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| The Perfect Lemonade |
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Remember the starting proportions - 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of lemon juice.
(This ratio makes a pretty sweet lemonade. Reduce the amount of sugar if you want your lemonade less sweet or if you are using Meyer lemons which are naturally sweeter than standard lemons.)
The secret to perfect lemonade is to start by making sugar syrup, also known as "simple syrup". Dissolving the sugar in hot water effectively disperses the sugar in the lemonade, instead of having the sugar sink to the bottom.
 Ingredients
1 cup sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
1 cup lemon juice
3 to 4 cups cold water (to dilute)
Method
1 Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely.
2 While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract the juice from 4 to 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice.
3 Add the juice and the sugar water to a pitcher. Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water, more or less to the desired strength.
Refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. If the lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, add a little more straight lemon juice to it. Serve with ice, sliced lemons.
Serves 6. |
| Happy Clients Say... |
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Laura,
Here is some feedback from the agent who showed our house today, thanks so much for all you did.
We were completely overwhelmed and you helped us make all the decisions and put everything in it's perfect place. The house looks terrific! We could not have done it without you.
Connie Kennerty
Ft. Mill SC
"This house shows like a model. Wow! Whoever got this house ready to show did a great job. I was impressed and so was my client."
J. Larry Saunder, Keller Williams South Park
The rest of the story...
The house sold in 10 days and has already closed. Look for pictures in the next newsletter.
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| Happy Fourth of July! |
As I look around the world at all the unrest and unmet basic needs I am especially thankful to be an American and to live in this land of incredible opportunity. So have a safe and happy Fourth, celebrate with family and friends, and take a moment to be grateful.
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| Schools Out For The Summer! |
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And you know what that means, families on the move will be looking for their next home. The buyers who walk in your door will not be tire kickers, they will be looking for a place to call home before school starts. So let's talk about how to make them feel at home in your house.
Summer has it's own pace so all you have to do is follow it's lead. Set a scene that is relaxed, casual and above all cool. A few tips to make your property their summer place of choice.
1) Get your green on, and by that I mean take your outdoor spaces up a notch and showcase them.
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Keep the lawn manicured.
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Plant some colorful (and drought resistant) flowers.
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Hang overflowing and healthy fern baskets
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Place some seating that will welcome and provide a place to interact with the neighbors while watching the world go by.
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Curb appeal sets the tone and gets the buyers excited about what they will see inside, but don't forget the back yard spaces. Set up a BBQ station and some seating to gather and chat.
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Make a place for alfresco dining, set the patio or picnic table and set the scene to romantic summer evenings.
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Set up a croquet game.
2) Build a summer place inside that will enchant buyers.
- Set the thermostat to a very comfortable temp, like 72, turn on fans, and make sure there is not a temperature differential between the first and second floors.
- Summer is casual, buyers don't want to be reminded of chores so keep the laundry done, the sink empty and the house spotless.
- Stack some bestsellers on the coffee table or beside a comfy chair, an invitation to sit and read.
- Themed rooms are not right for staging but summer is a good time to add a small touch of the beach and whimsy. Add a basket of shells in the bathroom, some driftwood by the fireplace, pillows on the deck that are in beach bright colors or white candles in glass containers that are filled with sand.
- Place fresh flowers in the foyer, on the kitchen table, in the master bedroom.
- Set a bowl of lemons, limes or granny smith apples on the kitchen counter.
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Rob McGuirt with RE/MAX Executive Realty in Charlotte believes in staging because he has seen it in action.
He backs up that belief with his checkbook and buys his clients a Staging Consultation as part of his marketing package. It has paid off in aces. His clients don't have to guess how to prepare their homes for the market, the path to success is orderly and easy to follow.
"Hiring Laura to assist my clients has proven to be one of the best decisions I've made in my ten years practicing real estate in the Charlotte market. Laura is a pro who knows what it takes to move a property, especially in today's competitive environment.
For the agent (and seller) who's serious about selling property for top dollar, and in record time, hiring Rooms by Laura G. will give you a clear advantage over the competition."
Rob McGuirt
RE/MAX Executive Realty
The before and after pictures below are from one of Rob's listings, it sold to the first buyer who viewed it. Now that's how you sell real estate!
You can access more pictures of the property at www.realestateshows.com/306864 | |
