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Prepare Your Garden for Spring

March 15, 2021 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Spring is here along with a new growing season. It’s time to get everything ready for new bedding plants, a beautiful summer lawn, and thriving trees and shrubbery. Hit all the points on this checklist, and you’ll be set to go.

Make a Plan

A beautiful garden needs lots of preparation and maintenance. Develop a plan so you can give your carefully chosen plants a good growing season. Check your zone to see which plants thrive in your area. Refer to any notes you made about last year’s garden. If you don’t keep a gardening journal, now is a good time to start one. You will find that having notes on last year’s success and failures is an excellent basis for developing your plan. For flower beds, consider a variety of heights, colors, and textures to create a lovely vista with different blooms appearing from early spring until frost.

Tools and Supplies

Start with getting your tools ready since you can’t garden without them! Pull out all your spades, trowels, hoes, and clippers. Clean them well, and sharpen their edges. Oil them to remove rust and prevent any new corrosion. You will find it much easier to dig in the dirt with sharp tools.

Replenish supplies, including potting soil, mulch, soil additives, and fertilizer. Decide on any structures you might need, such as trellises, tomato cages, or stakes. Perhaps you need a new wheelbarrow or wagon. Treat yourself to a new pair of gardening gloves. Get everything you need so you are ready for the day when the sun is shining and the soil is warm enough for your seeds and new plants.

Spring Cleaning

It’s time to clear out all the debris that gathered in your yard over the winter. Rake up brown dry leaves from all the corners and beds. Clip off dead stalks or vines from your perennials. Well composted mulch from last year can stay and be incorporated into the soil, but the rest needs to be raked away.

It’s never too early to weed, so start now. Get them out before any of their seeds germinate or they establish long roots. Weeds will proliferate quickly and fight your plants for space in the garden. When possible, weed after it rains so the soil is soft and you can more easily pluck out their entire root system.

Soil Prep

Soil gets compacted during the winter and needs to be loosened by tilling or turning. Once all the old leaves, sticks and debris are gone, you can work in soil nutrients, compost, and other amendments. Wait for a sunny day with dry soil. Soil prep enriches the dirt and breaks it up to allow better penetration of the nutrients, air, and water. You are looking for a consistency of loose cake crumbs. Rake it smooth and water lightly so it settles. Fertilize as needed for the plants you choose.

Prune Late Summer Bloomers

Spring is the right time for pruning some of your shrubs and trees. Leave the early bloomers alone because their buds are in place and will blossom soon. Feel free to prune others that bloom in summer. Their buds will appear on new wood that starts to grow in late spring so they are safe to trim now.

Maintain Everything

Once your plants are in the ground, give everything a nice layer of mulch. It will help hold water on hot summer days while keeping the weeds down. Be sure to mulch around trees too, but don’t pile it up against the trunks. Don’t mulch areas where you are waiting for seeds to sprout, but do it around the plants as soon as they have germinated. Edge the lawn, and follow good lawn maintenance practices. Regularly deadhead the flowers that require it, weed all the time, prune, and tidy the lawn throughout the growing season. You’ll be rewarded with the fun of seeing your plants thrive which will provide a beautiful view of your lawn throughout the spring and summer seasons.

What to Expect the First Year In Your New House

February 15, 2021 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Your long house hunt is over, and it’s time for the next chapter in your life. You finally get the keys and move in a big truckload of your belongings. Pictures go on the wall, the beds are put together, and you start to feel settled. What’s next?

There are plenty of things to count on during your first year. It’s good to plan ahead and try to anticipate as much as possible. For example, the odds are high that something will break. Maybe it will be a simple problem like a broken window pane, or it could be much more significant. Make sure you have a basic toolbox ready to go, and try to get the name of a good handyman to call when you need one. Get yourself prepared for the expected and the unexpected.

Your First To Do List

You should have had one or more inspection reports prepared before you finalized the sale. Some of the items on the lists may have been fixed by your home’s seller, but there are likely others that you must complete. Prioritize that list. Hopefully, you had time to clean the house thoroughly before moving in. Repainting the interior to suit your tastes will help to quickly make the house your home. If there are windows without curtains or blinds, they should be at the top of your list. Fishbowl living isn’t fun!

Be Ready for Emergencies

Don’t be caught unawares if emergencies concerning your utilities come up; they will, sooner or later. Know where the water main into the house is located and how to turn it off. Check the circuit box and know which switches or fuses are which. Label them if they aren’t already identified. Learn how to shut off the gas. If you have a sump pump, test to see if it works properly. You can find multiple videos on YouTube and other sources for keeping the sump pump in working order. If you have a septic tank, be familiar with how it works and schedule regular maintenance.

Safety & Security

As soon as the house is yours, change the locks on your doors and the codes to the garage doors and other outside entrances. Be sure to make extra keys in case one gets lost. Also, find a good outside hiding place for a key so you’ll never be locked out. Learn how to use the security system if you have one. Check that you have plenty of workable smoke detectors throughout the house. Add more if necessary and put new batteries in all of them. You also need carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries. There should be up-to-date fire extinguishers in the kitchen and on each floor.

Maintenance Calendar

All of the items here need to be done routinely, some annually and others more frequently. Make a schedule and perform the tasks faithfully.

HVAC - Learn how and when to change filters in the HVAC system. Some are washable and reusable.
Water heater - Your water heater needs an annual inspection by a pro. If you have hard water, the heater will need to be routinely descaled.
Refrigerator - Clean the condenser coils quarterly. If you have a refrigerator with insulated coils, this step won’t be necessary. Check the door gasket, and change the water filter periodically.
Dryer hose - Always make sure the vents and duct are clean. A collection of lint is a severe fire hazard. Also, the duct opening on the outside of the house should be screened to avoid letting birds or small critters crawl up and inside.
Gutters - Clean the gutters annually or more frequently if you have many trees. Gutters that are full of clutter can cause serious damage to the house, including foundation damage and mold.
Sprinkler system - Check annually for missing or broken sprinkler heads and adjust them so they shoot at the correct angles. Change timers according to the season and the amount of sunlight on your lawn and plants.

Avoid money surprises

If you’ve moved from a smaller home, expect to have an increase in utility bills. This may be much larger than you guess. If you are moving from an apartment, you probably didn’t pay for trash pickup or water. Add them to your monthly expense list. Finally, start saving for emergencies. Some will be quite expensive, like installing a new roof, fixing a leaky basement, or replacing a cracked driveway. You might not have any of these issues yet, but they are likely to come at some point in the (hopefully distant) future.

The joy of owning a house comes with a price tag of your cash and time. Be prepared so the surprises aren’t too much of a shock when they appear. Careful maintenance and planning will help you enjoy your home to the fullest for all the years you live there.

What Home Buyers Want During a Pandemic

October 15, 2020 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Like the changes happening to every other part of our lives, COVID-19 is shifting the emphasis of what buyers are looking for in their next home. The pandemic has taught us that our own home is the safest place to be, which means a greater demand for a residence that can combine work, school, and recreation.. Trust that this is true now, but you can also expect any or all of these needs to continue after the pandemic is over. Here are some details.

Move-In Ready

Unless the buyer is the type who is enthusiastic about launching a DIY project, fixer-uppers won't be the first choice. Many people want a place that is already liveable. Further, it is harder now to find contractors available to schedule for home repair. Buyers also are trending away from open floor plans. They aren’t as desirable as they once were, especially for someone working at home while the rest of the family is there, too.

Office space

There is a huge surge of people working from home due to the pandemic. The need for a home office, or dual offices, is at the top of the list for many home buyers. They want a separate room of the house dedicated to conducting business or at least some space in a quiet corner with adequate electrical outlets for their technical setup. A great number of these people plan to work from home even after COVID-19 is contained, so this home buying trend should continue for years.

Kitchen

The kitchen has long been the heart of the home and during the pandemic, people are spending far more time preparing meals in their own space. Most buyers want a chef-friendly kitchen with upscale appliances, plenty of cupboard space, and long countertops. A big pantry is important for storing lots of food and non-perishables so grocery shopping trips can be less frequent. The ability to go to eat is curtailed with restaurants closed or offering limited carry-out menus. If your property has a great kitchen, emphasize it in your real estate listings.

Play Space

Swimming pools

Buyers are looking for home amenities to replace public places for recreation and backyard swimming pools have risen in popularity. The family can swim, play, and exercise in the comfort of their own property. If you have one, consider some upgrades, such as an automatic robot cleaner or LED lights, before putting the house on the market.

Home Gym

Space for a home gym has much the same appeal as a backyard pool. Buyers want to get a good workout without leaving home. COVID-19 has shuttered community centers and gymnasiums across the country because people don’t want to share equipment, locker rooms, or even the same air with others. Having a home gym is a big plus.

Home Theater

If your property boasts a home theater with an immersive experience, showcase it in your listing. Even if you don’t have a room dedicated to a theater, your family room or a finished basement may have great space for a large screen TV. Show buyers what they can expect.

Backyard

A big yard has huge appeal during a quarantine as a replacement for public playgrounds and parks. They provide space for outdoor toys and room for the kids to play, along with plenty of fresh air. Many buyers are anxious to find an area to garden, both for recreation and for home-grown produce.

Rethinking Urban Life

For the past many years, homebuyers have chosen to live near their offices to keep commuting time down. They may have loved the restaurants and entertainment venues located downtown, but so many of those are closed or are operating at a reduced capacity. Now that so many individuals are working out of their residence, the suburbs are calling. People want to spend their work and playtime at home. They are seeking expanded square footage and want to live close to basic necessities, like grocery stores and pharmacies.

If you are selling your home and have any or all of these amenities, emphasize them in your listing and other marketing pieces. Use great photos and compelling verbiage. Make the most of what you have to get your home sold quickly and at a good price.

Sprucing Up for Autumn Sales

August 10, 2020 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Fall is a beautiful time of year! If you have your home on the market, make the most of the season to boost its curb appeal. If you have a gorgeous red maple or golden yellow aspen in your front yard, you already have a great head start. Make a list of the most important changes you need to do to win that vital first impression. As trees and shrubbery begin to lose their leaves, more of your home is exposed, so you might need to power wash or paint. Here are more suggestions to get you started.

Focus on the Front Door
Your front door is the focal point of your home. Whether you have a simple stoop or a wide front porch, this is the place to start with your fall facelift.

Give your front door some zing with a new paint color or refresh the current one.
Polish the door handle, lock, and knocker. If they are too tarnished, replace them.
Make sure the mailbox or mail slot look sharp. Replace them if they have aged too much. The same goes for your house numbers.
If you have a porch swing or furniture, give them a cozy autumn look with a warm throw and coordinating pillows. If your furniture has cushions, make sure they aren’t worn or moldy from being wet.
Wash the windows and repair any cracks in the glass.
Sweep away cobwebs and knock down wasp nests.
Add a new welcome mat, perhaps with a seasonal theme. A new mat is practical as well as inviting.

Plant Fall Flowers
As summer flowers fade, replace them with autumn favorites in the rich colors of fall. Mums. asters, pansies and kale are always popular and come in many vibrant shades. Check to see what varieties thrive well in your area. Take a look at your flower boxes, planters, garden beds and hanging baskets. If you don’t want to redo them, then clear away all the withered plants and blossoms. If you think the garden still looks shaggy, a fresh layer of mulch would make the beds appear more tailored. Trim uneven shrubbery and clip out dead branches from bushes and trees.

Skip the Scarecrows
It can be fun to go all out with an array of traditional autumn decorations like hay bales, cornstalks, and Halloween spooks. You need to forego those this year while your home is on the market. Instead choose a wreath of fall foliage and berries for the door. A simple arrangement of a few pumpkins and a potted chrysanthemum or two will look great. Here’s a tip: cover live pumpkins with a light coating of peppermint or garlic oil to keep squirrels and other critters from nibbling on them.

Clear Leaves Off the Lawn
Keep your lawn cut and well trimmed throughout the growing season. A few scattered leaves give a pleasant, seasonal look to the yard, but too many look untidy. An accumulation of leaves can damage the grass and result in ugly dead spots. Keep your walkway and driveway swept clean, especially in advance of a showing. Gutters must have a neat appearance as well, so clean them out and consider installing leaf guards for the best effect.

Light It Up
It will be dark earlier so make sure your home is easy to see from the street and your sidewalks safe for visitors. If your front porch is too dimly lit, illuminate it with new lights or lanterns and use bright, long-lasting LED bulbs. Line walkways with lights; solar ones work well and need no power besides the sun. Strategically placed flood lights can make a beautiful improvement.You might want to use motion-sensor lights for added security and for lighting your driveway and sidewalk.

To sell your home quickly and for top dollar, you must make it look pristine and beautiful. The change of seasons from steamy summer to cool autumn brimming with fall colors can give you great curb appeal. Make your home a stand out in the autumn real estate market.

Selling Your Home in Uncertain Times

June 15, 2020 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

The arrival of the coronavirus, COVID-19, has changed virtually every aspect of life, including the momentum of real estate sales. Some home sellers are waiting, hoping that the situation improves as we find a new normal. Others have decided to put their homes on the market because of urgent reasons, such as a job transfer, financial difficulties, or an expanding family. Since we can’t hope to return to pre-pandemic real estate norms any time soon, sellers must adapt to get a “For Sale” in the yard and their property sold.

Although the current inventory is lower than normal, the demand for homes continues to be quite high throughout the country. A low inventory can definitely work to your advantage, but you and your real estate agent must figure out the best way to show your home safely and efficiently.

Nearly all home buyers shop online, but this method of marketing has never been more crucial. Virtual tours, including 3-D tours, make your property available for viewing 24/7. Your agent can conduct tours via Facetime on cell phones or tablets, through narrated videos that move viewers through the rooms, or using tools such as Facebook Live. Make sure your agent is willing to give your video the time it takes to be excellent and professional. This is not the time to depend on a few nice photos to entice buyers.

Your home must look its best for videos and for still photos featured in your online presentation. The majority of buyers want a home that is “move-in” ready. Pictures can show no flaws, so make sure your home is spotless with all personal items and clutter completely cleared away. Staging is imperative to make your house appealing; don’t skip this important step.

Be thoughtful and careful with pricing your home. Your agent can help you with a strategy so you don’t overprice your home. In an uncertain economy, buyers will be cautious. It is more likely for buyers to jump at a bargain now than to pay a premium or get into a bidding war.

Social distancing requirements and safe hygiene procedures are discouraging many sellers and agents from holding traditional open houses. In fact, they may be completely banned in your community. How agents are allowed to conduct actual showings may vary according to HOA requirements, city regulations, and personal comfort levels.

However, if you decide to allow potential buyers into your home, take every precaution to stay safe. Ask that all appointments be scheduled through your agent. Only one or two people should come for a viewing, but no children should come inside at all. Hand sanitizer, masks, disposable gloves and booties should be provided. Leave lights on to discourage visitors from flipping light switches. Leave all doors open and closet doors cracked a bit so no one needs to touch your door knobs. Ask accompanying agents to be the only person to open cupboards and drawers as their clients request and ask them to do it holding a disinfecting wipe. You may want to provide a document asking all visitors to sign in by confirming that they have no COVID-19 symptoms and that they have not been in recent contact with anyone who does. After each showing, disinfect all counter tops, door knobs, cupboard pulls, faucets, and light switches.

Note that people who want to make actual visits to your home are those who have real interest in it. Buyers are not touring dozens of houses in person as they would have before the coronavirus. If your home is on their short list, it is because they were impressed by your online presentation.

When you receive an offer, have your agent email it to you and review it together over the phone. Because you must sign original documents, have your agent leave the papers outside your door or in your mailbox. When you have signed, put them back outside for her to pick up. During this time of social distancing, closing companies are able to use software that allows them to conduct the closing remotely. Ask your agent to use a company that is willing to do this. If you do have to go in person, request a minimum number of people in the room. If you co-own the property with a spouse or partner, you might want to take turns going in to sign. Don’t be surprised if the closing period is 60 days or longer instead of the more standard 30 days. Title companies may be short staffed if they have chosen to furlough some of their staff. Many people are choosing to refinance now which increases the title companies’ work load. Home inspections may take longer and getting repairs complete might take longer, too.

The COVID-19 situation is evolving constantly and you must be flexible to get your home sold. You and your agent should be able to come up with creative strategies to find a buyer and complete this complex transaction.

Team with an Agent When House Hunting Online

May 15, 2020 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Everything happens online now, whether it’s business conferencing, entertainment, social networking, finances, or shopping. According to the National Association of REALTORS^®, about 95 percent of home buyers look for their next property online. There are numerous sites that take you to a multiple listing service (MLS), where you will find data, descriptions, and very often photos of homes for sale. The status of listings can shift quickly, so it’s important to work with a real estate agent from the beginning of your search.

Even though you have the internet at your fingertips, working with an experienced real estate agent is critical. The internet gives you a broad look at what’s currently for sale, while your agent will give you all the nuances of the property, the neighborhood, and the community. She or he can answer all of your questions about the homes you are considering, including many details that are not found on an MLS. For example, if the house has been inspected recently, the results will likely not be shown on the MLS listing. If the zoning for the neighborhood is going to be changed soon or if the streets need drastic repair, that kind of information will only come from your agent. You can browse the internet all day and night, but rely on an agent when you are ready to get serious about the house you hope will be your new home.

Keep in mind that a real estate agent is usually paid through the sale of the property, which means you are not responsible for that fee. You have nothing to lose and much to gain when you hire an agent. They can guide you through the entire home-buying process. This is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make so make sure you have a skillful agent advocating and negotiating for you until the sale is complete.

When you first begin your search, however, the internet is invaluable for getting acquainted with the market and narrowing down to your favorites. There are several things to consider when you start looking for your perfect match. First, home descriptions are written in the most glowing terms that can be applied to the property. Likewise, smart sellers make sure the accompanying photos make the place look warm, roomy and as enticing as possible. Many houses have been staged to make the rooms look their best. You may be disappointed when you walk in the door and see it for yourself instead of through the camera’s flattering lens. Videos and 3D tours are being used more and more so be sure to study them. Frequently, the home’s condition is easier to see through a video than it is in still photographs.

Check out the home’s history. How long has it been on the market and has the price changed during that time? What are the property taxes? What information about the neighborhood is pertinent to your sale? For example, have there been many foreclosures of nearby houses? Are the homes on the street well cared for? Your agent will provide you with comps for the neighborhood so you can study the prices of similar houses that have sold in recent months. You will want to know about local schools, even if you don’t have children. This information will be important if you choose to sell sometime in the future. Check on crime rates for the area. Also, learn about how long you can expect the commute to work to be, whether you drive yourself or use public transportation.

You can find plenty of information and leads online, but rely on the expertise of your real estate agent to save you time and money. Your agent has access to multiple outside search engines giving them access to literally thousands of real estate websites. When you partner with someone who understands what you want in your next home, you are well on the way to finding your dream house.