Albany, OR

As winter approaches, there are many things you can do around the house that will save you money and energy. Knowing where to start and how to do what is needed can be daunting!

Learning how to get started on these projects is now as easy as heading to your local Home Depot.

Home Depot is sponsoring do it yourself workshops teaching basics such as installing dimmer switches and properly caulking your windows, sealing gaps in your walls and weatherizing your doors. These small improvements to your home can help you save up to 20% on heating costs and up to 10% on your total energy costs.

Saving Money On Your Energy Bills is scheduled at the Albany Home Depot Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. To sign up go to www.homedepotclinics.com.

To locate a workshop in your area, visit www.homedepotclinics.com.

Recently I had a fabulous opportunity to teach a class for "Learn Something New Day" which was sponsored by the Albany Oregon Downtown Association. I was presenting information on updating your home affordably -- whether you are selling or desiring a new look.

I live in a nearby town and had no personal experience with the local paint store, so contacted them for information on their products and handouts for the class. What I received was far more than I had asked for! Not only did they have amazing packets put together for attendees, I also learned about many of their products that I'm so excited to try!

Miller Paint offers premium quality paint products that are specifically engineered for the Pacific Northwest. The manager, Lee Warwick explained many of their products that are new, labor saving and interesting. His staff is knowledgeable and their service amazing. I was thrilled to find so many products I haven't tried that will help our clients remodel their home on a budget! I'll go into more of the products on other posts!

One product that I demonstrated for the class was the Modern Masters Metallic Paint. I took a ugly plastic framed mirror we just had removed from a rental property vanity.

For a demonstration, I painted half of it with this product - it took maybe 3 minutes. This is a water based product that comes in many colors. I used English Brown, which gives the rubbed bronze effect.

The transformation was incredible, and the finish is durable enough that I don't need to be worried about scratching or damage!

For those of us blessed to be in the Northwest, I would highly recommend checking out your local Miller Paint store. I personally can recommend the Albany Miller Paint Store located at 1350 Pacific Blvd, Albany, OR 97322 541-791-1851. Thanks Lee - I'm looking forward to many amazing before and afters using Miller Paint!

Saturday October 11th is Learn Something New Day - sponsored by the Albany Downtown Association. Local merchants are offering free classes at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm.

One class offered is "Achieving the Wow Factor for Your Home" at Full House Furniture (212 1st Ave E - 541-924-3793)

Ever dream of your home looking like it came out of an interior design magazine?

Selling your home? Does it create a memorable impression- one that sets it apart from all the others on the market online and in person?

A home stager can give your homes these qualities! Learn how to affordably apply staging concepts to your home. From cleaning, decluttering, updating on a dime, and creating an ambiance - what you learn can help you create the look you desire!

Margaret Oscilia of Creative Concepts and Contracting will present home staging tips and tricks to help your home look its best!

- BEFORE -

- AFTER -

BEFORE

SOLD in FIVE DAYS - September 2008

For more information contact Janine at Full House Furniture at 541-924-3793

The WVHBA Tour of Homes is in full swing - but it's not too late - there is one more weekend to view the 17 homes featured this year in Albany, Millersburg and Corvallis! Despite an economic slow down in the industry and new construction permits being down, the Mid-Willamette Valley real estate market has proven to be a strong contender once again. Area builders have provided a wonderful variety of styles and sizes of homes in a wide range of pricing. These builders are a testament to the hard work and dedication of quality builders in a tight market and they have put their best foot forward featuring new industry products and ideas.

Come see these beautiful homes to see the latest trends and ideas!

The Tour Homes continues September 19-21 and the tour hours are Friday 2-8pm, Saturday and Sunday noon to 6pm. Tour guides are available at local real estate office and all tour homes. Follow those green and white signs

Sunday, September 7, 2008, is the annual Festival of Red. This event is a benefit for FISH (Fish Guest House Teen Pregnancy Center). It will be on Ferry St. this year between 1st and 2nd Avenues. Hours are 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Local restaurants will be providing food. Wine and beer will be available from local breweries and wineries. In the past 15 restaurants, breweries and wineries have offered samples from their menus, all including red ingredients.

Recognized Albany artisits will be painting on site. Artwork will be on display and be available for sale. For ticket prices and information call Annette at 928-4460.