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When you’re selling your home, do you know what items you can take, and which ones you’re supposed to leave behind? While things like furniture and personal items are obvious, there are other things that may not be so cut-and-dried. If you’re a little confused about what items are supposed to stay with the house, read on.

Window treatments

Not sure if you can take those window treatments you love and spent a small fortune on? Here’s a good rule of thumb: if they’re attached to the window, they should stay. That means curtains, which can easily be slipped off a rod, can go with you to your new place. However, the curtain rods and blinds that are more permanently attached need to stay.

Lighting fixtures

In nearly all cases, the lighting fixtures that are attached to the wall or ceiling need to stay with the house. The buyer is purchasing the home the way they saw it on the day of the viewing. You could find yourself in legal trouble if any of those permanent fixtures they saw are missing when they move in. If you have a lighting fixture that you absolutely love, say a beautiful chandelier, you should replace it before you list your home for sale.

Landscaping

Unless you specifically state that you are going to dig up the rosebushes and take them with you, they need to stay with the house. This goes for any trees, shrubs, or other plants in your yard. All of those items are considered part of the property and cannot be dug up unless agreed to in advance.

Outdoor fixtures anchored in the yard

In addition to plants and shrubs, there are other outdoor items that need to remain with the property. This includes anything that is anchored into the ground with cement, such as a light pole, birdhouse, or basketball hoop. If it’s something that does not need to be removed with a tool, you should probably be able to take it with you.

Built-in appliances

Appliances can be somewhat of a grey area. In general, built-in appliances like dishwashers, ovens, and range hoods should remain with the house. If the appliances are freestanding, like a freestanding dishwasher or a refrigerator, they should be specifically addressed in the contract to make it clear whether or not the seller is planning to leave them behind. This is also true for air conditioners. If you have a window unit, it’s safe to assume that you can take that with you. However, if you’ve cut a hole in the wall and installed the unit, it needs to stay with the house.

Wall-mounted brackets for TVs

While it may seem like you should be able to take your TV mount with you when you leave, you should probably leave it behind. The generally accepted rule is that if it requires tools to remove it, it should stay with the house. If you want to keep the mounting brackets it should be stated in the contract so there is no confusion for the buyer.

Compliments of Virtual Results

In the flurry to prepare for your big move, don’t forget to have what you need for that first night. Moving can be stressful, and it’s comforting to know that you’ve got your essentials taken care of. You’ll no doubt be tired after a long day, so here’s what you need to gather in a few boxes to make those first few hours in your new place as relaxed as possible.

First night box for your home

There will be a thousand small tasks to take care of in those first few hours in your new home. Make your life easier by putting all the tools you’ll need to accomplish them in one box. This includes:

• Garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Lightbulbs
• Flashlight
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Phone chargers
• Scissors
• Tape
• Small kit of tools
• Paper plates and plastic utensils
• Can opener
• Coffee maker and supplies
• Pens and markers
• Snacks
• Bath towels
• Batteries
• Sheets, blankets and pillows for beds
• Shower curtain
• First aid kit

First night box for you

In addition to packing up all the necessities you’ll need for the house, don’t forget about your own needs. Include the essentials, as well as one or two items that will make your new place feel like home, including:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Other toiletries like soap, lotion, shampoo, etc.
• Medications
• A couple of changes of clothes
• Shoes
• Pajamas
• A good book
• Candle, incense or essential oil diffuser

First night box for your kids

If you’re making the move with kids in tow, don’t forget to include boxes for each of them as well. Make sure to have all the things that will help to keep them occupied and happy while the moving truck is being unloaded. In fact, it’s a great idea to have them each get settled in their own rooms when they arrive – it will put everyone a little more at ease. When you’re packing the first night boxes for your kids, remember to include:

• A few changes of clothes
• Diapers and wipes, if needed
• Pajamas
• A couple of their favorite toys
• Books and games to keep them occupied
• Medications
• Sippy cups or bottles
• Night lights for their new rooms
• Their favorite snacks

First night box for your pets

Last but not least, remember to include your pets in this process. There’s nothing worse than showing up to your new place with your cat and realizing the litter box is buried somewhere in the moving truck. When you get to your new house, find a quiet room and leave your pets in there with the door closed. This will keep their stress levels lower and keep them out of the way while boxes are being unloaded. Remember to pack:

• A few days worth of food
• Water and food dishes
• Cat litter box, litter, and scoop
• Dog leash and waste bags
• Toys and treats
• Carrier or crate
• Favorite blanket
• Pet bed

Finally, don’t forget to leave time for a little celebration! Pack a bottle of your favorite bubbly and be sure to toast to your new home. Congratulations!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching, signaling the start of the busy summer real estate season. If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, you may be wondering if a holiday weekend is a good time to have an open house. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

Pros of a holiday weekend open house

Serious buyers — One of the biggest advantages to scheduling an open house during a holiday weekend like Memorial Day is that you’ll attract serious buyers. Many people like to take time off from their busy lives over the holiday weekend, including time away from stressors like house hunting. For this reason it’s less likely you’ll get buyers who are just browsing and not yet serious about making an offer. If they’re making an effort to see your house when they could be relaxing by the pool instead, that’s a good sign.

In addition, having an open house on a holiday weekend means you could attract buyers who may be looking to relocate closer to family. Long weekends give people an opportunity to travel greater distances to visit loved ones. If they’ve been toying with the idea of moving closer, they may decide to do some house hunting while they’re in town.

Less competition — Since many sellers might choose to forgo having an open house on a holiday weekend, you’ll have much less competition if you do decide to have one. Those motivated buyers will have fewer houses to look at, which could seriously work in your favor.

Easy to get out of the house — As a seller, it will also be easier for you to get out of the house during your holiday weekend open house. Buyers aren’t comfortable having the seller lurking around while they’re looking at the home. On a holiday weekend, you’ll have plenty of reasons to get out of the house and enjoy your day.

Cons of a holiday weekend open house

It’s disruptive — If your family likes to celebrate over the holiday weekend, holding an open house can be disruptive, especially if you’d like to have one last hurrah in your home. Selling a house is stressful, and you may decide you really need to take a break over the long weekend to rest and recharge.

Fewer buyers — Another disadvantage is that although you may have motivated buyers attending your open house over a holiday weekend, you will most likely have less foot traffic. It can definitely put a damper on your energy if you decide to skip the vacation and have an open house, only to have very few people show up.

The bottom line

Ultimately, the decision to have an open house or not over a holiday weekend is a personal one. If you need to take some time away from the selling process, a long weekend is a great time to do it. However, if you’d like to make a sale as quickly as possible, it may be worth it to have an open house to attract those serious buyers out there. Talk with your agent to determine the best strategy for you. We hope that no matter what you decide, that you and your loved ones enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you moving into a new home this summer? Congratulations! The summer season is a great time to explore a new neighborhood and make your house feel like a home. Unfortunately, summer is also the top season for home burglaries. Feeling safe at home is high on anyone’s list, naturally. When considering a home security system, what should you choose?

While you’re getting settled, be sure to use these tips to make your beautiful new home less of a target to potential criminals.

Enlist help from neighbors

Neighbors can be your first line of defense when it comes to break-ins. When you move in, introduce yourself to your neighbors. If you’re going to be out of town for any length of time, let them know. Tell them you’ll keep an eye on their house when they’re away, and ask if they’ll keep an eye on yours.

Don’t leave valuables outside

If you’re working in the yard, it may be tempting to leave your garden tools out until you’ve completed your job. But leaving valuable items in the yard is an invitation to criminals and it makes their jobs easy. The same is true for kids with their bikes and toys. Always put your valuable items away when you’re done using them for the day.

Don’t keep keys outside

You may think you’re being sneaky by hiding a key under the doormat, but that’s the first place any criminal is going to look. The same is true for those rocks, sprinkler heads, and other clever devices that are meant to hide keys. Criminals shop in stores, too, and know to look for them. If you’re worried about getting locked out, then leave a key with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. Check out this site for additional home safety guide: https://www.stylemotivation.com/how-can-a-locksmith-improve-your-home-security/.

Shut the windows

Lastly, though it may be tempting to open the windows and keep them open on a beautiful day, don’t. Even if you think you’ll only be gone for a few minutes, always close and lock all windows when you leave the house.

Install a home security system

If your new home didn’t already have a security system when you moved in, now is the time to install one. There are so many types of security systems available at many different price points. You can opt for a set of security cameras you can install and monitor yourself, or choose a system that includes remote monitoring by a third party. At EYEON SECURITY we specialize in providing state of the art security systems for our residential and commercial clients. The most important thing to remember with a home security system is that it doesn’t help you if you don’t set the alarm. Always be sure the system is engaged when you leave the house.

Secure the garage

Burglars will look for the easiest point of entry to your home, which is often the garage. Always keep your garage door locked, and use a quality, heavy-duty lock. If the garage door isn’t functioning properly, call on a garage door repairs technician to fix it and secure your garage.

Keep the yard tidy

Overgrown bushes, trees, and shrubs can provide easy cover for criminals. Keep your yard tidy so there are fewer places for burglars to hide. Install motion lights or other outdoor lights so there are no patches of darkness.

Don’t broadcast your plans

Are you taking a vacation this summer? While it’s tempting to talk about it on social media, you should keep it under wraps. Don’t advertise to potential criminals that your house will be empty during your vacation. Wait until you’re safely back at home to share the details of your amazing trip.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Whether you’re in the market for a home with a pool or not, you may end up wanting to make an offer on a home that has a pool. It’s important to understand both the responsibilities that come with pool ownership as well as safety and liability concerns. Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking about buying a home with a pool.

Cost of upkeep

According to HomeAdvisor, the average monthly cost of maintaining a pool is approximately $190. You’ll want to factor this amount into your projected monthly expenses when you’re determining whether or not you can reasonably afford the house. That number includes general upkeep such as How To Clear Cloudy Pool Water, cleaning and maintaining the proper chemical balance of the water. You’ll also want to consider additional costs you may incur with a pool, such as heating the water, replacing broken parts like a pump motor, fixing leaks, and resurfacing as needed. Pool & Spa Heaters Perth supply, install and repair pool heaters and heat pumps. Be sure to ask the seller if they have had any issues with maintenance so you understand what may be required when you assume ownership.

How it affects insurance

When you’re shopping around for home insurance, you’ll want to choose a policy that covers your pool. Typically a pool is considered “other structures” in a homeowners’ policy. You need to ensure that you have enough coverage for potential repairs down the line. In addition, be sure to have enough liability coverage for your pool. This will cover health insurance claims should anyone get injured and incur medical costs. Understand that pools are considered an “attractive nuisance” and that you’re liable for anyone using it, regardless of whether or not they have permission.

Proper fencing is essential

While requirements vary from location to location, most places insist that you have a fence installed around your pool. Fences typically need to be a certain height with gates that close on their own. The fence is usually installed by fence contractors Wollongong either around the perimeter of the yard or around the pool itself. If the home already has a fence but it does not meet the required height, a fence repair company can be called to fix it.

Other safety equipment

In addition to proper fencing, you might also want to have other safety equipment for your pool. This includes pool alarms, pool signs, and water rescue equipment. There are even products available that can assist your pet should it fall into the pool and have trouble escaping.

Know who built the pool

When buying a home that has a pool, find out who built and installed the pool. You can then research that contractor to find out about their quality of work and what kinds of issues other owners have reported. Knowing who built the pool construction will also come in handy should you need repairs down the line. It’s helpful to be able to hire someone who is already familiar with the work that has been done in the past.

Prepare for fun

Lastly, don’t forget that having a fiberglass pool installation can be great fun! Even though there’s a responsibility that comes with pool ownership, the reason people build pools is because they provide endless entertainment. Imagine the kinds of backyard parties you can have and how the pool can benefit your exercise routine. In the end, buying a home with a pool can be a great investment and bring you and your family happiness for many years.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Summer home-selling season is here! The next few months are a great time to sell your home as many buyers wait until summer to make a move. While it means there are potentially more people who may be interested in buying your home, it also means more competition from other sellers. Make your home stand out this summer by staging it like a pro!

Come clean

Nothing is more off-putting than a dirty house, and it’s doubly true when you’re trying to sell. The most important thing you can do when selling your home in the summer is to clean it from top to bottom. Everything should get a thorough scrubbing, from the floors and baseboards to the bathtub and countertops. And don’t forget the windows! Buyers don’t want to look through months of accumulated grim when checking out the view from the living room. Make sure those windows are crystal clear and sparkle in the summer sun. If the windows look old even after washing them, it may be time to contact professional window installers.

Slim down

Summer is the time when everyone wants to slim down to look good in that new bathing suit. The same is true for your house. It’s time to slim down your belongings and streamline your house for staging. Nobody likes clutter, and it can sink your home sale. Remove all personal belongings and put them in storage. If you have bulky furniture, throw that in storage, too. Rearrange what you have left to create an easy flow that makes the rooms feel bigger. Only display home décor that accentuates the positives of your house and ties into the color palette.

Lighten up

After months of having the house shut tight, now is the time when people are opening their windows and letting the sun in. When potential buyers come to your home for a showing, open all the curtains and let in as much natural light as possible. Turn on all the lights and create a bright, cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.

Cool off

Summer weather often brings hot temperatures, so make sure the environment in your home is cool and inviting. Don’t be stingy – crank up the AC so nobody breaks a sweat touring your home. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning and you have a hot summer ahead, it may be worth hiring ac installation services to impress potential buyers and increase the value of your home. Display items that make a home look cooler, like vases filled with summer flowers or a crystal bowl full of oranges. Keep a pitcher of ice-cold water or refreshing lemonade at the ready.

Deck it out

Lastly, don’t forget the outside! Show potential buyers how inviting all the outdoor areas of your home are. Clean up the yard and plant flowering annuals for a burst of color. Thoroughly clean decks and patios and set up an outdoor seating area or a well-dressed table that shows them how great your place can be for entertaining. If there are any damages, you may seek the services of a deck repair company. Toss in some pretty outdoor pillows, potted plants and maybe even a fire pit. Add a simple summer wreath to the front door and buy a new welcome mat. The Timber Decking Supply Shed stock a full range of timber decking supplies and hardware if you’re planning to build a deck. Make sure your house numbers can be easily seen from the street, mow the lawn and clean the pool.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is there a decision in life that is more nerve-wracking than choosing which house to buy? You know it’s a major financial decision, and any reasonable person wants to ensure they’re making the right choice before jumping in. But how can you tell when you’ve found “the one”? We’ll lay it out for you.

It fits your budget

One of the most important things to remember when buying a home is to buy what you can afford. Nothing is more heartbreaking than not being able to make your monthly payments. You’ll know you’ve found the right house when it fits easily within your budget. If you want to live in a house that suits not only your budget but also your design preferences, you may want to hire custom home builders and build your dream home instead. Afterwards, you may decorate the house using decor pieces from a home goods store. If you find construction defects in your home, consult with a construction lawyer to determine your best course of action.

It’s in a great location

Once you find a house you love, consider its location. Remember – you’re not just buying the house, but you’re also buying the neighborhood. If you visit the home and find a lot to love about the location, then that’s a great sign.

You’re excited to see it in person

It’s easier than ever to begin your house-hunting search online. You can learn so much about what’s on the market, browse listings, and get to know a neighborhood. You’ll probably discover that there are a few houses that you really want to see in person, and maybe one or two in particular that really interest you. Pay attention to which houses call out to you, hop over to this site to see more.

Once you get inside, you get more excited

So many homeowners have admitted that they knew a house was meant to be theirs the moment they stepped inside. When you walk inside a home, how does it make you feel? Is it warm and inviting? Is it easy to imagine your furniture there, or what color you’d paint each room?

You can walk into the bathroom

Here’s a great gauge to know if a house is right for you – can you walk into the bathroom? If you find that you just can’t bring yourself to cross the threshold into the bathroom, it is probably not the right house, unless you’re committed to major renovations, some people even design to create the house from the ground, using even duplex designs to create two houses, Duplex Designs are helping property owners to build two properties on the one block of land.

It fits your needs

While the house might not (and probably won’t) check off every item on your wish list, it will certainly fulfill your basic needs. The house should have the number of bedrooms you need and any other additional space that’s important. It might require a little imagination or creativity on your part, but that’s okay.

You’re telling everyone about the house

Do you find it difficult to get the house out of your mind? Are you telling everyone you talk to about it? It’s starting to become crystal clear that this is the house for you.

Your intuition tells you “this is it”

Ultimately, you can crunch the numbers and double-check your lists, but it will all boil down to your intuition. What does your gut tell you? If your mind is obsessing over the house, your emotions are in overdrive, and your gut is telling you this is the one, listen. Choosing a home isn’t just about making a financial transaction. It’s also about making a connection. You’ll know “this is it” when your gut tells you.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You can’t beat the ease of applying for a mortgage online, rather than going to a bank in person. But is it the best decision for you? Here are the pros and cons of online mortgage lenders that you should consider when you’re buying a home.

Pro: It takes less time

If you’re busy or need to move quickly, then applying for a mortgage online may be a great choice for you. You won’t have to travel to the bank, find all your documents, and copy and fax all those documents. Instead, you’ll simply upload everything you need right on the website. The time saved can be significant.

Con: It’s easier to make mistakes

While filling out forms online can be a great time-saver, it can also lead to more errors. You could misunderstand a question and provide the wrong information. It’s also more difficult to get answers to any questions you may have while you’re filling out the forms. You may have limited access to customer service, which is generally only available during business hours.

Pro: It’s easy to shop around

Because it’s so easy to access information from online lenders, shopping around is a breeze. Shopping for a mortgage is just like shopping for anything – you should do your research to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Each lender will have its own rates and terms, and when you shop around online, you can easily compare them.

Con: There are more scams

Scams are prevalent all over the Internet, and it’s no different with online mortgage lenders. When you’re shopping around, you may come across a deal or two that seem too good to be true. That’s a red flag. Mortgage scammers will entice you with low rates or insist on some kind of fee or prepayment. If you have any doubt in your mind, do some research on the company to make sure they are legitimate, or it could cost you.

Pro: You’ll likely find lower rates and fees

In general, it’s not unusual for online mortgage lenders to offer lower rates and fees. After all, they don’t have the same kinds of operational costs that brick-and-mortar banks have. They can then pass those savings on to consumers. Even a slight reduction in your rate could save you serious cash over the long haul, which makes online lenders very attractive to many buyers.

Con: You many not qualify for those low rates after all

Online mortgage lenders attract new customers with promises of low rates, fees, and closing costs. But it’s important to read all the fine print. While they originally promise you a low rate, after you’ve filled out all your forms it may turn out that you don’t qualify. This could waste weeks of time and cause serious frustration. And you may be at the point where there’s no turning back if you want to close on the house, so you end up paying more.

In the end, online mortgage lenders can be a great choice for many homebuyers. By understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of securing a loan online, you can be more confident in your ultimate decision.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is it time to put your vacation home on the market? Maybe you just don’t visit it as often as you thought, or it’s time to downsize. Whatever your reasons, it’s important to be strategic about selling your vacation home. These are our best suggestions for optimizing your vacation home sale.

List in the busy season

If you’re not in a hurry to sell, then the best time to list your vacation home for sale is in the busy season. This will expose your house to the largest pool of potential buyers. In most cases, the busy season is the summer. But if your home is located in a ski resort, then you’d obviously want to list in the winter. While you’ll have more competition from other sellers, you’re also more likely to sell quickly and for the best price.

Focus on curb appeal

While curb appeal is important for any home sale, it is vitally important for selling your vacation home. Vacation homes are retreats from our everyday lives, and making your home look like a little slice of paradise will make it that much more appealing to buyers. First impressions are key, so pay special attention to the exterior, the landscaping, and maybe even consider getting lake home window tinting with the help of professional window tinting services.

Stage the inside of the home to reflect the kinds of activities that are popular in the area. For example, if you’re trying to sell a beach house, decorate with a beach or nautical theme.

Be upfront about home’s history

If your vacation home has been used as a rental property, you’ll want to disclose this. Some buyers may be interested in renting out the home when they’re not using it. Showing that the house has a solid history of rentals can work in your favor. Be sure to let buyers know where the vacation rental is listed online, who is currently managing the property, and what kind of income it generates. You might also include projected income for the next six months to demonstrate the investment potential.

Sell the location

Potential buyers of your vacation home aren’t just interested in the property itself, they’re also buying the location. What are some of the great reasons to own a vacation home in your area? What activities and amenities are nearby? Who are the neighbors? Are there great shops or restaurants in the area? Make a list of all the perks of living in that neighborhood, and include them in your marketing materials.

Work with an experienced agent

Finally, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who has experience with selling vacation homes in your area. Your agent should be knowledgeable about the local market, new developments in the works, and comps for the area. They’ll know how to best advertise your home, where to find interested buyers, and how to price the home competitively. They can advise you on the details that are specific to selling a second home, and help you navigate the process. An experienced agent will be your partner from the beginning stages right up through closing day, and will be an invaluable resource for getting a speedy sale at a great price.

Compliments of Virtual Results

House hunting can be a little intimidating, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. That’s why it can be a wise move to attend open houses with your realtor when you begin your search. Open houses are a great opportunity to learn more about the local housing market and to define exactly what you’re looking for. Use these tips to make the most of open houses when you’re buying.

Learn about the neighborhood

Open houses offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the neighborhoods where you’re interested in buying. Chat with the agent about the area and get their take about what its best features are. After having a look at the house, take a stroll through the neighborhood and notice what you see. Do residents keep their yards looking nice? Are there any vacant properties? How close are amenities? What’s the street parking situation like?

Develop your priorities

Another great reason to attend open houses when you’re house hunting is to develop your priorities. Take a look at different size houses and layouts, and make notes about what you like and what you don’t like. You’ll begin to see patterns emerge, and they will help you to narrow down just what kind of house you’re looking for. Do you want a big yard or a small one? Do you respond to open concept homes, or do you prefer a smaller, cozier layout? Is it better to have a home that’s all on one level, or do you like having a second-story window to admire the view?

Imagine yourself living there

As you’re walking through homes, imagine yourself living there. Think about what your routine is like each day. Does the layout of this home support the kind of lifestyle you imagine yourself having in your new home? Does the home feature the kind of amenities you’d like to have, like a laundry room that’s easy to access or an area where you can wash your dog? Think about what it’s like while you get ready for work in the morning, and also how you like to spend your time on the weekends. Will this house provide what you need to have a happy life there? Tenet residents can access more facilities at the New Tampines Hub, home to a regional library, sports facilities, club facilities, and many other amenities.

Use your senses

Sellers stage their homes to make them appealing to potential buyers, but don’t let them fool you. Yes, the smell of cookies baking is wonderful – but is it hiding another, more unpleasant odor? The soft music playing might add to a sense of peacefulness, but is it covering noise coming from outdoors? How are the views out of the windows? Does the bedroom face the neighbor’s backyard where young children are playing? Use all your senses to discover what it might be like from day to day living there. This could also help you find potential issues with the property. For instance, if there are trees near the house, you may need to schedule more regular roof inspections with a local roofing contractors. How the plumbing system was set up may also give you an idea of the amount of work to be required for Home Plumbing Maintenance.

Refine expectations

Visiting open houses will also help you to refine your expectations. After seeing many houses, you’ll have a much better understanding of how much house your money will buy. You’ll see where you may need to make some compromises and what kinds of features will be deal-breakers for you. It will ensure you’re that much more confident about making an offer when you find the house you truly love.

Compliments of Virtual Results