Posts made by author 'Watson Realty'

Preparing to add your home to the list of Bakersfield homes for sale? Your listing photos can make or break your sale. First impressions matter and those listing photos give homebuyers the first impression of your property. As much as 80% of house hunters start the search for homes on the web, and if the photos accompanying your home's listing are not attractive, the buyer will be dissuaded from giving your home a second thought. Conversely, good photos can turn views into in-person showings. Here are the areas to bring into focus when you take your listing photos.

• Living Room
  The living room is a common place for families to spend quality time together. It should be staged and photographed with functionality, comfort, and square footage in mind. You can increase your home's appeal and help buyers envision life in your home by decluttering and removing personalized items from the living area, painting the space a neutral tone, professionally cleaning the carpet. Incorporate additional lights to display the full size of the room. Decorate with abstract artwork, fresh flowers, and greenery to breathe life into the room. Define the space and rearrange your furniture to make the space warm and inviting. Also, let in natural light to make the room appear bigger.

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If you love nature, you won't want to miss this important holiday: Nature Photography Day. It falls on Tuesday, June 15th this year, and it's the perfect excuse to snap some photos of yourself enjoying nature's beauty. This raises the question: What are some of the best spots for nature shots in the Bakersfield area? Our agents have some recommendations. 

• The Park at River Walk: 1200 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93311
  At The Park at River Walk, you could snap some pictures of yourself sitting along the river, leaning against a tree, or standing on one of the little bridges that stretch across the creeks.
  
  This charming park has a pond with ducks and fish, a playground for kids, and lots of trails for walking and bike riding. It's a great place to stop with kids or with your dog. Just note that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. You could even snap a family photo as you all enjoy lunch at a picnic table. There are restrooms on-site, free WiFi, and barbecue grills for public use.

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When searching for a new home in Bakersfield, it's important to know what's nearby. For instance, where can you go to grab a donut on your way to work? You've got Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme, of course, but what about the local places? There may be plenty of Bakersfield homes for sale, but are they near any good local donut shops? They are. Here are some of the best donuts around Bakersfield.

• Rosedale Donuts - 2681 Calloway Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93312
  A small place in a shopping center in Rosedale, this donut shop looks simple and unasuming, but it has some of the best donuts you'll find: hot, fluffy, and delicious. They have everything from glazed and frosted to jelly and custard-filled to fritters and bear claws, to donut holes, and more. They also have a great assortment of iced coffees, such as mocha, chocolate mint, and vanilla latte. Plus boba smoothies and blended Kidz Kreamz drinks. Sold individually or by the dozen, Rosedale Donuts are delicious and affordable.

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There's never a bad time to celebrate Taco Tuesday! If you're in search of the perfect taco, you're in luck! Our agents love sampling the local fare so they can share recommendations with their clients. 

We've done the hard work for you, visiting tons of taco spots until we found the best in the area (you can thank us later). When you're ready to take a break from exploring Bakersfield homes for sale, consider heading to one of these amazing local restaurants for a taco feast. 

• Los Tacos De Huicho – 123 E. 18th St., Bakersfield, CA 93305
  Los Tacos De Huicho doesn't serve fast food; they serve amazing food, fast. We love the fact that they make all their tortillas fresh and use real Mexican cheese. This goes a long way towards providing an authentic dining experience.
  
  We recommend the shrimp or fish tacos, as they're arguably the best you'll find in the Bakersfield area!

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Paint. It's amazing how such a small word can be the source of comfort or regret. When it comes to paint, our agents have seen it all. From poor color choices to lousy techniques, paint regret is real and can have a real impact on the value of your home. Fortunately, you can do some simple things to protect yourself from bad decisions and utterly disastrous paint colors.

1. A Penny Saved is Sometimes Pound Foolish. Your home will appreciate in value. It's an asset that you must maintain and protect. While saving a few bucks on a can of paint may seem like a good idea, the fact is that poor quality paints are inferior to costlier but longer-lasting, options.
   
   
2. Know Your Limits. YouTube and Google are great places to get ideas and learn new tips and techniques. However, don't assume you're an expert just because you've watched a few episodes of This Old House or read up on the latest painting techniques. If you are not 100% confident that you can paint the interior/exterior of your home to the highest quality standards, hire a professional to do the work.

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