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Declutter: Taking the First Steps

Jul16
2010
1 Comment Written by Alicia

first steps to declutter

You hear it time and time again. As a home seller, or just as a homeowner, you need to declutter your home. Get rid of your built-up storage, reorganize and make your house look spacious, empty and clean. As with most advice, the job is easier said than done.

So how do you begin the decluttering process? There are simple steps you can take in your daily life to prevent clutter in the first place. Starting now, say no to junk mail. As soon as you pick up a piece of mail that you know is junk mail, toss it in the recycle bin without wasting your time opening it. If you want coupons from an ad, make a list and cut out the coupons immediately before tossing the rest of the ad. Don’t save the junk mail for a later date. Better yet, register with the Mail Preference Service on the Direct Marketing Association website. According to an article from the The Daily Green, you pay $1 to have your name removed from mailing lists and your junk mail decreases by 75 percent in 90 days!

When it comes to decluttering your desk with old bills and paystubs, most people are afraid they’ll either need this information in the future or that someone will get hold of a private account number or personal information. The first fear, that you’ll need the information in the future, is a difficult issue to work though. Usually, after filing income taxes and receiving your tax return, you won’t need past paystubs. Medical bills are usually safe to throw away after a year or two of keeping them. If you’re afraid of people getting a hold of personal information, invest in a paper shredder and recycle.
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Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged clean house, declutter your house, home decorating, how to sell, selling a home
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Make Your Small Home Look Big

Jul05
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

make your small home look bigAn abundance of homebuyers are choosing to downsize right now. Whether it’s because they’re still trying to sell a house and can’t afford to buy a large house, they’re living more practical during this economic downturn, or they want to spend less time on housework, now is the time for owners of small houses to step up and show homebuyers why small homes are the way to go!

Because homebuyers tend to feel skeptical toward smaller homes, you’ll want to do everything in your power to make your small home look big. How do you do that? Professional home decorators have plenty of tips up their sleeves to help you out:

• Declutter. Even if you live in a castle, it won’t look large or appealing if it’s full of clutter. The most important step, always, when prepping your house to sell is to declutter. First declutter the main living areas visible to the eye, and then work on closets, cabinets and shelves. These storage areas are significant to homebuyers looking at small homes.

• Rearrange furniture. The best placement for furniture is along the walls in a room or on a diagonal. The more floor space you can see in the middle of the room, the larger the room will look, so even consider taking out rugs and just showing off the natural flooring. Opt for shorter furniture in the middle of the room, such as a coffee table or an ottoman, and place the tall objects along the walls, such as bookcases and entertainment centers. Go for fewer large pieces of furniture rather than numerous smaller pieces, which cause a room to look cluttered. READ MORE »

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a small house, small house decorating
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Red, White & Blue!

Jul02
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

usa flagThe beauty of Independence Day, or more commonly referred to as the Fourth of July, is that it’s a holiday that every single American can celebrate. It brings all groups together to celebrate one country. It celebrates the Declaration of Independence, declaring our independence from Great Britain in 1776. It celebrates the freedom we enjoy each day that we live in this country, freedom to worship, to work, to own our own homes.

To remind us and to celebrate this milestone of our country, we shoot off fireworks, attend parades, host barbecues, take boat rides and altogether enjoy a long weekend of good food and good company. While participating in all of this festive fun, we need to remember what we’re celebrating by showing our pride for America. America needs our pride and support.

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Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged 4th of july, backyard barbecue, holiday, independence day, july 4
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Florida Home Prices Dropping

Jun18
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

florida

According to a recent article at HousingWatch.com, Florida house prices are dropping, even in the state’s most expensive city: Key West.

What was once an impossible location for many buyers in the Sunshine State has become surprisingly attainable. A Miami Herald article cites a couple who “paid $157,000 for the foreclosure that an investor bought in 2004 for $370,000 and in 2006 was appraised for $463,000.”

So while it’s true these numbers reflect problems in the market, it’s also true that they offer good news for those looking to make the most of the downturn.

    For a few currently for-sale homes in Key West, check out these listing:

  • $375K: Vacant waterfront lot
  • $350K: ROGO exempt buildable waterfront lot
  • $132,900: Beautiful condo in adult community, 5 minutes from Key West

And for abundant listings throughout Florida and other states, head over to BuyOwner.com and begin searching!

Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas - Tagged florida, real estate, real estate market
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Green Real Estate Roundup

Jun03
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

think green!

Wondering how the Internet has been buzzing with green information over the last month? Check out this roundup of great articles, filled with information and stories about green living as it relates to real estate and home building!

  • USA Today, “My green house project sparks debate, criticism,“ by Wendy Koch. This is an interesting read. Not only does it provide a real-life example of someone who chose to build a green home, but also it addresses some of the criticisms lobbied in response.
  • KAALtv.com, “Riverland House Goes Green” by Kristin Martin. Carpentry/electrician students at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minnesota, built a Green Star home to sell. According to the article, this residence showcases “innovative concepts” that should continue to grow in popularity.
  • Newsday.com, “Montauk house to tell owner when being ‘green’ pays off” by Cathy Mahon.
Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged eco-friendly tips, Green Living, real estate news
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What They Wish They’d Known

Jun01
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

buying a house

or, before you buy a house: beware!

Buying your first home is an exciting time. You’ve saved money, you’ve decided where you want to live and you’re ready to take the plunge into a big commitment that will give you rewards for years to come!

But buying your first home is also a scary time, filled with new experiences and unknowns. To help take some of the guess work out of the equation, welcome to a post filled with information new home owners wish they’d known!

If you’re planning to buy a home in the near future, here’s what you want to know!

1. Go into it with good finances. If you do the hard work of improving your credit score, reducing/eliminating debt and preparing for a home purchase beforehand, you set yourself up to reap the benefits.

2. Think long-term. Buying a property really is a commitment. If you’re not ready to stay put in the area for five years or more, you’re not ready to buy. Why? When you add up all the extra costs of ownership and don’t have the long amount of time to gain value, you may actually lose money by buying instead of renting. So if you’re going to buy, buy to stay. At least for a little while.

3. Think realistically. It’s not as easy to get a mortgage these days as it was at the height of the real estate boom, but that doesn’t mean you should always jump at a mortgage you’re approved for. Look at your income, cost of living, long-term plans, debts, etc. Assess whether or not you can afford to buy.

4. Think about selling points. Sure, it sounds strange to think about resale value when you’re just about to purchase a home, but that’s exactly what savvy buyers do.

The most important thing to remember when you’re buying a home is to be informed! That way, you can buy your first place and enjoy it, without worrying about what you wish you’d known.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a house, buying fsbo, real estate investment
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Top 10 Trees

May14
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

maple tree

If you own a home with a large yard, consider planting new trees. The advantages of having an array of trees in your yard are abundant. They reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air while producing oxygen and clean air, they provide homes for songbirds and other types of wildlife, they cool your home and yard by blocking sun and they warm your home by blocking harsh winds, and according to Management Information Services, mature trees can increase your property value by up to 20 percent! The beauty of it is, even if you don’t want to be digging in dirt, pulling weeds and watering gardens every other day, with trees, you plant and you’re done! Sure, they might need your watering assistance at first and during dry sprouts, but usually the rain will be adequate enough once the tree grows long roots. Therefore, planting trees is pretty much a win-win situation.

The type of tree you choose to grow in your yard will also decide the care it needs, the appearance it’ll display, the maturity level it’ll reach and more. Here are 10 standard types of trees to get you started on choosing the right tree for your yard:

• Maple trees come in huge variety of options, but they all grow fast and are tolerant in most soils. Eventually, the maples will grow 40 to 75 feet high and spread out 40 to 50 feet, making these ideal shade trees. They also spruce up your yard year-round with spring flower buds, lush summer leaves and bright fall colors.

• Oak trees are available in possibly more types than any other tree, but no matter what type you choose, the tree will grow tall and wide and will make an ideal shade tree. These long-lived trees tend to grow slowly, but that depends on the type you choose. Most grow 60 to 70 feet high and 60 to 70 feet wide. They too portray white flower buds in the spring and bright yellow colors in the fall.

• Dogwood trees are either small and rounded, looking more like a bush, or they are skinny and somewhat tall. They provide flowers and glossy-red fruit popular with birds, they grow in most soils, they portray deep fall colors and they only reach 10 to 25 feet in height and width. These trees work well in smaller yards.

• Crabapple trees radiate eye-catching beauty year-round with abundant clusters of spring flowers buds, and dark green, dense foliage with bright red berries in summer. Wildlife loves these trees, which prefer moist soils but will grow in dry soils. These trees grow six to 20 feet high and wide at a medium speed.

• Cherry trees not only provide abundant shade and colorful spring blossoms, but they also supply you with an abundance of ripe cherries to enjoy all summer long! These trees reach 12 to 35 feet high, and 12 to 25 feet wide. The type of cherries you will consume depends on the type of cherry tree you choose. These grow at a medium speed and in various types of soil.

• Apple trees also provide you with an abundance of ripe, juicy fruit in the early or late autumn months. These trees need plentiful sunshine and water, and they grow quickly. They grow from 10 to 25 feet high and wide, depending on the type you choose. When choosing a type, decide what kind of apple is your favorite!

• Cypress trees are ideal for the southern and western regions, because they are very tolerant to high heat and drought. The yearlong, soft gray-green foliage is ideal for stopping wind and erosion, and they can also be decorated at Christmas time because of their pyramidal, evergreen shape.

• Fir trees are also in the evergreen family, which are ideal trees for yearlong color since they never lose their foliage! These pyramid-shaped trees grow up to 100 feet high and 20 feet wide, depending on the type you choose. They portray silvery blue-green foliage and are tolerant to most soils and drought areas.

• Because pine trees come in so many varieties, you could definitely find one ideal for your location! These evergreen trees are more full and oval-shaped than other types of evergreen, and they grow up to 80 feet high and 40 feet wide, depending on the type you choose. These hardy trees will grow in almost any climate or soil.

• Spruce trees grow more quickly than other types of evergreens, and these pyramidal shaped trees show off long, graceful branches full of dark green needles year-round. They mature up to 75 feet high and 25 feet wide, making them great windbreakers. Spruces are also tolerant to most soils and locations.

For more assistance in choosing a tree that is right for your location, your type of soil and your size yard, visit the Arbor Day Foundation website. After you plant your new trees, on special occasions, you can snap photos next to the blossoming buds or the deep fall colors. In the winter, you can decorate your trees for the holidays. Every day, you can admire the seasonal changes and the increased wildlife from your window or from your outdoor patio. Enjoy!

Image source: tiseb

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged dogwood, landscaping, maple, spring, spruce, tree
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Are You Ready to Buy?

Apr06
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

If you’re thinking of buying a home these days, particularly if it’s your first home, you’re probably a little nervous. Becoming a homeowner is a big commitment! So along with all the excitement of owning your own place (and the undeniable benefits of doing so), it’s only natural to feel some anxiety.

How can you know when you’re ready? Ideally, you are ready to buy when you’ve:

  1. Studied the market: The surest way to create peace of mind in a home purchase is to do your homework. Find out what similar homes are selling for and how long they’re usually on the market. What is available in your price range? What would be a reasonable offer? When you know these things, you’ll be more confident to make your decision.
  2. Maintained good credit: Mortgage lenders will use your credit history to determine your eligibility for a loan. Wondering what affects your credit history and how you can find out what your credit score is right now? Check out this Buy Owner Blog article, ”What is a FICO?”
  3. Saved a down payment: Most experts agree it’s best to put down at least 20% of the purchase price when buying a home. If you’ve saved that or close to that amount, you are well on your way to a new home!
  4. Prepared for the financial costs: As significant as the down payment is, it isn’t the only cost to be concerned with, however. You’ll also need to factor in monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, insurance, potential repairs, etc. Crunch the numbers to be sure you’re financially prepared, and if you are, you’ll know you’re going into the purchase with eyes wide open.

Of course, people buy homes all the time without doing these things. They didn’t study the market or have good credit scores or save enough for a 20% down payment. And sometimes, everything still worked out for them.

That’s because this list details not what qualifications there are to be able to buy, but rather qualifications that will give you the peace of mind that comes with making an informed, researched decision. Buying a home is a big commitment; in fact, for most people, it’s the most expensive purchase they’ll ever make.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a home, buying real estate, economy, real estate market
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Spring Clean Your Way to a Sale, Part 2

Mar22
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

Spring means spring cleaning, especially when you’re selling a home.

Welcome to Part 2 of our series on spring-cleaning suggestions!

  • Depersonalize every room. The winter holidays tend to leave our home’s looking like a giant scrapbook. Enough time has passed to now recycle your saved stash of Hallmark cards, to organize the family photos into a photo album for the shelf and to store the newly framed photos into a box for your next house. You want the house to appear homey, but you also want the potential homebuyers to imagine themselves living there. That’s hard to do when your family and friend’s faces are smiling back at them. Instead, substitute your personal attributes with pictures of your house in other seasons, or with neutral photography or artwork.
  • Clear your kitchen counters of everything and give them a thorough cleaning with eco-friendly cleaners or just vinegar and water. Our kitchens tend to overfill with comfort foods during the winter months that most of us probably wouldn’t mind tossing now that tank top and shorts season is right around the corner! After you clean the counters, clean each individual appliance as you place them back where they belong back. Toss the stale cookies or leftover fruitcake that you just aren’t going to ever eat.
  • Disinfect everything. Using an eco-friendly spray cleaner or anti-bacterial wipes, clean all door handles, sink faucets, light switches, and any object that multiple hands grasp on an average day. Though this isn’t a visually obvious change, it’ll keep you and your family healthier during this potentially stressful time, and it won’t spread the germs of potential homebuyers that walk through your house.
  • Rid your home of all odors. Using a scentless cleaner, spray all of your carpeting, furniture, toys, throw rugs, pillows or anywhere that an odor could easily linger. Give your pets a thorough cleaning, wash all of your bedding and switch all of your towels for new, clean towels. Start taking the garbage out more often. Consider adding air fresheners as long as they don’t cause allergies and are not an overbearing scent.
  • Now that the seasonal work is complete, it’s time to return to the routine of dusting and vacuuming. Keep up with these chores on a weekly basis so that your house looks ready for whenever a potential homebuyer decides to pop in. Lift objects off of shelves and counters instead of dusting around them. Vacuum under objects too. Dust the top of fans and the blinds. Clean surfaces with eco-friendly cleaners. Scrub showers and toilets free of stains, even if they are just water spots. Wash the kitchen table after every meal. Make your house look as spotless as ever!

Not only will these spring cleaning suggestions help to make a positive impression on potential homebuyers, but they will also make your day-to-day living healthier and more pleasant while you wait for a sale. If you’re the type to need an excuse to clean, here it is.

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged selling a home, spring, spring clean
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10 Tips for Spring Decorating

Mar19
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

It’s spring! What does that mean for your decorating?

Out with the old, dark, heavy and dreary, and in with the new, bright, light and cheery!

New seasonal decorating ideas are available every year, but the rule of thumb seems to stay the same, which is that home décor trends tend to follow those of clothing fashion. Therefore, for quick, trendy ideas, visit your favorite clothing shop to spot the fabrics, colors and patterns of this year’s spring line. Or, take advantage of these 10 ideas already laid out for you:

  1. The general idea behind decorating for spring is to rid your interior of access blankets, rugs, wintery decorations and heavy curtains that block the wind. Substitute these items with ample hardwood or tile flooring, vases filled with bright flowers and light, lacey curtains.
  2. Add brightness to every room with at least one pastel-colored accessory. This could include real or artificial flowers, a bright vase, a slipcover, pillow shams, curtains, tablecloths, artwork, picture frames, rugs or anything you prefer!
  3. Incorporate spring scents into your house. While one option is to just open the windows and let the aromas of rain and renewed grass float in, allergies might cause you to choose a different option, such as scented candles and air fresheners. Choose scents like rain, honeysuckle, lilac or lavender.
  4. To avoid allergic reactions to flowers, decorate your stairway railing or fireplace mantel with bundles or tissue paper flowers. These are easy to make, emit an artsy ambiance, come in any color and cause no allergic reactions!
  5. Choose a color scheme for your décor, such as aqua and peach, or yellow, orange and lime green, and then decorate with an abundance of different patterns that match your choice of colors. This Bohemian-style of décor adds visual interest.
  6. Start saving empty water bottles, soda cans or milk cartons to use as planting pots. Stylize these containers with brightly colored stickers, paint or lace. Fill them with dirt and add an assortment of herbs, vegetables or flowers. Place them on windowsills until it is warm enough to replant them outside.
  7. Decorate the outdoors by hanging a colorful spring wreath, an Easter bunny or a brightly colored bow to the outside of your front door. Dig the outdoor furniture out of the shed, clean and place back on the porch. Hang attractive bird houses and feeders in the trees. Hang a spring flag, such as the logo of a baseball team.
  8. Purchase some spring magazines with themes such as gardening, spring cleaning, healthy eating and getting into shape. These magazines tend to display bright, cheery colors that every guest will want to pick up and read.
  9. According to fashion experts, the color for 2010 is turquoise. Use this color liberally to decorate your interior. It pairs well with yellows, browns and pinks. Looking ahead to summer 2010, start decorating now with gold, bronze and other warm, metallic colors.
  10. As far as patterns, fashion experts boldly state that patterns are in, whether they are floral, striped or abstract. Other fashion statements to be seen this spring include oversized bows, sheer and see-through fabrics, futuristic/metallic accessories, leather, metal, military and tribal patterns and more. Basically, anything goes this spring.

To read our spring decorating tips from 2009, which could also work for 2010, click here.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged home decorating, paint, seasonal, spring
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