Winter Staging: How to Make Your Home Look Beautiful when It's Miserable Outside

When the weather outside is frightful, you may feel anything but delightful if you're hoping to attract potential homebuyers. When you're staging a home for sale, you want to make it as appealing as possible - especially during the winter months. Even if the outdoors aren't exactly in your favor, you can still create an unforgettable interior that will leave everyone impressed and longing for a second look.

Embrace The Season

Winter has an allure all its own, so take advantage of that when deciding on your staged decor. Catch the seasonal spirit and place festive accents throughout the home like Christmas trees, ornaments and holiday vignettes. This evokes a pleasing "home for the holidays" feel and will delight anyone who steps foot into your house.

Although there are many possibilities for wintertime decorations, be sure your choices are tasteful, but not overdone. Too many blinking lights or faux wreaths can look tacky, so use your best judgment as you decorate. The age-old adage, "less is more" rings quite true in this scenario.

Keep It Clean

In the colder months, it's all too easy to drag the outdoors in. If you live in an area prone to snow, you're no stranger to the inevitable mess brought on by a winter storm. Keep entryways clean and clutter-free, and provide a sturdy mat on which visitors can wipe their shoes. Vacuum up any dirt or residue and give the area a quick tidying-up with a sweeper-mop before showings.

Warm It Up

Few things are more welcoming than a warm, cozy home. Just as you layer your clothing in the winter, try applying the same concept to your furniture with extra throw pillows and blankets. Create an inviting mood with scented candles placed tastefully around the home. Choose rich scents like cinnamon and vanilla that fill the air without being overpowering.

If you have a fireplace, take the opportunity to fire it up and enjoy the crackling ambiance. Visitors will be sure to envision themselves huddled around the blaze on a cold winter's night - and that's just what you want them to do.

If you need additional tips for staging a home during the winter, an experienced real estate agent can make an excellent resource. Many will be happy to come to your home and offer suggestions to ensure you get the best possible results.

Moving This Winter? Here Are 5 Relocation Tips That Will Help Ease the Stress of Moving

Moving is not exactly enjoyable at any time of the year, but it can be especially stressful in the winter. Moving all of your items when it is snowing and blowing outside makes things a lot tougher. However, if you prepare accordingly and have the right attitude, you'll find that your move will go much smoother. Here are five relocation tips that will help ease the stress of a move.

Do not Pack Your Winter Supplies

When you are moving in the wintertime, you should keep your winter supplies, such as a snow shovel and salt, in the car with you. For example, let's say you get to your new place and there is a lot of snow on the ground. If you have your shovel nearby, you can dig out a path from the driveway to the front door. If you see ice on the ground, you can sprinkle salt on it to prevent falling and hurting yourself.

Pay Attention to the Weather

It is a good idea to watch the weather reports the day of your move. If they are predicting a big snowstorm or other dangerous conditions, it may just be best to reschedule your move to a different day.

Hire Movers

Hiring movers will cost some extra money, but it will be well worth it. If you hire professional movers to move your belongings, you will not have to worry about carrying heavy furniture in the snow and ice. They have the experience to get your items moved in a timely manner.

Get Your Car Serviced

If you are moving a long distance, you should get your car serviced beforehand. Take it to a trusted mechanic and have him check your tires and brakes. If you let a professional look at your car before your move, you will be less likely to break down on the road.

Protect Your Entryways

When you move in the winter, you can bring in a lot of snow and salt from the outside, damaging your floors. That is why you should place cardboard or plastic on your flooring before you start the moving process. It will prevent snow, ice and other particles from ruining your floors.

Moving during the winter is not exactly pleasant, but it does not have to be impossible. If you follow these helpful tips, you will have a much easier move. If you have any more questions, you should contact our trusted real estate professional today.

Don't Be That Guy or Gal: 3 Easy Ways to Ruin Your Relationship with Your Real Estate Agent

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home? If you don't know a real estate agent or have a referral to one, you may end up working with someone unfamiliar who you will need to build a relationship with. Of course, as with any relationship there's always a chance that things can go sour.

In today's blog post we'll share three easy ways that you can ruin the trust and rapport that you've built with your real estate agent.

#1: Lie or Embellish the Facts

When you ask a real estate agent to represent you in the home buying or selling process they're going to need accurate information to help you make the best decisions. Lying or embellishing the facts can cause significant issues and should obviously be avoided.

For example, if your agent asks you how much you can afford for your new home, give them an accurate figure based on your mortgage pre-approval, your income and your current financial situation. If you're selling your home and your real estate agent asks you about the home's maintenance history, be honest and don't try to cover anything up.

#2: Cheat on Them with Another Agent

Once you have a real estate agent searching for that perfect new home, they may need to expend quite a bit of effort in order to find exactly what you're looking for. Imagine how hard they would work if they discovered that you're having another real estate agent perform the same job, but only one of them will be paid for their work?

Don't cheat on your real estate agent. If you feel that your agent is doing a poor job or you could find someone better, let them know. It's better to move on than to have professionals working behind each other's backs.

#3: Fail to Be Trusting or Respectful

If you fail to show trust and respect for your real estate agent you can rest assured they're not going to bend over backwards to help you squeeze out that extra discount or get your home sale closed as quickly as possible. Treat your real estate agent as you wish to be treated and they'll be more than willing to do their job.

Buying or selling, an experienced real estate agent is the best way to ensure that your transaction goes according to plan and that you accomplish your goals. When you're ready to discuss buying a new home or selling your current one, contact your real estate agent and they'll be happy to assist. Don't forget to keep the above points in mind!

Selling Your Home? Give Your Bathrooms a Facelift with These Three Quick Tips

Are you getting ready to sell your home? As soon as your listing goes live you'll begin entertaining potential buyers who will be inspecting your home from top to bottom to ensure it meets their needs perfectly. Your bathrooms will be a key area of focus and you might be surprised to learn that the look and feel of these small rooms can make or break a sale.

In today's blog post we'll share three quick tips for renovating or upgrading your bathrooms to freshen up their look before potential buyers start viewing your home.

Clean Your Bathroom Out and Start Fresh

Before you begin, take a close look at your bathroom. Is there wallpaper on the walls? Are the sinks and faucets a bit dated and stained? Does the bathtub have a crack in it or is there some discoloration in the tiles or grout?

If your bathroom hasn't been renovated in the past few years, there's a good chance that the entire room needs a top-to-bottom overhaul. Clean all of the fixtures, materials, cabinets and even that dated flooring out and start from scratch.

Choose Your Color Palette Wisely

Before you begin you'll want to have some sort of color palette in mind. Does the bathroom receive some sort of direct sunlight? Is there a skylight or a window in the room? Is there a color theme in other rooms in the house that you'll need to match up with? Having some color ideas in mind will greatly assist with painting and adding shower curtains, mats, towels and more.

Don't Skimp on Fixtures and Accessories

Remember that you're selling the home and that you're likely to recoup some or all of the costs of your bathroom renovations in the form of a bump in your selling price. Don't buy cheap faucets or fixtures as buyers will be looking closely and they'll want to ensure they're buying a home that has quality building materials used throughout. If you're going to upgrade your bathrooms, use materials that are high-quality but avoid anything too luxurious unless it fits with the rest of the decor.

Breathing some new life in to your bathrooms won't break the bank, but it might just help secure your home sale. For more tips and strategies on how to ensure a quick and successful sale, contact your local real estate agent today.

Yard Staging: How to Stage Your Front and Back Yard to Appeal to Home Buyers

Whether you're just listing your home for sale or you've already started entertaining potential buyers, focusing on your "curb appeal" can drastically increase your chances of a quick and successful sale.

In today's blog post we'll discuss how to stage your front and back yards in order to make them seem more inviting and welcoming to home buyers.

It All Starts with a Great Lawn

Whether you're standing on the street looking at the front of your home or you're on your patio looking out over your back yard, your lawn sets the tone and is one area that potential buyers are sure to focus on.

You'll want to ensure that your lawn is very well-kept, with no weeds, dandelions or patches of clover breaking up the continuity of the grass. You'll also want your lawn to be a healthy green, unless you're in an area which has some seasonal turnover or your community has watering restrictions.

Use Gardens to Add a Splash of Color

Once the lawn looks incredible, it's time to move on to your gardens and other landscape features. Gardens are the best way to add a vibrant splash of color to your yard and they can be used to accessorize the front or back of your home to break up the monotony.

Choose flowers or plants that are in season for your area to ensure that they are healthy while potential buyers are driving past and viewing the home. Also, keep in mind that most of the time, less is more; don't overdo your gardening or you'll have a small jungle on your hands.

Make Your Backyard Feel as Inviting as Possible

Your backyard will be a major selling feature for many different types of homebuyer - especially those with children. You'll want to ensure that your backyard feels as inviting as possible. If you have a deck or patio, ensure that you have furniture and your BBQ tastefully arranged so the buyer can picture themselves hosting friends and family.

Staging your front and backyards is just one of the many tasks that you'll need to take care of in order to prepare your home for a successful sale. For more information about how to prepare your home, contact your local real estate agent today and they'll be able to share expertise that is specific to your local community.

3 Signs It's Time To Lower The Price On Your Real Estate

Selling your home or property in a slow real estate market isn't easy, but it can be done. Pricing your property right is the key to selling it within a reasonable amount of time.

Sometimes this means lowering your price while it's on the market. Of course, you want to get as much money as possible, so how do you know when it's time to lower your asking price?

No One Is Looking At Your Home

If you expect your home to sell, you need to have people look inside it. Most buyers search for homes within a certain price range. If you aren't getting any showings, chances are it's because your home is overpriced compared to other homes in the area. In this case, you may need to lower your price so buyers will look at your home.

Comparable Homes Are Selling For Less

Your home will sell for whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it. If the homes around you are selling for less than your asking price, it may be time to lower it. No one is going to pay more for your home when they can get the same thing for less.

Pay attention to what homes are selling for in your community and adjust your price accordingly.

You Are Getting A Lot Of Negative Feedback

Buyers are a great source of information about other homes in your price range. After all, they're spending their free time looking at countless homes similar to yours.

Your real estate agent can find out exactly what buyers think of your home. Perhaps homes comparable to yours have updated kitchens or more attractive landscaping. With this knowledge, you can choose to either remodel or lower your price.

Call or email me if you have any questions. I can help you sell your home or property in any real estate market.

How You Can Get The Full Selling Price You Want For Your Home

When it comes to selling your home and getting the full selling price you want, there are certain tactics and methods you can employ to ensure that this wish becomes a reality.

Avoiding the commonly made mistakes that end up lowering the value of your home and discouraging people from viewing it is ultimately the key in getting top dollar, as well carrying out the showings and sale of your home in a professional manner.

Listen to the professionals, and make sure you employ these real estate sale methods to get your desired number on your home sale.

Listing Tactic: Adding A Buffer

Always dependent on the type of market you find yourself in, a common and successful tactic in getting the price you really want for your home is adding a buffer on the list price.

This means that if you want $500,000 for your home, you should list your home somewhere around $510,000 to $520,000 to allow for some negotiating room. Even if you'd prefer not to negotiate, the majority of buyers will always assume that you have room to come down on the price, and will put in their offers accordingly.

Overpricing: Avoid At All Costs

With that being said, you don't want to overprice your home too much so as to discourage potential buyers from looking at it, or to put your home outside of a financial bracket. Make sure you speak to your trusted real estate advisor on exactly what the right list price should be to obtain your desired value.

Increase Desire: Have Your Home Staged

In order to get the price you want for your home, you need to make a good impression on the prospective buyers. Having your home professionally staged can dramatically increase the amount of interest you receive on your home, perhaps even creating multiple offers - which is the best situation a home seller can be in!

Appeal To Online Shoppers With Professional Photos

With so much of today's modern real estate shopping happening online, you want to ensure that your home has a strong online presence with professional photos and a digital floor plan available to prospective buyers. Also make sure that all information online is full and complete, and presents your home in the best light possible.

Always Say Yes To Open Houses And Showings

Especially in a hot market, you want to ensure that you leave your home empty for your realtor on weekends so that they can hold it open to the public. This is especially important early on in your list date so that the buyers on the market who are ready to make a move can see your house right away.

You should also apply the same importance to showings, and ensure that each showing request is promptly responded to with an easy "yes."

If you put these tactics into your home selling plan, you will find that it will be much easier to obtain more interest from buyers. And with more interest, it will be much more likely that you will be able to obtain the price you want for your home.

So don't underestimate the importance of these factors, and discuss them today with your trusted real estate professional. 

Stage Your Home For Spring: Tips For Using The Season To Your Selling Advantage

Spring has arrived! The flowers are blossoming, the greyness of the sky is clearing, and the air is warming. The best season to sell your home is here, and with the added natural light and blossoming colors, you can easily take advantage of the benefits of spring when it comes to selling your home.

Make sure to show it for all it's worth, and follow these simple tips for staging your home in spring that will make your home the one listing that buyers can't resist.

Fresh Flowers: Put Mother Nature To Work

Nothing says spring like fresh-cut flowers. Bring the beauty of nature inside your home and brighten up your space with fresh flowers. You can get colorful tulips, lilies, and other flowers for use in your kitchen table centerpiece, as well as smaller arrangements for around the house.

There's no reason why a bouquet can't brighten up your master bedroom or entryway, either. Orchids also make for lovely decorative pieces, and are best for bathrooms or anywhere that's suitable to a smaller flower.

Add that extra intrigue to your entryway with colorful flowers in hanging baskets, and tidy up your front garden with some new colors, all while making the prospective buyers much more enthusiastic about entering your home.

Get That Spring Feel With A Light And Airy Home

To make the most of the spring season, make sure you use the added light and the warmth of the air. Open up the windows and lift all the blinds in your home, and consider scheduling showing times during the time of day when the sun shines brightest.

Decorative Colors: Brighten Up Your Home

You can also further take advantage with the colors of spring by adding pops of color to your living room, dining room, and kitchen. Consider hanging colorful drapes or adding a decorative throw and couch pillows.

Some new and inexpensive artwork for the walls can also be an inventive way to bring color into your home, while creating a warm and inviting space that the buyer will love.

It's Time For Spring Cleaning

Just because you're selling your house this year, doesn't mean you get to excuse yourself from spring cleaning. Actually, partaking in this annual event can be a great way to sell your home faster. A clean home tells buyers that you have taken great care of the property and helps them to envision themselves living in the space.

Get out the pressure washer and rid your front steps and driveway of the remnants of winter, clean out the gutters, and give the floors and bathrooms a scrub. Consider an early packing job, and box up your winter clothes to help create the appearance of well-organized and spacious closet space throughout the home.

Spring is a great season in which to sell your home. You can easily take advantage of the warmer weather and bright colors to make your house more attractive to potential buyers, which will help you sell faster and get a higher price.

With an airy, clean and flower-filled home that bursts with color, you'll be able to persuade buyers that your home is the perfect place for them - and you'll be glad you put in the extra effort. For more great advice about selling your home in the spring, or to list your home for sale, call your trusted real estate professional today. 

How To Pick The Right Type Of Fence To Skyrocket Your Home Appeal

When it comes to choosing a fence for your home, you should always consider the style of your home itself. If you end up choosing a fence that compliments your home and works cohesively with the style, you can easily skyrocket the value of your home by adding to its curb appeal.

So whether you're selling your home or just in search of ways to add to its aesthetic, here are some fencing options for various styles of homes.

For the Contemporary Home: Horizontal Wood Fence

If you have a contemporary, ultra-modern home, you certainly want to be careful when choosing the type of fence to install. Be sure that the fence you go with is just as modern as the home itself.

A wise choice might be to go with the classic stained wooden fence, but opt for the more modern, contemporary version with horizontal wood instead of vertical. The right stain can provide an attractive contrast to the white siding or glass that makes up the exterior of your modern home.

Commonly these kinds of fences provide added privacy for the modern glass that likely encompasses your contemporary abode.

For The Colonial Home: White Picket Fence

If you have a colonial home that is representative of the classic American residence, a classic white picket fence might be just the right choice. These modest and low-laying fences can offer just the contrast needed to make your house "pop" against its neighbors, instantly skyrocketing your home's appeal.

Typically these types of fences are made of wood and painted white, with a charming gate and walkway that leads to the front entrance of the home. This acts to highlight the home's entrance as the focal point as well, giving your home an added visual aesthetic.

For practicality, however, you can opt for vinyl fencing that is virtually identical to the wooden white picket fence, but does not require painting or repainting. Vinyl may initially cost more than wood, but being much easier to maintain, would likely be more cost-effective over time.

For The Bungalow: Ornamental Metal Fence

If you have a single or two-story bungalow house, you want to ensure that you don't install a fence that will take away from the home's visual appeal or be too overwhelming for the home's stature to handle. Often the perfect addition to this kind of humble abode is a simple, ornamental metal fence.

This low-maintenance fencing was traditionally made of cast iron metal, but commonly today the same design in fencing is composed of powder-coated, galvanized steel or aluminum, or sometimes a combination of both. This can be the perfect solution for you bungalow, and one that requires little upkeep too.

Bringing up your home's appeal while adding to the feeling of privacy when you are enjoying your home itself is certainly a project worth taking on. With the various options and styles available to you, you are sure to find a fence that is perfectly suitable for your house, creating a higher appeal for potential buyers and drawing more admiring glances from your neighbors.

For more information on fence styles that are perfect for your home, contact your trusted real estate professional today.

Staging Your Home For Sale? Follow This Easy Guide And Find Success!

If you are going to be staging your home for sale in the near future, you will most likely want to do it as professionally and successfully as possible to get the best sale price.

Many owners have to put a lot of money into their home before they can sell it, and some even invest in a staging expert to come to their home and do an assessment before they put it on the market.

You don't have to spend too much on getting your home ready, though, and you can do a lot of it yourself. Consider these basic staging tips when you are going to stage your home.

Clean Your Home From Top To Bottom

While you would most likely clean your home before you attempt to sell it, if you really want your sale to be successful, clean every single thing in the home. This includes steam cleaning the carpets, washing and waxing the floors, getting the grout and grunge out of the tiles and more.

If you don't have the time or energy to do it yourself, you might want to pay for a professional home cleaning service so you can guarantee cleanliness.

Give Your Home One Basic Hue

If you are going to be selling your home, there are some colors that may put off potential buyers. If you have rooms in colors like fire engine red or bright mint green, the buyer may be put off with just one glance. Choose one soft color and paint the whole home.

You may require a professional painter's advice and help in this area if you have no eye for design or if you do not possess any color coordination techniques.

Say No To Clutter

This is a very important (and yet very basic) step. Get rid of the clutter in your home. If you have loads of newspapers, magazines, mini statues and miscellaneous junk sitting around your home and on coffee tables, clear it off.

Put it away in storage boxes so you can take it when you move - or do some spring cleaning and get rid of everything you don't need. Show as much counter space as you possibly can, as this will better represent the space.

Potential buyers can quickly change their yes to a no when they enter the home that they first adored from the outside, only to see clutter everywhere. Logically, everyone knows a home will be emptied before selling, but the clutter can ruin the whole feeling of purchasing a new home.

Perform Some Minor Repairs

If you notice scratches, rips, blotches or any broken items in the home, try to fix them yourself or hire a professional handyman service. Repairing your home before a sale will definitely improve your home's appearance and value, making it more appealing to the buyer.

Selling a home is often a challenge, but with a little bit of hard work, you can turn your home into a move-in ready paradise for potential buyers. You'd be surprised what a thorough cleaning and a new coat of paint can do for a space. For expert assistance with home staging, contact a knowledgeable real estate professional near you.

Common Details Buyers Overlook When Viewing A Home

When you are looking at a potential home to buy, it's important to pay attention to the details so that you can ensure that you are making the right choice. However, many home buyers will get so caught up in the excitement that they will miss certain important things that they need to know about the property.

If you are buying a home, make sure that you don't miss any of these commonly overlooked details:

Do The Appliances Work?

Take the time to test the major appliances in the home to make sure that they are functioning properly. This is a very likely flaw that is often overlooked in a home inspection.

It is a good idea to ask your home inspector to run every appliance through its full cycle to make sure that there are no problems.

What Are The Neighbors Like?

Many home buyers forget to figure out who the people are who live next door and what they are like, which can really backfire later on.

Perhaps your quiet neighborhood is disturbed by the sounds of partying late into the night, or your neighbor will let their free-range cats destroy your garden. Ask around the neighborhood to learn more about the people living next to you and what they are like.

How Many Outlets Does The House Have?

When you do a walkthrough of a house, you probably don't notice the number of electrical outlets in each room. However, this is important because many older homes will have fewer outlets and these days the average family has many more electronics.

If your home doesn't have enough outlets for your television, computer and other gadgets, an electrician will need to come and add more – costing you a lot of money.

Are There Are Water Spots?

It's easy to miss water spots, because they will often blend in with the color of the walls or ceiling. However, these spots will indicate that there has been a leak that has not been properly repaired, which will lead to many more problems including more leaks and mold. When you are looking at your potential home, always inspect carefully for water spots in kitchens, bathrooms, attics and basements.

These are just a few of the common details that home buyers will overlook when they are looking at a potential home to buy. For more info and tips about buying a home, contact your trusted real estate professional.

Sell A Home, While Managing Your Stress

When we are going through a difficult and stressful time, our bodies naturally react to the situation. This "fight or flight" reaction to stress makes us more alert and ready to avoid danger, so it is helpful in the moment.

However, if you are in a constant state of stress on an ongoing basis, this can be very damaging to your health and can increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, depression and other problems.

Chronic stress can also result in insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain and much more – as well as emotional issues such as panic attacks, anxiety and worry.

This is why learning to manage your stress is crucial to your health. Many people try to manage their stress by overindulging in unhealthy substances, such as tobacco, drugs and alcohol.

However, by managing stress in this way you are actually making the problem worse because you are contributing to the stress on your body.

So what are some of the healthy ways that you can manage stress?

Express Your Feelings

A lot of stress comes from being angry or upset about a situation, but keeping your thoughts and feelings inside. You can relieve that stress by sharing your feelings and expressing how you feel.

Take Time To Relax

No matter how busy and chaotic things might be, take time for yourself to recharge and relax. Even if it's only 20-30 minutes per day, having a bath, reading a book or going for a walk – it will really help to keep you calm.

Get Some Exercise

The act of exercising is a great stress reliever because it encourages your brain to produce feel-good chemicals such as endorphins. Also, your body will be better able to fight stress when it is in good shape.

Make Sure You Get Sleep

When there are a lot of demands on you, it can be tempting to want to skip sleep so that you can get more things done. However, when you are sleep deprived you will actually be much less effective and you won't be able to handle stressful situations as well. Make sure that you go to bed at a reasonable time and get the sleep you need.

Speak To A Friend

Having a close friend who you can discuss your issues with can be a huge help when you are feeling stressed. Even if they can't solve anything, it is simply helpful to have someone who listens, cares about how you are feeling and offers some encouraging words.

Managing your stress is crucial to your health, so make sure that you keep these tips in mind when things start to get overwhelming.

What's Your Home's Real Value?

As a society, it seems like we've gotten away from appreciating our homes for their emotional and sentimental worth. Instead, we focus solely on their monetary value. 

An Appraiser Can Estimate A Home's Monetary Value, But To Gain A True Concept Of Your Home's Worth, You Must Also Take Into Consideration:

1. Pride Of Ownership. You don't buy a pair of Prada shoes because you're going to be able to resell them and make a profit. You buy them because they make you look good and feel good.
2. Security And Stability.Your home provides a roof over your head that's in your control. You can decorate it how you want. You don't have to worry about a landlord selling the property or asking you to move out. In the "olden days" (or should I say "golden days"), we called our homes our castles because, as owners, we felt like the kings and queens of our homes. You can still feel that way! Claim your castle and crown yourself king or queen today.
3. A Safe Haven.After a tough day at work or a day of disappointments, where's the first place you think of going?  Home! As Dorothy says, "There's no place like home."
4. A Place To Make Memories.  Your son's tree house and daughter's playhouse. The markings on the wall that tracked your children's growth. The porch swing where you start and end every anniversary celebration.    
5. A Neighborhood Full Of Friends. In the event of an emergency, your neighbors are your first line of defense. They're also the simplest, best and least expensive form of security. Additionally, they may have the exact tool you need for a project; the extra pair of hands you need to complete a project or children to become playmates with yours. Neighbors also give you that much needed in-person, up-close social network.

Even if your home's economic value has dropped, you continue to benefit from its emotional values of community, stability, security and success.

Thinking of buying a home? I can help you evaluate the emotional and monetary worth of homes and find a home that fits your values and lifestyle. Give your trusted real estate professional a call today.

Dine In Style, Kitchen Design Dos And Don'ts For 2014

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms of your home. It is where you prepare all of your meals and it is often a hub of family activity. When you host a party, the action often ends up in the kitchen.

Where drinks and snacks are enjoyed into the early hours of the morning. It's crucial that your kitchen functions well because you will use it every day, but you also want to make it beautiful and stylish.

Renovating and decorating your kitchen can also be one of the best ways to increase the resale value of your home. If you are planning on a kitchen makeover:

Here Are Some Dos And Don'ts To Keep In Mind:

• Don't forget to consider the proportions of everyone who will use the kitchen. Don't choose kitchen stools that are too high for your kids to sit on, or cabinets that your wife cannot reach.
• Think carefully about storage space. What do you need to store and how much room do you need? You might want to store away your blender and toaster and other small appliances as well, so that they don't have to clutter up the counter all the time.
• One of the hottest trends of 2014 is a simple and elegant white and cream kitchen. A neutral color like this can be accented with vibrant splashes of color, such as a bright fruit bowl or a wall hanging. If you are selling your home, a neutral tone will appeal more to the majority of buyers.
• Another popular trend is green and environmentally sustainable elements within the kitchen. Recycled, renewable and energy-efficient products are in abundance at the moment and these options will not only save you money, they will be much better for the environment.
• Instead of placing your microwave on the counter, it makes a lot more sense to fit it in seamlessly with your cabinets. This will allow you to free up counter space in your kitchen.
• Be careful not to over design – it's a common decorating mistake. Keep things simple and know when to stop, so that you don't have a kitchen that looks overwhelming and cluttered.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind if you are giving the kitchen of your home a makeover for 2014. For more helpful tips and information, contact your trusted real estate professional.

4 Tips On Hosting A Cozy Open House

The weather is starting to become a little too crisp for outdoor barbecues and camping. When Mother Nature goes into hibernation, then it's time to move the party indoors.

Whether you're looking to show off your new digs or have just listed your home on the market, winter is the perfect time to host an open house.

You want this to be a fun event that is as stress-free as possible. So plan ahead and don't go too crazy. With a little furniture rearranging and a casual menu, you can plan a special evening that everyone will enjoy. Below are a few party tips to help get you organized.

Invitations

Get personal and send out invitations — not just an Evite. Hand-deliver them around your neighborhood. If you're listing your home for sale, then give a stack to your real estate agents to pass along to other brokers that might have interested clients.

Clearly print a start and finish time to the open house. You don't want strangers outstaying their welcome.

Furniture Arrangement

Hosting a festive get-together requires some furniture rearranging. You want to have open floor space for mingling that is interspersed with seating areas. It might be wise to declutter by putting some of your larger furniture in the basement.

Lighting

Try to use as little overhead lighting as possible. Turn on lamps in each room, especially around seating areas. Light unscented candles in places that are clear of accidental bumping. This will create soft, cozy glow within your home.

Food And Drink

Keep the food and drink simple. Warm apple cider and coffee along with appetizers and dessert should be sufficient. Also, place your buffet at the end of one a room, so it doesn't block any entryways. Put the bar close to the entrance, so guests can grab a drink in case you're occupied and can't introduce them around.

A winter open house is the perfect way to surround yourself with all you favorite people. Or, it can be the best method for highlighting a house you're hoping to sell. Follow the tips above to create a fun and cozy atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home.

4 Staging Tips For Your Vacant Land For Sale

In some ways, selling vacant land is no different from selling a home. You still have to prepare it for sale, and you still need to make it look as good as possible. This process of cleaning and beautifying is called staging. Here are a few tips for staging your land.

1. De-Clutter. Your buyer wants to actually see your vacant land, and clutter only blocks their vision. Remove fallen tree branches, trash, and junk like car parts and damaged buildings. Cut back large brush. Clear paths so potential buyers can easily walk around the property.
2. Highlight the positive features. Do you have a section where birds like to feed? Keep it stocked with bird feeders. Is there a section filled with colorful wildflowers? Don't cut down this section when you mow. Does a group of trees form a canopy? Place a picnic table under their shade. Point out these positive features to your buyers.
3. Make minor improvements. Repair any damaged section of fence around your property. Dig a pond and use the dirt to fill low areas so they are level with the rest of your land. Keep the grass mowed. These small efforts can make the difference between whether or not a buyer chooses your property.
4. Mark property boundaries. When you're looking at vacant land, it's difficult to see the difference between 5, 10, or more acres. At the very least, you should place stakes (like those used by a surveyor) to show where the property begins and ends. Your buyers will want to know exactly what they are purchasing.

Make sure your vacant land is ready to sell. Let me help you sell your property fast and for top dollar. Call your trusted real estate professional today.

Beware Of Zombie Titles

With the economic downturn, anyone dealing in real estate quickly became familiar with previously little-known terms such as foreclosure and short sale. Now that the housing market is picking back up and people are moving on, a new term is coming to light — zombie titles.

The Zombie Title

This is when a home has been vacated because the owners defaulted on their loan and their bank started the foreclosure process. However, for some reason or another the bank never completed the foreclosure and sold the home.

So, when the city starts fining someone for the overgrown grass and dilapidated structure, the homeowner who thought they were finished with the property gets the bill.

A Home That Keeps Haunting

Homeowners think they don't own the property any longer and therefore try to move on by rebuilding their credit score and finding a new place to live. It can be a rude awakening to find out that not only do they still own a home they could have been living in, but also its long vacancy has caused it to fall into disrepair.

It's Spooking The Neighborhood

These vacant homes can decrease the value of a neighborhood. If the bank or the un-suspecting homeowner are neither one taking care of the property, then it can become overgrown and an eyesore on the block. It becomes a problem with no solution because the owner won't want to invest any money in fixing up the property when the bank could come back with the foreclosure at any time.

Nail Shut The Foreclosure Coffin

Homeowners who have foreclosed on a home should double check that their bank actually followed through to closing on a sale. They could contact their lender or check public property records just to make sure. Otherwise, they could be haunted by their housing nightmare all over again.

Don't let the zombie title of a past property haunt your future! Check with your bank to make sure you're free and clear of your foreclosure. If you'd like more information on zombie titles or have other questions about local real estate, please contant your trusted real estate professional.

Your Home List Price, Should You Lower It?

Are you trying to sell your home and finding that it is not selling very well? This might be due to a number of reasons that you can't control, such as its location or the fact that the home layout is somewhat unusual.

If you are struggling to sell your home, there is one factor that you can alter that might change things – the price.

Many homeowners are reluctant to lower the price of their home, because it feels somewhat like a defeat. However, while you want to make as much money from your house sale as possible – it is better to sell your home at a slightly cheaper price than to let it sit on the market for a long time.

Have You Had Many Lookers, But No Buyers?

If you have had many people come to look at your home, but no one place an offer, this might be a sign that your price is too high. These lookers might be interested in your home, but are waiting for the price to fall before they would consider buying it.

How Long Has Your Home Been On The Market?

Has your house been on the market for more days than the average for your particular neighborhood? If it has, this might be due to the price. Letting your home sit on the market for a long time is not such a good idea, because buyers will start to wonder what is wrong with it. This can turn people off and delay your sale even further.

Do You Have A Deadline?

Perhaps you have a job offer in another city or you have already purchased another home, so you need to sell your house ASAP. In this case, dropping your price a little bit can be a great way to generate buyer interest and get the home sold. Remember – it doesn't matter how much you need the money, a home is only worth what the buyer is willing to pay for it.

These are a few situations where you might want to consider reducing the price of your property. To find out more about selling your home, contact your trusted real estate professional.

Remove Those Pet Odors With These Quick Tips

You might love your furry friends, but are their pet odors turning off potential buyers when you are trying to sell your home?

Many cat and dog owners are around their animal companions so often that they become immune to the smell and don't notice it in their home, so you might not even realize that your home smells of pet odor.

However, when you are selling your property first impressions are very important and if a potential buyer gets a whiff of pet odors when they walk in the door this can really make them lose interest in your property.

Ask your real estate agent for an honest opinion. If they say that you have a problem, here are some ways that you can freshen up your house without getting rid of Fluffy or Fido.

• Air everything out. Open up all of the windows to let the fresh air come in from outside and sweep away all stuffiness and smells.
• Wash the floors and the walls with vinegar, floor cleaner or an odor-neutralizing cleaning product. You can find pet-specific cleaning products at pet supply stores.
• Pet smells can seep into fabrics, so steam clean or dry clean your fabric drapes and upholstery.
• Washing blankets and bedding in a mix of laundry detergent and a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar can help to remove the smells.
• Before showing off your home, have your carpets professionally cleaned so that all of the deep-down dog hair and cat dander will be removed.
• When potential buyers come over, you can place potpourri or scented candles around the room in strategic locations. However, be careful that you don't go overboard as some people are sensitive to strong perfumes.
• Keep your pet contained to one section of the house to make cleaning easier and keep the rest of the house smelling fresh. If at all possible, have your pet stay with a friend when the home is being shown.

With these tips, you should be able to present a fresh-smelling first impression to anyone who comes to view your home. For more information about selling your property, contact your trusted real estate professional. 

Tips On Passing Your Home Inspection With Flying Colors

Home inspections are a tense time for everyone. Sellers are fervently hoping that nothing major is wrong with their home that could hold up the transaction.

Buyers are eager to hear that their new house is in prime condition. Whatever the wishes, one thing is for sure; any news from an inspector is usually bad news.

Home inspectors have a tough job. They have to be trained to spot hundreds of potential issues with a home and be knowledgeable of local codes, community restrictions and residential permit parameters.

Stay one step ahead of your home inspector by reading the list of common home inspection issues below. Then hopefully your inspection won't reveal any unwelcome surprises.

Electrical Wiring

This is a common bubble-busting issue, especially in older homes. Wiring might have been up to code when the home was built, but it now violates code and is a fire hazard.

Look for ungrounded outlets, shoddy wiring or a mass of confusing connections in the electrical panel. Replacing an entire electrical system can be expensive, but it's worth it not to risk a fire.

Plumbing

Look for signs of water damage in the ceilings. This could be a sign that something above, like a bathtub or sink is leaking into the floor or walls. Look around toilets and inside kitchen cabinets for traces of wet flooring or wood.

While external leaks are easy enough to fix, interior pipes might require you to rip up flooring.

Foundation And Framing

Examine the foundation and framing of your home for any structural issues. You'll want to keep an eye out for cracking in the foundation due to water runoff or settling. Also, look for signs of wood rot or termite damage.

These issues affect the framing of your home and could cause scary structural problems if left unattended.

Roofing

While it's probably too difficult for you to inspect the roof yourself, just stand back in the yard and see if you can notice any bare spots. Also, check for water damage around the roofline from rain leaking in. Don't get too discouraged about roof issues. It might not call for a complete replacement, but just a repair on one section.

These common home inspection issues affect both sellers and buyers. As a buyer, you'll want to keep a eye out for these problems so that you know what you'd be getting for your hard-earned money.

As a seller, it's good to stay one step ahead of the home inspector so that whatever price is agreed upon goes through.