Saturday afternoon at 3 PM listen to the Foster City Community Chorus sings a program called “We Are Lights” at Transfiguration Episcopal Church in San Mateo, and repeats it again Sunday afternoon same time and same place.  Ticket information here  and they are $20.

Also on the same weekend Peninsula Cantare performs their holiday program in Palo Alto at the First Baptist Church at 7:30 PM and the following afternoon, 3 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Carlos.  This is the final concert for Music Director Janice Gunderson, who is retiring and features Mozart Requiem and selections of the Handel messiah and solosits Susanna Jimenez, Soprano; Donia Gariaeff, Alto;  Brian Thorset, Tenor; and Michael Morris, Bass.  Tickets available at the door and are $20 for general admission and $15 for students/seniors.

Masterworks Chorale of San Mateo performs their program, “Carols Around”, the  following weekend, December 11 and 12. The Saturday program is at 8 PM and the Sunday program is at 4 PM, both are at Grace Lutheran Church in Palo Alto.  Buy tickets here and are $20 advance purchase, $25 at the door, and $10 for students.

Finally, Viva la Musica! performs Sunday December 11 at 4 PM and the following Sunday, December 18 at 4 PM.  The musical selections are Gloria’s by John Rutter and Randol Alan Bass accompanied by brass and percussion ensemble and organ.  Tickets available here are $25 preferred, $22 general, $20 seniors and $15 students/groups.

All of these choral groups are non-profit organizations and the sales of tickets helps to keep them singing.  If you love to sing, check them out and see which one might be a good fit for you.  They’re always looking for new voices to make music with.

This is a great family outing.  The 2011 San Mateo Harvest Festival is helping the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA by donating half of the shopping bag proceeds and all of the parcel check proceeds to this non-profit helping animals in San Mateo County.  There are free drawings for an iPad 2 and handmade quilt that will take place at the conclusion of all of the Harvest Festival events taking place around California.  The quilt is seen on the left.

The 2011 San Jose Harvest Festival is helping the Humane Society Silicon Valley with the same proceeds.  If you’re a pet lover this is a no-brainer.

The Harvest Festival is a shop to you drop event with over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts.  You can find art, toys, jewelry, photography and more.  But that’s not all, there’s entertainment throughout the weekend and fun activities for the family from learning how to decorate a gingerbread house to making jewelry. It’s a full day of fun and activities.

The San Francisco Firefighters will be on-sight holding a toy drive and if you bring an unwrapped toy for donation you get $2 off your admission to the Festival in San Mateo. And anyone who brings an unwrapped toy, book or non-perishable food donation to the San Jose event will receive a $2 discount on admission and this is sponsored by the AT&T Pioneers, a group of retirees from AT&T.

Want to go?  I have 5 pairs of free tickets to the first 5 people to answer these questions correctly.

1. When is this event taking place?

2. Where is it taking place?

3.  How many gift items will be available for purchase?

Answer these questions in the comments section with a real email address attached so I can reach you and you’ve won a pair of ticket to either event.  So get back to me now.  First come.  First won.

Shop to you drop!

I’ll believe it when it happens.  We see so few truly warm 4th of July’s that yes, I am a skeptic.  I’m entitled to be since I am a native and I know….  But, they’re saying it will be clear and warm.  They were right about the unseasonal rains this week so perhaps this will be right, too.

Foster City does a bang up job of celebrating the 4th of July starting with a pancake breakfast provided by Island United Church between 8AM and 11:30 AM, carnival rides for the kids, a parades for the family at 11 AM and dog show after that at 2 PM.  There are arts and crafts and  family games.  At the Amphitheater you’ll find live music starting at 11:45 with a family concert by Andy Z – Rock ‘n Roll by The Houserockers between 4:15 and 5:45 PM and ending with a concert by Livin’ in the USA from 7 to 9:15 PM.  You don’t need to bring a picnic with you since the Lion’s Club will cooking a BBQ dinner between 11:30 AM and 9 PM.  A nice way to donate to these groups and fill your family’s tummies, too.

I know you’ll smile looking at the patriotic group from last year’s parade sporting red, white and blue!  This is what makes Foster City a great place to live and to be on the 4th of July.

Top the day off with the only fireworks show in the County of San Mateo!

It’s bound to be a great day.  Once evening comes get ready for a great fireworks show that starts right at 9:30 PM, once it’s dark.  I took these photos from the water but you will get a great view anywhere near the lake, on the grass at Leo Ryan Park, from Catamaran Park, or lined up along the Shell Blvd. bridge (if you’re careful that is since cars can drive across the bridge at that point).  There are restrictions on where you can watch with some homeowner’s associations.

Don’t get caught short this year.

I have one word of caution for you this year if you must drive to see the fireworks.  There will be a $10 charge for parking your car in the Parkside Tower garage at Shell and E. Hillsdale Blvd.  Handicap parking is always free and will be at the Library lot across from Parkside Tower.  This parking fee is to offset the cost of providing the only fireworks between San Francisco and Mountain View so please don’t complain!  It’s expensive to put on a fireworks show and someone has to pay for it in these dire times so a cost of $10 is pretty fair, don’t you agree?  Plan to come early to get your money’s worth, get a good parking spot and enjoy the day.  And, if you think you’ll be able to avoid the fee by parking near Safeway, think again.  Foster City’s finest is going to enforce limited parking in that lot.  You can park for no longer than one hour while you are shopping or eating at the center.  If you over stay the hour, be prepared for a ticket and it will cost a lot more than 10 bucks.

Have a safe and sane 4th of July.  Please,don’t buy fireworks of your own and don’t shoot them off on your own.  It’s dangerous and silly to do when you can see a first rate show right here in Foster City.  Come and support the local organizations who provide the food, fun and activities.  Please allow for plenty of time to exit the parking garage after the fireworks and go home.  I know it can be exasperating for many with only a few ways in and out of Foster City.  Allow extra time going home and you’ll have a lovely evening.

Want to move to Foster City?  Here are some of the homes for sale.  We’re happy to show them to you.

Showing properties 1 - 21 of 21. See more city of Foster City real estate.
(all data current as of 2/12/2012)

1. $539,000 : 880 Carina Ln, Foster City
   
   2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,546 sq ft

   Lot size: 840 sq ft
   
2. $699,950 : 1423 Marlin Av, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,530 sq ft

   Lot size: 1,757 sq ft
   
3. $1,179,000 : 269 Avocet Ct, Foster City
   
   5 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,690 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,630 sq ft
   
4. $369,000 : 625 Portofino Ln, Foster City
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,395 sq ft
   
5. $675,000 : 740 Promontory Point Ln #3304, Foster City
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,980 sq ft
   
6. $869,000 : 632 Matsonia Dr, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,760 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,320 sq ft
   
7. $415,000 : 820 Sea Spray Ln #108, Foster City
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,233 sq ft
   
8. $999,990 : 850 Gull Av, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,160 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,320 sq ft
   
9. $1,529,000 : 1001 Monterey Av, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,170 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,540 sq ft
   
10. $640,000 : 1082 Gull Av, Foster City
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,460 sq ft

    Lot size: 1,757 sq ft
    
11. $329,900 : 8209 Admiralty Ln, Foster City
    
    2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 998 sq ft
    
12. $244,500 : 3106 Admiralty Ln, Foster City
    
    1 bed, 1 full bath

    Home size: 748 sq ft
    
13. $975,000 : 54 Port Royal Av, Foster City
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,890 sq ft

    Lot size: 6,798 sq ft
    
14. $652,000 : 1117 Outrigger Ln, Foster City
    
    3 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 1,540 sq ft

    Lot size: 974 sq ft
    
15. $255,000 : 7202 Admiralty Ln, Foster City
    
    2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 998 sq ft
    
16. $506,902 : 126 Albacore Ln, Foster City
    
    2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,370 sq ft

    Lot size: 1,875 sq ft
    
17. $1,189,000 : 760 Coronado Ln, Foster City
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 2,110 sq ft

    Lot size: 4,857 sq ft
    
18. $360,000 : 661 Portofino Ln, Foster City
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,395 sq ft

    Lot size: 1 sq ft
    
19. $439,900 : 2213 Admiralty Ln, Foster City
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,505 sq ft
    
20. $849,000 : 921 Swan St, Foster City
    
    5 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,540 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,700 sq ft
    
21. $499,000 : 764 Comet Dr, Foster City
    
    2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 980 sq ft

    Lot size: 1,955 sq ft
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

A Criterium is a closed bicycle race, generally less than 5K in length that leads to large groups of riders making tight turns and often seeing mishaps while doing so.  These races are timed making them very interesting to watch.  Downtown Burlingame offers just the right kind of site for this race and it’s really exciting to watch.

The races begin at 7 AM for the Elite 4  men, then on to the Elite 4 women at 7:50 AM.  The last race concludes at 1:30 PM.  The kids race is at 10:20 AM and lasts an hour.  This is serious racing, folks.  There are cash prizes for all except the children where they receive ribbons and there is no cost for their entry.  It’s too late to enter in advance but you can register the morning of the race beginning at 6 AM, and up to 20 minutes prior to each race.

This race has been around for a long time and attracts a large number of people watching it.  Parking is always difficult in downtown Burlingame, so you if plan on coming, check out the map below for ideas of where to park and be prepared to walk a few blocks.  The race track will be closed to pedestrian crossing unless there is a race Marshall there to assist people when and where to cross.  These cyclists are moving fast and we don’t want to see injuries take place because of careless people.  Listen to the directions you are given by the Marshall working the track and follow them.  You will have an exciting day of bicycle racing to see and it’s expected to be a picture perfect day for it, too.

Keep your parking south of Howard or north of Bellview and you should be fine.  If you’re planning on coming down for breakfast and then watching, be sure to expect longer than usual lines at the many breakfast places downtown.  The weather is anticipated to be warm so it should be perfect viewing weather for everyone.

San Mateo’s Eggstravaganza

This is the premier hunt in the County and the oldest one, too.  This will be the 34th year it will take place. It’s held at Central Park at El Camino Real and 5th Avenue beginning at 9 AM and running until 1 PM.  Start your day off with their annual San Mateo Sunrise Rotary’s Pancake Breakfast for a cost of $8 per adult and $4 per child and enjoy the fun with a full tummy!  Breakfast is between 9-11 AM.  There are egg hunts for children of all ages beginning at 9:30 AM.  The morning is filled with art and games, a community parade at 10:30, and music by Andy Z beginning at 11 AM and a magic show by Magic Mike at Noon.  Children as young as toddlers can participate in their own hunts but bring your own baskets!

Foster City’s Egg Hunt at Ryan Park

If your children haven’t had enough hunting time head over to Foster City at 1 PM and begin the fun there.  It’s an annual event run by the Foster City Lion’s Club and is on the lawns at East Hillsdale and Shell Blvd.  The egg hunt will be at 2 PM for chocolate eggs.  Bring your baskets and watch the fun.  Your children will leave with a full basket of goodies as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Belmont’s Twin Pine’s Meadow Hunt

Belmont’s annual hunt starts at 9 AM on Saturday.  The hunts will take place for age groups and it’s for children between 3 and 10.  Bring your baskets and let the kids have fun.  It’s free and will take place rain or shine.

Menlo Park’s Easter Egg Hunt at Burgess Park

This hunt begins at 10 AM and runs until Noon. It’s kicked off with a visit from the Easter Bunny at 10 AM  There are hunts for toddler’s under 2 beginning at 10:30; 3-4 year olds at 10:45, 5-6 year olds at 11 and 7-8 year olds at 11:15 AM.  It’s a morning filled with fun things to do from a ride on the Old Tom Fire truck to a photo with the Easter Bunny.  Crafts, and toys will be there to occupy the children while their siblings hunt for their eggs.  Bring your baskets.  Burgess Park is at 701 Laurel Street.

Millbrae’s Spring Festival and Children’s Egg Roll

The Millbrae Rotary is hosting this for Millbrae children and begins at 11 AM until 2 PM with the Easter Bunny, games, face painting, a petting zoo and of course, an Egg Hunt!  Grab BBQ burgers for your lunch as a fund raiser for the mills High Interact Club.  Millbrae’s Rotary Park South Aston and Millbrae Avenue.

Awesome Egg Dive at the Burlingame Aquatic Center

If you’re looking for something different in the way of an egg hunt and have older children this might be fun.  Saturday afternoon between 2:30 and 3:30 PM will be a pool egg hunt where the kids jump into the water for eggs and and then exchange those eggs for prizes. This will take place at the Burlingame Aquatic Center. The competition is for children between 5 and 7 and 8 and 14 and they can splash and swim and have fun.  There is a cost of $6 whether you’re a resident of Burlingame or not.  Parents are encouraged to watch from the bleachers on the pool deck.  The Aquatic Center is at  1 Magnini Way, Burlingame.

The Burlingame Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

The annual Burlingame Lions Club’s Easter Egg hunt and pancake breakfast will take place on Saturday beginning at 8 AM.  This is a full breakfast and always well worth it.  Then the hunts begin according to age.  First up will be the toddlers at 9 AM and then up to the older children throughout the morning.  With over 4000 chocolate eggs to be found this will be a fun morning.  The San Mateo Elks Band will be playing during the morning and t local artist and face painter , TwikieDeeStar, will do free face painting for the children.  This will be held at the Burlingame Lions Hall, 990 Burlingame Avenue.

Thanks for a reader for this one on Sunday.

On Sunday, Malibu Castle and Grand Prix has a hunt and entertainment in Redwood City.  Registration begins at 11:30 and ends at 12:45 PM.  The hunt begins at 1 PM.  Face painting, a petting zoo, and of course the Easter Bunny will be there.  There is a charge but this should be fun for all ages! http://www.malibugrandprix.com/site/Redwood/pricing.html?egg#egg

The Annual Harvest Festival, an Original Art and Crafts Show, will be at the San Mateo Events Center this weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  It’s a really super neat place to begin your holiday shopping with over 24,000 unique gifts to select from, you’re bound to find something interesting and fun for your gift list.

I have some tickets to give away to the first 6 people commenting below and tell me why you want to go. The tickets are for free admission for San Mateo’a event this weekend, or if you want to go to the Cal Expo in Sacramento, good for the weekend of November 19-21 or down to San Jose’s Convention Center Thanksgiving weekend, November 26-28.

Attending the annual Harvest Festival is a wonderful tradition for many families and if you haven’t started it,here’s a way to begin.  Win a pair of tickets and buy the rest online by clicking on the “Buy & Print Tickets Online” button to the right.

Enter the free drawing for a chance to win a Grab Bag filled with things from the Festival.  You must print out the form and bring it with you in order to win.

And, there is a Grand Prize to be given out to one of the attendees from all of the nine Harvest Festivals held around California and Nevada, of an original oil painting by folk artist Bonny Rochester valued at $5000.  That’s pretty neat in my book.  Don’t wait to fill out your comment below and tell me why you deserve a pair of tickets!  

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary is the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival and it’s gotten better every year, so it’s become a “do not miss event”.  Art, crafts, and the usual fair items are for sale along with loads of food and fun.  This is a wine tasting event, so there will be wines (and beers) to taste as you eat your way down Broadway.  It’s an all day event form 10 AM until 5 PM and the weather is going to be picture perfect.  So don’t miss it!  It’s FREE for the looking if you are budget conscious.

Head to Woodside and the 47th Annual Kings Mountain Art Fair for another FREE festival.  This is considered one of the top five best art festivals in California.  Kings Mountain is a 10 mile stretch along Skyline Blvd above Woodside.  Parking is always a challenge and they offer shuttle service to the fair.  This fair was started in 1963 as a way to support the Kings Mountain volunteer fire department and now not only supports that but also the school.  It’s a juried show with first rate artists who have competed for the ability to show and sell.  You can see the art under the redwoods, and wander around eating wonderful food and having a good time.  Plan to come early because parking is a challenge. You can find this either from highways 84 (Woodside Rd) or 92 turning at Skyline and heading south.

The 40th Annual Greek Festival is also taking place this weekend in Belmont.  This is the annual event held at the Church of Holy Cross at Ralston and Alameda de las Pulgas.  It has a $5 admission for adults, seniors and youth 13+ are $2.50 and is a major fundraiser for the church. You can eat, drink and dance Greek dances and have a great time.  There are Arts and Crafts and events for children, too.  This runs all weekend, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Click the coupon on the left for a larger one so you can get $1 off admission.  This is a huge event and always attracts large crowds.  Parking shuttles are run for free so look closely at the map for where to park.

The Foster City Community Chorus, and Heart & Soul, is performing today and tomorrow at The Church of the Epiphany, 1839 Arroyo Ave, in San Carlos.  If you love the Beatles you’ll love this performance.  Musical Director Paul Hurst took the original scores of the Beatles and transcribed them for choral voice.  Come and hear the music performed as it originally was done by the Beatles.  Tickets are $18 each, at the door.  Performances are at 3 PM.  Directions to The Church of the Epiphany are here and it’s easy to get to from every where on the Peninsula.

Come and listen to us sing.  After all, we’re not called the Singing Realtors for nothing!

It’s that time of year again and if you have a young one and want to find a local Easter Egg Hunt, you’re in luck.  I think I’ve found almost everyone of them in San Mateo County and if you’re willing to head south I have a few for you in Santa Clara County, too.  The fun starts this coming weekend and continues Easter weekend.  Have fun!!

March 27 starts the fun

In South San Francisco head over to Orange Memorial Park, on Orange Avenue by 10 AM where there will be two egg hunts taking place.  One just for Pre-Schoolers 3-5 years old and the second one for Elementary children  6-8 years old.  Bring your own basket.  While you’re there tell the South San Francisco Women’s Club thank you for sponsoring the event.  Questions?  Call 650-829-3800.

San Bruno is hosting their 31th Annual Easter Egg and Pancake Breakfast in San Bruno City Park.  It starts at 9 AM and runs until 11 AM.  The hunts begin at 10 AM.  Call 650-616-7180 for more information.

If you don’t mind driving down to Los Gatos, there’s a hunt on the front lawn of Los Gatos High School between 10 AM and 1 PM.  There will be a carnival taking place as well and tickets will be for sale during the egg hunts.  The hunts are free and held by age groups.  10:15 AM – under 2; 10:45 AM – 2-3 years; 11:30 AM – 4-5 years; Noon – 6-7 years; 12:30 PM – 8-10 years.

Now Hop to April 3rd

Burlingame‘s Annual Lion’s Club Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast starts early.Breakfast is served between 7:30 AM to 11 AM and costs $6 for adults and $3 for children.  The egg hunt begins at 9 AM, and again at 11 AM.  Be sure to have your baskets with you and you can call 650-348-0799 for more details.

Belmont is hosting their annual hunt at Twin Pines Meadow off of Ralston.  Be there at 9 AM SHARP.  It’s a free event for 3-10 year olds and all will get eggs, candy and other surprises.  Bring your own basket and thank the Belmont Park & Recreation Department to hosting this event.

If you prefer warmer weather for your egg hunting, then head down to Los Altos where it begins at 10AM at State and  2nd.  This is for 1-10 year olds and bring your own basket.  It’s a free event in downtown Los Altos.

Menlo Park has their egg hunt at Burgess Park between 10 AM and Noon.  This is a joint venture with the Menlo Park Firefighters Association and the Easter Bunny arrives on an antique fire truck.  This is for children 8 and younger.  Bring a basket for the eggs.

Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos is bringing in the Bunny on a Helicopter and your children can greet the Bunny at 10:30 AM.  The Bunny will be giving out eggs to all children there and face painting will be offered by the Magic Princesses.

The 33rd Annual Eggstravaganza is going to take place in San Mateo. It’s a full day of fun for the family.  Pancake breakfast begins at 9 AM until 11.  $7 for adults and $4 for children sponsored by the San Mateo Sunrise Rotary.  Art and games run from 9 AM to 1 PM.  The hunts start at 9:30 and continue to 1 PM.  Along with all of this you’ll get entertainment and can watch or participate in a Community Parade at 10:30.  It all takes place at Central Park, El Camino and 5th Avenue.

San Francisco has a hunt at India Basin at 11 AM. It’s the India Basin Annual Spring Hunt.  Bring your own basket.

There’s a hunt in Pacifica on Saturday at 10am at Frontierland.

and in Redwood City at Malibu Grand Prix in Redwood City. Registration is from 10 – 11 and hunt starts at 11:15.

Easter Sunday’s Hunts

Foster City’s Lions Club hosts the annual Easter Egg hunt held at Leo Ryan Park on the corner of East Hillsdale Blvd and Shell Blvd.  It begins at 2 PM and is free.  Just remember to bring the empty basket.  The Easter Bunny will be there ready for your camera. In fact, be sure you have your camera with you any time you take your children to one of these events. It is so cute to watch the children running around the grass and something you don’t ever want to miss!

San Francisco has the 19th Annual Spring Celebration and Easter Parade on Union Street between Gough and Fillmore.  Running between 10 AM and  5PM there will be many offerings for children of all ages.

If you know of an Easter Egg Hunt that I’ve missed in San Mateo County or for that matter, in Santa Clara County,  please let me know so I can add it here.

Just about every homeowner wants to improve their home so that it shows its best to the world.  Well, maybe not everyone, but most normal people do.  I was in an unnamed North County city while out on Broker’s tour and I happened to drive down a street that looked like no one took any pride in ownership of their homes.  And, I mean NO ONE!  It looked like a slum but a slum with homes worth $600,000 to $700,000 if these houses were in good shape.  It got me to thinking about what must go into someones mind when they just stop taking care of their property.  The front landscaping turns to weeds, trees and shrubs die and the place looks, well it looks like a slum. I just don’t get why people have no pride of ownership when a house is the single most expensive investment anyone is likely to make in their lifetime.

So what are the five easiest ROI in landscaping your home?

1.  Lawn.

This is the first, and easiest, ROI in landscaping your house.  If it’s dead, pull it out, and either seed or roll out a carpet of sod (instant gratification, believe me).  The investment on this can be as little as a weekend of labor in rototilling the dead lawn, adding top soil, leveling it smooth and spreading seed.  Then water daily and watch it sprout.  Or, if you want to spend a little more money, rototilling, adding top soil, leveling it smooth and rolling out the sod.  Late Fall is a great time to do this because Mother Nature will do the watering for you.

2.  Trees and Shrubs.

Having too many on a lot is as bad as not having any at all.  We all like to see a couple of trees, especially the shade variety if one has a western exposure.  If you have a lot with too many trees planted too close together, get one or more of them out.  That is easier said than done, believe me, since I have had a yard like that in my lifetime.  I often wonder what the people were thinking planting 3 trees within four feet of each other.  They weren’t thinking, and probably knew they weren’t going to be living there when the trees matured and were entangled into each other!  Here’s how to remove the dead trees and shrubs on your own and save money.  If it’s a big tree, many cities in our County have heritage tree ordinances and you must get permission to remove trees, even dead ones.  They often require that you plant a new tree in place of the old one, but you may chose where to plant it on your lot.  Double check with City Hall before removing those trees, just to be safe.

3.  Flowers.

We all like to see color in a garden and flowers marching along side a entry walkway are welcoming.  Take an afternoon and plant some.  Don’t plant them too close to each other, and allow for space to grow.  Plant bulbs in the winter so you have spring flowers.  Plant fall flowers for color into winter. We are very lucky to have a climate that gives us 12 months of flowers and plants, so talk to the nursery about what’s flowering each season and plant a little of each for year round color.

4.  Bark.

When you see a home that has been staged go on the market, inevitability the yard has fresh bark (or mulch) spread in the garden.  This inhibits weeds, covers blank spots by filling in the earth between plants, and just finishes off the look.  it’s a true do-it-yourself project and takes only a little bit of time to spread the mulch around your garden.  Voliá!

5.  Fencing.

If your fence is falling down by all means fix it.  If you are going to ask a lot of money for your home, the least you can do is fix the fence.  If you have neighbors surrounding your property you can ask them to split the cost as it’s a benefit to them as much as one to you. If they don’t want to do that, bite the bullet and fix it yourself.  You’ll be happy that you did, and  it will enhance your property values.

That’s it.  The top five things you can do to enhance your home and see an ROI on the investment of money and time.  Take a look at this house now.  It has curb appeal and makes someone want to go inside to see the rest of the house.  No one wants to see a dump, unless it is a fire sale, and even then many won’t go inside to look because they make an assumption that the inside looks as bad as the outside.  Keep that in mind when you’re doing your yard work.  There really is a pay back when you have a nice looking yard.

Getting back to my drive down the North County street.  There was one house there that stood out from the rest so I lied about there not being any nice homes there.  It was painted.  It was inviting.  It had neat landscaping.  And, it was For Sale.  But, I did not stop to look at it because of the neighboring houses.  I could not show a client the best house a the block of slum houses.  I can’t do it.  And now you know why.

Check Out Some Homes Currently For Sale In This Area

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