This article says 4 tsp. per gallon, but it doesn't specify crystals. I would think it would be the same, though. I'd mix in Murphy's Oil Soap mixture of 1/3 cup per gallon. BTW, if push comes to shove, you can buy copper sulfate crystals in the plumbing dept. at Home Depot and Lowe's. It's used to kill tree roots in sewer lines. Don't use it in septic tanks, though. Here is a link that might be useful: How to Use Copper Sulfate

The code changes your hearing about may be told to you in error Yarnoverboard. I don't know what state you live in or what building code is recognized there, but they're generally close when it comes to "Windows in a Sleeping Room". If your remodeling these rooms ad not altering any of the openings, your up to code without incident. If your making any kind of structural change you might have to make changes and bring the openings up to code. The International Residential Code (IRC) which I have to abide by here in MN say: R310.1.5 Replacement windows. Replacement windows installed in buildings meeting the scope of the International Residential Code shall be exempt from the requirements of Sections R310.1.1, R310.1.2, and R310.1.3 if the replacement window meets the following conditions: The existing height and width net clear opening shall not be reduced by more than 2 inches (51 mm) in either dimension; The rooms or areas are not used for any Minnesota state licensed purpose; The window is not required pursuant to the Minnesota Fire Code; The sleeping room is not undergoing an addition, remodeling, or a change in occupancy; and The window is not required to be replaced pursuant to a locally adopted housing, property maintenance, or rental licensing code. You may want to check into your local codes before throwing your windows out!

RE: Motivation Personally I'd say that you need to look inside yourself at what you want (why you're selling the house) instead of where you are. I'm trying not to be too cold here but you really need to get over the motivation issue and just "get 'er done" If you're suffering motivational issues then you need to drop the price and get the deal over with. For example, if I said I'd have your house sold in a month but you'd need to pay X amount out of pocket, what would be the maximum X amount that you'd accept....there's your number. RE: House Condition This is a problem, people are looking for a home in most cases, no a house (investors or single people would be the exception). Would you want to buy a messy home? Surely you've read all of the tips on selling and have implemented all of them. A few of the bigger 'violators' that I've seen: remove personal effects (photos, family heirlooms, etc) RE: Showings Keep in mind that you can say no. I'd be frank with realtors and ask if they've prequalified their buyers and why they want to look at your place. Be warned however that some realtors will be offended and might not show your place in the future. If you agent has it together they should be making follow-up calls to their showing agents and ask why their buyers didn't want the place and what would need to happen to get an offer. Our realtor did this with our place and he was one of the best I've seen. What does a market analysis look like for comparable homes in your area? RE: Listing If the house is as large as you say I'd look for homeschool or other groups that have large families in your area and ask if you could forward the listing information to their email distribution list or drop off some flyers. Some of these organizations tend to be close knit and information will get around fast. RE: Contract Make the contract time as short as possible. There are many buyers holding out for 'the big drop' and the longer you wait the worse it will get as people see longer times on the market. Start of '07 with a bang and get it sold......

It's a so called Tuscan trend(which I'm also not a fan of-after having spent years in Mediterranean, this spells a bit fake to me; but many used to love it/love it still) Anyway, don't do anything contrasting..colors that belong to same range..warm, somewhat muted..from creams to light browns..that's actually a very big range of colors..linen, bone, tans, taupes, some golden yellows..choose these for paint, and you can be freer when decorating. I had the same pallette in my previous space(not everywhere; and the kitchen wasn't open but was kinda in the back of the house so didn't bother me that much)-and it didn't prevent me from using many many other colors I love. It's true that I prefer warmer, murkier colors..so was easier..but I still was able to work in so many colors, I added as I lived there, becoming more confident with time, so it bossed me around, this scheme, to a degree-but not enough to make me unhappy. Plants and art and fabrics you love-they'll make your house your beloved home more than this or that tile.