Posts for Syndication

Does your home feel less than perfect? There are truly very few homes that live up to all the owner’s expectations. Although it’s common for most homeowners to feel some dissatisfaction with certain elements of their homes, it can be more obvious when you’ve just moved in or you’re trying to sell. But don’t worry! There are many ways that you can minimize your home’s flaws. Here are some of our favorites.

Emphasize your home’s features

First of all, one of the best ways to downplay your home’s flaws is to emphasize its features. Even if you feel like the home could use a complete overhaul, it would be surprising if it didn’t already have several things working in its favor. Take note of which features you really like, and play them up. This could mean adding curb appeal to a large front yard, drawing attention to the home’s architectural details, or organizing an open layout to make it great for entertaining.

Maximize your storage

Is your home short on storage space? One of the best ways to make the most of the storage space you do have is to declutter. When you have tons of extra space, it’s easy to hold on to items you think you may use again…someday. But when you lack that space, you need to take time to thoroughly go through your items and discard the ones you no longer need or use. You can make even more use of the space you have by installing double rods in closets and adding shelves. Not sure how to start? Check out Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up to learn how to let go of and organize your possessions.

Upgrade the view

Not every home can have a view of the ocean. But if you’re stuck looking at a parking lot or building, there are ways you can improve the view. Plant trees or shrubs outside the window to create a living fence. If you choose evergreen varieties, they will provide privacy all year long no matter the weather. Another option is to consider parking lot paving to increase your home’s curb appeal. Contact a reliable asphalt paving company and they can help to pave your driveway.

For a Lynchburg paving company, contact C & A and Sons Paving. Hire them to amazingly pave a walkway, parking space, or driveway. You’d be amazed what a big difference it makes for a home.

Create focal points

If you want to draw attention away from a room’s flaws, then create a focal point. Choose a focal point based on the purpose of the room. If it’s a bedroom, then create a focal point with the bed that draws your eyes directly to it. If it’s a living room with a fireplace, then play up the desirability of the fireplace with beautiful art, and make sure all the seating faces it. You can also create a focal point in a living room by creating an accent wall with eye-catching wallpaper or paint.

The color of your mailbox number is important, you will need it to be visible. Make sure to update it with modern mailbox numbers, placing a lightly colored number on a dark coloured background.

Let in the light

Lastly, if there are rooms in your home that are too dark, there are many ways you can let in the light. Paint the walls a light color. Hang mirrors across from windows or lamps so they will reflect the light. Decorate using reflective surfaces, such as gold or high-gloss finishes. A residential window replacement project may also be a great solution especially if you want as much natural light in the room as possible. And if it’s a tree or bush outside that’s blocking the light, trim it back.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Summer is a great time to complete home improvement projects. Both sellers and recent buyers may opt to make upgrades because they can add value to a home. But it’s essential that you understand which projects may require a building permit. If you don’t get the proper permits before completing the work, you could run into trouble when you’re selling. Here’s what you need to know to avoid problems down the line.

Why are permits necessary?

Although obtaining permits like Hot Work Permits can be a bit complicated, it’s a step you cannot skip. If you fail to get the permits you need, then you may jeopardize your home sale in the future. During the home inspection and appraisal, you will need to show all the permits that you have on file. If you completed a project without a permit, the lender may not finance the loan for the buyer.

Who is responsible for getting the permit?

Even if you’ve hired contractors for the job, do not assume that they’ve secured the proper permits. While the Sami Construction website can help advise you on whether or not a permit is necessary and will often pull the permit for you, be sure you follow up so that you know your project follows the letter of the law.

What projects need a permit?

Not all home improvement projects require a permit. Each municipality creates its own building codes, so you will need to confirm with them whether or not you need a permit. If your project changes the structure of the home or if it may create hazardous conditions, then you will probably need a permit. You may also need a permit for projects that require machinery or equipment like aerial lift rental. Jobs that are most likely to require a permit include:

• Structural changes – this includes demolishing a load-bearing wall or making changes to decks, porches, balconies or roofs.
• Changing the footprint – this includes adding rooms, garages, or decks. It could even include adding a nice looking and long lasting steel shed from the pros at Power Aggregates.
• Fences – installing or repairing a fence may require a permit, which is most likely if your fence exceeds the height restrictions.
• Adding windows – if your new windows are larger than your existing windows, you’ll need a permit to make those structural adjustments.
• Plumbing and electrical – According to a Plumbing Company we highly recommend, this includes adding both plumbing and electrical systems.
• Demolition – you’ll need a permit if you intend to place a dumpster rental on a public street.
• Water heaters – if you are installing or replacing hot water heaters, you need a permit.
• Siding – this includes making changes to your home’s siding.

What projects don’t need a permit?

While may updates will require that you get a permit, there are many home improvement projects you can complete without one. These could include:

• Minor electrical repairs.
• Installing a new roof made of similar materials to the existing roof.
• Replacing kitchen or bathroom countertops.
• Painting the interior or the exterior.
• Installing fences that don’t exceed the height restrictions.
• Installing retaining walls that are less than four feet tall.
• Replacing faucets, sinks or toilets.
• Installing new appliances as long as you do not need to modify the hook-ups.

What do you do if you don’t know?

If you don’t know whether or not your project requires a permit, then you need to ask. The best place to contact is your local permitting office.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Memorial Day weekend is almost here. This holiday is often thought of as the unofficial start of summer. But it can also be a great time to go house hunting. In fact, if you’re planning to move out of town, then a long holiday weekend can be a perfect time to plan your trip. Here’s how to maximize your time so that you can make the most out of your house-hunting weekend.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

If you’re serious enough about buying a home to schedule a house-hunting trip, then don’t leave home without a mortgage pre-approval letter. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage signals to a seller that you’re serious about your offer. If you’re visiting a competitive market, then you may end up making an offer during your visit. Make sure your offer isn’t ignored because you failed to get pre-approved.

Know what you’re looking for

When you only have a day or two to look at homes, you need to make them count. Sit down and make a list of what you’re looking for in a home. This will include both your needs and your wants. Know what’s a deal-breaker and what isn’t. This will help you narrow down your choices so that you’re only looking at homes that could be serious contenders.

Create a target list

These days, it’s so easy to browse listings from the comfort of your own home. Before you leave for your trip, make a list of homes that interest you. Communicate this information to your real estate agent so they can make appointments to see them. Talk to your agent about what you’re looking for so they can also schedule appointments for you based on your criteria.

Keep track

As you visit each home, take good notes. Keep a list of what you liked about the home – and what you didn’t like about it. Take photos and videos of each home so you can review them again later. It can be confusing to see many homes for sale in one day, and taking good notes will help you sort things out later.

Be wise with your time

Even if your trip is short, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the homes you’re really interested in. If you happen to visit a home that you know right away isn’t for you, don’t feel obligated to spend much time there. You’re better off heading to the next home that may be a better fit. It’s also helpful to have a little cushion of time to revisit those homes that are high on your list. And don’t forget to schedule time to check out the neighborhood. You may discover that you love the home but that the neighborhood itself isn’t the best fit.

Work with the right agent

When you’re trying to buy a home from out of town, it’s essential to work with an agent who is an expert in the community you’re moving to. Take time to interview prospective agents to find the one that best suits your needs. They will be an invaluable source of information not only when you’re looking at homes, but also after you’ve closed and moved into the neighborhood.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re selling a home with a pool, then you may be wondering whether it will help – or hurt – your home sale. Well, we have some good news for you! According to the National Association of Realtors, having an in-ground pool can increase your home’s value by almost eight percent. If you are planning to have a swimming pool for your property, it is advisable to hire a swimming pool builder with years of experience. When it’s time to list your home with a pool, here’s what you need know to make the most of this feature.

Make it look inviting

If your pool has seen better days, then it probably won’t appeal to a potential buyer. Spend time making cosmetic updates and repairs before you put your home on the market. Clean up the grout and trim trees that hang over the pool. Keep the water clean and maintained so that it does not encourage the growth of algae. Nothing is more off-putting than a pool full of green water. If needed, hire a professional pool cleaner to clean and maintain your pool while your home is on the market. A professional pool contractor may also help with pool screen repair and other maintenance work. And in the summer, have the pool open and ready for swimming so potential buyers can imagine how wonderful it will be to use.

Have all the information ready

Another important thing to remember when selling your home with a pool is to have all the pool’s information ready. Just as with any other home feature, buyers will want to know the history of the pool. Put together a binder that includes details on the pool’s equipment and how it operates. Also include service records, repair records, and the contact information for the swimming pool cleaning company that has serviced or cleaned the pool. If you are currently using a professional cleaner, be sure to share that information as well.

Include all the necessary tools

Even if you’re planning to move to a home with a pool, you should leave behind all the tools necessary for the upkeep of the pool. This includes cleaning gear, chemicals, covers, removable gates, and even pool toys. Buyers will be much more enthusiastic about the pool if they know they can begin using it on day one.

Be sure it’s up to code

Many municipalities have regulations regarding residential pools. Make sure that your pool meets all these safety guidelines. In many cases, this will include having a barrier that separates the pool from the yard and house. You might also want to install self-latching and locking gates. This will be especially important to buyers that have young children. You may also need a professional pool service for the proper maintenance and cleaning of your pool.

Know your buyer

Take time to understand what kinds of buyers will be looking for a home with a pool. Let’s face it – not all buyers will want the added responsibility of a pool. Trying to sell them on your pool can be wasted effort. Instead, focus on those buyers who will be excited about this feature. This could include high-end buyers, families with children, and adults who want a pool as part of their exercise regimen.

List at the right time

Finally, if your home has a pool, then you will want to list it at the appropriate time if possible. Why not capitalize on this great amenity? List in the summer when buyers will be spending the most time outdoors looking at your property. Stage the pool so that they can see how inviting it is to use. In fact, listing at just the right time could make your pool the feature that seals the deal! To enhance your pool deck’s appeal and ensure its longevity, visit https://www.capitaldeckandstair.com/our-services/pool-decks/.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is it time for you to sell your home? You’re no doubt thinking about all the money you can potentially make from your home sale. But it’s important to remember that selling a home can also cost you money. Not only will you be on the hook for commission fees and various closing costs, but there are also other hidden expenses associated with selling your home. Here are a few that you need to prepare for when you’re getting ready to sell.

Home repairs

If you have something more than a leaky faucet to repair, then you’ll probably need to hire a professional. When you’re listing your home for sale, you shouldn’t cut corners. Buyers can spot poor craftsmanship, and doing work on the cheap won’t help your home sale. Make a list of all the needed repairs and tally up the costs. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the work you need done. If you have a major repair, such as replacing the roof, it may make more financial sense to lower the price instead of completing the work yourself. You should also watch out for signs of pest infestations such as bed bugs or termites. If there are signs of termite presence in your home, contact a termite control company to inspect your home and help get rid of these pests before you list your home for sale.

Listing photos

Most homebuyers begin their search online. Based on how your home appears in the listing, potential buyers will decide whether or not your home warrants an in-person visit. If you take a few quick photos on your smartphone, you may be missing out on a good sale. You want your home to look as good as possible, and that means taking quality photos. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 for a professional photographer.

Staging

Another hidden cost you will need to consider is professional staging. When potential buyers are viewing your home, they need to be able to imagine themselves living there. Not only do you need to de-clutter and de-personalize your home, but you should also think about having it staged. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, the median value of home staging is approximately $675.

Curb appeal

Not only do you need to focus on your home’s interior, but you should also spend some time sprucing up the exterior. Curb appeal is a big factor in enticing potential buyers to look at your home. If your exterior is in dire need of help, you may need to spend a few thousand dollars to hire a professional landscaping crew. But in most instances, you can spend a few hundred dollars and a weekend’s worth of time making the exterior look clean, cheerful and inviting.

Utilities

If you’ve already moved out of your home for sale, it doesn’t mean you are off the hook for regular maintenance costs. The home needs to have electricity and water and be heated and cooled properly during the time it’s on the market. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of utilities when you’re selling your home.

Mortgage pay-off

Finally, if you financed the purchase of your home, then you will need to take into account the money from the sale that will go towards paying off your mortgage. The money you ultimately receive will include deductions for all fees and costs associated with paying off that mortgage.

Compliments of Virtual Results

A big storm causes a tree limb to fall on your garage. A pipe bursts and floods your kitchen. A burglar breaks in and steals your electronics. These are all unfortunate situations in which you might need to file a claim on your homeowners insurance. If you’ve never done it before, the process might be a little confusing. Here’s what you need to know when it’s time to call in a claim.

Contact the police

First of all, if a crime has occurred, then you need to report it to the police. Get a copy of the police report and the names of the officers you spoke to. You will most likely need to submit this information to your insurance company along with your claim.

Document the damage

Once you’ve notified the police, it’s time to document the damage. Photograph and/or video everything before you clean it up. In addition, put together a detailed list of what has been damaged, vandalized or stolen. Include the age of the items and their value. If an injury is part of the claim, record what happened, when, and who was involved. You will need to provide all of this important information to your insurance company.

Call your insurance company

Contact your insurance company as soon after the incident as possible. Make sure you have your policy number handy as well as the details of the incident as described above. You may want to ask your insurance company the following questions:

• Does my policy cover this incident?
• Will the amount of the claim exceed my deductible? If the answer is no, then there is no need to file a claim.
• How long will it take for the claim to be processed?
• Will I need estimates for the cost of repairs?

Fill out claims forms

If you’ve determined that you will file a claim based on the answers to the questions above, then your insurance company will send you claims forms. Complete and return these forms as soon as possible so your claim is not delayed.

Meet with the insurance adjuster

When you make your claim, the insurance company will assign a claims number to your case and appoint an insurance adjuster. The adjuster will inspect the damage to help determine how much you will be paid for your claim. Have a list ready of the all the damage and be ready to show all the evidence to the adjuster.

Make repairs

If necessary, make temporary repairs so that your home is livable. Keep all your receipts, as you may be able to submit them for reimbursement later. If you have to relocate as a result of the damage, also keep your receipts for accommodations and other living expenses.

Be patient

After you’ve submitted all your information to the insurance company, it may be several weeks before you receive your settlement. This is especially true if many of your neighbors have filed claims at the same time in the event of a natural disaster.

If your claim is denied

If your claim is denied or you don’t receive what you think is a fair settlement, talk to your insurance agent. You may be able to provide more information that can help document why you believe you deserve more money. You may also be able to appeal your claim denial.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re selling your home, then you’ve no doubt received lots of advice (some of it unsolicited). While those offering advice may have good intentions, the information they are sharing isn’t always correct. In fact, there is some advice that could actually hurt your home sale. When it’s time to put your home on the market, make sure you ignore these home-selling tips.

Price your home high

There’s no denying you want to sell your home for a great price. But those who tell you to price your home too high in the beginning are setting you up for problems. If your home is priced higher than the comps in your neighborhood, it is unlikely to sell quickly. In fact, your home could languish on the market and cause your listing to become stale. It is essential to price your home correctly from the beginning.

Don’t make any updates

It can be tempting to listen to those who would tell you not to make any updates to your home for sale. Who wants to spend time and money upgrading a home they aren’t going to live in? However, you need to be realistic and look at your home through the eyes of potential buyers. Many buyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready. They don’t want to spend time and money getting the house fixed up before they can move in. If you have any needed updates or repairs, make them.

Always take the first offer

We understand that you want your home to sell quickly, and that it’s tempting to take the first offer. But if you live in an area with a good housing market, you may be missing out on better offers. You don’t have to take the first offer, especially if it’s a low-ball offer. There is no harm in waiting after you’ve first listed to see what other buyers may come forward.

Paint over your problems

Nobody wants to admit that their home has a mold problem or is in need of a major repair. Yes, it would be easier to simply paint over those problems and pretend like they don’t exist. And you may get away with it – at first. But if your buyer discovers that you did not disclose these issues, you could have a serious problem on your hands. You need to address these repairs before you list, and make sure you disclose them to the buyer.

The outside of the house doesn’t matter

We’re not sure who is giving you this advice, but you definitely don’t want to take it. Curb appeal is one of the most important characteristics of a home when you’re selling. Buyers will always see the outside of your home before they see the inside. If the exterior needs work, they are less likely to want to see your home in person. It doesn’t take much money or effort to spruce up your curb appeal, and it will make your home much more attractive to potential buyers. It’s an easy way to boost your chances of a quick sale.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re buying or selling a home, the closing day is seen as the finish line. Everything you do is in preparation for that day, and it’s the goal that you’re striving for. But what happens when your closing day is delayed? Here are some common reasons why your closing date may get pushed back, and what you can do to keep things on track.

Unrealistic timeline

A buyer may want to make their offer more appealing by stating that they can close quickly. But those dates need to be realistic. Expect the closing process to take anywhere from 45 to 60 days on average. Trying to close any earlier than that could cause a series of delays, especially if there are any contingencies or the buyer is obtaining an FHA loan.

Appraisal issues

One of the biggest reasons that your real estate closing may be delayed is because of issues with the appraisal. If the home appraised for less than the buyer’s offer, then it could cause your closing date to be postponed. The buyer may need to secure new financing, or the buyer and seller may need to agree to new terms. Make sure your agent is staying current on the appraisal status, so that you can avoid learning of problems late in the game.

Inspection issues

Another reason that your closing date can be delayed is because the home inspection reveals problems that need to be addressed. If the buyer wants these issues to be fixed before closing or to renegotiate the purchase price, it may require the final closing to be postponed. Try to schedule your inspection as quickly as possible to avoid delays. Property solicitors will check if there are any issues you should be aware of.

Title issues

When you buy or sell a home, the purchase will need to be reviewed by a title company. They will research the property to discover whether the seller has the right to sell the home, and that there are no unpaid liens. If the search does turn up liens, the seller must pay them or fight the liens in court. This could delay your closing day by weeks or months. You can help to mitigate this problem by hiring Solicitors in St Helens to perform a title search as soon as an offer is accepted.

Lender issues

Sometimes it can be the lender that causes delays. In some cases, lenders may require additional financial documents at the last minute. The review of these documents may push the closing date back a few days. If your closing is scheduled for the end of the month, this could also cause delays. There are more transactions at the end of the month, which could cause a backlog.

Personal issues

Finally, it’s not unusual for personal issues to cause a delay in your closing date. Perhaps the buyer or seller has had a family or a medical emergency. Sometimes there are problems with a moving company. It’s also possible that other professionals involved in the process, such as your agent or attorney, have emergencies that they need to deal with. In situations like these, it is best to go with the flow as much as possible, as these circumstances are beyond your control.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you considering buying your first home to flip? While house flipping can be a great way to make money, it can also be full of challenges. In fact, there are many ways in which your first home flip could go wrong. While that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in a home to rehab and resell, it does mean that you should be aware of common pitfalls. Set yourself up for success by avoiding these house-flipping mistakes.

Not having enough money

When you flip a home, you need to consider more than just the purchase price. Obviously, you will need to factor in all the renovations that need to be made. But those aren’t the only costs you will incur. You also need to be prepared for taxes, inspection and appraisal costs, permit fees, agent fees, title searches and other closing costs. Do your research so you know approximately how much each of these items will cost. And then add an additional 10 to 15 percent on top of that. There’s nothing worse than coming up short when you’re in the middle of a project.

Skipping the home inspection

While it may be tempting to forgo the home inspection, that would be a rookie mistake. Getting a home inspection alerts you to all the potential issues in a home. It is through an inspection that you discover hidden issues such the presence of radon in the home which will require an immediate residential radon mitigation. By getting a home inspection, you will better understand the costs involved for the renovations. You may also be able to negotiate with the seller for a lower price. All of this can and will affect the profit you can potentially make when the home sells.

Lack of skills

There are some home renovation projects that can be fairly easy for a novice to undertake. And there are some that are not. Don’t overestimate your skills and what you’ll be able to reasonably handle. Know when to call in a professional to get the job done right. And remember – for each professional you need to hire, it will mean less money in your pocket in the end. So choose your projects wisely.

Choosing the wrong partners

House flipping is difficult to do all on your own. Because of the investments of time, money, and skill, you’re better off working with partners. A partner can help with the investment or the renovations – but be smart about choosing your team. This is especially true if you are partnering with friends or family. You don’t want to ruin a relationship over a real estate investment.

Not knowing the market

Finally, it’s essential that you understand the local real estate market when you’re flipping a house. Take time to research current trends and know what comparable homes in the area are selling for. You also need to understand who your potential buyers may be when you’re making decisions about renovations. Choose amenities and décor that will appeal to them. Don’t make the mistake of making choices that appeal to you, since you are not the one who will be living in the home.

The bottom line is that house flipping can be a great investment if you know what you’re getting into. When you’re first starting out, it helps to know what problems may arise so that you can avoid them. Follow the tips above to help make your first house flip a success!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Cleaning windows is one of those chores that most people would rather ignore. However, if you’re selling your home then you’ll need those windows to sparkle. Clean windows let in more light and help to enhance the view – both of which are very important when potential buyers are visiting. Here’s everything you need to know about window cleaning.

What NOT to do

First of all, let’s finally dispel the myth that you need to use glass cleaner and paper towels to clean your windows. Not only does this require a ton of energy on your part, it doesn’t actually clean your windows very well. Paper towels tend to spread the dirt around. They also can create an electric charge, which will attract more dirt. So let’s ditch the old method and try something better.

Equipment you’ll need

You don’t need anything fancy to clean your windows. In fact, you can find everything you need at your local home improvement store, market, or dollar store. To clean your windows like a pro, you’ll need:

• A 10 or 12 inch squeegee
• Scrubber or sponge
• Five-gallon plastic bucket
• Dishwashing liquid
• Several small rags (microfiber works well)

If you’re purchasing a squeegee, then you should also pick up some extra rubber blades. These are easy to replace, and having a smooth blade will result in a streak-free window.

Make your cleaning solution

As we said before, you don’t need to buy glass cleaner to wash your windows. Instead, use a solution of a couple of gallons of cool water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. The fewer suds you have, the better, so there’s no need to use more than a few drops. If you happen to be washing your windows in below-freezing temperatures, you can add some windshield washing fluid to your solution, to keep the water from freezing.

Wash with the sponge

After making your solution, you’re ready to wash. Dip your sponge in the cleaning solution and squeeze out the excess. Then simply scrub the glass. If your windows are particularly dirty, you can use a scrubber. But be careful not to scratch the glass. Make sure to get into the corners and cover all the glass. It works best if you go from the top of the window to the bottom. If you notice visible cracks or dents, make sure to replace it with a new glass as this is an issue you can’t simply ignore.

Clean with the squeegee

Once you’ve soaped up the window it’s time to clean with the squeegee. You can work from top to bottom or from side to side. Draw your squeegee tightly against the glass to avoid streaks. After each pass, dry the blade of the squeegee with a clean, dry cloth. Once you’ve finished the window, wipe a dry cloth over the bottom to pick up any drips. Also wipe the sill.

That’s all there is to it! If you think that cleaning your windows is a labor-intensive job, then you’ve been doing it wrong. By simply following the tips outlined above, you will have clean and sparkling windows in no time. This small investment of time and energy can pay off in a big way when it’s time to sell your home!

Compliments of Virtual Results