Selling

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.

Use a Pro to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

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

There are always things to do in order to get your home ready to put on the market. Some are large ticket items, some small, and some may not be necessary at all. It takes a pair of skilled eyes to help you separate the must-do from the don’t-bother. An experienced, savvy real estate agent can assist you in deciding how to put your checklist together.

For example, your aged kitchen may really need a makeover, but that’s a very expensive project. So, you’re thinking about simply putting on new countertops to give the room a little punch. Your agent might agree or might say that’s only putting a bandaid on something that needs a total facelift. Your new countertops could stand out like a sore thumb instead of helping the kitchen’s appearance. New owners may want to do the complete remodel themselves and your new countertops will be ripped out anyway.

Another example: suppose there’s a large crack running down the corner of your living room wall all the way from the vaulted ceiling to the wainscoting. It has been there for years...in fact, you really never notice it anymore, so you plan to just leave it. Your agent will probably tell you that home hunters will spot that crack quickly and suspect it was caused by foundation problems. Fix the crack and repaint; it’s not an expensive job.

Agents are experts at evaluating what needs to be done. Your agent will tour your property inside and out to show you what needs to be done to attract qualified buyers. It is very difficult to look at your own home with an objective eye. You need to look at it the way prospective buyers will, and that’s a difficult task. It’s hard to see flaws after living with them for years. It also can be very emotional because your home is full of memories and your individual decorating choices. Deciding what to change or repair to give it a more neutral appearance can be a sensitive issue. You need an agent to walk you through the process.

Your final checklist will fall into three categories.

The unnecessary ones are either items that won’t make much difference to getting the house sold, or they are just too expensive for you to tackle in advance of putting it on the market.
Simple items are frequently cosmetic changes or quick, affordable replacements.
Serious issues are unavoidable and must be addressed before listing the house. These are the kinds of repairs you must do or risk having an interested buyer worry that your home may have multiple problems.

Your real estate agent is critical in helping you complete your final checklist. Once that step is complete, you can work through it until your house is ready to be staged, photographed, and listed.

Here’s an important tip: don’t think you can hide major problems because any major issues will be discovered during the buyer’s professional inspection. Expensive surprises during inspection could scare away buyers looking for a turnkey house ready to occupy immediately. Also, many states have disclosure rules. Some require the seller to answer any question asked by the potential buyers. Others require the seller to voluntarily disclose any problems once the house is on the market.

You may be tempted to save some money and sell your home without the help of a real estate agent. You will likely regret that choice because of the concerns discussed here. In addition, your agent will give you excellent service in pricing your home, understanding the local market, publicizing your sale, and helping you negotiate the massive number of legal and regulatory requirements that you will have at closing. Make the right choice, and hire a valuable partner for your home sale, one of the largest financial transactions of your life.

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 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.