Getting your home ready for Fall

The nip in the early morning air, the changing of the leaves mean adding items to your To-Do List!

Time to get your home ready for Fall.

Pillar to Post Home Inspection Co recommends these tips: Seal it up: Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and cause structural damage and mold problems. Clear it out: Clear gutters and eaves troughs of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Consider installing leaf guards if your gutters can accommodate them - they are real time-savers and can prevent damage from clogged gutters. Check the joints between sections of gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments to tighten them.

No hose: In climates with freezing weather, drain garden hoses and store indoors to protect them from the elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can easily freeze and burst, causing leaks and water damage. Warm up time: Have the furnace inspected to ensure it's safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide no-cost inspections, but there can often be a long waiting list come fall and winter. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using a clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, saving you money and energy.

Light that fire: If you enjoy the crackle of the fireplace on a chilly fall evening, have the firebox and chimney cleaned before using it this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.

(Pix courtesy of Pinterest) Need advice in preparing your home for SALE? Let's talk about it. Sharon Goetz 703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator Keller Williams Realty

Reston's Tour of Homes

Hope you had a GREAT Fall weekend. Saturday was Reston's 11th annual Tour of Homes. This event benefits the Reston Museum. This year's theme was "Living on the Edge". Each of the 6 homes was on the edge of either wooded parkland, the urban town center, or lakes. The waterfront homes were indeed my fave!

The homes all made great use of tying the outdoors to the indoors. The lake views were spectacular. I intended on taking more photos - but each home was so crowded with tour attendees - it really wasn't possible.

This space was a balcony off the master that the homeowners never used...until they converted it into these gorgeous spa-like space!

Here, you can find out more about the tour so you can plan ahead for next year's event!

Sharon Goetz 703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator Keller Williams Realty Looking for inspiration for your space or perhaps you're ready to move on? Let's talk about it.

Favorite Listings Friday

It's time for...Favorite Listings Friday! I have chosen 2 homes, currently listed for sale, from the Multi-Listing Service. Which 1 would YOU choose? Both homes are located in Middleburg, VA. Middleburg is synonymous with horse-country, wineries, quaint shops and historic charm.

House #1 is listed for $3,300,000. It was built in 1940.

It features a truly spectacular setting.

The guest cottage alone is a real charmer!

Nicely appointed stable.

The view provides for an ever-changing landscape. House #2 is listed for $3,400,000 and was built in 1947.

Several of the interior walls feature that beautiful stone.

This home has a stable AND an indoor arena.

Another adorable guest house.

Which is YOUR pick of the week?

Thinking of selling YOUR home? Let's talk about it! Sharon.G@KW.com Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator Keller Williams Realty

A Drop Cloth & a Chair!

EVERYONE has seen this chair and probably knows someone who owns one. Is that someone you? This IKEA Poang chair and ottoman have been part of our household for 20+ years. About 10 yrs ago, my DH painted the frame black and lightly distressed the edges. Last week, I was on a mission to recover it -- for the 4th time! IKEA sells slipcovers for the it. This happy red one was just $29.95.

Saw this very stylish one for $99.00 on Etsy.

Blogland has a TON of uses for drop cloth canvas these days. Yes, the drop cloths painters use and can be purchased in any hardware store. They are super durable and inexpensive! So, I decided to go that route.

If you want to craft your own cover, I found a few online tutorials. E-How has a good one.

Sharon Goetz 703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator Keller Williams Realty

Reston Home Tour 2012

The 11th Annual Reston Home Tour is Saturday, October 13th. It's certainly one of my favorite local events. I have attended the tour the past 5 years and always come away with new ideas and an appreciation of how much effort and love these homeowners have put into these spaces! Here is a Sneak Peek of a few of the 6 homes! This event often sells out! You can still purchase $30.00 ticket online at the Reston Museum website. Hope to see you at the home tour!

Sharon Goetz 703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator Keller Williams Realty

Trip to the Design House!

This past weekend, I took a little field trip to the Design House at the Old Lucketts Store! The place was extremely crowded despite the damp, drizzly weather. The Autumn decor was so warm and inviting.

Inspiration was in every nook and cranny. These little white pumpkins under the cloches would be great for a Thanksgiving table.

Even the claw foot bathtub was decked out for Fall!

This room just shouted "COZY". Couldn't you just sink into this huge wing back chair?

And at the end of the day - how about jumping into this bed? LOVE those pillows!

Can't wait to see what next month's design house will look like! Need some help in preparing YOUR home for sale, or just pulling a room together? Let's talk about it.

Sharon Goetz 703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator Keller Williams Realty

Seasonal Home Decor

Signs of Fall are everywhere ~ from falling acorns to turning leaves. Does your home decor include seasonal changes? I have finally gotten around to adding some Autumn around here.

I live in a wooded area so it's easy to bring natural elements into seasonal decor.

Home sellers often ask if they should use seasonal decor when selling their homes. By all means include a bit of Summer or Fall. This time of year, add colorful mums or pansies for instant curb appeal. Need some help pulling your look together? Let's talk about it. 703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator Keller Williams Realty