Real Estate Information Archive

If your space feels a little cramped, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need more square footage.

There are minor design and decor choices that can make rooms look and feel larger — and you don’t have to spend much to achieve this illusion.

Are you planning to revamp your place or get your house ready to sell? Here are five ways you can make any room in your home feel more spacious.

• Use lighting wisely. Adding light is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel bigger. If there are windows in the room, you can increase natural light by opening blinds and curtains. You can also brighten a space with artificial lights, like lamps or chandeliers, if there are no windows.
  
  
• Hang wall mirrors. Mirrors reflect light and can make a space feel like it has more dimension. Big statement mirrors are best, but any mirror can help — even a couple of small ones as part of a gallery wall.
  
  
• Get creative with storage. Having loads of furniture in a space can make it seem smaller and more crowded. To prevent this, add built-in shelves, use vertical space and invest in furnishings with hidden storage space.
  
  
• Choose window treatments carefully. Heavy fabrics can shrink a space, making it feel more compact and confined. Instead, select light-colored, airy and sheer drapes and curtains that let in more light.
  
  
• Pick a light color scheme. Dark colors work like heavy fabrics. To enlarge a space, focus on lighter color palettes — whites, pastels, yellows and similar tones.

Home inspections, while not mandatory, are an important part of the homebuying process. They can help you spot potentially dangerous and expensive issues in a property before you buy it, which may be a valuable negotiating tool.

But home inspectors aren’t infallible, and they may miss things sometimes. So, how can you ensure the inspection goes smoothly and potential problems are identified? Here’s how:

• Use care when choosing your inspector. To make sure you get an experienced and qualified home inspector, ask for trusted referrals. Then, research the reviews and credentials for those inspectors. You can then call and interview a few before selecting someone to work with.
  
  
• Attend the inspection. We can attend the inspection together to ensure nothing is missed. We’ll walk the property with the inspector, asking questions as we go — but not getting in the way of their job. Once the inspection is done, you can ask for a quick run-through of any problematic areas they saw.
  
  
• Ensure they see the whole house. To truly assess a home’s condition, the inspector needs to go everywhere on the property. The seller should make sure the yard and doorways are clear so the inspector can physically evaluate everything in the home from top to bottom.
  
  
• Follow up with your inspector. Once you get the full inspection report, go through it carefully. If there’s anything noted that concerns or confuses you, call up the inspector and talk through it. You can also ask for a re-inspection if it feels appropriate.

It can be hard to prove that an inspector missed a problem — or that a seller knew about it — once you live in the home, so ensuring your inspection is done properly from the start is key.

Get in touch if you have more questions about homebuying or need help finding a trusted professional.

Remodeling your home can be a big (and stressful) undertaking. Fortunately, hiring a contractor who’s well-versed in the process can help alleviate some of that stress.

If you bring in a contractor, be diligent in your hiring. Get referrals, compare quotes and interview several candidates to make sure you get the best fit for the job.

Are you unsure how a contractor can help with your project? Here are four ways:

• They can handle all the permits. Many remodeling projects — even small ones — require permitting from the city. A contractor will know how to obtain these permits and what documentation is necessary for approval. And if you’re selling in the future, having project permits will be important to prove everything was done correctly.
  
  
• They can build a skilled team. You’ll likely need several workers (including specialized ones) if you’re doing a large project. An experienced contractor will know plenty of vetted professionals they can hire to help get the job done right.
  
  
• They can improve efficiency. A seasoned contractor wants to ensure your project stays on track and is completed on time; they should have paperwork to give you a timeline and other essential information. In addition, they’ll have a plan to divide up the tasks among workers to minimize mess and disruption.
  
  
• They could reduce your material expenses. Contractors typically have connections to local suppliers and material vendors. They may also get discounts for ordering in bulk (or for multiple projects at once) — all of which can help you save in the long run.

Reach out if you’re considering buying a new place rather than remodeling your current one.

Homes often get a lot of water exposure in the back half of the year due to storms and winter weather. And that doesn’t even include the internal issues that can cause water damage, like undetected plumbing problems.

It’s important to consider how that water could threaten your property: It can damage your roof, cause mold and mildew, and ruin your belongings.

These four steps can help prevent water damage to your home and everything in it.

1. Keep gutters and downspouts clear. Clogged gutters cause water and ice melt to build up instead of flowing out. This can cause damage to the roof and lead to expensive repairs.
   
   
2. Monitor water pressure and plumbing issues. It’s important to catch leaks and other plumbing problems early — before they cause serious destruction. You may want to consider installing a water leak monitor for your pipes; many come with handy apps that alert you of even the smallest leak or potential problem.
   
   
3. Make sure your roof and chimney are maintained. Get your roof and chimney inspected annually. Sometimes, just repairing a small area of the roof can make all the difference in a storm.
   
   
4. Keep an eye out for mold and mildew. Monitor your ceilings for signs of mold and mildew, which typically indicates a leak or deeper moisture issue at work. If you see anything remotely suspicious, call a plumbing professional to look at it.

Those in flood- or hurricane-prone areas should look into their options for a flood insurance policy — separate from homeowners insurance — that protects you in case of weather-related flooding.

If you want to learn more about homeownership or anything real estate-related, please get in touch.

Moving can be expensive, whether you’re headed a few miles away or across the country.

There are the costs to rent a truck, purchase packing supplies and possibly hire professional movers — all of which may be more expensive now because of inflation.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your costs if you plan ahead. Do you want to save money on your next move? Just follow these tips:

• Declutter and donate before packing up. There’s no sense in paying to move items you no longer want or use. Before you start packing or getting moving quotes, declutter your home. You can donate or sell anything you don’t actively use if it’s still in good shape. You might be surprised how much time and money it can save you later.
  
  
• Get creative with packing materials. Buying boxes, tape and other packing supplies can quickly increase your costs. Instead of purchasing these items, try to source them from neighbors, work or your local stores. You can also use towels, sheets and other linens (which need to be packed anyway) as DIY padding for fragile items.
  
  
• Shop around for professionals. Don’t go with the first truck rental or moving company you find. Get quotes from several providers and read reviews to ensure you’re getting good service with a trustworthy company — and at a reasonable cost.
  
  
• Pick your moving dates carefully. The cost of movers rises when they’re in high demand, so plan your move for a less popular time of the year, month and week. Typically, movers cost less in the fall and winter, in the middle of the month, and on weekdays (not including Fridays).

Are you hoping to find a new place to move to soon? Reach out today.

Is it me, or does life get a little more stressful in the fall? Whether it's schedules, finances, or the coming holiday season, things are just less relaxed than in other seasons. However, you can help keep things calm and less stressful with a few tweaks to your home decor. Here are five decorating tips for a stress-free home.

Let Natural Light Shine

Natural light will instantly make you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Let the light shine in and take in a bit of nature to have a calm home. Use skylights and windows to keep things bright.

Add a Touch of Nature

Did you know that looking at nature can lower your blood pressure? Add a few live plants to your home to reduce added stress. Don’t like plants? Photographs, prints, or nature paintings will bring a calming touch to your busy home.

The Right Chairs Make a Difference

Finding the right furniture goes a long way for comfort, but it also helps keep stress minimal. When looking for chairs, look for something big enough so that you can change position while sitting, move around the room easily, and have a taller back. Add a side table and a plant behind for a stress-free corner.

Paint Light Colors

Ultimate comfort and relaxation start with the colors on the wall. Dusty blue, sage green or other light colors help create a stress-free environment.

Declutter

There's nothing more stressful in a home than clutter. So take time to declutter and organize your home. Place items you use the most easily accessible and store items away that you don't use awesome. Less clutter will help your flow and keep your home stress free.

I hope these tips help you keep your home as relaxing as possible. If you need help reorganizing, I can connect you with a professional to help you organize your home. If you have questions about the current state of real estate or want to make a move this fall, I'm here to help. Reply to this email or give me a call.

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:

1. Focus on important rooms. If you don’t have time or want to spend enough to stage the whole house, focus your efforts on a few rooms. NAR’s staging report shows that buyers value staging most in the living room, main bedroom and kitchen.
   
   
2. Let some light in. Light (particularly natural light) opens up a space and makes it appear larger, so focus on light-reflecting colors and lightweight drapery. You can also add a few carefully placed mirrors to reflect even more light.
   
   
3. Consider the use of the room. You want buyers to envision themselves in the home, so focus on what each room is used for when staging. Show them what life could be like if they purchase the home: Set the table in the dining room, add a cozy throw blanket to the living room sofa, and turn on the reading lamps by the bedside.
   
   
4. Don’t forget outdoor spaces. Curb appeal is important, too. Spend time arranging your front door and porch, cleaning up the yards and making your home look more welcoming.
   
   
5. Keep it simple. Be wary of staging your home with too-trendy decor. Minimalist, neutral palettes are timeless, and they’ll ensure your home appeals to everyone who steps foot in it.

Want help selling your property? Get in touch so we can work together to make it stand out from the competition.

Are you thinking about a home remodel project this year? Before you start knocking down walls or hiring a contractor, you might want to think about a few projects that won’t require a big contract and heavy equipment. I want to share a few simple projects that will add value to your home and not break the bank.

When it comes to your home, your kitchen is the star of the show. Small projects to a kitchen can make your whole house seem updated. It also adds val​ue; you can recover between 53% and 72% of your costs.

• Add a backsplash

• Refinish your cabinets

• Update lighting

• Update faucets and fixtures

You don’t have to tear up the tile or rip out showers to add value when thinking of bathroom remodels. Instead, simple fixes add a big punch.

Easy Small Bathroom Updates:

• Fresh light fixtures

• Create more storage

• Update faucets

If you haven’t jumped on the Smart home technology train, it’s time to get on board. Adding smart home technology can increase the value of your home from 3%-5%.

In today’s busy market, many homebuyers have found themselves weighing options they would normally pass by. 

One of the more common compromises is to consider a home that needs some work.

On the plus side, fixer-uppers often come with lower prices, less competition and a lower-pressure sale on the whole. Still, they’re not without challenges.

Are you considering a fixer-upper? Here are five things to think about first.

1. You may need an alternative mortgage program. If you want to finance the home purchase and the renovations and repairs the property needs, you might consider loans like the FHA 203(k) loan or the Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan. Your loan officer can help you choose the best option for your purchase.

2. There may be appraisal and inspection issues. If the home is in disrepair, you might face challenges with your inspection or appraisal. This is especially true if you’re using an FHA, USDA or VA loan, as properties must meet strict requirements with these programs.

3. You should have a backup living space. You might not want to end your lease or sell your existing home just yet. If the property needs serious repairs or renovations, you’ll probably need to live off-site until they’re complete.

4. You may want to bring a contractor along when you tour the home. This will help you gauge what repairs might be necessary and how much they’ll likely cost.

5. Be prepared for problems below the surface. Not all issues will be visible in a fixer-upper. There may be major problems lurking below the surface (like mold or termites, for example) that won’t crop up until later. Make sure you leave wiggle room in your budget to account for these potential surprises. 

Fixer-uppers are just one of the many options you have when buying a home. Have questions or need more help with your homebuying journey? Reach out today.

Are you thinking about selling your home? 

Supply is low and demand is high right now, which means many sellers are seeing quick turnarounds and healthy profits.

Still, despite the hot market, selling a home isn’t easy. If you want the experience to be as smooth as possible, prepping early and enlisting help are key. 

Want to make sure you’re primed for a fast and profitable home sale? Here’s what you can do:

Focus on curb appeal. Curb appeal can make a huge difference, so spend time painting the shutters, power-washing the exterior and tidying up the landscaping to make sure your home catches buyers’ eyes.

Declutter and clean. Pare down your belongings and get the house looking cleaner than ever. You want it to be pristine for any listing photos and videos.

Have an exit plan. Showings can be tricky, especially if you have kids or pets. Make sure you have a plan for how you’ll keep the home clean, and know where you’ll go when a showing is scheduled.

Know your next steps. Where will you go after you sell? In a hot market, it may be hard to find a home to buy right away. Make sure you have a backup plan, like a friend’s house or a rental you can use in the meantime.

Prep for the costs. Selling isn’t free. You’ll need to budget for things like repairs, upgrades, staging costs and commissions. If you’re buying a new home, you’ll have additional costs, too.