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Homeownership is A Wonderful Thing. We're Here to Guide You Every Step of the Way.
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Buying a home is more than just a transaction—it's a life-changing experience. We understand that this journey is as emotional as it is financial. That's why our REALTORS® are committed to being your trusted partner, offering expert guidance with a personal touch.
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Essential Home Maintenance Tips for End of Winter Storms
If you haven’t performed your annual home maintenance checks this winter, don’t think you can avoid them because the season’s almost over. End-of-winter storms are wreaking havoc on homes across the country, and homeowners who don’t maintain their properties to combat storms will likely incur costly repairs and possible health risks.Heavy wind, rain, ice, and snow can threaten your home’s structural integrity and damage critical systems. Frigid winter temperatures usually force homeowners to rely on indoor heating systems that mail fail if not taken care of properly. Don’t be caught off guard because the weather is fine now. Attend to crucial yearly maintenance as soon as possible to save money, stay safe, and keep peace of mind.Here are some essential home maintenance tips you can review and take action on to avoid the surprise of damaged property, unsafe conditions, and costly repair bills. Inspect Carbon Monoxide and Smoke DetectorsChilly weather often prompts homeowners to fire up the furnace or gather around the fireplace. For those who don’t have properly functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, however, warm days and nights indoors might turn into family health risks. Make sure you test your detectors and change the batteries at least once this season, and keep in mind that carbon monoxide detectors typically last for three to five years, while smoke detectors last for eight to ten years. Protect PipesDon’t neglect your plumbing if you live where water freezes. Protect your pipes from freezing and bursting by taking preventative measures like installing frost-proof spigots or closing interior shut-off valves leading to outdoor faucets. Wrap pipes in unheated areas, such as in basements and attics, with insulation. Get a Furnace InspectionIf you haven’t had someone inspect your furnace this winter, it’s time to hire a professional. Faulty furnaces can cause fires that put homes and lives at risk. Additionally, older furnaces aren’t as energy efficient as modern ones, so having an expert check your system could lower your heating bill. Inspect and Sweep Fireplaces and ChimneysFireplaces and chimneys cause almost three in ten fires associated with heating systems. This is reason enough to get a winter safety inspection on these systems if you haven’t already. But, consider too that you can get carbon monoxide poisoning from a blocked chimney or flue. Homeowners are also wise to do an annual check themselves for anything flammable set within a three-foot zone of a fireplace opening. Clear GuttersBefore the next winter storm rolls around, ensure your gutters are clear of leaves, branches, and other debris that can cause water to pool and freeze over, leading to a blockage. If you see icicles hanging from your gutters, this is a good indication that a problem already needs immediate attention. Ice dams in gutters can fall and injure someone or build up to the point where they threaten your home’s exterior. Check Exhaust VentsNatural gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces work overtime during winter storms, all emitting exhaust that must be directed outdoors. It’s important to check your exhaust vents for blockages and ensure all flap traps open correctly. Otherwise, hazardous fumes may enter your home and pose a health hazard. Additionally, blocked vents and traps can be a fire risk if materials trapped inside get too hot and combust. Maintain Outdoor Utility EquipmentOutdoor utility panels and meters must be clear of ice and snow to function properly and safely. If you haven’t given your utility equipment a winter check, do it before the next storm hits. Remember that you should never use heat to melt ice or snow from a utility panel or meter. Also, avoid hitting the panel and meter if you have to shovel snow around them. Put an Emergency Kit TogetherHarsh and violent winter storms may cause power outages, block exterior doors, and bring on other issues that disrupt your comfort and safety. Be prepared by having a well-stocked emergency kit in your home. Stock your kit with extra food and water (for babies and pets, too), an emergency blanket, foot and hand warmers, medications, bandages, clothing, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a Swiss army knife, and a two-way radio (hand, battery, or solar-powered). As extra safety measures, ensure all household members know your family’s evacuation plan and all pets have an ID tag on their collar.Do you want to talk to a real estate professional about getting your home ready to sell this winter or in the upcoming months? Contact Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® for a consultation.The post Essential Home Maintenance Tips for End of Winter Storms appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
Future-Proofing Your Home Purchase: Anticipating Life Changes
In the ever-evolving journey of life, your home should be a constant source of comfort and functionality. But how can you ensure that the house you buy today will still meet your needs in five, ten, or even twenty years? Welcome to the art of future-proofing your home purchase – a strategy that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. The Importance of Looking Ahead When searching for a new home, it's easy to focus solely on your current needs. However, considering potential future scenarios can lead to a more satisfying and valuable purchase in the long term. Let's explore some life changes that could significantly impact your housing needs: 1. Career Changes Home office potential Proximity to diverse job markets Commute flexibility 2. Starting or Expanding a Family Additional bedrooms and bathrooms Accessible layouts and safety features Outdoor space for play and activities 3. Aging in Place Single-level living or first-floor main suites Wider doorways and hallways for potential mobility aids Easily modifiable bathrooms for safety features 4. Multi-generational Living Guest suites or separate living areas Multiple main-suite bedrooms Flexible spaces that can adapt to changing family dynamics Key Features for Long-Term Value and Flexibility To help you make a purchase that will serve you well into the future, consider this checklist of features that add long-term value and flexibility to a home: 1. Location, Location, Location Research school districts, even if you don't have children Proximity to amenities like healthcare, shopping, and recreation Potential for area growth and development 2. Adaptable Floor Plans Open concept designs that can be easily reconfigured Bonus rooms or flex spaces for changing needs Possibility for additions or expansions 3. Energy Efficiency and Smart Home Technology Well-insulated windows and doors Energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems Pre-wiring for smart home technology integration 4. Low-Maintenance Materials Durable flooring options like hardwood or luxury vinyl Weather-resistant exterior materials Easy-care landscaping 5. Universal Design Elements Step-free entrances Lever-style door handles Accessible kitchen and bathroom layouts 6. Income Potential Separate entrances for potential rental units Zoning laws that allow for short-term rentals Garage or basement that could be converted into living space 7. Anticipating School District Needs Even if you don't currently have children, the quality of local schools can significantly impact your home's future value. Consider the following: Research school district rankings and performance metrics Look into specialized programs or magnet schools in the area Consider the impact of school quality on potential resale value 8. The Rise of Home Offices With remote work becoming increasingly common, a dedicated home office space is more valuable than ever. Look for: Rooms that can be easily converted into office space Good natural lighting and ventilation High-speed internet availability in the area 9. Planning for Multi-Generational Living As lifespans increase and family dynamics evolve, many homeowners find themselves needing space for aging parents or adult children. Consider homes with: Ground-floor bedrooms and full bathrooms Separate entrances or guest suites Kitchenettes or wet bars in basement or bonus rooms 10. Maximizing Resale Potential While you're planning for your future, don't forget about the potential next owner. Features that add resale value include: Updated kitchens and bathrooms Neutral color schemes Ample storage space Outdoor living areas Investing in Your Future Home By considering potential life changes and focusing on adaptable features, you can make a home purchase that will serve you well for years to come. Remember, the goal is not to predict the future with certainty, but to create a flexible living space that can evolve with your needs. As you embark on your home search, keep these future-proofing strategies in mind. Consult with your REALTOR® about properties that offer long-term value and adaptability. They can provide invaluable insights into local market trends and help you identify homes that align with your future goals. Remember, a home is more than just a place to live – it's an investment in your future. By taking a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to your purchase, you can create a space that will grow and change with you, providing comfort and security for years to come. -- Please note that this article was created to help readers think more holistically about their home purchase, and is not intended to influence any decision you make when purchasing a home. We fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity Act, and do not advertise properties based on race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.
Lifestyle Mapping: Aligning Your Home Choice with Your Daily Routine
When it comes to buying a home, it's easy to get caught up in the aesthetics - the gleaming hardwood floors, the state-of-the-art kitchen, or the spacious backyard. But have you considered how well a potential home aligns with your lifestyle? Your daily routine, hobbies, and long-term goals should all play a crucial role in your home-buying decision. Let's explore how you can map your lifestyle to find the perfect home that not only looks great but also enhances your quality of life. Understanding Lifestyle Mapping Lifestyle mapping is the process of analyzing your daily activities, preferences, and future plans to determine what features and location would best suit your needs in a home. It's about looking beyond the four walls and considering how a property fits into the bigger picture of your life. Step 1: Map Out Your Typical Week To start, let's do a simple exercise. Grab a piece of paper or open a spreadsheet and create a grid representing the seven days of the week, with hourly slots from morning to night. Now, fill in your typical activities for each day. Include everything from your work schedule and commute times to your regular gym sessions, social activities, and downtime at home. This visual representation of your week will help you identify patterns and priorities in your lifestyle that should influence your home choice. Step 2: Analyze Your Commute One of the most significant factors affecting your daily life is your commute. Consider the following: How long are you willing to commute each day? Do you prefer driving, public transportation, or active commuting (walking/biking)? Are you working from home more often now? Do you need a dedicated home office space? Pro Tip: Use online maps to check commute times from potential neighborhoods to your workplace during rush hour. Don't forget to factor in time for parking or walking from public transit stops. Step 3: Identify Your Must-Have Amenities Think about the places you visit regularly and how important it is to have them nearby. Some common considerations include: Grocery stores and restaurants Parks and green spaces Gyms or fitness centers Schools (if you have children or plan to in the future) Healthcare facilities Cultural venues (museums, theaters, etc.) Create a list of your top 5-10 must-have amenities and rank them in order of importance. This will help you prioritize when evaluating different neighborhoods. Step 4: Consider Your Hobbies and Interests Your home should support your passions and interests. Ask yourself: Do you need extra space for a hobby room, art studio, or home gym? Is outdoor space important for gardening or entertaining? Do you frequently host guests and need additional bedrooms? Are you a movie buff who dreams of a home theater setup? Make a list of features that would enhance your ability to enjoy your hobbies at home. Step 5: Evaluate Different Home Styles Now that you've mapped out your lifestyle needs, it's time to consider which type of home might be the best fit: Condos/Apartments: Ideal for those who value low maintenance, amenities like gyms or pools, and often offer shorter commutes to city centers. Townhouses: A middle ground between condos and single-family homes, offering some outdoor space and multiple floors without the full responsibility of a detached home. Single-Family Homes: Provide the most space and privacy but come with more maintenance responsibilities. Great for growing families or those who need lots of room for hobbies. Rural Properties: Perfect for those who value space, privacy, and a connection to nature, but may increase commute times and distance from amenities. Step 6: Future-Proof Your Decision While focusing on your current lifestyle is important, don't forget to consider your future plans: Are you planning to start or expand your family? Do you anticipate career changes that might affect your commute or need for a home office? Are there any health considerations that might make certain home features (like stairs) challenging in the future? Choose a home that can adapt to your changing needs over the next 5-10 years. Bringing It All Together By mapping your lifestyle and carefully considering how different home features align with your daily routine, you'll be better equipped to make a decision that enhances your quality of life for years to come. Remember, the perfect home isn't just about the property itself—it's about how seamlessly it integrates into your lifestyle. Practical Tips for Home Hunting Now that you've completed your lifestyle mapping, here are some practical tips to apply during your home search: Use Technology: Leverage real estate apps and websites that allow you to filter homes based on commute times, nearby amenities, and specific home features that match your lifestyle needs. Schedule Visits Strategically: When viewing potential homes, try to visit at different times of day to get a feel for the neighborhood, traffic patterns, and noise levels. Talk to Locals: Strike up conversations with neighbors or visit local businesses to get insider information about the area and community vibe. Test Your Commute: Before making an offer, do a test run of your potential new commute during rush hour to ensure it's manageable. Visualize Your Routine: As you walk through each property, imagine how you'd move through the space during a typical day. Does the layout support your lifestyle? The Impact of Lifestyle-Aligned Homes Choosing a home that aligns with your lifestyle can have profound effects on your overall well-being: Reduced Stress: A well-located home can minimize commute-related stress and provide easy access to relaxation spots like parks or gyms. Improved Work-Life Balance: Having a dedicated home office or a short commute can help you better separate work and personal time. Enhanced Social Life: Proximity to friends, family, or social hubs can encourage more frequent interactions and a sense of community. Better Health: Easy access to fitness facilities, walking trails, or bike paths can promote a more active lifestyle. Increased Satisfaction: A home that supports your hobbies and interests can lead to greater overall life satisfaction. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to finding the perfect home. Your ideal property will be as unique as your lifestyle. By taking the time to map out your daily routine and consider how different home features and locations align with your needs, you're investing in more than just a property—you're investing in a better quality of life. As you embark on your home-buying journey, keep your lifestyle map close at hand. It will serve as a valuable guide, helping you navigate the myriad of options and ultimately lead you to a home where you can truly thrive. Ready to start your home search with your lifestyle in mind? Our team of experienced REALTORS® is here to help you find the perfect match. Contact us today to begin your journey towards a home that not only meets your needs but enhances your daily life.
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Essential Home Maintenance Tips for End of Winter Storms
If you haven’t performed your annual home maintenance checks this winter, don’t think you can avoid them because the season’s almost over. End-of-winter storms are wreaking havoc on homes across the country, and homeowners who don’t maintain their properties to combat storms will likely incur costly repairs and possible health risks.Heavy wind, rain, ice, and snow can threaten your home’s structural integrity and damage critical systems. Frigid winter temperatures usually force homeowners to rely on indoor heating systems that mail fail if not taken care of properly. Don’t be caught off guard because the weather is fine now. Attend to crucial yearly maintenance as soon as possible to save money, stay safe, and keep peace of mind.Here are some essential home maintenance tips you can review and take action on to avoid the surprise of damaged property, unsafe conditions, and costly repair bills. Inspect Carbon Monoxide and Smoke DetectorsChilly weather often prompts homeowners to fire up the furnace or gather around the fireplace. For those who don’t have properly functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, however, warm days and nights indoors might turn into family health risks. Make sure you test your detectors and change the batteries at least once this season, and keep in mind that carbon monoxide detectors typically last for three to five years, while smoke detectors last for eight to ten years. Protect PipesDon’t neglect your plumbing if you live where water freezes. Protect your pipes from freezing and bursting by taking preventative measures like installing frost-proof spigots or closing interior shut-off valves leading to outdoor faucets. Wrap pipes in unheated areas, such as in basements and attics, with insulation. Get a Furnace InspectionIf you haven’t had someone inspect your furnace this winter, it’s time to hire a professional. Faulty furnaces can cause fires that put homes and lives at risk. Additionally, older furnaces aren’t as energy efficient as modern ones, so having an expert check your system could lower your heating bill. Inspect and Sweep Fireplaces and ChimneysFireplaces and chimneys cause almost three in ten fires associated with heating systems. This is reason enough to get a winter safety inspection on these systems if you haven’t already. But, consider too that you can get carbon monoxide poisoning from a blocked chimney or flue. Homeowners are also wise to do an annual check themselves for anything flammable set within a three-foot zone of a fireplace opening. Clear GuttersBefore the next winter storm rolls around, ensure your gutters are clear of leaves, branches, and other debris that can cause water to pool and freeze over, leading to a blockage. If you see icicles hanging from your gutters, this is a good indication that a problem already needs immediate attention. Ice dams in gutters can fall and injure someone or build up to the point where they threaten your home’s exterior. Check Exhaust VentsNatural gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces work overtime during winter storms, all emitting exhaust that must be directed outdoors. It’s important to check your exhaust vents for blockages and ensure all flap traps open correctly. Otherwise, hazardous fumes may enter your home and pose a health hazard. Additionally, blocked vents and traps can be a fire risk if materials trapped inside get too hot and combust. Maintain Outdoor Utility EquipmentOutdoor utility panels and meters must be clear of ice and snow to function properly and safely. If you haven’t given your utility equipment a winter check, do it before the next storm hits. Remember that you should never use heat to melt ice or snow from a utility panel or meter. Also, avoid hitting the panel and meter if you have to shovel snow around them. Put an Emergency Kit TogetherHarsh and violent winter storms may cause power outages, block exterior doors, and bring on other issues that disrupt your comfort and safety. Be prepared by having a well-stocked emergency kit in your home. Stock your kit with extra food and water (for babies and pets, too), an emergency blanket, foot and hand warmers, medications, bandages, clothing, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a Swiss army knife, and a two-way radio (hand, battery, or solar-powered). As extra safety measures, ensure all household members know your family’s evacuation plan and all pets have an ID tag on their collar.Do you want to talk to a real estate professional about getting your home ready to sell this winter or in the upcoming months? Contact Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® for a consultation.The post Essential Home Maintenance Tips for End of Winter Storms appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
How to Turn Your Home into a Winter Wonderland for an Open House
Whether you’re selling your home and want to welcome buyers to view it or are entertaining guests for the holidays, turning your exterior and interior into a winter wonderland can create the perfect atmosphere.From lighting and landscaping to indoor decor and seasonal scents, there are many ways to bring the warmth and merriment of the season to those who visit you.Here are some tips for cozying and brightening your home for a winter open house.LightingSet the stage for a winter wonderland by stringing lights throughout your outdoors, in trees, on shrubs, along walkways, and on stair and porch railings. All-white light displays create an enchanting setting for wonder, but colored lights also delight guests, especially when set against a snowy backdrop. Inside, drape lights around doorways and on stairways, and add battery-operated string lights to bowls to create eye-catching table centerpieces. Decorative seasonal lights adorned outside and in help a home exude warmth and personality. Want to really turn on the wow factor? Consider adding a dramatic curtain of white lights along a wall or fence.LandscapingDress trees with sparkling decorations, erect a Nativity set on your lawn, and strategically place snowmen throughout your property to turn your landscape into a winter wonderland. Dazzle guests with a giant snow globe, little lanterns, and cozy places to sit and take in the sights in your yard.EntryYou’ll want open house guests to feel the fun and festiveness of the season well before they enter your home, so pay special attention to decorating your entry. Envelop your front steps, deck, and door with all things winter like bows, boughs of holly, wreaths, and pine cones. Place a winter-themed doormat on your porch and jingle bells on the front door knobs. Set up a welcome station right before guests enter with shoe booties, candy canes, and hot chocolate.Winter FragranceA great seasonal fragrance can quickly transform a home’s interior into a winter wonderland. Reach for candles, incense, wax melts, and diffusers scented with cinnamon and other warm spices, yummy gingerbread, or pretty pine. Ensure every room in your home, even the bathroom, is bathed in the season’s scents.FireplacesA warm and cozy fireplace can set the scene for a winter wonderland, perhaps more than anything else. So, decorate your mantel, light a fire, and draw open-house guests into the season’s magic. Don’t have a fireplace? Find a video of a fireplace, complete with crackling fire sounds, and play it on your TV.Indoor Plants Adding colorful seasonal plants to your indoors can instantly turn it into a festive gathering place. Go with striking candy cane amaryllis, paperwhites, poinsettias, and cyclamen. Or, opt for gorgeous greens like Norfolk Island pine, ivy, mistletoe, and juniper. Christmas cactus and tabletop firs are also popular plants in a winter wonderland design scheme. Of course, you can always leave your Christmas tree up throughout the winter season.*Note – Many house plants may be toxic to your pets, so check with your veterinarian before bringing any of these holiday favorites indoors.TablescapesSet the perfect dining table as winter wonderland eye candy or to welcome guests for a holiday meal. Lay out beautiful dinnerware, glassware, and napkins. Create an inviting mood with candles and floral centerpieces. Add winter trinkets like little glass trees or real evergreen pieces as decor. Think about introducing color and texture with tablecloths, place mats, table runners, and chair coverings.LayersVisually and literally warm up your home for winter guests by adding layers. Think of layering in terms of textiles and lighting, and create cozy spaces using combinations of blankets, rugs, pillows, curtains, towels, light fixtures, and lighted accessories. Wood also suggests warmth, so play around with ways to bring the outdoors into your wonderland setting.Winter DetailsWrap up all the details of your winter wonderland open house by adding thoughtful touches throughout your home like seasonal soap dishes and hand soaps, festive window decals, hanging snowflakes, and wintry coasters and knickknacks. Place holiday-themed hardcover books on coffee tables and leave candy dishes filled with tasty treats in every room. Make a miniature Christmas village a side table focal point and set out a craft table for kids.There are many ways to embrace the season and create a warm winter wonderland setting for guests. Use your imagination to come up with whimsical, joyful, and meaningful decorations and activities that produce memories people will cherish for years.Are you looking to sell or buy a home this winter? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help.The post How to Turn Your Home into a Winter Wonderland for an Open House appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
Fall Décor Trends with Interior Design Pro Jennifer Adams
With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect excuse to update your home décor and welcome the new season in style. To effortlessly transition your home, here are some of the best décor trends to try. Bring Nature Indoors Taking inspiration from Mother Nature, bring the natural, lush beauty of the outdoors into your home with houseplants. They make great decorating accents by adding color and character, and they help create a flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces. With the variety of species, sizes and shapes, you have an array of choices that fit your needs and style. Additionally, plants purify the air and produce a calming effect. They’re the perfect natural mood-enhancer! Flower Power From patterns on wallpaper, curtains and upholstery to fresh bouquets dotting your tabletops, flowers are a gorgeous way to uplift any room. Like houseplants, flowers are a great accent, adding a splash of color and giving your space a finished look. With a myriad of options to choose from, you can go bold with a bright, colorful bouquet on your dining room table, and grace your entry table with an elegant monochrome arrangement that welcomes you home every day. Natural Wood Continuing with the theme of bringing nature indoors, you can’t go wrong with fine natural wood pieces like tables, stools, chairs, shelves and accessories. The idea is to allow the natural wood grains and tones take center stage. This trend also includes unfinished or distressed wood furniture like a rustic farmhouse kitchen table or dining room table. Earthy Tones As for a color palette, think earthy tones. Rich shades of brown, green, and blue are excellent choices, as well as soft whites that evoke sand dunes, pale wood, and natural linen. The idea is to create a soothing sanctuary to retreat and relax in. Don’t forget to add those pops of color, too—a burst of red, yellow or orange will enliven the space and your senses. Soft and Curvy From circular lampshades to round accent pillows to curvy sofas and armchairs, it’s all about soft lines. When you look around nature, curves rule—whether it’s the graceful curve of a flower’s petal, the delicate spiral of a seashell or the hardy roundness of a tree trunk. Similarly, incorporating curves into your home décor creates an elegant, fresh and inviting space with a natural flair. The post Fall Décor Trends with Interior Design Pro Jennifer Adams appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
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