This document is a holiday-themed real estate guide published by SPS Realty. It provides tips and ideas for updating and maintaining homes for the holidays, including fixes for pest control, fireplaces, kids' bedrooms, noise reduction, windows, outdoor spaces, holiday decorating, porches, roofs, fireplace maintenance, health, smells and security. Each section provides 3 quick and inexpensive solutions to common issues. The guide is written in a Christmas story format to make the tips more entertaining.

1. SPS Realty
The Night
Before Christmas...
a real estate story

2. The Night Before Christmas
a real estate story
adapted for SPS Realty
by Clement Clarke Moore
by Christina Shomaker
@clshomaker
A Christmas story. And tips for updating
your home for the holidays!

3. SPS Realty
Table of Contents
Page 4: Pest Control Tips
Page 5: Fireplace Style Updates
Page 6: Cool Ideas for Kids Bedrooms
Page 7: Noise Reduction Tips
Page 8: Cold Proof your Windows
Page 9: Outdoor Living Spaces
Page 10: Front Yard Holiday Decor
Page 11: Porch Improvements
Page 12: Tips for Assessing Your Roof
Page 13: Tips for Fireplace Maintenance
Page 14: Healthy Homes
Page 15: Remove Lingering Smells
Page 16: Home Security Tips
Twitter: @SPSrealtywww.SPSrealty.com Pinterest: /SPSrealty LinkedIn: sps-realty

4. Three fixes for unwelcome holiday guests (of the pest variety).
1) Seal gaps that lead to your home's interior with copper mesh
and a flat head screwdriver then seal any gaps with foam!
2) Clear wood and windows of any moisture
grabbing soil & mulch, rake mulch frequently, and
trim shrubs. Moisture attracts insects & small pests.
3) Did you know that paper bags attract cockroaches?
They do! So remove your store of under counter bags.
bit.ly/spsPest
T w a s t h e n i g h t b e f o r e C h r i s t m a s ,
w h e n a l l t h r o u g h t h e h o u s e ,
n o t a c r e a t u r e w a s s t i r r i n g ,
n o t e v e n a m o u s e .
SPS Realty
So cute in bedtime stories... not so cute in your home.
Don't let house pests hijack your home this holiday season.

5. Three inexpensive style fixes for your fireplace.
1) Hands down, one of the EASIEST & CHEAPEST fixes.
Paint. Works for brick, wood, tile... just about anything.
2) Replace brick with faux stone in 1 day for next to
nothing with products such as AirStone.
3) Cover unattractive and dated cutouts with crafty art,
such as this barn door panel as a central focus.
Or... CREATE a faux fireplace!
bit.ly/SPSfireplace
T h e s t o c k i n g s w e r e h u n g
b y t h e c h i m n e y w i t h c a r e ,
i n h o p e s t h a t S t . N i c h o l a s
s o o n w o u l d b e T h e r e .
SPS Realty
Don't be remembered by Santa as "that home with the eyesore".
Treat yourself to a style update. Go on, you deserve it

6. The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
& mamma in her 'kerchief, & I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.
Three fixes for kids bedrooms.
1) Clever storage can double as seating, fireplaces can be emptied for a
book or toy space, add ladders for tall book shelves and more.
2) Seating areas: create them with cleverly designed shelving, elegant
stuffed chairs or ceiling mounted swinging chairs.
3) Bunk Beds, tree-house beds (you read that right), tent
stylized beds, drape surrounds for beds and more.
bit.ly/SPSkids
SPS Realty
Make your children's bedroom a space that they look forward to using!
(Really this is a gift to you)

7. Three fixes for noise reduction.
1) Curtains and wall decor. The more you have installed the less the noise can
get in or out. It works for two main reasons. Empty space
allows noise to bounce around. Fabric and wall decor
reduces echo space and creates a thicker barrier.
2) Shag rugs. Not only do they create a cozy and
beautiful environment, they add to your dampening
efforts.
3) Seal doors with weather stripping, fill holes and
cracks. They may seem insignificant but any opening
allows direct noise access, not to mention that small
fixes become big fixes the longer you leave them.
bit.ly/SPSnoise
SPS Realty
Eck - your noisy neighbors! (or would that be you?)
Regain control over what comes in... and goes out.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

8. Three "do it yourself" fixes to change windows from the weather
greeter to the weather bouncer.
1) Check the condition (or lack thereof) of your weather stripping.
If it needs to be replaced or added, do it yourself. Costs next to
nothing but makes a huge difference.
2) Insulation shades and curtains. You can find both just about
anywhere, like Target. The cost varies according to your supplier
and style. Added benefit... curtains transform your room's decor!
3) For an added insulation boost you can install film found at any
hardware store. Film can be unsightly, but it's affordable and
easy to install yourself.
bit.ly/SPSwindows
SPS Realty
Even if you aren't budget ready to replace old, leaky windows,
you can control their effectiveness.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters & threw up the sash.

9. Updates for your front, side and back yards.
1) Easy, cheap and ADORBS... build a bench border around
your low deck.
bit.ly/SPSbench
2) Give your picnic table a splash of bright paint or use pea
gravel and stepping stones to make unique exterior spaces.
bit.ly/SPSgravel
3) Custom make a rug with canvas and paint... the right
choice in materials works just as well outdoor as in. For a
more permanent fix, paint directly onto the concrete.
bit.ly/SPSarearug
bit.ly/SPSstripes
SPS Realty
We're in SoCal, so we think "outdoor living" year round!
Spruce up your exterior before Santa, or your in laws, pay a visit.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

10. When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh & eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver so lively & quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
& he whistled, & shouted, & called them by name:
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer & Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner & Blitzen!
SPS Realty
Eight might be a bit TOO festive for your front lawn decor.
Unless it's a contest.
Three holiday decor ideas.
1) Used glass jars make perfect lanterns to hang from tree limbs for a magical
winterland.
bit.ly/SPSlantern3
bit.ly/SPSlights1
2) Use wreaths to create a DIY snowman.
3) Light walkways to create a warm and inviting path to your front door...
we can already hear the carolers. bit.ly/SPSlights2

11. To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
SPS Realty
Get those obstacles out of Santa's way!
And pretty up your path and porch while you're at it.
Three super fast fixes to welcome all of your visitors.
1) Add a path: using gravel, stepping stones, mulch or
other low cost materials, you can dramatically improve
your entry by creating a simple path to your front door.
2) Paint visible utility equipment the same color as your
home so that it blends.
3) Repaint your front door. This might be a new and
contrasting color or a fresh coat of the existing color.
bit.ly/SPSporch

12. So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, & St. Nicholas too
& then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
SPS Realty
Hooves wreak havoc on your roof.
Inspect regularly to stay on Santa's "nice" list.
Three ways to determine if your roof needs repair or replacement.
1) Journey to your attic with a flashlight to look for sagging spots, signs
of water damage or light leaks indicating holes.
2) Walk around your home's exterior for missing shingles, misplaced
shingles (those that are not uniform to the layout, a clear indication
they're slipping) or cracked tiles on tile roofs.
3) Your gutter may also provide clues if you are finding a higher number of
roof granules (big sand) or actual chunks of roof material.
bit.ly/SPSroof

13. As I drew in my head & was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot
& his clothes were all tarnished with ashes & soot.
SPS Realty
"Santa! The floor mat is there for a reason...
please wipe your feet for goodness sake!"
Three fixes for fireplace maintenance and cleaning.
1) To assist maintenance somewhat passively... ONLY use wood.
No newspapers, wrapping paper, broken down crates, etc.
That material is not meant to burn, creates nasty residue
and is often horrible for the environment.
2) Get your chimney cleaned once or twice a year depending
on how often you use it. The cost is about $200 per cleaning.
3) Follow these tips to maintain it between cleanings.
bit.ly/SPSfire2

14. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
& he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
& the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
SPS Realty
Sounds more like the start of an impending cold.
"Wash your hands before touching my stuff, Santa!"
Three fixes for a healthy home (all 72 at the link below).
1) Floor mats aren't just for the outside! Double up by including another mat just inside
the front door to help with pollen and bacteria.
2) Install a range hood over your stove. Using them improves air quality inside
by reducing cooking related air pollutants. If you can, add one that
vents outside rather than the recirculating type.
3) When upgrading your kitchen, consider a copper sink. They are naturally
antimicrobial.
bit.ly/SPShealthy

15. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
& the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
SPS Realty
"Santa, we think you're adorable but, respectfully,
you can't smoke in our home."
Three fixes for a lingering smell.
1) Home made mixtures offer many solutions. Such as
heating lavender and water on the stove.
2) If you have a green thumb, turn to house plants. Many
are natural air purifiers, like the peace lily and Boston
fern.
3) For tough mildew smells, you can use a dehumidifier
(try it with tea tree oil) but natural beeswax and soy
candles add a pleasant scent and help purify the air,
too.
bit.ly/SPSsmells
bit.ly/SPSsmells2

16. He had a broad face & a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby & plump, a right jolly old elf,
& I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye & a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
SPS Realty
Santa's trustworthy.
But if you find a fat guy in a red suit fingering your gifts
don't assume he's Saint Nick.
Three easy ways to secure your home and family.
1) Be clutter free. Throw away flyers and piled newspapers
as they suggest you're out of town.
2) Trim. Reduce foliage that covers windows and doors.
3) Alarm company decals or signs deter would be burglers.
bit.ly/SPSsecurity

17. Three gift ideas.
1) Even "move in ready" homes require unexpected repairs. Home
improvement help will be much appreciated, from DIY store gift cards to
specialty tools.
2) If a holiday move, your friends may need holiday decor to make it feel like
"home". Think wreaths, yard decor or any of your holiday faves.
3) A custom welcome mat will not only help keep a home clean, it makes a
statement about the home being "their's".
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
& filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
& laying his finger aside of his nose,
& giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
SPS Realty
Just in case Santa can't find the new homeowners...
help him out with some "Just Moved" related gifts.

18. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
& away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight
“Happy Christmas to all, & to all a good night!”
SPS Realty
Merry Xmas from our team to yours.

19. SPS Realty
All the Links in One Place
Page 3: Pest Control Tips
Page 4: Fireplace Style Updates
Page 5: Cool Ideas for Kids Bedrooms
Page 6: Noise Reduction Tips
Page 7: Cold Proof your Windows
Page 8: Make a Bench Border
Page 8: Ground Design in Yards
Page 8: Crafty Area Rug
Page 8: Painted Concrete
Page 9: Tree Hung Homemade Lanterns
Page 9: Rail Hung Jar Lanterns
Page 9: Walkways & Other Decor
Page 10: Porch Improvements
Page 11: Tips for Assessing Your Roof
Page 12: Tips for Fireplace Maintenance
Page 13: Healthy Homes
Page 14: Tips to Remove Lingering Smells
Page 14: Tips to Remove Lingering Smells
Page 15: Home Security Tips
bit.ly/spsPest
bit.ly/SPSfireplace
bit.ly/SPSkids
bit.ly/SPSnoise
bit.ly/SPSwindows
bit.ly/SPSbench
bit.ly/SPSgravel
bit.ly/SPSarearug
bit.ly/SPSstripes
bit.ly/SPSlantern3
bit.ly/SPSlights1
bit.ly/SPSlights2
bit.ly/SPSporch
bit.ly/SPSroof
bit.ly/SPSfire2
bit.ly/SPShealthy
bit.ly/SPSsmells
bit.ly/SPSsmells2
bit.ly/SPSsecurity
Twitter: @SPSrealtywww.SPSrealty.com Pinterest: /SPSrealty LinkedIn: sps-realty