Orange Skies

"We refer to the time before the fires as the 'good old days' when we ONLY had the pandemic!" Sharon's text message said. "We thought we bought a view; we want our money back . . ." (This photo wasn't filtered - it really looked like this!)

And so they did. In fact, their condo in Hiller Highlands has SPECTACULAR City and Bay views, but you sure wouldn't know it based on the apocalyptic skies we've been experiencing this week. (This photo was taken on their balcony.) Who'd have thought that California's spate of bad news could get worse??? And yet, it did. I think we're all ready for a break.

With fires raging up and down the West Coast, it's going to take some time, and probably some rain before our glorious views return once again. I don't know about you, but my house, my car, and my driveway are covered in white ash and EVERYTHING needs a good hosing down.

The views, that just last week, helped SELL properties, are all but obliterated this week. As they say, "timing is everything," which means that some of these properties where "view" is the main selling feature, might be better off waiting until the views clear up and return. Unfortunately, with no rain in the forecast, that may take awhile.

In the meantime, there are still things you can do NOW, including editing, editing, editing! My son, Tristan, just left for a new job in NYC, and anything he didn't take is now going to the Salvation Army (If he doesn't need it, why do I?), and I know I'm not alone. In fact, many of us "empty nesters" have been hosting our wayward birds for the past several months during SIP. Now, that they're stretching their wings once again and getting on with their lives, it's an opportunity to free ourselves of their "things." (We love you, but your stuff has got to go!)

Given that we are still primarily stuck inside, take a good look at your property and begin to view it with Buyers' eyes, whether or not you plan on selling in the near future.

• What needs cleaning?
• What needs repair?
• What needs renovation?
• What needs painting?
• What need refinishing?
• What's tired and outdated?
• What needs updating?
• What needs removing?

Then get to work attacking some of those "to dos" that have been waiting for months, if not years. (BTW, if you're like my husband and not particularly handy, there are "people" who make their living being handy, organized, and helpful. Bless them.)

My dentist called earlier today and said she needed an electrician to change out some lighting fixtures and could I recommend someone? Absolutely. I have a list of vendors on my website @JulieGardner.com and I've used them all.) And why not? If we're going to be home for several more months (and it looks like we may) why not get your house into good working order? You'll enjoy it so much more; it's one of the upsides of being a homeowner.

Treat yourself to that wallpaper you've been eyeing for months, work on the garden, replace your dining room chandelier, and redecorate if you so choose. It's your home and you should treat it well, especially now when we've all learned just how important our homes can truly be. Whether it's turning a space into a classroom, an office, or an exercise studio, put those fallow spaces to work!

Next up?

Power washing!

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