Homebuyers Guide 2020

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Homebuyers' Guide HOMEBUYERS' GUIDE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020 | 1

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

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HOMEBUYERS' GUIDE

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Buying, selling changes in time of coronavirus

BY TRACY AGNEW EDITOR

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed virtually every aspect of American life, and the world of real estate is no different.

The way folks buy and sell homes has changed in the last few months, but it’s still very much an ongoing business, local real estate agents said. Some things are more important, and some things are less important.

The market has changed, too.

“The number of houses available for sale right now is way down,” said Lee Cross of Cross Realty. “Part of that is because buyers are snapping up houses really quick, especially in the first- and second-time buyers’ price range.”

Cross also said some would-be sellers are keeping their homes off the market because they didn’t want people coming through their homes during this time.

The financial part of the market has changed, too. “Interest rates are really good right now, and that’s certainly helping fuel some demand,” Cross said.

“It’s not unusual to get multiple offers on houses.”

Owner and broker Billy Chorey Sr. from Chorey & Associates Realty also said much has changed.

“When this stuff started, we all thought it would be a really tough time from a real estate standpoint,” Chorey said.

“And initially, it was, because people didn’t want to go in houses and people in houses didn’t want their houses to be shown.”

However, interest rates have fallen so far that houses aren’t staying on the market long these days, no matter what.

“I don’t think there’s every been

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30-year mortgages less than 3% that I can remember,” Chorey said. “The demand for houses is way ahead of the supply. Houses are selling near market value, and they can’t stay on the market long.”

Cross said the online presence of a home for sale has grown even more important, since that is the only way some buyers will see the house before

making an offer. Curb appeal is also a must-have.

“The buyers are driving by houses more than they used to, so curb appeal is now more important than it used to be,” he added.

“On the selling side, you need to have your curb appeal looking sharp and put some effort into making sure you look really good online,” Cross said.

“On the buying end, you really need all your ducks in a row financing-wise and be ready to make good, strong offers, because there are not as many homes listed now.”

Cross also recommended not trying to go it alone.

“There’s enough moving parts that you need some help, whether it’s us or somebody else,” he said.

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Custom home-buying tips for first-timers

Even considering being able to design your own custom home is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just exploring your options, here are tips to keep in mind.

4Know what you’re signing up for.

Building a custom home is a significant undertaking and a major life decision.

It’s a big commitment in terms of time, money and energy. While this shouldn’t scare you away from your dream home, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the kids or busy caring for an ailing parent, it may be best to start this later.

4Hire the right professionals. You may be a DIY pro, but this isn’t a project you want to take on yourself, even partly. Key professionals you’ll need to work with include an architect, plumber, electrician and more. Consider also working with a designer who can help with the interiors to make sure the space is as functional as it is beautiful.

Do your research to find quality pros — this isn’t the time to skimp on labor.

4Think about furniture layout early.

While it may seem a bit premature to start decorating your living room before the foundation is laid, knowing how you’ll want to use and lay out each room can help you during the building and design process. For example, you can save time and money down the line when you know from the get-go you’ll want a window seat and two large couches to face the fireplace.

4Know where to save and spend.

Costs can quickly add up, so it’s important for you to decide early on what matters most to you, and what’s worth investing in. You can always upgrade your flooring or cabinetry, but you can

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never change the foundation.

4Prepare for the unexpected.

Building a new home is a process, and you can minimize stress by embracing that it will be unpredictable and can

change throughout the journey. Plan for things like weather delays and higher costs. The unexpected can also lead to positive changes in your plans. For example, you might come across a new

flooring material that’s more eco-friendly, or a smart home automation system might hit the market and you’ll want to integrate it into the design. Be flexible.

—Metro Creative

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How to build a more energy-efficient home this summer

With weather forecasts calling for a warmer than normal summer and social distancing encouraging us to spend more time at home, we could all benefit from boosting our home’s energy efficiency to save on energy bills. Here are some big and small changes that could help: 4Start with a solid foundation. If you’re adding an extension to your home, a pool to your backyard or even planning a custom-built dream home, choose sustainable materials that promote energy conservation. Instead of traditional wood-framing, consider insulated concrete forms. The eco-friendly alternative features thermal mass walls that can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 60% a year.

4Work on your windows. Did you know that about 15-20% of your home’s surface is windows? This means any issues with them can have a major impact on your energy consumption.

Take time to caulk any gaps or air leaks, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Double-paned windows boost your insulation and help ensure your cooled, air-conditioned air doesn’t escape.

4Switch to outdoor energy sources.

Take advantage of the gorgeous weather to spend more time outside. Instead of cooking meals in your energy-intensive oven that also heats up your home, break out the barbecue and enjoy dinner al fresco. You can also ease up on the clothes dryer by setting up a line and METRO CREATIVE

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Simple strategies to meet the neighbors after moving A lot goes into building safe, strong communities. While no single factor can be highlighted as more important than another in regard to building strong communities, a willingness on the part of residents to connect with their neighbors can greatly benefit local neighborhoods and the people who call those communities home.

According to Mental Health America, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental health of all Americans, research has shown that social connections increase happiness and lead to improved overall health and even longer lives. Adults may find that establishing a connection with their communities, and maintaining that connection while juggling the responsibilities of work and a family, is not always so

easy. That’s especially so for adults who have recently relocated to new areas.

Reaching out to neighbors can be a great way for adults to build new relationships that can benefit them as individuals and strengthen their communities.

4Don’t be shy. People often want to know who’s living next door, so adults who have recently moved need not be shy about introducing themselves to their new neighbors. Introduce yourself and share what inspired you to move to your new neighborhood.

4Answer and ask questions.

Neighbors will no doubt ask questions when you introduce yourself, so be ready to answer these questions. Questions may focus on your career and where you grew See NEIGHBORS, 7

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Tips to prepare for your next big home project The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with social distancing keeping us indoors, now is the time to dream big and get ready.

Whether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started: 4Factor in your lifestyle. Think about your priorities and lifestyle — do you work from home without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home? Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project.

4Educate yourself. Take advantage of this extra time you have to learn about materials, processes and new innovations. You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is

this material mold-resistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time?

4Consider sustainability. Products and materials that reduce your carbon footprint don’t just help the planet — they’re often better for your wallet, too.

When doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls and more to build a greener home that will last longer and save you money in the long run.

4Disaster-proof your design. The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen. From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible. Whether you’re planning an extension to your home, pools and spas for your backyard or custombuilt home, insulated concrete forms are a smart investment. An eco-friendSee PROJECT, 7

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Project: Budget for smart splurges Continued from page 6

ly alternative to traditional materials like wood, ICFs are disaster resilient, designed to withstand wind, fire, tornados, and more.

4Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hardearned money wisely. You’ll want to

splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save.

—Metro Creative

Neighbors: Volunteer in town Continued from page 5

up. If you grew up in the area where you recently moved, some of your neighbors likely did as well. Sharing stories about your school days and/or local hotspots can be a great way to break the ice. Don’t hesitate to ask some questions of your own as well. Asking questions might reveal some common interests that can serve as strong foundations for budding relationships.

4Host a backyard barbecue, post-pandemic. Backyard barbecues are laid-back affairs, and that pressure-free atmosphere is perfect for meeting new neighbors.

Once you have settled in, invite a handful of your neighbors over for the barbecue.

If you have children, invite neighbors who also are parents, ideally ones whose children are the same age as your own.

Kids have sparked many a conversation, and discussions about local schools, parks and programs for youngsters can be great ice-breakers.

4Volunteer. Volunteering with community-based organizations is another great way to meet new neighbors.

Volunteering with an organization whose mission you identify with may be even better, as you’re likely to find like-minded neighbors who share your passions when working with such groups.

Strong communities are built around people. When moving to a new community, adults can overcome the challenges such relocations present by taking various steps to connect with their new neighbors.

—Metro Creative

Energy: Watch your fridge Continued from page 4

some pins in the backyard and use the wind and sun for drying power.

4Install a smart weather station.

Technology can help you make sure you’re consuming energy wisely. A smart thermostat is a great idea, but a smart weather station can work with it and other devices to go a step beyond, programming them around current and predicted weather patterns. For example, it can ensure your scheduled sprinkler won’t go off in the middle of a downpour.

4Be mindful of your refrigerator. If you aren’t careful, a lot of energy can be used by your fridge. First, make sure the one in your kitchen (and basement) is a newer model, as older ones can cost hundreds more a year to power. Then, clear it out so the shelves and drawers aren’t overcrowded, which makes the fridge work harder to pump cool air throughout.

Finally, if you let leftovers cool on the counter before putting them inside, your fridge will use less energy.

—Metro Creative

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HOMEBUYERS' GUIDE

A guide to buying and setting up a bird bath Warm weather means more opportunities to spend time outdoors while at home. Whether your favorite form of outdoor recreation includes sitting on the patio reading or digging in the garden, there’s a good chance that you will be sharing the space with local wildlife.

Optimizing opportunities to view and interact with backyard wildlife can make the great outdoors even more enjoyable.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology indicates that there are around 2,059 bird species on the continent of North America.

Making a backyard hospitable to birds can increase the chances for sightings and hearing their sweet songs. Installing a bird bath can be a step in the right direction.

Bird baths can make yards more attractive to birds. Birds require a supply of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing. By setting up a bath, homeowners can attract not only seed-loving birds, but also those that don’t eat seeds and wouldn’t normally congregate around feeders. Experts surmise that birds may bathe to maintain their feathers.

Not all bird baths are constructed in the same fashion. Many bird baths sold in stores are better suited for decoration than for serving as functional baths. There are four general types of bird bath: standing pedestal, hanging bath, deck-mounted and ground-level.

In general, the lower a bird bath is to the ground, the more likely birds are to use it. Most natural sources of water birds use are on or near the ground. Therefore, ground-level bird baths may be the best investments.

It is important to keep the water in a bird bath shallow (around two inches of water or less). This enables birds to splash around safely and wade in.

Birds do not want to slide around, so a material that is coated and slippery, like glazed ceramic or glass, may not be too popular. Rough stone or a bird bath modified with pea gravel or rocks can give birds steady footing.

Place the bird bath in the shade if possible to ensure the water is cool and fresh. Locate it by a tree so the birds can

hop up to a branch and preen afterwards.

A bird bath is more attractive if it has a dripping or moving water feature, as this is often irresistible to birds.

Another way to ensure the bath will be used is to keep it clean and maintained.

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Rinse off the bath to remove droppings, bugs and other debris.

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