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!

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!

Flood Insurance, Do I Really Need it?

         Click Play to watch a quick video of things to know directly from FloodSmart.gov

The flood season is here and with one out of every 5 homes not covered with Flood Insurance we want to give you the facts. The most active flood periods are from October through March, affecting all regions in the United States. 

FEMA updates flood risk zones regularly, so be conscious of what your home's risk is. But, take note that there are still risks of flooding, even if you do not fall in a "high-risk" area. You can check where your home falls on the risk map here.

If you have flood insurance, make sure you know what your policy covers. Some policies do not replace personal items. And others do not cover high value items if they are stored in the basement. Make sure you are familiar with the clauses within your Flood Policy.

For more information about flooding or for quick insurance facts visit FloodSmart.gov

Contact Bluewater Insurance if you would like to add or change your flood insurance.

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.