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Real Estate & Home Services Guide
What homeowner’s should know about their insurance coverage Page 5
4 fun themes for a gender-neutral nursery Page 8 VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2021
5 mistakes to avoid when selling a property Page 14
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Real Estate & Home Services Guide A Publication of The Daily Star
102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 607-432-1000 | thedailystar.com
PUBLISHER Fred Scheller fscheller@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7214
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235
Converting alcove tubs into walk-in showers: pros and cons. . . . . . . . . . 4 What homeowner’s should know about their insurance coverage. . . . 5 5 ways to get millennials to buy your house.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 4 fun themes for a gender-neutral nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 How to use architectural lighting to revamp your home.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
LAYOUT Tracy Bender tbender@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7232
5 DIY painting projects to refresh your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Home theater essentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 5 mistakes to avoid when selling a property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 How to make your home wheelchair accessible.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 5 questions to ask a home inspector.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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Converting alcove tubs into walk-in showers: pros and cons Do you want to get rid of your alcove bathtub and replace it with a walk-in shower? If so, here are the advantages and drawbacks.
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Pros A walk-in shower is an attractive feature that adds a modern focal point to any bathroom. In addition, standalone showers are highly functional. Getting in and out of one is easy when compared to getting in and out of a bathtub. Plus, most walk-in showers can accommodate a bench, making it easy to shave, wash and relax. Lastly, a walk-in shower, especially a large one, can be a major attraction to buyers when it’s time to sell your home.
Cons One of the biggest drawbacks of converting a tub into a shower is the cost. You’ll spend more or less money depending on the materials you use, the accessories you install and the overall condition of your bathroom. In addition, if it’s the only bathtub in your home, removing it may lower the resale value of your house. However, this might not be an issue if you don’t live in a neighborhood that typically attracts young families. When weighing the pros and cons of converting your tub into a shower, you should also consider whether you intend to live in your house for the next 10 or more years. If so, do what suits your lifestyle and makes you happy. Re-sale values are important but so is enjoying yourself and your home. 4
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20850 State Highway 28
What homeowners should know
about their insurance coverage
S
ome homeowners mistakenly believe that their home insurance covers all types of damage to their property and belongings. Although there are many losses that your home insurance does protect you against, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t include everything.
What your policy covers A standard home insurance policy will cover the most common types of claims. These include losses resulting from a fire, burglary or toilet backup. You can also opt for a comprehensive policy that protects you against less common losses. Some additional coverages include those for flood, sewer backup, windstorm and earthquake damage. Furthermore, you may want to insure some of your more expensive belongings, such as jewelry and antiques, with what’s known as scheduled coverage. This can be a good idea as there are limits to how much you’ll be reimbursed for the theft or loss of high-value items.
What it doesn’t cover Some types of damage are never covered by insurance. Notably, your policy won’t cover you for losses resulting from normal wear and tear. Also not covered are damages caused by pests, mold and neglecting to make needed repairs. To avoid unpleasant surprises, and to ensure you have ample coverage, review the details of your home insurance policy or talk with your insurance broker. November 2021
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5 ways to get millennials to buy your home If you plan to sell your home, you should know that most modern homebuyers are millennials. Here are five things you can do to make your property more appealing to this demographic.
1. Showcase eco-friendly features Millennials tend to be concerned about the environment and many will pay a little extra for a home if it lowers their carbon footprint. If your home has eco-friendly features such as solar panels or energy-efficient appliances, be sure to note them in your listing.
2. Add or stage a home office More and more, millennials are working from home. If you have an extra bedroom or other unused space, consider turning it into an office.
3. Appeal to their lifestyle Millennials want to live close to where they work, shop, dine and go out to have fun. For this reason, be 6
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sure to highlight the attractive features in your area.
4. Show off smart home features The average millennial is tech-savvy and appreciates sophisticated features such as smart lighting, thermostats and security systems. If you have these devices, make sure your pool of potential buyers knows it.
5. Make your home move-in ready Most millennials aren’t as handy as their parents. They’d rather pay more for a turn-key property than deal with renovations and repairs. If your house needs upgrades, consider making them before you put it on the market. As a final tip, keep in mind that most millennials do the bulk of their shopping for homes on the internet. Consequently, make sure to list your property online and include quality photographs and a virtual tour if possible.
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fun themes for a gender-neutral nursery
hether you’re waiting on a delivery-room surprise or you simply want to avoid outdated stereotypes, here are some theme ideas for a gender-neutral nursery.
night blue and stick on a sky’s worth of stars. Add other celestial features like planets, comets and the moon. Look for star-shaped lamps, rugs, mirrors and other decorative items to complete the look.
1. Under the sea
3. Woodland
Decorate this baby’s room with shells, coral and starfish collected on past beach excursions. For your child’s nursery companions, consider inviting in fish, seahorses, sea turtles, jellyfish, sharks and whales. A painted mural or decals on the walls will bring this ocean theme to life.
Pair natural wood furniture with decorative elements inspired by the forest. Bears, foxes, deer, hedge hogs and rabbits will be right at home in this nursery. Incorporating nature-inspired wallpaper and bed ding is sure to add a woodsy touch.
2. Night sky Paint the walls or ceiling mid8
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4. Adventure travel Globes, maps, compasses, hot air balloons and vintage airplanes fit in perfectly with this theme. Select
artwork from around the world and incorporate some of your own travel photos to add a personal touch. Regardless of what theme you choose for your baby’s room, make sure to select non-toxic paint and products. In addition, help bolster your local economy by opting for locally made furniture, toys, knickknacks and artwork.
How to use
architectural lighting to revamp your home
Architectural lighting enhances the structure of a space to create a cohesive experience. It’s something to be considered during every building and renovation project, and the earlier the better. This is because this type of lighting is integrated directly into the space, blending in with the features of your home. Here are some ways architectural lighting is used.
To emphasize ceilings If you have architectural ceilings, rather than installing pot lights consider adopting lighting that blends into the millwork and molding. This could work well on a beamed, coffered, coved or tray ceiling.
To set the mood with wall wash lighting Wall washing is a technique that directs light at a wall to draw attention to the smooth, vertical surface. The fixtures can be recessed in the ceiling or mounted to it. If you prefer to create an uplighting effect, install the lights on the floor.
To light your way Illuminate stairways by adding pot lights on both sides of the bottom step, either on the lowest riser or the wall. Alternatively, add lighting within each riser. Uplighting can create height and drama, and when used to illuminate staircases, it also focuses light where it’s most needed. There are many other possibilities when it comes to architectural lighting, from illuminating the underside of kitchen counters and cabinets, to lighting up built-in shelving and other custom features. For the best possible results, make sure to speak with an architect before you start your renovation or building project. November 2021
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5 DIY painting projects to refresh your home
It’s amazing what a little paint can do. Here are five fun and easy projects that can have a major impact on the look and feel of your home. 1. Garage. Elevate your home’s curb appeal by giving the garage doors a facelift. Choose a color that matches the trim and shutters and complements the house’s other exterior features. 2. Dresser. If you have a dingy old set of drawers or want to give a boring room a boost, consider refurbishing your wooden dresser. Use a punchy color if you want to create interest, but opt for a neutral if you prefer the piece blend in. 3. Front door. First impressions matter. Make a great one by choosing a bright, welcoming color for your front door. 4. Cabinets. In a kitchen, painting the cabinets can completely redefine the look and feel of the space. When choosing a color, consider the hues in your backsplash, countertop, floor and walls. 5. Shelves. If you have built-in shelves, consider painting them a bold color to draw attention to your collections, photographs and books. To find paint and brushes, visit your local hardware and paint stores. For bigger painting projects in your home, consider hiring a professional. November 2021
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Home theater essentials
E
njoy a big-screen experience at home with your very own home theater. This renovation project is easier to pull off than you might think. Here are the five things you’ll need.
1. TV or projector Before you choose your viewing system, compare the pros and cons of a big screen TV with those of an overhead projector. Opt for the biggest screen you can afford with the highest resolution.
2. Sound system The best home theater systems don’t skimp when it comes to sound. Consider adding built-in speakers to the walls or ceiling. Also, make sure your system includes a subwoofer, as rich bass notes will make the cinematic experience more exciting.
3. Seating Opt for luxurious single seating in plush leather or soft fabric. Black re-
cliners are a classic choice, but upholstered chaise lounges may offer greater comfort.
4. Snack station Save space for the movie snacks you love most. Your snack station can include a popcorn maker, a minifridge, a bar, jars of candy, a soda-making station or a water cooler.
5. Lighting Blackout curtains are a must, and overhead lighting on a dimmer will allow you to quickly get the show started. Consider adding LED light strips to create a theater-like atmosphere. They can be placed behind movie posters, underneath seats or along pathways to the restroom, snack station and exit. Once you’ve picked out the essentials, you can choose one or more add-ons. Consider including an electric fireplace, a video game console or simply some soft blankets to curl up under. November 2021
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5 mistakes to avoid when selling a property
A
re you getting ready to put your house on the market? To ensure that selling your home goes smoothly, here are five mistakes to avoid.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Going it alone Whether it’s your first or fifth time selling a property, working with a real estate agent is a must. Realtors have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process and ensure you set a fair and competitive price.
Forgetting to take pictures To showcase your home’s best features online, you need to include high-quality images with your listing. Be sure to take them during the day to benefit from the available natural light. Recording a video tour of the property is also a good idea.
Leaving your home cluttered In addition to cleaning your home, remember to remove any clutter before arranging a tour. Consider consulting a professional home stager to help potential buyers see your property’s full potential.
Disregarding the yard Since the exterior of your home is what potential buyers will see first, it needs to make a good impression. Be sure to mow the lawn, rake up leaves, wash the siding and deck, weed the gardens and neatly arrange your patio furniture.
Underestimating the costs Home sellers are responsible for paying the commission to both their own and the buyer’s agent. Keep in mind that you might also have to make concessions with the buyer and pay for repairs following an inspection of the property. If you want to sell your home quickly at the best possible price, be sure to work with a real estate agent.
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What are sheriff’s sales? A sheriff’s sale is a type of auction at which defaulted or repossessed properties are sold at the end of the foreclosure process. According to Investopedia.com, the proceeds of a sheriff’s sale are used to pay mortgage lenders, banks, tax collectors, and other litigants who have lost money on the property being sold. Sheriff’s sales are not conducted when a homeowner misses a mortgage payment. In fact, such sales take place only after lenders have notified borrowers of default and given them time to catch up on missed payments. Sheriff’s auctions are conducted in public, often outside a local municipal building, such as a courthouse. Notices of sheriff’s sales can typically be found in local newspapers or via sheriff’s office websites. Properties auctioned off during sheriff’s sales go to the highest bidder, who typically must provide certified proof of their funding prior to making a bid. Properties up for auction may include single- and multi-family homes, mixed-use properties, large complexes, and commercial buildings. Prospective bidders should do a little homework prior to participating in a sheriff’s sale so they can be certain what they’re getting into before bidding on a property. For example, some properties may have tax liens on them, and if such liens were not wiped out during foreclosure proceedings, winning bidders may be responsible for paying them. Bidders also should be prepared to close quickly on a property should their bid prevail, as many sheriff’s sales require closing within 30 days of submitting a successful bid. – MCS
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How to make your home wheelchair accessible
Good to know
R
enovating a home to accommodate the needs of someone in a wheelchair can be challenging. Undoubtedly, you’ll require the help of professional contractors. Here’s a brief look at the modifications you’ll need to make. • Bathroom. You’ll need sufficient clearance space and a sink and toilet adjusted to the appropriate heights. A stand-alone shower or walk-in bathtub will also be required. In both cases, grab bars are a must.
• Doorways. Modifying your doorways by installing offset hinges or removing the door and trim may be sufficient. However, widening the doorways might be necessary. Han-
dles may need to be replaced with ones that are easier to use. • Kitchen. A truly wheelchair friendly kitchen will include modifications to the countertops, sinks, cabinets, appliances and possibly the overall layout. • Flooring. The ideal floor in a wheelchair accessible home is one that’s slip-resistant, easy to maintain, wears well and provides good traction. Laminate, vinyl, ceramic and low-pile or commercial carpeting are all good choices. • Lighting. Glare is often an issue for people who use a wheelchair, but this can frequently be resolved by altering the position or angle of
Most wheelchairs have a seat width of 18 to 22 inches However, comfortable passage typically requires at least 36 inches of clearance. In addition, a turning radius of 60 inches is required in order for a person using a wheelchair to comfortably navigate a space.
lights. Another consideration is the location of light switches, which should be placed at a height of 36 inches. Keep in mind that other modifications may be needed. Depending on the configuration of your home, you may require a chairlift, elevator, ramps and even structural changes to the house’s layout. For help remodeling your home, contact a local specialist in home adaptation projects. November 2021 |
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5 questions to ask a home inspector
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FULLY INSURED | FREE ESTIMATES The role of a home inspector is to evaluate the condition of a property before you buy it. However, this professional can also provide you with additional details about your future home. All you have to do is ask the right questions. Here are five to get you started.
1. What do you look for during an inspection? It’s best to ask this question before you hire a home inspector. This way, you’ll know exactly which problems they’ll be able to identify and what issues might get overlooked.
2. Can I accompany you on the inspection? The answer to this question should be yes. If you do tag along for the inspection, you’ll be able to get the inspector’s feedback about the property on the spot. Plus, they can answer any questions you have along the way.
3. How major are the issues you uncovered? If the inspector notes any problems with the property, don’t panic. Instead, ask for their opinion about the severity of the defects. This will help you make an informed decision about whether you should move forward with the purchase.
4. Do I need to contact another expert? A home inspector might notice warning signs that need to be further investigated by a specialist such as an electrician or an HVAC technician. Consulting another professional can give you the information you need to renegotiate the price if necessary.
5. What work will need to be done first? If you decide to move forward with the purchase, any issues that you don’t ask the seller to correct should be put on your to-do list. Use the inspector’s official report and comments to determine which tasks need to be prioritized. Before you hire a home inspector, make sure they have insurance to cover the cost of any errors or omissions in their report.
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