DeLena Ciamacco: The Real Estate Expert

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With so many summer activities to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do with your carefree days. From planning weekend getaways to finding ways to give back to your community, there are endless possibilities for your sunshine-filled summer.

Friends play not only a huge part in summer fun, but they also help you decide which activities to partake in. According to a recent Bing survey, more than 90 percent of people seek the opinions or advice of friends and family as part of their decision-making process for trips, purchases, events and more. In fact, 44 percent said they get the most useful recommendations on things such as travel and restaurants from their connections on Facebook and Twitter. Luckily, there are easy ways to involve friends and family in all of your planning this summer, no matter what kind of adventure or activity you're looking for.

* Plan a getaway. There's nothing like a weekend away to refresh the body and mind. Whether you prefer the city, the mountains or the beach, with the weather warm and bags packed, you can be on your way in no time. Looking to family and friends is a great way to get recommendations you can trust. At www.bing.com you can see which of your Facebook friends have visited your favorite locale, get recommendations and more, right as you search.andnbsp;

*Get outdoors. Grab a friend and get outside. Now is the time for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, surfing and biking. Tap friends and family for recommendations on best trails and equipment and you may even find a new running buddy as you research and plan.andnbsp;

*Plan a summer night out. Even if you can't get out of town this summer, there is plenty to do in your own neighborhood. Use www.bing.com to find hot restaurants and events, such as concerts in the park or sporting events - you can even book a table, purchase tickets and suggest your friends join you right within your search. Some of the hottest musical acts will tour the nation this summer; don't miss out on the fun.

* Get involved in the community: Giving back to the community through volunteerism is a great way to enjoy the sun and the perfect way to get kids involved in a good cause. During the summer, many organizations host community volunteer events, such as beach cleanups, park beautification and other activities that get you outside and doing good. This summer, Bing and DoSomething.org are teaming up to inspire people to get out and do good in the community. Visit www.bing.com/doing for more information and to find out how you can get involved in projects in your community.

*Celebrate: Take time to celebrate summer birthdays, holidays or just being together with friends and family. Plan a summer barbecue, keeping your friends involved and getting their input along the way as you research recipes, games and entertainment. Once the party rolls around, you know everyone will have a blast.

Taking time to plan ahead and keeping friends and family involved can ensure you have a great fun-filled summer.

Courtesy of BPT

Boost your home's curb appeal for a quicker sale

Selling a home requires a bit of marketing, some sweat and elbow grease, and a touch of luck. But even in a competitive selling market, it is possible to turn the sign in your front yard from For Sale to Sold so you can move on to your next residence.

First, look at your home as if you were a potential buyer. Drive up to the driveway or the front curb and park, carefully looking at the home as if for the first time. Make note of the beautiful aspects of your home, and also areas that could deter potential buyers. The outside of your home is the first image they will see, both in person, and while pre-shopping online.

One maintenance project to tackle that will really spruce up the exterior of your home is refurbishing the outside woodwork that has been weathered by the sun, rain and snow. If you have a front porch, wooden window edgings or even a back deck, chances are these areas could benefit from new stain for a refreshed and clean look.

Home decks return about 70 percent of their original cost back to homeowners when a house is sold, according to Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report, but that's only when the decks are kept in top shape. To remove moisture and sun damage and protect your exterior woodwork from further damage from moss, mold and rot, Flood wood care offers an entire wood care system from prepping materials such as deck cleaners to stain. Before prepping your deck, consider if you need Wood Finish Remover to remove latex, oil, semi-transparent and solid stains, or if your deck is unstained, you may need Wood Brightener/Cleaner to bring the old and faded gray coloring back to a fresh new wood appearance. Finally, apply a Flood wood stain to your deck and woodwork to give it a beautiful look that will have home buyers and your neighbors impressed.

In addition to your exterior woodwork, also take a look at your siding and gutters. Vinyl and aluminum sidings can collect dirt and look dingy after a season or two. Use a power washer on the siding and gutters to wash away the grime and spider webs and bring some vibrancy back to the outside of your home. Also consider adding season-appropriate flowers, plants or landscaping or replacing gutter downspouts with decorative chains to give your home an artistic look.

Finally, take a close look at your exterior lights. Glass-enclosed lights can become filthy from all the elements, so take a quick moment to wipe them clean with glass cleaner. If your light fixtures are tarnished, or looking run down, purchase a can of spray paint in any complimentary color to the exterior of your home and freshen them up. It will make your lights appear new in no time at all.

These quick-fix projects will boost the look of your home both for prospective buyers arriving at your front door, and also in the photographs visible online. With this better exterior appearance, chances are you'll be able to sell your home much quicker.

Courtesy of BPT

Monday, May 13, 2013

JUST LISTED in WESTERVILLE!

JUST LISTED!

~7083 Copper Rd~

NATURE LOVERS PARADISE!

Nearly 1 acre, very scenic & private with woods, ravines, creek & fenced yard. Hillside ranch with 2 finished levels & ~3,400 SF! Full, walk-out Basement with possible In-Law Suite, Recreation/Family Room, Bedroom & full Bath. Vaulted, hardwood Foyer opens to a giant Great Room with windowed wall, cathedral ceilings, bar area & stone fireplace. Remodeled “dream” Kitchen with island, granite countertops & wrap around cabinets. Expansive Master Suite with cathedral ceilings & whirlpool bath with heated floors. Updated roof, exterior paint, multi-tiered Patio with retaining walls, Kitchen, Baths & more. 4-5 BR’s & 3 Baths. Westerville Schools. Only $374,900! Call DeLena Today!

Friday, May 10, 2013

NEW LISTING IN COLUMBUS!

JUST LISTED!

~1900 Bethel Rd~

BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED OFFICE SUITE! Nearly 2,300 SF with 2 lobby areas/entrances - 2 office suites combined to make 1 large suite with 10+ offices, Kitchen, 2 full Baths & a very large Meeting/Gathering Room. New HVAC - 2002. Frontage on Bethel Road. Located just east of Sawmill Road in a very visible, high traffic area! Only $199,900. Call DeLena today!