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Renovating Your Home: 4 Ways To Prepare It For The Market

Renovating Your Home: 4 Ways To Prepare It For The Market

Renovating Your Home: 4 Ways To Prepare It For The Market

 

Are you looking to put your house on the market? There are plenty of tasks ahead of you. Before you look into selling your home, you’ll want to ensure that you make several all-important home restorations. If you’re not a seasoned renovation expert, or you’ve never sold a property before, you might not know which restorations to focus on.

 If the thought of renovating your home fills you with concern because you’re not sure which ones to prioritise, this is the post for you. The following is a list of the top property renovations you can implement to make a significant profit and increase what your home is worth. 

Renovate your bathroom to add value

We’ll start by saying that, yes, some renovations are more costly than others. Renovating or adding a second bathroom can be one of the costly ones. But, when you take those all-important photos that present your bathrooms in the best light after the stunning contemporary changes and tilework that you’ve made, you’re not only increasing the value of the sale price but you’re also likely to increase the number of potential buyers who will be interested in your home.

More potential buyers can lead to an increased chance of you selling your home. So, if your bathroom is older in style, or you can see that it needs a few changes, it’s perhaps time to begin those renovations to increase the value of your property. 

Consider replacing old windows and carpets

Have you noticed any drafts coming through your windows? You’ll want to consider replacing them before putting your property on the market to make the best profit and get the best value. Which windows should you replace them with to add the greatest value to your property? 

One factor might help you – namely, the level of maintenance required. Keep in mind, for instance, that you may need to repaint wooden window frames from time to time, while vinyl frames require less maintenance. Add to this the fact that when you choose vinyl windows, you’re likely to save money on the renovation (as they are 18% cheaper than wood), and you can see how replacing old windows can add to your property value. 

Once you’ve replaced the windows, you might want to go a step further and replace the carpets while you’re at it. You have options for this. You might choose to replace them with new ones, but you could also install wooden flooring once you’ve ripped the carpets up. If you are looking for the most cost-effective approach, getting the carpets cleaned is a simpler solution too.

Insulate with fibreglass

This is an important one – insulating. Though this can be another costly home renovation and might set you back $2,500 to $4,500 for ceilings and floors it can make a significant difference to the value of your home’s value. The realtors at Northern Virginia Home Pro state that it’s worth upgrading your insulation while you’re still living in the property, as the work will pay for itself in a few years as a result of reduced heating and cooling costs. Not only that, but buyers will be more interested in your home if it has been insulated with fibreglass – the most common type used.

Remodel and enhance your kitchen 

Our final home renovation recommendation before you put your home on the market is to focus on the kitchen. The kitchen is a critical area and space, just as the bathroom is. As it’s a vital area, renovating it is important. We recognise that kitchen renovations can be major expenses. But, there’s no need to go overboard with your kitchen renovation – there are a few workarounds that might make the job less expensive and much simpler. One solution you might take is to simply repaint your kitchen and replace the worktops. This can add to the value of your home while ensuring that you avoid spending excessive amounts on renovations. 

Get renovating

Renovating a home before putting it on the market needn’t be a stressful experience. Though the most stressful part might involve not knowing where to begin, don’t panic. To recap, the top zones you need to focus on are replacing anything that’s old and worn, insulating with fibreglass, renovating the bathroom and making it more modern, and renovating the kitchen with a few minor and inexpensive changes.

Start renovating these key areas and watch the value of your property increase, instantly.

Simple Ways You Can Enhance Your Home’s Front Door Entry

Simple Ways You Can Enhance Your Home’s Front Door Entry

Simple Ways You Can Enhance Your Home’s Front Door Entry

 

 

As with many other aspects of life, even though people shouldn’t judge your home by its cover, they do. That’s why it’s important to welcome them to your home before they’ve even entered. Here are some simple ways you can enhance your home’s front door entry.

Repaint Your Trim

If you go this route, you have a choice to make. Repainting your trim with the same color it was before will refresh your home’s look, but you can also consider picking a new color. Changing only your trim can completely revamp the feeling of your home, so if you feel like a change is in order, have at it!

Add Some Planters

Bringing vibrant life onto your porch in the form of planters is a brilliant, easy way to instantly change your entryway’s feel. Add a pop of color with your favorite flowers, and guests will immediately know that they’re entering a fun, welcoming place.

Weed and Edge

One of the simplest ways you can make your entire yard more inviting and appealing is to get rid of any weeds. Landscapes that are overgrown look unkempt and even unsafe.

Once you’ve taken care of any weeds, you can use an edger to keep your lawn from encroaching on your sidewalk or driveway for an even cleaner look (if your Arizona home has grass, that is).

Get a New Front Door

Your front door is literally the portal into your home, so it’s the most crucial piece of this puzzle. Luckily, replacing an old front door with a swanky new one will allow you to raise the asking price on your home if you ever try to sell. A solid wood door is a very classy way to go, and comes with a plethora of door options to choose from.

With all these simple ways you can enhance your home’s front door entry, you can bring your home to the next level with ease. Bring that curb appeal to your house today!

 

Critical Steps in the Home Buying Process

Critical Steps in the Home Buying Process

Critical Steps in the Home Buying Process

 

The housing market can be a difficult terrain to navigate when it’s your first time buying. You may not know what to look for, what’s a good deal, or how these processes go through. Be aware of the critical steps in the home buying process to make your initial viewings more manageable. Know the pitfalls that people typically fall into and make the most informed decision possible when you’re investing your time, effort, and money into a house.

Know Your Credit Score

Before anything, you need to know your credit score before moving forward. Learning this will give you an idea of how much money you can take out as a loan to pay for the house. The lower the credit score, the harder it will be to secure a high loan; some places may refuse you outright with no or poor credit history.

Be aware that accessing your credit score can lower it; contact your bank to see if they have some methods to provide you with an estimated credit score to avoid decreasing it.

Find a Lender

After you have an idea of your credit score’s standing, you need to seek out a lender to approve you for a loan. Houses can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and most people can’t afford to pay them off completely when they first move in.

However, you need to be careful with the loans you accept; you need to pay attention to the term limit and the interest rate, among other things. You need to shop around and know how to find a lender who can offer you a reasonable contract.

Be Ready for the Down Payment

While no one expects you to pay for the entire house on day one, you still need to provide a down payment, usually at 10 percent of the house’s price. Putting down a down payment can improve your chances of receiving a loan, as lenders like to see that you have the financial backing to pay back your loans reliably.

But it also helps you in that you will need to take out less money for a loan, in turn lowering the amount you have to pay in interest over the years. The more you put down initially, the less you pay back later.

Get In Touch With a Real Estate Agent

One of the most beneficial steps in the home buying process is to team up with a real estate agent to help guide you through the procedure, Andrew w/ The Holm Group in Scottsdale. They will assist you in making bids on the home, direct you to houses that fit your purchasing criteria, and offer information on the surrounding area and market. Most likely, you won’t be able to figure out everything on your own, but it pays to have backup helping you along the way.

 

Best Practices for Successful Property Managers

Best Practices for Successful Property Managers

Best Practices for Successful Property Managers

 

Working in the property management business often comes with unforeseeable challenges like flooded bathrooms or pest infestations. While you may not know what the next day holds, it’s a great career to pursue. Here are the best practices for successful property managers.

Frequent Communication

Your tenants must receive frequent updates about your buildings and policies. If they have a question, you should be the first to answer. There’s nothing more frustrating for a tenant than an unresponsive or unavailable property manager. Whether you work as a manager for one building or several across town, you are the primary superintendent, so communicate with your people often.

Continuous Maintenance

Maintenance requests often come when you manage a property. People have leaky faucets, broken appliances, and more that all need fixing. Instead of working as a reactionary force in your building, create a preventive maintenance and upgrade plan for your property. Tenants like knowing that you’re investing in the future and sustainability of your business through continuous maintenance. While you should always look for ways to update kitchens and replace old floors, you must also address functional issues. Do you need sewer pipe cleaning? Then, clear out your plumbing with sewer rodding services and preserve your building’s piping.

Online Presence

When prospective tenants seek a new place to live, they turn to digital spaces. Websites and mobile apps are the new property marketplace, and you need to amplify your voice online. Develop your site and create simple places for people to submit interest queries and contact you about open units. You should also reply to negative reviews online and show your attentiveness to people’s experiences living at your property. This way, newcomers will feel assured of your commitment to fostering a nice place to live.

Follow these best practices for successful property managers and watch as people flock to your units. The more time and energy you invest in your building and your people, the better off your business will be.

 

5 Things You Need To Consider Before You Finance a Home

5 Things You Need To Consider Before You Finance a Home

5 Things You Need To Consider Before You Finance a Home

 

When you’re looking to finance a new home, the process can seem complex and daunting. After all, numerous things factor into whether or not you’ll get approved for a loan. We’ve put together a quick list of the five things to consider before you finance a home so that you can feel prepared through each step of the process.

Look into Your Credit

Some of the first things you need to consider before you finance a home are your credit score and payment history. Before you even come close to financing the house of your dreams, lenders will scour your credit history for timely payments and overall responsible spending. Your credit and payment history are significant players in your ability to snag financing for your home. If they’re not in great standing, you’ll want to take some time to improve your credit score and payment history.

Understand Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Financing a home often comes with the implication of taking on new debt. Because of this, acknowledging your debt-to-income ratio is essential. This ratio outlines how much debt you have left to pay and stacks it against your monthly income. Depending on where your balance lies, lenders will either reject or approve your application. Therefore, it’s worth looking into what your ratio is before you start the application process.

Prepare for Down Payments and Closing Costs

Of course, once you land a loan, you’ll need to ensure you have some money stashed away for the down payment and closing costs. Most lenders will require that you put down at least five percent of what the home is worth before proceeding. So, once you determine which price range suits you best, you can start to save for these expenses. Additionally, you’ll also need to put aside a nest egg for closing costs, which can range from 2 to 5% of a home’s total value.

Know What Your Monthly Payment Will Be

Once you have a better grasp of your credit and initial fees, you must understand your mortgage and how much it will cost you monthly. Be aware that your mortgage payment often comes attached to extra expenses such as real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance, so be prepared to pay a little extra. Knowing how much your monthly bill will be will help you build your budget, ensuring your finances stay intact.

Build a Comprehensive Budget

Once you have a solid grip on your financial needs and monthly expenses, it’s essential to determine a budget for your prospective home. Square away some cash for closing costs and down payments, figure out how much you’ll be spending on your mortgage and other expenses, and determine how much you’ll have left over each month. Creating a comprehensive budget before you buy can ensure you can make your mortgage payments and pay the rest of your expenses fully and on time.

The process of financing a home can feel overwhelming. But taking a little time to understand the primary facets of home financing can help you know what to expect.

How To Improve the Aesthetic of Your Home

How To Improve the Aesthetic of Your Home

How To Improve the Aesthetic of Your Home

 

Even the little things matter when selling your home, and some minor fixes don’t require a contractor or construction. Knowing how to improve the aesthetic of your home can help you increase the value of your property or sell it faster.

Think About Colors

The color of a room changes the perception of its size and the mood it invokes. When selling, white walls are the default. This is because they not only maximize a room’s natural light, but they also give a room a clean, finished look that any buyer can see themselves in. Any neutral tone, though, such as a beige or light grey, will have similar effects. Don’t limit yourself to just thinking about wall color, though. Consider how the furniture works together in the room as well. When picking paint colors, make sure you weigh the tastes of future buyers instead of only your own preferences.

Upgrade Fixtures

The state of your home is a top concern of potential buyers, and eliminating additional costs can help lead to a faster sale. If you have an older home, chances are there are out-of-date light fixtures, doorknobs, or light switches littered throughout your home. Upgrading to modern fixtures can show an attention to detail that will catch the eye of buyers.

Hide What You Can

Every homeowner has that one thing in their apartment they wish they could hide. This might be A/C units, baseboard heaters, or large media stations full of rogue wires. And while you might not be able to make them disappear, you can make them seamless for potential buyers.

For A/C units, installing faux cabinets with proper air ventilation is always a great option. Making a baseboard heater disappear might be impossible, but decorative baseboard heaters make them fit with the style of the room. Hiding all those wires can be a little more challenging. Wire covers work well. However, a current trend that can be even more effective is hiding them in hollowed-out books.

Selling a home is stressful, but optimizing your home’s potential will make the process as seamless as possible.  The Arizona real estate market is competitive, and thinking about how to improve the aesthetic of your home will help in the selling process.

 

Home Renovations Has the Answers to Everything

Home Renovations Has the Answers to Everything

Home Renovations Has the Answers to Everything

 

It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain and have a secure residence. This is ensured by continually improving the structure of your home. Here are a few crucial objectives when to comes to home renovations.

Home renovations aren’t simply about raising the resale value of a house or doing some painting work. We remodel our residence to live happily there and make it more comfortable and secure. This enhances the space’s quality while permitting the owner to live very comfortably and enjoy their time at home. There are several reasons for your property being refurbished.

Below are some of the significant advantages of home renovations:

  • No moving needed: Does another cause require you? Movement is regarded as one of a person’s most stressful events. Other reasons, such as finding a nearby workplace, leaving a familiar area, and the chance for your children to change schools and leave their friends when you move, are possibilities as well as the inconvenience and cost of the move itself. With a Home renovation you desire, you can create the home without leaving behind what you have constructed.
  • Improve your property value: Even if you don’t want to relocate outside shortly, keeping your resale value in mind is always a bright idea. The overall worth of your property can be considerably increased by kitchen restoration, room addition, and other updated amenities.
  • Change your house according to your way of living: Perhaps your house has all the fundamentals, but does who you are fit? A home that suits your particular taste could turn your home restoration project into a dwelling.
  • Do chores for you at your residence: Whether you need to renovate your bathroom to suit those hectic mornings or when your floor plan comes in, renovation allows you to organize all of your rooms in a manner appropriate to your specific demands. Significantly; because the growth of your family can change your needs; throughout the years!!
  • Modify an older home: There’s nothing like the ancient house’s charm, but this doesn’t mean that you have to live the way you did when you built your house! New energy-efficient models can replace an old device and fixtures with a home renovation business,

A sense of achievement:

To Keeping these three things in mind to minimize and avoid the stress of home renovations:

  • Emphasize this project status each day. Keeping track of the momentum will serve as a reminder that progress is being achieved.
  • Acknowledge the premise that something will go wrong. There could be some obstacles in the path, as there are in life.
  • Have a tenuous understanding of the project’s budget? If you understand precisely; what expenditures will be related to both the project, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident. Request papers from your contractors so you can see where your money is going.

Conclusion:

The majority of associate renovation with a lengthy procedure is burdened with several challenges. However, remodeling may be a lot of fun and renders many benefits you might not have considered. Home renovations are easy to come by these days, and they can be quite affordable. So, what do you have to lose? Begin remodeling and transforming your house into the home of your dreams. However, if you are not sure about where to start and how to manage the home renovation project then make sure that you hire a professional renovator or interior designer. They will help you in making your dream project come true in no time and with less money. This will ensure that you don’t end up wasting money due to silly faults.

What Should I Do Before Moving Into My New Home

What Should I Do Before Moving Into My New Home

What Should I Do Before Moving Into My New Home

 

Moving to your new home is an exciting experience. You are about to start a new journey in your life. But, there are a lot of things you need to do to prepare for the task. Right from installing the internet connection to purchasing new furniture for your home choice, moving into your new home can become a complicated process if you are unprepared. MyKitchenAdvisor coffee expert Scott Deckers says that automatic cappuccino machine can get difficult to move if you are not prepared. 

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Thing To Remember While Moving Into Your New Home

Here are some tips that you should remember before moving into your new home:

  • Make A Priority List

When you are walking inside your new empty home, your mind will be boggling with ideas. Maintain a task list or a notebook and write down all the ideas you have throughout the day. Once done, prioritize the tasks according to the time and budget. Ensure that you get done with the first priority tasks like cleaning, safety concerns, unpacking home essentials, etc. Then get done with your second priority tasks like maintenance, organization, and the remaining unpacking, and so on. 

 

  • Set Up Your Internet Connection And Energy

Before you move to your new house in the Phoenix area, contact your internet service provider and let them know that you are now changing your address. This way, you will avoid the inconvenience and frustration of living in your new house without any internet connection. This is because most internet providers get booked weeks in advance. 

Additionally, you should also disconnect the energy in the previous tenant’s name and get it reconnected in your name. All you have to do is get in touch with the energy provider and provide them with the required details. They will get the rest of the work done. 

  • Get To Know The House Before Making Big Changes

Before you install home improvement items, it is recommended that you live in your current condition for a few months. Once you understand your housing, you can think about renovations like knocking down walls and making other sorts of additions/arrangements. What you have thought before may completely change after you have lived there for a couple of months. 

 

  • Make A One-Room Sanctuary

Of course, there is no way you can make improvements within the first few months of living in your new home. Hence, it is essential that you move your essential home furnishings to a single room. This way, the room will serve as your personal sanctuary as renovations are being done to your new house. Keep things like bed, basic kitchen utilities, work station, etc., in your room so that you do not have to come out often. 

Final Thoughts

As mentioned above, moving into your new home can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you are left unprepared. While there are many other tips, ranging from power lining and home decor, these are some basic tips that you need to get done before you move into your new home. 

Benefits of Getting Your Hardwood Floor Stained

Benefits of Getting Your Hardwood Floor Stained

Benefits of Getting Your Hardwood Floor Stained

 

Many homeowners gravitate toward hardwood flooring for its warm, natural, and refined appearance. With hardwood floors, you also have the option of staining the planks. If you’re unfamiliar with the benefits of getting your hardwood floor stained, you may be missing out on hardwood’s aesthetic advantages. Staining your hardwood floors is just one way to enhance your home’s interior design. In this article, we’ll explore the various perks of having a professional stain your floors.

A Stain Can Mimic the Appearance of a Different Wood Type

Some hardwood flooring options are more expensive than others. But with hardwood staining, you can achieve the appearance of your favorite type of hardwood without breaking the bank. For example, if you want to complete your home’s interior with a natural cherry wood, you can apply a cherry stain to a lighter-colored wood to achieve your desired look for a fraction of the price of replacing the floors altogether.

This feature is also beneficial when certain wood types don’t suit your ideal installation pattern. Many lighter woods aren’t super amenable for intricate floor designs, such as herringbone or chevron. However, you can stain a more flexible wood to get both the pattern and color you want for your home’s hardwood floors.

Stains Emphasize the Natural Wood’s Design

Hardwood planks’ unique and natural designs are among the most revered facets of hardwood flooring. Staining your floors emphasizes the patterns within the wood and accentuates the grain. With hardwood staining, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the rustic vibe that hardwood provides.

Stains Give Your Home a Luxurious Appearance

One of the benefits of getting your hardwood floor stained that may influence its overall value is that you can create an elegant look with a rich, dark stain. Many homeowners have started to apply this idea to their homes—so much so, in fact, that a couple of the most popular hardwood floor stain colors are deep colors that achieve luxurious tones. You or your realtor can use your deep, dramatic wooden floors as selling points when you put your home on the market. Hardwood with lighter tones is standard for many homes, but your home is sure to stand out with its intriguing darkness. Dark hardwood floors also create a unique contrast that emphasizes the rest of your home’s interior.

 

A Comprehensive Guide For First-Time Renters

https://www.theholmgroupaz.com/the-first-5-things-to-do-when-moving-to-a-new-place

Lease agreement document with keys and pen

A Comprehensive Guide For First-Time Renters

 

 

Are you planning to rent an apartment for the first time? Moving out of your parents’ house can be quite overwhelming, especially if you’re not planning to have a roommate. For many, this is the time to exercise their freedom. However, one thing you might easily forget is the fact that it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

For one, you’ll be on your own, and every choice you make might affect many areas of your life. All utility bills will be under your name, and let’s face it, it really isn’t fun for someone who is not used to handling these types of expenses.

Nonetheless, you can still make a great experience out of your first apartment living. How? Read through this guide before signing your first-ever lease agreement!

 

  1. Work on your budget

One thing that many first-time renters find difficult is to come up with a comprehensive weekly, monthly, or annual budget. If you don’t take care of your financial side of things, then you might find it rough living in your first apartment. Again, it’s worth remembering that all the bills will be on you, not just the monthly rent. Therefore, your income should be able to cover everything and still leave you with a reasonable amount of savings.

So, how much should your first rent be? Well, it’s all dependent on your income. The rule of thumb is that your rent should never exceed 30% of your total income. For instance, if you’re making USD$1000 a month, the apartment or house you move into should cost you somewhere below USD$300. Of course, to be safer, you can work with anything between 25% for a start.

Remember, you might be required to pay a security deposit as part of your initial rent. The amount may vary from one apartment to another, but it’d be prudent to set aside almost the same amount as the monthly rent. For that reason, your budgeting should start even before you move into the new apartment.

It’d also be wise of you to save for an extra amount for your second and third months so that you can have enough time to readjust your lifestyle after moving in.

 

  1. Understand the lease

Signing your first lease comes with a lot of excitement, joy, and nervousness. It might be difficult to contain these feelings, but don’t ever rush into signing a landlord-tenant contract. Since it might be your first time coming across such a form, it’s important that you understand what it entails.

An ideal lease agreement contains seven essential clauses. First, it must identify the parties involved; in this case, the landlord and you as the tenant. It should also specify the type, location, and any other identifier of the property you’re renting. For instance, what’s the apartment number? Other clauses include;

  • The rental term
  • Rental amount
  • Security deposits
  • Tenant responsibilities
  • Landlord and tenant signatures

You need to read and understand every word and phrase used in this form. Make sure you ask the landlord about any part you don’t understand. Remember, this is a legally binding document. Therefore, by signing it, you promise to uphold every section of the agreement. After finalizing the documentation, be sure to keep a copy of the lease agreement for reference.

 

  1. Take a tour

Now that you’ve found your favorite apartment, there are a number of things to do when moving to a new place. Of course, exploring and inspecting the apartment itself is important, but you should also consider walking around the neighborhood. Doing so will help you experience the surrounding environment first-hand. It’ll also give you an opportunity to ask questions regarding various crucial aspects.

For instance, when are the quiet hours within the area? Are there corners that are considered dangerous during late hours? Be sure to ask any burning question that’ll help you adjust quickly to the surroundings.

 

  1. Apply for a renter’s insurance

You probably already know the importance of insurance. However, the mistake that many first-time renters make is not ensuring their belongings. Disasters happen, and you never know when they’ll knock on your door. Therefore, the only way to have peace of mind is by getting a renter’s insurance.

So, what does a renter’s insurance cover? This insurance policy covers your belongings from loss due to fire, theft, and any other disastrous occurrence. It’s recommended that you buy enough insurance to help you replace all your properties in case of such losses. The best way to go about it is by calculating the value of all your belongings.

Also, you ought to note that there are two main types of renter’s insurance covers; replacement cost and actual cash value (ACV). The former will ensure that you get compensation large enough to replace your items at the current price rate.

ACV, on the other hand, only considers how much the items were worth at the time you bought them. As such, whatever is in the initial receipt is what will be compensated regardless of the current market price. For that reason, replacement cost covers tend to be more expensive than ACV. Whichever your option, just make sure that all your items are covered from the get-go.

 

Conclusion

Renting your first apartment can be very exciting and overwhelming in many ways. But as you enjoy the joy of freedom, know that it comes with responsibilities, and one of them is paying your monthly bills.

As a first-time renter, it’s important that you create a sustainable budget based on your monthly income. Once you have all your finances in order, find an apartment understand all that’s required of you as a renter.

Of course, you’ll be required to sign a lease agreement, which is a legally binding agreement. Be sure to read through it carefully before signing it. Another important thing to do as a first-time renter is to take a tour around the neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the environment. Oh, and don’t forget to take a renter’s insurance to cover all your belongings.

 

 

 

Housing Alternatives for New Homeowners

Housing Alternatives for New Homeowners

Housing Alternatives for New Homeowners

 

For first-time homeowners, the housing market can be a fierce place filled with competition, jargon, and seemingly ever-increasing prices. Luckily, you aren’t restricted to traditional single-family homes or apartments when it comes to living spaces. Consider looking into some housing alternatives for new homeowners that may be more cost effective and convenient for your lifestyle.

Tiny Homes

If you really desire that traditional look and feel, then a tiny home is a great alternative. Tiny homes are designed like traditional homes, but they’re, well, tinier and thus much more affordable. They feature the same utilities and amenities you would expect in a traditional home but come with bonuses such as wheels, which allow you to move your tiny home as you please. Another benefit is that tiny homes are environmentally conscious choices, as they take up much less space and require far fewer resources to maintain and run on a daily basis. A tiny home simply takes everything you could need or want and squishes it down into a more compact package.

Recycled Homes

Ever wanted to live in a cargo container? Maybe a silo? These industrial appliances can be remade into very modern and rustic homes, respectively. Container homes feature a very modern design, given their rectangular shape, while silo homes provide an interesting circular home perfect for people who enjoy the wide-open fields of the countryside. These refurbished homes are great housing alternatives for new homeowners who wish to make a positive impact on the environment by reusing resources while keeping their housing affordable.

Mobile Homes

When you think of mobile homes, you might think of RVs or trailer parks and be put off by the idea. Rest assured that there are plenty of other mobile home options, from nice trailers the size and quality of your typical apartment to buses refurbished with more open floor plans to make your own dream home on wheels. Maybe you want to forego wheels altogether and live on the water—houseboats are much like tiny homes except that they’re, ya know, on the water.

 

3 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Remote Viewings

3 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Remote Viewings

3 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Remote Viewings

Buying and selling property during a pandemic is no piece of cake, but despite all odds, people have been selling and purchasing homes in record numbers. One thing that’s proven to be a life saver are remote viewings. But just because people are not actually stepping inside your home doesn’t mean you don’t need to prepare for it.

Here are three tips to get your home ready for remote viewings.

  1. Give the home a good scrub

Just because the potential buyers aren’t physically there doesn’t mean they won’t be inspecting it closely. Especially because they can’t experience the home in all its glory, it’s even more important to create an impeccable impression.

Clean the house from top to bottom, wax the floors to make them shine, clear the clutter away, and even give your walls a fresh coat of paint. You want to do the most you can within the limited means of a remote viewing. If you manage to create a great impression through a computer screen, they’ll be even more blown away by the real thing.

  1. Make sure your tech is right

There’s nothing worse than a bad connection, so you want to make sure that you won’t get inadvertently sabotaged. Do a few check-ups before the first official viewings. Make sure your computer is charged, that your camera and mic are working perfectly, and that you know how to navigate the video platform.

If you’re selling mainly or exclusively remotely, then your internet connection is vital, so make sure your current plan can support video calls. A dropped signal can make the difference between a sure buyer and a lost sale.

  1. Make the most of staging

Anyone who’s ever sold a home knows that half the magic is in the staging. You don’t need to present your home as it looks everyday, but how it has the potential to look. Your buyers are interested in creating a life for themselves here, and it’s your job to set up the perfect canvas for their imagination.

Lighting can make or break a sale, so it’s advisable to schedule your viewings at a time when buyers can see the house at its full potential – in daytime, with the sun shining.

Otherwise, adding little touches to make the space home-y is also a good move. Throw blankets and cushions, a fluffy rug, or thick, beautiful curtains can dress up a room. It’s all about the overall atmosphere your space is giving off, since the buyers won’t be able to get up close and personal to see many details.

The Bottom Line

Buying or selling a home remotely may be challenging, but it’s not impossible. And if you prepare your home for a remote viewing, your odds are even better. You have to put yourself in your buyer’s shoes and create the most flattering image for your house. The best lighting, the best staging, and a space that is in tip-top shape will wow buyers enough to make the trip to see all the details up close.

Ways To Refresh Your Living Room Without a Major Renovation

Ways To Refresh Your Living Room Without a Major Renovation

Ways To Refresh Your Living Room Without a Major Renovation

 

If you’re settling comfortably into your home but your living room furniture isn’t, you have a slight problem on your hands. Whether you’re unsatisfied with the living area or your old furniture, the solution might not lie in a major renovation or expensive new furniture—especially if you’re already spending money on a big renovation somewhere else in the house.

Don’t renovate—instead, think about these ways to refresh your living room without a major renovation and give yourself a break from all the construction and huge furniture purchases.

Change Your Furniture Layout

Just because you’ve gotten used to the way your furniture sits around the living room doesn’t mean you’re stuck with that layout forever. Take a long look at the structure of your room—are you using the space effectively? Is the room functional? If the answer is no, consider shifting the furniture.

Bringing in furniture from a different room can also help change up the space. Bring the two rooms together with familiar décor and furniture pieces. This house isn’t the same as your previous home—the laws of your old house don’t apply here.

Play With Colors and Patterns

The right colors can completely change the mood of a living room, especially when paired with the right lighting. Whether you’re creating your home’s happy space or designing the living room of your gloomy castle, try refreshing the room by swapping out some colors.

Décor that will command the mood of the room through colors and patterns includes:

Rugs

A rug that brings out the best in your choice of furniture, wall color, and décor plays a major role in how the room feels. From the size of the rug to the rug’s modern design, the space will feel refreshed after you try something new with your area rug. Plus, it’ll add comfort to the space and help hide some of the crumbs you scatter while snacking.

Curtains

Curtains aren’t just there to shut you off from the rest of the world. They serve an important role in your living room’s design. Find a set of curtains that you really love—a set that brings out the brightness of the sun or the mystery of the moon. This is one of the best ways to refresh your living room without a major renovation.

Wall Decorations

If your idea of wall décor is whatever painting you liked at the flea market or art show, your living room may lack a theme. Organize your wall décor to create a cohesive essence in the room’s colors and themes. You may need to spread out your art collection to the different rooms of your house. Try out some new things, like adding succulents to the wall to put the “live” back in “living room.”

 

How to Set Up the Perfect WFH Office

https://www.theholmgroupaz.com/5-steps-to-organize-your-home-office

How to Set Up the Perfect WFH Office

 

While most employees are loving the change to remote work, finding a good space to work at home can be difficult. Here are some of our favorite tips on how to set up the perfect WFH office.

Give Yourself Space

You may think that you can work in bed, or in a corner of your kitchen table, but you won’t be very productive. Between the lack of space and the interruptions, it’s not an ideal arrangement.

Designate an entirely separate space for work. Whether you’re using a dedicated office, a guest bedroom, or converting your living space into a makeshift office during the day, having that separation will do wonders for your productivity, professionalism, and mental health.

Get Away From The Excitement

In a perfect world, your office would be located in a more remote area of your home, perhaps upstairs or in the far end of the hallway. You want a quiet area far from high traffic areas like the kitchen or the front door. And the journey to the office can help you make that mental transition from “home” to “work”.

You also want to have a door, preferably one that locks. Shutting the door behind you is a clear sign that you’re busy and it also helps avoid mishaps while you’re in the middle of a call. Plus, it’s a good idea to leave your devices and work papers in here and lock the door at the end of the day. No prying eyes or curious fingers can get in.

Have Impeccable Tech

Your biggest investment should be your devices and tech. Get a great laptop that meets all your needs, a quality camera, and a good pair of headphones – when your kids are making noise, you’ll be glad you have them.

Ensure that you’ve got good internet coverage and that it reaches this room. Sometimes, certain corners of a home may be just out of reach of your router, and you want to make sure that your office gets good, strong signal. The last thing you want is dropped calls.

Make It Enjoyable

Think about it like this – you’ll be spending 8 hours per day in here, 5 days a week. So you’ll want to enjoy being in this space. If you can, make sure the office gets some natural light, and place your desk facing towards the window.

Comfort is also a priority, so don’t skimp on a good, supportive office chair and a large desk that fits your legs. You don’t want to be sitting uncomfortably for hours on end.

Personalizing the space can make it feel more like an office and less like a cell, so bring in some plants, hang some motivational posters, and add curtains. Dressing up the room will make it feel part of your home instead of your designated stress room.

Bottom Line

Tired of working on the sofa? You can set up a great office that helps your productivity, even at home. It’s just a matter of creating some separation from your home life, ensuring that you’re comfortable, and designing a space that you actually enjoy working in.

 

When You Should Hire a Landscaping Professional

When You Should Hire a Landscaping Professional

When You Should Hire a Landscaping Professional

 

Landscaping is a broad enough term that you really need to specify what you mean when you talk about it. Do you have plans to add in some shrubs next to your house? Or are you looking to add an in-ground pool to your backyard? Depending on the project, you may have everything you need to landscape on your own. There are some projects, though, that you’re better off leaving to the pros. Here’s how to know when you should hire a landscaping professional to save yourself some work.

When You’re Not Sure What You Want

Let’s say you know that you want to improve the look of your yard, but you still aren’t sure how exactly to do that. That’s the exact time that a professional landscaper could be helpful. Professional landscapers see our yards and lawns differently; they see them for what they could be. Working with a professional is the best way to make your vague ideas a tangible reality. They can offer insight into how best to go about making your ideas come to life.

When You Don’t Know Much About Plants

Most landscaping includes a number of plants, and plants are fickle beings. You really need to know what will work in your soil, what plants need the most sunlight, where to place them, and what plants work well or poorly in close proximity. Unless you’re an experienced botanist yourself, you’ll want to rely on the knowledge of your landscaper for information on what plants to use in your yard.

When You’re Working With a Strict Budget

A great time to hire a professional landscaper is when you have a strict budget to adhere to. This may seem counterintuitive, but you’ll waste a lot more money by making mistakes if you don’t know what you’re doing. Professional landscapers know how much projects costs and can give you a much more accurate estimate than one you can find on your own. Save yourself time and money by consulting the experts.

When You Plan To Go Big

For projects that will really take a lot of work, you’ll be glad you hired someone with the right equipment. Sure, you could try to move pounds upon pounds of dirt and rocks yourself, or you could save yourself the hassle by hiring someone with the right equipment to do so. When you want to go all-out on a landscaping project, don’t be afraid to find help to make sure it goes off without a hitch.