A resolution that should be kept....for the sake of your home

Here is a bit of food for thought, all be it not fat free, low cal or all natural. 

In order to start your year off successfully it is necessary to streamline your home. Prepare yourself for an easy breezy, at least first couple of months, while the organization lasts.

Here is how to you can. (you may pick and choose the points that seem attainable based upon your motivation to get with the program in 2016)

Streamline the stuff
-We hear this time and time again DECLUTTER. But it's true. You will automatically feel a sense of accomplishment by cleaning counter-tops, cleaning out "junk drawers" and putting everything else in containers with labels (if you are feeling so ambitious)

Work out a weekly cleaning schedule
If you know what small things you need to achieve every day, you wont have to dedicate Saturday to doing everything. Set up a daily goal that minimizes weekend tidying.

Create a home improvement list
-What do you see that needs adjusting around your home. Invite a friend over to critique things and give them food in exchange for their "kind words"

Find DIY projects
-We have created an entire weekend warrior DIY pinterest board just for you to peruse.

Become energy efficient
-Change out a toilet or two. They now have dual flush toilets which uses less water depending on the number you just completed. Number referring to number 1 (a little tinkle) and number 2 (a little more than that) You may even be eligible for some kind of tax benefit from becoming more energy efficient.


Visit our Pinterest boards for DIY ideas and Organization guidance. We even have one for home improvements!

Home for the Holidays

Prep you home for success during the festive season!
Quick tips on how to be successful in the real estate market this season. 

(Inspired by an HGTV article)

Decorate tastefully
You do not want to take away from your home's natural curb appeal by cluttering your yard with blow up Santas and an entire herd of light up reindeer. Keep it simple with a wreath and a few lights.

     

Hire an Agent
That's where we come in. You want someone who will continue working hard for you even through this busy family time of year. 
















Price your home to sell
This is a great tip for every time of year, but especially when there are a lot of extra expenses due to holiday purchases. You want to still be affordable along with the tree and gifts. 



Be certain you have AWESOME photos 
Do not settle for mediocore phone pictures or un-professional photos of your home. Pictures sell homes. Especially now that much shopping is done online for homes. Your photos may be the only thing prospective buyers ever see. Make sure your real estate agent can work with a professional photographer to capture the beauty of your home. Bluewater has an in house photographer :)

Photo by our Photographer Liz










Open houses during this Season
These can be very festive and a great opportunity for you to help buyers see what their holidays could look like. Provide things like hot cocoa and peppermint sticks, Make sure the home is warm. And a cookie or two never hurt. 



"Offer holiday cheer in the form of financing.
Bah, humbug! Lenders are scrooges these days, but if you've got the means, then why not offer a home loan to a serious buyer? You could get a good rate of return on your money"

Preparing for the Holidays at your Home

These simple steps can make having family and friends over during the holiday season a breeze. If you plan on hosting a large party of cheerful guests 

(Reader's Digest tips)

Brighten up your bathroom- change out curtains or accent items to give a new fresh look to your space

Stow stuff away- clear counter-tops box up unnecessary items to provide more room

Make sure your entry way is welcoming- door mats, wreaths, lights and NO COBWEBS

Add extra seating- go shopping at your nearest home store like Ikea or Home Goods for foldable chairs that can easily be placed in a closet when not in use. 

(Our tips)

Have plenty of extra linens- bath towels pillows and face cloths

Stock the fridge with snack foods- fruits and veggies, crackers and cheese, nuts and party mix

Get your Wi-Fi password ready- It is always a pain to arrive somewhere and use your data plan, make sure to be ready with your internet information to make guests stay a breeze

Stock the bathrooms with extra toiletries- We all forget something any extra items from your previous hotel stays work perfectly for sink top baskets of essentials

Tips for Organizing Your Home for Back-To-School

It's that time!  Back-To-School is quickly approaching.  These tips will help you save time and effort when it comes to those busy school days.

Homework:  What environment does your child/children work best in?  Consider this before designating a specific area in your home for homework.

Meal Planning:  Clean out your refrigerator, getting it ready for school breakfasts, after-school snacks and dinner.  Organize your pantry so that all items are easily accessible, saving you time while preparing dinner.  

Closets:  Probably one of the most stressful times is getting the kids to school on time in the mornings.  Having their (and your) closets organized will save time during the morning hustle.

Scheduling and Appointments:  Purchase a large dry-erase board and place it in a central area where it can be updated easily.  Use this for all school-related appointments such as, sports practice, school functions, etc.  

Equipment:  Purchase large bins and place them in designated areas for school-related equipment such as sports equipment and/or musical instruments.  

Five Things Real Estate Agents Need to Know Before October 2015

Courtesy of Fidelity National Title Group

Information on new mortgage disclosure forms and how they change every transaction you work on after October 2015.

Five things to know:

• Be able to explain the new Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure
• Timing of closings are impacted by disclosure delivery rules
• Title fees may need to be adjusted at closing and explained
• Line numbers have been removed and there are now 7 fee areas
• Your client will likely receive more than one Closing Disclosure

Click here for specific details on Five Things Real Estate Agents Need to Know Before October 2015 (pdf).

Spring Landscaping Tips

With the temperature slowly rising, spring is the perfect time to make your lawn picture-perfect!  Landscaping can make or break a potential buyer or renter's first impression of your home, along with adding value and curb appeal.

The following tips will help you to get your lawn in perfect shape this spring:


Inspect Lawn Maintenance Equipment
Begin by ensuring that all of your lawn maintenance equipment is in good working order.  Address and repair any issues so that you won't be sidetracked in the middle of lawn maintenance if a problem were to occur.

Trees, Plants and Shrubs
Inspect trees and shrubs to see if they're broken and/or damaged.  If needed, prune as soon as possible before spring growth occurs.  Cut back perennials.  Spring is the perfect time of year to plant.  The temperatures are a comfortable level for plants to adapt to a new habitat.  Transplant any plants as soon as possible before they have time to start spring growth.

Flower Beds
Neaten up flower beds by edging and weeding them.  Add fresh mulch if needed.

Fertilizing and Weed Control
Choose a fertilizer that best suits your soil's needs.  Apply a pre-emergent weed killer to get a jump start on weeds before they sprout.  

Visit our Pinterest Board for more!

Real Estate Ethics for Buyers

Many times the subject of the "Code of Ethics" arises when speaking of real estate agents.  But what about the unspoken ethics between buyers and sellers?  There are many times when a real estate transaction goes sour between buyers and sellers that could have been avoided.  Here are some helpful tips to help you keep your transaction as smooth as possible when buying a home.

BUYERS:

• NEVER go behind your agent's back and approach the seller about details of the closing process.
• Always schedule an appointment for re-showings or inspections of the seller's home with your agent.  Showing up at the door of a seller unannounced is likely to not sit well with the seller if they're in the middle of something important.  This might make them less likely to negotiate with you if future negotiations arise.  
• Never negatively criticize the property in a derogatory manner in front of the seller or in public.  Pointing out flaws to your agent is acceptable, but there is a fine line between constructive criticism and and being rude.  Speak to your agent so that they can appropriately express your opinion(s) during their follow-up with the seller or the seller's agent.  More than likely, the seller has an emotional attachment to their home and will not take kindly to derogatory comments spoken in a rude manner.
• Just passed by the home of your dreams and see a "for sale" sign in the yard?  Do you know the seller?  Under no circumstances should you show up at a seller's door unannounced and ask to see the home, even if you think it's harmless.  By doing so, you could jeopardize a smooth transaction by imposing on the seller at an inconvenient time.
• Control your anger.  If you are upset that the seller didn't follow through with an agreement, it could be for valid reasons.  Give them a chance to explain to their agent before any turmoil develops.

By following these simple tips, it could very possibly make your real estate negotiations go very smoothly without negativity or hard feelings. 

10 Housekeeping Hacks for Spring Cleaning

Faucets

We found on In This Crazy Life a great idea for keeping faucets clean:  Rubbing a faucet with waxed paper prevents water spots and finger prints.

Baseboards

Apartment Therapy shows us 6 easy ways to clean baseboards.  Find them out here. 

Showers

DIY Home Sweet Home shows us an EASY way to keep those showers clean!  Find out how here.

 


Windows

Ask Anna gives detailed instructions (with photos) on how to thoroughly clean windows. 

Baseboards

CleanMama.net shows us how to clean baseboards 3 different ways.  Find out how here. 

Blinds

Hometalk.com shows us in great detail the easy way to clean blinds.

Carpets

Got carpet stains?  Try one of these carpet stain solutions from Real Simple.

Ceiling Fans

Glamour shows you how to clean your ceiling fans while keeping your hair dust-free in the process.

Toilets

Using Coke to clean a toilet?  Find out how it's done here. 

Stove Burners

The VSpotBlog.com shows us the no-scrub way to clean your stove burners.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

It's that time of year!  Spring is right around the corner and we couldn't be happier here at Bluewater.  We know you're probably gearing up for spring cleaning, but have you also considered a spring maintenance checklist?

Following are some helpful tips to get your home in shape so that you can enjoy the beautiful weather on our Crystal Coast:

Exterior

• Examine your siding and replace and/or repair any damaged, loose or missing siding.  Now would be a perfect time to power wash or scrub the outside of your home.  Inspect for any visual signs of termite damage.
•  Look over your foundation for structural damage. 
• Ensure gutters are free of debris and are not loose or leaky.
• Examine your roof for debris and replace any missing shingles. 
• Inspect your concrete driveway or sidewalk for cracks.
• Clean your chimney and inspect the flashing.  
• Clean your dryer vent.
• Check for leaks around windows and doors.
• Inspect and repair your deck, steps and/or fences, if needed.
• Drain your hot water heater.  Sediment can form in the bottom over time and prevent the drain valve from working properly.
• Service your heat pump as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Trim tree branches that are hanging too close to your home.

Interior

• Test and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Inspect your attic and ensure attic fans are functioning properly.
• Clean the inside or your fireplace.
• Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards.
• Check your fire extinguisher and ensure that it is operational. 
• Check and replace air filters, if needed.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils.

Tips for Selling Your Home with Pets

If you have a dog or a cat, it's hard to comprehend anyone not loving pets.  Not all buyers entering your home will be animal lovers.  The following tips will help you prepare your home for potential buyers that may not be keen on pets.

The outside of your home is the first thing people will see.  Fill in any holes that your dog may have dug and remove dog waste from your yard.  

People that do not have pets will most likely immediately smell if there's a dog or cat living in your home.  Our sense of smell has a huge impact on our emotions, so it is important to eliminate any all pet odors.  Remove odors by washing dog bed covers and blankets.  Have your carpets professionally cleaned and all stains removed. 

Repair any damage your pet may have caused, such as scratch marks and damage from chewing.  

It is best to remove your pet from your home during a showing.  Buyers may be allergic to or afraid of your pet.  Take your dog for a walk or to the park.  If you're working the day of the showing, treat your dog to a fun day at doggy day care.  If you aren't able to remove your pet from your home, place them in a crate or a designated area of the house that the showing agent is aware of. 

Before a showing, put away dog beds, toys and food bowls.  Pack up any cages or pet carriers.  Ensure that cat litter boxes are clean and out of sight. 

Selling a home with pets isn't always easy, but following these simple tips could make or break the sale of your home.

Staging Your Home for Sale

When placing your home on the market, presentation is key!  First impressions are of extreme importance when selling your home.  There are a number of simple and inexpensive things you can do to sell you home quicker.

Clean and De-clutter
First things first!  No one wants to see or smell a dirty home.  Clean blinds, ceiling fans, baseboards and under furniture.  Pack away knickknacks and de-clutter counter tops.  Steam carpets to remove dirt and pet odors and organize closets to utilize available space.

De-Personalize

When prospective buyers are looking at your home, they want to envision their family, not yours.  Remove all personal photographs, keepsakes and mementos. Paint your home neutral colors so that buyers can imagine their furniture and belongings in your home.


Curb Appeal
Don't neglect the outside of your home.  Trim bushes, power wash siding and sidewalks and wash windows.  Add a fresh coat of paint on your front door and purchase a new doormat.


Use Space Effectively

Rearrange furniture to maximize space and enhance your home's features.

Let There Be Light!

No one likes a dark, dreary home.  Open blinds to allow the sunlight to pour in. 

Entice Buyers' Sense of Smell

Bake cookies, bread or simmer spices prior to a showing.

Set the Temperature

You want prospective buyers to be comfortable and stay awhile in your home, right?  Now is not the time to worry about a utility bill.  Turn up the heat if it's cold enough to wear a sweater in your home.  Likewise, turn down the temperature if it is uncomfortably hot.










Follow Bluewater Real Estate on Pinterest
for more tips on selling or buying your home!

Moving On: Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Moving can be challenging and stressful, at best.  It can be difficult to remember everything that you need to do during this life-changing event.  Here are some useful tips to help you during the process!

Preparation

Write down the names and numbers of utility companies and make the transfers.  Give yourself at least a week, as many utility companies can't transfer service the next day. Change your address with the postal service at least a week in advance.

Finding Packing Supplies 

Boxes can be expensive.  Check with your local retailers, ABC stores and furniture stores.  When you're finished unpacking, advertise the free boxes on Craigslist so you won't have to dispose of them.

Packing

• Consider your move as a time to organize.  Designate areas for items to donate and items to sell at a garage sale.
• Pack the items you use the least first.  
• Dust items as you pack so that you won't have to dust when you unpack.
• Wrap small fragile items in brightly colored tissue paper so they won't accidentally be thrown away.
• Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.
• Color-code boxes by designating a color for each room.  Place a colored sticker on each box.  Be sure to mark boxes that are fragile.
• Use suitcases, baskets, hampers and clothes baskets in place of boxes.  Pack small kitchen items such as spices in large pots.
• Stack plates vertically to save room.  Plates are also less likely to break if stacked vertically.
• Use newspapers, towels and/or clothes instead of bubble wrap for fragile items to save money.
•  When disassembling furniture, place screws and parts in a Ziploc bag and tape to the base of the furniture so that it is easily accessible when time to reassemble.

The First Night

Pack one overnight bag or box with the bare necessities you'll need for the first night.  Chances are that you'll be too tired to search for these items after the big move.

Do you have any moving tips to share?  Please let us know in the comments below.

Benefits of a Home Inspection

 Think you don't need a home inspection?  Think again!

Whether you're a homeowner preparing to sell or have found your dream home and are ready to begin the sales process, a home inspection can save you unwanted grief.  A home inspection is beneficial to both buyers and sellers because it eliminates any nasty surprises for sellers and relieves potential doubts for buyers.

For buyers, home inspections may pay for themselves in savings.  A home inspector typically checks for issues with structural integrity, major defects, safety hazards and that major appliances are in working order. A home inspection enables a buyer to make an informed decision and feel more confident about their purchase.  Keep in mind there are certain things a home inspector cannot see, like the inside of walls or underneath floors. 

Sellers benefit from home inspections in that having a home inspection can eliminate last-minute negotiations.  Why wait for a buyer's home inspector to uncover unknown problems after you've already accepted an offer? 

Home inspections are a benefit to both buyers and sellers:  they remove unknown factors to help make the transaction as worry-free as possible.

Sales Agents: Implement Your 2015 Marketing Plan!

Successful real estate agents utilize marketing strategies.  Have you created and implemented a marketing plan for 2015?  Click here for a free marketing planning packet.

Here are some helpful tips to help you get started:

• Keep a weekly activity log of follow-ups, mailing sent, warm/cold calls and open houses.
• Communicate 4 ways:  email, phone, print/mail and social media.
• Plan a marketing budget.
• Tour local listings.
• Become more active in association activities and/or run for office.
• Attend office meetings.
• Develop a monthly newsletter.
• Conduct a buyer/seller seminar.
• Take classes:  Luxury Portfolio is available for all agents.  The next webinar sessions are March 12th and May 19th at 4pm.  Topics to be covered are:
• Luxury portfolio facts and statistics
• Customer communication tools
• Marketing materials and listing presentation resources
• Opportunities for additional media exposure
• A brief tour of LuxeXchange

 Click here to register for the March webinar and here to register for the May webinar. 

Are You Considering Contesting Your 2015 Tax Reassessment?

Carteret County recently mailed a letter to property owners with an updated tax value after reassessment.  State law requires that real property be assessed or revalued at least once every 8 years.  Carteret County has elected to reassess after 4 years.

According to the tax office, some property values will increase and some will decrease, but most will remain the same.

If you decide to contest your new assessment, the Board of Equalization will convene between the last week of April and the first week of May 2015.  The steps to make an appeal are included with the notification of your new property value.  Only data through January 2015 will be considered until the next reevaluation in 2019.