Jul 22
2
Summer is a great time to improve your home’s exterior.
And whether you’re interested in enjoying your space a little more or you want to boost your home’s value, it makes sense to find inspiration by taking a look at what other homeowners are doing.
Are you thinking about updating your yard or patio this summer? Here are five popular trends to consider trying for yourself.
Install a workout or play area. Make the most of your property by building a swing set or sandbox, adding a horseshoe pit or investing in a small climbing wall or some gym equipment that the whole family can use.Â
Build a front yard social spot. Want a casual outdoor spot that’s welcoming to your friends and neighbors? Think about setting up a social area in the front yard, one with benches, swings and comfortable places to sit and chat.
Focus on backyard entertainment. For more private gatherings, focus on guest-friendly features in the backyard. Movie screens, fire pits and hot tubs are a few popular options.
Add an outdoor kitchen. Love to cook? Just want to eat alfresco? Install an outdoor pizza oven or invest in a smoker or grill. Be sure to set up a roomy (and durable) dining area, too.
Plant a vegetable or herb garden. It’s never too late to improve your landscaping with something functional. Consider planting a few of your family’s favorite veggies or herbs in a small garden out back.
Need some guidance on potential upgrades that can improve your home’s value? Thinking about a new property purchase instead? Get in touch today.
You’ll probably want to improve your home at some point.
It might be out of necessity if you need a new roof or fence — or you might want more space or additional amenities, like an updated kitchen or a swimming pool.
Whatever the reason for your projects, you’ll likely need some help paying for them.
Are you planning to make some improvements around the house soon? Here are four ways to cover the costs.
Are you considering buying a new property instead of doing updates? Or do you need a referral to a trusted loan expert? Get in touch today for assistance.
Homes can have safety issues that aren’t always obvious — problems that could endanger you and your family.
Fortunately, doing an annual safety audit of your property can help identify some of these hazards and allow you to remedy them before they cause larger problems. It may also help you to avoid using your home warranty or homeowners insurance.
Want to make sure your home is safe for you and your loved ones? Here’s a room-by-room breakdown of what to do.
Kitchen
If you have kids, make sure sharp knives and utensils are stored safely in a drawer. You should also check that your vent hood is working properly and that there’s a fire extinguisher within easy reach.
Bathrooms
Do your rugs have nonskid undersides that are in good condition? If not, replace them or add a nonskid mat underneath. You should also check that your electronics are kept away from water sources like the sink and tub.
Bedrooms
Make sure heavy furniture is secured to the wall or somehow anchored. This is particularly important if you have small kids who may be injured pulling down shelves or dressers.
Laundry Room
Regularly empty your dryer vent, and make sure the lint trap is clear after each load of laundry. These can both become fire hazards when clogged.
Living Room
If you have a fireplace, have it inspected by a professional annually. Adding a fire screen (if you don’t already have one) is also important. Be aware that area rugs can be tripping hazards, too.
If examining your property has made you realize that you’re ready to move on to your next home, get in touch so we can start the search together.
May 22
20
Housing decisions are never small. Where you choose to live impacts your budget, your job prospects and your social life.
And in the future, your home plays a major role in what your retirement might look like (financially and logistically).
For these reasons, housing decisions require plenty of careful consideration.
Want to be prepared to make the right choice when the time comes? Start here.
1. Should you build or buy?
Both building a new home or buying an existing one can be good choices. You’ll typically pay more for a new home, but it will likely need fewer repairs and have lower maintenance costs.
Existing homes, on the other hand, are usually cheaper upfront. They may come with more issues and potential repairs, though.
2. Is it better to move or to remodel?
There will typically come a time when you outgrow your first house. When this happens, you’ll need to decide whether updating (or expanding) that property is best or if you’re better off finding a new home instead.
Renovating will come with some hassle and mess, but if you love your location or your kids’ schools, it can be a smart choice. Buying a new property would allow you to change some of those foundational aspects — things like location, school district and community amenities.
3. Is it time to downsize?
As you age and your kids move out, you might consider a smaller house. Downsizing can reduce your monthly costs, free up cash flow and reduce the amount of cleaning and maintenance you need to do.
On the other hand, it may be hard to part with your long-standing home — both for you and your grown children. You’ll also want to think about things like your budget, long-term retirement plans, physical comfort and more.
Need help making a big housing decision? We’re here for you. Get in touch today to discuss your options.
May 22
10
We’re finally approaching summer: The days are getting longer, the sun is shining and the weather’s getting warmer — it’s the perfect opportunity to spend more time outdoors.
Is your backyard or patio ready for heavier use?
If not, there’s still time, and you don’t need to spend a lot to make it happen. Here are five great ways to upgrade your outdoor area as we close in on the summer months.
Are you looking for a home with plentiful outdoor space? Get in touch today to start your search.
You probably know that home inspections are often part of the home buying process.
But do you know why they’re so important — or what they mean for your home purchase or sale?
Home inspections can play a big role in whether your home buying (or selling) efforts are successful.
Are you hoping to buy or sell a house soon? Here’s what you should know about how a home inspection might impact your goals.
Inspections aren’t required. A home inspection is generally encouraged for buyers, but it’s not required. In a hot market, buyers might waive their right to an inspection to win a bidding war. But be careful: This could hurt you financially if you find yourself having to make large repairs and renovations.
The results can influence your deal — and your price. If the inspector finds issues, the buyer will often want to renegotiate. They might ask the seller to make repairs before closing or offer a lower price point to account for them. If they have an inspection contingency, a buyer can even pull out of the deal without losing earnest money.
You have to pay for an inspection. Home inspection costs vary by market and inspector, but they typically cost between $250 and $500 per property. Since the inspection is for the buyer’s benefit, they cover this cost out of pocket, usually as part of the closing costs.
Sellers sometimes get pre-listing inspections. By getting one before the home hits the market, sellers can identify any problems that could hold back their sale. In many cases, sellers are required to disclose any issues their inspector finds if they haven’t been fixed.
If you’re preparing to buy or sell a home, get in touch today to start working with an experienced real estate professional.
For many households, the kitchen tends to be one of the most-used spaces in the home.
It’s where you cook, entertain and have family dinner. And even when it’s not mealtime, the kitchen often becomes a gathering place for snacking, doing homework and spending time together.
Does your current kitchen live up to your expectations and meet your needs? If not, it’s time for a few upgrades. For inspiration, take a look at these trending renovation and remodeling projects.
Need more help deciding on value-building renovations? Considering buying a new home instead of remodeling? Get in touch today.
It seems like more and more people are investing in real estate lately. Is this the right time to try it for yourself?
If all goes well, investing in property can help you build wealth and generate passive income.
But this endeavor requires careful planning, of course, and not everyone is able to achieve the profits they’re looking for.
Are you considering venturing into the world of real estate investing? Here’s what to consider before getting started.
Define Your Goals
Are you looking for passive income? Long-term wealth? Or do you want a place you can rent out and occasionally use for vacationing? Your goal will ultimately determine the best investment strategy to pursue.
Set a Budget
How much can you afford to pay for the property? What about maintenance, repairs and other monthly costs? Have a good idea of the financials — both upfront and for the long haul — before making any moves.
Consider the Location
Real estate is all about location. You’ll want to choose where you purchase carefully, looking at market data like prices, rents and booking rates. (Reach out for help gathering this information.)
You should also consider how often you’ll need to be at the property. Will you need to pop by for repairs, or can you hire a property management company to do the work for you?
Prepare for Potential Challenges
There will likely be hurdles along the way, so do your best to anticipate them. What if a tenant stops paying rent or a short-term rental guest trashes your home? What if the property needs a big repair and you don’t have the cash? Create contingency plans for any issues you can think of.
Ready to find the perfect property to rent out or flip? Reach out to discuss what you’re looking for.
You never get a second chance to make a great first impression, so make the most of your home’s first impression by cleaning up the yard.
Over the course of a year, a lot of dirt, muck, and grit can collect on the exterior walls of a home—not to mention moss, mold, and mildew growth along brick walls.
If you have a garden with clearly defined borders, be sure to freshen those borders up. In addition, give your garden some attention and care:
If you don’t have a garden but would like to increase the curb appeal of your home by adding some plants, try adding flower pots or hanging plants outside!
Last but not least, if you have a fence, inspect it for any damage.
Apr 22
10
If you’re ready to get outside and get your hands dirty now that winter is over, there is nothing more rewarding than planting flowers. Planting some annuals that will give a pop of color to your yard is a great way to celebrate the spring. Here is our spring planting guide to give you a few ideas to kick-start your new spring flower bed.
Pansies
Pansies, or violas, are a great way to add color quickly to your garden. They come in a variety of shades of purple or yellow and can match any outdoor decor. They provide ground cover, generally not growing taller than a few inches, and prefer sun over shade as well as soil that drains well. You can plant them directly in the ground or in containers.
Petunias
There are dozens of petunia species, all with different colors and characteristics. They can tolerate pretty harsh conditions, except frost. That means it’s best to plant them after you’re sure the last frost has passed. Reds, purples and whites tend to be the most common colors for the flowers.
Geraniums
These flowers enjoy a more temperate climate and are good for either ground or container planting. They are perfect for hanging baskets, which accentuate your porch decor by adding color at eye level. There are many types of geraniums, but the annual flowers tend to be primarily purple.
Impatiens
Impatiens have become one of the most common garden annuals in the U.S. They come in bright, bold colors that can take your flower bed to the next level with yellows, oranges and bright pinks.
Phlox
This small annual flower is a great choice for filling in bald spots in your flower beds or containers. Most often found in shades of pink, white or purple, it’s an easy-to-keep annual that won’t take a lot of work to maintain.
Are you ready to plan your own spring flower beds? Call us today.
The housing market has stayed competitive for months, and if you’re like many property owners, you’ve probably thought about selling. But is this the right time?
Selling your home is a big decision, and pinpointing the perfect time to make your move can be challenging.
Here are a few questions to consider if you want to explore what it would look like to put your home on the market soon.
Has your lifestyle changed? Most homeowners outgrow a property at some point, or they find their needs have changed in some way. A property might be too small, you may want to downsize, or you might want different amenities.
Has your property increased in value? Homeowners have gained record-setting equity over the last few years. Determining your property value can give you an idea of your potential profits. Then, you can consider if you could put these funds to better use elsewhere.
Do you have another property or a plan for where you’ll go next? Be sure to keep the logistics and busy market conditions in mind if you’re buying and selling at the same time.
Have you discussed the details with everyone involved? Selling your house isn’t something you should do on the spur of the moment. This sale will mean big changes, both financially and in your day-to-day life, so be sure everyone in your household is on the same page.
Have you established your goals and communicated them clearly? When you’re ready, let’s discuss your needs and wants and create a plan that makes sense for you. Once clear goals are established, we can work together to find what you’re looking for.
Still not sure if it’s the right time to sell? Get in touch to discuss your options today.
Install a reading space, storage shelves, or a breakfast nook as recommended by our interior designers.
Don’t let a lack of square footage fool you the small corners and nooks in your home are teeming with design potential. “City dwellers know every square inch of a room is usable space,” says Cagney Krzywosinski of Hyphen & Co. “Corners are a spot that is often forgotten about and, in turn, end up collecting all your bits and bobs. To make the most of them, consider incorporating thoughtful surfaces and storage items.”
Unfortunately, finding shelves and other furnishings that are small enough to squeeze into a tight alcove can be tricky. “It’s easy to purchase the wrong size piece that is too large for the nook and makes your space look smaller,” explains Ella Hall, founder of Stitchroom. “You can solve that problem by filling the space with flexible pieces that are easy to move, like a small pouf or ottoman.”
Looking for more tips about how to transform a cramped corner or nook in your home into a fully functional space? We asked a few of our trusted interior designers for advice and they offered their clever solutions.
If you haven’t converted at least one corner of your home into a comfy reading nook, now is your chance to dive into all those books on your list. “Pair a petite accent chair with a slim side table for a makeshift reading spot,” says Sara Barney of BANDD DESIGN. “Use wall-mounted sconces for lighting to save space.” If there’s not enough room for a proper chair, that’s alright. Hall says a plush rug and a handful of floor pillows will do the trick. “Pillows are always great to have to use to prop up behind your back, lean against the wall, and settle into your reading nook,” she elaborates.
Why work from home on your sofa when you can forge a workstation in an unused corner of your home instead? “A floating desktop and a small chair can moonlight as an impromptu home office area,” says Kate Lester. “There are several stylish foldout tables on the market to free up floor space, and you can add in wall-mounted shelving or a narrow bookcase for storage.”
If a nook or corner is far too cramped for furniture, our experts suggest using the space to create extra storage. “Adding floating shelves to the walls will allow you to use the space for storage,” Barney says. If you don’t like the idea of showing off your storage in plain sight, she says you can use the shelves to display books, art, and other decorative accessories to ensure the space is functional.
If you love to garden but don’t have access to a yard, Michelle Lisac says a small corner or nook is a great place to display and care for low-light houseplants. “A large plant in an eye-catching decorative pot or basket is a stylish way to fill a corner,” she says. “You can also incorporate hanging planters and wall-mounted pots in the area to take advantage of vertical space.”
No proper dining area at home? No problem. Barney says you can convert a small corner into a bonafide breakfast nook in no time. “Pair a slender bistro table with a tall stool or chair to create a cute spot for sipping coffee,” she says. If you don’t have room for a freestanding table, use a wall-mounted one to score a breakfast bar-style setup.
Mar 22
18
Your kitchen might not be used just for eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many families use this space for homework, gathering, crafting and more. Keeping this space clean and clutter-free can feel like a losing battle. With a little planning and some tricks and tips, you can keep your kitchen neat and tidy.
Lets take a closer look at 5 simple steps.
1. Run Your Dishwasher at Night, Empty it in the Morning
Have you ever fallen into the trap of leaving dirty dishes in your sink for far too long? An easy way to handle this problem is to create a schedule to empty and fill your dishwasher. Run your dishwasher every night when you go to bed. Empty it in the morning while you make coffee, tea or breakfast. Then you can fill it immediately throughout the day rather than letting dishes pile up.
2. Assemble Your Supplies
When you begin to clean your kitchen, first get out all your supplies. This will save you time and also help you know where everything is. Have your surface cleaner, rags, sponges and whatever else you’ll need on the counter so you don’t have to dig under your sink to find what you need when you need it.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces
After every meal, wipe down the surfaces of your kitchen. It will be much easier to do each time throughout the day rather than to let things build up. Clean the counters and stove top immediately. You don’t have to do a deep clean for this step, just a simple wipe with soap and water is enough to cut down on the grease and grime, making it easier to do a full cleaning later.
4. Put Everything Away
If you used it, put it in the dishwasher. If you didn’t, put it back in the cupboard. Don’t let your kitchen counter or table become a catch-all for non-kitchen items either. It’s easy to dump mail on the table to deal with later, but any time you put something off, it becomes clutter and will be much harder to sort through in the future. Have a place for everything and put everything in its place.
5. Take Out the Trash
Don’t wait to take out the trash, either. Some people are willing to cram the trash can full to avoid taking it out, but that becomes a problem sooner rather than later. Instead, when you clean the kitchen after dinner, take the trash out right away. Not only will you avoid unpleasant smells but also you won’t attract bugs, which can become a menace.
Call us today to discuss the features you want in your dream kitchen.
Mar 22
15
You’re probably well aware that the real estate market is more competitive than ever (due to low inventory, among other things).
Still, it’s not a bad time to buy a house. Mortgage rates are low, home values are on the rise and, in many cases, buying is still more affordable than renting.
Are you considering purchasing a house in today’s fast-paced market? Here are five tips that can help.
Get preapproved. Applying for a mortgage preapproval is critical in a competitive market. Not only can it give you a good price range to shop in, but it can also help sellers feel more confident in your offers (and maybe even choose yours over others).
Be flexible. If you can be flexible on your closing date or willing to waive a contingency or two, it will often work in your favor. Sellers are looking for the easiest, most lucrative sale in most cases. We can discuss what makes sense for you when the time comes.
Make a decent earnest money deposit. Earnest money deposits are good faith deposits that indicate how serious you are about a home purchase. If the seller accepts your offer and you don’t follow through with the deal, they keep that cash.
Be prepared to bid more than the asking price. Consider searching in a lower-than-maximum price range so that you have room to bid upward if necessary. In many cases, you’ll need to increase your bid to compete with other buyers, so maxing out your budget from the start probably isn’t the best strategy.
Be patient (but stay alert). In the current conditions, you may not find what you’re looking for immediately. On the other hand, things could start moving quickly at any time. To find success, remember that communication and flexibility are key.
It can be challenging to buy a house in today’s market but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Reach out today if you need assistance.
Feb 22
13
You may have noticed that buying second-hand items has become popular. This practice reduces consumption, and up-cycling can be better for both the environment and your budget. If you have a home that was built in the 1920s, 1940s, or even the 1960s, you may want to preserve some of that history while still keeping the home livable and comfortable.
Here are some of the ways you can blend the old and the new in your home.
Repurpose Furniture
Whether you select hand-me-downs and family heirlooms or purchase worn pieces at thrift stores and flea markets, old furniture can make a real impact when used in the right way. You may not want to repurpose sofas or chairs without completely recovering them, but wooden furniture is more easily refinished and cleaned up.
Up-cycle and Redesign
A trend known as up-cycling uses older furniture and other discarded pieces to reinvent a like-new statement piece for your home. For example, people often use pallets as wood for shelves, small cabinets and tables. Check out local junk shops for items that can be completely repurposed and re-imagined.
Research the Era
Some people can take inspiration from the house itself. Is your home a working-class bungalow built-in the 1940s? Tons of styles can help you decorate your house preserving its history while updating it for modern use. Mid century homes, for example, are popular and people love including mid century design in these spaces.
Create the Right Balance
Ultimately, blending old and new is all about creating the right balance. Using a large statement piece but adding smaller more contemporary elements can give your home amazing personality and make it really pop. Look at the pieces you’ve collected and decide what the unifying theme is and play with that.
If you want to talk about the style you envision for your new home, call us today to learn more.
Feb 22
11
Are you ready to make the transition to a new home? Or at least take a few steps to get there?
If so, you’ll need to think about selling your current property, and you’re probably hoping to get the best price possible.
Renovations can be a great value booster. The right changes appeal to buyers and help you make a great return on your investment.
Here are four ways you might want to renovate before selling.
Preparing your home to sell is easier with an experienced professional in your corner. To learn more about value-adding renovations, or to start looking for a new property, get in touch today.
Did you know that your bedroom could be affecting your ability to sleep well at night? Your bedroom should be decorated with a good sleep in mind. If you’re not getting enough restful sleep, it may be time to redecorate. The following ideas can help you improve the mood in your bedroom to help you sleep better and wake feeling refreshed.
Get a Great Mattress
Good sleep starts with a good mattress. Old or uncomfortable mattresses can place pressure on the wrong parts of your body, making it impossible to get comfortable. You can visit a mattress store or check out some of the new space-age foam mattresses available online to find one that is right for you.
Choose Soothing Colors
The psychology of color is fascinating. Bold, energetic colors such as red, orange or yellow aren’t great for a bedroom. Instead, choose cool calming colors, such as blue or neutral tones. If you want a little color, you can add it with accessories.
Reduce Clutter
A cluttered room makes for a cluttered mind. If you want restful sleep, keep your bedroom organized. That means putting away clothes and ensuring that additional clutter doesn’t find its way into the bedroom.
Keep It Dark and Cool
Light and temperature also affect our sleep cycles. If you want to sleep well, make sure the room is dark at night. You may need room darkening shades if the rooms gets any ambient light from the street. You should also block out light from alarm clocks, computers and televisions when you are sleeping.
If you are ready for a great night’s sleep in a new home, call us today.
Jun 22
28
Staging Your Home
Staging is a vital tool when selling a property. The majority of buyer’s agents say staging can increase offers by anywhere from 1% to 20%, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors.
On a home listed at $400,000, that could mean up to $80,000 more.
Do you want to market your property better, or potentially fetch a higher sale price? Keep these staging tips in mind:
Want help selling your property? Get in touch so we can work together to make it stand out from the competition.