Mike's Latest Real Estate Insights

Ways to Get Rid of Pet Smells to Help Sell Your Beaufort Home

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 09:01:09 -0700

Pet odors can be a big turnoff for potential buyers and could keep your Beaufort area home from selling. As your real estate agent or a friend if your home has a pet smell.If your home does have pet smell, here's what you can do:Air Out Your HouseThis is easy enough. Just open all the windows when you clean to get in all that fresh seaside Beaufort air. If you have carpets, you will need to shampoo them or have them professionally cleaned.Once the smell is gone, you'll have to keep on top of the smell until you sell you home. You may have to crate your dog more or keep them outside more often. Limit cats to one room if you can. Remove or replace pet bedding.Scrub ThoroughlyBare floors that are soiled by your furry friends can be scrubbed thoroughly with vinegar, wood floor cleaner, or an odor-neutralizing product, which you can purchase at a pet supply store for $10 to $25.Try a 1:9 bleach-to-water solution on surfaces it won’t damage, like cement floors or walls.For hard to clean stains, you may have to call in a professional. This may cost more, but it will be worth it when you sell your home.Wash Your Drapes and UpholsteryFabrics can really soak up odors. Clean all of your fabric window coverings and steam clean furniture.Either buy a steam cleaner designed to remove pet hair for around $200 and do the job yourself, or pay a pro. You’ll spend about $40 for an upholstered chair, $100 for a sofa, and $7 for each dining room chair if a pro does your cleaning.Clean Your CarpetsCarpets and rugs also hold in the odors. You can have a pro do it for you for the most effective results. A professional cleaner may try to sell you deodorizing treatments. You’ll know if you need to spend the extra money on those after the carpet dries and you have a friend perform a sniff test.If this doesn't get rid of the odor, you may want to think about replacing the offending carpets and padding. And if you do replace them, remember to scrub the subfloor with vinegar or an odor-removing product. But if the smell is in the subfloor, you may even have to replace that as well.Again, think about cost-to-benefit. How much will you spend vs how much more you can get from the sale of your home.Paint, Replace, or Seal WallsIf the smell is in the walls and can't be removed with cleaners, then it's time for a fresh coat of paint. Again, in extreme cases, you may have to replace the drywall or wood altogether.On brick and cement, apply a sealant appropriate for the surface for $25 to $100. That may smother and seal in the odor, keeping it from reemerging.Control Urine SmellsIndoor pee pads are really not a good idea to start with as far as controlling odors. But if you do use them, make sure you remove them every time Fido goes. And make sure you dispose of them in an outside container. Even if you have a clean one layed out, remove it before each showing.Replace kitty litter daily, rather than scooping used litter clumps, and sweep up around the litter box. Hide the litter box before each showing.These all may sound like drastic measures. But in the end, the extra steps will help sell you home faster and for more money.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your home in Beaufort. SC using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Live the History of Beaufort County in Coosaw Point

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 08:57:59 -0700

One of the many reasons that people buy a home in Beaufort County is the rich history of the area. Is that what draws you to the region to find your dream home? There's nothing better than living in a home that reflects the gorgeous Southern architecture of the past. Or maybe there is something better.Coosaw Point, in Beaufort, is a community that features newer constructed homes that are designed to let you relive the past, yet enjoy the features of modern construction. There's no need to worry about potential problems you might find in an older home. You can move right in to any of these quality homes and start enjoying the amenities that make Coosaw Point such a great place to call home and raise a family.And when it comes to community amenities, Coosaw Point certainly delivers, with an 8000 sq ft River Club facility with a large rec room by the pool that's an ideal place together with friends and family. Play a round or two of tennis, dine at CP’s Crab Shack, or go for a boat ride from the 200ft floating dock. Explore the natural beauty of the area from the 130 acres of open spaces, ponds and walking trails along the water. It's the perfect recipe for a relaxing lifestyle.Need to do some shopping? You'll be right next to all the shopping and dining that Beaufort is famous for. If you're looking for antiques to compliment the historic feel of your home, you couldn't find a better place for antique collection than Beaufort, with antique shops such as Bay St. Treasures, Lagniappe Lowcountry, and Michael Rainey Antiques on Craven Street. You'll turn your home in Coosaw Point into a time machine in no time.Mouthwatering Southern cuisine awaits you in Beaufort as well, with pubs like The Old Bull Tavern, breakfast spots such as Boundary Street Cafe, and BBQ delights like you'll find at Dukes Barbecue of Beaufort.And since Coosaw Point is located in Beaufort, you'll have easy access to all the parks and activities that make Beaufort such a great American city, including Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, located in downtown Beaufort. Many people come here to relax by the water, along with enjoying live music and other community events.Coosaw Point is the ideal community to raise a family. As part of the Beaufort County School District, your children will have access to quality education.There are a number of fine homes and lots to build the home of your dreams in Coosaw Point. Search for your home in Coosaw Point today.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your home in Beaufort, SC using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Negotiate Your Best House Buy in Beaufort

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 13:29:22 -0800

There can be a lot of emotional moments when buying a home. But negotiating a price doesn't have to me emotional. You just need to stick to the plan. Your agent will guide you through this potentially turbulent time. Your agent may over advice, but in the end, you're the one who makes the final decision.Here are six tips for negotiating the best price on a home.Get Prequalified for a MortgageWhen you prequalify for a mortgage, it shows seller that you mean business and can afford to buy their home. This also puts you ahead of those buyers who may not be prequalified.Ask QuestionsQuestions are your best friend. You need to know many things about the home and seller your interested in. What's the seller's motivation for selling? What is their financial position? Are they facing foreclosure or a short sale? Have they already purchased a home or relocated, which may make them eager to accept a lower price to avoid paying two mortgages? Has the home been on the market for a long time, or was it just listed? Have there been other offers? If so, why did they fall through? The more signs that sellers are eager to sell, the lower your offer can reasonably go.Work Back From a Final Price to Determine Your Initial OfferYou should know in advance what you're willing to pay. Then you can work back from that number to make an initial offer. If you bid too low, you may offend the seller. If you bid too high, you may end up spending more than you need to.You agent can work with you to compare homes in area that have sold recently to come to a fair initial offer.Avoid ContingenciesSellers don't like taking chances. Nobody does for that matter. So keep the bid free of complicated contingencies, such as making the purchase conditional on the sale of your current home. Try to keep contingencies for mortgage approval, home inspection, and environmental checks typical in your area, like radon.Remain UnemotionalRemember that buying a home is a business deal. Treat it that way. Consider any movement by the sellers, however slight, a sign of interest, and keep negotiating.Each time you make a concession, ask for one in return. If the sellers ask you to boost your price, ask them to contribute to closing costs or pay for a home warranty. If sellers won’t budge, make it clear you’re willing to walk away; they may get nervous and accept your offer.Don't Let Competition Change Your PlanGreat homes and those competitively priced can draw multiple offers in any market. Don’t let competition propel you to go beyond your predetermined price or agree to concessions — such as waiving an inspection — that aren’t in your best interest.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your first home in Beaufort using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Should You Buy That Fixer Upper?

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 12:48:47 -0800

Buying a fixer-upper, if you buy the right one, can really be a great investment. If the right things are wrong with a house, it can become both your dream home, as well as earn a great deal of equity.You don't need to be a DIY guru wither. Patience and time are all that's needed.Here's how you can tell if that home you're looking at fixing up is worth it.Evaluate the PriceA fixer-upper should be priced as such. Try not to fall in love too quickly with a home that “just needs a little TLC.” make sure you do your research and make sure the price is right for the work needed.Also look at other homes in the neighborhood to see how much they sold for and how much work they've had and how fancy they are. you don't want to over-improve for the neighborhood, as this could affect the selling price in the future if you decide to sell.Start Evaluating What Improvements Are NeededAn ideal fixer-upper is a home that offers a lot of opportunities for “instant equity." This means that if your turned around and sold the home right away, you would get your money back.Some improvement tasks can be as simple as painting or landscaping, which you can accomplish with sweat equity.Other tasks may require the work of professionals and cash to pay them. It’s those projects you want to carefully evaluate against the home’s price.Which Hire-a-Pro Projects Add Instant Equity?Some home improvement projects that require a pro stay at the top of the list of things that will be worth the cost instantly.Based on data gleaned from the “Remodeling Impact Report” (RIR) from the National Association of REALTORS®’, if these three projects are on your fixer-upper’s list of must-haves, then you may have found your dream equity-builder: New roof Hardwood floors Insulation While those three are pretty safe bets. Almost any project can be worth it with a fixer-upper if the price is right. For example, a complete kitchen renovation can cost $65,000 and recover only about $40,000 when you sell. But if the fixer-upper is discounted enough, think how amazing it would be to cook in a kitchen you designed yourself.Evaluate Your Ability to Deal with DisruptionWhether you’re a DIY Jedi or content to let the pros handle the remodel, if your patience is shorter than your potential home’s to-do list, a fixer-upper may not be a good choice.Renovating a bathroom alone can take two to three weeks. Add hardwood flooring, a new kitchen, and siding, and you’re looking at a whole summer’s worth of rehab.When considering a fixer-upper, evaluate the limits of your emotional energy as well. Inevitable project pitfalls and delays can be wearing. Only if you have the time, patience, and emotional endurance for a fixer-upper will it be a good fit for you. And only you can determine that.But if you can budget your time and money, and employ the right fixer-upper strategies, you might find yourself with a double reward: A home that’s worth far more than you paid, and the joy of knowing you helped get it there.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your first home in Beaufort using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Things Every New Homeowner Should Have

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 14:08:22 -0800

Being a new homeowner is quite a learning experience. No matter what the project you try to tackle, it seems like there's always something that will catch you by surprise.Yet if you have the right items handy, then you can be better prepared for any scenario. By stocking your home with these following items, you'll be ready for any new challenge as a new homeowner.Wet-Dry VacuumYou’re gonna be spilling stuff. Look for a wet-dry vacuum that can handle everything from paint to nails and small stones.(The Right) Fire ExtinguisherMost people don't realize there are more than one type if fire extinguisher. In fact, there are five different types of fire extinguishers with different uses, from extinguishing cooking oils to wood and paper. Check the U.S. Fire Administration’s guide to make sure you get the right one for your home.Extension Cord OrganizerNo one likes to deal with tangled cords, especially extension cords. You can save yourself time and hassle with cord management devices. You can also make your own with a pegboard, hooks, and velcro straps to keep each cord loop secure.Either way, your cords will be knot-free and easy to find. And be sure to include a heavy-duty extension cord in your organizer that’s outdoor-worthy. You don’t want to really have to use that fire extinguisher.Big-Kid ToolsOdds are you already own a bunch of the basics: drill, screwdriver, hammer, level, tape measure, wrench, pliers, staple gun, utility knife, etc. But home ownership may require a few new ones you might not have needed before, including a: Stud finder. You can make as many holes in the walls as you want now. Use the stud finder to figure out where to hang those heavy shelves so they’re safely anchored. Hand saw. Much easier (and cheaper!) than a power saw, you can get a good cross-cut saw for smooth edges on small DIY projects. Ratchet set. Every bolt in your new house belongs to you, so you’d better be able to loosen and tighten them when needed. Crank that ratchet to get to spots where you can’t turn a wrench all the way around. Great for when you’re stuck in a corner. Pry bar. Get one with a clawed end to pull nails and a flat end to separate drywall, remove trim or molding, and separate tile. Tool KitYou’ll need something to carry all those tools around from project to project. Create a tool carrier using a tool bucket liner and an old 5-gallon bucket. Or invest in a handyman belt filled with the basics to keep on hand in the kitchen.ConfidenceWith a little self-confidence — and some YouTube tutorials — there’s (almost) no DIY project you can’t master.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your first home in Beaufort using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Explore the History of America in Beaufort's Historic District

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 10:00:21 -0800

If American history is your thing, then you couldn't hardly find a better place to explore it than in Beaufort's Historic District. A National Historic Landmark since 1973, Beaufort's Historic District is a rich collection of antebellum architecture, reflecting the styles of the interwar period of the 1800's. As you go through the area, you find a variety of historic homes, gardens, commercial buildings, houses of worship and graveyards, with some open to the public. The commitment of the Beaufort community to maintain these structures has added to the attraction to this area.Beaufort's Historic District is actually made up of 5 separate neighborhoods, each with it's own identity. Downtown is made up mainly of commercial structures and located along Bay Street. This neighborhood also contains Henry Chambers Waterfront Park, overlooking the Beaufort River.Some of the oldest and most lavish historic homes are located in The Point. The impressive mansions of this neighborhood are mostly of Victorian and Queen Anne style and located between Carteret Street and the Beaufort River.Just west of Downtown are the easily recognized homes and U.S. District Courthouse of The Bluff neighborhood, located along Bay Street and North Street.Despite redevelopment, The Old Commons still holds on to the southern style of architecture that once defined the neighborhood. This area was once a place where you could find a variety of structures and sites, such as homes, graveyards, and chapels.Between Charles Street and Prince Street is The Northwest Quadrant, made up of late 19th and early 20th century homes.Among some of the many historic sites to visit here in the Historic Downtown area, you'll want to focus on some of the highlights, such as The Anchorage, Barnwell-Gough House, Robert Smalls House, The Cobbler's Cottage, John Mark Verdier House, and Tabby Manse.Not only is Beaufort's Historic District a great place to discover the history of America, but an even better place to live. You can find a number of fine historic homes available for sale on our website.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your first home in Beaufort using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Luxury Lowcountry Living Awaits You in Islands of Beaufort

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:10:40 -0800

If you're looking for a luxury custom home that reflects the style and charm of the Lowcountry, take a look at this fine featured home for sale in the Islands of Beaufort community.This gorgeous gated community features all the amenities you could want - a pool, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, club house, and meticulously manicured grounds. It's central location makes it a convenient place to live in the Beaufort area.This custom home, located at 414 Islands Avenue, was designed to last generations, with complete hurricane protection.The amenities in this outstanding Lowcountry residence abound with luxury appointments. You'll appreciate all of these luxury features: Private covered dock with gorgeous views of the water and sunsets Beautiful trim details Wide decks on 3 sides of home for maximum views Coffered ceilings Kohler plumbing / Moen in kitchen Central vacuum Plantation shutters Hardi-plank siding Outdoor shower Brick outdoor sitting area w/fountain Screened porches w/Coolaroo shades Antique stained glass window in master bath Huge master bathroom w/jetted tub and large walk in shower Thermadore and Wolf appliances Master bedroom walk in closet with built ins Standing seam metal roof Marvin hurricane windows 35+ pilings driven 30-40 deep during construction Rinnai tankless water heater Tabby driveway with brick apron and curbing Timbertech outdoor staircase and landings tongue and groove ceilings on all porches 2 car garage/garden storage area Ground level workshop with dehumidifier Full irrigation Invisible dog fence w/collars Lush tropical landscaping There's much more to see of this outstanding Lowcountry home, so visit our website to view all the photos, virtual tour, and details. And feel free to call us at (843) 476-1044 to speak with an agent about your Beaufort County real estate needs.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 09:51:29 -0800

Do you know what homeowner's insurance covers?A basic homeowners insurance policy (called HO-1 in insurance lingo) covers your home and possessions if they’re damaged or destroyed by these things: Fire Lightning Windstorm (unless you live in a hurricane zone) Hail (not available everywhere) Explosion Riots Civil commotion Aircraft (and things falling from aircraft) Vehicles (and things thrown from vehicles) Smoke Vandalism (although some policies exclude this) Malicious mischief Theft Upgraded Homeowners InsuranceAn upgraded policy (called HO-2) adds protection to your home and possessions from even more perils. You get protection from everything on the HO-1 list (above) plus: Falling objects The weight of ice, snow, or sleet Flooding from your appliances, plumbing, HVAC, or fire-protection sprinkler system Damage to electrical parts caused by artificially generated electrical currents (such as a power surge not caused by lightning). But damaged electronics such as computers aren’t covered. Glass breakage Abrupt collapse (say from termite damage) That same list applies to the homeowners insurance you buy for a condominium or co-op (except then it’s called HO-6 instead of HO-2).With HO-1, HO-2, and HO-6, what you see is what you get.Other Things Homeowners Insurance CoversIn addition to covering your home, homeowners insurance also covers four more things:1. Your outbuildings, landscaping, and hardscaping. If you have outbuildings, landscaping, or hardscaping, your homeowners policy most likely covers those for up to 10% of your policy amount.Sometimes policies exclude damage to outbuildings, landscaping, or hardscaping caused by a particular peril (like wind).2. Damage or loss of your personal belongings. Your homeowners policy covers your family’s belongings, even when you take them out of the house. If your child heads to college with a laptop and it’s stolen, that’s probably covered by your homeowners insurance policy.A home insurance policy covers a lot of your personal belongings, but not necessarily everything.Replacement cost means that the insurance company will pay the full cost of replacing an item once you show a receipt. Cash value means the insurance company will issue you a check for the amount that the laptop or sofa would have been worth when it was stolen or destroyed.3. Temporary living expenses if your home is so damaged you can’t live in it. When you can’t live in your home, your homeowners insurance covers your living expenses, including hotel bills and meals. But, you can’t live in the hotel forever and eat lobster every night on the insurance company’s tab. Your policy will have limits on how long you stay and how much you can spend.4. Injuries or accidents at your house. Homeowners insurance coverage includes liability – meaning it covers you when you or your family members cause injuries or damage. This coverage also pays when your dog bites someone (medical payments) or someone falls and injures themselves.Add an umbrella policy to boost your liability coverage into the millions.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your first home in Beaufort using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

The Fun Continues in January in Beaufort County

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:53:28 -0800

Just because the holidays are over in Beaufort County, doesn't mean the fun is. There's plenty of great things to do and see this month as the new year gets under way. Here's a few events coming up in Beaufort you can your family can look forward to.Beaufort Restaurant WeekJan 15 @ 10:00 AM - Jan 20 @ 10:00 PM | Various LocationsParticipating restaurants in Beaufort, Port Royal & the Sea Islands, are offering special priced menus in celebration of Restaurant Week. This is the perfect opportunity to discover new dining hot spots and re-visit a few of your favorites.Participating Restaurants & Menus: http://bit.ly/2PC73Or (menus being updated)Q on Bay's Beer ThrowdownJan 16 @ 6:00 PM | CAPA Beaufort 714 14th St, Port RoyalJoin Q on Bay January 16th from 6PM - 8PM for beers featured by Pawleys Island, Uinta, and Moody Tongue.Enjoy your favorite beers with food, prizes, and plenty of beer swag. Prices are $30 for early registration and $35 to register day of.Beaufort Beach Ball Fundraiser & AuctionJan 19 @ 6:00 PM EST | 60 Ladys Island Dr, BeaufortIt's summer in January! Celebrating 9 years of raising funds for the annual Wardle Family YMCA Capital Campaign, we're throwing the biggest, most-bodacious beach bash this side of Palm Beach! Come in your summertime, seaside attire and join us for an evening of great music with DEAS GUYZ, dancing, heavy appetizers and drinks with tropical flair, silent auction, raffle, and warm weather FUN in January!Tickets: $65 each or 2 for $120 ($75 at the door)Buy at the YMCA in Port RoyalGaelic Storm at USCB Center for the ArtsFeb 1 @ 7:30 PM | USCB Center for the Arts 805 Carteret St, BeaufortFor almost two decades, Gaelic Storm's mix of traditional Irish music with modern influences, continues to amaze audiences. From bluegrass fans and country cowboys to Deadheads, rock & rollers and Celtic fanatics, Gaelic Storm has built one of the most diverse fan bases in modern music.Click here for more information.Wreath RetirementJan 19 @ 8:30 PM | Beaufort National Cemetery 1601 Boundary St, BeufortVolunteers are invited to help honor those who served by assisting in retiring wreaths.The fun never stops in Beaufort County! Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area activities, real estate news and advice. You can search for your first home in Beaufort using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Packing Hacks That Make Moving Less Awful

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 12:23:54 -0800

No matter how you slice it, moving is exhausting. Packing up, moving, and then unpacking an entire house is the worst.Yet there are ways you can cut down on all that aggravation, effort, and anxiety. Here's a few pro tips that can help during your next move.Do a Pre-Pack Photo ShootHere's an idea that can save your memory and sanity. Trying to remember where all those cords go and how you had your bookshelf looking so good can get mind-numbing when you mix it in with the rest of the process.Save yourself some grief by taking pre-packing photos of all those things that were hard to arrange int he first place, so you won't have to figure it out again. With photos in hand, you’ll be able to recreate it all in record time.Corral Cords With Toilet Paper RollsThere's nothing more frustrating than not being able to find extension cords when you need them during a move. You know you've seen them laying around, but where?When you pack, wind up each cord in a 6-inch coil, then insert it in a toilet paper roll. You’ll have lots more room in the box, and no tangled mess to unpack later. Just remember to clearly label the box!Create a "Moving Toolbox"Keep all your moving tools, such as your Sharpies, packing tape, box cutter and such together in a “moving toolbox” that you can take from room to room as you pack. This will keep you from misplacing small essential items when your house is full of boxes.Tape Appliance Cords to Their HomesYou could be exploring your new neighborhood, but you're too busy trying to find the right power cord for your appliances.You can save more time by taping the plug to the appliance it belongs to. Then go get a taco on the corner with your reclaimed time.Use Your Towels, Blankets as Packing MaterialsAnother way moving day gets frustratingly extended? Your third trip to the store to buy more bubble wrap.Kudos on treating your breakables with care, you don’t need the store-bought stuff. Pot holders, oven mitts, and even those old paper and plastic grocery bags you were planning to recycle make great packing materials. Also consider towels, pillows, blankets, the kids’ stuffed animals — whatever’s soft!Color-Code BoxesIf you’re paying movers, really get your money’s worth by making it easy for them to deposit every box in the right room.Assign a color to each room, then mark that color on the outside of each box. Before movers arrive, add the correct color label to each room’s door. They’ll love the simplicity, and you’ll love not having to haul everything that was supposed to go in the office out of the playroom.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your first home in Beaufort using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Remove Wallpaper Without Removing Your Sanity

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 09:15:55 -0800

Most people would do just about anything to avoid having to remove wallpaper. It's rarely a task that makes it to the top 10 "fun things to do" list.But let's face it, when wallpaper needs to be removed, it's got to go. What are some ways to make sure that removing that dated wallpaper doesn't take your sanity with it?Check to See If Your Walls Were PrimedThose who tell you they just ripped their wallpaper right off had the walls sealed with wallpaper primer. Hopefully your walls have the same preparation.Priming was more common in the 1990s and prevented the wallpaper glue from soaking into the plaster and making the bond too tough.You can check to see it your walls are primed by loosening a corner or seam with a putty knife and just pull. If it just comes off in a sheet, you're in luck!With well-primed walls, dry stripping should work for the entire job and you could finish a room in a couple of hours at most.Water Works MiraclesThankfully, wallpaper glue is water based, so water works wonders in removing wallpaper if your walls aren't primed. It's a technique the pros use, it works so well.Here’s what to do with water: Score or perforate the paper and its backing in sections so water can soak through and loosen the glue. The pros recommend a scoring tool called the PaperTiger (under $20) because it doesn’t harm the wall. Douse the perforated paper with hot water using a pump or compression sprayer. The big mistake most people make is using a regular old spray bottle or damp rag to wet the paper. This leads to hours of fruitless scraping because the paper and its backing don’t get sufficiently saturated. The sprayer, on the other hand, gives you the firepower to really soak the glue. Let the paper soak for about 15 minutes and scrape it off with a putty knife. It could take you six hours for an average room, but that’s way better than the days of effort it could take if you don’t know what you’re doing.Avoid Chemical Strippers Because of the FumesWhy do pros use chemical strippers if water works so well? Because it can dissolve glue faster than water. But the trade-off is the fumes. Plus, water is cheap, so it just makes more sense for DIY.Don't Try the Fabric Softener TrickThrough the interweb grapevine, you may have heard that fabric softener (diluted with water) is a brag-worthy way to remove old wallpaper. But we couldn’t find a single expert who agrees.Fabric softener just makes the process more complicated, smelly, and even messier than using just plain old water. You end up mixing glue with the chemicals from fabric softener. In addition, fabric softener may harm drywall.So when it comes to removing wallpaper, the happiest journey (assuming your walls aren’t primed) involves water — and patience.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. You can search for your first home in Beaufort using our convenient and powerful home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Can You Afford That House in Beaufort County?

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 10:51:48 -0800

If you plan on buying a home, you probably have already lined up how much you need for the down payment, your desired mortgage payment, along with how much you can afford based on your income.But have you thought about how much money you need to actually enjoy your new home once you move in? Here are six life factors to consider when buying a home:Green Thumb?If you love to garden and landscape, then buying a home with a lawn will be a fun adventure. But if you don't love to garden, then buying a home with a lawn can cost you about $100 or more a month for professional landscape maintenance. Are you willing to skip the lawn in favor of hardscaping to reduce costs?Factor hobbies and services into your monthly budget to see if the numbers still work out in the black.Pool TimeEveryone wants a home with a pool, right? Maybe not, once you factor in all the costs and upkeep. You need to add up the costs of pool maintenance and servicing, energy, and insurance (along with liability if you have small children). After you take all that into consideration, you may decide you would be better off heading to the neighborhood swimming hole.If you plan to add a pool, don't plan on getting back more than 50% of the cost when you sell your home. Yes, polls are fun, but they take a lot of work to keep up. Factor time and money into your future plans when buying a home with this special feature and, once again, ask yourself if the numbers add up to support your other financial goals.ChildrenIf you’re buying a home and plan to start a family in the next few years, don’t just consider the amount of mortgage you can afford under your current expenses. Factor in daycare costs and then determine what your cash flow will look like. You may have to adjust the amount of home you’re looking to purchase.EntertainmentHave you taken into account your entertainment costs? Most of us like to eat out, go see a concert or a movie, or go to a game. You should add up how much you normally spend on entertainment and see how you can balance those costs with owning a home. You may love your new home, but you may not want to feel trapped in it because you don't have the money left to have fun.RetirementIf you’re in your 20s, you should try to save 10% of your income; in your 30s, you should be saving 15%. If you need to cut back on your retirement savings to make a home purchase work, think hard about when you’ll be able to get back to your ideal contribution levels and how much you may be losing out on during that time.Although home ownership can help build long-term wealth, it’s important to also maintain retirement savings for future security.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

How to Seal the Deal When Closing Your Beaufort Home

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 09:21:13 -0800

This is the moment you've worked for. It's time to close the deal on your new home. The home you've been wanting is almost yours, and the keys are nearly in your hands.As you cross the finish line, what are some things to consider?What Does "Closing" Mean?Closing simply means that you sign the final paperwork that gets you the keys to your new home.The process really begins when you sign a purchase and sale agreement, which specifies the closing date. It usually takes about 4 - 6 weeks from the signing date to closing date. During this time, purchasing funds are held in escrow, where your money is safe until the deal is officially done.What's a Closing Disclosure?A Closing Disclosure, or CD, is provided by the lender at least three days before settlement. The CD discloses you final loan terms and closing costs.The reason for this step is to make sure there's no surprises during the final closing. You should let your lender and title company know right away if there's a significant discrepancy between the Loan Estimate and CD. Depending on what the underlying issue is, the closing has to stop and a new closing disclosure must be sent out with a new three-day review period.The main things that can't change between by the time you get the Closing Disclosure is the interest rate and lender fees. Some items can change by only 10% (fees paid to local government to record the mortgage might be one); and others can change without limit, like prepaid interest, because it can’t be predicted at the start of the loan process.When Will the Final Walk-Through Happen?Usually within 24 hours of the settlement, you and your agent will do a walk-through of the home, making sure any repair work that the seller agreed to make has been completed.If any repair work is missed, your agent will contact the listing agent and, in most cases, negotiate to get the seller to compensate you at closing, This will usually be in the form of a personal check for the costs of fixing the problems yourself.Worst-case scenario: You have to delay closing to resolve problems. In the unlikely event that happens, your agent will help you address the issue.How Much Will I Pay for Closing Costs?Closing costs can be frustrating for home buyers, as there can be unexpected surprises.Costs are split between you and the seller, but as the buyer you’ll cover the lion’s share. You can generally expect your closing costs to be 3% to 4% of the home’s sales price. So, on a $300,000 home, you can pay anywhere from $9,000 to $12,000 in closing costs. (Meanwhile, the seller typically pays closing costs of 1% to 3% of the sales price.)You can try to predict closing costs with calculators which lets you plug in your mortgage details to get a rough estimate of what your costs will be.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Keep Home Improvements From Destroying Your Budget

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 12:11:33 -0800

Owning a home is an investment that, as we all know, will need repairs and improvements as the years go by. Many people prepare for the mortgage payment and other costs, but sudden repairs can catch anyone off guard. In fact, around 31% of homeowners don't set aside enough for home repairs.What are some steps you can take to make sure you're ready for your next repair job or improvement project?1. Always have a planSince there's many items on your to-do list as a homeowner, then logically you should make a real to-do list on paper or spreadsheet program to keep track of it all. Keep track of your regular maintenance items, such as filter replacements and gutter cleaning, as well as projects you want to take care of in the near future. Then make a list of larger updates you would like to do eventually.Doing this will not only help you remember regular items to keep up, but you can prioritize repairs that will save money down the road. This list will also come in handy when you want to look back at repairs on particular items over the years to see if they justify replacement. And when you go to sell your home, the buyer will appreciate knowing when those items were taken care of.2. Add to your emergency fundSetting aside money for repairs is always a good idea, especially if you don't live in a new home. Having an emergency fund can help you take care of unexpected situations, or if you lose income. And you don't have to aim for the stars to start with. Setting aside as much as you can will add up over the months and years. There are also apps for your phone that can help set money aside.3. Act quickly when it comes to repairsTake care of a repair as soon as it pops up. Don't wait for the problem to get worse. For example, a leaky faucet can rot the subfloor. Fixing a faucet is far easier than replacing a floor.4. Know your financing optionsSometimes a repair may exceed your cash on hand. Make a plan to take care of these larger repairs, such as borrowing from a bank or family member. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are also financing options.5. Consider doing it yourselfYounger homeowners tend to do projects themselves rather than hiring a pro. This can save hundreds on a project. But there's a risk in making huge mistakes that can cost more in the end. Make sure you can handle a project before you DIY.6. If you go pro, do your researchThere's nothing wrong with hiring a pro. But make sure that you research the pros in your area and get several estimates. Ask questions, such as how they intend to do the job, what the estimated timeline is, whether they’re insured and how much experience they have with projects like yours. Don’t simply go with the cheapest contractor to save Money. Yes, they could be the best person for the job, or you may wind up spending more to fix their mistakes.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Beaufort Holiday Dining at It's Best

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 11:46:33 -0800

Holiday shopping in Beaufort may be fun, but it can sure work up an appetite. But don't worry, there's no shortage of tantalizing food to enhance your shopping excursions in Beaufort. Here's a few choice restaurants to enhance your holiday in Beaufort.Wren BistroThis hip neighborhood bistro is the perfect place to relax while shopping in Beaufort. You'll find a relaxing, yet upscale atmosphere, along with locally sourced ingredients. It's located in historic downtown Beaufort, the ideal location for your holiday shopping and dining.Breakwater RestaurantYou can't say that you've experienced the Beaufort dining scene if you don't indulge in the best seafood in town. Breakwater offers an elegant, contemporary approach to a traditional Lowcountry cuisine, along with seafood from the Carolina coast. Chefs Gary Lang and Elizabeth Shaw use the freshest local ingredients to create a seasonal menu that's not to be missed.Saltus River GrillIf a sophisticated setting is more your style, then Saltus on Beaufort’s Waterfront Park overlooking the Beaufort River will make for a perfect holiday dining experience. Saltus is yet another fine Beaufort restaurant that makes good use of locally sourced ingredients. Add to this an outstanding wine selection and a raw bar with oysters from around the world and sushi, and it all combines to make your holiday shopping even more memorable.Panini's on the WaterfrontLocated in the historic Beaufort bank building, Panini’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in Beaufort. You'll find stone-baked pizza, panini sandwiches, hoagies, large salads, pastas, and fresh local seafood - all making for an outstanding lunch and dinner destination that's sure to energize your shopping excursions.The Dog HouseIf your shopping day doesn't give you enough time to sit down to a fancy meal, then The Dog House will serve up something tasty and quick to keep you going. Whether its a tasty brat or shrimp burgers, there's something to fill any appetite.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Competing With Cash Buyers in Beaufort County

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 08:26:07 -0800

In today’s hot real estate market in Beaufort County, bidding wars are more common. This also means that more people are buying with cash and looking for a good deal.Cash offers are more tempting for sellers, since it may make for a faster closing. Yet, cash offers don't always guarantee a sale. In many cases, cash buyers can be more demanding, wanting extras that are costly or make lowball offers.How can you bolster your chances of competing with cash buyers? Here's a few tips:1. Include a preapproval letter.Make sure all of your financial papers are put together, find a mortgage lender and get preapproved. Additionally, a note from your lender stating that you’re a well-qualified buyer is very helpful.2. Work with a fast-moving lender.Make sure you chose a lender that's known for fast transactions, as closing times vary significantly among lenders. This shows the seller you're ready to buy at their pace.3. Offer more earnest money or a bigger down payment.More money down means you’re serious about purchasing their home, which gives sellers more confidence in your offer.4. Make an appropriate offer.Don't offer too low. Make sure that you make an offer that will blow cash buyers out of the water.Are you planning to purchase a new home soon? Get in touch today to discuss the right strategy for your home search.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Keeping Your House Clean with Dogs While It’s on the Beaufort Market

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 07:51:59 -0800

It's harder to sell a house that smells like dogs or looks like pets have lived in them.How can you keep your house free of the smells from pets before you put it on the market?Steam Clean Everything FabricThe first thing you need to do is take care of all the soft surfaces in the house. They hold the most odors.This includes carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and even the drapes, since pets rub against drapes, getting oils, odors, and fur on the fabric. Get your curtains professionally cleaned.GroomingBefore you list your home, take your dog to the groomer. Make sure you groom them professionally and not at home. This way you get more hair and dander, and it goes down their drain, not yours.While your home is listed, regularly brush your dog outside to keep hair off the sofa or rugs.Clean Tile-Floor GroutTile grout also sucks up pet stains and smells. You can steam clean grout to lift those stains and smells. If the grout is really looking bad, hire a pro to chip it out and put in new grout.Get an Air PurifierYou may not notice pet odors since you've been used to them. Adding an air purifier with a HEPA filter will pull hair and dander out of the air and reduce that smell.Most air ducts don’t need to be cleaned, especially if you change filters regularly. But if dander and fur seem to be taking over, hire a duct-cleaning company before putting your home on the market.Use Enzymatic CleanersEnzymatic cleaners are specially made to remove pet odors. They're made from beneficial bacteria that eat stains and odors.They’re formulated to get rid of a specific type of stain, so a cleanser that targets urine won’t be the same as one for vomit. Apply them liberally to stains regardless of how old they are.Get Rid of ScratchesPet toenails leave telltale marks on doors and walls. For walls and doors made of synthetic materials, you’ll just need to paint over the marks. If you have a wooden door, use wood-filler pen can fill in the scratches. On hardwood floors, rub out small scratches with steel wool or fine sandpaper followed by mineral spirits, wood filler, and polyurethane. For major damage, refinishing the hardwood is a good investment.Absorb Odors With CharcoalCharcoal is great for pulling moisture and odors out of the air. Place inconspicuous little bags of it in places your pets love most. Or, just strategically stash some charcoal briquettes around the house.Spot Clean Furniture DailyKeeping your dog off the couch isn't always possible, so cover your freshly-cleaned furniture with throws or pet covers, and wash them at least once a week. Vacuum rugs and carpets every day. Pet smells sink in fast.Get a Sniff TestYou’ve scrubbed everything, and you think your house smells like a dog has never set foot in the door. Get a second opinion as to whether the odors are gone. You may be nose-blind. Ask your agent to walk through and give you an honest opinion.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Are Smart Home Devices For You?

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 09:18:20 -0800

Home trends can be fleeting, here one minute, then gone the next. What about smart technology? Smart technology adds functionality and value to a home, so it should be a trend that sticks. Here's a few smart home products that can make your home not only more safe, but convenient.Video DoorbellWiFi-enabled video doorbells are an inexpensive and convenient way to see who's at your door, even when you're not home, using your smartphone.The doorbell alerts your phone when someone rings the bell, or even when they come near. And you can talk to the visitor, making sure you get important deliveries or to let your friends know you're on the way to the door. And when you're away from home, you can catch potential thieves.Not only are video doorbells inexpensive, at around $200, they are easy to install and use.Smart Door LocksKeys are becoming a thing of the past. Now you can just use your phone as a digital key. And even better, you can text digital keys to whoever you want to gain access to your home. And you can set these so-called digital keys to be temporary or permanent, which is perfect for hiring contractors or others who should only have temporary access.And how many times do we forget to lock the house? That's no longer an issue with smart locks. Just check your cell phone and set the lock if needed.Home GeneratorsMore an more people are investing in generators due to more extreme weather and risk of power outages.However, the noisy portable diesel generators can be a pain. A built in generator can be installed that's about the size of an HVAC unit. They run on propane or natural gas and will kick on automatically when the power goes out.Smart MirrorMirror, mirror on the wall, will this be the fairest day of them all? Yes, now you can talk to the mirror. You can get the weather, traffic updates, podcasts, or order more bathroom supplies.There are even prototypes not yet on the market that will give you fashion advice. The magic mirror of Snow White is coming soon. The you can make sure you're the fairest of them all before you leave your smart home.Smart BlindsYou can save money on cooling costs in the summer with smart blinds, which you can also control from your phone.You can program them to open or close at certain times of day, or when the room hits a specific temperature. Or if you’re reading and you want to open the blinds to let in more light, you don’t have to get out of your chair. “Alexa, open the blinds.” Done.You can also pre-schedule your smart blinds to make your home more secure.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

The Best Times of Year For Home Renovation Projects

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 07:34:47 -0800

Does it make a difference what time of year you remodel your home? In reality, the right time to remodel is when you're ready.Yet some times are better for different phases of a remodel, and can make a difference in costs. Here are a few guidelines to help keep your remodel on target to get the most from cost and timing. SpringSpring is typically a busier time for builders, so you may pay more during this time of year for time and materials. But this is also a good time of year to plan for projects like decks, patios and outdoor rooms. Not only is the ground softer for digging, but you'll be ready to enjoy your deck during the the coming summer months. SummerSummer is a good time for kitchen or bath remodeling, since it's in a cooler part of the house than an upstairs remodel. Summer is also a better time for roofing projects, to most people's surprise. This is because the roofing material needs certain higher temperatures to seal. If you vacation in summer or have a summer home, it’s great to plan your remodeling effort for when you and your family will be away. You can avoid all the unpleasant inconveniences of living with a renovation and come back to a brand new addition. The only downside is not being able to monitor the progress of your builders as closely as you could if you were living in the home during the remodel. Remodeling October through DecemberOf course, as we come to the close of the year, most people are thinking about the holidays, so this may not be the best time for you to start a project. Most contractors are scrambling to get projects done by the end of the year, and this could lead to mistakes or lower quality work. On the other hand, it may be a slower time for contractors who've wrapped up other projects, so they may be less expensive as the year comes to a close. However, shipping may take longer, so work those extra days into your time frame. Timing concerns for any remodeling projectIn general, wet weather is the least desirable for any kind of remodeling. Interior work can take place any time, once the building is under cover. Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Creating Office Space in Your Home

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 08:21:13 -0700

Your home office is an important place. It's where you might run a business, telecommute, or manage your household affairs. As such, you need more than just a metal desk and chair stuck in the corner. Your office should be a place where you want to spend time burning the midnight oil. Here's a few tips to create a charming and practical work space.Location, Location, Location No doubt you will spend many hours in your home office, so don't squeeze yourself into a tiny space, like a closet. Give yourself some space. Also think about distractions and traffic flow. What environment do your work best in? Will you be having clients visit your office? If so, a private space with seating is a must.Form Over FunctionYour furniture should reflect the style of your home and feel like a seamless part of it, rather than a soulless workplace. Traditional home decor would suggest putting in a comfy chair or love seat if you have the space. Or you might chose artistic pieces and modern furniture for a more contemporary home.The Right ChairFind a chair that you can spend hours in comfortably. It might cost more, but the right chair is worth it.Room With a ViewA window to look at is better than a blank wall any day. The natural light from a window is ideal, but if you don't have a window, hang a favorite photo above your desk or face your desk toward the door. Master your technologyYou can't do much to make office equipment more beautiful, but you can hid those unruly cords. Position your equipment near outlets and round up the cords with velcro strips or other binding that's easy to undo. Feed the bundled cords behind the desk or through any holes made for cords in your desk.See the Light Make sure your office has plenty of light. This will reduce eye strain and headaches. Make sure your monitor is positioned to reduce glare from the window or overhead light, and use a desk lamp for doing tasks. Inspire YourselfYou space should inspire you, so set up a few things in your office that are meaningful to you and motivate you.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Saving Money on Your Next Move

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 12:20:11 -0700

Moving is never an easy experience, and that especially goes for your bank account. Moving expenses can stack up in no time. But there are ways to shave off quite a bit of money from your move. Here's a few ways you can save some money the next time you move.1. Timing Your MoveThe time of year or even the time of week that you move can make a difference in expense. Moving during the months of October to April can save money since it's a less busy season. Moving during a weekday can also save money over a weekend move.2. Lighten Your LoadThe less you have to move, the less it will cost. That's the simple rule of moving economics. Going through your possessions and deciding what to get rid of is also a great way to clean up the clutter in your life.One way to do this is to start with larger items and then work your way down to the smaller stuff. You might be surprised at how much room all those small items can take up. You might want to have a moving sale to earn extra cash. Or donate them to charities (yes you can usually write them off on your federal taxes).Reducing the amount of items you move will not only save money with a moving company, but if you rent your own truck. It reduces effort and stress as well. And if you have friends and family helping, they'll appreciate that you've done what you can to lighten their load as well.3. Save on BoxesIf you get boxes from a moving company, they will be sturdier and will protect your items better, but they are more expensive.You can save money here by buying used moving boxes, which you can get from some moving companies. They'll give you the same protection at a lower cost.Many people look for boxes from Facebook or Craigslist, or from their local supermarkets. Liquor boxes are ideal as they're more sturdy. Just make sure the boxes are in good shape and can be sealed properly.4. Pack It YourselfPacking your own items is another way to save money. But if you're using a moving company, you have to be careful as they usually inspect the boxes to make sure they're safely packed. They could make you repack them for safety reasons if not packed correctly. You may want to check with your moving company for their policies on packing.5. Save Your ReceiptsIf your company or military is reimbursing you for the move, make sure you save every receipt. Moving can add up to thousands of dollars, and you want to make sure you get all of that back.6. Shop AroundIf you must use a moving company, make sure you get several bids. Also read reviews and ratings on Google, or with the Better Business BureauYou can also check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which receives over 4,000 fraud complaints each year related to interstate moves, primarily related to lost items, damage to property, or overcharges. Doing your homework will help you find the best price and select a reputable company.Moving doesn't have to cost as much if you follow these basic tips.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Preventing Mold In the Home

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:31:24 -0700

Mold. A dreaded word. Especially when your talking about your home. Mold can grow on anything and anywhere and you can never get rid of the spores completely. Mold can also cause health problems and allergies. Here a some tips on keeping it at bay.Keep Things DryMoisture is an invitation. Things like wet spots on the carpet, clothes or wet laundry in the dryer should be dried as soon as possible. Keep the bathroom dry and clean. If you have a fan in the bathroom, turn it on while bathing or showering and leave it on until the moisture is gone. Dry around the kitchen sink after washing dishes. Keep areas like the bathroom and laundry room open for ventilation.Keep Good Airflow In You HomeThe air is unable to hold as much moisture as is cools down. Keeping a good airflow in your home will keep that moisture from settling into your walls or windows, Keep doors in the home open to help increase circulation and pull you furniture from the walls a bit. Fresh air never hurts either.Keeping Plants In the HomeKeep an eye on your houseplants. They can attract mold in the soil. Try keeping them in areas that have good airflow and be careful not to water them more than is necessary for each plants needs.Following these simple suggestions will help keep mold out of your home.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

Preparing Your Home For Fall

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 10:49:44 -0700

Fall is literally on your front doorstep, and it's time to make sure your home is ready for the coming seasons. Fall is the best time to check for areas of your home that may need minor maintenance. There may be spots that need caulking, cleaning gutters, checking the roof for missing shingles, and so forth. The goal is to find minor issues before they snowball into large problems.It's also the time of year when wild animals start to seek warmer environments. This means making sure your home is protected from critters that might want to cozy up in your attic or under the house.With a little bit of preventative maintenance and inspections, you can keep your property protected from expensive repairs. Here's a few tips to help your home be ready for fall.Check the ExteriorInspect the outside of your home carefully. Look for any areas that need caulking. Check the gutters for debris build up. Check for vegetation that needs trimming. Examine the roof for loose or missing shingles.Windows and DoorsCheck for any damaged or loose window or door frames. Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.Inspect For Fall SafetyCheck your railings and supports on decks, patios, and doorways. Can they support someone who may have slipped on snow or ice during the winter?Keeping Away the CrittersNo one wants to hear things that go bump in the night. And it's usually unwanted critters in your attic or basement that make that unwanted noise and can damage your home. Make sure to caulk small holes and cover the larger holes with hardware cloth.Also check the insulation in the attic for damage made from critters of the past. Damaged insulation can cause ice damage to your roof.Attic VentilationBe sure your insulation doesn’t cover vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice dams on the roof. Also be sure to check ridge vents and vents at eaves to make sure they're free of plants and debris.IrrigationIf you have a sprinkler system, keep in mind that every season has different watering requirements. Be sure to change the setting on the timer to adjust for more rainier months. This will help your irrigation system last longer and save water that's not needed during the wetter months.Yearly InspectionsYou should also take this time to make yearly inspections, such as removing debris from the chimney, checking smoke alarms, and servicing HVAC units.Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

How to Get the Right Mortgage

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:02:01 -0700

Owning a home is the goal of most people in America. If that's your goal, no doubt you will need to finance that purchase with a home mortgage. What are the steps you need to take to get a mortgage that's right for you?1. Find the Right HomeThere are a lot of factors to consider when you begin your home buying journey, and they're based on basic facts. The size of your family, the neighborhoods you'll consider living in, schools, singe-family or condo, income - all these factor into your decision.You should write down the features you want in a home and rank them according to priorities. Items such as number of beds and baths, a fenced yard, a garage, and so forth. Is the neighborhood more important, or the home itself. Would you be willing to have a longer commute for a larger home?Be sure to research neighborhoods you are considering. You should consider estimated home values, school information, crime stats, nearby shopping, etc. Then decide how these stats weigh against the type of home you want to live in.2. Save For a Down PaymentYou will need some kind of down payment in most cases. The amount you've saved will affect the mortgage you qualify for, as well as how much you can afford to borrow.3. What can You Afford?IncomeFor most mortgages, banks require that your monthly costs can't be more than a certain percentage of your income. For the sake of illustration, if that percentage is 28%, then that means your total monthly housing costs shouldn't be above $1166 if you annual income is $50,000. You can use a mortgage calculator to figure all this out.DebtsIf you have recurring debts, those payments along with the new mortgage payments may not be able to go above a certain level, such as 41% for example.Down PaymentThere are more and more loan options that require less than the traditional 20%. But the lower the percentage, the more your application will be scrutinized. So if you have great credit, you can aim for a loan with a lower down payment. There are a number of loans that allow for smaller down payments, such as FHA, GSE-backed loans, USDA (for rural areas), and VA loans.4. Compare LendersOne of the biggest mistakes home owners make is not shopping around for a mortgage. Don's just use who people recommend. Check around with different banks, and don't procrastinate, as market conditions change.Make sure to disclose as much financial information to the lenders as possible, and be accurate. Quotes are based on your down payment, along with credit history, income, assets, and debt.5. Get Pre-ApprovedBy now, you should know what you want in a home and how much you have for a down payment. Now you can get pre-approved for a loan so that you can go out and actually start looking for your future home. Being pre-approved helps you find the right home in your price range, and lets the seller know you mean business and are ready to make a deal. This is important in this competitive market, as it give you an edge over other buyers.Want more advice about real estate? Join us on our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.

The Top Things to Do in Beaufort

Mike Sackman, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS. Closer! (MAS Real Estate Advisors) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 12:54:20 -0700

It's no secret that Beaufort has been rated so highly as one of the best places to live in America. One of the main reasons for that distinction are the natural and historic attractions that fill the area. You'll never run out of natural places to enjoy and explore, along with history to be discovered. Here's a few of the best things to do in Beaufort.Henry C. Chambers Waterfront ParkAs the home for annual events such as the Taste of Beaufort, Water Festival and the Shrimp Festival, Waterfront Park is the most prominent park in Beaufort. Located in downtown Beaufort along the waters of the Beaufort River, it offers a peaceful and scenic diversion while shopping or enjoying the other attractions of downtown Beaufort. There's a playground for the kids, and dogs are also welcome.St. Helena's Anglican ChurchOne of the oldest churches in America, St. Helena's Anglican Church was built in the early 1700s. You can enjoy a free tour given by a knowledgeable docent, or you can explore the grounds on your own, which includes a historic cemetary.Hunting Island LighthouseHunting Island Park is a popular draw for visitors, with it's iconic lighthouse and pristine sandy beach. There's also a campground for RVs and tent camping, with easy access to the beach. As the only publicly accessible lighthouse in the state, it's the perfect place to catch amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, beach and marsh. The park is also an ideal spot for fishing, along with exploring the local wildlife.Spanish Moss TrailFor those who enjoy a good trail to bike, run, or enjoy a relaxing walk, the Spanish Moss trail offers the perfect setting. The mile markers and historical sign boards will let you discover the area's fascinating past. It's also near great restaurants where you can grab a bot or enjoy a cup of coffee during your journey.Beaufort Kayak ToursEnjoy the beauty of the waters around Beaufort as you learn about the wildlife and history of the area. A number of tours are available, including Salt Marsh Ecology, Dolphin Ecology, Salt Marsh and Seafood Industry, ACE Basin, Beaufort History, and Hunting Island.Every Second Counts ESCEscape from the every day routine by escaping from one of these themed rooms. Chose from different themed rooms where you along with friends, family members and co-workers must work together as a team to solve a series of riddles, clues, hints, lockboxes and strategy to complete the objectives in order to escape the room. And you only have 60 minutes to get free!There's so much more than this waiting for you in Beaufort. Visit our blog every week for more Beaufort area real estate news and advice. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Beaufort and the surrounding areas.