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Buying a house can be an intimidating process. Buying a house and moving to a new city can be even more stressful. Thankfully, there is so much information available online, you can now learn all about your new home before getting there. By researching your new city before you arrive, it will take less time to feel settled. And you’ll know just who to call for pizza delivery on moving-in day! Here are our picks for the best websites to research your new city.

AreaVibes

Plug in the zip code of your new locale on AreaVibes to get its livability score. The score is based on a number of factors, including crime, education, housing, employment, weather, amenities and cost of living. Find out your commute times, view local real estate market stats, get information about schools, and see how your town stacks up to others in the area.

Neighborhood Scout

Want to learn more about each of the neighborhoods in your new city? You can with Neighborhood Scout. By entering the zip code, you’ll get a list of all the neighborhoods in that area. Drill down deeper and find out real estate stats, unique characteristics, demographics and more. You can even see their trends and forecasts for each neighborhood.

Google Street View

Nothing gets you more familiar with a new place than driving around. Do it virtually before you arrive when you use Google Street View. Find out how easy it is to walk the neighborhood, see what shops are nearby, look for the closest public transportation stop or learn how easy it will be to park on the street. By the time you finally arrive in your new place, it will all feel very familiar.

Yelp

If you haven’t been using Yelp, what are you waiting for? It’s the best place to go online to discover the most popular restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hair salons, car mechanics and so much more in your new city. Get honest reviews from locals, see photos taken by users, browse menus and find locations on a map. You can also discover local events and get special offers from businesses that are sponsoring promotions through the website.

CrimeReports

Want to find out what the crime statistics are in your new neighborhood? Then CrimeReports should be your first stop. Here you’ll find the country’s largest collection of data from law enforcement agencies. More than 1000 agencies provide crime data and domestic violence cases to CrimeReports. You can sign up for Crime Alerts and receive notifications whenever there is an incident in the area you are following.

GreatSchools

If you’ll be moving with your family, you’ll definitely want to research the schools in your area. GreatSchools is an excellent resource to find easy-to-understand data on K-12 schools, information about school resources and student outcomes, and candid reviews from parents. They also offer a wealth of parenting resources, such as interactive tools, tips, worksheets and videos, all aimed at helping parents support their children as they grow and learn.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Now that the holidays are over, are you looking around your home wondering how you’ll ever clear it of clutter? It can be a daunting task, to say the least. And while some organizing experts say it can take weeks or months to properly purge, that can feel overwhelming. Take the pressure off by committing to a simple, weekend long decluttering schedule. By following these tips, you’ll feel much less stressed come Monday morning.

Prepare yourself

Before getting started, you should take a few days to get yourself organized and make a plan. Try to schedule your purging weekend at a time when you don’t have many other commitments. The more you can focus on the task at hand, the better. Gather the supplies you’ll need including boxes, trash bags, tape, markers and storage containers. Make a list of all the rooms you’ll tackle, and how much time you think you’ll need for each.

Set a timer

Once you begin a room, set a timer. It might sound crazy, but it works. Setting a timer will keep you motivated and on task. It will also help you make tough decisions knowing that the clock is ticking.

Decide what to purge

How many times have you found an item in your home that you totally forgot you had? Why are you still holding on to it? The more items you keep that you don’t use, the more time you spend taking care of them. Do yourself a favor and purge those things you no longer use, clothes that don’t fit, and items that are broken. Make a pile for discards. If you are having a hard time deciding about certain things, create a separate pile you can come back to later in the week. Remember, the things you no longer use could still have life left in them, so think about donating those items to charity.

Give it a good cleaning

Once you’ve decluttered each room, give it a good cleaning. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum or mop the floors. Get the dust bunnies out of the corners and open windows for some fresh air. You don’t have to give each room a deep clean, but do take a little time to tidy up.

Organize what you’re keeping

Now that you’ve got all those unused and unwanted items cleared away, it’s time to organize what’s left. Yes, this can be a challenging task. But don’t feel like it has to be perfect. Look around your home for storage containers you already have, such as plastic tubs, boxes and baskets. Keep similar items together and mark boxes with their contents so you don’t forget later.

Celebrate your success

At the end of the weekend, don’t forget to take a little time to celebrate. Decluttering is hard work, and can often inspire lots of emotions, so feel proud of your achievement. Have a nice long soak in your clean bathtub, or invite some friends over for pizza and a movie. Take time to appreciate your home and congratulate yourself on a job well done! You deserve it!

Compliments of Virtual Results

When buying a house, you don’t just have to consider the purchase price. You also need to factor in the cost of home insurance. The good news is — there are ways you can save on your monthly premium. Here’s what to consider when you’re shopping around for your plan.

Bundle your insurance plans

If you’ve already got car insurance, check to see how much you can save by bundling it with a homeowner’s policy. Most major insurance companies offer good discounts if you have more than one plan with them. You can save as much as 20 percent by bundling.

Take advantage of other discounts

In addition to bundling, many insurers offer other discounts. This can include everything from having no prior claims to setting up an electronic funds transfer (EFT) for your payments. Be sure to ask the agent when you’re comparing prices.

Go for a higher deductible

If you’re willing to pay more out of pocket when you file a claim, you could see huge savings in your monthly premium. However, you should exercise caution because you don’t want to end up paying a deductible that you can’t afford.

Boost security

If your home has a security system, it can protect you from break-ins. So it stands to reason that you can save on your policy if you are less of an insurance risk. Look for systems that contact local personnel directly, as they’ll save you the most. You may also save by adding elements to your home such as storm shutters, which will protect it from damage during bad weather.

Improve credit score

Your credit score is used by insurance companies to calculate your rates, which means the better your score is, the less you will pay. Having a low score makes you more of a risk, so be sure your credit score is in good shape before shopping around.

Prevent fires

Home fires can be devastating, and preventing fires is a top priority for insurers. You may receive additional discounts for every permanent smoke alarm in your home, as well as a sprinkler system. And you could also score some savings by being a non-smoker. Many home fires are accidently started by smokers, so they’re considered a greater risk.

Eliminate safety hazards

Yes, your kids love that trampoline. But it can cost you in the long run with higher insurance premiums. The same goes for a tree house. And if you have a pool, be aware that it can also be a liability. If you don’t want to get rid of the pool, then make sure you have the proper fencing installed around it to limit the possibility of an accidental drowning.

Shop around

Lastly, don’t forget to shop around for the best bear river insurance company. Just like with a mortgage, every home insurance provider will quote you a different price, so it pays to talk to several companies. Each company has their own methods for calculating rates, and you could see a sizable difference from one to the next. By looking at all your options and asking about available discounts, you’ll be confident that you’re getting the best rates.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Now that 2018 is here, it’s time to look ahead at what the year may bring for the real estate market. Though there’s no way to predict exactly what will happen, housing experts and economic forecasters can make educated guesses based on data and historical trends. According to reports, here’s what to look for in the coming year if you’re planning to buy or sell a home.

Urban Land Institute and PricewaterhouseCoopers predict a “soft landing”

According to the annual report released by the Urban Land Institute and PricewaterhouseCoopers, the real estate market in 2018 will be fairly smooth. They predict that moderately priced, single-family residences will remain in demand and offer opportunities for developers and investors. Their experts believe that our low unemployment rate coupled with new economic policy could lead to slow but steady growth in the market. They also think that the homebuilding industry will see a breakthrough in technological advances, such as 3D printing by cast technologies machining shop and prefab homes.

Zillow highlights importance of inventory shortage

Zillow released their annual report, and according to their research, trends in 2018 will be dictated by an inventory shortage. There are 12 percent fewer homes on the market now than there were a year ago, which will drive prices up and make the market more competitive. Of the homes that are for sale, more than half of them are high-priced, which will lead to the construction of more starter homes. Most of the affordable properties that are built will be in the suburbs, so there will likely be an uptick of first-time homebuyers and Millennials moving to the outskirts of urban areas.

Of the new homes that are built, many will feature designs that are suitable for both young families and those nearing retirement. We’ll see more extra-wide hallways for strollers or wheelchairs, and frameworks that will allow for additions down the road. In addition, Zillow predicts that home prices will grow just over four percent.

Realtor.com suggests tax reform could dampen growth

Realtor.com’s National Housing Forecast for 2018 predicts that although the year could see gains in inventory and sales prices, tax reform could have a big impact. Their research suggests that by fall, year-over-year inventory growth will be positive, though mostly felt in mid- and upper-tier homes. Inventory for starter homes will likely remain stagnant due to high demand.

Their forecasts show a slowing in the appreciation of home prices, with growth at just over three percent. Millennials will gain a larger share of the market and will become more of a driving force. Cities in the south will likely see the most growth in home sales, with Tulsa, Little Rock, Dallas and Charlotte taking the top spots. However, tax reform legislation is the wild card, and could slow any growth due to decreased incentives and tax benefits for homeowners.

More information

If you’d like more information about buying or selling a home in the New Year, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you navigate the 2018 real estate market, no matter what it has in store.

Compliments of Virtual Results

The process of buying a home continues to change as more technology is developed. There are countless apps that buyers can use to search for a home, shop around for a mortgage, or explore a new neighborhood. So how do you know which apps are the best? Check out our list for some of our favorite home buying apps you can download on your smartphone or tablet.

Zillow

It’s one of the most popular real estate sites on the web, and now it can be downloaded as an app. The Zillow app lets you search for homes based on price and find out home values called Zestimates. You’ll also have access to more than a million listings that can’t be found anywhere else, you can also visit Favtechie to learn how to use all of these apps.

Mortgage Calculator by Quicken Loans

When you’re ready to search for a home, you need to know what your budget is. Use the Mortgage Calculator by Quicken Loans to find out how much home you can afford. You can also calculate your monthly payments, explore your refinancing options, and discover how much you can save by making extra payments on your loan.

Realtor

The Realtor.com app is another great resource to search listings. It’s touted as having the most reliable and up-to-date information, and the listings are refreshed every 15 minutes. You can sign up to receive alerts about new listings and price reductions and get driving directions to showings and open houses.

Homesnap

Homesnap is a fun app that has become the top-rated real estate app in the App Store. It’s easy to see why. If you’re exploring a neighborhood and see a home for sale that you like, you can simply take a picture of it and upload it to the app. It will then tell you all the public data available for that home. You can also receive a customized feed of new listings and price changes based on your browsing history, and send messages to your agent directly through the app.

Doorsteps Swipe

If you’re a fan of Tinder, you’ll love Doorsteps Swipe. This app will show you photos of homes that match your search parameters. You then swipe left or right depending on whether or not you like the home. It’s a fun way to browse listings during your search for the perfect match.

AroundMe

When you buy a home, you don’t just buy the house and the yard. You buy the neighborhood, too, in a sense. Shouldn’t you spend some time finding out what that neighborhood is like, and what types of amenities are available?  The AroundMe app lets you do just that. Find out exactly what’s located in the neighborhood, from ATMs and supermarkets to gas stations and movie theaters. You can also use ATMS-NearMe.com for finding the nearest ATMs.

House Hunter

Once you’ve begun your home search in earnest, it can be tough to keep track of everything. The House Hunter app helps you organize your notes, documents and pictures all in one place. The scorecard lets you evaluate and compare the homes you’ve looked at so you can make better decisions and narrow down your search.

Compliments of Virtual Results

The New Year brings a fresh start and the opportunity to set goals and intentions for the coming months. If you’re going to be buying or selling a home in 2018, now is the time to strategize. Here are some New Year’s resolutions that will help you to reach your goals of home buying or selling – or both!

Resolutions for Sellers

It’s time to get that to-do list written so you have a game plan for selling your home. Here’s what you should resolve to do in 2018 to get a great offer on your home:

• Clean and organize – One of the biggest turn-offs to potential homebuyers is walking into a home that is dirty and cluttered. It makes it nearly impossible to imagine what their life could look like in the home. Your first task when getting ready to sell is to get your home in order. Thoroughly clean and organize. Remove personal belongings and make needed repairs. Update paint and neutralize your decorations. Consider hiring a professional stager to maximize your existing space.
• Decide on a timeline – Will you be purchasing a new home at the same time you’re selling your current one? You will want to be intentional with your timing, especially if you’re in a competitive market. Trying to pay two mortgages can be tough. Is it possible to delay the purchase of new home while you wait for the sale of your current home to close? How quickly do you need to be in your new location?
• Interview real estate agents – Working with a professional makes the home selling process less stressful. Get recommendations from friends and family and schedule some interviews.

Resolutions for Buyers

Likewise, if your plan is to buy a home in 2018, here’s what you need to do to prepare:

• Review your finances – Do you have enough money saved for a down payment? If not, how will you reach your goal? In addition, do you know how much you can afford to spend on a home? Take time to review your finances to make sure you have what you need to not only make the purchase but also to sustain the monthly payments.
• Check your credit – Have you checked your credit report? If not, you should do that right away. Many credit reports contain errors and you will need time to have those mistakes removed. Checking your credit score will also give you an indication of what type of interest rates you’ll likely qualify for on your mortgage.
• Get pre-approved – Speaking of mortgages, you should plan to shop around and get preapproved before you begin your home search. Getting preapproved signals to a seller that you are serious about the purchase. It will also show you how much you can afford to pay for your new home so that you can target your search.

If buying or selling a home is a goal for you next year, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Whatever your plans are for 2018, we hope you have a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is it time to replace your furnace? Do you need a Same-Day Appliance Repair service? Those questions may be at the top of your mind this holiday season, especially if you’re buying or selling a home. Even though most major home appliances are a serious investment, the truth is that they don’t last forever. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of how long most appliances last. If you’re buying or selling a home, take these estimates into consideration as you evaluate a property and determine a fair offer. Remember that there are repair centers like the Samsung appliance repair Edmonton center that you can contact if you encountered any issues with your appliances.

Kitchen

The average life expectancy for kitchen appliances can be affected by how often the appliance is used. In addition, keep in mind that older models can sometimes outlast their newer counterparts. “They just don’t make them like they used to” is sometimes correct. Learn more  by asking experts at this for service Appliance Repair Near Me.

• Dishwasher: 9 years
• Garbage disposal: 12 years
• Trash compactor: 6 years
• Gas oven: 10-18 years
• Microwave oven: 9 years
• Range/oven hood: 14 years
• Electric range: 13 years
• Gas range: 15 years
• Refrigerator: 9-13 years

If you’re planning to replace a kitchen appliance, here are a few ideas about what to do with the old one.

Bathroom

Considering how often a bathroom gets used, its components often last a long time.

• Cast iron tub: 50 years
• Whirlpool tub: 20 years
• Fiberglass tub and shower: 15 years
• Toilet: 50 years

If properly maintained, many bathroom appliances can last even longer. Keep in mind that while a toilet may last 50 years, some of its internal components will need to be periodically repaired or replaced.

Laundry Room

How long a washer and dryer last will largely depend on how often they’re run. If you have a family of 8, your washing machine will probably not last as long since you’re doing more laundry than a family of 3. While there are pros and cons to both front-loading and top-loading washers, they each last about the same amount of time. The same is also true for both electric and gas dryers.

• Washing machine: 10 years
• Dryer: 13 years

One benefit of replacing an old model with a new one is that newer models are much more energy efficient. You could see substantial savings in your water or energy bills and may qualify for rebates.

HVAC

Your home’s HVAC system requires regular maintenance in order to keep it in good working condition. Even when they are kept in good working order, they also don’t last forever.

• Boiler (electric): 13 years
• Boiler (gas): 21 years
• Furnace (electric): 15 years
• Furnace (gas): 18 years
• Furnace (oil): 20 years
• Heat pump: 16 years
• Air conditioning unit: 10 years
• Tankless water heater: 20 years
• Electric or gas water heater: 10 years
• Humidifier: 8 years
• Dehumidifier: 8 years
• Thermostat: 35 years

With HVAC systems, newer is often better. Technology is always improving and heating and cooling appliances are becoming more efficient. Having a heating service check your HVAC annually by professionals like these AC services in Frisco will help ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Change air filters and thermostat batteries regularly. Visit abrahamac.com/oakland-park/ to see if they service your area and check if they can perform an AC tune-up. You may also ask for an air conditioning repair or a water heater installation if you need one. Though thermostats can last for many years, new technology has made them incredibly efficient, and it’s often worth replacing them. If you’re looking for appliances that will last, you can find more info here.

December is a busy month for most people. But when you throw moving into a new home into the mix, it can be downright hectic! So what do you do if you find yourself packing boxes during the holiday season? Follow these tips to ensure that your sanity remains intact, and that you can still enjoy yourself during this festive time of year.

Donate unused items

As you’re packing, take note of what items you own that you no longer use and set them aside. There’s no reason to box up and move things you don’t use anymore. Instead, donate them to a local charity. ‘Tis the season of giving, and your donations will be appreciated. Be sure to get receipts, as you can write them off on your taxes next year.

Keep an eye on the weather

Depending on where you’re moving to, you may have to deal with inclement weather. Keep an eye on the weather report, and try to schedule your relocation for a day where the conditions aren’t hazardous. Make sure you have warm clothes, including Delta Sigma Theta jackets, thick gloves and boots. Pack your items in weather-resistant bins if possible, and keep blankets and tarps on hand to cover furniture as you’re taking it inside. Make sure the heat and electricity are on in your new home. Keep hot drinks on hand and take breaks when needed.

Pack holiday décor last

There’s no rule that says you can’t decorate for the holidays if you’re moving. Go ahead and deck those halls. Wait until the day before your big move to pack up the decorations. This helps to smooth the transition, and lets everyone enjoy the holiday amidst the task of moving. Once you arrive at your new home, unpack the holiday decorations first, even if it’s just a few items. It will make your new place feel like home right away, and can help cheer everyone up when they’re tired from moving and unpacking boxes.

Plan ahead for gifts

Unpacking moving boxes does not count as opening presents. Plan ahead and have your gifts wrapped and boxed up. Make sure those boxes are easy to access so you can get them out at the appropriate time. This is especially true if you have small children who still believe in Santa. Think of how excited they’ll be to wake up on Christmas morning in their new house and see that Santa got their new address.

Address security issues

According to the FBI, the weeks surrounding the winter holidays typically have a spike in home burglaries. Keep this in mind as you’re moving into your new home. Have your home security system installed and activated before you move in. As you unpack boxes, break them down and put them in trash bags before disposing of them. Don’t signal to potential thieves that you’re an easy target.

Although moving during the holidays can be stressful, it doesn’t have to result in a ruined celebration. Follow the tips we outlined to ensure that your holiday move is as easy and fun as it can be. Happy Holidays!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Have you heard about hygge? It’s the Danish concept of creating warmth and enjoying everyday life, and it’s been a huge trend in home design this year. It’s especially popular during the cold, winter months where a little extra coziness is in order. In fact, incorporating a little hygge into your home could be just the thing you need to help sell it this winter. Here are our favorite ways to bring this Scandinavian tradition into your space.

Give buyers a warm welcome

The first place that potential buyers will feel a sense of hygge is at your front door, so amp up that warm and welcoming feeling. Be sure the sidewalk and front porch are clean and free of snow or debris. Even though winter brings darkness, you can still highlight your home’s exterior features with some soft outdoor lighting. Keep the lights in the house on so a warm glow emanates outside and beckons people in.

Bring the outdoors in

Let the season work for you instead of against you by embracing it. Bring some seasonal sights and smells inside. This can include cinnamon-scented candles or simple arrangements made from holly and evergreen. When decorating, use hues that mimic the feeling of the season, including warm reds, earthy greens and rustic browns.

Create warmth – literally

We know that energy bills can get expensive during colder months, but now isn’t the time to skimp. Make sure your thermostat is set to a comfortable level, keeping in mind that your front door may be opening and closing several times. Check that the heating vents in every room are open so they are all warm.

Light it up

A great way to create a sense of hygge in your home is with lighting. You want your home to be well lit without being harsh. Turn off overhead lights and opt instead for floor and table lamps. Take advantage of those dimmer switches to create a warm ambience. Scatter some battery-operated candles throughout your home. We all know that candlelight makes everything look so much nicer.

Decorate with inviting textures

Create a space that makes buyers want to linger. You want them to be able to imagine snuggling up on the couch on a cold winter’s day. Drape soft blankets on couches and add comfortable cushions and pillows to chairs. Use textures like wool, velvet, chenille, and even faux fur.

Offer warm drinks and snacks

Isn’t it nice to sip on a cup of tea or hot chocolate on a cold day? Think about keeping a pot of mulled cider simmering on the stove. It tastes and smells delicious. Set out a plate of warm cookies or even roasted chestnuts. Choose snacks and drinks that feel like a special treat.

Don’t forget the soundscape

Lastly, don’t forget to add warm sounds to your home. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, there’s nothing like the sound of a crackling fire. Play soft acoustic music in the background – a little jazz or classical music can make people feel relaxed and right at home.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you have any first time homebuyers on your holiday gift list this year? Show them how much you care and celebrate their big achievement by giving them something perfect for their new home. Here’s our list of some of the best gifts to buy your favorite first time homebuyers.

Bath towels

There’s nothing quite like a new set of luxurious bath towels. But after spending money on closing costs, home repairs and the like, most new homeowners don’t have the available cash to treat themselves. Why not give them a little bit of luxury in their new place by treating them to a new set of soft towels? It will be like giving them a spa day, except they’ll get to experience it every day! You can even take it a step further and include a nice towel warmer for those chilly mornings.

Essential oil diffuser

One way to make a house a home is to make it smell great. It can take some time for a new place to feel like home. Filling it with pleasant and familiar smells will make it that much easier. Treat your new homeowners to an essential oil diffuser and a selection of oils that will fill the air with their favorite scents. Unlike candles or chemical sprays, essential oil diffusers aren’t a fire hazard and don’t fill your space with potentially toxic compounds. They also help to lightly humidify a room, which is particularly helpful in the colder winter months.

A set of spices

Everyone always has way more stuff to pack than they realize. Once crunch time hits, many things get left behind or given away. This is particularly true with food items from the kitchen. Spices can be expensive, and it’s quite possible the new homeowners didn’t bring theirs to the new house. Even if they did, spices have a short shelf life. Give them the gift of tasty dinners with a set of new gourmet spices.

Smart thermostat

Unless the home they purchased has been renovated recently, chances are it comes equipped with an outdated thermostat. Why not give them the gift of lower energy bills with a smart thermostat? They are available at various price points, and have a variety of features that integrate with other smart technology in the house. They can be controlled remotely through a computer, tablet or smartphone. Some even learn to adapt through the homeowner’s behavior.

Fire extinguisher

We know this isn’t a glamorous gift to give, but think of the hero you’ll be should the happy homeowners ever have to use it. Most new homeowners have a long list of items to buy for their new place. A fire extinguisher, though useful, is probably pretty far down on the list of things to buy right away. So why not do them a favor and gift one to them? There are plenty of styles and sizes to choose from. And since they’re affordable, you can get one for each floor of their home.

Compliments of Virtual Results