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If Chip and Joanna Gaines have taught us anything, it’s that fixer-uppers can be downright appealing. Many buyers love the idea of buying an old home and making it their own. But just what is it about these older homes that have buyers so enthralled? Let’s take a look at why so many homeowners are choosing to buy and live in an older home that could use some work.

They’re affordable

One of the biggest reasons that homebuyers like fixer-uppers is that they can be so affordable. In some cases, an older home that needs some work can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a newer, move-in ready home. Buyers that don’t mind putting in a little elbow grease to transform a fixer-upper into their dream home can get a serious bargain. However, you should also keep in mind the cost of the repairs when deciding whether or not a fixer-upper is actually a good deal.

They have character

Not everybody wants a cookie-cutter house in a master-planned community. That’s another reason why older fixer-uppers are so popular with some buyers. In these types of homes, you may find wonderful and unique details like crown molding, built-in window seats, or even a dumbwaiter! For those who want to live in a home that isn’t like everyone else’s, a fixer-upper can be a great choice.

They spark your creativity

If you’re a creative person, then a fixer-upper can be your best muse. Putting your own special stamp on a home can be very appealing, and fixer-uppers give you many opportunities to flex those creative muscles.

They connect you with history

Fixer-uppers tend to be older homes, and many of them have a rich history. If you love feeling connected to the past, then a fixer-upper is a wonderful way to do that. Learning about the time period that your home was built can be a fun process. You may also find clues in the house, like ct post newspaper clippings or old photos and letters. You can research the history of the home itself and find out about the people who used to live there. These homes are filled with stories and owning one can be very meaningful.

They let you use your skills

Are you handy with a saw? Do you love shopping for new power tools? Then owning a fixer-upper can be the ultimate project. Those who love to DIY are naturally drawn to older fixer-uppers, which often require a hefty amount of repairs and regular maintenance. Just be sure you know what you’re getting into — and that your skills are up to the task. Roofing repairs, for instance, are best left to the professionals. For complicated electrical repairs, you may want to hire a licensed residential electrician or a commercial electrician. It may seem like a good idea to fix electrical problems yourself, especially if you’re in a financial bind.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for certified residential and commercial electrical contractor for your work and emergencies, then this Électricien urgence Saint-jean services here is all you need!

However, electricians at Scott Electrics are trained to repair wiring. Never work with an unlicensed contractor, even if they have a reputation for being the best electrician in town. We love the service of electrician five dock. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, the outcome can be extraordinary.

They tie you to the community

Finally, owning a fixer-upper can make you feel like a part of your community. Your neighbors may remember playing in the house as a child, or perhaps they were friends were the former owners. It also ties to you a huge online community of people who love to restore old homes. If you love to feel like you are a part of something special, then owning an older fixer-upper can be a positive and rewarding experience.

Compliments of Virtual Results

The homes for sale market is hot, and buyers know they need to act quickly in order to get an accepted offer. Unfortunately, that may lead some buyers to rush into an agreement, only later to regret their decision. So how do you deal with homebuyer’s remorse — or better yet, prevent yourself from having it at all? Here’s what you need to know.

Make a list of your needs

One of the best ways to head off buyer’s remorse is to know exactly what you’re looking for in a home. Get clear down to the neighborhood, the number of bedrooms, and any other features that are extremely important to you. It’s harder to feel regret about your purchase if you’re going into the deal with your eyes wide open. Getting clear about what you’re looking for in a home will make it easy to know when you’ve found “the one”.

Don’t overpay

Nobody wants to pay too much for a home. But in today’s market, you may face the temptation to offer more than you can afford. Bidding wars are becoming more common, and when you’re feeling the pressure to compete, you may offer to pay more than other buyers. This often means paying more than what you budgeted for, or worse — paying more than your income can handle. Before you begin your search, find out >how much house you can afford and stick to your budget.

Don’t waive the inspection

We understand that as a buyer in today’s market, you need to do what you can to be competitive. But don’t be tempted to waive the home inspection contingency to have your offer accepted. A home inspection is an invaluable part of the home buying process. It can reveal issues with the home that the seller has not disclosed. Sometimes these issues can mean very expensive repairs that you’ll be forced to deal with once you become the owner. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable by waiving your right to a home inspection. An inspection is essential to determine the actual condition of the home’s roofing system, plumbing, flooring, foundation, etc. If the home has a septic tank, you might find that it requires septic tank cleaning services soon.

Shop around for a mortgage

Another common reason for buyer’s remorse is feeling like you didn’t get a good deal on your mortgage. Mortgage rates have been at record lows since the pandemic began. But that doesn’t mean that every lender will offer you the same deal. For this reason, it’s important to shop around for a mortgage. There are many types of mortgages out there, and you may find you get a much better deal with one over another. You can save yourself thousands of dollars in the long run simply by comparing the mortgages that are available to you.

Trust your instincts

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. While it’s important to listen to your head when making your decision, you should also trust your gut. Don’t be overly influenced by other people’s opinions about the home. After all, you’ll be the one living there, not them. If something feels off, then trust that instinct. On the flip side, if you feel very enthusiastic about your purchase while others aren’t so sure, you should also listen to your intuition. Trusting yourself to make the right decision for your needs and lifestyle will help to ensure that you don’t experience buyers’ remorse down the line.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re buying a home, you will often make an earnest money deposit to the seller after they have accepted your offer. While they are not always required, this good faith deposit can give you an edge in a competitive market. Once you close on the home, the earnest money can be applied to your down payment. Let’s take a closer look at this practice and answer common questions that often come up.

How much earnest money should you offer?

One of the most frequent questions we get is about how much earnest money to offer. Typically, the earnest money deposit is one- to two percent of the purchase price. But this can vary depending on the market. When we’re in a seller’s market, like we are now, some buyers may opt to increase their earnest money deposit as a way to make their offer stand out. If you’re not sure how much earnest money to offer, talk to your real estate agent.

What does earnest money provide?

Once your offer has been accepted by the seller, they will take their home off the market. The earnest money helps to assure them that you’re operating in good faith and intend to close the deal. In many cases, your earnest money deposit is not refundable if you back out of the deal. This deposit provides the seller with compensation should that happen. Basically, your earnest money deposit shows that you’re serious about following through.

What happens to your earnest money?

A purchase agreement will be drawn up between you and the seller. This document will provide details about how the earnest money deposit is to be handled. Usually, the money is held in escrow until you close on the house. At closing, most buyers will use the earnest money as part of their down payment on the house.

Can a seller legally keep my earnest money?

There are certain situations where the seller is legally allowed to keep your earnest money deposit if you don’t go through with the deal. These terms will be laid out in the purchase agreement. For example, if you decide not to continue with the purchase because you found a home you like better, then the seller may be able to keep your earnest money. Before you sign your purchase agreement, make sure you understand exactly what you are agreeing to. If anything is confusing, then have your agent explain it.

When can my earnest money be refunded?

There are also situations where you can get your earnest money refunded if you don’t close the deal. These will also be laid out in the contract, and are usually referred to as contingencies. Common contingencies include:

• Mortgage contingency — If you’re unable to secure financing to buy the home, then you can get your earnest money returned.
• Inspection contingency — If the house inspection uncovers major problems, then you may be able to get your money back if you don’t follow through on the purchase.
• Appraisal contingency — If the home appraises for less than the purchase price and the deal falls through, you can get your earnest money back.

The bottom line

Your earnest money deposit is a valuable tool that can help your offer stand out among the competition. But before you sign any contracts, be sure you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to. When in doubt, ask your real estate agent to walk you through the contract before you sign.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Today’s real estate market is competitive for buyers. We’re currently experiencing a shortage of houses for sale. This coupled with high demand means that buyers may face many obstacles when making an offer on a home. As a buyer, it’s so important to be as prepared as possible when you’re ready to start your home search. Here’s what you need to do to get yourself ready.

Know what you need and want

In today’s real estate market, it is essential that you know what you’re looking for in a home. After all, how can you find what you want if you don’t know what you want? Before you begin your home search in earnest, get clear about what you need and what you want. Put your needs first. These could include certain neighborhoods, the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or other home features that would be deal-breakers for you. You should also consider what you want, such as room for a backyard pool or a finished basement. While these items would be nice to have, they aren’t necessarily deal-breakers. Make a list of your needs and wants so that you can compare houses during your search.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Before you begin looking at homes, get pre-approved for a mortgage. You cannot be competitive in today’s market if you aren’t pre-approved for a mortgage (unless, of course, you’re going to pay all cash). Getting pre-approved for a mortgage tells a seller that you are a serious buyer. It is entirely possible that other buyers will be putting in offers for the same house as you. Your offer will not be considered unless you’re pre-approved.

Keep your emotions in check

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you will ever make. It’s important to think of it as a business deal. Yes, you are buying a home that will become the center of your family life. You will make many memories and celebrate many milestones in this house. But don’t get swept up into your emotions. Try to maintain a sense of detachment so that you can make sound decisions. If you’re struggling to maintain an emotional distance, then lean on your agent for help.

Prepare for a bidding war

As we said above, there aren’t enough homes for sale in today’s market to keep up with demand. The home you love will also be the object of affection for other buyers, too. Your offer will probably not be the only offer a seller receives. You should mentally prepare yourself for a bidding war when you put in an offer. Understand how the home buying process works so you know how you can sweeten your deal. And be clear about your budget. You need to know how much house you can afford so that you don’t overextend yourself.

Work with an expert

Finally, one of the best ways to be competitive in today’s market is to work with an expert real estate agent. Your agent should be extremely knowledgeable about your local market so they can advise you through every step of the process. The process of making an offer can move quickly, and having a pro on your side can help ease the stress.

Compliments of Virtual Results

What time of year is the best time of year to replace a roof? We will explore the topic in depth in this post.

When looking for a roofing company and choosing a new residential roof for your home can seem like a daunting task, but the process can proceed quicker than you might expect. Speed can be just the thing if you are trying to get your residential roofing completed before winter arrives and keeping a few key points in mind can really aid in your decision!

First, according to this expert in roofing in brampton you need to realize that not every material will work for every roof.

A flat roof would require a different material than a very steep roof. Materials like slate or tile are very heavy, so the structure of many homes would not be able to carry the load. Make sure you have roof repair kilsyth contact in case you need extra help. The roofers in Oley, PA are as well ready to come and help you.

Next, consider cost and curb appeal. If you are working on a tight budget, then asphalt roofing is the way to go. This is by far the most popular option as home front roofing since it is inexpensive, installation is very simple, and it comes in a wide variety of colors to match your home.

Frederick Micken mentioned that if you would like to consider a more long-term investment, your options would include wood, metal, tile, and slate. All of these options have a longer lifespan, but the materials cost more and are more expensive to install. According to https://www.baroofers.com often times, your home, existing roof, neighborhood, and energy needs will help make the decision for you. For instance, if you plan to install solar panels, you may need to adjust your roofing materials a bit.

Also, if you have a home owner’s association, it’s best to check in with them before getting bids, as many times they will have certain specifications for new roofs.

When many people think of staging a home, they focus on the bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. While these are important areas to address when staging your home to sell, there is one space that is often overlooked – your closets. Closet space is extremely important to many home buyers and should not be glossed over when you’re staging your home. Here’s what you need to do to stage your closets from local closet designers like a pro.

Do one closet at a time

You’ve probably got more than one closet in your home. In fact, when you start thinking about tackling all the closets you have, then you may start to feel a little overwhelmed. Take it one closet at a time. Start with an easy one first, like a linen closet, so you can get the hang of it before attempting to stage the walk-in closet in your master bedroom.

Remove all items from closet

The first thing you’ll want to do when staging your closet is to remove everything from it. Yes, we mean everything. As you remove items, decide what you want to keep, what you want to donate, and what can be tossed. Have boxes nearby for those things you want to get rid of so you can easily move them out of the house.

Aim to reduce items in each closet by half

Buyers want to see spacious closets. Your closets will not look very big if they are completely stuffed with your personal items. Aim to reduce the number of items in your closet by at least half. When you’re staging your closet, you want to demonstrate how the closet can be used. Only keep universal items in the closet, like clothes and shoes. The closet should be more like a blank slate so potential buyers can imagine their own belongings inside. After you’ve determined what items you want to keep but don’t want to use for staging, box up those items and put them in storage.

Clean and paint

Before returning any items to the closet, it’s time to thoroughly clean it. Think about it — when was the last time you vacuumed or wiped down the shelves? Once you’ve finished cleaning, you should paint the closet in a bright, neutral color like white or beige. Let the closet air out and replace any burnt-out light bulbs.

Arrange items neatly

Now the fun part starts! When you’re staging your closet with the remaining items, you want to keep things as tidy as possible. You should always be able to see the back of the closet wall when you look inside, so don’t stuff things in there. Keep the floor as clear as possible — no shoes or tote bags should rest on the floor. Use matching hangers to hang clothes and keep at least one inch of space between each hanger. Make sure all hangers face the same way. Arrange clothes and linens by color and style and use baskets to corral smaller items like belts and scarves.

Well-staged closets are a home-run with today’s buyers. Don’t forget this important step when you’re staging your home to sell!

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re buying a home, you’re not just buying the house itself. You’re also buying the neighborhood. The community you live in has a big impact on both your quality of life and the value of your home. That’s why it’s important to choose a home with great neighborhood amenities — even if you don’t plan on using all of them. These are the neighborhood amenities you should look for when buying a home. In my case, I looked for a Realtor near me like eXp Realty to make sure I had counsel during the process.

Schools

Regardless of whether or not you have school-age children, you should consider the quality of the nearby schools when you’re buying a home. Good schools have a positive effect on home values. They also tend to be in neighborhoods with high community engagement.

Parks and green spaces

Another neighborhood amenity that you should look for are parks and green spaces. J’Den Condo offers ample green spaces, creating a serene and tranquil living environment. These are great places for kids to play, to engage in exercise, and to experience nature. They’ve become especially important since the pandemic began, giving people a chance to safely get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. If you’re someone who’s looking for a house that has beautiful green spaces and gardens, you should check out houses for sale Crewe.

Markets

Being close to the grocery store is another amenity that you should consider when buying a home. Unless you regularly have your groceries delivered, going to the market is something you’ll probably do at least once a week. Having access to quality food nearby is a desirable perk for most homeowners and can affect your home value.

Fitness centers

Are there places to exercise near the home you want to buy? If fitness is important to you, then you’ll want to check out the local gyms, especially if you don’t want to exercise outside. Being close to a state-of-the-art gym can be attractive to many buyers down the line when it’s time for you to sell. I also saw some fantastic sprung flooring for a gym recently, so if you need such flooring then check that out.

Transportation

How easy is it to get to the home? You’ll want to look at how close the house is to major roads. For many homebuyers, easy access to the freeway is very important. You’ll also want to consider public transportation options that are nearby. Is the home close to bus routes or subway stations? Lentor Hills condo is 6 mins walk to Lentor MRT. And don’t forget about airports. If you get the itch to travel, then you’ll want to be within a reasonable distance from a commercial airport.

Nightlife

Do you like to get out of the house at night and mingle? Then take a look at how close the home is to bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Knowing that you can easily walk or take a rideshare to local hotspots can be favorable to many buyers.

Cultural attractions

In addition to nightlife, what kinds of cultural attractions are nearby? Having access to world-class destinations can be exciting for many homeowners, and provides endless opportunities for recreation. Research what museums, aquariums, amusement parks, theaters, and other venues are nearby when you’re buying a home.

HOA perks

Finally, if you’re looking at a home or condo that’s part of a homeowners association (HOA), find out what kind of perks that you’ll have access to. This could include a community pool with a Pool Pump Installation, playground, golf course, or clubhouse. Just remember that you’ll be paying monthly dues when you live in this kind of planned community in order to access these perks. If the properties are connected to the municipal sewer system, they may also be in charge of hiring professionals for sewer line repair and maintenance.

Compliments of Virtual Results

First impressions are important. That’s why your home must have great curb appeal when you’re selling. The outside of your home is the first thing that potential buyers will see. It can help them decide whether or not they’d like to view the inside as well. Enhance your property’s curb appeal with Eco Landscapes, Dublin’s leading driveway and patio installers.

Here are some questions about curb appeal that we frequently get, and what you need to know to make your home stand out.

What is curb appeal?

“Curb appeal” is a phrase often associated with real estate. But what does it mean? Curb appeal is what your home looks like from the street. It’s a combination of design elements that can create a pleasing exterior. When your home has curb appeal, it is often described as being cute, inviting, charming, elegant, sophisticated, or welcoming.

What is curb appeal so important?

Curb appeal is crucial when you’re selling your home. Often, the exterior of your home is the first thing a potential buyer will see — either online or when they’re driving by. They will form an opinion based on what the outside of your home looks like, which will help them decide if they want to see more. But that isn’t the only reason that curb appeal is so important. It can actually increase the value of your home. In fact, it is estimated that curb appeal can add as much as 7 percent to your home’s value.

How can I improve my home’s curb appeal?

The great news is that curb appeal is one of the easiest things to create when you’re selling your home. Here are some ideas for creating excellent curb appeal when you’re selling:

• Stage the area around your front door with plants, new house numbers, and a fresh coat of paint.
• Plant window boxes with fresh, colorful flowers and consider enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of your outdoor space by installing covered walkways canopies.
• Add exterior lights to sidewalks and driveways. In addition, an asphalt contractor can be hired if there are cracks on the driveway.
• Clean up the landscaping including trimming trees and bushes, pulling weeds, and mowing the lawn.
• A roof replacement may also help improve not only the curb appeal of your property, but also the value of your home.

What mistakes should I avoid?

While it’s easy to add curb appeal to your home, there are some mistakes that you should avoid. These include:

• Completing redoing the landscape. You only need to concentrate on a few key areas to make a real difference in your curb appeal.
• Choosing paint colors that are too bright or not currently popular. Opt instead for neutral shades that blend well with your neighborhood.
• Making your landscape very personal — it should appeal to the widest swath of buyers as possible.
• Not committing to the upkeep of your curb appeal while your home is for sale. Be sure to have regular residential lawn mowing services and keep the plants and flowers watered while your property is on the market. If you really can’t keep up with lawn maintenance, consider installing a pet-friendly artificial grass which requires much less maintenance. Visit https://www.syntheticturfpitchmaintenance.co.uk/ for more information on how to take care of artificial turf.

How much do I need to spend?

Adding some strategic enhancements to your home’s exterior when you sell both easy and budget-friendly. In fact, you shouldn’t spend too much on updating your home’s curb appeal. Many of the upgrades you can make yourself, and you shouldn’t need to spend more than a few hundred dollars to really make a difference in your home’s aesthetic.

When you’re preparing to buy a home, you know to expect certain expenses like mortgage and insurance payments. But there are many other costs associated with buying and owning a home that can derail you financially if you aren’t prepared. Let’s take a look at some of the hidden costs of owning a home. Knowing what to expect will help ensure that you don’t overextend yourself.

Closing costs

First of all, let’s talk about what you’ll be expected to pay when you close on a home. Some buyers, especially first-time buyers, are shocked when they learn what fees come due when closing on their purchase. You should expect to pay up to five percent of your purchase price on various fees including mortgage interest, lender application fees, escrow payments for taxes and insurance, title insurance, and recording fees.

Property taxes

Property taxes are another expense that can take homeowners by surprise. The amount you pay in property taxes varies from one city to the next. Depending on where you live, this can amount to several hundred dollars a month. The average rate nationwide is about 1.1 percent of the home’s value but can vary widely from neighborhood to neighborhood. You can expect to pay property taxes the entire time you own your home, even after you’ve paid it off.

HOA fees

If you live in a planned community, then you will likely also be on the hook for HOA or condo fees. These are typically charged monthly or quarterly and cover expenses for services that the entire community uses, like snow plowing or mowing. You may even be charged special assessments from time to time if your association needs to make improvements such as installing a new security system or making repairs to sidewalks.

Utilities

Don’t underestimate how much you may need to spend each month on basic utilities. These fees can often amount to hundreds of dollars each month and can vary from month to month. In the spring your electric bill may be considerably less than it is during a winter cold snap. If you know someone in the neighborhood where you’re looking to buy, you can ask them how much they spend a month on utilities on average. Don’t forget to include things like internet access and cable tv services, and make sure to check for the best and affordable deals offered by an internet and tv provider.

Maintenance and repairs

The typical homeowner spends about one percent of the value of their home on yearly maintenance and repairs. But this number can also vary depending on what kind of home you own. Single-family residences are typically more expensive than condos or attached houses. Common maintenance expenses include lawn care, house cleaning, and gutter cleaning. Some larger repairs can be quite costly, including replacing a furnace or roof. You should also look out for any structural integrity issues. To make your home more durable and resistant to seismic activity, you may want to look into Earthquake Retrofitting Services. Here is why Fire Barriers Are An Ideal Solution For California Critical Infrastructure.

Things homeowners insurance doesn’t cover

While homeowners insurance is an expected expense, it doesn’t cover everything. You may end up having to pay for costly repairs for things that are considered “acts of God”. For this reason, you may need to pick up additional insurance like flood or earthquake insurance. This kind of insurance can be expensive, especially if you live in an area that is prone to these types of disasters.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Hooray, spring is finally here! Did the winter feel like it was a year long? It’s time to shake off those cold-weather blues and start getting your home ready for warmer weather. While spring cleaning may seem like a daunting task after months inside, you can actually conquer it quickly. Here’s how you can tackle your spring clean in just one weekend.

Friday — prep

The key to completing your spring clean in just one weekend is to be prepared. It’s such a bummer to run out of supplies halfway through the job. For this reason, you should inventory what you’ve got on hand before you get things underway. This gives you a chance to stock up so that you aren’t sidelined during the process. You can start this process a week early so you can order supplies online. Or save it for a Friday night and a quick trip to the store to get what you need. In addition to getting all your supplies ready, you should also designate a place near the front door where you’ll stash items you want to donate. That will make it much easier to get those things out the door on your next trip out.

Saturday morning — start with the bedroom

Saturday morning starts with the bedroom. The first thing you want to do is strip the bed and throw those linens in the wash. If your curtains can be laundered, then throw those in as well. Curtains that can’t be washed should be vacuumed thoroughly. Flip your mattress and remake the bed with fresh sheets and a lighter comforter for warmer months. Vacuum from ceiling to floor, making sure to get in each of the corners where cobwebs tend to hide. Dust and polish all surfaces. Repeat all the steps above for each bedroom.

Saturday afternoon/evening — move to the bathroom

Once the bedrooms are complete, it’s time to tackle the bathroom. Wash the shower curtain if possible. Clean the bathtub, shower, toilet, and sinks. Go through bathroom cabinets and drawers and toss items that have expired or that you no longer use. Sweep or mop the floor, and repeat for every bathroom in your house. Thorough cleaning of your bathroom may also help you detect any hidden plumbing issues that may require the help of professional plumbers who can provide emergency plumbing services. Look for a reliable plumber to help you inspect your whole plumbing system and repair any damages.

Are you wondering Why is the Toilet Flange Leaking? According to Fox Plumbing & Heating, broken toilet flanges are caused by typical wear and tear. Improper maintenance and tune-ups can lead to malfunction and damage.

Sunday morning — tackle the kitchen

Start Sunday morning by cleaning the stove and oven. If it’s particularly grimy, then you may want to spray it with oven cleaner on Saturday evening so it has time to work its magic. Defrost the freezer if necessary and deep clean the refrigerator, tossing expired or rotten food. Clean the microwave and other appliances and wipe down all surfaces. Mop the floor and clean up any pet areas nearby. Take out the trash and recycling.

Sunday afternoon — finish with living areas

Finish up your spring cleaning weekend by concentrating on living and entertaining areas. Vacuum curtains, furniture, and floors. Dust all surfaces from the top down.

Sunday evening — relax and enjoy

By the time Sunday evening arrives, it’s time for you to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Open the windows to let in a little fresh air and take a hot bath in your sparkling clean tub to relax.

Compliments of Virtual Results