Posts for Syndication

It may seem silly to discuss the definition of a bathroom. But if you’ve recently looked through home listings, then you know that they can be confusing. What does it mean when the listing says “full bath”? Or how about listings that say a home has 1.75 baths or 2.5 baths? How can a home have three-quarters of a bathroom? If you’re looking for a little clarity when it comes to bathrooms, then we’re here to help.

Full bath

If a bathroom is listed as being a “full bath” then it must contain four essential elements. This includes a glass shower door, bathtub, sink, and toilet. Each of those elements consists of one-quarter of a bathroom. So if all four elements are present, then a bathroom is considered a full bath. Additionally, bathrooms are generally required to be at least 36 square feet in size to be listed as a full bath. If bathrooms are really important to you, then you’ll want as many full baths in a home as possible. Use our bathroom cost calculator to help with your bathroom renovations budget. You may also need professional plumbers to complete your bathroom renovation or if you need Cured in Place Pipe Lining Installation Services.

Half bath

The next most common type of bathroom you’ll see in a listing is a half bath. This means that it has two of the four essential elements of a bathroom. Usually, a half bath contains both a toilet and a sink. You may also see these listed as a guest bathroom or as a powder room. Half baths are typically found near the entry or the kitchen and are usually on the main level. Half baths are great additions to a home if you enjoy entertaining and they are often small in size. You won’t sacrifice much square footage if you have a half bath in your home.

Three-quarter bath

Another common type of bathroom found in a home is a three-quarter bath. As you have probably guessed, this means it contains three of the four elements of a bathroom. Usually, it has a toilet, sink, and shower or a toilet, sink, and bathtub. Three-quarter baths are popular for guest rooms and even in finished basements, these are great additions to the home so once you have everything set up like the toilet and whatever else you decide to add.

Master bathroom

Master bathrooms are generally the most luxurious of all the bathrooms in the house. They are typically part of the master suite and connected directly to the master bedroom. Many master bathrooms go beyond the usual four elements. They sometimes include luxury amenities such as whirlpool tubs, steam showers, double vanities, and extra storage.

Adjoining bath

Adjoining baths are sometimes found in homes with several bedrooms that cater to families. Adjoining baths connect two rooms. They might be called jack-and-jill bathrooms if they connect two bedrooms. These can be great for children to share. They may also connect a bedroom to a hallway so that there is one door to the bedroom and one door to the hallway.

One-quarter bath

Finally, a less common bathroom you may encounter in a listing is a one-quarter bath. You’ll usually find these in older homes or homes on the smaller side. You might find a one-quarter bath in the basement. It will contain just one of the elements of a bathroom, usually a toilet or a shower.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re buying anything other than a new construction home, then you might wonder about its previous inhabitants. Who lived there before you? What were they like? And if your home is more than a few years old, you may even be curious about its early history and how it played into the development of your neighborhood. As a homebuyer, you certainly deserve to know as much about a home as possible before you move in. If you’re curious about a home’s roots, then here are some suggestions on how to learn more about its history.

Search the National Register of Historic Places

Is the home you’re interested in listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Then this is the best place to begin your search. This registry can give you all kinds of information from who built it and when to the style of the architecture. You should also be aware that if a home is listed on this registry, then you may qualify for tax credits for the home’s maintenance.

Check public records

If the home you’re researching is not on the National Register of Historic Places, then you can continue your search by checking public records. First, try searching the property records from your local or county government. This could include plat maps, deeds, tax records, and building permits. You can search online or in person at their offices. Census records can also help to uncover information about the home’s previous owners. Once you’ve got some names attached to the home, you can search those names online to uncover more information.

Uncover darker secrets

Are you concerned that a house once may have belonged to criminals? Or worse – maybe the home was the scene of a death or a murder? Then head to your local Vital Records office or search their website. Search for your address to see if it is listed on any death certificates. You can also look at criminal records for the home through your local police station or their criminal databases online. If you know the names of previous owners, then you can search for their names in the database.

Get to know the neighbors

One of the best ways to learn about the history of your home is by talking to the neighbors. When you’re touring a home, be on the lookout for any neighbors who may be out in their yards or taking a walk. It’s a great time to introduce yourself and let them know you’re interested in buying the home. You can ask them if they know anything about its history or the people who have lived there previously. If you’re lucky, then you may bump into a neighbor who has lived in the neighborhood for decades. They can provide a wealth of information that you wouldn’t necessarily uncover in public records. It will also allow you to meet potential new neighbors so you can get a better sense of what the community is like.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Have you been dreaming about buying your first home? You’re not alone – that’s why they call homeownership the American Dream. But when you’re first getting started on your journey to homeownership you may feel a little daunted. There’s so much to know and so many preparations to make. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself about the process. If you’re dreaming about buying a home this year, then this is where you should start.

Know where you stand

First things first – when you’re preparing to buy a home you need to know what you’re working with. We recommend you start by obtaining a copy of your credit report. Your credit history factors heavily into your ability to qualify for a mortgage. So you need to know what it says and to check it for errors. If you find any errors, then take the necessary steps to dispute them. The stronger your credit history, the more likely you are to qualify for a mortgage and get a good rate. If you have high debt or a low credit score, then start paying down that debt and making all your payments on time.

Know what you can afford

Now that you have a better picture of your financial situation, then it’s time to determine what you can afford. There are many online calculators available that can help you understand what your budget should be with your current finances. This will help you narrow your search so that you’re only looking at homes that you can afford. OK Loan Centers offers the best Oklahoma City payday loans so take a look at how much you can borrow from them.

Know what you want

The next step of your journey to homeownership consists of defining what you want. You need to go beyond the idea of simply buying a home in a good neighborhood. What kind of home do you want? How many bedrooms do you need? Where will your kids attend school? What kinds of amenities would you like to have nearby? Make a list of those things you need in a home and those things that would be nice to have. That way, you’ll know when you’ve found a house that meets your needs and some of your wants.

Start saving money

The next step is to begin saving money. You’ll need money for your down payment as well as to cover closing costs and other fees associated with buying a home. The more you can save for your down payment, the better. Conventional loans typically require 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment. However, there are also loans backed by the federal government that require a down payment of as little as 3.5 percent. Some offer home loans with no money down. Just be aware that if you pay less than 20 percent you’ll be on the hook for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Work with a trusted professional

The best place to start when you’re beginning your home buying journey is to partner with a trusted real estate professional. Working with an expert in your local market can make the process much easier, and they can help educate you along the way. Contact us today to begin your journey to homeownership!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you still on the fence about whether or not it’s a good time to sell your home? We understand that many things factor into your decision, from your changing needs to rising mortgage rates. But we’ve been in a seller’s market for quite some time, and the tides could soon be changing. If you’ve been thinking about listing, then you should know that you still have a chance to enjoy all the advantages. This is why right now is still a great time to list your home for sale.

Demand is still high

Demand from buyers continues to be high. The pandemic has changed the way we live and the things we’re looking for in a home. Many buyers are in the market because their jobs have changed. Either they need more space to work from home, or they can now work from anywhere they like. Or perhaps they’ve started a family and need room for it to grow. Many buyers wanted to take advantage of record-low interest rates for mortgages. But mortgage rates are beginning to increase, and this is spurring buyers to hurry up and buy while they can still get good rates.

Supply is still low

Even though buyers have been out in force for the last two years, sellers have still been hesitant to list. In addition, rising prices for construction materials such as lumber have contributed to the decrease in new homes that are being built. All of this means that the number of homes on the market continues to lag behind buyer demand. If you’re ready to sell, then you’ll likely have less competition now than a year from now.

Home values have skyrocketed

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home prices rose a whopping 16.9 percent in 2021. That is considerably more than the three percent they rose in 2020. Selling in 2022 means that you’re able to cash in on this increase. Because the value of your home has increased, you have more equity to leverage. You can even maximize your home’s resale value by working on some home upgrades such as getting a new Steel Aluminum Slat Fence Installation, applying a new coat of paint or hiring a commercial electrician to repair or upgrade your lighting. You may also need to contact a pest control company if there are signs of a pest infestation so it won’t affect the value of your home. This makes it easier for you to profit from your home sale and to apply those profits to the purchase of a new home.

Existing home sales at a 15-year high

According to another report by the NAR, sales of existing homes reached their highest level in 15 years in 2021. Last year, the total of existing home sales was 6.12 million – the highest it has been annually since 2006. That’s a jump of 8.5 percent from the previous year. Buyers are eager to buy, and the market needs more existing homes for sale to meet that demand.

It’s the home-selling season

Finally, there’s no better time to list your home for sale than in the spring. Traditionally, the real estate market experiences its highest activity levels this time of year. Many buyers with children are looking now so that school-age children can move in between school years. It’s also a great time to sell because your home will look its best during the warm weather, and more people will want to be out touring homes. If you’re ready to list your home for sale this spring, then contact us today!

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re trying to buy a home, then you’ve probably noticed that there are many other buyers out there competing for properties. Perhaps you’ve made offers on multiple homes, only to be outbid by another buyer. Maybe you’ve even decided to take a break from your home search until the supply and demand are on more equal footing. But why is demand still so high for homes in 2022? Let’s take a closer look.

Buyers want to get in on lower interest rates while they last

When the pandemic began, the federal government responded to the economic crisis by lowering interest rates. In fact, throughout the pandemic, interest rates for mortgages reached record lows. This makes for a favorable lending environment for well-qualified homebuyers. By purchasing a home when rates are low, you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. As Covid numbers continue to drop and restrictions are eased, interest rates are also going up. Many homebuyers are rushing to beat these increases, keeping demand high – at least for the time being.

Rents continue to rise

Another reason that buyer demand continues to remain high is that rent prices are soaring. According to a recent report, rent prices rose 14 percent in 2021. That is significantly more than the three percent they rose in 2020. With rental prices becoming less and less affordable, more people are considering buying instead. Owning a home is an investment with substantial financial benefits. When you rent, you never see those monthly payments again. But when you’re making mortgage payments, you can see a sizable return on investment when you sell.

Millennials are ready to buy

Millennials – those ages 26 to 41 – are beginning to reach peak home-buying ages. And all the recent changes in how we live in our homes have made Millennials even more eager to buy. Some Millennials will now be working from home at least part-time and may need a home that can cater to this change. Others want to buy homes to accommodate growing families. Some Millennials who put off home buying early because of student loans and other debt are now ready to enter the market. In short, those in their late 20s to early 40s are eager to finally settle down.

Some homeowners eager to upsize

Finally, it’s not just first-time homebuyers who are flooding the market. Those who already own homes want to take advantage of their newfound ability to upsize. Home values have increased dramatically in the past year, giving homeowners a boost to their equity. This increase in equity, coupled with low interest rates, means that many current homeowners can upsize. Basically, for the same monthly mortgage payments they are making now, they can buy a bigger home and make the same payments. For those who are now working from home, having bigger families, or simply want to stay home more often, upsizing is very attractive.

Compliments of Virtual Results

The real estate market of 2022 continues to favor sellers. There are simply more buyers in the market than there are homes for sale. While this isn’t necessarily great news for buyers, it can certainly make most sellers feel more confident. But it’s vitally important not to let this information give you a false sense of security – especially when it comes to price. Even when multiple buyers may end up competing to buy your home, you should still price your home correctly from the start. Here’s why it matters so much.

Dangers of overpricing

You’ve no doubt heard how housing prices have skyrocketed in the last two years. The pandemic has upended the real estate market. Record-low interest rates have fueled demand, yet sellers have been hesitant to list. As a result, home prices continue to increase. According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices rose 16.9 percent from 2020 to 2021.  As a seller, don’t let this news fool you into pricing your home sky high. There are several dangers to overpricing your home including:

• Your home sitting on the market for too long. When your home is priced more than comparable homes in your area, this can be a red flag to buyers. Your home could end up sitting on the market for much longer than needed.
• Deterring would-be buyers. Today’s homebuyers are savvy and will know when your home is priced well above the competition. This will be off-putting, thus reducing the number of interested buyers.
• Sending buyers the wrong message. Pricing your home too high at the beginning may lead to price drops along the way. When buyers see the listing price has been reduced, they may think that something is wrong with the home.
• Losing the deal when the appraisal comes in lower. If your buyers are financing the purchase of the home, then their lender will perform an appraisal. If they determine the home is worth less than the asking price, then it could jeopardize the sale.

Dangers of underpricing

While overpricing is more likely to happen in today’s market, there is still a possibility of pricing your home too low. The dangers of underpricing include:

• Causing worry among buyers. Today’s buyers are expecting home prices to be higher than they have been. When they see your home is priced below others in your area, they may worry there are expensive problems that will need to be addressed after closing.
• Leaving money on the table. While underpricing a home could lead to a bidding war, you’re more likely to end up leaving money on the table. If you want to maximize your profit, then you need to price correctly.

How to find your “Goldilocks” price

When you work with a trusted real estate professional, they will use their expertise and knowledge of the local market to help determine the appropriate listing price. This will help to ensure you sell quickly, have fewer contingencies to deal with, pay fewer out-of-pocket expenses, and make the best profit. If you’re interested in knowing the value of your home, then contact us today!

Compliments of Virtual Results

The arrival of spring typically signals that it’s time to give your home a good cleaning. After a long winter indoors, spring cleaning helps your home feel fresh and ready for the coming season. But we understand that not everyone gets excited about the list of chores that come with the start of spring. That’s why we’ve compiled our best tips for making an easy job of your spring cleaning. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Go room to room

Don’t feel like you need to clean the entire house in one day. That’s just an invitation to put off the task indefinitely. Instead, think about cleaning one room at a time. Start with the room that needs the most attention. Maybe you practiced being a home chef this winter and your kitchen could use a deep cleaning. Or perhaps the kids took over the living room the last few months and now there are crumbs and toys everywhere. When you begin with the room that needs it most, you’ll get a bigger payoff. And that could encourage you to tackle other rooms once you see the results. And it’s OK to skip rooms that you recently cleaned like the guest bedroom or the dining room.

Streamline your cleaning products

Marketing professionals are good at making us think we need a specialized product for every task. But that can make spring cleaning feel overwhelming and more expensive than it needs to be. Not to mention that more cleaning products mean more clutter, which we’re trying to avoid. Instead, invest in one or two good multi-purpose cleaners that can be used on most surfaces in your home. Opt for natural varieties that don’t contain harsh chemicals. You can even make your own with staples you already have on hand.

Enlist your family or services for help

Who says you have to be the only one responsible for deep cleaning your home this spring? The job will go much faster if you enlists your family or residential cleaning services to help. For complex tasks such as softwash roof cleaning, it’s best to let professional cleaning services handle them. Choose chores that are appropriate for each child’s age and reward them when they complete each task. This will help to teach your kids how to clean and make them feel included in the process. A good place to start is to have each child tidy up their bedrooms. Hiring a roof cleaning service like redriversoftwash.com/roof-cleaning/ can also save you money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs.

Declutter

Even if your home is technically clean, it can feel dirty if you have clutter. As you’re spring cleaning your home, keep an eye out for items that you no longer need or want. Determine which of those items can be donated or sold and which ones should be thrown out or recycled. The simple act of decluttering can make your home feel cleaner and more spacious almost instantly.

Make a schedule

Finally, don’t try to do your spring cleaning all in one day, or even in one weekend. Instead, consider making a schedule. Aim to clean for 15 minutes each day, going room by room. Once you’ve completed your spring cleaning, you can contact Bin Buddy NZ for rubbish removal. When you do a little bit every day, you’ll no longer need to invest major time in seasonal cleaning every year.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Searching for a new home can be a very exciting process! But it can also be daunting, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s why it’s so important to spend time thinking about what you want before you begin browsing. Not only will this save you time and energy, but it will also help to ensure that you find the perfect home for your needs. Here are some excellent tips to help you determine what it is you’re looking for in a home.

Make an exhaustive list

Brainstorming is an effective tool when approaching any problem that needs to be solved. What are all the possibilities? Think of your home search as a problem and begin to brainstorm solutions. Ask yourself – what it is that I think I am looking for in a home? How many bedrooms would I like to have? Do I need a home office? Am I hoping to entertain family and friends? Is a good school district important to me? How close would I like to be to amenities such as shopping and nightlife? Imagine yourself in your new home – what would you like to see? Begin writing all of these things down. Don’t leave anything out. Make an exhaustive list that contains everything you’d like your new home to be.

Determine if each item is a want or a need

Now that you’ve got your list ready, it’s time to take a closer look at each item. This is a crucial step in the process and one that should not be overlooked. Consider each item and whether or not having it or not having it would be a dealbreaker. Is a three-car garage essential, or would it simply be nice to have? Do you need a home office because you work from home? If you’re purchasing a home with a partner, then make sure that everyone’s needs and wants are accounted for.

Think about the future

As you’re determining your needs vs. your wants, consider the future. How long do you anticipate living in your new home? If this is your first home, then you may only live in it for a few years before you’re able to upgrade. But if you’re an empty-nester who is downsizing for retirement, then it may be the home you live in for the rest of your life. Think about what your future self will need when you’re narrowing down your list.

Apply what you’ve learned

Now that you’ve got your list, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned to your home search. It can be exciting to tour homes for sale. But you’ll soon get exhausted if you decide to look at every single one. Narrow down your choices to the ones that meet your needs and some of your wants. This way, you’ll find the right home for you more quickly and easily.

Work with a professional

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, then it can be tricky to figure out exactly what you’ll need in a home. After all, you’ve never done this before. That’s one of the many reasons why it can be so helpful to work with a professional. When you partner with a trusted real estate agent, then they can help you understand your options and narrow down the possibilities. If you’re in the market for a new home, then contact us today!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you already dreaming of summer barbecues in your backyard? Having outdoor space to enjoy is one of the perks of being a homeowner. But if your backyard patio leaves something to be desired, then it’s time to spruce it up. Though you can certainly spend a fortune on a patio if you have the funds, don’t let that stop you if you’re on a budget. There are many amazing DIY transformations you can accomplish on a dime. For instance, you may consider installing vinyl patio doors that will provide a division between your indoor and outdoor living space. Here are some more of our favorites.

Create a patio with pavers

If you’re starting from scratch, then you may feel a little daunted about creating the backyard patio of your dreams. But a little know-how and some muscle can easily transform your outdoor space. If you don’t currently have a patio, then you can make one of your own with pavers. Start by spreading gravel and sand. On top of this base add concrete or stone pavers from your local home improvement store or concrete contractor. A little bit of time and effort and your part can pay off big, without spending tons of cash.

Upgrade your seating

Having a backyard patio is like adding another living space to your home. Comfortable furniture similar to these bespoke furniture Perth is a plus, whether it’s a dining table and chairs to dine al fresco or a hammock for lounging the afternoon away. If your patio furniture is looking a little worse for wear, then you can easily upgrade it. Start by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Add new colorful cushions and throw pillows to complete the look.

Add lighting

Extend your enjoyment of your patio by making it cozy at night. All you need to do is add inexpensive lighting to create a welcoming vibe. Solar lanterns are an economical way to add lighting to your patio if don’t have an electrical outlet nearby. Visit sites like https://a-lumination.com/ if you want to add an electrical outlet for lighting. You can also add string lights to help define the space. Candles are also an excellent option – especially those that contain citronella which will help to repel biting insects. However, it would be wise to protect yourself from the sun, you could consider installing patio covers.

Build a fountain

Is there anything more relaxing than the sound of running water? Adding a fountain can make your backyard patio that much more enjoyable. But buying a ready-made fountain can cost hundreds of dollars – or more. The good news is that you can easily build a fountain at a fraction of the cost. All you need to do is to put an inexpensive pump inside a large ceramic planter or another container. Fill the container with water, turn the pump on, and voila! You now have your very own, one-of-a-kind patio fountain. You can even create a fountain with no electricity nearby by using a solar-powered unit. Just make sure your fountain is located in the sun so it can function properly.

Add plants

Finally, to put the finishing touch on your budget patio, be sure to add some colorful plants and flowers. You can go big by planting trees, shrubs, and perennials next to your outdoor space. Or you can do it on a smaller scale with potted varieties. If you don’t have a green thumb, then you can even go faux! Many faux plants that are available today look just like the real thing.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Spring is officially here! Are you as ready for longer and warmer days as we are? Now is the time to start thinking about your home’s exterior and getting it prepared for the months ahead. From trimming trees and bushes to planting annuals and vegetables, here’s what you need to know about getting your yard ready for the season!

Clean debris

Many homeowners are now waiting until spring to clean fallen leaves from the previous autumn. This gives beneficial insects a place to overwinter so they’re available to help your garden out in the spring. If you haven’t already, clean up leaves and other debris that has accumulated since last fall. However, be aware that you should wait until the soil has dried out, especially if you’ve had a wet winter. Walking on wet soil can compact and damage it, so postpone cleaning until water has had a chance to evaporate.

Trim trees and shrubs

Spring is also an excellent time to turn your attention to trees and shrubs. Hire a crane service for tree care and use it to trim out any dead or damaged branches from trees. These early days of spring can be a great time to trim some bushes before they begin their spring growth. Just be aware that some bushes, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, should not be trimmed until after they’ve bloomed. Otherwise, you run the risk of having fewer flowers this year. And if your trees are dying, the best solution is to look for a tree removal near me.

If you neglect to manage your trees, they can also cause structural damage to your property, consider Herford’s Tree Care, Inc. for your tree care services.

Weed

Think back to all those summer weeds that were nearly impossible to remove. It’s no fun trying to pull weeds that have become established over the spring and summer. That’s why weeding now in early spring is such a good idea. Weeds are extremely easy to spot and to pull out at this time of year. With shallow roots and small growth, you’ll make quick work of this particular chore. If you have Japanese knotweed all over your garden, you’ll want to find an expert that can do Japanese Knotweed Removal.

Transplant perennials

Early spring is also an excellent time to transplant many of your perennials. If you have any perennials that have gotten too big or have started to die out in the center, then it’s time to divide and conquer. Digging these plants out and splitting them can give your garden a huge boost. Not only will your plants look healthier, but it will also save you money. It’s like getting free plants!

Make repairs

Your yard can take a beating over the winter months. Take a walk through your garden and notice what repairs need to be made. This could include fence posts that have come loose, screens that need to be replaced with a more durable Lattice Screening, trellises that are leaning, or planters that have cracked. Spring is a good time to tackle these projects before you get busy with other garden chores. This is also a great time to build Backyard Playgrounds so your kids can enjoy spending time outdoors in the summer.

Clean and sharpen tools

Finally, take some time to clean and sharpen all your garden tools. Having clean and sharp tools make garden maintenance so much easier. This includes hand tools such as loppers and pruners as well as mechanical tools like lawnmowers. You should aim to sharpen your lawnmower blade every year before you begin cutting the grass. A dull blade will tear the grass instead of cutting it, which can cause disease down the line. If you’re unsure about how to sharpen your lawnmower blade, then take it to a professional to have it done.

Compliments of Virtual Results