Sometimes in life we just feel behind, but Marla Cilley also known as Fly Lady says we are never behind!  

I have been following the "FlyLady" method of organization and home cleaning for years and it has really changed my life.  If you are getting ready to put your house up for sale, or getting ready for a big family event and you don't know where to start, I suggest you start with the FlyLady's crisis cleaning instructions!  

Gather a few boxes for "Give away", "Throw Away" and "Put Away" and the Fly Lady will have you on task in no time.  

Remodeling your kitchen is more of an investment than an expense!  More than any other room in the home, remodeling the kitchen will give you the greatest return on your investment, in savings, enjoyment and a boost to your home value!

1.  Repair, Repaint, Refinish or Replace damaged, worn or outdated cabinets, walls flooring or other kitchen componets.  Out with the old, and in with the new! Make it new again.

2.  Get New Technology!  Today's appliances are amazing.  Modern dishwashers can detect how dirty your dishes are and select the appropriate cycle!  Refrigerators are able to check what's inside and text you as you walk the aisles of the supermarket!

3.  "Not Enough" space, storage, counter area, room, you name it!  Updated cabinets?  An island?You know what you need and a remodel will help you get it. Taking care of this item will also help you maintain organization in your kitchen!

4.  Energy Savings and Convenience - New Appliances are energy savers and will save money on your monthly utility bills!  Also, convenience perks like a wine cooler drawer on your refrigerator, double or convection oven or even a plate warmer setting on your dishwasher gives you lots of upscale convenience!

5.  Financial Incentives - whether it is an energy savings rebate from local governments or a good old fashion black Friday sale!  Look for the deals to save a substantial amount on your remodel.  Thanksgiving week is the best time to buy kitchen appliances!

6.  Boost your home value!  Buyers look for the kitchen first.  They want something modern, updated and convenient.  Making this investment will not only bring you a higher price for your home, it may help it sell faster.

7.  Lifestyle!  Your kitchen is the heart of your home.  It should reflect your needs as well as your lifestyle.  Perhaps you need a remodel to accommodate a physical need of someone in your family or maybe you just need more room to craft your home brewed beer.  In any event, your kitchen should reflect your lifestyle needs as well as your personal taste.

8.  You deserve it!  If you know you will need to remodel your kitchen eventually, do it now so you can enjoy your remodel!  You deserve to be happy in your home and you won't regret making it a better place to live.

What do you look for in a kitchen?  Email me! I'd love to know!

The weather may be cold, but Real Estate Buyers are not!  Thinking of waiting til spring to sell your home? You could miss out on a really "cool" home market!  Here are some things to consider when it comes to off season sales!

• There are buyers!  Many corporate transfers begin January 1^st so families relocating into the area need homes. They can't wait until spring so their shopping window is now!  Additionally, there are many buyers out there who did not find their "perfect home" during they warm season.  They are still looking!

1. Many Spring buyers take their time window shopping.  Winter brings more serious, committed buyers!  Quality over quantity!

1. While you will need to shovel snow (better - pay someone!) you won't have to cut the grass twice a week for showings!  This is a bonus, right?

1. Less Inventory on the market, means more attention for you and your home!  You will have less showings, but may get an offer sooner than a spring listing!

1. A client recently said to me "I have a great Christmas Home" which is the key! Tastefully decorated holiday homes will evoke emotions and motivate potential buyers.

1. You may get a higher price!  Several studies suggest that homes often sell higher in the colder months than in the warmer months.

Don't forget that curb appeal still counts in the winter!  If you have Wisconsin winter curb appeal ideas, I'd love to hear them!  Send them to me and I will include them in an upcoming blog!

When will your Wisconsin Community Trick or Treat?  It can be a challenge to find out!  GREAT News!  Haunted Wisconsin has a list of many of the communities designated Trick or Treat times.  Check to see if your community is listed.  

While you're on the site, check out Haunted Houses and other fun Halloween activities for all ages.  Of course in Wisconsin, you'll need to be ready for the weather which could be just about anything!   Have Fun!!

Did you know that the Village of Mukwonago has recently lauched a new community website, Make Downtown Yours, designed to collect input and involvement for community members?

On the website you will find resources, news, updates, volunteer opportunities as well as an opportunity to be put in the mailing list.

This is a great opportunity to be involved in the shaping of downtown Mukwonago's future!