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Frugal Facelift for Your Kitchen

Aug17
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

ssfridge Sellers, are you wishing you could replace your appliances but can’t afford the cost? There’s another answer. With a few simple materials, a little time and a lot of elbow grease, you can turn your old appliances into like-new showpieces, designed to make your kitchen instantly more impressive to potential buyers. Want to know how?

Step One: Cleaning
This step may seem unnecessary, in which case you’ll be tempted to skip it—but don’t. Thoroughly scrubbing and sanitizing your appliances lays the groundwork for any improvement.

Step Two: Choose Replacement Materials
There are several options to choose from when it comes to updating your appliances. While these options may not last the next 20 years, they do extend the life of your outdated appliances temporarily, which is especially valuable when your home is for sale! Which solution you choose depends on your personal preference, so compare these choices:

  • Veneer Panels: Wood-looking panels can be attached to your existing appliances to give them a cutting-edge appearance.
  • Paint: Specially made appliance paint can give your older appliances a fresh start. Just be sure to use the paint specifically made for this purpose—use anything else, and you’re likely to ruin what you have.
  • Stainless Steel-Looking Contact Paper: You can purchase the contact paper at home stores or online, and then you just need to cut it yourself to the exact measurements of your appliances. Attach it to the front of your appliances for an instant makeover! Note that this option cannot be applied above the stove.

Research the cost and availability of materials at your local home improvement store, and decide which is best for you. Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure, this kitchen facelift is the kind that matters: it’s low in cost and big in impact!

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged decorating, Home Improvement, interior design, kitchen, selling a home
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Big-Time Home Remodeling

Mar08
2008
1 Comment Written by Sarah

How to Hire the Right Contractor and Keep to Your Budget

Contractor

While do-it-yourself remodels are all the rage these days, there are some projects that will inevitably be outside your realm of expertise. When these larger-scale projects come around, it might be best to hire a contractor to organize and execute your plan. Structural changes and major additions will likely result in hiring outside work, and it is important to know what you need before you begin construction. While your contractor should be well-versed in local building codes, trade expertise and organization, it is your responsibility to bring as much to the project as you are able. Knowledge, planning and solid records are three solid ways to minimize the cost of your remodel:

Know Exactly What you Want

Write down every detail of your remodeling plan, from the massive wall knock-downs down to knobs and faucets. This is important when writing a contract with your contractor; the more detailed the plan, the closer you will stay to your proposed budget when construction begins. Also, the more information you include, the less likely your contractor will make a costly error due to miscommunication. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry advises customers to “include all your product selections in the contract to avoid confusion…Include the model, size, color, and…save 10-20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of work.” Keep in mind that some projects are more labor-intensive than others, and can affect the total of your proposed budget.

Know how to Add Space

There are two ways to add space to your home: you can either add square footage beyond the original structure, you can use space from one room to make another space bigger. This is called space reconfiguration, and can save a lot of money if you aren’t remodeling for the sole purpose of adding square footage. The NARI suggests “stealing” space from linen or pantry closets, finding spaces in between wall studs to build sleek storage niches or using hallway space.

Minimize Labor Costs

When installing minor accessories such as crown molding, chair-rail molding, trim, casings or siding, you can order them pre-finished to avoid extra on-site labor. The NARI also suggests ordering finger-jointed trim instead of clear, vertical grain to save money and make installation easier. If you are remodeling a bathroom, consider installing a shower/tub combination or a pedestal sink instead of a full vanity. These additions can make installation much easier and less costly; some pedestal sinks can be pricey, but the upside is that they also save space.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged adding value to your home, construction projects, Home Improvement, home improvements, home remodeling, renovations
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When Are You Ready to Buy Your First Home?

Dec04
2007
1 Comment Written by Shanna

First House1. When you know what you want
Some things you may already know—how many bedrooms you need, what kind of a commute you’re willing to deal with—but some things might come up as you search. Browse through properties at www.buyowner.com and see the many home options. Prepare a list—even if just in your mind—of non-negotiables and things you’d like but could compromise on.

2. When you know what you can spend
Buy Owner’s mortgage partner, Guaranteed Rate, provides mortgage calculators online to help you determine what you can spend. In addition to considering the price of the home, be sure to factor in home insurance, taxes and other scheduled costs.

3. When you’ve researched mortgages
Guaranteed Rate will also help you find the best mortgage rate, maximizing the value you’re able to obtain. Did you know there are many different types of mortgages and that the same loan isn’t right for everyone? Guaranteed Rate can help you find the best rate for you.

4. When you’ve saved money for a down payment
The amount of money you end up spending on your property, long-term, depends on three things: the mortgage rate, the term of the mortgage and the amount borrowed. It’s a good idea to plan on at least a 20% down payment, as that reduces your amount to pay interest on.

When these things are in place, you’re ready to start searching for your own home.

I’m ready! Now what?

At www.buyowner.com, you can punch in search criteria and see homes that match your desires. The listed phone numbers put you in contact with the sellers, so you can schedule a showing with the home owner directly and go from there. Plus, buying from a Buy Owner seller has distinct advantages that help you maximize your buying power and make your buying experience go smoothly. Good luck, and have fun!

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying buy owner, buying your first home, when to buy your first home
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Tip : Cooler weather is perfect for an open house.

Oct08
2007
Leave a Comment Written by Kristina

Image of Doors to Open HouseEveryone knows that an open house is a great way to attract buyers to your home.

The cooler weather makes it more comfortable for buyers to get out and visit open houses in their areas. Nicer weather also gives you, the seller, the opportunity to open up the home and show the potential buyer how airy your home can be. You’d be surprised how many buyers love a cross breeze.

As a Buy Owner® seller, you can set up open houses online using your Seller Dashboard. Simply log into your account and select Set up an Open House. Your listing online will show your open house and allow visitors to the Web site to know when you are holding it.

For more information, or assistance, contact customer service.

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged cooler weather, fall, open house, sellers
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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.

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