something to do

Last week I was over the to-do list of the home variety. Today I'm reviving it because--let's be honest--to-do lists work. Yesterday Alex and I met with our new realtor, and we were beyond thrilled with his expertise and suggestions. We may have to sink another $1,000 or so into this place, but everything he said made sense and he has a crazy eye for detail. I'm ready to get back on the market, and I know this isn't going to be another 18-month haul. So, in the spirit of my new found enthusiasm to get this place sold, here's a look at the actual to-do list ahead of us (in no particular order):

- throw out doormat in kitchen

- stock up on air filters for hallway vent and change weekly

- fix cracked tile on fireplace

- all cords off the floor (behind the TV and desk in the bedroom)

- fix Alex's closet door

- get rid of the dead bush in the back yard

- move trash and recycling bins to the side of the house (DONE!)

- blow the lot

- mulch "the heck out of the trees" (realtor's words)

- planters (with some color) on the front porch

- window box under front window where screws are sticking out anyway

- get light for side porch

- fix light on front porch

- fix electric "issues" in living room (i.e. lose the kill switch)

- cut monkey grass

- plant evergreen (something) around the giant HVAC unit

- skim living room ceiling and cracks where wall meets ceiling

- paint the living room and dining room ceilings white

- touch up trim in hallway

- skim wall in (master) bedroom where shelves were hung and touch up paint

- touch up trim in Catcher's bedroom

- replace shower curtain and shower liner

- hire mason to fix loose bricks on outside of house

- update washer/dryer

- remove shade on kitchen (side) door

- fix or remove mullions on kitchen door

- place uplights behind the TV

- cover drainage extenders

- fix kitchen cabinet where it's peeling slightly

- re-caulk the tub

There isn't anything too overwhelming on the list, but I think our best plan of attack is to focus on one thing/area per week. Considering our schedules, I think it's realistic (and not too aggressive) to give ourselves a deadline of March 1st to get everything accomplished. When it's all said and done, we're just hoping to come away from this whole experience not owing anything to the bank. If you had asked us in May 2009 what we wanted, the answer would have been at least $20,000 in our pockets. But things change, and we just want out.