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We get it – moving is no fun. And when you couple that with winter weather it can be even less so. But when you’re buying or selling a home, moving is part of the deal. Fortunately, there are ways that you can make your upcoming winter move less stressful. If you’re packing boxes and planning a winter move, then here’s what you should do to keep your sanity.

DIY what you can to save money

One of the things that makes moving so stressful is that it can be expensive. Saving money is important to many people who are moving to a new place, especially when inflation is in the news every day. You can save money on your move by taking a DIY approach. That means packing your own boxes, loading them into a moving truck, and driving it all to your destination. While it can make your life busier, it gives you more control over your time and your spending. However, if you do plan on moving a large distance make sure the vehicle you are going to use is in great condition, you could visit a mechanic or brake services for a quick inspection.

Start early

Another way to keep your sanity intact during a move is to get an early start. This means beginning preparations for your move before you even list your home for sale. Go through all your belongings before you pack so you can sell, donate, or toss items that you no longer need. Pack up personal belongings you won’t need to use over the next few months and put them in storage. Not only will you have fewer boxes to pack right before moving day, but your home will also be less cluttered and more attractive to buyers.

Take breaks

Prepping for a big move is a marathon, not a sprint. You can’t keep chugging along without a break sometime during the process. Incorporating downtime into your schedule is critical for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Take a weekend off to watch movies or go for walks. Renting a moving truck for several days or even a moving pod for a month or two so you can slowly load up your belongings will make your life easier. And when you get to your destination, take your time unpacking. Go out and explore your new neighborhood and meet your new neighbors.

Ask for help

Even if you fully DIY your move, it doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. Start calling in those favors you’ve been banking. You don’t have to ask people to help carry heavy boxes for you, either. People can help with your move in a variety of ways including taking your dog for a walk, watching your kids for a night, or picking up a pizza order for you.

Keep an eye on the weather

Finally, the weather can be more unpredictable in the winter months. So keep an eye on the forecast as moving day approaches. If you get snow in your area, then keep your driveway and walkway clear of snow with the help of a residential or commercial snow removal company. And if you’re looking for driveway construction or resurfacing, contact Abington Driveways. We can provide resin, concrete and tarmac drives. Protect your floors from dirt and slush. Have a backup plan in case poor weather makes it impossible to drive on moving day. And be sure to have your utilities turned on at your destination before you arrive.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Just because Old Man Winter is here doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to sell your home. While spring and summer tend to be the busiest seasons in the real estate market, you can still achieve your home-selling goals in winter. It helps to understand what makes the winter market different and how you can best attract buyers during these cold, dark months. That’s why we’ve compiled these tips to help you ace your winter of home selling.

Know your buyers

Anyone willing to trudge out in cold, dark weather to look at a home for sale means business. While you’re likely to see fewer buyers in winter, the ones who are out shopping are serious about purchasing a home. These could be people who are relocating for work or who want to be closer to family and friends. Knowing who your potential buyers could be will help you market your home to them more effectively. You may get fewer offers, but the ones you do receive will be serious.

Clean and de-clutter

Raise your hand if you’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution to clean and declutter your house. This is the time of year when people are ready for a fresh start. Show them that they can easily make that fresh start in your home by thoroughly cleaning and de-cluttering. Go through all your belongings and decide what to keep and what to donate, sell, or throw away. Then go room to room and deep clean everything from the ceilings and floors to the cabinets and closets. Remember, people viewing your home will be opening every door and drawer, so details are important.

Make it cozy

No matter what part of the country you live in, winter brings with it a certain coziness that you should capitalize on as a home seller. Make your house as warm and welcoming as possible. First, remove any personal items from your home such as family photos. You want buyers to be able to imagine themselves living in the space. Next, fix any items that require repairs such as leaky faucets or jammed windows. Be sure all your lights are in working order and keep them all on for showings. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Light a scented candle or two or diffuse essential oil to make your home smell inviting. Finally, give each room a purpose. If you’ve got a spare room you can stage it as a guest bedroom, home office, or even a kids’ playroom.

Don’t forget the outside

Just because our gardens are dormant for winter doesn’t mean you can skip the outside of your home when you’re selling. Curb appeal is still vitally important. Boost your home’s appeal by cleaning up your landscape and trimming trees and bushes. Keep walkways and patios clean and freshen up your front porch by painting your door and adding a new mailbox or lighting fixture. Powerwash outdoor surfaces such as decks and siding and clean your windows.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Have you been wondering if it’s a good time to jump into the Invest Real Estate market? Buying a home now is certainly different than it was during the pandemic. But just because the market has shifted doesn’t mean that now isn’t a good time to buy a home. If you’re not sure whether a home purchase is the right move for you, then consider these reasons why buying now actually makes sense.

There are more homes to choose from

One thing that characterized the housing market over the last two years was a lack of inventory. Many serious homebuyers were unable to purchase a home simply because demand was so high but supply was so low. With the recent rise in mortgage rates, fewer people are in the market for a house. In addition, homes are staying on the market longer. That means there are more homes on the market today to choose from and you’re more likely to have your offer accepted. However, if you can’t find a home that you like, you may choose to build your dream home with the help of a custom home builder.

Home prices are forecasted to stay steady

Are you worried that housing prices will crash after you’ve already purchased your home? Fortunately, this isn’t 2008 and most experts agree that home prices will remain steady. Local factors will certainly influence this, and some markets may see a slight increase or decrease. But overall, you can feel confident that your home will retain its value.

Housing increases in value over time

Real estate continues to be the favorite investment of Americans because it always increases over time. While the market can fluctuate in the short term, over the long haul home prices always go up.

Mortgage rates should moderate

Many potential homebuyers have been scared away from the market in recent months because of skyrocketing interest rates. However, rates have steadied over the past several weeks as inflation eases. Inflation does have a big impact on mortgage rates, so if inflation continues to decline, then you can bet that rates will come down, too. For those that are in the market for a mortgage, it pays to shop around. Different lenders offer different rates, so be sure to check out all of your options before deciding.

Refinancing is always an option

On the flip side, if inflation doesn’t ease in 2023 and mortgage rates stay high, then remember that you always have the option to refinance at a later date. Mortgage rates fluctuate over time and you’re not locked into your rate forever. This works best if you’re planning to stay in your home for more than five years as there are closing costs associated with refinancing your loan.

You’re building your net worth

Are you tired of throwing your money away on rent? Then it’s always a good time to buy a home. When you purchase a home, the payments you make are helping you to build your net worth instead of your landlord’s. Every payment you make helps you build equity, which is the difference between what you owe on your loan and the value of your home. Equity is a powerful financial tool that you can leverage to purchase a second home, make renovations on your current home, or even finance an education.

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Is 2023 the year you plan to buy or sell a home? Then now is the perfect time to begin taking actionable steps to reach your real estate goals. As we look back on 2022 and look forward to 2023, start imagining what you want to achieve over the next 12 months. Whether you’re hoping to sell your home, buy a new home, begin investing in real estate, or make renovations to your existing home, it’s time to start planning. Here’s what you need to do to achieve your real estate goals in 2023.

Set specific goals

Any successful person will tell you that a crucial step in achieving what you desire is to set specific goals. Don’t get caught up in goals that are too vague, such as wanting to buy a home next year. Instead, set a more specific goal by drilling down further. For example, be specific about what kind of home you’d like to buy, where it will be located, what price you’re able to pay, and what your timeframe is. This gives you much more to work with and a way to track where you are on the journey to reaching your goal.

Visualize your success

If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Not only should you get specific about your goals, but you should visualize yourself reaching them. Visualize what you hope to achieve – whether it’s selling your home and handing the keys over to the new owners or completing a kitchen renovation and cooking your first meal in it. This helps you control your emotions and thoughts and empowers you to accomplish those things you envision.

Make a plan

Next up – make a plan. You need to create for yourself a roadmap to your goal. How will you achieve what you hope to accomplish? This is where you start to get very specific, creating a checklist of steps that will get you closer and closer to your goal. If you want to purchase a home, break it down into smaller steps. Start by ordering your credit report, getting your documents together for a mortgage, and shopping around for a loan. When you’re ready to begin your home search, make a list of your needs and wants, research neighborhoods, and start looking at homes online. Once you’re in escrow, your agent can help you understand all the steps needed to get to the closing table.

Be accountable

You’re the one in control of reaching your 2023 real estate goals. So take responsibility for your actions. Hold yourself accountable to help keep yourself on track. Nobody else is to blame if you don’t reach your goals. There may be obstacles and setbacks on the way but look for ways to solve those problems and forge ahead.

Celebrate

Finally, one important aspect of achieving your real estate goals that is often overlooked is celebrating your success. When you finally achieve your goal, take time to celebrate that achievement. You should even celebrate achieving the smaller goals on the way to your larger goal. This helps you cultivate gratitude and makes it easier to continue on your goal-achieving journey.

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2022 is coming to a close and this week we’re saying goodbye to a year that has certainly had its ups and downs. Some of you may also be saying goodbye to your old home at this time of year, too. While moving to a new home can be an exciting time, it can also be tough to leave a place where you’ve made many lasting memories. That’s why we recommend having a meaningful send-off for the place that has meant so much to you. Here are several ideas for saying goodbye to your old home and honoring the life that you lived there.

Have a “house cooling” party

You’ve certainly heard of housewarming parties and may have even thrown one when you first moved into your home. As a way to say goodbye to your home, we recommend hosting a house cooling party as well. This is an excellent way to empty your fridge and pantry. Invite your guests to share a favorite memory of something that happened in the house. You can even have a designated spot to put all the things you’re planning to donate. Have your guests look through the items to see if there’s anything they’d like to have.

Write a letter to the new owner

Another way that you can say goodbye to your home is to share some of your favorite things about it with the new owner. Write them a letter and leave it in the house for the new owners to find. Tell them about your favorite memories in the house and share with them information about the house, the neighbors, and the community. Tell them your favorite places to shop and eat and quirks about the house you discovered over the years. You can even let each family member write their own parts. Even America’s First Families do this!

Take something with you

Having something to take with you from your old home can help to ease the transition into your new place. Keep in mind that some things you cannot remove when you’re selling your home, such as custom window treatments or anything that’s permanently attached. Perhaps there is an extra brick from the walkway you can take to remember your old home by. You can also take cuttings from your favorite plants and bushes that you can later propagate and plant in your new home.

Have a candlelit farewell

On the night before moving day, take some time out to have a final candlelit farewell to your home. This is a thoughtful way to give thanks to some of your favorite places in your home. Light some candles and go room by room, sharing your most cherished memories of each space. Let everyone have their say and don’t rush. On moving day, do one last sweep through the house to say goodbye. Then, once you’re in the car on the way to your new home, share what you’re looking forward to in your new place. Saying goodbye is certainly sad, but it’s important to remember that you also have many new and wonderful memories to make in the years ahead.

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You’re getting ready to head out the door to a holiday party when you remember – you forget to get a White Elephant gift for the gift exchange! Fortunately, we’ve got tons of ideas for last-minute White Elephant gifts that you can quickly put together or pick up on the way to the party. These are some of our favorites.

Lottery tickets

Who doesn’t want to win a million dollars? Lottery tickets are an easy and foolproof White Elephant gift idea. You can find them just about everywhere from gas stations to grocery stores. Just pop them in a festive gift bag and you’re done, you can also buy a leather bag!

Gift cards

Gift cards are another great last-minute While Elephant gift choice. You can go the easy route and get Amazon gift cards, which nearly everyone will enjoy. Or you can get a little more creative and thoughtful by picking up a gift card for a local store or restaurant. The local shopowners definitely appreciate it when people in their community shop small over the holidays.

Gourmet treats

Another good option for a last-minute White Elephant gift is a selection of gourmet treats. Stop in your local grocery store for seasonal items like cookies or hot chocolate, or hit up a local candy shop for a box of artisanal chocolates. You can also choose items like fancy olive oil, gourmet cheese, and artisanal bread.

Beauty products

Depending on who you will be exchanging gifts with, you can also pick up some luxurious beauty products for your last-minute White Elephant gift. Some excellent choices include homemade soaps, bubble baths, scented lotions, or even nail polish.

Scented candles

One of the best things about the holidays is how good everything smells! The gift of good scents makes good sense as a White Elephant gift. Choose scented candles, fragranced room sprays, essential oils, or wax melts.

Sleepytime essentials

Give the gift of a good night’s sleep for your White Elephant exchange this year. Put together a basket of goodies including a silky sleep mask, scented pillow spray, and cozy socks or slippers.

Coffee and tea

Who doesn’t love a strong cup of coffee in the morning, or a nice mug of herbal tea before bed? Treat your giftee to a selection of gourmet flavored coffees or pick up a variety of delicious herbal teas they can sample. You can make it even more special by adding a cute mug to the package.

Portable phone charger

Who couldn’t use another phone charger – especially one you can use on the go? Portable phone chargers are extremely useful and help to extend how long you can use your phone when you’re out and about. You’ll be a hero with this one!

Games

Does your crowd like to host regular game nights? Then pick up a new board or card game on the way to the party.

2023 calendar

For those who want a more old-school gift, then a 2023 calendar can be a sure thing. Choose a wall calendar with a fun theme or a desk calendar so they can learn a new fact every day of the year.

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Relaxing at home is a favorite tradition for many during the holiday season. Eating delicious food, playing games at betend, watching movies, and making memories are all high on the to-do list this time of year. However, if you or someone you love battling binge eating, then this Monte Nido Portland here can help you for it is a residential eating disorder treatment center to help you get recovered!

But for those who have recently moved into new homes, the holidays can feel a little disorienting as you’re trying to get settled. That’s why we’re offering these great tips for how to celebrate the holidays in your new home. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy the season and create traditions that you’ll treasure for many years to come!

Try some new decorations

If you’re still in the middle of unpacking, then you may not even know where those boxes of holiday decorations are. So why not try something new? You don’t need to go overboard – we know everyone is watching their budget right now. But a new wreath for the front door or easy homemade paper ornaments for the tree can be fun. Let the kids get in on it by having them pick out or make some new decorations, too.

Participate in holiday events in your new neighborhood

If you’ve moved to a new neighborhood, then now is a great time to get out and explore. Chances are there are holiday festivities happening such as plays, concerts, and parties that you can join. Driving around to look at neighbors’ holiday decorations is also a fun way to get to know your new community.

Meet your new neighbors

It’s also a great time of the year to meet your new neighbors. You can put together a small plate of holiday cookies and use it as an excuse to introduce yourself to the people in your community. If you feel comfortable doing so, then you can also invite some of your new neighbors over for cookies or cocktails. Ask them about fun events happening around town for the holidays to find out what’s popular in your area.

Send out holiday cards

We all love receiving holiday cards in the mail this time of year. Use this opportunity to send out holiday cards of your own that announce your new home and address to your friends and loved ones. Everyone will appreciate hearing about your recent move and it’s a great way to feel connected to those you love.

Volunteer

It’s not unusual to feel a little blue this time of year, especially if you’re celebrating the holidays in a new town. One of the best ways to beat the holiday blues is to volunteer. Helping others not only supports those in need, but it can also give your mental health a boost. Look for nonprofits in your area that need volunteers, such as the local homeless shelter or animal sanctuary.

Start a new tradition

Finally, one of the easiest ways to celebrate the holidays in your new home is to start a new tradition. Whether it’s taking a long family walk after a holiday meal or drying sliced oranges to use as decorations, starting a new tradition that you can continue year after year will make your new house feel like home in no time.

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If inflation has put a chill in your heart, then you’re probably worried that it may put a chill in your home this year, too. Rising costs across the board mean less money to spend on energy this winter. But don’t worry – you don’t need to fear that you’ll have icicles hanging from your nose in the coming months. There are ways that you can cut your heating costs without sacrificing your warmth and comfort. Here’s what you need to know.

Use warm accessories

It’s time to change out your warm-weather accessories for their cold-weather counterparts. This isn’t just to give your home a more seasonal vibe. It helps to keep you warm, too. Swap out light sheets for flannel, use rugs on the floor, and change your window treatments for heavier curtains. Add blankets to your sofa to keep warm while binging Hallmark holiday movies.

Use curtains wisely

Adding heavy curtains to your windows will help to keep out cold drafts, especially at night. But during the day, open your curtains to let in as much sunshine as possible. This will help to naturally warm your living spaces.

Fine-tune your thermostat

If you haven’t already gotten on the programmable thermostat bandwagon, then this is your year to do it. Fine-tuning your thermostat can help to save you big on your energy bill. Keep the house at a colder temperature when you’re out during the day and when you’re sleeping at night. A programmable or smart thermostat will automate the whole process for you so you never forget.

Check the furnace filter

Did you remember to clean or replace your furnace filter at the beginning of winter? If not, then that may be why you’re feeling so chilly. According to residential HVAC experts, clean filters help to improve airflow and let your system run more efficiently. So be sure to check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary. For professional help, hire heating system services or furnace repair experts that provide excellent Furnace Repair In Willis, TX. You should also look for a contractor that provides emergency furnace repair services in case you need immediate heating repair.

Find and seal air leaks

Check your home for evidence of air leaks. Look at windows, doors, light fixtures, outlets, switches, walls, and ceilings for holes or gaps. If you’re not sure there’s a leak, then light a candle and hold it near the area. If the flame flickers, then you most likely have a leak. When you do find leaks, fill them with caulk or weather stripping.

Don’t heat unused rooms

There’s a good chance you have rooms in your house that you don’t use every day. This can include guest bedrooms, powder rooms, and laundry rooms. Shut the door to rooms you are not using. This will allow the heat to stay in the room so that your furnace doesn’t have to work so hard.

Cook at home

If you’re looking for a reason to eat more dinners at home, then think of it as a way to save on your heating costs. When you turn on the oven, it helps to warm up your home. Once you’re done using the oven and have turned it off, you can prop open the door to let that heat warm the kitchen. Just be sure there aren’t any kids nearby whose curious hands might get burned.

Reverse your ceiling fans

Finally, you know that ceiling fans can help to keep you cool in the summer. But did you know they can also help to keep you warm in winter? Reverse the spin of the blades so they are rotating clockwise. This will help move trapped warm air at the top of the room back down to the floor.

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to begin thinking about what the New Year has in store. If you’re buying or selling a home – or even if you just want to give your home a style refresh – then it’s important to know what design trends the experts are forecasting. We’ve scoured the internet to get an idea of what’s ahead for our homes in 2023 and have chosen some of our favorites.

Wellness

Wellness has been top-of-mind since the pandemic began in 2020. And experts are forecasting that wellness will continue to be a top priority when it comes to our homes. Home designs in 2023 will emphasize slowing down and embracing mindfulness to create a peaceful and healthier home.

Natural elements

In 2023, we will also incorporate even more natural elements into our homes. Color schemes will be influenced by those found in nature, such as soft greens and warm browns. Furniture and decor will also come from nature, such as live-edge tables, baskets, and plants.

Art Deco

Experts are also predicting that we’ll embrace Art Deco design in 2023. It’s been 100 years since the Roaring 20s and it’s about time the design of that era made a comeback. While minimalism has been a favorite of designers for a long time, many will start including more decorative elements. Look for bright colors, geometric patterns, and symmetrical designs and layouts.

Old is new

Sustainability is on the minds of many homeowners, and that will be reflected in how we choose to decorate and furnish our living spaces in 2023. More people will be turning toward secondhand furniture or beloved family heirlooms that evoke special memories. With inflation fears escalating, more homeowners and designers will be turning to pieces from thrift and consignment stores to score a great deal.

Organization

Thanks to Marie Kondo, we all still love to organize and that trend will continue into 2023. While some people have returned to the office, many of us are still working from home. When you spend so much time in your living space, it’s important to keep it clean and organized. We’ll be turning away from open shelves and cabinets with glass doors in a desire to eliminate visual clutter.

Designer laundry rooms

Laundry rooms are no longer dark and dingy dungeons lurking in the basement. They are now being embraced as rooms that are both functional and beautiful. More homes will have designer laundry rooms that echo the aesthetic found in the rest of the home.

Round edges

Round edges and curves will also make a comeback in 2023. Curved sofas, egg chairs, round rugs, and moon-shaped hardware will become more common. Overall, we’ll see a softening of living spaces and a departure from the straight-line modern aesthetic that has been popular in recent years. If you’re planning to set up a home cinema system but lack the technical expertise, you should hire home cinema installers.

Gold colors

If 2023 were a color, then it would be gold. Experts are predicting that soft golden hues will be hugely popular in the coming year and will complement traditional neutral hues. You’ll find the color on everything from furniture to lighting fixtures to wallpaper.

One of the most critical decisions facing all home sellers is how to price your home. When you price your home correctly from the start you avoid leaving money on the table or having your home languish on the market. But how do you determine the best selling price for your home? That’s where comps come in. Let’s take a closer look at what comps are and how to choose comps for your home sale.

What are comps?

Comps are a way to help sellers and their agents figure out the best selling price for a home. Short for “comparables”, comps are recently sold homes in your neighborhood with similar features to yours. By finding comps in your area, you can feel more confident that you’re listing at the right price. But when looking for comps, you must compare apples to apples. The following items are those that you should take into consideration when finding comparable homes to yours.

Location

Look for homes that are in the same location as yours. Typically, this means within a half-mile radius of your home. Neighborhoods and their amenities certainly play into the value of a home, so finding a home nearby to compare is essential.

Size

Size is also important when finding comps. If the home you are selling is 1,500 square feet, then you will want to look for homes that are also around 1,500 square feet in size.

Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

While size contributes greatly to a home’s value, so do the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Often, though, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is more important than the overall square footage of the house. For this reason, look for homes that have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms as yours. Buyers are generally more interested in the functionality and utility of a space than its overall size.

Other details

While the three characteristics above are often the most important details when finding comps, other details can also contribute to a home’s value. For example, if your home has an amazing view of the surrounding landscape, then you will want to find comps that also have a great view. If your home sits on a large and private lot, then you’ll want to look at comps that also offer the same. In addition, if you’re selling a townhouse or a condo, then you’ll want to compare it with similar units. This means if you’re selling an interior unit you’ll want to compare it with other interior units because of fewer windows or greater noise from other homes.

How do you find comps?

Finally, when you’re ready to research comps in your area, start by searching online for recently sold homes in the neighborhood. Look for those that are similar in size, condition, and amenities as outlined above. In addition, your real estate agent can offer valuable advice when it comes to determining comps. They can access the MLS (multiple listing service) for more comprehensive information and also rely on their knowledge and expertise of the local market.

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