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"

Home Improvements with the most Bang

• New paint job
• Freshly maintained landscaping
• Remodeled and/or upgraded interior
• Deck and/or patio addition
• Additional bedroom or bathroom
• Go Green
• Addition to the garage

When selling a home adding to the square footage allows the appraiser to make "higher adjustments" to the total worth of your home. 

Consider, most projects do not earn dollar for dollar what you put into your home. On average home improvement will make 20 to 30 cents on the dollar. 

When considering refinancing, these  changes will benefit you the most

• Additional bedroom or bathroom
• Addition to the garage
• Kitchen remodeling and upgrades
• Improvement that expands the “use” of the home - think outdoor living and beyond

New Paint and Carpet

-The home begins at your front door! Try to spice up the color and make sure everything is in working order, the doorbell, handles are not loose, and rid of cobwebs. 

-Touch up any paint imperfections throughout your house

-Freshly paint your walls, if you have bold bright colors that may not appeal to the masses try looking into warm designer neutrals to give the feeling of cozy comfort. 

-94% of real estate professionals recommend spending a few dollars on your floors. They appeal to buyers and boost the overall cleanliness of your home. 

*Spending $600 to $900 can see up to double their return in value. 

Landscaping 
One of the top 3 investments that bring the biggest return.
$400-$500 can return 4 times this amount - 2007 Broker Survey
Overgrown trees and bushes create an unwelcoming dark appearance to your homes image. Your curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers notice when searching for a new home, even when they visit without an agent and do a drive by.

What is considered going green?
Energy savings adds an estimated 20 times the annual savings to the value of your home value- Appraisal Journal
This includes:
replacing old windows with more efficient models 
Upgrading appliances to eco friendly options, possibly including solar panels or solar can lighting and replacing your heating/air conditioning systems
Solar Power Water heaters can save as much as 80% on water heating bills

Inexpensive Upgrade Options
Apply Fresh Caulking throughout your home
Replacing or Upgrading hardware on cabinets and doors
Replacing faucets

Just keep in mind, once a buyer sees one thing out of place they will be prone to look for every other thing they can find that may or may not have an issue. So be prepared and change/upgrade/remove any questionable items within your home, whether that be rickety stairs, blue carpet, or 1970s wallpaper. 

Remember the appraisal process is most heavily determined by homes similar to yours that sell. Any additions you have made to your house will be considered after the base selling price is figured.