Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

If you're selling your house, you've probably heard all about curb appeal. Once that first impression passes the test, the next thing that meets the eyes of potential buyers is the entryway -- so make it look good. The entrance serves as the transition from outdoors to indoors and can leave an indelible impression in the mind of a potential buyer. Don't underestimate the importance of the entrance to your home. It helps define the quality of your property when people enter. If your entrance exudes richness, buyers will think of your home as a rich property and be prepared to make offers accordingly. The opposite holds true as well. If the entrance is shabby, then no matter how well appointed the rest of the home, 'shabby' is what will be imprinted on the buyer's mind. Having flooring in the entryway that varies from the rest of the house is one way to set off the entrance. I suggest tile flooring, whether it's ceramic, marble, granite, or synthetic. In...

If you’re new to home ownership, you’ll definitely want to avoid these easy-to-prevent mistakes that could cost you big time. I know so well the thrill of owning your own house — but don’t let the excitement cause you to overlook the basics. I've gathered up a half dozen classic boo-boos new homeowners often commit — and give you some insight on why each is critically important to avoid. 1. Not Knowing Where the Main Water Shutoff Valve Is Water from a burst or broken plumbing pipe can spew dozens of gallons into your home’s interior in a matter of minutes, soaking everything in sight — including drywall, flooring, and valuables. In fact, water damage is one of the most common of all household insurance claims. Quick-twitch reaction is needed to stave off a major bummer. Before disaster hits, find your water shutoff valve, which will be located where a water main enters your house. Make sure everyone knows where it’s located and how to close the ...

1. Change the locks. You really don’t know who else has keys to your home, so change the locks. That ensures you’re the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $10 per lock, or call a locksmith — if you supply the new locks, they typically charge about $20-$30 per lock for labor. 2. Check for plumbing leaks. Your home inspector should do this for you before closing, but it never hurts to double-check. I didn't have any leaks to fix, but when checking my kitchen sink, I did discover the sink sprayer was broken. I replaced it for under $20. Keep an eye out for dripping faucets and running toilets, and check your water heater for signs of a leak.  Here’s a neat trick: Check your water meter at the beginning and end of a two-hour window in which no water is being used in your house. If the reading is different, you have a leak. 3. Steam clean carpets. Do this before you move your furniture in, and your new home l...

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, my brokerage, is teaming up with HGTV’s Fixer Upper series to offer viewers a chance to win a $50,000 prize including a consultation from Chip & Joanna Gaines, hosts of the series.  Enter for a chance to win $50,000 and a consultation with the stars of HGTV's Fixer Upper. Enter at 50kFixUp.com .  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 21 or older. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Sweepstakes ends at 5:00p.m. ET on June 15, 2015. For full official rules, visit www.50kFixUp.com. Sponsored by BHH Affiliates LLC, 18500 Von Karman Avenue, #400, Irvine, California 92612.   If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Good Luck!