Does your home look the way you want it to?  Are you interested in making changes?  If you answered yes to the second question, you are not alone.

A recent survey of 29,127 respondents sponsored by Houzz, a premier home design and remodeling resource, has shown that aesthetics is ever increasing on the scale of importance to people who own homes.

In fact, 86 percent of homeowners slated to conduct remodels felt that “improving the look and feel of the space” was of prime importance. Only 47 percent were motivated by the idea of ”increasing home value.” The report also showed that homeowners are choosing to improve their homes and sacrificing other items like vacations to do so.

These survey results were a little surprising to Houzz, in light of current national economical statistics. “We expected that in this economy Americans’ highest priority would be increasing home value, but instead we found people are focused on pleasing themselves, not the next owner,” said Liza Hausman, Vice President of Marketing for Houzz. “Homes today are doing double or even triple duty as workplace, stay-cation, gym and more.”

Another interesting trend seen in the survey was that homeowners are not resorting to loans to do these improvements. 70 percent of those surveyed were interested in paying cash, doing improvements themselves, or realigning their budgets to make the changes happen in their homes. According to the survey, only 45 percent of homeowners with income levels of $150,000+ are choosing professionals to complete their home projects and the rest are seeking to combine professional help with DIY efforts. In comparison homeowners in lower income brackets reported that 49 percent would use a combined approach.

Of course, kitchens and bathrooms continue to rank as most popular in remodeling, about 48 percent of those surveyed planned a bathroom remodel, and 45 a kitchen overhaul. It is interesting to note that Midwesterners’ budgets for kitchen and bath remodels were most expensive, at $30,500 and $13,600 respectively, while homeowners in the South planned on spending less, about $23,800 and $11,600.

• The Houzz survey provided insight into what you, as a homeowner, care about in today’s real estate market.
• Do you agree with the statistics?
• Will you, like 72 percent of those surveyed decorate or redecorate or remodel as 40 percent stated, before 2014?
• Maybe you fall into another category (10 percent) surveyed and plan to build a custom home instead?
• Do you feel these statistics representative of your area?

Click here to access these survey results and let us know your thoughts.

When you are buying a home or listing your home for sale, you have a lot to consider. If you are buying, you will no doubt be viewing and walking through many houses in search for the one that makes you feel “at home.” If you are selling your home, you will need to make your home feel less “yours” so that it can appeal to buyers.

Both of these situations can be emotionally challenging and so it really helps to have a trusted friend with experience in your area, namely a knowledgable real estate agent, at your side through the process.

A real estate agent has more experience than you when it comes to knowing how to market or discriminate between homes in your area. Trust your agent to have your best interests in mind so that you can utilize that knowledge. This is especially true when it comes to open houses!

Work with and listen to your agent’s suggestions to meet with the most success (and follow my advice in this post).

Staging A Successful Open House

• First off, make sure the interior of your home is clean and de-cluttered! If it is in your budget, consider removing the bulk of your house contents to an alternate location. Your ultimate goal as a seller is to move, so start packing – it will help your home to sell more quickly! Consider the model home concept that new builders use and set that as the goal for your home – neutral, tasteful, open.

• Make sure the outside looks great, both in regards to your property, and your neighbors’ homes. Does your street look safe, well-kept and friendly? If not, brainstorm about what you can do to achieve a friendly neighborhood feel. Maybe you can offer to help trim or mow your neighbor’s lawn or put away their trashcans, resulting in a more attractive canvas for your home. Check that your for sale sign is standing straight and tall and consider adding a few balloons (bright colors) to attract even more attention.

• Speaking of neighbors, invite them! This is an opportunity to hand-pick a new neighbor, and they can have a say in it by inviting their interested friends. Plus it will create a buzz, increase positive energy, and make sure your open house is well attended. If you have a neighbor who has listed their home, be sure to visit their open house, too, so you can see what your home is being compared against. In including your neighbors you may actually find that they are more than willing to assist you with your open house with small favors like making sure there is ample street parking or repairing a broken brick planter.  Ask your agent for the best way to handle this as it depends on the area – it might be better to host an early preview for neighbors for homes where a huge turn-out is expected.

• Since you’ve invited your neighbors to stop by, make sure you have fresh baked goods (and their accompanying aroma) present in your home as a thank you for visiting. Nothing says “home” better than the smell of vanilla and cinnamon. If you are unable to do this, do NOT resort to air fresheners as many people are allergic to them. Ask your real estate agent for advice on dealing with the odors in your home well before the open house occurs.

Please feel free to add your comments on what you feel makes open houses more valuable to you as a home buyer and seller, too. I’d love to learn from you! Consult with me for other more specific suggestions on how to make YOUR open house more successful – as each home uses a different approach.  You’ll be glad you did!

Summer is here, bringing with it beautiful sunshine, warm weather and children with a lot of free time on their hands.  Much of that time is likely to be spent swimming, whether at the beach or a local pool, and so some reminders on safety tips are in order.

Whether you own a swimming pool, are buying a home with a pool, or may use a pool at a neighbor’s home, recreation center or while on vacation, this post shares valuable information and questions to provoke thought to help you be more aware and prompt action where needed.

IF YOU OWN A POOL

• Do you have a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa with self-closing and self-latching gates?
• Do you have and use a door alarm and are your windows secure for any areas that access the pool?
• Do the people living and visiting your home know how to swim?
• Do the people living in your home know how to perform CPR on children and adults and are they current on certification?

IF YOU ARE USING A POOL (EVEN IF ITS YOUR OWN)

• Is proper gating in place to discourage younger children from areas that are unsafe?
• Do the people you are with know how to swim?
• Are you or a trusted adult available to physically “watch” your children and respond quickly to an emergency?

75 percent of drowning accidents involve children younger than 5 years old and African American and Hispanic children are at greater risk, due to a lack of knowledge on how to swim and water safety, according to national studies. Reports also show that “residential locations dominated incidents involving victims younger than 5 years of age.” Children should NEVER be left unattended near a pool or spa.

As drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds for children and 60 seconds for an adult, never swim alone or allow others to use your pool without adequate supervision. Drowning makes no sound, so pay attention to all swimmers to avoid accidents and respond quickly if something is not right. If someone is missing, check the pool before other areas.

• Is there a charged and working phone easily accessible?
• Is someone with you who is certified and can perform CPR on children and adults?
• Have the pool drains been replaced to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act? Ask the pool servicer if you cannot tell.  Recently a lot of news have been published on pool drains, the suction part of the pool which coordinates suction on the pump and filter to keep the water clean. If a newer (last 5 years) drain is installed or the drain has a substantial cover, you shouldn’t have to worry, but older drains with too much suction can pose a serious drowning risk as bathing suits, hair and even small children can be pulled down and drown. Don’t be afraid to ask about this – too many accidents have already happened, and the National Swimming Pool Foundation, reported earlier this year that almost 80 percent of public pools are not in compliance!
• Are safety rules posted in the pool area?  Can you visibly see life rings and poles and is there a lifeguard on duty during the times you and/or your children will swim?
• When was the last pool safety inspection and the last cleaning?  Does the water look cloudy or smell too strong? Does the pool appear to be filtering?

You may feel that some of questions are not necessary, however pool safety is an international concern.  Do your part to be aware by checking out PoolSafely.gov to find out how you can be more proactive in your pool safety and spread the knowledge you have.  You could save a life!

As the weather warms, so does the chance for a successful neighborhood sale. No matter what you call it, be it a yard sale, garage sale, tag sale, or estate sale – the goal is the same – to sell unwanted items and in turn beautify your home and clear your space!

Whether you are trying to reduce your clutter or are using your yard sale as an opportunity prior to moving from your home, the following ideas may help you earn a bit more and increase the amount of items removed.

However, before you start sorting through your items, approach your local real estate agent and ask for help. Whether you need additional signage or specific advice on items that make for a great sale in your area, real estate agents are a great resource, because they KNOW your area. If you are selling your home, your agent will likely be very involved as your yard sale can gain exposure for your home and let the neighborhood know you are placing it for sale.

Using the following ideas, you can plan for success in your neighborhood sale and have fun while doing it. Involve neighbors and your family and decide how you will devote the money raised at the sale to generate even more enthusiasm. Perhaps you are saving for a trip or need to pay bills or just want a new piece of furniture for your home, no matter the cause, uniting to meet it will energize your efforts to ensure your success.

Market Your Sale
Use advertising and colorful signs. Be clear on the address, day of sale and hours. Plan to set up items well ahead of your scheduled time, as many buyers will show up 15-20 minutes early and you want to be ready for them!

Set Your Prices Low
Price everything to sell with permanent black markers, using sticker tags or blankets where every item located in that area is the same price. If multiple families are involved make sure that is indicated with a letter or color to give proper credit.

Be Organized
Display items neatly and similar items together to give an organized feel on tables. Label sizes on clothing and place like items together. Dishes are often better sold as sets, such as 6 glasses or 10 plates for a set price, rather than individually. If your items are displayed as clutter, people will be less likely to want to bring them into their homes.

Pay Attention to the Season
In summer boogie boards, wetsuits and sunglasses will be a big hit, skis not so much. However in the fall, unopened items, warm clothing and snow gear will go fast!

Make Sure Items Work
Safely extend an electrical cord into your buying zone so buyers can test appliances and other items. You may also want to have test batteries available, if needed.

Plan to Package & Sell
Have bags and wrapping supplies available for securing breakables and allowing buyers to easy carry their purchased items. Also, make sure you have a petty cash center that has a full-time attendant. Small bills and lots of change are a must for any garage sale so plan accordingly.

Decide What You Are Selling
Fast selling items often include jars and bottles, clothing, collectibles and antiques, unopened puzzles, jewelry, dishes, camping items, books, toys and dolls, and homemade treasures.

Need Ideas For Your Kids?
If you have a child or teen who likes to sew, have them spend some time crafting dresses for dolls or aprons with spare material. If beads or stamps are rampant in your house, have your children make bracelets or cards to generate some extra money and get the thrill of entrepreneurship.

When The Sale Ends – Let It All Go.
Once your sale is over, pack remaining items into boxes and immediately take to your local donation center, unless you have scheduled an organization to pick up your items directly. That way, you can enjoy the money you’ve made AND the peace of mind knowing that the items will not return to your tidy home.

Are you pre-approved for your home purchase?

If not, you need to be, and no, it won’t affect your credit rating.

In today’s real estate market, serious buyers know that the home buying process cannot begin in earnest until they are pre-approved, not pre-qualified for a mortgage. Pre-qualification is based upon “stated” numbers regarding monthly revolving debt, income, and other general information whereas pre-approval is based on verified facts. In the verification process for pre-approval lenders must make inquiries on employment and even check your credit score.

Luckily the Fair Credit Reporting Act recognizes this as a permissible and valid reason for a company to access your credit and it will NOT affect your credit rating or score. Mortgage lenders can run a “soft” credit check, sometimes called a “quotation check” to verify your credit worthiness and pre-approve you for home purchase. It is also interesting to note that multiple lenders can do this (within a 14 day period) without it affecting your credit score, if you want to compare loans. You can also check your own credit report as many times as you would like without causing harm in the same manner. In fact, before meeting with a lender or considering purchasing a home, you should evaluate your credit report and make sure it is error free.

Other types of credit inquiries CAN affect your credit report, so refrain from opening lines of credit at clothing, furnishing stores or car dealerships and other installment retailers until your loan is funded. Credit inquiries account for less than 10% of your overall credit score, but it is still not worth the risk when purchasing a home is in your near future. To keep yourself credit-worthy, make your payments on time, continually strive to increase your income, and make sure the monthly amount accessed on each of your credit cards is less than 30%. These proactive measures will go a long way to helping you secure the loan you need and the home you want.

In your search for the right home, you will likely be doing a lot of footwork and analysis. Before you begin looking at actual homes, it is wise to determine how much home you can afford and the level of maintenance you desire. In doing so, you may find that the new home that best fits you is not a traditional single family house, but instead a home in a planned community or a condominium.

Your location, city or suburbs, is largely determined by your lifestyle and occupational needs. Cost is always as factor, as well, since living in the city often means less space for the same amount of money. Less space may lead to you exploring the condominium home market and the benefits and challenges that condo life introduces to home ownership.

When buying a condo, you often need to consider Homeowner Association (HOA) fees as you will be sharing the costs of overall property maintenance, along with the decision making power to make any changes on the property. For this reason it is extremely important that you review all Homeowners Association bylaws before making a condominium or planned community purchase.

Ask yourself these questions – to determine what type of property you value most.

• Proximity – Where do spend your time? Where do you want to live? What type of housing is available in that location in your price range?
• Neighbors – Would you prefer them to share your walls or need more separation? Would you prefer more privacy than condo life can offer?
• Control – Do you like to share control over home matters or be the final authority? Do you care if you need to ask permission before making a change to your deck or paint?
• Upkeep – Do you like the idea of a garden or would you rather never weed again? Yard maintenance handled by an association is a prime benefit for many condo owners.
• Price – Can you afford the home? If there are association fees, are they reasonable?

Whichever type of home you decide to pursue, asking these questions will help you feel secure in the knowledge that your new home is suited to you and your specific needs. Happy house hunting!

If you are considering listing your home for sale, recent market studies have indicated that we are entering a seller’s market, so your timing could be perfect! A decrease in inventory in the housing market is good news if you need or want to sell your home quickly.

As a home seller, there are three areas where you can have major impact when selling your home.

Of course the appeal of your home is a prime consideration, but did you realize that the marketing efforts and pricing are key as well?

Price to Sell and Expect Results!

When time is of the essence, be careful not to set your price too high. Even if your home is “worth” more than your neighbor’s or “seems” like it should bring a high price, be realistic and aggressive in your pricing. Remember that home searches are typically focused on price, and plan accordingly. Would you rather only appeal to the $500,000 buyer when your home is worth $505,000, or open your options to the buyer who has a search parameter set at $499,000? The key here is exposure – when time is short, you want as many buyers as possible viewing your property! Price your home to sell and look forward to a quick sale and multiple offers.

Harness the Power of the Internet to Sell Your Home Fast!

Recent surveys report that 86% of home buyers begin their search on the web. Your home needs to be there, as well. In addition to having a listing page with property details, consider resources such as Craigslist, Realtor.com, and other sources throughout the internet. Ask about syndicating your home listing to make sure it gets as much exposure as possible.

In your listing marketing efforts, don’t forget pictures – lots of them! Buyers want to “see” what is available before comparing homes in person. Make sure your photos are attractive and will sell your home. In doing so, you create a connection with your buyer before the home has even been visited.

Clutter-free and Clean Make For a Speedy Sale!

Look through your home with a critical eye. Minor repairs and touch-ups should be done to create a well-maintained look and your home needs to be very clean. Remove furniture and clutter as necessary. An orderly home is a home that sells fast!

The approach of summer brings longer days and bright memories of time spent outdoors with family and friends, whether at the beach or in your backyard. This time of year can also bring back memories of heatstroke, sunburns and feeling like you might actually melt. Before the heat hits, be sure to prepare by stocking up on water, sunscreen and snazzy sunglasses, and then take a look at how you can adapt your home. The following tips can help you in bracing your home for a hot summer so that you can make it a bit cooler as the sun shines down.

First and Foremost, Be Cool

If you have and will be using an air conditioning unit, take the time now to make sure your filter is clean and that the refrigerant level is correct so you do not waste energy when it is being used. Calling a service technician before summer hits will result in a lower check-up cost than needing a emergency call during the heat, and provide you with peace of mind. You may also want to invest in a programmable thermostat to keep your energy costs low this year.

If you do not have an air conditioning unit, you can still stay cool by sealing and caulking windows and doors. Following that, your goal is to circulate air inside your home with fans and strategically opened windows to create a breeze inside your home. You can also install a whole-house fan or ceiling fan (have it rotate counter-clockwise) to take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures all day long.

Second, Consider Harnessing the Sun’s Power

If you have been thinking about installing solar panels on your roof, act now to get the most out of your panels this summer and throughout the years to come. If not, consider solar window film as an option for keeping your home cooler. Lastly, if you can’t beat the heat, embrace it, by lounging poolside or taking advantage of local parks where you can enjoy the sunshine under the shade of well-established trees.

Buying a home has several unique advantages when compared with renting. Aside from being to decorate as you choose, receive additional tax benefits, enjoy stability in your housing payments, and increase your ability to make future investments, it just feels good to own your own home!

A survey conducted last month by the PEW Research Center, a non-profit, non-partisan organization considered a “fact tank” on social & demographic trends in America, determined that the majority of adult Americans (81%) still believe “that buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make.” It is interesting to note that while the same study showed that 47% of those surveyed felt that current economic factors have resulted in a decrease in their current home value, those same home owners felt that their home investment was a safe one.

Even renters seem to agree with the idea of investing in a home, with 81% wishing to buy a home at some point, even if individual circumstances prevent it currently. In fact, when asked to rate long-term financial goals, homeownership and “being able to live comfortably in retirement” were rated the highest by 80% of those surveyed. Survey participants seemed to understand that owning a home provides more than an avenue for generating savings – it also is a place to live and provides an element of physical and emotional stability unlike other investment options.

Further pursuing this question, the survey compared investments – trying to determine which held fast in the long run – the stock market or the housing market. The answer was variable, depending on the year of investment, however, and unable to be determined overall. One item not considered in the survey is that owning a home provides income tax benefits that are not likely to be found in other investments, which could affect the dividend bottom line and how you choose to invest. Click here to view the survey in its entirety.

Location, location,location. You’ve heard time and time again that when buying a home, location is what matters most…. and for good reason! For that purpose the concept of Walk Score was created. Dedicated to the idea that “less time in the car means more time for the things you love,” Walk Score, developed in 2008, has made it easier for home buyers to find a home that is closer to the activities and places they love.

Providing ratings from 0 to 100 to determine a neighborhood’s walkability, buyers can decide if the area they are considering is more Car-Dependent, Very Walkable, a Walker’s Paradise, or somewhere in-between. If you are searching for a home, you will also enjoy visiting tools such as Transit Score which helps in calculating the cost of your commute and the even newer Bike Score!

Bike Score was introduced this week in honor of Bike to Work Week and suggests areas that are best suited and not so desirable for bike riding. Considering such issues as hills and bike lanes, along with “road connectivity” and a town’s biking population, communities have been rated using the same type of scoring system, with 70-100 being named Very Bikeable. Topping that list were Minneapolis, Portland, and San Francisco.

The goal of Bike Score is to help cities measure and then improve their bicycling ridership. Check it out and see where your town rates by clicking here. If you would like more in-depth information about places where you can walk and ride in our local community, please contact me.