Homeowners remodeling their kitchen can look beyond traditional appliances and add specialty tools that may save on space and upgrade room efficiency.

Not every kitchen is equipped with a trash com-pactor or wine cooler, but many homeowners are seeing the benefits of rethinking what appliances are included in their kitchen layouts and looking beyond the range or dishwasher.

Trash CompaCTorA trash compactor is a device that can be built

into cabinetry or used as a stand-alone appliance wherever there is an available electrical outlet.

Compactors have advantages over traditional garbage pails and bags in the kitchen. They can hold a week or two of garbage in compressed form, reducing the need to take out the trash. Plus, they will not become as odiferous as a regular pail. Compactors also take up less space than a garbage pail and can look more aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen.

Many compactors have filters and deodorizing holders inside the compactor. This will eliminate the smell that often results from decomposing foods and other debris.

Trash compactors can be especially handy for individuals who live in an apartment or where space is at a premium in the kitchen. The compac-tor will flatten the garbage when a button or lever is pressed, reducing the volume of the trash. It may also be used with plastic and aluminum recyclables.

Wine CoolerChances are a wine cellar will not fit in the aver-

age house. But a wine refrigerator can keep wine at the right temperature and humidity for optimal enjoyment.

Wine coolers are growing in popularity as more wine aficionados understand how the flavor of wine can benefit from proper storage. A refrigerator will hold wine bottles and insulate them from outside temperature fluctuations. They will also be handy and ready for use when the time comes.

DraWer DishWashersMost households are already equipped with a

dishwasher, but the majority are a single wash area models. It is well known that for a dishwasher to operate efficiently, the entire washer should be filled before running the cycle. For many people this can take days of dishes sitting soiled in the dishwasher.

Drawer dishwashers split the cleaning area into two unique zones. This enables a smaller load to be washed. However, this isn’t the only advan-tage. Drawer dishwashers can be more ergonomic, reducing the need for bending over to load the washer. Furthermore, because the two drawers work independently of one another, one drawer can be used on a light cycle for minimally soiled dishes, while the other runs for heavily dirtied dishes – all simultaneously.

Their unique look also makes drawer dishwash-ers coveted simply from a design perspective.

Bonus appliances to add kitchen appeal

BoNus APPlIANCes lIke wine refrigera-tors are growing in popularity.

There’s nothing to stop you from selling your home without a real estate agent. If you don’t need a service, why pay for something you can do for yourself. After all, you can go to le-galzoom.com for your legal work, you can search the internet for your health concerns and medical opinions, or maybe you can stay at home and cook rather than eating out. All of us can do more for ourselves than we choose to do but sometimes its like… do it yourself plumbing… stuff happens. I think you get the point. You can put a “for sale by owner” sign in your yard, buy ads, and get someone to say they will buy your home… and those are all pretty attractive ideas to some hom-eowners. But before you start down that road, there are a few things worth your consideration before you decide.

Practice makes PerfectIf you’re selling your home, chances are you’ve been

through at least one real estate transaction. Compare your experience and knowledge, though, to that of someone who spends every day helping people buy and sell property.

Real estate transactions can be complicated and multifacet-ed: title insurance, surveys, inspections, earnest money, option fees, escrow, financing, contingencies, disclosures, required addenda for specific types of properties – and the list goes on. If there is an unintentional misstep somewhere along the way, you could jeopardize the transaction, lose your precious time and/or money, or find yourself named in an intentional lawsuit.

I won’t tell you that you cannot successfully navigate this process on your own but most folks understand and agree that those people who are schooled, trained, licensed and practiced in any field generally acquire expertise beyond the entry level of someone who is just beginning with little to no experience.

What about your time?Selling a home requires much more time than you think.

You’ll have to educate yourself on the process, analyze the current housing market to determine a price for your home (perhaps by using a Realtors time and information), research the various means of marketing your home and then imple-ment some marketing strategies.

Remember that a successful selling process is more about being available for the convenience of your customer or pro-spective purchaser more than it is about your convenience. You have to be available to show the property to prospective buyers when they want to see it! Depending on how long it takes to sell, showing your house can really take eat into your time. You’ll probably have to postpone trips while your home is on the market and you will need to be around on weekends so you won’t miss that one prospect who is the buyer. What happens when someone wants to see the house at 10 a.m. on a Thursday? Are you prepared to stop shopping at the grocery store or let someone else complete your task at work so you can be off to show your property? Will that work for your em-ployer? Is a friend or family member available and qualified to help you out of a jam?

And before you meet someone at your house, do you know anything about them and do you have their contact informa-tion? Does someone know where you are going and when to expect your return? Are you sure that the person is quali-

fied to purchase your home? It is very frustrating to spend time with a prospective buyer, negotiating a sale and getting halfway to the closing only to find out the buyer can’t qualify for a loan. It does happen in the best of circumstances but an agent is there to help reduce the risk of that happening. They have a vested interest knowing that without a closing, their time has been invested without compensation. Why not have a dedicated professional who knows the ins and outs of the industry… someone who regularly practices the art of the real estate business.

sPeaking of PriceThe biggest incentive to most people who decide to sell

their homes on their own is saving the agent’s fee or commis-sion. Remember that a buyer knows that you have probably developed your price with the help of Realtor information that includes a commission, so they are also thinking they will save the commission by offering perhaps your price less a commission. Improper pricing is a very common occurrence and can backfire when you don’t set the right price for your home. Make a mistake here and it can cost you a substantial amount of time and money.

Overpricing your home can be equally detrimental. Homes initially priced too high may sit on the market giving the impression that something must be wrong with the property. Often, a home that starts off overpriced eventually sells for less than if it had been priced right at the beginning.

There’s also the give and take of negotiation. Some people are uncomfortable with the adverse interest of a buyer and seller and cannot deal with possible confrontation or dis-agreement. Others get too emotional. Lubbock Realtors are skilled at the art of negotiation and will act in your best financial interest.

What has changed?If you haven’t bought or sold a home in the last few years,

you’ll quickly find out that quite a bit has changed, and I’m not only speaking of market conditions, I’m referring to the marketing tactics. Ideas that worked well the last time you were involved in a real estate transaction may not work this time. Lubbock Realtors are witnessing the evolution of the industry and customers expectations and are comfortable navigating a modern real estate transaction.

Lubbock reaLtors are here to heLPIn a nutshell … yes, you can sell your home on your own.

But let me point out that those owners who have done so and are pleased with their results have in fact earned the commis-sion themselves because they have spent the time and effort that it takes to make a transaction successful. Sometimes owners attempt to sell on their own and then realize that hir-ing a Lubbock Realtor to get the job done is their best option.

If you do choose to go it alone, please be aware of the value in what is being offered when someone helps you along the way. After all, there is value in someone’s time and informa-tion. That is all some of us have to sell. Be sure you know what it really takes to get the job done and are aware of how many people are involved in the process of getting your house sold. After doing a bit of research, you will find that a decision to hire a Lubbock Realtor is very well worth the cost for the services rendered on your behalf. For more information about selling your home or to find a Lubbock Realtor, visit Lubbock-Realtors.com today.

Some things to consider before you sell your home on your own

LocaL ReaL estate News – Lubbock associatioN of ReaLtoRs

BY Joe L. Murfee, PresidentLubbock Association of REALTORS®

(NAPSI) – Are you struggling with a problem yard? Are the weeds grow-ing but the grass isn’t? Maybe you’re embarrassed by patchy grass and an overgrown landscape. If so, it may be time for a yard care intervention, and a chance to grow your confidence and a better-looking lawn and landscape.

This spring and summer, the Briggs & Stratton Yard Doctor will roll up his sleeves and help homeowners con-front their yard care demons, bringing three of America’s neediest yards back into their neighborhoods’ good graces. Yard Doctor Trey Rogers and his team will spend a day providing advice and hands-on help to transform the win-ning homeowners’ yards into points of pride.

In addition to a yard makeover, the winners will receive new lawn care equipment and $1,500 in landscape cash. To enter, visit www.yardsmarts intervention.com. Homeowners can ap-ply for an intervention for themselves or (with permission) they can call out a neighbor, family member or friend in need of help. Each “application” should explain the yard care problems faced and why an intervention is needed, us-ing either a short video or up to four photos to show the yard.

One yard will be selected each month from May through July by online vot-ing. Runners-up each month receive cool Yard Smarts gear and a signed copy of the Yard Doctor’s book on grow-ing the perfect lawn.

Rogers, who has helped homeowners across the country bring their yards back under control, offers these tips:

• Mow correctly for a lush lawn. When you mow, cut only one-third of the height of the lawn to encourage strong roots. Cutting too short stresses the lawn, creating an environment ide-al for weed growth and disease.

• Be sure to trim. Mowing your lawn without trimming is like getting half a haircut. String trim around flowerbeds, sidewalks and decks.

• Eliminate overgrowth. Trim back overgrown bushes and trees that over-whelm the front of your house.

• Add a focal point. Every home should have a focal point, such as a front door painted in a contrasting col-or to the home or a landscape feature, such as a beautiful tree, flowerbed or curving pathway to your door.

The intervention is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton. The company’s edu-cational website, www.yardsmarts.com, provides expert advice and information on topics related to yard care.

Could your yard use an

intervention?

This week’s Featured Home, designed and built by Salyer Homes, is sponsored by the West Texas Home Builders Associa-tion and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

Located at 10611 Oxford Avenue in prestigious Orchard Park, this home has unmatched curb appeal. The Old World style features mixed materials of brick, stone, and stucco which create a lasting first impression. The entry with double iron doors lends elegance to this impressively designed home.

When you step inside, your attention will be directed to the entry arches, stained wood trim and wood flooring. The living area features a stone fireplace flanked by stained cabinetry with glass doors. No detail has been overlooked in this home, which incorporates fresh ideas with meticulous craftsmanship to create an exceptional living environment. Special amenities abound in this spectacular home.

This home features 4,063 square feet of heated/cooled space in-cluding four bedrooms, four and one-half baths, study, and bonus room which can be used as a media room. French doors lead to the study which is conveniently located adja-cent to the living area. The kitchen features Viking stain-

10611 Oxford Avenue – Orchard ParkFeatured Floorplan – Salyer HomeS by elaine & SHane Salyer

Bonus Room less appliances, pantry with custom decorative door, knotty alder cabin-etry with granite countertops, a large eating bar, and travertine flooring. A formal dining area is also conveniently located adjacent to the kitchen.

The owners’ retreat is a spacious master bedroom suite, master bath with airflow tub, large walk-in shower, granite vanity surfaces, travertine flooring and large closet with lots of built-ins. Bedrooms 2 and 3 have their own private bathrooms. Bedroom 4 has a bath that is also accessible to the hallway.

A trio of windows in the living room overlooks the spacious outdoor liv-ing area. The L-shaped patio has a stained-wood ceiling and includes an outdoor kitchen with granite countertop, barbecue grill, sink, and seat-ing bar. A fireplace completes this outdoor space and makes it the perfect place for entertaining.

The family will enjoy the drop-zone area for coats, backpacks, etc. as they enter the home from the rear-entry garage. The third garage is con-veniently located adjacent to the patio and is ideal for additional storage.

This home includes energy-saving features such as clad wood windows with Low-E glass, spray foam insulation, and a zoned heating/cooling system.

The Featured Home is move-in ready with installed security system, plantation shutters, 7-foot cedar fence with curbing, and landscaping which includes three large trees. It will be available for viewing (weather permitting) Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., or you can call (806) 239-3151 or (806) 928-0419 for a private showing.

Elaine and Shane Salyer are available for a free consultation to discuss building your custom home. They can take your ideas and design a home which will meet your needs and lifestyle. They maintain an open line of communication and work with you through every step of the process from planning to completion. In addition to Orchard Park, the Salyers are building in Lakeridge South, Ravenwood, and Regal Park (site of the 2011 Parade of Homes®), as well as other areas. They are also available to build on your lot. You may contact Elaine or Shane by phone or at www.salyer-homes.com

The Salyers are proud members of the West Texas Homebuilders As-sociation, Texas Association of Builders, and National Association of Homebuilders. In addition, Elaine has served on the Board of Directors for the West Texas Homebuilders Association, and Shane is currently serving on the Board. They have been building in Lubbock for the past 16 years and participated in the Parade of Homes® in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2007. They are committed to outstanding craftsmanship in every phase of construction, personal attention to detail, and strive for total customer satisfaction.

You can call Elaine Salyer at (806) 239-3151 or Shane Salyer at (806) 928-0419 to view this home or to discuss your building needs.