Ronnie Utsman Signature Properties

06/08/2019

Here are some handy hints from Angie's List:
Five Mistakes that Kill Your Home's Value

The housing market is hot. Home prices rose by 5.3 percent between 2016 and 2017, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That beats the historical average of 3 percent to 4 percent. And Realtor.com reports that houses are selling eight percent faster in 2018 than they did in 2017. As this ever-bustling market continues to favor sellers, you might be thinking of selling your home.

Not so fast. Before you list your house, you need to know the deadliest sins of resale. If you commit any one of them, you could ruin your chances of a profitable home sale.

1. Ignoring Curb Appeal

You shouldn’t host an open house or snap your listing photos before addressing your landscape. If your yard doesn’t cut it, buyers may reject your property from their cars or from behind their screens. And a recent Zillow survey found that curb appeal is one of the top five factors in resale.

Fix it to list it: “To get maximum curb appeal for minimum effort,” Shugrue advises, “you need to maintain the yard, get colorful flowers and put them in nice pots, mow the lawn and handle any brown spots.” These are easy and affordable tasks, whether you hire an expert or do it yourself. You could also add beds, borders and shrubs – the most important elements of a front yard, according to the Houzz 2018 Landscaping Survey.

To get an idea the budget you’ll need, check out our expert-informed look at Tips for Landscaping Your Lawn on a Budget.

2. Avoiding Bathroom Problems

An outdated bathroom is a big faux-pas, but it’s bathtubs and the number of bathrooms that have the most influence right now. Realtor.com reports that 75 percent of buyers want and expect homes with two bathrooms or more. This leaves one-bathroom homes with a limited buyer pool.

And where tubs have been nixed for showers, the pool is further limited. “People tend to want at least one bathtub,” Shugrue says. “It’s not just about being able to relax: What about children? Have you tried to shower a baby? Bathtubs help resale a lot.”

Fix it to list it: A new bathtub itself costs $300 to $3,000, depending on the material. And professional installation adds $500 to $1,600. To add a new bathroom or update an existent one, you should consult with a bathroom remodeling expert. Remodeling projects can be difficult for homeowners to navigate on their own, and there are many ways they can go wrong without expert help.

3. Echoing Another Era

You may think your old-fashioned home has character, but buyers may see that character as a future expense. “Old features are terribly unappealing,” Shugrue warns. “In our competitive market nationwide, buyers are coming up with more money than they might’ve wanted to, and they don’t want to sink money into a home. They want to move right in.”

Features to update include: outdated and busy wallpaper, popcorn ceilings, all-over carpet, wood paneling and flooring with old-school patterns. “If you can remove wallpaper before you sell your home, please do,” Shugrue says. “You’ll make thousands more.”

Fix it to list it: You can try removing wallpaper or popcorn ceilings yourself, but both are messy and time-consuming. And your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos. Expert popcorn ceiling removal costs $1 to $3 per square foot and wallpaper removal costs 55 cents to $1.50 per square foot.

4. Masking Dirty Truths

Two aspects of your home that are practically invisible but greatly influential are pests and odors. “Odors can ruin a home showing immediately,” Shugrue says. “It’s hard to imagine moving into your dream home that smells of dog or cat. The worst smell for most buyers is smoke. It gets in the drywall and carpets and can be really hard to remove.”

And if you have pests, federal law requires full disclosure to potential buyers. It’s worth your time to handle the infestation before resale.

Fix it to list it: For pests: “Consult with a pest remediation company and handle the problems first,” Shugrue suggests. And get rid of embedded odors with professional services like carpet cleaning or house cleaning.

5. Leaving a To-do List

Leaving repairs and cosmetic work to buyers can be a big mistake. “Most buyers want a move-in ready home, even in our fast-paced market,” says Bret Shugrue, Licensed Agent and Marketing Director at Bogar Pilkington Group with Keller Williams in Englewood, Colo. “If you touch up the paint, clean thoroughly, and get rid of stained or smelly carpets, you’ll make thousands more for hundreds of dollars and some work.”

Look at your property through the eyes of a home inspector: Damaged tile, beat up cabinets, stained sinks and leaks won’t pass. And they’ll hurt your resale value.

Fix it to list it: Handymen can help with many home maintenance tasks, small plumbing jobs and touch-ups, and most charge between $50 and $100 per hour.

06/08/2019

By Patrick Young of the blog AbleUSA.info

FINDING AN ACCESSIBLE HOME

House hunting isn’t always a straightforward process. From start to finish, there are so many factors to consider. When you’re looking for a home that is accessible, you have a few extra things to keep in mind. Some homes may already have accessibility features, while others may need some modifications. We’re here to help guide you through it all, from getting started to finding the perfect home and getting ready to move in.

Getting Started
If you’re a first-time house hunter, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed by the process. Before you start searching in earnest, familiarize yourself with the steps involved. You need to set a budget and understand the costs, brainstorm about what you’re looking for, and get a feel for how long it all takes. Your overall budget will need to include a down payment, mortgage costs, and other expenses like closing costs. To qualify for a mortgage, it’s important to get a copy of your credit report and do as much as you can to improve your credit score. If you have outstanding debt, you need a plan to address it. This isn’t something that happens overnight; however, be patient and stick to your goals and you will see the payoff.

Make Your Wish List
There are so many different features that make a home unique: the neighborhood, size, floor plan, design — the list goes on. Of course, accessibility is another feature that will go into your new home wish list. For some people, finding a neighborhood that is close to shops or that has accessible sidewalks is a priority.

Another thing to consider is that it isn’t always possible to find an accessible home that meets your other needs, but you may be able to make modifications. When you start searching, make sure you investigate how easily modifications could be made to a home and what those changes would cost. These are some of the top accessibility features to look for:

Entrance and exterior spaces: An accessible home should have a zero-step entry and a level walkway leading into the home. Many houses could work with an added ramp, but don’t forget about other spaces such as garages and outdoor living spaces. For example, Easter Seals suggests that a patio might be preferable to a raised deck.
The home’s layout: The floor plan and overall layout play a big role in determining the accessibility of a home. Look for a master bedroom and bathroom on the main level or a single-level home. An open layout with wide hallways is also ideal for wheelchair users. If doorways are too narrow, there are relatively simple ways they can be widened.
Kitchen and bathrooms: You want your whole house to be accessible, but kitchens and bathrooms need to meet specific requirements so you can get around safely and do everyday tasks with ease. In bathrooms, look for grab bars, curb-free showers, and wall-mounted vanities. In the kitchen, look for lower counter heights and accessible appliances. The Assistive Technology Blog also recommends having an alert system in areas of the home that can be trickier to navigate.

If you need to make modifications on your own, you’ll need to budget for the costs. For example, if you need to add grab bars (these are purchasable for under $15) or install a ramp, you may need to hire a handyman in your area. In Omaha, a handyman contractor charges an average of $362 per job.

Moving Details
When you find the perfect property, don’t overlook the little details that go into making a move. If your home needs changes, you will need a contractor to look over the space and advise you on renovations. Another thing that many new home buyers don’t think about is having the locks re-keyed to ensure the security of the property. Once you have a closing date, be sure to book a locksmith to get new locks installed.

These little details can add up, so don’t forget to factor them into your budget and overall planning. Buying a home isn’t the easiest process, but the reward is worth the effort. And with accessibility in high demand, you can feel confident in making this smart investment.

Patrick Young is a writer and manager for AbleUSA.info, a lifestyle blog dedicated to men and women living with disabilities.

I am a licensed TN REALTOR® with Signature Properties in Johnson City, TN. I assist clients in acq

04/15/2019

Thanks to everyone that attended my Open House at 127 Oak Dr. Unicoi today! Thanks for braving the weather!

04/10/2019

Here's another helpful hint from our friends at NPI!

HOW TO MILDEW-PROOF YOUR BATHROOM IN 6 EASY STEPS


Whether your bathroom is old or new, big or small, mildew can set in and make it a less pleasant place to be. Here’s what you can do to mildew-proof your bathroom so the stuff doesn’t have a chance to take over.

First, here’s a quick rundown of the top causes for mildew:

Leaks. Moisture can seep into a bathroom from sources we can’t see, like pipes behind drywall or cracks in grout. Since mildew loves darkness and dampness, it’ll continue to thrive in these places, making it even more difficult to get rid of once you discover it.

A shower that doesn't get cleaned regularly. It’s a pain to scrub your shower, but it’s worth keeping up with the chore if you want to extend the life of your entire bathroom. Tiles can collect soap and body oil after every use, and over time, these residues can combine with humidity to lead to mold and mildew.

Clogged drains. Soap, hair and other debris naturally lead to a clogged drain from time to time. If you notice your shower draining more slowly than usual, it’s important to grab the Drano right away. Clogs that aren’t attended to quickly will lead to mildew since the yucky stuff the clog is made of (aforementioned soap and hair, plus body oil and dirt) is an ideal space for it to grow.

Inadequate ventilation. Ventilation is incredibly important for any bathroom, and nowadays, there are certain regulations in place to ensure adequate airflow. But if you have an older home, you might be dealing with a space that’s not quite up to code. Inefficient ventilation is a number one cause of mold and mildew since moisture and humidity can get trapped.

Drippy faucets. A drippy faucet means the area underneath will never have a chance to dry out. The constant moisture will inevitably lead to mold and mildew growth.

Now that you know what actually causes mildew, here’s how you can prevent it:

Use Mildew-Proof Paint
Repainting your bathroom is an inexpensive way to prevent long-term mildew growth. Make sure to choose a mildew-resistant paint or to mix in a mildew-resistant additive.

Open Your Window Shades Occasionally
Many bathrooms unfortunately won’t have a window, but if they do, your space will definitely benefit from a little light—mildew hates it! Keep those blinds open for at least an hour or so every day, especially directly after showering. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, you’re not completely out of luck, your fix just won’t be quite so simple. You’ll need to either leave the light on and remember to switch it off after a period of time so as not to waste energy, or install a timer on your lights so they automatically switch off.

Clean Up Spilled Water Immediately
With all the showering, bathing and handwashing going on, water is going to get around your bathroom. This is especially true if you have kids. That’s perfectly fine, as long as you pay attention to any puddles and clean them up quickly. Standing water will turn into mildew city if left unattended all the time.

Keep Your Bathroom Clean
Experts say you should wipe down your bathroom at least once a week. This goes for fixtures, sinks and the like. Toilets should be cleaned once a week, and your bath and/or shower area should be scrubbed every two weeks. Don’t forget to lift up shower items like shampoo bottles so you can scrub underneath them. Regularly switch out your shower curtain liner and launder any decorative shower curtains once a month or so. Bathroom mold and mildew can be stubborn, so simply keeping up with cleaning will save you so much work in the long-run.

Reseal Your Grout Annually
Grout is pretty porous in the first place, and with constant exposure to water, you can imagine just how susceptible it is to mold and mildew. Scrubbing your grout well during your bi-monthly shower- and bath-cleaning sessions and remembering to reseal it annually will help it stand up better to water.

Thanks for viewing!

Ronnie

03/29/2019

8 Inexpensive Home Upgrades You Can Do in a Weekend

1. Replace your light fixtures.

Light fixtures are one of those features that can age a space fast. Not only will replacing them give your space an instantly modern look, it can also increase your home’s value. When you go to replace your fixtures, don’t forget about the kitchen and the bathroom! Those areas are often neglected but mean the most to future buyers.

2. Trade in your drawer pulls and hardware.

If you’re not quite ready to invest in a full cabinet overhaul, starting with the hardware is a great way to test out a new look. New drawer pulls and k***s are inexpensive and can give even tired or outdated cabinets a whole new look in minutes.

3. Give your mailbox an upgrade.

If you have a boring, lackluster mailbox, setting a weekend aside to spruce it up can really pay off in the curb appeal department. You can replace the box itself, give your post a more upscale look using decorative rocks or go full DIY and find a unique tutorial.

4. Invest in a smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats are getting more affordable all the time, and they can make heating and cooling your home faster, easier and more effective. In fact, you can save up to 25 percent on heating and cooling in one year just by switching to a smart thermostat, so if you have a large home, this upgrade should be at the top of your list.

5. Paint your front door.

Painting your front door means giving your home a whole new vibe in the space of just one afternoon. The options are limitless, so if you’re having a tough time picking out the perfect color, try one of 2019’s most popular trends. This year, homeowners are gravitating toward reds, grays, blacks, rusts, blues, greens, fuchsias and yellows.

6. Try a new showerhead.

Guests may not notice this improvement, but you certainly will. Hit reset on your morning routine by installing a brand new showerhead. You can get an excellent quality model for anywhere from $50 to $200. You could go with a handheld, rain shower or multi-setting, or try out a low flow showerhead to save water and money over time.

7. Get new outlet covers.

Nothing ages a room faster than old, yellowed outlet covers. Luckily, you can snap up shiny new outlet covers for as little as a couple dollars apiece, and it doesn’t take a seasoned DIY guru to replace them. For an instant upgrade, it doesn’t get less inexpensive and more effective than this.

8. Re-caulk your bathroom.

This one is probably best reserved for those that are no stranger to home improvement projects. Removing and redoing holy, gaping or stained caulking around your tub and sink can make your bathroom appear instantly brighter. If you’re not quite ready to pick up a caulk gun, you also have the option of brightening your existing caulk with bleach and an old toothbrush or grout and caulk repair pens.

Call National Property Inspections today to arrange a full assessment of your home.

As an after point pertaining to these ideas - I have tried many of them myself! They were relatively inexpensive, easy to do, and can really make a difference!

03/20/2019

Add Value to Your Home with These Improvements

You probably have a long list of remodeling projects you want to get around to, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Of course you want to remodel your home based on your personal tastes, but if you’re looking to move soon, it’s better to look at renovations and improvements that will add value to your home. We’ve compiled the four best home upgrades that will put the most money in your pocket when it comes time to sell.

1. A New Front Door

Nothing beats a new steel front door when it comes to recouping your investment. A new steel front door boosts curb appeal, rejuvenating your home’s appearance to make a great first impression for homebuyers. You can have a professional install your new door (for give or take $2000), in which case you’ll recover about 75% of the cost, or you can DIY this project (for around $250) and recoup up to a whopping 600%.

If you go the DIY route, make sure to get acquainted with the parts of the door you’re installing before you start in. If it’s your first time, you can expect to spend a bit more time on this project (don’t be surprised if it takes you six or eight hours). Oh, and enlist a friend to help—it’s a lot easier with two people, trust us.
2. New Hardwood Floors

Buyers love hardwood floors, and they’ll pay to get them (to the tune of about $5000 at closing). If you install those hardwood floors yourself, you can potentially make a 282% profit. It might be a multi-day affair if you haven’t worked with flooring before, but don’t worry—the techniques aren’t hard to master and it’s worth rolling up your sleeves to pocket the extra savings. Even if you hire a professional, though, this improvement will just about pay for itself.

If you have hardwood floors already and just want to give them a facelift, you can do that with a simple sand-and-refinish job. Floor sanders and other supplies are available to rent at most home improvement stores to make the process easy and affordable.

3. A Bathroom Update

We’re not talking about demolition down to the studs, but a mid-range bathroom update will definitely add value to your home and improve your return on investment. Replacing your bathroom’s essentials (meaning the tub, tile surround and floor, toilet, sink, fixtures and vanity) will run you somewhere in the range of $10,500, while you’ll average a tidy $10,700 back at closing. Of course if you do the update yourself instead of hiring out, you’ll pocket even more.
4. Fiberglass Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is one of those things you never pay attention to, but you sure know if it’s not there. Having adequate insulation is the best way to keep comfortable in both hot and cold weather while keeping your energy bills low, but up to an astounding 90 percent of homes don’t have enough. If you can see the floor joists in your attic, you have at most 6-7 inches of insulation, only half of what the U.S. Department of Energy recommends. Depending on where you live, you could need even more.

The good news is that insulation is easy to add yourself, and it’s also one of the most inexpensive and worthwhile upgrades on our list, costing you only about $700 to add $1500 of value when you sell.

Thanks to NPI for these great tips!

03/08/2019

I want to share this post for anyone who's considering buying a "Newly Built Home". It's amazing what manages to slip thru the cracks sometimes! Check this out so you can share it with your friends!

Common Defects in Newly Built Homes

By Randy Yates, Training Consultant Administrator, NPI/GPI Corporate

Home under construction
When it comes to new-home construction, there really is no limit as to what can go wrong or not be done correctly during building. Defects are common; in fact, it has been said that a home inspector can sometimes find more things wrong with a newly constructed home than an existing home. This is why it’s important to always have a home inspection when buying a house — even if the house is newly built.

You might wonder what kinds of defects a new house could possibly have. Here is a list of problems home inspectors at National Property Inspections and Global Property Inspections often find:

Structural Defects
Premature cracking and settlement in foundation walls can be caused when builders don’t allow the proper amount of curing time for concrete in poured and block foundation walls and slabs. In addition, improper framing techniques — which may not be apparent at first — can cause cracks to develop in drywall. These are typically hairline in nature.

HVAC Problems
Our inspectors occasionally discover that the vent pipe from a gas-fired furnace has not been connected and has come loose during the initial operation. This is a major safety hazard, as carbon monoxide may enter the residence. In one situation, the PVC pipes used to vent a gas-fired furnace were not properly glued together. In addition, our inspectors sometimes find thermostats that do not respond to normal functions. Another common problem is missing drip legs on condensate lines.

Electrical Errors
The list is long for typical electrical problems, and most would not be obvious to the average home buyer or owner. The problem with defects in your home’s electrical system is that most are a fire and/or safety hazard. Here are the most common electrical problems our inspectors find in new houses:

Missing switch plates or receptacle covers
Improperly wired outlets
Open grounds — ground wire is not connected properly
Reversed polarity
Open knock-outs in the main electrical panel
Improper wire sizes on breakers
Double-taps on breakers in main panels — when two wires connect to a single breaker
Jumpers ahead of the main lugs (double-tapping) — when two wires connect to a single lug

Plumbing Blunders
Plumbing problems are something you certainly don’t want in a new house. Leaks can cause major damage and mold issues, while other defects are more of a nuisance. But shouldn’t your brand-new home be free of nuisances? Here are some of the most common plumbing issues:

Unglued or improperly glued PVC pipe connections frequently develop leaks — you may never know about the weak joint until standing water begins to seep through
Hot/cold reversed faucets and fixtures
Bathroom sink drain stoppers that were not connected
Improperly vented plumbing systems may be noisy and/or smelly
Drain pipes that were not connected (One of our inspectors really did find a drain pipe in a crawl space that was never connected)

Miscellaneous Mistakes
Believe it or not, our inspectors have found all of the following problems in newly constructed houses:

Incomplete door hardware on closet doors, cabinetry and entrance doors
Improper fire-rated assemblies for pull-down attic stairs
Missing handrails on stairs
Missing or insufficient insulation
Leaky windows
Siding defects
Improper grading, which could lead to water intrusion and foundation damage

What these defects tell us is that if you are moving into a newly built house, don’t skip the home inspection. Even the best builders in your area use subcontractors, so you can’t assume that everything in your house is top-quality just because you builder is. Plus, you have to allow for human error, which is how many of the problems mentioned here happen. So, even if you just had your house built, it’s worth the cost of a home inspection to ensure that everything was done correctly, and that your new home will be safe and worry-free.

Thanks to our friends at NPI Home Inspectors for this information!

03/02/2019

I think that the following article from the February issue of NPI addresses an issue that many of us have wondered about; RADON! I hope this helps you answer your questions!
Should You Be Concerned About Radon?

By Lawrence Englehart, GPI Franchise Owner, Halifax, Nova Scotia
IMG_0634Radon is a radioactive gas that is slowly released during the natural decay or breakdown of uranium in the earth, and it moves freely though any soil, rock and water. Because it is the heaviest gas in nature, radon can easily accumulate in high levels in the basement or poorly ventilated areas of a house or building.

Why Is Radon Dangerous?
As radon decays, it further breaks down to form radioactive elements that can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can damage the cells that line the lung, causing lung cancer.

Health Canada reports that radon exposure is linked to 16 percent of lung cancer deaths and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In Nova Scotia, the Department of Natural Resources has developed an amazing radon risk map; you can enter your physical address and it will show whether you are in a low-, medium- or high-risk area. In the United States, you can find a radon zone map on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website
Should You Be Concerned About Radon?

How Much Radon Is Too Much?
In North America, radon test results have shown that 40 percent of buildings in high-risk areas exceed Health Canada and EPA guidelines; however, even homes in low-risk areas should be tested, as this is the only way to know how much radon is in your home.

In Canada, radon is measured in Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3), and the current Canadian guideline for radon action is 200 Bq/m3. In the United States, radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), and the current guideline for remediation is any level higher than 4 pCi/L. In both countries, the higher the number, the higher the risk. However, even the current action level is equivalent to the radiation exposure from 30 medical chest x-rays per year (assuming radon exposure at home for 12 hours per day).

Radon levels can vary over time and especially from season to season, which is why home owners should conduct radon testing over a duration of 91 days or longer to properly determine radon levels and better understand whether remedial action will be required.

For the average home owner, a simple do-it-yourself radon testing kit can be ordered online or purchased in a hardware or home improvement store.

Should You Test Your House for Radon?
When it comes to buying or selling a house, a long-term test is considered unrealistic, so a short-term test of lasting 48 to 72 hours should be performed. Make sure you hire a certified radon inspector who has been specifically trained to an industry-recognized standard of practice and are held accountable for working to established radon testing guidelines. Your home inspector may be a certified radon tester; if not, he/she can recommend a professional to conduct the test for you.

Englehart PhotoLawrence Englehart is a professional Global Property Inspections home inspector and C-NRPP Certified Radon Measurement Professional in Halifax, Nova Scotia. If you live in the area, call 902.403.2460 to schedule your home inspection with Lawrence.

NPI and GPI home inspectors have the tools and knowledge to assess your home, and many of our inspectors hold additional certifications for radon, mold or lead testing. Consult your local NPI or GPI inspector for an inspection of your home or a home you are planning to purchase.

01/21/2019

I think almost everyone will find this article from National Property Inspections to be informative and most of all, very useful! After all, we all have a few imperfections to hide! Read on!

DIY Countertop Repair for Scratches and Scuffs

If you cook a lot, chances are your countertops have seen better days. Every scratch and chip tells a story, from that pan you dropped to the knife that slipped. The good news is that there are some simple countertop repairs you can do yourself to make your counters look like new and save some money in the process.
Granite

Granite countertops are known for their durability, but even granite can show signs of wear like scratches, chips and cracks with regular use. Granite is also one of the most expensive options when it comes to counters, so it’s lucky that there are inexpensive options to repair it.

To repair an unsightly crack or scratch in granite, you’ll need to gather a few materials: acetone or nail polish remover, an epoxy resin granite repair kit (you’ll find this at your local home improvement store), a scrub sponge, a razor blade, paper towels and a hairdryer.

Acetone works wonders for cutting through grease or any other residue to make your granite surface really clean. Wet a paper towel with it and wipe over your countertop (if you’re using nail polish remover, do a spot test first to make sure it doesn’t discolor your surface). Use your scrub sponge to further loosen any deposits, then wipe the granite down with another paper towel to make sure the surface is dry (hit it with the hairdryer for a few minutes on low to be sure).

Now you’re ready for the epoxy kit. Epoxy resin can be colored to match the dominant color of your granite for an undetectable repair. Mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer’s directions, then apply it to the crack with the stir stick included in the kit. Since the epoxy will settle a little as it cures, apply epoxy above the level of the crack. Put a piece of tape over the epoxy (this helps the surface flatten as it dries).

Tile

Repairing tile countertops can be easy if you have extra matching tiles saved. Identify the cracked tile that needs replacing, then use a grout saw to cut around and loosen the tile. Next, use a hammer to break the tile into pieces. Add a chisel to the equation to remove all the broken tile pieces, then vacuum up whatever’s left in terms of loose debris. Once you have a clean surface to work with, take your new tile and apply mortar to the back, pressing it into place. Once the mortar is dry, regrout around the tile and you’re done!

If you don’t have extra tile, you still have some options. First, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to fade scratches (just make sure you don’t rub too hard, otherwise you’ll end up with an irregular surface). For deeper scratches, nicks or chips, you can use an acrylic repair kit, available at any home improvement store, that’s colored to match your tile.

Butcher Block Counters

If you’ve been using your butcher block counter as a cutting board and want to breathe some life back into it, first you’ll have to thoroughly clean it.

For any stuck-on food residue, remove it with the edge of a metal spatula, taking care not to gouge the wood
Next, use hot water, a scrub sponge and some mild dish soap to scrub the counter. Rinse well with a clean dishcloth and more hot water.
After the countertop dries completely, you can move on to the next step, sanding.

Preferably you want to use an orbital sander for this, using fine-grit sandpaper and applying light pressure over the entire surface of the counter for an even finish. This helps remove light scratches and scuffs. For deeper scratches and gouges in the wood, you can fill them with wood putty that matches the color of your counter. Roll the putty between your fingers and pack it tightly into any deeper scratches. Once it dries and hardens, you can sand the putty down to a smooth surface. Finish by conditioning your butcher block counter with a light coat or two of mineral oil.

Repairing your countertops is an easy way to add value to your home once it’s time to sell. National Property Inspections is here to help you make the most of your biggest investment, so find your local NPI inspector today and make an appointment.

As a footnote to the section about repairing tile countertops from my personal experience; If you have small chips or scratches, take a piece of the tile or a good picture of the countertop to a paint store such as Sherwin-Wiliams and have them mix you up a small can of paint that will match your tile. This is the cheapest and easiest method of repair and it really works great! Clean your tile well before touching it up and use a small model kit paint brush. If you are very careful doing this, even you will have a hard time finding the repair! Just seal the paint up well and keep it in your cabinets for future use. You will only use a few drops to make your repairs. As I said previously, this is for small chips and scratches. Saves you from having to replace a whole piece of tile and you don't have to mess with grouting!