Posts for Syndication

There’s nothing worse than the feeling that you forgot to lock the front door – after you’ve already left home and gotten to your destination. Soon, that feeling will be a thing of the past as more and more homes integrate smart technology, and you might want to add your virtual data room which helps  with the security, safety, storing and sharing confidential documents online. And If you’re wondering what the latest trends are to trick-out your home, here’s a rundown of the newest technology to hit the market.

Programmable Thermostats

According to Consumer Reports, the average American household can save up to $180 each year by installing a programmable thermostat. While there are many thermostats on the market that allow you to program heating and cooling cycles, the Nest Thermostat actually learns your preferences and begins to schedule and activate them on your behalf. It even senses when you’ve left home and will adjust the heating or cooling accordingly.

Good-Looking Gadgets

When you think of smart home technology, you probably conjure up images of shiny metal, black plastic and unappealing design. But many of today’s gadgets are taking appearance into consideration, creating smart home tools that blend well with your décor. A great example of smart home technology that is appealing to those with design sensibilities is Lockitron’s door locks, which feature a sleek and ultra-modern design. An Automatic Door Opener can control hidden automatic doors and lock the doors at night electrically.

Better Home Security

One area where smart home technology is really taking off is in home security. KNA Security provide innovative home security solutions in Perth, Western Australia. A recent addition to the game is iSmartAlarm, which started as an Indiegogo campaign and is now on the market. There are security camera systems in the market that let you set up your own wireless security cameras, sensors and alarms and then monitor everything with the free companion app. It’s more affordable than many of the traditional home security systems that have been on the market for years, and if something triggers an alarm, you’ll get a text or phone call alerting you.

Automated Lighting

Do you forget to turn lights off when you’re at home in the evening? Do you wish your lights would come on at night before you get home? While automated lighting has been possible for several years, smart home lighting is making big advances and saving energy and money at the same time. By connecting your lights to your Wi-Fi network you have a new level of control that allows you to access lights right from your smartphone or tablet. What’s even more amazing is that you can control them from the market down the street, or from your hotel on the other side of the world. How’s that for innovation?

Voice-Activated Control

We’ve gotten used to being able to talk to our smartphones with Siri, but soon the systems of our homes will be controlled through voice activation as well. Amazon has developed the Echo, which comes equipped with your own personal assistant, Alexa. With the help of far-field voice recognition, Alexa can hear you from across the room, answer questions and play music. While the technology does not yet control things like heating and air conditioning, it isn’t hard to imagine that will be happening in the near future.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you getting ready to sell your home, but want to make some improvements to add value before putting it on the market? Perhaps you’re thinking you need to overhaul the kitchen or upgrade the master bathroom – or any number of other costly renovations. Before you drop thousands of dollars, consider these unexpected – and considerably less expensive – ways to add value to your home.

Address the basics

Yes, a brand new kitchen will make your home look fabulous to buyers – but that won’t get you far if you have a furnace on the fritz or an attic that lacks insulation. While the basics are far less glamorous than totally updating a kitchen or bathroom, they will add value and could mean the difference between your home selling quickly or languishing on the market.

Spruce up your curb appeal

The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so make those first impressions count. Having a beautiful yard will entice buyers to come inside. Even better, having a yard that can double as living space makes your home seem bigger. Before selling, make sure all the trees and bushes are pruned, clean up flower beds, plant colorful annuals and clean your home’s exterior. If you have a porch, patio or deck, set it up as a living area, showing potential buyers how the space can be used. It’s important to work with local deck builders because they can help you create a custom deck that will be perfect for your home. They understand the building process and can work with you to create a deck that meets your needs and budget. Plus, they can also offer advice on how to maintain your deck and make it last for years to come. You may even purchase Aluminum Deck Railing Kits to improve the safety of your outdoor living space.

Update your front door

You may not think that something as simple as a front door could add value to your home, but think again. While replacing a worn door is ideal, even simply adding a coat of paint in a striking color can go a long way towards welcoming buyers into your home.

Renovate the attic

Perhaps you think your home needs more space in order to be appealing to potential buyers and updating your attic with the help of a good company like A&ES BRITAIN loft conversion northampton might be a great option. While building a brand-new addition to the house is expensive, you could add more space for less money by looking up. Attic renovations are becoming increasingly popular. Upgrading the attic into a useable living space adds the square footage you’re looking for with fewer headaches and less financial investment. Installing new attic spray foam insulation may also result in greater energy efficiency and lower energy costs.

Remove a popcorn ceiling

One of the keys to selling your home quickly is to remove anything that may turn buyers off, and a popcorn ceiling is high on that list. Popcorn ceilings are dated, and spending a weekend removing it yourself can definitely add value. Just be sure to have the ceiling tested by professionals first, as it could contain asbestos. If asbestos is detected, make sure to contact a residential and commercial asbestos removal service for proper abatement. Once you’ve been given the go-ahead, you can complete this project yourself in just a couple of days.

Make small changes to the bathroom

You don’t need to demolish the bathroom and start from scratch in order to create a room that is inviting. For less than $1,000 you can replace an outdated vanity, update lighting fixtures or add a new floor. Even a new coat of paint can make the room feel fresh and bright.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you no doubt want to get the best possible price. By tackling some of these unexpected projects, you’ll add value that can translate into a higher selling price or a quicker sale.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Buying a home can be a complicated process, even for those who have gone through it before. One of the best ways to make the experience as painless as possible is to make sure you don’t sabotage yourself. Be prepared by reminding yourself to avoid these common mistakes.

Not checking your credit report

Maybe you’ve been daydreaming about a new home, doing some online browsing and mentally preparing yourself for the search. But before you even begin heading down the road to home ownership, you need to know what’s on your credit report. You should review your report a few months before you begin your search, to make sure there is no incorrect information or to address anything that could work against you when trying to secure a mortgage. Pay down as much debt as you can and be sure to have any problems taken care of right away.

Not getting pre-approved for a mortgage

After checking your credit report, the next thing you should do is get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you determine how much house you can afford so that you can target homes that are in that range. Getting pre-approved also signals to a seller that you are serious should you put in an offer. In a competitive market, if you fail to get pre-approved, it could mean the difference between having your offer accepted or being the first offer crossed off the list.

Not preparing for added costs

When you are determining your budget and how much you can afford to pay per month, don’t forget to include all the added costs such as insurance, taxes, utilities and fees. Those costs can add up and derail you should you opt for a home that’s at the top of your price range. You also need to remember to include closing costs and other fees you’ll be assessed during the closing process as well as moving costs and costs for repairs once you move in.

Not being realistic

As you begin your search, you should definitely set aside some time to put together your wish list. Think about what you really need to have in a home and what it would be nice to have. Don’t walk into the home buying process thinking you are going to get everything on your list – that rarely happens. Instead, be clear about what you need to have versus what you would think of as icing on the cake. Being realistic will help you and your agent find the right home quicker and more easily.

Not finding the right agent

Now that the Internet has made searching for available homes so much easier, you might think that you can forgo hiring an agent to help you with your search. But remember, there’s much more to purchasing a home than simply deciding which one you want to buy. An experienced agent can help you navigate the process, which can be complex and stressful at times. Not only should you work with an agent, but you should find one that you trust and that you feel you can have an open and friendly relationship with. Ask friends and relatives for referrals and don’t be afraid to speak with several agents before settling on the one that’s right for you.

Compliments of Virtual Results

It’s finally happened – you found the perfect house. It has exactly what you are looking for, it’s in the right neighborhood, and it’s actually in your price range. All you have to do now is make an offer and start packing, right?

Maybe not.

Unfortunately, you may not be the only potential buyer out there who has their heart set on this house, and your offer may not be the only one a seller has to consider. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your offer is the one a seller can’t refuse.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – if you’re serious about buying a home it’s imperative that you get pre-approved for a mortgage. Many sellers will not even look at an offer that doesn’t come with a pre-approval, especially in a competitive market. A pre-approval signals to the seller that you are serious. Do yourself a favor and take care of this necessary step before you even begin looking at homes.

Make a connection with the seller

Whether or not a seller connects with you will influence which offer they eventually accept. Homeowners often develop attachments to their homes, and may be more likely to sell to a potential buyer who has the same emotional response, as opposed to an argumentative or insulting buyer who bids higher.

Don’t bid too low

It can be difficult to know sometimes if other offers have come in for the same house you are bidding on. While you don’t have to offer the listed price, if you do offer a lower price be prepared to explain why. Know what the comps in the neighborhood are as well as any potential repairs that will need to be made to the property.

Include an escalation clause

Escalation clauses are becoming more popular. Essentially they state that the buyer will agree to increase the offer by a predetermined amount if other offers come in that are higher.

Have deposit money ready

While you may not be in the position to make an all-cash offer, consider having enough money ready to increase the amount of the deposit. It could mean the difference between winning a bidding war – or not. Another possibility is to include a good-faith deposit with your offer, which is a check written for up to three percent of the asking price. Just be sure that you’re able to get that deposit back should your deal fall through.

Limit contingencies

If you’re selling your current house while you’re buying a new one, consider selling first so that the deal is not contingent on its sale. Most sellers prefer not to deal with contingencies, and if there are several offers on the table they’ll likely go with the one that has the fewest contingencies.

Write a letter

In addition to making a connection with the seller, if you feel strongly about the home consider writing a letter to the seller, telling them about yourselves and why you love their home. That kind of emotion could be enough to seal the deal.

The bottom line is, if you really want to make sure your offer is the one that stands out, be as prepared as possible. It could mean the difference between moving into your dream home and accepting a compromise.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Close your eyes and imagine: a perfectly manicured lawn spreading out in front of a stately Colonial in the suburbs. A pool in the back with a backyard large enough for the kids to play baseball and to host barbecues for the neighborhood on warm summer nights. A large, open-concept kitchen with the latest appliances, a three-car garage and even a spare en suite bedroom should you have out-of-town guests.

It’s sounds perfect, right?

Well, maybe it isn’t exactly your definition of perfect, but you likely have some kind of picture in your mind of what your dream home would look like. And in a perfect world, you can have that home.

But we don’t live in a perfect world. Unless you’re building from the ground up – and even not always then – you will probably need to make some compromises and adjust your expectations. If you want to find something that gets as close as possible to that dream home in your mind, follow these tips.

Define what you’re looking for

Go ahead and make a list of all the things it would be fantastic to have in your new home, whether that be a media room or a temperature-controlled wine cellar. That’s your “would be nice to have” list. Now make another list of things that are more important and possibly deal-breakers for you, which could include the number of bedrooms or bathrooms. This is your “must have” list. Cover all your bases with your “must have” list and be grateful when some of the homes you view have items from your “would be nice to have” list. You can probably live without the in-home gym, but going without a master bathroom could become problematic.

Be realistic about what you can afford

If you’re serious about buying a home, one of the first things you should do is get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will serve you better down the line once the closing process begins, and will also indicate what price range you should be looking at when you start your search. There’s nothing more disappointing than having your heart set on a home that you ultimately can’t afford, and nothing more discouraging than not being able to make your payments should you buy it anyway.

Think about the location

Maybe you think it would be wonderful to have a sprawling home in the country, but you might change your mind after suffering through a long commute for years. Consider what type of neighborhood you’d like to live in, what types of amenities are nearby and how close you need to be to work and school.

Be flexible

The most important tip when it comes to finding your perfect home is to be flexible. Go into the process with a positive mindset, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what a little imagination can do to a home. That home you weren’t so sure about when you first found it online could end up being the home you’ve been dreaming about for years.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, a home inspection is going to be part of the process of any real estate transaction. Once an offer is made on a house, the buyer hires a home inspector to review the property before the purchase. You can think of this inspection as a physical exam, where the inspector investigates all the systems of the home and recommends what areas may need further evaluation.

The inspection process can be daunting for both buyers and sellers. The best way to mitigate any anxiety you might feel is to make sure you are prepared.

What does a home inspection include?

During the home inspection, the inspector will be examining components of the home including the roofing, exterior, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, insulation, ventilation and interiors. The inspection itself generally takes between two and three hours, and once it is complete, the findings will be summarized and documented in a report. This includes any areas that the inspector determines need attention or repair.

How to prepare if you’re the buyer

To get the most out of the home inspection, a buyer should:

• Come prepared with any questions that have arisen when visiting the home.
• Advise your agent of when the inspection has been scheduled.
• Ask each agent about any known problems with the home.
• Read the disclosure form supplied by the seller and bring it to the inspection.
• Ask neighbors about the history of the home.
• If the home is vacant, be sure to have all the utilities turned on before the inspection date.
• Bring pen and paper to record any information the inspector gives you about the condition of the home.
• Determine if you want any additional testing, such as lead-based paint or radon testing, as these may not be included in the standard testing. Contact the inspector beforehand to arrange these tests.

How to prepare if you’re the seller

Even though the home inspection is primarily for the buyers, sellers can prepare to make the inspection as easy as possible to avoid delays.

• The seller is not generally present for the inspection, so be sure to leave your home before the inspection begins. Remove or crate pets so they won’t be a distraction.
• Disclose any components that aren’t working properly.
• If the air conditioner is not working properly, contact Kansas City ac repair service immediately,
• Clean your home and turn on all the lights. Make sure all light bulbs are working.
• Remove clutter from areas where the inspector will need access, such as under sinks and in front of appliances such as water heaters.
• Be sure to unlock and provide access to all spaces of your home, including gates, doors and garages.
• Identify attic and crawlspace hatches and make sure they are accessible.
• Clear driveways and walkways of debris, snow and ice.
• Collect paperwork about all the repairs and maintenance you’ve made on the house including inspections and insurance claims. You may even hire professional roofers beforehand to ensure that your roof is in good condition and will pass the inspection.

No matter if you are a buyer or a seller, the process of closing on a home will always include an inspection of the property. Murray Home Inspection prides themselves on thorough and honest home inspection reports. If both parties are informed and prepared on inspection day, the process can move more quickly and easily and reduce headaches and stress for everyone involved.

Compliments of Virtual Results

There’s no two ways about it – buying a home is stressful. Whether you’re doing it for the first time, or have several purchases under your belt, it’s a complex process that brings up lots of emotions – both good and bad.

Let’s face it – there’s a myriad of things that could go wrong during the sales process. Your loan could be rejected. The inspection could reveal that costly repairs need to be made. The appraisal could be lower than the selling price, which could affect your mortgage. The seller could be unpleasant or argumentative. There are plenty of things to worry about.

One of the best ways to deal with potential home-buying stress is to be prepared. Here’s what you can do to make buying your home as stress-free as possible.

Be clear about what you’re looking for

It’s frustrating for both you and your agent if you’re looking at house after house that just doesn’t suit your needs. Before you even begin scheduling appointments to view homes, take some time to define what you’re looking for. What type of house? How many bedrooms? What size? What kind of neighborhood? The clearer you can be, the more likely you’ll find a home you like sooner.

Be realistic about what you can afford

Getting swept up into the dream of owning the perfect home can be intoxicating, but having a mortgage that is not within your financial means is a nightmare. A good rule of thumb is to look for homes that are two or three times what your annual income is. Anything more than that, and you’re inviting excess stress into your life, worrying about how you’ll pay the bills each month. The Botany at Dairy Farm Condo is in a tranquil area with all the amenities of a modern city.

Be ready with a mortgage pre-approval

By getting your financial life in order and getting pre-approved for a mortgage ahead of the buying process, you are signaling to sellers that you’re serious about making a purchase. You’re also alleviating a potential pitfall should you not qualify during the deal. In addition, getting pre-approved will help should others also make an offer on the same house. If not, you’ll be one of the first crossed off the list.

Be willing to make compromises

It’s rare to find the absolute perfect house at the perfect price. And if you are dead set on it, you’re going to stress yourself and your real estate agent out.  Unless you can build your home from scratch, you’ll probably need to make some compromises. Determine beforehand what you must have versus what it would be nice to have, so that you know where you can be flexible.

Be gentle with yourself and take breaks

Whenever possible, schedule relaxing things to do while you’re going through the process of buying a home. Get a massage. Go out to dinner with friends. See a movie. Take a nap. Visit with family. Go for a drive in the country. Listen to some guided meditations, or take a yoga class.

You don’t have to let stress get the better of you when you’re buying a home! If you take some time to get prepared, be clear about what you really need, and allow yourself some time to decompress, you can minimize the adverse effects it has on your well-being.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Now that spring is in the air, you probably want to open your windows to welcome it in. Unfortunately, they likely have a layer of grime on them, leftover from the winter season. You know what that means – time for some spring cleaning, for which you might want to hire pros from Top Cleaners to lend a hand.

Yes, getting your home ready for spring can be a daunting task. But if you break it down into manageable steps and give yourself plenty time to complete them all (say, the next four weeks), you’ll be done before you know it.

Here’s our guide for how to tackle cleaning your home for spring.

First things first

There are some tasks that apply to most rooms of the house. These include:

• Vacuum and wipe down ceilings and walls.
• Vacuum and/or wipe down curtains and window treatments.
• Dust light fixtures, ceiling fans and shelves.
• Replace light bulbs.
• Wipe down light switches and door handles.
• Vacuum or mop floors.
• Wash windows.
• Change batteries in smoke detectors.

Kitchen

• Clean appliances including oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, microwave oven, garbage disposal and toaster.
• Defrost the freezer.
• Clean out cabinets and wipe down shelves.
• Clean and organize pantry.
• Disinfect cutting boards and countertops.
• Clean garbage and recycle bins.

Living Room / Dining Room

• Vacuum and spot clean upholstered furniture.
• Unplug and dust all electronics.
• Clean fireplace.
• Replace heavy curtains and throws with lighter ones.
• Clean and wax wood furniture.
• Launder table linens.
• Launder throw pillows and blankets.
• Vacuum lamp shades

Bedrooms

• Rotate mattress and switch to warm season bedding.
• Wash pillows and mattress pads.
• Sprinkle baking soda on mattress and vacuum after a few minutes.
• Organize drawers and closets.
• Clean lampshades and under bed.
• Disinfect children’s toys and donate any that children have outgrown.

Bathrooms

• Remove items from medicine cabinet and clean shelves.
• Discard unused and expired medication.
• Clean cosmetics and discard any that are unused and expired.
• Clean hair care tools and accessories.
• Wipe down toiletries.
• Clean faucets and remove build-up.
• Clean drains. If you encounter clogged drains frequently, you may need to hire an emergency plumber for professional drain cleaning services.
• Scrub and clean sink and tub.
• Update first aid supplies.
• Clean inside and outside of toilet.
• Clean mirrors.
• Wash shower curtain or scour shower door.
• Disinfect countertops and backsplashes.

Laundry Room

• Wipe down cabinets and countertops.
• Wipe down the outside of both the washer and dryer.
• Vacuum and wash lint trap.
• Clean behind the washer and dryer.
• Run an empty load of hot water and vinegar through washer.

Office

• To start with the office cleaning, wipe down all surfaces, including the top of desk or try services from allianceselect.ie.
• Wipe down computer monitor.
• Clean keyboard.
• Disinfect phone and mouse.
• Organize clutter.
• Vacuum or wipe down office chair.
• Shred old papers and organize files.
• Clean garbage and recycle bins.

Outdoor Areas

• Organize garage.
• Scrub decks, patios and walkways.
• Clean porch railings, walls and ceilings.
• Replace light bulbs.
• Wash outdoor furniture, including cushions.
• Clean garbage and recycle bins.

You may also consider hiring a pressure washing company to wash and clean up your exterior walls and pavements.

Phew! While this list may make you wish winter lasted a little longer, getting a jump start on your spring cleaning will give you more time to enjoy your home once the warm weather arrives. So grab the list, gather your supplies and get skip hire falkirk to make spring cleaning easier.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re selling your home, you know how important it is to have it looking its absolute best. First impressions are key, as potential buyers will form opinions about your home before they even step through the front door.

While hiring a professional staging company can make your home look amazing, not everyone is ready or able to shell out the big bucks. Fortunately, there are things you can do yourself to make your home stand out. Here are some of the best ideas we’ve found that will maximize your home’s assets.

Detach and depersonalize

Any potential buyers looking at your home are trying to visualize themselves in the space. By removing personal belongings, you make it that much easier for them. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, books and anything else that is personal to you.

Paint walls a neutral color

While there is no one-size-fits-all color for every home, there are certain neutral colors that work best for home staging, according to experts. White, off-white, beige, gray and even soft yellow work the best in most situations and should be chosen based on the style of your home and how much light the room receives during the day. Even if your home already has neutral-colored walls, it’s a good idea to repaint if you haven’t already done so within the last year. Nothing makes a home feel fresh like a new coat of paint.

Clean and repair

It should go without saying, but a clean home is an absolute necessity when selling. If you can, hire a professional cleaning company to come in before you show your house, and be sure they get into all the nooks and crannies. In addition, make any needed repairs, such as loose doorknobs, scratched floors or cracked lighting fixtures. Also make sure to address any lingering odors such as cooking and pet smells.

Shed some light

You want to give the appearance of your home being spacious and airy — so turn on all the lights. If your lighting fixtures have low-wattage bulbs, replace them while your home is on the market. Add floor or table lamps to rooms that seem dark, and keep shades and curtains open on all the windows.

Declutter and minimize

Your home will look more spacious if you clean out closets and remove any furniture that makes a room feel cramped. Rearrange remaining furniture to create an easy flow through the house. Remember — all closets and cabinets will be opened, so declutter and organize what remains inside them. This includes clothes in bedroom closets, linen closets and kitchen cabinets. Clean off kitchen countertops, removing small appliances like toasters, coffee pots and microwave ovens.

Don’t forget the outside

The first thing buyers will see is the front of your home, so clean up any debris in your yard, mow the lawn, add annual flowers for an instant pop of color and tidy the entryway. In some cases, pressure-washing the outside of your home can also leave it looking fresh and inviting.

Even if you’re on a budget, home staging is an important part of the selling process. Follow the tips above to create a home environment that is enticing to potential buyers, and you’ll be well on your way to an offer!

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re raising a family, it’s normal to want to purchase a home that can fit your family’s needs down the line – whether it be additional bedrooms for children you want to have or even room to care for aging parents.

But what if your kids are grown and have moved away? Or what if you feel overwhelmed by everything you have to take care of with your larger home? Or perhaps you just have a desire to live more simply?

There can be many reasons for wanting to downsize to a smaller home. Here are some things to keep in mind as you contemplate making the move.

Where will you go?

One of the first things you should ask yourself when you consider downsizing is where you will go. Sure you may own your home and will be able to use the money from the sale to buy your new place, but how far will those dollars stretch? If you’re contemplating a move to an urban center or to a market where real estate prices are considerably more expensive than where you are coming from, you may find that you can’t afford the lifestyle you’ve become accustomed to. Take time to understand the community you want to move to and where you may need to make compromises so that you can enjoy your time there.

What will you do with your stuff?

Most people tend to accumulate more and more stuff as they get older. When it finally comes time to sell and downsize some may feel overwhelmed having to manage everything during a move. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to deal with your possessions and have a plan for what you’ll do with all the things you won’t take with you. Some ideas include donating items to friends and family who can use them, having a yard sale or selling items online. You may even make some extra money in the process.

How do you want to spend your time?

Is visiting your kids and grandkids your biggest priority? If so, you may want to have an extra room for overnight guests. Maybe you want to travel? That might mean you can sacrifice on space so you don’t have to worry about your house while you’re gone. Do you daydream about never mowing the lawn again? Condo living could be right up your alley. Is it important to you to have easy access to cultural events, shopping and restaurants? Then a home near a city center that is walkable or close to public transportation could be an option, or even a suburban town center that locates residential construction near all the needed amenities.

Ultimately, the decision to downsize is based on many factors, from wanting to be closer to family to the desire to spend less money on a mortgage, property taxes and insurance. If you think it may be time to downsize, a trusted real estate professional can help you determine what the best plan of action is for your specific needs.

Compliments of Virtual Results