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Homeownership is A Wonderful Thing. We're Here to Guide You Every Step of the Way.
Beginning Your Journey Home
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.
Get to Know Your Needs
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.
5 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before House Hunting
Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of buying your first home? Before you start scrolling through endless listings or attending open houses, take a moment to pause and reflect. As a first-time homebuyer, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of the hunt, but a little self-reflection can save you time, stress, and potentially a lot of money in the long run. At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Beyond, we've helped countless first-time buyers find their dream homes. One thing we've learned? The most successful homebuyers are those who take the time to really understand their needs before they start looking. To help you get started, we've put together five essential questions you should ask yourself before you even think about scheduling that first viewing. 1. What's Your Long-Term Vision for Homeownership? Let's kick things off with a bit of daydreaming. Close your eyes and imagine yourself five, ten, even fifteen years down the road. Where do you see yourself? Are you still in this home, or has it become a stepping stone to something else? Your answer to this question can significantly impact the type of home you should be looking for. If you're planning to start a family soon, that cozy one-bedroom condo might not be the best choice. On the flip side, if you're buying with the intention of upgrading in a few years, you might prioritize properties with good resale value over your dream forever home. Remember, buying a home is a big investment, both financially and emotionally. Aligning your purchase with your long-term goals can help ensure you're making a decision you'll be happy with for years to come. 2. What's Your Ideal Location and Why? Location, location, location – it's a cliché for a reason! The neighborhood you choose can have a huge impact on your daily life and your home's future value. But what makes a location "ideal" varies from person to person. Ask yourself: Do you want to be in the heart of the city or prefer a quieter suburban setting? How important is your commute time? Are you looking for a specific school district? Do you need easy access to public transportation? What about proximity to amenities like parks, restaurants, or shopping centers? Don't just think about where you want to live – think about why. Understanding your motivations can help you prioritize when you're faced with tough decisions later in your search. 3. What Are Your Non-Negotiable Features in a Home? Now it's time to make your wish list – but we're not talking about your "nice-to-haves" just yet. Instead, focus on the features you absolutely can't live without. These are your deal-breakers, the things that will make or break a potential purchase. For some, it might be a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms. For others, it could be a garage, a backyard, or a home office. Maybe you need a ground-floor bedroom for accessibility reasons, or perhaps energy efficiency is at the top of your list. Whatever your must-haves are, be honest with yourself about what you truly need versus what you simply want. Keep in mind that the more flexible you can be, the more options you'll have in your price range. 4. How Much Space Do You Really Need? In the world of real estate, bigger isn't always better. While it's tempting to go for the largest home you can afford, more space means higher costs – not just in terms of the purchase price, but also in ongoing expenses like heating, cooling, and maintenance. Take a good look at your current living situation: Do you feel cramped, or do you have rooms you rarely use? Do you need space for a growing family or frequent guests? What about storage for your hobbies or collections? Be realistic about your space needs. Remember, it's not just about square footage – smart layouts can make smaller homes feel spacious, while poorly designed larger homes can feel cramped. 5. What's Your True Budget, Including Hidden Costs? Last but certainly not least, let's talk money. Your budget isn't just about the listing price of a home – there are many other costs to consider. As first-time buyers, it's crucial to understand the full financial picture before you start your search. Consider: Your down payment and monthly mortgage payments Property taxes and homeowners insurance Utilities (which may be higher than what you're used to in a rental) Maintenance and repair costs Homeowners association fees, if applicable Closing costs and other fees associated with buying a home Don't forget to factor in a cushion for unexpected expenses. The last thing you want is to stretch your budget so thin that you can't enjoy your new home or, worse, risk foreclosure if your financial situation changes. It's also worth considering how your home purchase might affect other financial goals, like saving for retirement or paying off student loans. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a home that costs no more than 2.5 to 3 times your annual household income, but your specific situation may vary. Wrapping It Up Taking the time to honestly answer these five questions can make a world of difference in your home-buying journey. Not only will you have a clearer picture of what you're looking for, but you'll also be better prepared to make quick decisions in a competitive market. Remember, buying a home is a big step, but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one. By doing this self-assessment upfront, you're setting yourself up for success and ensuring that when you do find "the one," you'll know it. At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Beyond, we're here to guide you every step of the way. From helping you refine your search criteria to navigating the offer process, our team of experienced real estate professionals is committed to making your first home purchase a smooth and enjoyable experience. Remember, the path to homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint. By taking the time to ask yourself these important questions, you're already miles ahead in your journey. Happy house hunting!
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Trend Alert from Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur – The Outdoor Fireplace!
One of the most popular additions to the backyard is the outdoor fire pit with seating around it. Having an area for entertaining that is separate from the patio table has been featured in magazines, websites and all types of social media. Even the designs that I’ve been doing for homes in downtown areas seem to always include high-end wood or gas burning fixtures. Before you go any further in exploring if an outdoor fireplace is right for you, check your municipal bylaws. Some areas ban outdoor burning altogether. Others allow outdoor fireplaces but regulate the smoke to ensure that your neighbors are not disturbed. Some municipalities require that grills be in place so that these fire pits fall under barbeque laws. Just because a store in your area sells you a fireplace doesn’t mean that you can actually use it. If, however, you’re like me and love the smell of burning wood, the sound of crackling logs and can spend hours watching flames and coals, then there is nothing like an outdoor wood-burning fireplace. That said, burning wood always comes with lots of risks and rewards. Live fires are unpredictable and as a result, can be dangerous if not handled properly. When it comes to fire safety, make sure that you allow for at least 6ft. of space between the edge of the fireplace and the chairs. Sparks can easily fly from natural burning fires. If you don’t have sufficient clearance, choosing a natural gas or propane option would be a safer solution. If you do go with wood burning, then make sure you have either a source of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, consider where the best spot is for your fire pit and what surface it is going on. The best surface solution is always stone. Whether its manmade pavers, natural flagstone or even gravel, stone is perfect for dispersing heat or flying sparks. I have created fireplaces on wood decks but I always make sure that the area under and around the fire pit is either gravel or concrete. When it comes to locations, wood-burning fire pits need to be away from the house. Smoke always seems to get into open windows or patio doors. Be sure to choose a spot that is away from large trees or anything that is burnable. Having an outdoor fireplace can be an amazing way to spend a summer night or even host an après ski party. Just make sure you do a little research first. The post Trend Alert from Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur – The Outdoor Fireplace! appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
Fall 101 with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur
I can’t believe that I am about to talk about a fall checklist…but according to the calendar and according to the nip in the air at night, its time to start thinking about the end of summer >. I’m personally a little torn by this. I love the gardening season, but there is something very special about the turning of the season that I also really love. Maybe it’s the autumn leaves or the smell in the air or even the fact that the outdoor temperature is now comfortable even at noon; whatever the case, I’m not too upset that its time to think about putting the gardens to bed. There are a few things that home gardeners get wrong at this time of the year. First off is bulb planting. I love tulips and daffodils in the spring, but I never plant the bulbs in the ground until the soil temperature is below 4 degrees Celsius. Being patient when planting your bulbs is so important to ensure that they stay dormant until spring. Also, remember that the squirrels will probably dig your bulbs up if you are not smart about how you plant them. Squirrels like to steal food from other squirrels. They look for areas of disturbed soil thinking that this is where their neighbor has hidden something edible. When you are planting your bulbs, make sure to disguise the area with some leaves so that it looks like the ground is still undisturbed. Speaking of your leaves; KEEP THEM. I know that some homes have huge maples or other deciduous trees in the yard and the amount of fallen leaves far exceeds any needs that you may have. However, mulched or composted leaves are the best fertilizer you can get for your gardens. Leaves that have been running through the mower are also fantastic as an insulator. A few years ago I bought a Black and Decker 3 n1 leaf vacuum, blower, and mulcher, and it’s become my go-to tool for creating my own free fertilizer. Don’t forget to wrap your plants and trees! Once again, Mother Nature is giving us some early warning signs of another hard winter to come; specifically, all of the cone-bearing evergreens have them at the tops of the trees. This is a sign that we are in for another rough season, which is going to be hard on your plants. Go out and invest in lots of tree wraps and burlap. Having a windbreak is crucial for plants like rhododendrons, cedars and even your rose of Sharon. The key is to wrap your tree snuggly enough that the burlap will stay up in the wind, but not too tight as they break branches. You should also wait until your plants have gone dormant, which is tough for your evergreens. I like to wrap my tender shrubs and bushes at the end of October. You may not have to start thinking about these jobs now, but trust me, winter is really just around the corner! The post Fall 101 with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
Fall Lawn Prep with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur
Fall is the perfect time to get your lawn prepped for spring, and now is the time to do it! Most homeowners ignore their lawns in the fall but the cooler weather is fantastic for your grass. During this time of year, your lawn is actively storing water, nutrients and generating energy so that it can make it through a long winter. If you take care of it now, you’ll have a healthier, lusher looking patch of green in the spring! Now is the time to lower the blade on your mower. I keep mine between 3 and 3.5”s during the warmer months. In the fall, it is time to drop it down to 2”s to allow more sunlight to get to the crown of the grass. There are a couple of things to remember; never cut off more than 1/3 of the blade length at a time. This is really hard on the grass. You can lower then mower once by a third, and then again by a third in the second cutting. If you have a bagging option, now is a good time to put it on. Removing some of the cuts blades will help your lawn can more oxygen down to the roots as better airflow can occur without the build-up of cuttings (called thatch). Aerating in the fall is also a great solution for getting oxygen, moisture, and nutrients the roots. The best aerators remove plugs of soil that are 3”s long. This is the perfect depth to reach the roots below the ground. Feeding the lawn in the fall is actually more important in my mind than doing it in the spring. The fall fertilizer helps the roots grow below the soil, encouraging an earlier and deeper flush of green grass once the snow melts. Look for fertilizers like a 0-6-6 combination. Make sure to avoid a fertilizer with a high first number as this encourages more leaf growth above ground. Instead, get a high middle and last number. This promotes root growth and improves the overall health of your lawn. I wait until early October for my last fertilizing of the year. I like to top-dress the bald spots on my lawn at the end of September. The occasional rainfall and the cooler temps are perfect for seed starting. When buying your grass seed mix, also get a bag of topsoil. By blending the two BEFORE you spread the mix on the lawn, you get a higher rate of germination of the seeds because you’ve ensured the “seed-to-soil” contact that they need to grow. Weeds are also getting ready to go through the winter months. This makes them extra susceptible to herbicides and natural treatments as they are in full “absorption-mode”. Just be careful and follow the instructions on whatever weed solution you decide to go with and wait until the end of Oct to apply. This is extra important in the areas that you’ve planted new seeds so that they have a chance to get better established. Finally, rake those leaves! Getting the leaves off the lawn before they become a wet mat that smothers your lawn is so important. Try these steps and you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood with the greenest and happiest lawn on the block! The post How to Fall Lawn Prep with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
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