Andrew Carpenter Start Date with A.S.: January 29, 2016, a date which will live in infamy   Originally from: Dell Rapids, home of the Quarriers   College & major(s): Southeast Tech, Business Admin.   Birthday: July 25, 1983 AD   Best concert you’ve ever been to: Colton Dixon   If someone was looking for you in the mall, where would…

Summertime is filled with sunshine, warm weather, swimming pools and, sometimes, boredom! Thankfully, we live in a city that fills summertime with baseball, First Fridays, concert series’, block parties & so much more! Here are a few of the more unique summer activities Sioux Falls has to offer: The Storyland Children’s Theatre offers eight productions through the months of June and…

Helping out and being a part of your community comes in many forms, but volunteering is a great way to meet new people, strengthen existing relationships and can be both fun and fulfilling! Often times people are wanting to get involved and find a way but are unsure as to where to start looking or what is out there for…

To put the best face on a listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good…

Must Do’s De-clutter rooms Empty closets Spring clean Neutralize look Eliminate odors Address pet stains Remove valuables Shampoo carpets Remove or re-arrange furniture items Store toys away Pack unnecessary clothes/items Should-Do’s Minor Repairs Mechanicals must be in working order Paint in neutral colors Remove dated wallpaper Update lighting Update hardware Replace old carpets & linoleum Focus on curb appeal –…

Three’s a Crowd Avoid having too many people during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.  Objections that can be overcome by a professional will not be forthcoming when the seller is present. Music is Mellow But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesperson…

Curb Appeal Buyers will judge from the outside of a home whether or not they want to go inside.  Pressure wash dirty siding & grimy decks.  Kill mold & mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof & driveway.  Remove unneeded garden tools.  Clean the windows & gutters.  Keep the sidewalks clean and clutter free & maintain the yard, with regular mowing…

Owner’s manuals and warranties for appliances left in the house. Garage door opener. Extra sets of house keys. A list of local service providers — the best dry cleaner, yard service, plumber, etc. Code to the security alarm and phone number of the monitoring service if not discontinued. As a courtesy, you could provide numbers to the local utility companies.…

Get at least three written estimates. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose…

Make your home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips: Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.…

Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of…

Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such…