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Tips For Buying And Keeping Your Home In The Military

8/30/2021

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Guest Writer Chase Porter
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Image courtesy of Pixabay
It is not uncommon for service members to consider purchasing a home, especially if they are starting a family and looking for stability and long-term investment. But, while the process of doing so is by no means easy, it can be even more complicated for military members due to the nature of their work. So, to help shed some light on the subject, we're going to explore what buying and keeping your home in the military entails.
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Before buying your home
For most people, a home is the most significant investment they are going to make. Unless you also plan on buying a business, your home will be your most considerable expense. So, it makes sense that you research it as much as possible before you start looking.
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Image courtesy of Pixabay
Buying and keeping your home in the military should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision.
​Every would-be homeowner needs to take careful stock of their life in order to see whether buying a home is the right choice. And, as a service member, there are certain extra aspects that you need to consider.

Consider your finances
First and foremost, you need to analyze your budget and your finances. Financial advisors recommend that you spend no more than 28% income on your housing cost. This included mortgage, property taxes, and insurance. While you may hear otherwise, we recommend that you keep this number in mind when deciding whether or not you can afford a home.

VA loan
Luckily, there are upsides to buying a home as a service member. One of the major ones is that you may be eligible for a VA loan. With it, you can buy your first home at competitive rates with no down payments, which makes it much easier to afford a new home. But, to qualify for a VA loan, you need to meet one of the following qualifications:
  • You are a veteran with an honorable discharge and who served 24 continuous months of active duty.
  • You are an active service member who has served 90 continuous days.
  • You're a member of the National Guard who has served for 90 continuous days or got discharged honorably or retired after six months of service.
  • You're a member of the Reserve who has served for 90 continuous days or got discharged honorably or retired after six months of service.
    ​
If you believe that you are eligible, you can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility at VA. If you manage to get a VA loan, know it will be your best available financing option. You'll need to pay a funding fee for the loan, which ranges between 2.15 and 2.40 of the total loan.
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Image courtesy of Pixabay
All things considered, a VA loan is your best financing option
Finding the right realtor
As a service member, you probably don't have much time to find a home to purchase in the new area. So, you must find a good realtor to help you out. In most cases, you want to focus on a realtor that has previous experience with the military staff. They can give you helpful advice and guide you through the purchase process, which can often be tricky. Delays and drawn-out negotiations are just some of the things that service members don't have time to tackle. So, you ideally want a realtor that is:
  • Communicative.
  • Experienced.
  • Has a good record of previous sales.
  • Has a pleasant personality.
  • Understands your needs and requirements as a service member.
  • Understand the local market where you plan on buying.
While it may take you a while to find a good realtor, we suggest that you take your time as doing so is well worth it.

Keeping your home in the military
Besides financing and finding a real estate agent, you need to ask yourself one crucial question. Why do you want to own a home as a service member? In most cases, military personnel has to relocate frequently. And while you can create a military moving checklist and organize the process of relocation so that it is relatively easy, it doesn't make much sense to buy a home. In essence, purchasing a house only makes sense if you plan to:
  • Retire soon.
  • Rent out your home.
  • Resell it for a profit.
    ​
Renting out your home
Renting out your home might seem like a great idea. You get tax benefits, and you yield some income. After a couple of years, you can move back into your home and enjoy your retirement. Great, right?
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Image courtesy of Pixabay
Before you become a landlord, make sure that you know what your responsibilities are.
While this sounds like a great idea, know that it comes with its own set of troubles. First off, being a landlord comes with an inherent cost. You are expected to repair and maintain your property, even while you have tenants. Furthermore, you need to ensure that you find reliable tenants who won't wreck your home. All of this takes time and can often be quite stressful. You can look to outsource the landlord aspect, but this takes away from your rent profit.

Reselling
Another option is to resell your home before relocating to a new area. If you can make a profit while doing so, this can be a good idea. But, this endeavor is easier said than done. First, you need to consider the resale value of your home and how likely it is to increase. Sure, some upgrades can be cost-effective. But, tackling them takes time and energy, which you probably won't have during your service. Besides this, the process of selling your home can take longer than you'd hope. This might lead you to lack funds for a new home while waiting for revenue from the current one.

Final thoughts on buying and keeping your home in the military
Buying and keeping your home in the military can be a viable idea. But, you must take careful stock of your life, explore your financing options, and find real estate agents. Unless you are truly adamant about purchasing a home, we recommend that you consider renting. It could be a much more viable solution for young service members.

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Author bio:
Chase Porter is a former real estate agent and a freelance contractor. Ever since he got married, he has focused on raising his daughters and writing helpful articles about real estate and homeownership.
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11 Home Renovation Mistakes New Homeowners Make That Can Cost Them

8/27/2021

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By Gabrielle Olya
Here's what NOT to do when renovating your first home.
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Tempura / Getty Images
Buying your first home is a major life milestone that also comes along with a whole new set of knowledge you will need to acquire. That's why it's important that when it comes to making renovations -- whether a minor cosmetic fix or a major overhaul -- you do your research before diving in to avoid making a costly blunder.
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5 Emerging Home Design Trends For 2021

8/26/2021

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Episode 190 AskJasonGelios Real Estate Show
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4 Things That People Say About Selling a Home Today That Aren't True

8/21/2021

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By Erica Sweeney - Realtor.com
​Featured expertise by Realtor Jason Gelios
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You’ve heard the stories: Maybe your neighbors sold their fixer-upper as is for $100,000 over asking price. Or your friends were deluged with crazed homebuyers engaged in a bidding war within 24 hours of putting their house on the market.
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It’s no secret that today’s seller’s market is wilder and more competitive than it’s been in years, fueling sellers’ hopes of major profits if they list their own home, too. All of which could be true—but only if you gauge your market carefully, and handle your sale with care.
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Guide To HFA Loans In 2021

8/21/2021

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5 min. read
​Writer: Stephen J. Bronner
Featured expertise by Jason Gelios-Realtor
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People interested in buying a home who don’t believe they have the financial resources to do so may want to consider their local Housing Finance Agency. 
HFAs, as they are known, are state-chartered organizations that offer prospective homebuyers with low to moderate incomes the ability to purchase a home with reduced upfront costs and monthly payments.
“The HFA loan is especially important for first-time home buyers. It is intended
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Buying a Home After Bankruptcy

8/19/2021

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Episode 189 AskJasonGelios Real Estate Show
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Make Educated Decisions About Smart Home Technology And The Housing Market

8/19/2021

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Guest Writer Ted James
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Most people realize there must be ramifications when an automated home is on the market, but following the ins and outs of that can be confusing. What gives you the best bang for your buck, and how do the devices transfer when the house sells? Realtor Jason Gelios offers some important advice about smart home technology so you can make educated decisions when buying or selling a smart home.

Gauging ROI

For most homeowners considering installing smart home upgrades, return on investment (ROI) weighs into the decisions. New York Magazine points out that smart home technology often makes the biggest impact in time frame — in other words, by selling homes more quickly — so if you’re in a competitive market, New York Magazine notes it can give you an edge over other sellers. An integrated, whole-house automated system is most likely to give you a measurable ROI, primarily because it’s a more substantial investment than single devices.

When it comes to single devices, certain types of gadgets are more likely than others to catch buyers’ eyes. For single selections, some experts suggest paying special attention to devices such as smart thermostats, smart security cameras, and smart smoke detectors.

HGTV recommends thinking in terms of technology that offers comfort and convenience, such as music systems, smart locks, and weather report devices. If you opt for multiple devices which you intend to have lean on each other, make sure they can “talk” to the hub. Hiring a professional electrician ensures your smart home devices are installed properly. It’s a small investment toward quality assurance.

Check Your Footprint

On top of adding efficiency, comfort, and convenience, smart home devices can improve a home’s energy efficiency. As thermostats, lights, and other gadgets learn your habits, they can adjust to cut your energy use, saving your utility costs and reducing your impact on the environment. Another idea is to consider smart switches and outlets, or smart appliances, to cut energy consumption throughout your entire house.

 
Keeping Your Home and Family Safe

One of the most important aspects of smart home technology is the security systems. Today, there are several smart security options to keep your home safe: cameras that let you view your home anytime and anywhere, doorbells with built in video cameras, lights that turn on when anyone is nearby, and alarm systems that notify you when any windows or doors have been opened.
 
A home security system will give you peace of mind, whether you’re on vacation or trying to get a good night’s rest. They will also be appealing to potential homebuyers who care about safety.
 
What Happens When the House Sells?
 
If you are a seller preparing to list a house with smart home technology in place, you should make a list of all the devices in the house, remove your personal information from each device, and reset the devices to the original settings. Check the manual for warranty information and verify the privacy settings.
 
Note that when you’re showing a property with smart home gadgets in place, buyers can find it off-putting to see security cameras or an Alexa-type of “listening system” when viewing a property.  It can make house hunters feel someone could be watching or listening to what is being said, so they feel unable to speak freely about their decision. 
 
Moving Into a Smart Home
 
Once purchased, buyers should ensure they contact tech support as quickly as possible to ensure privacy settings and personal data is correct. Reset all devices in the interest of security since there is no way of knowing who had access before the home purchase.
 
Taking It with You
 
Some sellers opt to take their smart home devices with them when their property sells. As MyMove explains, taking your technology along is a viable option for homeowners who want to hang onto their tech gadgets when they move out, so long as the buyer agrees. Even devices that are hard-wired into the house can be safely removed if necessary. One way to ease the transition is to opt for portable smart home systems. 
 
Smart home technology offers benefits to both buyers and sellers in many respects. Make choices carefully, be aware of the impact when a property sells, and transfer devices wisely. When it comes to smart home devices and gadgets, knowing what you’re getting into can mean making a smooth transition.  

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Ted James is a husband, father, dog owner, and rock climber living in the Pacific Northwest who devotes a large chunk of his time helping people get back in the driver’s seat of their finances. He created his site, Ted Knows Money, to share money tips and help people get complete control of their finances.
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Budget-Friendly Curb Appeal Ideas For Sellers

8/18/2021

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By Guest Writer Sally Norton
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
Putting a home up for sale can bring a lot of money in hot real estate markets. But simply selling a house and selling it for a much higher price is not the same. Still, adding more value to the property requires some work and time. You'd be surprised how many budget-friendly curb appeal ideas for sellers there are that can work as a time machine on the look of your property. A splash of color here, some scrubbing there, a bit of mowing, and you start to wonder why you are selling such a lovely property in the first place.
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Wash and repair the driveway
Driveway maintenance is the first thing we notice coming to an open house. Poorly kept, dirty driveways will instantly give a bad impression to a potential buyer. Therefore, fixing and pressure-washing them is of utmost importance. Cleaning them will only require your time unless there are cracks that need to be repaired. In such cases, setting up a budget for repaving is an excellent idea since a fresh new driveway could significantly raise your property value.
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
​Dirty driveways can leave a bad first impression.
​Spruce up the house exterior
Fixing and refreshing the exterior when putting a home on the market could attract many potential buyers. No matter how well you've maintained your home, there will always be more improvements to make. However, not all fixes are budget-friendly, and how far you want to go will depend on your current financial situation. Of course, inspecting and prioritizing repairs on the house should be your first step. But after that, tackling details, like repainting doors, windows, shutters, refreshing the house number, and cleaning and replacing the light fixtures could transform your home.
Maintain the backyard
When you're done revamping the house exterior, it's time to take a look at the bigger picture. All of the additional buildings on your property need the same exterior treatment. That means sheds, detached garage, or any other outdoor storage could use some care as well. If repainting them is not an option, focus on cleaning and tackling entrance areas using light colors.
 
All the mess and the extra stuff you might have cluttering up your backyard needs to go either in junk or a proper storage unit. It's necessary to tidy up the place first, before decluttering. After you've restored some of your backyard's previous glow, add some cute budget-friendly curb appeal ideas, such as potted plants, new door handles, or attractive solar lights. Adding colors and shine to any place will do wonders.
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
Outdoor storage buildings can look amazing with a little care and maintenance.
​Refresh the stairs and leisure areas
Dedicating some love to the porch, patio, balcony, terrace, or other leisure places could mean a great deal to potential home buyers. That's why it is important to inspect, fix and thoroughly scrub all such areas before putting the house on the market. Start with cleaning the stairs and floors, from top to bottom. See if the wooden surfaces need repairing, polishing, or painting. Of course, tiles and stone floors will only need a deep scrubbing, so make sure to remove all the dirt from the gouts and uneven surfaces.
 
Naturally, clean leisure and around-the-house areas won't do much if empty. Even though depersonalizing a home for a sale is smart, adding some tastefully staged outdoor furniture to porches and patios can tickle the buyer's imagination. You can always borrow some items from your friends or relatives or simply refresh your benches, tables, and chairs using spray paint.
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
You don't need to buy new outdoor furniture for staging your yard. A little bit of spray paint
and a couple of colorful pillows will do just fine.
​Keep the lawn in top condition
Lawn maintenance can tell a lot about a home and its homeowner. It is a way of knowing how much love and care someone puts into their home. No matter how nice the home exterior is, poorly kept lawns could be a turn-off for anyone. That's why simple lawn maintenance and landscaping tips can draw a lot of looks.
 
The grass patches and overgrown bushes might need some tending, especially in shady areas around the house. If you have some trees on your property, check if they need trimming and mulching. You'd be surprised how a new layer of mulch and some decorative rocks could energize the landscape appeal.
 
When picking plants and flowers to decorate the front landscape, choose colorful low-maintenance kinds. It's always wise to go with native plants, especially if your home is in a tropical area, because such plants are more resilient and self-sustainable in harsh climates. Go for perennial flowers that won't cost much but still provide the vibe you want to achieve. But be careful not to overdo it with the color palette. Mixing three colors while repeating the pattern is the recipe for a successful, visually pleasing front yard.
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
Budget-friendly curb appeal ideas will require a bit of your time and creativity.
Revamp the entrances
Last but not least, when it comes to exterior improvements, is revamping the gates, fence, and mailbox. The treatment of the fence will depend on the material. Stone ones would benefit from a simple scrub, while wooden and metal fences might need some repainting. The same goes for the gates and mailbox. Even though these details might seem irrelevant to you, buyers will look at everything and take a peek everywhere because they are in search of a dream home. Thus, who can blame them for being curious and picky?
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Conclusion
Following budget-friendly curb appeal ideas for sellers, you will be able to make the most of your home. Even the smallest changes will mean a lot, but to be sure you're on the right path, ask for a second opinion. Your neighbors, family, or even social media friends could help you with objective tips regarding the things that stand out or the improvements that make the place even better. That way, you can be sure you will reach a broader home buyer "audience".

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Sally Norton is a freelance copywriter based out of Miami, with a flare for writing optimized articles. Her experience is focused on moving, travel, real estate and overall guides to help people with some challenging projects and endeavors. In her spare time, Sally enjoys yoga and walks with her dogs - Mane & Rex.
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5 Things Perfect Outdoor Entertaining Spaces Do (And Yours Can Too)

8/11/2021

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By Kelley Walters
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Outdoor entertaining spaces aren’t always equal when it comes to home value (think about that house with the falling-down above-ground pool with no curb appeal at all). Homes that get them right, though, have patios and backyards that blur inside and outside spaces.
And the best thing: these outdoor entertaining space ideas have been working for decades — and adapt to most any house today. Here are five reasons why they work (and why you may want to add to your home):

#1 They Function Like Indoor Spaces

The more outdoor entertaining spaces mimic their indoor equivalents, the more functional they are. And you’ll get more than sunshine and memories: According to the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS®, you’ll recoup 70% of your costs on resale after building a new patio. An outdoor kitchen gets 71%.
A couple of small ways to get more functionality in your outdoor space:
  • Add built-in benches for seating.
  • Hang a chandelier or pendant lights for functional lighting over a dining space.

#2 They Create Privacy Without Blocking Light

Precast-concrete geometric blocks protect privacy without blocking light or air in outdoor entertaining spaces. Plus, they’re super affordable and durable.
Use them to screen a patio or carport, fence in your patio, or as a vertical element to make small yards feel larger. It’s a small project with big impact.

#3 They Find Clever Ways To Provide Shade

Low, sloping roofs help transition from indoors to outdoors by casting shade and protection from the elements.
If extending the roof isn’t an option for your home or budget (fair), you can still make some shade.

For example:
  • Try a pergola planted with vines.
  • Or a retractable awning, which keeps the sun off when you want it to, and rolls back into place when you don’t.
  • Tons of affordable, ready-to-hang shades and sails are available, too.

#4 They Use Lots of Windows-And Big Ones

Large windows help merge inside and outside living. Even if you don’t have the ultimate in window bling like this atrium, you can increase the natural light in your home.

Consider:
  • Trading smaller windows and doors for big accordion, pocket, sliding or swinging doors, or replacing a plain wall with a wall of glass doors.
  • Adding a corner window, to create the effect of an atrium or courtyard.

#5 They Take 'Entertaining Outdoors' Seriously

Though a sport court isn’t exactly a high ROI project, being the fun house on the block certainly does a little something to a home’s appeal.
And, after all, an outdoor entertaining space should do just that: entertain. Here’s to a fun summer season!
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Are You Making These 7 Rookie Mistakes in Your Vegetable Garden?

8/11/2021

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By Lisa Kaplan Gordon
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Image courtesy of Pixabay
Even the best vegetable gardeners can forget basics and make rookie mistakes. Here are 7 no-nos to avoid.

Avis Richards, whose Ground Up Campaign teaches New York City school kids how to grow their own food, reveals the rookie mistakes that all gardeners should avoid.

1. Unwise Watering
Too much, too little, too hard, too soft — they’re all watering mistakes that'll wreck your garden. Before adding water, poke a finger a couple of inches into the soil. If it’s moist, save the water; if it’s dry, train a gentle spray at the base of plants. Better yet, wind a drip hose ($13 for 50 feet) through your garden; that way, you’ll deliver moisture to the roots without wasting water on leaves and to evaporation.

2. Forgetting to Test
Even veteran gardeners forget to test their soil every year to make sure it has the pH and nutrients plants need. For about $10, you can send a sample to your state extension service and receive a complete analysis. Or, buy a DIY test kit at your local garden center. When you know what your soil is made of, either select plants that thrive in that type of earth, or amend soil to match your garden’s needs.

3. Planting Garden Divas
Of course you love summer tomatoes, but they can be tricky to grow during summers that are too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry. So newbies should try growing a couple of tomato plants just for fun, then load gardens with foolproof veggies and herbs, such as beans, peppers, oregano, and parsley. If you must grow a tomato, plant cherry tomatoes that can survive anything summer can throw at them and even yield fruit into fall.

4. Raising Too Much
One cherry tomato plant can yield 80 fruit, and a single zucchini plant can keep your neighbors in zucchini bread through winter. So don’t plant more than you can eat, put up, or share with friends. The National Gardening Association says an edible garden of about 200 sq. ft. should keep a family of four in veggies all summer. If you do grow more than you need, donate it to a local food bank or plan a swap with fellow gardeners.

5. Growing Everything From Seed
Some crops, such as salad greens, radishes, carrots, peas, beans, and squash, are easy to grow from seeds that germinate in a couple of weeks. Experience will tell you that eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes are better grown from seedlings, which someone else has nurtured for months. Pick plants that are short and compact; avoid leggy plants with blooms that are liable to die on the vine as the plant acclimates itself to your garden.

6. Assuming You Know
Gardeners often read seed packages and figure they know everything about growing vegetables. Wrong! The more you know about your hardiness zone, soil, weather, insects, and vegetable varieties, the better your garden will grow. So curl up with a good gardening book, and surf the web for garden bloggers that share your passion. Better yet, join a gardening club where you can share tips and seeds.

7. Relying on Pesticides
Don’t bring out the big guns, which can contaminate the watershed, until you’ve tried less-toxic ways to get rid of garden pests. Ladybugs and praying mantis, which you can buy at garden supply stores, will eat garden intruders, such as aphids and beetles. Non-toxic insecticidal soaps will take care of soft-bodied insects (don’t use if ladybugs are around).
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Improvements First Time Homeowners Should Tackle First

8/6/2021

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Guest Writer Sally Norton
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
You have saved enough money to purchase your first home not long ago, but don't be so excited just yet. There may be some additional expenses coming your way. Being a first-time homeowner, chances are you've acquired a property that isn't all that perfect - either due to the lack of knowledge or money. However, that doesn't mean your home can't become perfect. With certain adjustments, you can very well turn that ugly duckling into the house of your dreams. This article will cover all the necessary information regarding the improvements first-time homeowners should tackle first. And don't worry, most of them are actually inexpensive while still providing a significant return on investment.

Improvements First-Time Homeowners Should Tackle First

A house doesn't instantly become a place you can call home. It takes days of adjusting it to actually become worthy of that title. Some properties require little to no investment, while the others use up your money, along with your time. Regardless of the amount of work needed around your house, it would definitely flourish if you were to improve it slightly. With that in mind, keep on reading to find out just what you can do to spruce up that latest asset of yours!
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Repaint Your Home
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You may not believe it, but paint can actually give a whole new life to an otherwise lifeless property. It's also one of the most straightforward projects you can tackle. You can even DIY it! The amount of money you will spend on painting, of course, varies based on the size of the property. Nonetheless, painting the entire house shouldn't cost you more than a few hundred bucks. Furthermore, these days, companies producing paint have improved their products significantly. This means you can easily achieve good coverage with just one coat, thus contributing to lower costs.
 
To ensure none of your belongings get paint smeared all over them, perhaps, you are better off coating your walls before moving in. Once that has been dealt with, you can continue bringing things to your home. Remember, your possessions should only be handled by reliable movers you can trust. When looking to pick a reputable company for the task, perform your due diligence by reading through moving reviews. Only this way will you be able to spot a potential scam.
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders in terms of sprucing up the look of first-time homeowners' properties.
Brighten the Place Up
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Much like paint, lighting has a way of drastically impacting the perception of one's home. Poorly lit areas can make a person feel cramped - almost as if they were trapped in a tiny space. Bright rooms, on the other hand, give off a feeling of spaciousness. You definitely want this for your house, too, so pay special attention to lighting! Of course, this doesn't mean you must invest in brand new fixtures, lamps, and chandeliers. In fact, you will still see a great difference by simply switching regular bulbs with their LED versions. The latter come in a variety of colors, too. It's up to you to choose the one you believe best suits your interior.

Update Flooring
Many first-time homeowners lean towards hardwood flooring rather than tiles. Over the last couple of years, the quality of synthetic flooring has significantly improved. Thanks to that, those interested in updating their flooring have a chance to do so at an affordable price. They also needn't worry about rapid deterioration. Nevertheless, tiles are still a popular option and are easier to maintain. As far as how much the actual undertaking costs, the answer largely depends on factors such as the chosen material, square footage, the cost of labor, and even location. On average, though, you are looking at $10 to $15 per square foot of tiles and as little as $6 to $23 per square foot of hardwood flooring.

Renovate the Bathroom
On the list of renovation projects that improve a home's value, bathroom remodeling ranks exceptionally high. Full-on remodeling, which includes new plumbing, complete retiling, flooring installation, and more, is pretty costly. At the same time, certain cosmetic upgrades aren't that ridiculously priced but will still improve the appearance of your home. This can be anything from replacing the old toilet with a new one to covering walls with aesthetically pleasing wallpaper. Of course, if your property is in such shape that it requires you to spend thousands of dollars on a bathroom renovation, then, sadly, there isn't much that can be done in terms of lessening the financial burden.
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Renovate the Kitchen
Alongside bathrooms, kitchens are the selling point of properties. If you were ever to sell, remodeling your kitchen would have proven a smart idea as it drives the home's worth up. A kitchen is also one of those high-traffic areas, so it isn't unusual that many first-time homeowners want this room in its best shape possible.
 
Depending on the condition of the current kitchen, you are either going to deal with a large-scale remodel or a minor one. You may want to change the layout altogether, switch the old appliances, replace cabinetry and countertops. The project can end up being pricey, with it costing more than $30,000 even. Naturally, it all depends on the materials and the size of the kitchen.
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
Kitchens sell homes, which is why a kitchen remodel may very well
increase your home's worth.
Fix Up the Systems
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Prior to purchasing, you've probably been made aware of the faults in the HVAC and electrical systems, if there were any. After all, a home inspector's job is to inform you of these. If yes, you already know what must be fixed, and it's better to do so as soon as possible to avoid having to deal with additional problems. This isn't something you can do on your own. Enlist the help of an experienced electrician or contractor to fix everything up for you.
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Image courtesy of Unsplash
​Never attempt dealing with electrical work by yourself!
Instead, contact a professional to do it for you!
This isn't the end in terms of improvements first-time homeowners should tackle first. It all comes down to the condition of the property upon purchase. If the house has been recently renovated, there may be absolutely nothing for you to do other than decorate. We sure hope that is the case!

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Sally Norton is a freelance copywriter based out of Miami, with a flare for writing optimized articles. Her experience is focused on moving, travel, real estate and overall guides to help people with some challenging projects and endeavors. In her spare time, Sally enjoys yoga and walks with her dogs - Mane & Rex.
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Is It Still a Sellers Market?

8/5/2021

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Episode 187 AskJasonGelios Real Estate Show
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Decluttering and Depersonalizing: How to Prepare Your Home to Sell

8/4/2021

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Guest Writer Amy Collett
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Photo by Unsplash

You’ve made the decision to sell your house. You’ve deep-cleaned your bathrooms, repainted your living room walls, and replaced the kitchen cabinets. That doesn’t mean you’re ready to place the house on the market. There’s far more to staging a home for photos and open houses than just making sure it’s free of dirt and has showy upgrades. Read on for some tips on how to declutter your house and make sure that future buyers will see its potential for the future, not its history.

The Big PictureIf you want to facilitate a quick sale without dramatically dropping your asking price, you need to ensure that your home will make the best first impression on buyers. Most modern buyers do their research online.
 
If potential buyers are looking through real estate listings, pictures of a home cluttered with personal belongings, family photos, and years of accumulated junk won’t generate a lot of excitement. Try to see the house from a buyer’s perspective and consider the big picture: you want your home to look clean, inviting, and ready for move-in day.

The Importance of Removing ClutterEvery family accumulates a certain amount of clutter after years of living in the same home. Recently, scientific evidence shows how decluttering homes can improve mental and physical health, but that hasn’t stopped homeowners from accumulating more than their fair share of knick-knacks and keepsakes. You don’t have to toss all those family mementos in the trash but they have no place in real estate photos and videos.
 
Arguably the best way to deal with large amounts of family keepsakes is to rent a small storage unit. It’s an affordable option that gives homeowners an alternative to giving away or tossing sentimental items. Items that don’t have sentimental value can always be sold at a moving sale or donated to Goodwill.

Preparing an Online ListingIt’s best to discuss options for improving your home’s chances of a quick sale with a real estate agent who has experience selling other homes in your neighborhood prior to listing your home. You may feel as if you know your house best, but your real estate agent can be objective in ways that you can’t.
 
Depersonalizing your home is just as important as removing clutter. Potential buyers want to see themselves and their families living in their future homes, not their current occupants. Plus, not everyone shares the same taste when it comes to home decorating, furnishings, artwork, and decor.
 
Remove artwork and family photos from walls and take a look at the home’s furnishings. Period or date furnishings only appeal to other consumers who’re in love with the unique aesthetic created by antiques or retro furniture. No matter how much you love that 1960s-style couch, it has no place in real estate photos and you’ll need to remove it prior to the first property tour or open house.
 
If you’re going to keep your furniture in your home while staging it for buyers, make sure your pieces are modern, in good condition, and clean. If any furniture is stained, you can hire an upholstery cleaner to remove the stain. Avoid companies who use all-in-one cleaning solutions. Before hiring furniture cleaners, visit a site like Angi to compare customer testimonials and look for potential deals. 
 
Your realtor can help you determine how to make your home appeal to the widest audience, but homeowners will only be able to move forward with this process after they’ve removed their own personal touches. Saying goodbye to a beloved home can be hard, but don’t use that as an excuse to put off getting organized, decluttering the house, and preparing it for sale until the last minute. It could have a substantial impact on how much you get for your house and how quickly it sells.
 
Your real estate agent is your most valuable resource for information and help with selling your home but you have a lot of work to do, too. Get the process of preparing to stage the home started well in advance, then consult a real estate agent for advice about how to arrange furniture, improve lighting, and attract a wider range of buyers. With the right strategy, you’ll see a Sold sign in your front yard in no time.
 
Ready to sell your home? Expert Realtor Jason Gelios can ensure you earn the maximum for your sale. Call 586.419.2231!
Amy Collett is creator of Biz Well, a website that helps professionals and entrepreneurs build and strengthen their personal brand.
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The Housing Market Forecast For The Rest Of 2021

8/3/2021

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Article by Laura Woods With GoBankingRates
Featured expertise by Jason Gelios REALTOR
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It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the real estate market into a wild domain. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you’re likely eager to know how long this will last.
In June 2021, home prices across the U.S. surged 24.8% year-over-year — to a median sale price of $386,888 — according to Redfin. During the same time period, the number of homes sold increased 20.6% and the number of homes for sale tumbled 39.6%.
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    Jason Gelios is a  Husband and Father. After that, a Top Producing REALTOR®, Author of the books 'Think like a REALTOR®' and 'Beating The Force Of Average', Creator of The AskJasonGelios Real Estate Show and Expert Media Contributor to media outlets across the country.

    Jason is dedicated to providing real estate advice and education to home owners, buyers and sellers with content that is practical and based on real world situations.

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