkling surfaces of the window or the HEPA filter vacuumed carpet.

5. The Staging (FREE)

The furniture that actually has made it through your stringent evaluation as suitable for staging must now be arranged in a way that says, "Hey! I'm TOTALLY not staged!" This can be challenging, but since wonders have already been accomplished with the de-cluttering and the cleaning, as long as you place the furniture in such a way that it shows off the room and does not impede going and coming, you're probably good to go.

So, there you have it: staging under $100. By this time, you're likely exhausted from the cleaningpackingpreparingpaintingohmygodIforgotwhereIputitemX, but I assure you, you'll be more likely to present the best facets of your home to buyers, which will translate to a home more likely to sell.

--
Discover the great investment opportunities available in the Wilmington NC real estate market. Search the latest property listings to find Wilmington homes for sale, including Castle Hayne real estate, waterfront homes, vacant lots, condos and more at BuddyBlake.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/internet/blogging/real-estate-blogging-appealing-to-a-varied-audience.html http://www.articletrader.com/internet/blogging/real-estate-blogging-appealing-to-a-varied-audience.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:14:35 -0500
Many realtor blogs and articles are written so that you'd think that only professional couples, retirees, or Stepford wives buy houses in any given area. If this was the case, marketing would be far easier, trust me. The fact is though, that many different types of people buy homes and that any area in particular generally has a variation in the types of homes that it contains.

It is probably safe to assume that not every client you're going to be working with is going to be a doppelganger of yourself, so take some time to consider the wants and needs of people who are different than you. It's all well and good to include information about schools for families and golf courses for retirees, but avoid stereotyping your potential customers.

To appeal to a broader client audience without being too vague, look at what the neighborhood or area has in it that could interest others. Don't only focus on what YOU find interesting; look at what people who live there find interesting. Don't worry about trying to make every area inviting for every group of people possible; try to see how each area or neighborhood has its own special appeal that could be a draw to a range of clients.

Some clients might be interested in a neighborhood that has a specialty grocery store and miles of walking trails; another might be more interested in the area's ethnic restaurants and active nightlife. Many realtors let clients know about schools, but what about water parks, local summer programs, pre-schools, or daycares? There are many aspects of a neighborhood that you might not even notice but that are a huge draw to someone that isn't you; take the time to ask some of the residents of the area about what they like best about living there.

--
Complete Calgary condo search: View all Calgary property listings including NW Calgary real estate. Access photos, virtual tours, neighborhood info, maps and more at JustinHavre.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-compatible-development-controversy.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-compatible-development-controversy.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:41:03 -0500
"Pops and scrapes" involve remodeling an existing home—often to increase the size of the residence. "Scrape offs" are older homes that are torn down and replaced with larger houses.

Among those who support the City's initiative to limit the number of "pops and scrapes" in Boulder's neighborhoods is PLAN Boulder County, which is an organization comprised of Boulder residents who are actively making sure that policies in the area promote environmental responsibility. They are particularly concerned with maintaining Boulder's open spaces and natural scenery.

PLAN is against what they call "McMansions" that "loom over neighbors, present too much mass to the street, unreasonably cut off view sheds, compromise solar access, cut down far too many trees, and foreclose neighborhood open space." They also feel that today's mammoth houses alter an entire neighborhood's character and impose limitations on who can afford to live in the area.

With the wealthy moving in, those who could afford to live in the neighborhood only a short while ago can no longer afford to stay or to buy. Property values go askew thanks to the presence of McMansions amid older, smaller houses.

This affects the make-up of entire neighborhoods, and creates a great deal of resentment between homeowners.

Opponents of the initiative say that the regulations that the City has in mind are too strict, and will scare off future developers. They also feel that it limits homeowners' rights to do as they please with their own property. Finally, they believe that the initiative involves too-broad strokes, and that one set of rules isn't suitable for all neighborhoods.

While it's certainly true that people should be able to what they want with their own homes, large, imposing additions do affect those around them. Those living in smaller homes feel oppressed by the invasive character of many McMansions, and struggle with new limitations on their privacy. On the other hand, it's important for the City not to impose heavy-handed rules that may impede responsible growth.

The simplest solution is for everyone to follow the Golden Rule, and treat neighbors as they wish to be treated. The majority of residents said that they'd prefer people talk to each other before adding-on to houses, in order to get feedback about what is acceptable and what is not. People want to be treated with respect and consideration, and this is especially true in close communities, where neighbors know each other well. The simple act of consulting with one's neighbors before remodeling can create a sense of harmony that harsh regulations cannot.

It's also important, many argue, to create incentives for builders, architects, and developers to build according a set of guidelines that are created by the community itself. A development that will fit in nicely in one neighborhood will be an eyesore in another, so it's important that any regulations that are enacted are sensitive to the differences between neighborhoods. By providing incentives rather than making strict rules, the City will also help to encourage reasonable growth rather than stifle it.

--
RE/MAX of Boulder consistently ranks as one of the top realty firms in the Boulder real estate market. To find Lyons Colorado homes for sale, visit BoulderCO.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/mobile-homes-can-be-a-good-investment.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/mobile-homes-can-be-a-good-investment.html Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:09:03 -0500
Legislation has taken some time to catch up with mobile homes so that there are standards for their construction, but now there are laws in place that require manufacturers to make their homes as soundly as they would build a traditional home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a Manufactured Housing Program that is dedicated to improving the quality of manufactured housing, including mobile homes.

Mobile homes that are built to housing standards, with multiple amenities are now proving to turn a profit. There are more and more people realizing a gain in equity with their mobiles. Mobile homes on owned land tend to go up in equity, especially with add-ons like sheds and other amenities that make the property more valuable as a whole. Property taxes for mobiles are lower because mobiles have a lower assessed value than stick-built.

Another way mobile homes save you money is their relatively low cost of maintenance. Replacing furnaces, roofs and the other bits and pieces essential to a comfortable home life costs much less for a mobile than a similarly sized stick-built home. Despite the lower cost, it is quite possible to have the same amount of comfort in a mobile home as a stick-built.

Owning a mobile in a park can have its advantages as well. One big advantage with mobile homes is the ability to have a home in a desirable area that is much lower in cost (including pad rental) than a stick-built home or a condo. If you are renting a pad, your costs can be even lower. Property taxes are paid by the owner of the land where your pad sits on, so they are much lower. Maintenance is often done or hired out by the owner and paid for by your pad rental fees. You can even use the park as a "stopping off place" for your mobile while you save up for the mortgage on a piece of land that you can remove the mobile to, to serve as either a permanent or temporary residence.

Mobile homes are not the shoddily built "tin cans" of yesteryear. They come in a surprising number of styles and can be built to satisfy the strictest quality guidelines. By shopping carefully and having a long-term plan, you can make your mobile home into a moneymaker instead of a money pit - and have a comfortable, attractive residence in the interim.

--
Discover the great investment opportunities available in the Wilmington NC real estate market. Search the latest property listings to find Ogden homes, waterfront real estate, vacant lots, condos and more at BuddyBlake.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/staging-a-home-with-a-pool-no-swamp-monsters-allowed.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/staging-a-home-with-a-pool-no-swamp-monsters-allowed.html Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:07:19 -0500
Even if you aren't using your pool it shouldn't resemble a vat of pea soup. Keeping up with the maintenance of your swimming pool will make your entire home more appealing while a gunky pool will make prospective buyers question whether or not you do upkeep on any part of your home.

Continue with your regular maintenance to keep your pool in use able condition if it's relatively clean, but if there are issues with the condition of the water then steps will need to be taken to get it back to crystal clarity.

There are a number of reasons why a pool might be in less than pristine condition for example: lack of regular chemical maintenance, lack of pool vacuuming, insufficient filtering, malfunctioning equipment, contaminates being introduced to the water.

Before you start with your pool clean up, have the water analyzed. Either buy a test that you can administer yourself or have a pool professional do it for you. With the information gained from a water test you can see just what types of chemicals you may need to add to your water.

To clean your pool, if you're doing it yourself, add whatever pool chemicals are required for your particular pH problem. Give your pool a good thorough scrub down to loosen up any residue that needs to be vacuumed or skimmed from the water. Vacuum and skim your pool to remove all the algae and debris that you can. After this you will need to add a chlorine product and run your filter until all traces of the algae is gone.

If the job looks particularly onerous or if you're just too lazy to do all that work, you may want to hire someone to clean your pool out and just be responsible for the upkeep. A particularly slimy pool can be a big job to clean up and may prove to be more work than you have time for.

If you have questions about your particular pool problems don't hesitate to contact a pool cleaning professional for specific solutions to your problem. Different varieties of algae or swamp monsters may require different solutions.

When it comes right down to it, any areas of your home that are left unmaintained look ugly and communicate to a prospective buyer that you don't care about your home. A clean pool will look a million times better than a green slough in your backyard and attract more serious offers on your home to boot.

--
Make your dreams come true by owning Hawaii real estate. Search for North Shore Oahu homes and condos at AlohaTony.com, and soon you'll enjoy the tropical climate of Hawaii all year long.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/hawaii-come-live-in-paradise.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/hawaii-come-live-in-paradise.html Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:06:43 -0500
The state of Hawaii is an interesting place to live because it is a collection of islands, each with their own personality. Some of the islands are very small and secluded while others have a larger population and are more popular tourist destinations. Whichever island you chose to live on, there is a great deal to see and do quite nearby!

The island of Hawaii, or the Big Island as it is also known, is by far the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii is the youngest island in the state and contains two active volcanoes. Hawaii also has two extinct volcanoes and one dormant one which last erupted in 1801. The climate on this island is quite varied because of the extremes in elevation it has; Hawaii has desert areas as well as tundra on the heights of Mauna Kea.

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to the second largest population in the state. It is a popular destination with tourists due to its gorgeous black sand beaches and fantastic whale watching opportunities.

The third largest island in the state is Oahu which is also the most populated and developed of all the islands. This island is the vacation hot-spot for tourists visiting the state who're looking for entertainment; it is home to a variety of shopping, entertainment, and dining opportunities. The waves on this island are a huge draw to surfers particularly in the winter time. Oahu is also home to the Polynesian Cultural Centre where you can learn all about the culture of different Polynesian islands and even participate in a traditional luau.

Some of the smaller islands include Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai. Kauai, also known as the garden island, is the oldest island in the group. It is a relatively quiet island with more sand beaches than any of the other islands in the state.

Molokai is home to Hawaii's longest white sand beach, a barrier reef, black sand beaches, and ancient Hawaiian temples. There is also a historical leper colony on Molokai that you can arrange to tour.

Lastly, the island of Lanai is the most secluded island of the Hawaiian Islands. This island is also known as the pineapple island due to the pineapple plantation that it used to have. Lanai is a good island destination for outdoor enthusiasts who like a quieter living environment; there are great opportunities here for hiking on the Munro trail and to see petroglyph carvings, as well as swimming and snorkeling locations. It's rumored that Lanai is the birthplace of cliff diving as well.

All in all, if you're looking for a dream home location in paradise then take a look at the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you prefer a location with an active nightlife or a quiet little residence in a quiet tropical paradise, there is something here for everyone.

--
Make your dreams come true by owning Hawaii real estate. Search for Kaneohe property at AlohaTony.com, and soon you'll enjoy the tropical climate of Hawaii all year long.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/a-different-sort-of-rat-race.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/a-different-sort-of-rat-race.html Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:54:15 -0500
If mice get into a person's food or water supply, he or she can be infected with Salmonella, develop tapeworms, contract infectious jaundice or Lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Mites found on mice can also cause problems such as house mouse mite dermatitis, or Rickettsial pox.

The notion of mice running across the kitchen counter or getting into cereal boxes and leaving behind hair, urine and feces is unpleasant to say the least. It's also dangerous to people's health, and must be stopped quickly.

Mice can also cause extensive damage to homes through their habitual gnawing. Because rodent's front teeth never stop growing, they must gnaw on items to keep their length manageable. Mice will gnaw on things like cardboard, wood, electrical wiring, and insulation. Rats are even able to gnaw through tough materials such as lead and aluminum sheeting. The damages to property, in addition to the costs of throwing out contaminated food, can add up to be a very expensive—and gross—problem.

How can you tell if you have a mouse problem? For starters, you'll probably notice droppings in corners, under furniture, and in other protected spots. You may also find remnants of gnawed materials like shredded cardboard or paper. If the mice have been in the house for a while, there'll be an odor in the home. If you're still unsure whether you have a mouse, you can try using a black light. Rodent urine has a fluorescent glow, so a black light can be used to spot their 'trail'.

If you do have mice, you must get rid of any food products that may have been tampered with. Open cereal boxes, potatoes left on the counter, etc. may have been contaminated, and should be thrown out. You must then put all of your dry goods in sealed glass containers (or heavy-duty plastic) in order to prevent mice from getting into it. Just closing the cupboard doors is not enough because rodents have an exceptional ability to squeeze into small openings. You should also seal any pet food or bird seed that you have in the home.

Removing the food supply is the most important step to take in preventing future rodent problems. It's also critical however, to block all openings to the house. This is a daunting task considering how small of an area they can get into. A rat for instance, can enter openings as small as 13mm.

Place screens on all windows and exterior doors, and fill any cracks or holes in the foundation. Check interior spaces for openings, especially around pipes and cupboards, and use steel wool to fill in gaps.

Now you've eliminated their entry points and their motivation for staying. If the mice don't leave of their own accord, you'll need to consider ways to remove them from the home. One way to repel mice is to place cotton balls doused with peppermint essential oil in places where the mice are believed to frequent. The scent is too overpowering for them, and will cause them to avoid those areas.

In addition to using scent to get rid of mice, you may also have to use a trapping device to make sure you get your mouse. There are the old-fashioned snap traps, as well as glue traps, poison, and live traps to choose from. Poisons and glue traps are considered by many to be terribly inhumane, as they cause slow, painful deaths. Snap traps can kill quickly, though it's important to purchase the right sized trap. If you have large rats, you're likely to just injure them with a mousetrap, and dealing with an injured rat can be traumatic for both predator and prey.

To entice the mouse to your trap, place sticky bait like peanut butter or melted chocolate on the trap, or else fasten hard baits like cheese or cotton balls to the trap so that it can't be removed. You may want to put fresh bait on the trap for a few days so that the mice get used to this free lunch program. Then, when you feel you've gained their trust, set the trap to go off.

If you're uncomfortable with the idea of killing a mouse (and many people are), there are live traps you can purchase. They're intended to capture mice that you'll later release at a distant location. There's no blood, no bodies, and no guilty conscience, but these traps require patience and persistence. It's important to check your live traps every day, or you could end up with a mouse stuck in the trap, dying from dehydration and starvation. You also need to take the mouse VERY far away from your home to ensure that it doesn't return. Rodents have incredible homing abilities, so drop them off several miles away.

One thing to note is that many house mice cannot survive out in the wild. This means that when you release your mice outside, they still face almost certain death. This is why some experts suggest that snap traps are the most humane option when it comes to rodent removal, as their deaths are quick. On the other hand, you may sleep better knowing you gave the mouse a chance by using a live trap.

--
RE/MAX of Boulder consistently ranks as one of the top realty firms in the Boulder real estate market. To learn about Lyons CO real estate opportunities, visit BoulderCO.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/ins-and-outs-of-refinishing-a-deck.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/ins-and-outs-of-refinishing-a-deck.html Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:43:29 -0500
Now you've decided, it's time to give that deck a face lift. Off to the local renovation box store you go, and return with hundreds of dollars worth of paint or stain and accessories to apply it with. After slapping it on, you stand back to admire your work, only to discover that within a short time the paint is peeling or the stain has faded. As with most jobs, there is a process for doing it correctly. Save yourself some time and money, and follow these steps for an effective refinishing of your wooden deck.

Prepare the Surface

For any paint or stain to adhere properly, the deck surface must be clean. In most cases you can get away with a good power wash, and you will be shocked at the condition of the wood when you're done. For small jobs, some people prefer the gentler method of scrubbing the wood with a stiff brush and a cleaning solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP). A combination of cleaner with the power washer is also very effective. Make certain you never let the spray sit in one area too long or you can damage or discolor the wood.

Usually a power washer will remove most of the old stain, but in some areas that aren't as exposed to sun or wear, a stripper may be used to remove old stain. Take care to protect nearby plants by spraying them with water before applying harsh chemicals, and then rinsing them once the job is done.

Depending on the weather, you may need to wait 2 or 3 days for the wood to dry completely after washing. Use this time to pound down any nail heads or make necessary repairs. You may want to give it a quick sanding to make your finishing time go quicker and possibly waste less product.

Finish Time

Use a good quality paint or stain, you'll be glad you spent the extra dollars. When choosing a stain, keep in mind that the more pigment they contain, the longer they last. This means a clear or slightly tinted product will last about one or two years, and a semitransparent or solid stain should last two to four years. Find out if your old stain was an oil or water base and use the same to ensure a longlasting finish.

When applying stain, some brands suggest using a brush over a roller. Otherwise, a roller is quick, and the use of extension handles can save your back. Sprayers tend to use more stain, but apply a nice even finish and cover large areas very quickly. Once again, check your instructions, all brands of paint or stain are not effective with sprayers.

Clean Up

Most products today are water based, however oil based products will require paint thinner to clean up brushes or trays. If you don't finish the job in one day, cover your brushes or rollers with a plastic bag and secure tightly. This will keep them supple, so you can take up where you left off, the next day.

--
Amerivest is a realty company based in southwest Florida, and specializes in Naples real estate. To view properties in the Grey Oaks real estate market, please visit us at NaplesGuru.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>