Selling

Avoid Potential Turnoffs for Prospective Home Buyers

December 15, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

If you want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, you need to look at the house through the eyes of a buyer. That can be hard to do, and putting yourself in the buyer's shoes can be a tall order.

From unpleasant odors your own nose has learned to ignore to repurposed spaces you have come to love, some of the most common things can dissuade would-be buyers. Ignoring these potential turnoffs will greatly reduce the appeal of your home and cause it to linger on the market longer than it should. Here are eight things potential buyers might hate about your home, and how you can fix them before they show up.

Repurposed spaces - Have you transformed your garage into a playroom for the kids or turned your spare room into a home office? If so, prospective buyers could be turned off. It might be a good idea to return those spaces to their original purpose before putting your home on the market.

Clutter - Clutter is always an eyesore, and the sooner you clear it out, the better. Buyers may assume that your home lacks storage space when they see toys and other items strewn about, so clean up now before you schedule that first showing.
Overflowing countertops - Stunning countertops can be a real selling point, but not if buyers cannot see them. If your countertops are overflowing with appliances, it is time to put them away.

Hobby rooms - As a fisherman, you might love your fly tying room, and an avid reader may enjoy their huge library room. Buyers, on the other hand, could be deterred by these purpose-driven spaces.

Holiday décor - Selling your home during the holidays can be a smart move, but some décor can be distracting. Now is the time to skip the tacky lawn displays, so take the reindeer off the roof and stash them away until you move into your new home.
Pet odors - You love your pets, but would-be buyers may not feel the same. Pet odors can be a red flag for home buyers, and open house attendees may spend their time looking for soiled carpets and other pet damage.

Area rugs - If your home has hardwood floors, covering them up could be a huge mistake. Area rugs can look tacky and may potentially dissuade would-be buyers. Even worse, those potential buyers may assume that the rugs are hiding damage to those stunning hardwood floors.

Inadequate lighting - If you have been thinking about upgrading the lighting in and around your home, now is the time to do it. Darkness is a big turnoff for home buyers, and a smart lighting upgrade could increase interest and lead to more offers.

Selling your home can be stressful, especially when buyers show up in droves but fail to make a single offer. If you have been showing your home for months with nary a nibble, it is time to take a hard look at your property and what you might be doing wrong. Correcting the eight items listed above could turn things around, so your next open house will be your last.

Is It Time to Replace Your Rain Gutters?

October 13, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

The gutters on your home serve as the first line of defense against water damage. They perform a critical function by redirecting rain and snow away from your house and foundation. Gutter systems are designed to protect your house, foundation, roof, and siding, as well as your basement and landscaping.

A properly functioning gutter diverts water away from the home, ensuring it does not seep into your house through cracks in the foundation. But, as with most things, even the best rain gutter system won't last forever. If you notice water pooling in the gutters or dripping from your roof's edge, it may be time to replace your old gutter system with a new one (though it may also just mean you need to clean out the gutters). Let's look at some signs that your rain gutters need to be replaced.

Your Rain Gutters Are Rusty

Rust is one of the first signs that your rain gutters need an upgrade. Keep an eye out for rusty areas, and perform a thorough visual inspection at least once per year for signs of rust. Why is rust a problem? It creates areas of weakness that can lead to leaks. If you see more than surface rust, it's time to replace your gutters.

Also, look for signs of corrosion. With heavy rains, corroded or rusty areas become prone to leaks and can collapse under pressure from the weight of water during the storm. Being weaker, corroded metal may also break when human hands touch it, making it unsafe for anyone who works on roofs.

You Have Leaks

One sign that your rain gutters are performing poorly is rainwater pooling at the bottom of your home or around the foundation. Another sign of poorly functioning rain gutters is water stains on your ceiling or walls. You might notice spots on your ceiling or walls from inside your home. Another sign is staining on the inside portion of the gutter or the wall behind it. This means that water is not draining properly down the side of your house.

Leaks and clogs can cause serious issues. If there is a clog in the gutter, water can back up and cause problems with the foundation or exterior paint job. If you have cleaned out the gutters recently, and they clog again in a relatively short time, this can be a sign that your gutters are not doing their job and need to be replaced. Excessive leaking can also lead to mold growth inside your home's walls and on your house's exterior. Mold is not only unsightly, it is also a health issue. A professional contractor can help solve this problem by repairing or replacing damaged gutters as needed.

You Have Leaves in Your Gutter System

It's not uncommon for leaves and other debris to make their way into your gutter system, but don't let them stay there. Leaf and debris build up, obstruct water drainage, and cause damage, including foundation cracks if you ignore it. Inspect your system regularly and remove build-up before it creates more costly problems.

Your Rain Gutters Are More Than 20 Years Old

If your gutters are more than 20 years old, there's a good chance they are coming apart at the seams. Rain gutters have a finite life span. While some signs of rust or corrosion could show after only 10 years, rain gutters can last 15 or 20 years before you need to replace them. But don't count on your rain gutters to perform well after that. Faulty construction, poor installation, or external damage from storms can further shorten their lifespan.

Hire a Professional for the Job

Are you convinced you need to replace your rain gutters? If you're not comfortable or familiar with installing a new rain gutter, hire a professional to do it for you. You can save money by doing it yourself, but it's time-consuming, messy, and risky. Also, a professional can tell you whether you need to replace the whole system or just a portion of your rain gutters. If your gutters are fairly new, you may only need to repair one or two areas. Repairing is easier and less costly than replacing the whole system.

The Bottom Line

Gutters are one of the most neglected parts of a home, but they play a critical role in protecting the exterior of your home. You'll need to remove your old gutters before installing the new one, and that's a hassle if you've never done it before. Keep an eye on them, though. Don't let leaves or debris block them or let rust go undetected.

Factors To Consider Before Installing An Inground Pool

July 12, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

If you want to enjoy some healthy exercise, beat the heat, or keep the kids entertained, adding an in-ground pool to your home might be a great option. Pools are popular upgrades for many homeowners, and it is easy to understand their appeal. When you have a pool at your home, you can host pool parties, swim whenever you like, and give up your expensive membership at the local swim club. But before you tear up the back yard and start pouring the concrete, you need to do some careful thinking. Pool ownership is a big decision with a lot of factors to consider long-term. Here are some key things to think about before adding an inground pool to your home.

Insurance Can Be Expensive: Swimming pools may be fun, but they can also be dangerous. Drowning is always a possibility wherever water is present, and pool owners need to take special precautions to keep their family members and neighborhood children safe.

Even if you follow all the local rules and regulations, fence your pool, and stay vigilant, your homeowner's insurance policy will likely incur additional fees. Make sure you get a quote from your insurance company before installing your inground pool so there are no surprises later.

Routine Maintenance Adds Additional Expense: It is easy to dream of swimming in crystal clear waters, but that sparkling water comes at a cost. Keeping an inground pool ready for swimming is not cheap, and many new pool owners are unprepared for the expense.

From the cost of the chemicals and routine water testing to the cost of replacing torn liners and covers, pool ownership can put a serious dent in your wallet. Before you start digging, you need to be aware of and prepared for these high maintenance costs.

A Pool Could Decrease the Value of Your Home: Many people think that adding an inground pool will make their home more valuable, but the opposite could be true. In many parts of the country, having an inground pool actually decreases the value of the property, and that is definitely something to think about.

If you think you might sell your house down the line, it is important to do your homework before adding an inground pool. Talk to local real estate agents, research recent home sales, and try to get a feel for the impact a pool has on local property values. If homes with pools are routinely selling for higher prices, you may be able to justify the cost. If property values are decreased by that water-filled hole in the ground, you might want to hang onto your swim club membership a little longer.

It can be tempting to upgrade your home with an inground pool, especially if you love to swim, but make sure you educate yourself before taking the plunge. Pool ownership can be a costly endeavor, and the more you know, the easier it will be to make a wise decision.

Freshen Up Your Home With Spring Maintenance Tasks

March 11, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Freshen Up Your Home With Spring Maintenance Tasks

After a long cold winter, the first signs of spring are finally arriving. You have seen those first bulbs peeking their heads above the snow, and you may have even seen a robin scouring the frozen ground for worms.

The warmth of spring is right around the corner, and now is the time to get your home ready for the better weather ahead. If you want your old home to look and feel new again, here are 10 spring maintenance tasks you can complete now.

Schedule a chimney sweeping: There is nothing like the warmth of a roaring fire when it’s cold outside, but the ash residue could be silently building up in the chimney. Now is the time to call a chimney sweep so your future fires will be warmer and safer.
Replace your furnace filters: Your furnace has been working overtime all winter long, and the filters are likely clogged with dirt and debris. Replacing those dirty filters now can increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and lower your future utility bills.
Create an emergency kit for summer power outages: Winter may be ending, but spring and summer storms can still bring the threat of power outages. If you have an emergency kit with extra food and water, spare batteries, and other essentials, now is the time to replenish it. If you do not yet have an emergency power outage kit, now is the time to build one.
Upgrade your outdoor hand and power tools: Remember the broken tine on that rake or the lawn mower that never starts? Now is the time to upgrade that equipment, and you can find some real bargains this time of year.
Check and clean the hose on your dryer: You have been doing a lot of laundry during the cold winter months, but when was the last time you checked your dryer hose? The dryer hose can become clogged with lint and other debris, creating a risk of fire and driving down the efficiency of the appliance.
Weatherproof your windows and doors: If your energy costs have spiked over the winter, the cold weather may not be the only culprit. Weatherproofing your windows and doors can help you save money both now and during the summer cooling season.
Consider upgrading your water heater: A tankless water heater can reduce your energy costs, and now is the perfect time to install one. You can find some great deals on tankless water heaters in the late winter months, and installers are often less busy at this time of year.
Check your gutters: Your gutters really took a beating with all that ice and snow, so show them a little love with a thorough inspection. If Santa gave you a drone for Christmas, get it out and do a flyover – this is a great way to spot clogs, breaks, and defects that are not visible from the ground.
Inspect the insulation on your pipes: Hopefully, you prepared for winter power outages and cold weather by insulating your pipes. Now is the perfect time to inspect and repair that insulation. A little bit of maintenance now can prevent a huge repair bill later.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Having multiple smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home is essential for your safety, but when was the last time you tested them? Now is the time to check those life saving devices and make sure they are working the way they should.

With spring just around the corner, it has never been more important to get your home in shape. The simple maintenance tasks outlined above can give your old home a new lease on life this spring, so grab your tools and get going.

Boost Your Decluttering Motivation

February 2, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Boost Your Decluttering Motivation

Do you feel in control of the clutter in your home or does your clutter have control of you? The problem with clutter is that it will taunt you, calling out demands every time you walk past it. It reminds you there is one more task yet to take care of and puts unnecessary pressure on you. Clutter can steal your sense of calm.

Does that happen to you? If so, perhaps it's time to develop a new habit that will set you on your way to conquering clutter.

Why Declutter?

Ten people might give you 10 different reasons for decluttering their homes. Some like to keep up with what's current, which means parting with the old in favor of new and modern. Another will tell you they fear leaving too much for their children to manage after they pass. Most will admit that living with less clutter just feels better all around. And, there is some truth to that. Having extra space in closets, cleared countertops, and a place to put every item you own can bring a sense of calm organization. On the other hand, items left lying around unattended can have the opposite effect. Because your home is an extension of you, how it looks and its efficiency or inefficiency can affect your mood and how well you process life.

Nevertheless, life doles out losses and triumphs, forced changes, and setbacks for most. Don't get discouraged if you feel a tad behind in your home organization. For example, the family with the college student who moves back home with all their gear knows the chaos that comes with having to rehome several items until the child leaves again. The son or daughter who inherits mom or dad's belongings after they have passed away or downsized knows well the emotional price tag that comes with dividing up the inherited possessions brought into their home.

Develop a Decluttering Mindset

So, how do you get motivated to declutter your home? You start with developing a decluttering mindset. You can practice and grow that mindset by dealing first with the items that come into your home on a regular basis. Doing so will help you learn to make quick decisions and to get into the habit of putting items where they belong sooner rather than later. When you get that process down, you will feel rewarded by the less cluttered look and the satisfying feeling that results.

Deal with Clutter as It Arrives

The secret habit to get into that will help boost your decluttering process is so easy, all you need is a nudge to get started. You see, every homeowner has the same challenge. All deal with this same basic type of clutter. What is it? You might call it spontaneous clutter. Spontaneous clutter includes things that come into your home often by mail or shopping. Spontaneous clutter includes parcel delivery boxes, plastic shopping bags, junk mail, received greeting cards, children's school notes, party decor, and the like.

Yes, a cardboard box may look like a good box to be reused, but you can't keep every box you receive. Plastic shopping bags are handy to line trash bins or litter boxes, but chances are you'll have more than you need. Most can be put into recycling. Deciding it's better to let them go is a good mindset to have.

Deal with Temporary Storage Habits

It can be tempting to put spontaneous clutter somewhere temporarily, planning to deal with it later. This is where most get into trouble, though. Too often, later becomes never. You forget why you kept certain things, and your motivation to deal with them fizzles out. Soon enough, your home looks messy, and you can't find what you need. Often, these “someday” piles shout condemning thoughts and dole out unnecessary pressure.

Here are a few tips to help you deal with spontaneous clutter:
Have a recycling box with easy access for junk mail. How often do you really use those coupons anyhow?
Create a mental system that first includes being a good decision-maker. Create rules for what you will do with challenging items.
Decide not to leave things on hotspots (countertops, in the garage, etc.) even if you think it will be temporary. If a holding spot is needed, create a system for it.

Create Storage

Sometimes there is a reason to keep certain items like tax receipts, medical papers, school permission slips, and so on. In these cases, choose a location for them to be stored - a storage tray, shallow drawer, file folder, or binder.

As nice as greeting cards or magazines are, you can't keep everything if you hope to stay organized. Recognize that the giving and receiving of greeting cards was the important part. Try not to become sentimentally attached to them. Cherish the memory of the friend or relative who gave it to you and let it go. If you must, keep special cards in a box or photo album. Enjoy magazines but have a deadline in mind for how long they're allowed to stay. Unsubscribe to ones you never read.

Practice the Decluttering Habit

Your home should be your haven - a place of peace, comfort, and restoration. It makes sense to tend to your home on a regular basis as you might weed a garden. Get into the practice of weeding out clutter as soon as it arrives. Once you've established that habit, you can dive into bigger decluttering projects around your home.

Feeling in control of your clutter will have terrific payoffs both in the appearance of your home and in your ability to locate items as necessary. Once you have developed good habits in dealing with what comes into your home regularly, you will find it easier to make decisions on other types of clutter. In no time, you'll enjoy the enhanced peace and calm that a clutter-free home brings.

20 Easy Ways to Increase the Value of Your House

January 12, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Are you looking to sell your house as quickly as possible and for top dollar? If so, then you should focus on increasing the value of your home in order to make it easier to find a buyer and get a higher price. Here are 20 things you can do to increase the value of your house.

Recaulk windows, sinks, bathtubs, and backsplashes - These areas are notorious for being home to mold and grime. If you have a hard time cleaning them yourself, then it is likely that potential buyers will feel the same way. Caulking can go a long way towards increasing value because it makes those areas seem clean, fresh, and new.
Replace faucets - Replacing faucets is a small investment that goes a long way. Faucets tend to build up water stains and are difficult to clean. Replacing them gives buyers the feeling of a new home.
Replace window screens and screen doors - Over time, window screens can fade, warp, or tear, making the house look aged or dingy. Adding brand new screens is inexpensive and can add the impression that the house has been well maintained and cared for.
Paint the interior - A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the interior of your house. It can make it look cleaner and brighter, which are both things that buyers are looking for. Choose neutral colors, such as eggshell or beige.
Replace lightswitch covers and electrical socket plates - Replacing worn light switch covers and electrical socket plates is another inexpensive way to update the look of your house. Lightswitch covers are just one place where dirty fingerprints can accumulate, so it makes sense that buyers will want a fresh start when they move into their new home.
Clean or replace carpets - Carpets are another home element where dirt and stains can accumulate, so it is important to have them professionally cleaned if needed. Replacing old carpet will make the entire house seem brand new.
Change door knobs and deadbolt locks - Another way to invoke the feeling that the house has shiny and new elements is by replacing the doorknobs throughout the house and any deadbolt locks.
Update light fixtures - Replacing old light fixtures with new ones is an easy way to update the entire house and give it a more modern look and feel. Choose fixtures that are simple and sleek.
Replace cabinet hardware - Replacing old cabinet hardware with new hardware is a cheap way to update the look of your cabinets. Choose hardware that is modern and simple.
Power wash the exterior - Power washing the exterior of your house is a great way to make it look cleaner and newer. It can also remove any dirt or stains that have built up over time.
Power wash the driveway and garage floor - Cleaning the exterior of your house naturally makes it look better, but power washing items like the driveway and garage floor can make them seem brand new.
Replace exterior lighting - If you have old, outdated exterior lighting, then replace it with new bulbs and light covers. Make sure the areas around porch lights are free of cobwebs and insects.
Trim trees and shrubs and mow the lawn - Trees and shrubs that are overgrown or unkempt can make your house look run-down. Trimming them back and keeping them well-groomed makes the house appear more cared for. The same goes for the lawn. A well-manicured lawn gives the impression of a well-maintained home.
Add a fresh coat of stain or paint to wooden decks and porches - If you have a wooden deck or porch, adding a fresh coat of stain or paint will help protect it from the elements and keep it looking new.
Clean gutters - Gutters that are clogged with debris and leaves can make your house look uncared for. Cleaning your gutters is an easy way to improve the exterior appearance of your home.
Add new landscaping - Adding new landscaping, such as flowers, plants, and shrubs, can really enhance the look of your house. Choose plants that are in season and add pops of color to the yard.
Stage your house for sale - The way your house looks when you put it on the market is extremely important. Staging it in a way that makes it look its best will help ensure that you get top dollar. Remove any clutter or unwanted items. Pack away anything you won't need between now and when you move. Store any big items like china cabinets, unused desks, hutches, dressers, or anything bulky that will make rooms look smaller and stuffy. Pack up all of your personal items like collectibles, portraits of family or friends, books and magazines, religious decor, or any other item that represents your personality. You want a clean slate for buyers to imagine their own things on the walls and in the rooms.
Consider a pre-sale home inspection and appraisal - If you're really serious about getting top dollar for your house, then consider having it inspected by a pre-sale home inspector. This is an inspector who specializes in finding any potential problems with the property so that you can address them before putting it on the market. This will give buyers peace of mind and show them that you're taking every step possible to ensure that the house is in great condition. It may also encourage them to make a higher offer. An appraiser will assess the home for its current market value, including how well it has aged. Appraisers tend to measure in increments of $500, so taking advice from a listing appraisal to make additional improvements could raise the bank's appraisal by at least that much.
Add smart devices - Adding smart devices like an outdoor camera, security system, or video doorbell can make your house seem more secure. This is a relatively inexpensive way to increase the value of your home without spending too much money. Smart thermostats are also popular upgrades that won't break the bank.
Talk with your real estate agent - Your agent can give you advice on which improvements will yield the most return for your investment. Real estate agents are experts with insights into current market trends and home values. Ask a professional agent to tour your home with you, inside and out, to discover more ways that you can increase your home's value.

There are plenty of inexpensive ways that you can make small upgrades and updates to help your house appraise for more and influence a buyer’s perceived value. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars or do a complete renovation. Ask your agent for more information about how to increase the sale price of your home.