How to Keep Your Appliances in Good Condition

RealVitalize - Key Facts

We have experienced tremendous interest in the RealVitalize program and received many questions. Here are some key facts on how the RealVitalize program works. (Click here to read our original post about RealVitalize.)

Eligibility

This program is currently only offered to Coldwell Banker NRT Real Estate Agents in select markets. The Sacramento/El Dorado Hills area is eligible.

Minimum/Maximum Housing Price

The is NO minimum/maximum housing price to qualify for the RealVitalize program.

Cost Cap

A seller’s allowance is an amount equal to the list-side commission rate set forth in the listing agreement, up to a maximum of $50,000.

Type of Work

Any work described as “non-structural” shall be permitted in the Real-Vitalize program.

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*FYI to our fellow Coldwell Banker Agents:

This program can be used on existing listings. It’s ideal for listings that have been sitting on the market for a while or for inspection findings after they are in escrow. This can save transactions where the seller can’t afford to come out of pocket for repairs.

Are you a Coldwell Banker agent looking for additional information on RealVitalize? Click here.

How to get rid of Fruit Flies

Close friends know that I am paranoid about fruit flies getting into my drinks. So much so, that I am constantly putting things on top of my drink to cover it; from my dirty cell phone to napkins, plates, books, anything… I no longer let my kids have real pumpkins for Halloween and the only fruit we have has to stay in the refrigerator.

Having this fruit fly phobia, I have discovered a trick to completely get rid of fruit flies in my home. After many requests, here is my secret!

Prevent Eggs from Hatching

Clean ALL drains with InVade BioDrain Gel. This includes your kitchen sinks, dishwasher overflow, bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs and laundry room sinks. Cleaning all drains will keep eggs from hatching. InVade BioDrain Gel can be purchased on Amazon and is by far the best drain cleaner that I have used for fruit flies.

To clean: Run hot water down drains for a minute or two to clear it out. Pour the gel down the drain and wait a couple minutes before rinsing.

Set traps

Put traps in any room that has fruit flies. I usually have 2 traps in my kitchen and one in any bathroom that needs it. The homemade traps work significantly better than any that I have purchased in the past.

The Recipe

• A Clear Glass Cup

• Plastic Wrap

• Apple Cider Vinegar

• Dish Soap

• Toothpick

Take your glass cup and pour about an inch or two’s worth of apple cider vinegar. Put a couple drops of dish soap in the apple cider vinegar and add a splash of water to mix it in. (This makes their wings sticky so they can’t get out.) Then, cover the glass with plastic wrap. Hold the plastic wrap tight and poke little holes in the top with a toothpick. I typically do about 10-15 holes depending on how big the glass cup is.

If you do all of this and still have fruit flies a couple days later, clean your drains again.

Try it out? Let us know how it worked!

RealVitalize - Coldwell Banker will finance your home improvement projects

Coldwell Banker just launched a new program to help our clients maximize the selling price and minimize the time their home is on the market. It is called RealVitalize.

3 Steps to Selling Your Home Faster, Getting Top Dollar

1. Schedule Consultation

Talk to a RealVitalize project consultant to discuss the services needed to prep the home for the market.

2. Pick a Start Date

The project consultant will manage everything from start to finish.

3. Enjoy a Smooth Sale

Experienced service professionals will show up on time to tackle improvements, and they’ll bill us for their services.

How does it work?

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage partnered with HomeAdvisor to help with improvements and repairs to prep a home for sale. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage will cover the upfront costs and get paid back when the home sells.

The Best part:

• No payments until closing.

• No hidden fees.

• No interest charges.

• No markups.

What type of projects does RealVitalize include?

• Staging (We include staging for our clients. This would be for a vacant home that needs large scale furniture.)

• Appliance Purchasing and Installation

• Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades

• Carpentry

• Carpet Cleaning and Installation

• Cleaning and Maid Service

• Curb Appeal Enhancements

• Painting

• Drywall and Insulation

• Electrical Upgrades

• Handyman Services

• Plumbing

• Wall and Ceiling Repair

How does it work?

We schedule an appointment with a project consultant. They will arrange services, agree on pricing and manage projects from start to finish. All services will be billed to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and recouped at closing with no hidden fees, interest charges or markups.

What if my home does not sell?

If your home does not close within 12 months from the execution date of a RealVitalize contract, the homeowner will be responsible for paying Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage an amount equal to the value of services that were undertaken during the contract period.

How much can a seller borrow as part of RealVitalize? 

RealVitalize will cover the costs up to an amount equal to the Listing Side Real Estate Commission set forth in the listing agreement at the agreed-upon price but not to exceed $50,000. 

How do I know the HomeAdvisor service providers will be good?

HomeAdvisor has a rigorous screening process for its service providers, including background checks and licensing requirements. RealVitalize participating HomeAdvisor providers were selected for having the highest customer ratings and experience.

How does pricing work? 

Before HomeAdvisor begins any work, the price will be clearly communicated and the seller will have the chance to review any quote before work is performed. If the seller disagrees with the price, the seller or agent can work with the dedicated HomeAdvisor project consultant to find a different provider or change the scope of the work.

This is very exciting news! If you’re contemplating selling and want to discuss the RealVitalize options, give us a call at 916-586-7766. 

Neutral Paint Colors

Paint can drastically change the look of a home. When it comes time to sell, here are some of our favorite neutral paint colors. If you have a favorite color, please share in the comments below!! :)

Shoji White SW 7042 - Sherwin-Williams
*This is the exterior color of Stephani’s house.

agreeable gray SW 7029 - Sherwin-Williams

Oyster White SW 7637 - Sherwin-Williams

STONE RH STON - Restoration Hardware

Alabaster SW 7008 - Sherwin-Williams

Classic Gray OC-23 - Benjamin Moore

Sand Dollar RH SAND - Restoration Hardware

Ash RH ASH - Restoration Hardware

Preparing your home for fall

Having experienced the first few rainy days of the season, we have home preparation on our minds. In order to avoid winter damage, homeowners should prepare for the upcoming wet weather. Here are some tips.

1. Clean the gutters. This is one of the most common maintenance items that homeowners in our area forget to do.

2. Visually inspect your roof and repair any damage or tile slippage.

3. Check water drainage to make sure downspouts are free of debris and direct water away from foundations, walkways, and driveways.

4. Inspect trees. Check for damaged limbs that may break or that are too close to the roof.

5. Store your outdoor cushions and cover outdoor furniture.

6. Service your HVAC. Don’t forget to change the air filters!

7. Inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney.

8. Fertilize your lawn.

9. Get ready to change your sprinkler settings.

10. Clear out a closet near the entry of your home to use for you and your guest’s coats and umbrellas.