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You’re ready to sell. You’ve de-cluttered, de-personalized, and made all the necessary repairs to your home. You’ve repainted and staged each room to appeal to potential buyers. But what do you do in the moments before a buyer is scheduled to show up? Here’s the rundown of all those little home-staging tasks you should address at the last minute.

Make your bed

No buyer wants to see an unmade bed. Before showing the house, make your bed. Better yet, make the bed first thing in the morning when you get up. Then you won’t have to worry about it later in the day.

Open the curtains

You want your home to have as much natural light as possible during the showing. Take a quick run through the house and make sure all the curtains, plantation shutters, and shades are open. If you still do not have shutters you can visit roller shutters Melbourne.

Turn on all the lights

In addition to opening all the curtains, make sure the lights are on in every room. This includes overhead lights as well as table and floor lamps.

Wipe down counters

Your kitchen counters and sink should be sparkling clean when buyers arrive. Take a moment to wipe down all these surfaces. Get in the habit of doing dishes the night before so you don’t have to worry about it in the morning.

Take out the garbage

Bad odors make bad first impressions. Make it a practice to take out your garbage every day when your home is on the market. And don’t smoke inside!

Check the bathrooms

Make sure all the bathrooms are tidy and the sinks and counters are wiped down. Close toilet seat lids. One way to make sure the bathrooms are always ready is to shower at night.

Check the pet areas

Pet odors can derail your home showing. Check your pet areas regularly to make sure they are clean and odor-free. Empty the kitty litter at least once a day and vacuum or sweep up pet hair. Keep disinfecting wipes handy to knock out pet odors.

Close closet doors

Yes, buyers will want to look inside your closets. But you should keep all closet doors closed. Even if your closet is clean and organized, it still creates visual clutter. Keeping the doors closed will help to ensure that the buyer has a positive first impression of the room.

Clean up toys

If you have children, then you’re going to need a system for dealing with their toys and games when you’re selling. Keep a basket handy to toss everything into in a hurry.

Tidy up outside

Check to make sure your porch or patio is neat and that the walkway is clear. Make sure coats and shoes are tidy next to the front and back doors.

Adjust the temperature

Check the thermostat and set to an optimal temperature – nothing too hot or too cold. You don’t want buyers rushing through your house because they are uncomfortable.

Stay prepared

When your home is on the market, you should start every day knowing that you could get a last-minute showing. Stay ahead of the game by being prepared. By keeping on top of the small tasks outlined above, you can save precious minutes when a buyer is on their way over. It’s also a great way to be less stressed during an already stressful process.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Have you been thinking about buying a condo? Condos like Dunman Grand Condo are a very popular type of housing in today’s market, and you’ve probably seen several listings of luxury Condo units if you’ve been house hunting. While condo living is a great choice for many people, you should consider whether or not it’s the right choice for you. Here’s what you need to know about condo life in order to make that decision.

What is a condo?

First of all, let’s define what a condo actually is. In some ways, condos are like apartments. They are both homes within a larger community, except in the case of condos you actually own the home as a private residence. In most condos, you share amenities with your neighbors, such as a pool, fitness center, and the grounds. And unlike apartments, in a condo you pay monthly fees to maintain these amenities. Amo Residences will soon be the limelight of Outer Central Region (OCR) in Singapore. Also, another condo in Singapore, The Continuum is developed by well-established developers: Hoi Hup Realty and Sunway Development are behind it. Try to see these properties for yourself!

Benefits of owning a condo

Like anything in life, owning a condo has its pros and cons. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you live in a condo:

• Less maintenance – When you own a condo or live in luxury apartments, someone else handles the maintenance. This can include taking care of the lawn, removing snow, and making repairs in community spaces. Be aware, however, that you will be responsible for repairs inside your own home in most cases.
• Amenities – Owning a condo often means having access to amenities that you may not be able to afford in a single-family home. Some of the amenities your condo community may have include a pool, gym, media room, or party room. Many condo communities also offer classes and social clubs.
• Security – Condo communities often offer extra security you wouldn’t get in a single-family home, such as a gated entrance that is secured by design and on-site security staff. It can also be reassuring to know that there are security services close by in case of an emergency.
• Location – Condos are often built in prime locations, close to public transportation, restaurants, bars, shopping, and cultural attractions. The Hill @One-North Condo residents will appreciate the easy access will appreciate the close proximity The Star Vista and Rochester Mall and will be able walk to Cold Storage , as well as a range of eateries.
• Affordability – In most areas, condos are more affordable than single-family homes. This can be great for first-time homeowners or those looking to downsize. If you’re looking for a full service condo rental, consider Saida Towers South Padre.

Disadvantages of owning a condo

While there are many upsides of living the condo life, there are also downsides to consider. These include:

• Lack of privacy – If you are someone who enjoys privacy, then condo living may not be for you. Because of the shared living spaces and close proximity of neighbors, you will often be interacting with other people.
• Fees – Even when you pay off the mortgage for the condo, you will still be on the hook for monthly maintenance fees. These can often range from $100 – $700 per month, depending on your location and the amenities in your community.
• Rules – If you like to do things your own way, then you may not enjoy living in a condo. When you live in a condo community, you are required to follow certain rules and regulations. If you want to make upgrades to your condo, you will likely need permission from the HOA. There may be restrictions on the number and size of pets you can own as well as how many guests you may have.
• Slower appreciation – Finally, if you think of your condo as an investment, be aware that condos are often slower to gain in value than single-family homes.

Downsizing sounds like a great way to save money, right? A smaller house should mean smaller expenses, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, sometimes downsizing can actually cost you money. Here are some of the hidden costs you should take into account when you’re deciding whether or not to downsize.

Cost of repairs

Have you kept up on maintenance in your current home? If not, you may be on the hook for some expensive repairs when it comes time to sell. If you want to sell your current home for top dollar, you’ll need to get it in great shape before you put it on the market. This could mean anything from replacing your roof with the help of a roofing contractor or fixing your furnace to making cosmetic upgrades. Many homebuyers are looking for properties that are move-in ready. If you last made renovations during the Reagan administration, then it may be necessary to spend money to get your home up to speed.

Cost of moving

If you haven’t moved in a long time, then you may be surprised by how expensive it can be. According to moving.com, the average cost of a local move is $1,250 while a long-distance move will cost you $4,980. If you don’t have that money set aside, you may find yourself scrambling to get the job done. In order to save money, shop around for the best price. Get quotes from several companies and research them to make sure they have a good reputation. Don’t move during peak summer season, or at the beginning or the end of the month. If possible, pack your own boxes.

Cost of a new location

Chances are that if you’re downsizing, you’re probably moving to a more desirable location. For many, this means moving to a place with lots of sunshine, low crime, and plenty of amenities. Of course, these kinds of locations usually come with higher price tags. You can expect to pay more for a home. You’ll probably also pay more for things like gas, groceries, and eating out.

Cost of new furniture

Downsizing often means that your old furniture just won’t work in your new, smaller space. That king-sized bed may not fit in your new bedroom, and the dining table that seats 10 probably won’t work in an eat-in kitchen. For many people, this means buying new furniture to fit your new situation. Be aware that it can be tough to sell your current furniture for a good price. Many younger adults are opting for minimalist lifestyles that don’t pair well with large, heavy pieces of furniture.

Cost of services

Finally, you should also consider the cost of services in your new location. If you’re moving into a condo or planned community, you’ll be paying HOA and maintenance fees for the upkeep of community spaces like swimming pools and fitness centers. If you’re moving to place where you’ll care for your outdoor spaces yourself, you may need to hire a lawn care or snow removal service. Take into consideration both your current and future needs when determining how much you’ll be spending on services in your new home.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Creating privacy is often a priority for many homeowners. Installing a fence is a common option for creating privacy, but it isn’t right in every circumstance. For those looking to create privacy without putting up a fence, growing a privacy hedge could be the best solution. Here’s what you need to know to create a beautiful living fence that will provide the privacy you’re looking for and last for years to come.

Benefits of a privacy hedge

Growing a living fence has many benefits, including:

• Obstructing an unpleasant view and creating a more beautiful one.
• Providing a barrier for noise.
• Providing privacy from neighbors.
• Protecting against wind.
• Combating road pollution.

Choose plant type

When growing a privacy hedge, you need to determine what kind of plant will best suit your needs. You basically have two choices:

• Deciduous – A deciduous hedge will lose its leaves in winter, which will provide less privacy. However, deciduous hedges will often produce beautiful flowers in spring and summer and attractive fall foliage.
• Evergreen – An evergreen hedge will provide privacy throughout the entire year, but it won’t provide the same amount of visual interest in spring, summer, and fall that a deciduous hedge will.

Understand space requirements

Not all hedges can be grown in all spaces. In order to choose the best type of privacy hedge for your property, determine how much space you have. How tall can the hedge grow, and do you want it to provide privacy on a second story? How wide is the space you have? If you don’t have much width, you will need to choose narrow, compact hedges that won’t overgrow the space. Good choices for narrow spaces include boxwood and arborvitae.

Mark the area

Once you’ve determined what to plant based on your needs, it’s time to mark the planting area. Use sticks to mark each end of the area and tie a string between them. This will help to ensure that you are planting the hedge straight. Determine how far apart each plant needs to be, and tie sprinkler flags at each point along the string.

Planting the hedge

Once you’ve marked the planting area, you will dig a trench for your hedge. The trench should be two-to-three times wider than the root ball of the largest plant. The depth of the trench should be two inches less than the depth of the largest root ball. Place one plant at each sprinkler flag. Mix the soil you’ve dug out of the trench with compost in a two-to-one ratio, and fill the trench back up level with the surrounding area. Create a dam around each plant that is slightly wider than the root ball and thoroughly water the plant. Make sure to water the plant once a week until it is firmly established.

Training the hedge

In order to create a full and lush hedge, you will need to train the shrubs or trees you’ve planted. Give the plants one or two seasons to establish themselves. Then, each year cut new shoots to half their length.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If a home sale is in your future, then you may want to start thinking about ways you can increase your home’s value. Getting top dollar is important to all sellers, and by making strategic choices about upgrades and renovations, you can get a handsome return on your investment when it comes time to sell. Follow these tips to help you get the best offer when you sell your home and if you need to learn more tops to add value to your home, pop over to these guys website.

Update the basics

A picture of your furnace or water heater is not going to be your primary listing photo, but having up-to-date appliances can help with your home sale. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider a new heating installation before you sell. If your furnace is rather fairly new, you must still ensure furnace maintenance for it to be presentable. Many of today’s homebuyers are looking for properties that are move-in ready and don’t want to deal with outdated appliances and systems.

Improve your curb appeal

One of the easiest ways to add value to your home is to improve your home’s curb appeal. The exterior of your home is the first thing that potential buyers will see, and first impressions count. Don’t let a potential buyer be turned off by an ugly, boring, or poorly maintained landscape. Clean up trees, shrubs, and bushes and plant colorful annuals for an instant pop of color. Paint the front door an attractive shade, and update your mailbox, house numbers, and lighting fixtures. A small investment of time and money can make a big difference.

Invest in kitchen upgrades

Kitchens continue to be a big selling point for buyers. If your kitchen is in desperate need of a makeover, consider making the investment. You don’t need to do an entire overhaul. Instead, replace appliances, countertops and flooring. Give the walls and the cabinets a fresh coat of paint and replace hardware.

Increase the living space

You may not have it in the budget to physically make your floor plan larger. But you can use the space you do have to its fullest potential. If you have an unfinished basement, it could be worth it to finish the basement before selling. Attics are another popular option for increasing the amount of living space. Consider the kinds of buyers in your market and stage your home to appeal to them. This could include staging an extra bedroom as an office or child’s playroom or turning an upstairs closet into a small laundry room.

Make it energy efficient

Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important to homebuyers. You can make your home more energy efficient by installing double-pane windows, using Interior Window Shades, adding better insulation to the attic, using LED light fixtures, and upgrading to energy efficient appliances will increase the house value as explained here.

Upgrade to smart technology

Finally, a great way to increase your home’s value is to invest in smart technology. The types of smart devices that appeal to homebuyers include thermostats, security cameras, door locks, doorbells, lighting, and fire detectors. These devices have become much less expensive in recent years, and can often be easily installed without the help of a professional.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Home ownership is a dream come true for many. However in today’s economic landscape, many young adults are finding it hard to turn that dream into a reality. Whether it’s because of student loan debt, not having enough money for a down payment, or any number of other reasons, many millennials are unable to buy a home on their own. If you’re a parent who is looking for tips to help your child buy a home, then read on.

Give money

Giving your child a monetary gift is often the easiest way to help them buy a home. The money can be used for the down payment or for closing costs. But be aware that there are strict rules about how the money needs to be handled. Most lenders prefer to see that gift of money in the child’s bank account at least three months before getting a mortgage. You will also need to supply proof that the money is a gift and not a loan. Keep all the documents related to the gift because you may need them when applying for and closing on the mortgage.

Be the mortgage lender

If you have the cash to invest, then you can be the mortgage lender for your child. However, you will need to formalize and document the loan according to the IRS guidelines. You must also charge them the Applicable Federal Rate. Anything lower than that is considered a gift. Depending on your circumstances, you can finance the entire amount of the purchase price or just a portion. For more information about how to loan money to your child to buy a home, check out this great article from AARP.

Be the landlord

Another way in which you can help your child buy a home is to purchase it yourself and rent it out to your child. This can be a great option for those who still need their money for retirement. You can collect the rent payments and save them. Your child can then eventually use that money to buy the home from you.

Cosign the loan

Some young adults may have the means to buy a home, but their credit history is keeping them from qualifying for a mortgage. In this case you cosign the mortgage for your child. One note of caution – this is only a good option if you trust that your child will make all their payments. Remember – you will be on the hook if your child defaults on the loan in the future.

Improve your child’s credit score

If your child needs a bump to their credit score, then you might also consider adding your child to one or more of your accounts. Your child then becomes an authorized user of your account, and the credit bureaus will link your payment history with their payment history.

Formalize your agreement

Finally, when you’re offering financial assistance to your child, it is in everyone’s best interests to formalize your agreement. This can mean drawing up a contract, documenting gifts, and disclosing the arrangement with other family members. This helps to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities and obligations before the process begins.

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There’s no doubt about it – one of the most important rooms to stage when you’re selling is the living room. The living room is where family and friends gather and where you unwind after a long day. A great living room will often be at the top of the list for potential buyers, so you want to make it look comfortable and inviting. You may hire a home staging real estate agent to help you make your whole house presentable and more appealing to potential buyers.

De-clutter and de-personalize

If you do nothing else when selling your home, then make sure you at least de-clutter and de-personalize. Potential buyers will be imagining themselves living in your home. If you have too many personal items taking up visual space, it will be more difficult for them to visualize their belongings in the space. Remove all family photos and personal mementos. Clear off shelves and edit the furniture. Store any pieces that are large and bulky. Remember – the fewer items you have in the room, the larger it will appear.

Don’t go overboard

On the flipside, don’t take de-cluttering to the extreme by removing everything. An empty room can turn off potential buyers. It is more difficult to imagine how furniture and other items will fit in the room if there is no frame of reference. Some buyers may be concerned that their favorite couch won’t fit in the room, and may decide not to put in an offer.

Make repairs

As with any other room, you need to make necessary repairs in the living room before listing it. This includes patching holes in the walls, making sure doors close properly, and ensuring all the lights work. Change out bulbs that have burned out and have the carpets cleaned, especially if there are any stains or odors.

Paint

The next order of business when staging a living room is to paint. This is especially true if your walls are anything other than a neutral color such as beige or light gray. These colors will make your living room feel clean, bright, and more spacious. And a fresh coat of paint can really energize a room so don’t skip this step!

Arrange the seating

Now that you’ve de-cluttered, made repairs and painted, it is time to bring your larger pieces of furniture back in. When you’re staging a living room, you want to create a space for conversation. Most likely, this will include a couch, coffee table, and one or two chairs. Add lighting with table or floor lamps to make the space feel more intimate. And if you have a focal point, such as a fireplace or a great view, arrange the seating to face it. Make sure there is enough space for traffic to flow from one room to another.

Let in the light

Windows in the living room can be a big selling point, especially if they let in lots of natural light. Ditch the heavy curtains and opt instead for window treatments that allow light to pass through. When you’re showing the house, make sure the curtains are open and the windows are sparkling clean. If possible, hang a mirror opposite a window to reflect even more natural light into the room.

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Furnace or forced air

The most common type of heating system in a home is a forced air unit, also known as a furnace. Furnaces can run on different types of fuel including gas, oil or propane. Furnaces are the most popular choice because they are reliable and generally inexpensive. Furnace heating installation is easy and require little maintenance. However, then can produce and circulate allergens in your home. If you’re particularly sensitive, then consider getting your furnace updated so that it will filter your home’s air. Furnaces are easy to replace, and modern units are more efficient than they have ever been.

Boiler

Another type of heating system that is fairly common in a home is a boiler. According to this Heating Oil Supply Company boilers use water to create and distribute heat in your home. This is usually done through pipes and radiators. These devices heat floors and walls to keep the air in your home warm. One great advantage of boilers is that, unlike furnaces, they are very quiet. They are a great choice if you have allergies, as they do not create or distribute allergens in your home. Most boilers run on gas, but they can be expensive to purchase and install. One of the biggest downfalls of boilers is that they can leak, especially as the unit gets older. In situation like this, you need to hire an expert for Residential boiler repair service.

Heat pump

A third type of heating system you may encounter in a home is a heat pump. Heat pumps work by taking advantage of current temperatures to heat or cool your home. Most of the time, heat pumps operate on a forced air system that is similar to an air conditioner but run in reverse. Heat pumps are very efficient. In fact, geothermal technologies, which use temperatures underground, are among the most efficient heating systems. Although they can save you money over the course of their lifespans, gshp installation can be more expensive. Heat pumps can also be quite noisy, and require more maintenance than other systems. You can contact your local heat pump replacement services to check your heat pumps on a regular basis.

When to change systems

After reading through these choices, you may be wondering if you should change the type of system in your home. Rest assured, however, that it’s most often in your best interest to upgrade the system you have than to overhaul it by installing a new system. In most cases, this type of renovation is expensive and you’ll rarely see a return on that investment. When in doubt, unless you are already making major renovations that affect the layout of your home, stick with what you have and upgrade to a more efficient unit. For instance, if you need to replace your propane tank, then you may get a new one from a professional propane tank delivery service. And if you have water heaters that need repair, make sure to contact a professional plumbing lexington expert. You may also look for similar services like the ones from Home Choice Plumbing – water heater repair for expert water heater repair or replacement services.

Yards are a great way to extend your living space – especially when the weather is nice. However, if you have a small yard, then you may feel like you’re missing out. But don’t be dismayed! There are many ways that you can maximize that outdoor space and turn it into something both functional and beautiful. If you have trees in your yard, you may schedule regular tree trimming to keep them healthy and appealing.

Here are several excellent ideas to help you make the most of your small yard.

Enclose your outdoor space

This may seem counterintuitive, but hear us out. You can make your small yard feel more functional if you enclose it. By enclosing your space, you make it feel like a cozy and inviting room that encourages guests to linger. You can enclose your space in a variety of ways, from installing a pergola to creating vertical plantings.

Create a focal point

Does your small yard have a beautiful view? Then capitalize on it by arranging your space around it. If your view is less than desirable, fear not. You can create a focal point with a trellis, a fountain, or a unique piece of garden art. Having a focal point helps to anchor your design and draws the eye.

Create a container garden

Do you have the urge to garden, but you have no room for a raised bed? You can achieve the same effect by gardening in containers. Not only can you create beautiful plantings with flowers, but you can also grow vegetables and herbs. Choose containers that complement your garden design, and use a variety of sizes to create visual interest. And the best part is that when you get bored, you can rearrange them to your heart’s content. Just don’t forget to water them!

Use smaller furniture

One way to make your small yard feel even smaller is to use large furniture. Instead, opt for compact outdoor furniture pieces like benches and chairs. Choose lighter looking materials such as metal or bamboo that will blend with the environment instead of blocking it. Having smaller furniture also allows you to easily reconfigure it to meet your needs. If your relaxing weekends have been supplanted by the never-ending work of mowing, fertilizing, watering, and weeding, it may be time to consider hiring an Excavator Brush Mowing service or searching for artificial turf installers near me.

Take advantage of vertical space

If you lack horizontal space, then it’s time to think vertical! Vertical gardening not only helps you to create a cozy environment, it drastically increases the amount of space you have for plants. Use trellises to grow vines, or hang planters on walls and fences.

Think cohesively

When designing your outdoor space, choose colors and patterns that complement what you have inside. By making your yard an extension of your home, you make the entire place feel bigger. Decorate your yard with beautiful madison gold rock.

Avoid clutter

One big danger when designing your outdoor space is stuffing it too full. Instead, opt for clean lines and a limited variety of plants. Though it may be tempting to buy one of every plant you love, stick to a handful in a restricted color palette.

Don’t be afraid to use it

Finally, the best way to make the most of your small yard is to actually use it. The more you use your outdoor space, the more you will understand its features and limitations. Then you can begin to conceive of the best ways to use it and maximize its potential.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is a personal craft room on your wish list? If you’re house hunting – or you’ve just purchased a home – you may be wondering how you can turn a spare room into a craft room. Fortunately, all it takes is a little inspiration to get started. These are some of the best tips we’ve found for creating a craft room. We hope it inspires you to finally turn your dream of a craft room into a reality!

Choose the right room

Don’t be tempted to squeeze yourself into the smallest room in the house. If you have the extra space, then choose a room that will provide enough space to work and to store your supplies. Consider using a bedroom, a den, or even a section of the basement. You also need to take into account the flooring, especially if you will be painting or using water. Avoid a room with wall-to-wall carpet if this is the case.

Choose the best worktable

The most crucial decision you can make about your room is the worktable. Be sure it is big enough to accommodate your projects. Consider the height as well. Will you primarily be sitting or standing when you work? If you will be sitting, then choose a chair that will be comfortable for your marathon crafting sessions. You can also check out these vinyl sticker printers reviewed at Vinylcuttingmachineguide if you want to be able to create a huge range of projects, but if stickers isn’t your ideal project then you can just get one of the regular uv flatbed printers.

Consider the lighting

Another important consideration is the lighting in your craft room. Does the room get much natural light? If not, then invest in good-quality lights so you can easily see your work. Will you be photographing your work to post online? Then either choose a room with good natural light or set up an area with a small light box where you can take pictures.

Use work zones

Chances are you don’t limit yourself to one kind of crafting. If this is the case, then think about organizing your craft room into zones. Each zone will focus on one main type of craft, such as sewing or gift-wrapping. And don’t forget to leave yourself some space for a computer or laptop. You’ll likely want to watch a how-to video or post pictures of your creations to Instagram, so set aside some space for your technology.

Organize your tools and supplies

One of the best parts of having a craft room is having all your beautiful supplies and tools in one place. For that reason, you should take some time to evaluate your storage and organizational needs. It can be helpful to have sturdy shelves or a storage cabinet. Collect storage boxes of various sizes that can easily house all your items, and store like items together. And don’t forget to label all your boxes! Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to locate the tool you need for your project.

Have fun

The best piece of advice we can give you about creating your dream craft room is to have fun! Remember why you want to have a room dedicated to your creativity, and allow yourself the freedom to break the rules. Choose colors, fabrics, furniture and decorations that make you feel good so that you’ll want to spend time in your new craft room. Enjoy!

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