Posts in category Tips and Ideas

Transition from Christmas/Holiday to Winter Decor with Ease!

Jan10
2019 Written by mary.w

So you did a lot of Christmas decorating and now want to sell your home but haven’t had time to put away all your decorations or like the wintry look if only they didn’t look so much like the holiday. Here are a few ideas to help you transition your home for showing while it’s still winter without dating your listing by having Christmas hanging on.

  • Take berries and Christmas ribbons out of your front door wreath and replace with deep winter colored ribbons and winter faux flowers.
  • Do the same with Christmas plants so you can still enhance your home with live greenery. Remove the holiday wrapping around a pot and if the pot is great on its own, perfect. If not, replace the holiday wrap with winter toned fabric or paper or for an even quicker change, simply drop that pot into a larger pot that matches your home’s decor.
  • Holiday candles can blend beautifully with your home’s winter theme if they are winter hues with evergreen, cinnamon or spruce scents. If the candle’s label (ie: yankee candle or other well known companies) screams Christmas, soak it with sudsy water and simply remove the label. Same with the candle holder. If it looks like a poinsetta, Christmas tree or other holiday decor, take out of that stand and put in one of your own.
  • Downgrade your holiday table setting from holiday to winter by simply changing up the placemats, tablecloth, runner or napkin rings. Quick, easy changes that still maintains the beauty of the winter season.
  • Replace your holiday blankets thrown over  chair or couch with  rich, soft, winter white, cream or deep toned blanket that blends with your decor.

Since winter and winter holidays share so much in beauty, decor and presentation, take advantage of all it offers while easily and swiftly transitioning your holiday decor to a warm, inviting winter ambiance and show your home confidently as a new addition to the marketplace.

Posted in Decorating on a Budget, General Information, Home Improvement, Selling Tips

Welcome Your Buyers Home w/Unexpected Extras!

Nov19
2018 Written by mary.w

You can make your buyers glad they bought your home by doing a little bit extra to make their move in easier and more stress free. Even if you never see them again, you’ll leave knowing you did what you could to give them a great beginning from your ending!

Here’s some ideas of items you can leave for them:

  • Warranty Information for Appliances, Furnace, Water Heater, Washer/Dryer, etc
  • Instruction Manuals for Appliances, Alarm Systems, Electronic Systems, etc
  • Free Standing Shelves/Closet Organizers You Won’t Be Needing at Your New Home
  • Hangers in the Closets
  • Information About Annual Community Events (parades, festivals, markets, etc)
  • Detailed List of Stores, Specialty Shops, Restaurants, Medical Centers/Hospitals
  • Detailed List of School Options – Public and Private
  • Detailed Info About Garbage Day/Recycling &  Lawn Waste Rules & Pickups

To top it all off, if they’re moving in on closing day, leave a bouquet of flowers or a tray of cookies with a note saying “Welcome Home”! They will have no doubts they bought the right home from the right people!!

Posted in General Information, Uncategorized

PAY ATTENTION BECAUSE YES YOUR CREDIT SCORE IS A BIG DEAL!

Nov05
2018 Written by mary.w

As anyone who’s applied for a credit card, a loan or a lease (not to mention a mortgage) can tell you, your credit rating matters. And while it’s important to remember that you can’t raise your score overnight, there are some steps you can take that will improve it over time. Consider these:

1. Always pay your bills on time. This factor carries a lot of weight in how your credit score is factored so don’t allow yourself to believe that being late once in a while doesn’t really matter because it really does! This essentially is what good credit is all about. When you’ve established yourself as someone who can consistently pay what you owe, you prove you are a responsible credit user. Also, the longer you’ve been paying on time, the better.

2. Pay down your debt. If you haven’t been paying your credit cards on time (thus the problem with your credit in the first place), the best way to repair the damage is also the simplest: pay down the debt! Simplest in getting results but this can seem impossible and overwhelming. Taking the time to do some reading and studying on what will be the best method for you to follow to reduce your debt will definitely pay off with a less stressed lifestyle and the ability to make life decisions such as buying a home with confidence.

3. Don’t apply for multiple cards at one time or within short spans of time. It’s a common misconception that having many cards = better credit. In reality, the key is establishing good credit over time, and that’s why it’s not smart to open lots of cards at once. Doing so may red flag your credit rating that you may be not handling your money well. Better to have only a couple of cards that you consistently pay on time or off monthly which will allow you to see credit increases on those cards which then in turn will show you are a low risk buyer.

4. Know the facts. Did you know paying off a collection account won’t take it off your report? Not for seven years. Did you also know closing unused credit cards can possibly lower your score? This can negatively change your debt to credit % causing your score to drop even though you, in essence are still a good risk. Knowing these things can make a difference in how you approach credit.

5. Check your reports. Want to know what your current credit report reveals? The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires three reporting agencies — Trans Union, Equifax, Trans Union and Experian—to provide you with an annual report, free of charge. For more information, click here. Most credit cards now offer free monthly or quarterly FICO scores that you can review online. This does not include your full report but does give you your score and what is positively or negatively affecting it. It also typically will notify you if there has been a change up or down in your score.

6. Dispute errors. One of the reasons it’s such a good idea to check your credit is that there may be errors affecting your score. When you check your annual reports, be prepared to dispute any incorrect items. If you receive a notification from one of your credit cards that your score has changed check it out immediately so you can get the problem resolved asap. This is especially important in the event your identity has been compromised.

So, yes, your credit score matters a lot if you want to be a homeowner but don’t stress. Instead become actively involved in improving your score and then maintaining it so there is a history of great progress and upkeep. Unlike what you might have heard, you can control your score. You just have to control your mind focus on getting it done!

 

Posted in Buying Tips, General Information, Uncategorized

Baby Boomer? Yes You Can Stay in Your Home!

Oct18
2018 Written by mary.w

So, you bought your home in 1980 for $50,000 and now it’s worth a whopping $400,000! Woo Hoo you’re living on easy street, right? Possibly not so much. Just because your home’s value has increased doesn’t mean that your costs of staying there and maintaining that home haven’t done the same. If you’re over 65 and living on a fixed income you may be actually struggling to make ends meet.

It’s actually true that for many Baby Boomers, their home’s equity is their only and most valuable asset. But what if you don’t want to move? What if you want to stay in the home where you raised your family and now enjoy watching your grandkids grow when they come to visit Grandma and Grandpa? There are a few options for you to explore, the best one for you being determined by your needs, wants and qualifications. Here are some options for you to investigate:

  • Home Equity Credit Lines
  • Refinancing Your Current Mortgage to Provide Yourself a Cushion Fund
  • Reverse Mortgages (currently new types and more flexible options than the original format you see on a lot of commercials)

Using one of these options means that once funded, you can use the money as you deem necessary: to pay for in home care, get that necessary new furnace or roof, home maintenance or lawn care (if you no longer can do these yourself), or to even just be able to do things for and with your grandkids.  For help deciding which might be best for you, talk with your financial advisor if you have one or contact the Federal Trade Commission either by phone or online and request information regarding the different options. Do your due diligence and then live in your home, your way so you can relax and enjoy your senior years!

Posted in General Information, Uncategorized

The Season Has Changed So Update Your Strategy!

Sep23
2018 Written by mary.w

Today is the week of Autumn. If your home has been on the market through the summer, here are some simple steps you can take to bring your marketing campaign into the new season.

  • Pull up the remainder of your dying summer flowers and replace with autumn specific plants or plantings such as mums, sunflowers, autumn crocus, goldenrod and others (do an online search for autumn blooms for your specific area). Mums are an inexpensive option in small, medium and large containers for quick landscaping changes at a minimal cost.
  • If you home is wrapped in fall colors and landscapes, update your photos highlight the season.
  • Use pumpkins or squash varieties to create autumn displays near your entryway. BUT Don’t go over board and create such a massive display that it’s all your buyers can see.Image result for Fall Decorating Ideas
  • On a tight budget? The Dollar Tree or other such stores have a wide variety of items you can use to create season specific decor without breaking your bank.
  • Change the wreath on your front door to more fall specific color tones than what you may have had on there for summer (or spring if you never changed it in June…wink wink).
  • Put pumpkin scented waxes or candles around your home to update your aroma to a scent that reminds everyone of the fall and thanksgiving.
  • Having an open house? Instead of putting out chocolate chip cookies, replace them with pumpkin spice yummies instead.
  • Aromas have a very strong effect on people so put a pot of simmering hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks on the stove. Feels like coming home!

Key: Try to avoid being holiday specific such as halloween or thanksgiving decorations. Promote the season not the holiday.  Keep your advertising Image result for Fall Decorating Ideascurrent but NOT overwhelming to reap maximum results.

Posted in General Information, Selling Tips, Uncategorized

Creating the Feeling of Space in your Too Small Kitchen

Aug23
2018 Written by mary.w

Always want the feel and storage of a larger kitchen? There are a few things you can do to maximize small alcoves or inset nooks. Perhaps you have one of those built in desks that have been nothing more than a catchall that then makes your room appear even smaller due to the paper clutter.  Some tips below can take your small out of date and claustrophobic kitchen from your least favorite place to your favorite family hangout!

Remove the built in desk and add a free standing cabinet that fills tImage result for images of cabinets with glass front topshe whole space but feels open due to at least the top having glass fronts. This allows you to showcase your glassware or lovely teapots, dishes, cookbooks or other special items that have been crammed in a box somewhere. By keeping solid bottom doors you have a place to store dishes, pans and other items you want handy but aren’t pretty enough to showcase.

Do you have a small alcove in your kitchen that is not deep enough for extra cabinets or Bakers Racklarge enough to accommodate even a small table? Always wanted a china cabinet to display your loveliest dishes?  Try a bakers rack (like this one from the Container Store).  Showcase your dishes, platters, pitchers, cookie jars….all the pieces of your set and then, if you choose, use the hooks to add the shimmer of your stainless or copper pans as a highlight. You can sometimes find items like this that will fit perfectly within the area you’re trying to fill and create a beautiful display to be both admired and functional while keeping your cost to a minimum.

Don’t have spaces to add a baker’s rack or cabinet? No problem. See the source imageChange out the top doors of some of your cabinets to glass fronts. This allows you to display your glassware and dishes while expanding the visual imprint of the space itself. You can keep this affordable by replacing only a couple but the results will be immediate. Also, painting dark cabinets white can create instant visual space at a minimal cost. BUT if you decide to paint your cabinets make sure and do your research and do it well!

Posted in Decorating on a Budget, General Information, Home Improvement, Uncategorized

WHAT YOUR HOME MAY BE SAYING THAT’S COSTING YOU $$!

Aug15
2018 Written by mary.w

CLUTTER SAYS:  There’s not a lot of room in this home and very little storage. Keep in mind that what you see as “collectible” others see as clutter. Purge BEFORE you put your home on the market so you don’t lose valuable time fixing this issue too late. Fill and store Clutter-is-OUTbins with the off season clothing, boots, big blankets…whatever you can remove that will make your closets look roomier and storage appear ample.

FULL MIRROR WALL/WASHED OAK CABINETS/BRIGHT BRASS FIXTURES/PSYCHEDELIC WALLPAPER/POPCORN CEILINGS, etc SAY: This home hasn’t been updated for a very long time and so you should get a great deal on the price. These items can actually be updated at reasonable costs so consider doing so BEFORE you hit the market. Disclaimer: If your decor deliberately displays Retro decor, embrace it fully and sell as such which will bring you a great price with the Retro seeking buyer…and they are out there!

DIRTY BASEBOARDS/TRIM/WINDOWSILLS/MESSY ROOMS SAY: If you think this is dirty, wait until you pull out the refrigerator and stove! Even if you are comfortable living in a less than pristine environment, it’s important to market your home to the masses who most often are seeking to not find hidden schmutz after they move in. You can typically hire a cleaning crew to do a “Spring Cleaning” for $250-300. This will be money highly multiplied in its return when you sell.

Keep in mind that you are marketing your home to your buyers not to yourself. If necessary, have a good friend that you trust to be honest help you evaluate what you should consider doing before selling and then do what you can afford prioritizing the items by what will maximize your profit. Then fix and sell!!

Posted in General Information, Home Improvement, Selling Tips, Uncategorized

Increase Your Kitchen’s Value Without Decreasing your Bank Account!

Jul05
2018 Written by mary.w

The following affordable Kitchen upgrades can increase your value while being mindful of your pocketbook.

1.Update your cabinets by painting them and installing new hardware. Of course this is less costly if you do the work yourself BUT if you’re not great at diy projects, you might KITCHENwant to either hire someone to do the work OR reach out to a friend or family member who has proven themselves to be very handy and a good diy-er. If your cabinets end up looking repainted instead of looking like new, you can actually decrease instead of increasing the value of the ‘upgrade’. Changing out the hardware will be easier if you choose new hardware that uses the same number of holes as the old. Then you can simply unscrew the old and install the new. Maybe your cabinets don’t need painting but look like builder grade. Adding crown molding will immediately upgrade the look of your upper cabinets. Simple and effective upgrade!!

2. Change your sink and faucet. Stainless always a good choice but certainly if your home’s design warrants, farm sinks are very popular and stand the test of time because they are considered as trendy as they are retro.  Faucets should also reflect the style of your home. Big box stores along with home bargain outlets have great options at surprisingly minimal costs.  If you don’t know how to install a sink or faucet, again, don’t be afraid to ask for help or shop around for a local handyman who comes with great references for quality of work and cost to value!

3. Update or add a backsplash that blends with your countertops (if you have granite, try to match the tones with glass tiles so it looks like it was all done at that same time!) There are so many great and affordable backsplash options right now that for the minimal work involved, the value can be strong.

4. If you have old, dingy, linoleum or vinyl floors, replacing them with newer flooring or upgraded options like ceramic tile (which can be very very affordable and one of the less difficult diy projects). There are even fabulous new ceramic tiles that when installed, look like hardwood floors! Refinish hardwood floors instead of replacing but if they are too far gone, you might even consider scraping and painting them. There are sooo many great flooring ideas online. Take time to look at several and choose the one you believe you can do yourself or with a friend that will enhance your room and your pocketbook!

NEW Kitchen Appliances5. Get rid of the countertop microwave and old fashioned over range vent and replace it with a built in microwave. This can be done for under $400 and will immediately update the look of your kitchen. OR if you already have a built in microwave but an old fashioned hood, install a ductless range hood (will keep your costs down by not requiring you to add new venting). This will definitely create the look and feel of a gourmet kitchen. Anytime you’re adding or changing a hood, make sure that the height from your range to vent will fit before you do all the work and then discover you won’t pass inspection. Simply read the box before you buy and adjust accordingly.

6. If you’ve already made lots of updates and are wanting to take it to the next level of upgrade, replace your ceiling light with recessed lighting. This can certainly be more costly if you don’t know someone who can do the work, but if you do, this can certainly improve the wow factor. If you can’t afford to install recessed lighting and you have outdated or a blah overhead fixture, replace that fixture with a more current and upgraded look. Again, big box stores and outlet stores have great options at surprisingly affordable prices.  If you have a high ceiling, consider installing a fanlight!

7. Last but certainly not least, upgrade your countertops. This is a definite shop around for your best options and deals.  Granite tiles are cheaper than a slab of granite so if you want See the source imagegranite, this might be an option you’ll consider. Cement is certainly popular right now and not surprisingly butcher block is back in style. Again, shop online and then in person. Take your time!

 

The key to all of this is to set a budget and work to stay within that because it’s very easy to get wooed by the more expensive options. Doing so can possibly eliminate any value that you might have derived from all your hard work. And again, don’t hesitate to draw on friends and family that you know have the expertise to help you. They most likely will be happy to do so and possibly offended if you didn’t even give them the opportunity to assist you with your projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Decorating on a Budget, General Information, Home Improvement, Selling Tips, Uncategorized

Closing is a Process

May31
2018 Written by mary.w
What to Expect from the Closing ProcessYou searched, found and made an offer on your dream home that the seller accepted. Inspections have taken place and ff you were a prepared buyer, you were pre-approved and so now got the final approval for your mortgage loan. Next step is closing….right? Well, yes and no. Closing is a process and some things will take place prior to you sitting down and signing the mortgage paperwork and other necessary documents and then…yay….leave with the keys to your new home!  The following details will help you be totally prepared for the closing process and put the key into your new front door with a joyful (and stressless) heart!

Review Your Closing Disclosure

Prior to your actual closing (must be given to you 3 days prior to your closing date), you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure which will detail the final costs of your loan. As soon as you receive this document, acknowledge receipt so that your closing does not get delayed due to a time error. Your Closing Disclosure might not be exactly the same as the Loan Estimate that you received previously but should be within 10% of the original figures.

Perform a Final Walk ThroughThis is an important step and usually takes place up to one day prior to closing to ensure that everything is exactly as stated it would be in your purchase agreement.  A checklist should include:

  •   Take the time to check that all the lights (inside and out) , faucets, showers,   outlets, furnace, air conditioner,etc. are in working order.
  •   Make sure the remote(s) for the garage door work.
  •   Based on the agreement and inspections, were all the repairs agreed to completed?
  •   Again based on your purchase agreement are all the items that were supposed to be left there and in working order or the condition promised…appliances, window treatments and any items that are not permanent fixtures but were part of the agreement.
  • If the seller has already moved out, check for any damages that may have been caused in the process.

If there are any issues that need resolution, you can contact the listing agent and if necessary negotiate a remedy or you can ask to delay the closing until the problems have been resolved.

Bring With You to Closing

The closing agent should let you know what they will need from you at closing but below are some items that are typically required:

  • Photo ID: Driver’s license or another valid government issued ID.
  • Your down payment and closing costs: Cashier’s check, Bank Check or proof of wire transfer.
  • Your Closing Disclosure: This will allow you to compare with the final document.
  • The closing agent should let you know what they will need from you at closing but below are some items that are typically required:

Who Will Be at the Closing

Typically all buyers who will be on the mortgage will need to sign documents at the closing. If you cannot attend the physical closing and have an attorney, you can give them power of attorney to sign the documents for you. This can vary state to state so make sure you ASK rather than assume. Sometimes, both seller and buyer will be there but, again, this can vary by state.

A closing agent will facilitate the closing. They’re typcially a neutral third party who will assist you and the seller through the process. If you have an attorney and your buyer does not, your closing might be scheduled at your attorney’s office in lieu of the title company. If you have one, your real estate agent can attend and in fact in some states, they are required to be there. They will know if that’s the case.

It’s always best, just so you feel relaxed and prepared, to find out, in your state, who must be at the closing and who can be at the closing.

This is an exciting event. After all the documents are signed and monies paid, you will receive the keys to your dream home and begin your wonderful new adventure! Congratulations!!

Posted in General Information, Uncategorized

Are Solar Panels Really Worth the Money & Effort?

Apr28
2018 Written by mary.w

You’ve heard the pitch, “Save thousands of dollars by going solar!”. But is that true for you and how can you get through the hype and determine the truth.

Below are a couple of things to consider when considering going solar:

What are you currently paying for your electricity?

This is probably going to be the most important factor that you will be considering since your goal from installing solar is to lower the cost of powering your home. If you look at your current electric bill, you’ll see that your bill is based on the number of kilowatt-hour (kWh) you use. Costs per kWh can vary greatly based on where you live. Make sure when determining your savings you are using your actual cost per kWh and not calculating your savings based on a generalized article or ‘worksheet’ you’ve found online. Obviously those homeowners with the highest electricity rates will most likely save the most by switching to solar power.

What will a switch to a Solar Panel System Cost to Install?

When considering the solar company you will use for this major investment, going with the lowest bid just because it’s the least out of pocket, may cost you far more in the long run. You must consider both your short term and long term gains when choosing equipment and the company that will design and install your system. Take your time. Meet with multiple companies and don’t be afraid to ask very specific questions about them, their installation team, their warranties, etc.  With all the research and details available online, prepare for your meetings with the companies by creating a list of specific questions you need answers to in order to choose. Take notes. Get all your questions answered. If they are trying to rush through your appointment, rush them out your door!

Don’t be afraid to ask about any incentives or discounts they may currently be offering BUT don’t get pushed into making an immediate decision “or else lose today’s special price”. That’s probably the first company you should cross off your list.  note: Odds are pretty high that if you called them the next week and told them you would like to hire them but at the discounted price, they will say yes.

Speaking of incentives….check in your city, county and state to see if there are any energy incentives and rebates available. These can sometimes reduce your net cost by 50% or more. The federal government offers a 30% solar tax credit (search online for details and ask your tax professional for how you personally could benefit). Hard to believe but true…some utility companies even offer rebates to their customers to encourage their switch to solar power. Check your utility company’s website for details.

Only you can determine if the switch to solar offers you enough benefit to outweigh the initial costs. As in any big decision, due diligence is the key!
 

 

Posted in General Information, Green Living, Home Improvement, Uncategorized
« Older Entries

About the BuyOwner.com Blog

Welcome to the BuyOwner.com Blog, your source for regularly updated market information!

Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

You can read more about BuyOwner.com here.

Article Archives

Blog Roll

Real Estate Top Blogs Real Estate Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory Add to Technorati Favorites Find the best blogs at Blogs.com. Blog Directory Home Improvement Blog Directory

Subscribe

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner