Fresh Idea to Spruce Up Your Home for Spring (or for Sale!)

Most of us know that fresh paint is the least expensive way to make our house feel more like home! Even quicker, fresh trim makes your existing walls look like new. And nothing makes your trim "pop" like high-gloss paint.

I thought you might like these tips from our personal experience today. It's tough - even for "professionals" - to get best results with high-gloss paint. Here's how we can do what even the pros shy away from!

Tips for Painting with High-Gloss Latex

High-gloss latex paint creates a durable, scrub-able surface when properly applied to walls, trim work and furniture. The high-sheen finish allows more light to bounce around your room, brightening it. Despite the many advantages to high-gloss latex, it can be very difficult to apply correctly. Even experienced painters often prefer semi-gloss paint because of the exacting requirements of high-gloss latex. However, if you are determined to use a high-gloss finish, patience and special care throughout the process ensure a beautiful finished product.

Prep Work Is Key

Before you begin painting with high-gloss latex, you must prepare your surfaces carefully. Scrape any loose paint or wallpaper and sand down rough spots using a fine-grit sandpaper. Fill holes with an appropriate fill -- wood filler for wooden walls or furniture, drywall compound for drywall or plaster walls -- and sand the area smooth. Wash surfaces with a mixture of 1/2 cup of ammonia to 1 gallon of water. Caulk any cracks between woodwork and walls with a paintable caulk. Hand-sand the sheen from a very glossy surface needing repainting.

Select the Right Applicator

Brushes and rollers are not created equal, even among their peers. When painting with high-gloss latex, use the highest quality applicators available, as there is no room for error with this sheen of paint. Brushes are the most difficult to use for applying high-gloss latex, but if your project demands it, select a brush with synthetic bristles that have exploded tips. Select a synthetic roller cover with a 3/8-inch nap. Foam rollers are also excellent for high-gloss latex -- they don't leave brush marks and can fit into much tighter spots than traditional rollers.

Primer

Primer is an absolute necessity when working with high-gloss latex. Many homeowners are confused about how to choose primer for their projects and many omit it all together. Primer is designed to grab both the new paint and the surface where it is being applied, bonding the two surfaces firmly. When using high-gloss latex, an oil-based primer is your best friend, especially if you are painting over an old oil-based paint job. In fact, your latex paint won't stick well otherwise. Apply the primer of your choice according to package directions, and allow it to dry completely before checking once more for imperfections in the surface. Paint cannot fix surface problems; it only serves to amplify them.

Thin Coats

Thin coats are key to success with high-gloss latex. Using your applicator of choice, apply a thin coat of paint to the surface. Watch your own work carefully, being sure to clean up any drips before they have a chance to become tacky. Any bubbles or drips created out of negligence must be sanded and painted again. It is vital that you allow the first coat to dry fully before applying the second one. This may take 24 to 36 hours, depending on the paint and its additives; check the paint can for cure times. Apply the second coat only once you are certain the first is dry. Two coats of paint should be sufficient for most colors, but if you still can see brush strokes, apply a very thin third coat.

Bill Munson, Realtor - (615)480-2955 direct

"housevana.com" A sensible way to buy your next house...???

By now, you probably have seen a "Carvana" commercial - how you can shop for and buy a car simply by browsing the internet ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=wToxrHzVpxU ). So, why not apply the same approach to buying a home?

Some obvious differences should make you think twice:

SURPRISES. New houses are not built in a factory like most cars are (although I can share some innovative ideas that may surprise you...!) Even though a new house has a "new car smell", consistent quality and managing surprises should be one of your foremost concerns.

ASSET VALUE. Cars, while an asset, are a depreciating asset at best and are considered personal property. They can be easily bought and sold with a one page title. Homes are real property, and prior ownership of the land, the buildings and improvements can become a significant issue. While there is no guarantee that a house will increase in value, it is likely one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime, and deserves professional advice. Importantly for the home Buyer, did you know that using a professional Realtor does not increase your cost of buying (or leasing) the home?

PREPARATION. Got a job? Most often you can find a dealer who will sell you a car - if you are willing to make the payments. Your credit-worthiness may determine where and how you can buy that car. With a home purchase, it is important to know your credit-worthiness (not just your FICO score), BEFORE you go to Open Houses or start shopping with a professional Realtor. When you start shopping, you will probably see a house that you can envision being your family's home - and what a disappointment it will be to delay that home purchase because of credit snags.

MSRP. Unlike the car industry with consistent products, there is no reliable reference that you can use to determine a home's "ideal" value. By definition, every real property is not movable - the combination of building and land is unique. There is no "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price" on real estate. Two houses next door to each other may have unique property value based on location, condition, features etc. Also, not all builders or home sellers are equally motivated. As with any negotiation, it is imperative that you have a negotiator that is working for you who is aware of the unique circumstances of each home situation.

INTERNET. There is more data on the internet than ever. However, a small portion of that actually represents information. For examples, houses that show as being available for sale on the internet may already be under contract or even sold. By the same token, properties that show as not available may simply not be picked up yet by some of the more popular fishing sites - Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc. Also, property descriptions are often outdated or outright wrong - square footage, number of bedrooms or bathrooms, etc. Think of the internet like a store's catalog - many items may be out of stock, delayed in shipment, descriptions may be inaccurate, etc.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Get to know a good Realtor. One who will consistently represent your best interests. Before, during and after you list your home. Before, during and after you purchase your new home. Someone who cares about you and your family, more than a commission check. (Yes, there are commissions, but they should be earned.)

We know everybody needs a roof over their family's heads. Call or contact me if I can help you in this lifelong process.