Lowe's   Choosing the right solvent, thinner or stripper for your project can be somewhat confusing, especially if you don't know the type of finish. Many people use the words "solvent" and "thinner" interchangeably, even though they have different meanings. Keep the following in mind when choosing a solvent or thinner: A solvent dissolves a cured finish. A thinner thins a liquid finish. Some substances can be both a solvent and a thinner for a finish. If You Suspect Your Finish Is: Determine By: Wax Put a few drops of turpentine on the wood. If the finish dissolves, it's wax based. Shellac Apply a few drops of denatured alcohol. If the finish dissolves quickly, it's shellac. Lacquer or shellac Try a few drops of lacquer thinner to dissolve. Water-based finish A few drops of Xylene (xyl... 04/06/2009

The highest value people receive from a real estate professional is a comprehensive plan. A great agent will interview the client and discover their wants and needs and make a list. The agent's first step in the real estate process is to help guide the client to clarity, priority and focus on what is most beneficial to them. From there, it is time to get real about the situation of the market and cost expense of management and maximum profitability as well as make the educated and best money decisions known to the client.   Next, there is a clear process for buying and selling that ensures top results using specified systems and team approach. A great agent is a magnificent resource for clients in market and product knowledge, marketing systems, negotiating the best deal and allied reso... 04/03/2009

Meet up with us and stay in contact on Facebook!   Join your favorite Tallahassee, Florida Real Esate Team on Facebook to keep up to date with the Tallahassee and surrounding area's market. For all of your Tallahassee, Florida Real Estate Needs Do not forget to visit us at our website! www.ProPlayersRealty.com 04/03/2009

Details Photo Gallery View Rooms 32304-Tallahassee (Evergreen Terrace) MLS #194322 FOR SALE$90,000 Century 21 First Realty Joe Manausa - Tallahassee Real EstateEmail Joe Manausa - Work: 850-386-2001Cell: 850-523-6178Fax: 850-383-6400 More Photos(14) 1 Quick Links Virtual Tour Request More Info Email Listing More Photos(14) Details Address: 216 Dixie Dr # F-6 Type: Residential Style: Single Story Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Suite: No Living Area: 912 square feet Year Built: 1982 More Details Description Exceptional Style with an In-Town Condo! You'll Love the Designer Colors, Vaulted Ceilings, Brick Fireplace, HUGE Screened Porch, and 2 Walk-In Closets! Flooring is in Exceptional Condition with Berber Carpets and Laminate Wood Coverings. Condo Is Centrally Located Near 3 Colleges and is ev... 04/01/2009

Details Photo Gallery View Rooms 32309-Tallahassee (Killearn Estates) MLS #194473 FOR SALE$239,900 Century 21 First Realty Joe Manausa - Tallahassee Real EstateEmail Joe Manausa - Work: 850-386-2001Cell: 850-523-6178Fax: 850-383-6400 More Photos(14) 1 Quick Links Virtual Tour Request More Info Email Listing More Photos(14) Details Address: 6733 Donerail Trail Type: Residential Style: Single Story Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Suite: No Living Area: 1,691 square feet Year Built: 1997 More Details Description NE LAKE FRONT - This move in ready gem is positioned for views of the lake from all rooms. Galley kitchen opens to light & bright dining & living area. Custom touches everywhere. Large sunroom looks out to the lake. Awesome fenced backyard inc. a new patio overlooks the lake. NOTE: 2 cat... 04/01/2009

Better Homes & Gardens By the Sea Two tones of blue create the feeling of the ocean in this child's room. A wave pattern is a fun take on more traditional wainscot.   Circle Around A little paint and fun embellishments work wonders without permanency. Paintable wooden rings in white pop out on top of a butter yellow wall, though any color combination could add a vibrant touch, even in an apartment or dorm room.   How to Paint Tile Give outdated ceramic tile walls a new look by decoratively painting them in colors you love. Enamel crafts paint (available at crafts stores and discount stores that carry crafts supplies) covers well on most tiles. 03/31/2009

Better Homes & Gardens Patches of Paint Any room can take on a contemporary feel with this paint idea. Simply mark off squares and rectangles on the wall and fill each with a colorful paint.   Linen Texture Paint Technique With a simple linen weaver tool, textured linen glaze, and coordinating paint, you can use this technique to reinvent treasured textiles on walls, furniture, doors, and countless other decorative accessories.   Watercolored Wall Color-washed walls bring movement and drama to a room's vertical surfaces. The technique is simple to master and you can layer on as many tones as you like; the more layers you add, the more interesting the finish. 03/30/2009

Each year, our complete family plus our children's current boyfriends and girlfriends, participate in an ESPN bracket.  Well, I was smart enough to pick Pittsburgh to win.  Oh well.  My three real teams that I am a fan of: Florida State, Illinois and Mississippi State did not last long.  Maybe there is some bailout I can apply for? Anyway, now more time can be spent on being a Tallahassee real estate agent, helping people buy and sell homes in the Tallahassee area.  March Madness is such a great diversion! So, if you are looking for a Tallahassee Realtor who is a hoops fan you can check me out at my website!  I guess this leaves me rooting for North Carolina...which is difficult for an FSU fan. Michael Lee, Frog Realty, 850.339.9346 Michael@frogrealty.net Tallahassee Realtor Tallahassee... 03/28/2009

I was talking with a Tallahassee REALTOR® yesterday and we were discussing an offer he had just made on a foreclosure offering in Tallahassee. We discussed strategy for making an offer to a bank (the home had been foreclosed upon and was for sale by the bank that held the financing on the home) and how the strategy had to be different than when making an offer to a typical homeowner. Regardless of who is receiving the offer, there is a definite plan one should follow if attaining the property at the best price is the primary goal. Too often, I see buyers and agents alike making amateurish mistakes that end up costing them the home that they wanted to buy. Read the rest of this entry 03/27/2009

Shades of Green + Deep Blues Punch up the monochromatic look by adding a closely related hue. Pairing bold shades of green with deep blue creates a truly harmonious combo. Color Combo Attitude: Casual   Soft Lime + Teal + White This soft combo looks brilliant paired with sleek modern furniture and accessories. Color Combo Attitude: Light and Airy     Kelly Green + Black Bold kelly green walls and bedding allow the sleek black dresser and frames to pop in this out-of-the ordinary bedroom. Color Combo Attitude: Eclectic 03/27/2009

Better Homes & Gardens   Peacock Blue: Bold Look Designer Celerie Kemble raves over the deep tones of Peacock blue. "The blue hues, from teal to sapphire, are reviving jewel tones and offer a fresh take on navy. If you're after mood, drama, or intimacy, the concentrated color delivers." Designer Celerie Kemble's Color Tip: Peacock blue looks great with a bevy of modern colors -- apricot, orange, pink, red, and yellow -- and loosens up its regalness. For a more subdued look pair it with grays and browns.   Chocolate Brown: Traditional Chic "Chocolate Brown may well be the breakout color of the decade. Once daring, it has emerged as a favorite neutral that's rich and welcoming," says designer Laurie Smith. Here, soft blue and crisp white furniture give this room a classic look. Designer L... 03/26/2009

Better Homes & Gardens   Golden Yellow: Multiple Shades   Designer Barry Dixon's favorite hue to use in the home is golden yellow. "Golden yellow is the color I use when want a room to radiate warmth and energy. Its untold shades -- from lemon to honey -- always lift the spirits." In this country-chic kitchen two shades of golden yellow set the fresh vintage feel. Designer Barry Dixon's Color Tip: "Pair organic yellow colors with stony grays or sandy beiges rather than citrus hues."   Golden Yellow: Classic Combo Greet guests with a cheery welcome by splashing your entryway in warm golden tones. The subtle wall color paired with the traditional bench creates a timeless look. Designer Barry Dixon's Color Tip: "Be wary of the strongest yellow. It's going to intensify when it's in a room, ... 03/25/2009

Lightly Speaking A variety of neutral and pale wood tones can create a light and airy kitchen look. Be sure to anchor with a few deeper tones like the wrought iron chairs and black accents on the stove.   Light Pine Knotty pine gets a fresh look with red stone countertops and fully tiled walls. Pine can be a budget-friendly choice for cabinets, though the look can be a bit rustic, due to the unpredictable graining of the wood.     Medium-Toned Wood Honey-colored wood cabinets surround a kitchen in warm wood tones. These cabinets also blend well with neutrals including limestone and golden-hued tile and granite.   03/25/2009

  I was having a discussion about the state of the Tallahassee real estate market with a longtime friend yesterday. He had seen the Existing Home Sales report for both the U.S. as well as for the State of Florida. The first thing that caught his eye was the national report, which showed that the sale of existing homes sold at a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.1%, far higher than most analysts expected. Then, he viewed the Florida Association of REALTORS® Single Family, Existing Home Report and saw that we experienced a year-over-year growth of 20% in the number of homes sold in February of 2009 versus February of 2008. Of course, it seems like everyone is on the mend except Tallahassee, and he wondered why. Read the rest of this entry 03/24/2009

Details Photo Gallery View Rooms 32303-Tallahassee (Runnymede) MLS #194224 FOR SALE$109,000 Century 21 First Realty Joe Manausa - Tallahassee Real EstateEmail Joe Manausa - Work: 850-386-2001Cell: 850-523-6178Fax: 850-383-6400 More Photos(4) 1 Quick Links Virtual Tour Request More Info Email Listing More Photos(4) Details Address: 3836 Cottinghom Dr Type: Residential Style: Single Story Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Suite: No Living Area: 1,476 square feet Year Built: 1972 More Details Description SHORT SALE! All offers subject to lien holder approval.Best deal in Runnymede! Ideal for first time home buyers, young families, or someone looking to downsize. Almost 1500 square feet including enclosed garage - on large lot with one carport. Recent roof, screened in porch and large bedrooms. Sel... 03/24/2009

My wife and I were visiting our 3 children in Atlanta this past weekend.  They came from all over.  Our youngest is a Jr. at Western Illinois University and he flew in with his girlfriend from Macomb, Illinois.  Our older son is doing med school rotations in Atlanta and our daughter, the oldest flew in from med school in NYC with her boyfriend,  We had quite a weekend. Anyway, one of the things we did was go to AMC's Fork & Screen in Buckhead to see Knowing.  I had heard of this dining/theater experience and was pleased to give it a try.  Would the atmosphere be different?  Would the wait staff interrupt the movie?  These and many other questions were waiting to be answered. It was a terrific experience.  The food was o.k. but the environment with independant chairs, munchies for the fi... 03/23/2009

As the real estate market in Tallahassee and the rest of the country continues to struggle along, the use of REALTORS® is on the rise in home sales. As confidence in the overall market drops, confidence in the effectiveness of REALTORS® is rising. The real estate graph below represents the measurement of home sales as recorded in the Tallahassee Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) compared with all of the home sales recorded in Leon County, Florida. Tallahassee REALTOR® Activity Report   The blue shaded area represents all of the sales recorded in Leon County, while the red shaded area represents the sales  recorded in the Tallahassee MLS. The red line calculates the ratio of MLS sales to all sales, and thus the total percentage of REALTOR® sales in the market. Currently, ... 03/23/2009

One of the disappointing side-affects of the boom market, where loan products were created so that everybody could buy a home, was the loss of the skilled buyers’ agent. Back in the day, we had to know all kinds of creative financing options so that “marginal” buyers could still make it to the closing table. The days of needing skill and experience to help more buyers are back, but I have experienced a void in the number of great real estate agents who know how to execute all of the different types of financing options and contract negotiation points that will get buyers with limited or damaged credit to own a home. Today, I want to dust off a few of my favorite ways to help somebody buy a home. Read the rest of this entry 03/23/2009

  Every month, we update our Distressed Properties Page on the Tallahassee Real Estate Web Site with all the new lis pendens filings in order to see how the distressed properties are affecting the Tallahassee housing market. Unfortunately, both lis pendens filings as well as foreclosures in Tallahassee are on the rise. Today, we’ll take a look at two real estate graphs that demonstrate the growth of lis pendens and foreclosures in Tallahassee. We have observed lis pendens rising for quite some time, now we’re finally seeing the foreclosures following suit. Read the rest of this entry 03/23/2009

Better Homes & Gardens Dark Wood Cabinets Cabinetry in rich, dark wood tones can give a kitchen a rich, upscale feel. These have clean lines and simple details -- perfect for a contemporary look with a more formal edge.   Dark with Detail Add warmth to dark wood cabinets by using warm wall colors and details. Pale golden walls and oak flooring add that warmth while a touch of black (on the island) is a nice balance to the wood.   Contemporary Dark Distinctive stainless door handles give these dark cabinets a sleek look, while granite countertops and rattan bar stools provide some much-needed contrast. 03/23/2009