Everything Home - Fall 2022

Winter home updates: do’s and don’ts

Everything has its right time and place, including home renovations. If you want to update your home this winter, here’s a look at some recommended do’s and don’ts.

D O

Regardless of the weather, you can take care of these interior jobs:

• Paint the walls inside your home

• Renovate a whole room such as a kitchen, bathroom or living room

• Upgrade your electrical system • Update your plumbing system • Install new flooring • Complete the addition you built in the summer

• Add insulation to interior walls and the foundation

D ON’ T

The following jobs shouldn’t be completed in winter because the outdoor temperature and seasonal storms could create complications.

It’s best to avoid: • Yard improvements

Roof renovations • Siding repairs • Exterior paint jobs • Garage replacements • Addition installations

Do you have a renovation project in mind? To develop your plan, work out the right timing and get the job done right, meet with a contractor in your area.

How to furnish your dining area

Modern homes look a bit different than those of generations past. Rather than several small rooms divided by walls, modern homes offer open-concept floor plans. That means the boundaries between spaces are not so defined, allowing rooms and activities to blend into one another.

Formal dining rooms may or may not be part of the current home layout with regard to new construction.

Many homeowners now gravitate toward kitchens with adjacent breakfast nooks that utilize large islands with stool seating that open up to family rooms. These layouts can make it more challenging for homeowners to figure out how to furnish their dining areas – however casual or formal they may be. Individuals can use these tips as a springboard for selecting the right pieces in their homes, no matter where they enjoy their meals.

Individuals can use these tips as a springboard for selecting the right pieces in their homes, no matter where they enjoy their meals.

Consider the scope of the room

Is it a dining room or a dining area? This will help determine decor and the formality of the pieces of furniture needed to outfit the room, according to The Spruce, a home renovation resource. If the room is a multi purpose space, consider furniture that can serve different purposes, such as a table that has fold down portions to change its size depending on the number of people dining at a particular time. You may want to include an armoire to store linens and stash away pens and note pads for making shopping lists.

Dining table

The dining table is the foundation of a dining area. After all, people need to have somewhere to sit and eat. Remember to measure the dimensions of the room carefully, as furniture can look much smaller in warehouse stores or furniture showrooms than in a home.

Consider a round or square dining table, which tend fit into rooms more easily than rectangular tables. Plus, these shapes are more conducive to con versation. Rectangular tables often leave people at the ends out of the chat.

Seating

Seating can affect the ability to move around the room. If space is at a premium, some narrow profile chairs are a better option than larger, upholstered wingbacks. Homeowners may consider a wooden or upholstered bench on one side of the dining table to maximize seating during family events.

Lighting

Pottery Barn suggests using a mix of lighting sources to create the right lighting needs in the space. Floor lamps, an overhead chandelier, wall fixtures, and nat ural light need to blend and be adjusted as needed. Also, choose an overhead chandelier that comple ments the shape of the dining table. For example, a round fixture will look best above a round table.

Rug

An area rug can help define the dining space and set it apart from other areas in an open concept home. An area rug also adds warmth and color when a wood table meets a wood floor; otherwise, it may look too stark.

Homeowners must take various factors into consid eration when decorating a dining room. Size, purpose and style are just some of the things that merit ample consideration before furnishing a dining space. ~ Metro Creative Services

Ways to keep your home rodent free

As winter approaches, various pests will start looking for a cozy place to spend the season. Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent rodents from moving in with you. Here’s what you should do.

Eliminate points of entry

Mice can pass through openings as small as a dime, so close off every small hole you can find. Seal cracks in your foundation, place weatherstrip under your doors and install backdraft dampers in your ducts. You should also screen off dryer outlets, fans, air intake vents and roof vents. Finally, add caulking around windows and pipes as needed.

Tidy the kitchen

Take care to keep your counters clean. Store all dry food in sealed containers to avoid creating a buffet for unwanted critters. This includes your pets’ kibble.

Clean your yard

Remove anything cluttering up your property that may serve as shelter for pests. In addition, keep your firewood at a reasonable distance from the house and about one foot above ground. You should also trim tall grass and plants growing near your home’s foundation. Furthermore, be sure to supply garbage and compost bins with tight fitting lids, and place your compost on wire mesh to prevent rodents from burrowing up from underneath.

If despite your best efforts unwanted critters infiltrate your home, call an exterminator in your area to get rid of them once and for all.

If one of your pipes freezes, you must act quickly to prevent it from bursting and potentially causing signif icant damage to your property. Here’s what you should do.

Locate the source

Before you can solve your pipe problem, you need to find the source of it. Start by looking at the pipes closest to your exterior walls. They’re the most susceptible to freezing. Additionally, pipes located inside closets with little warm air circulating are at risk. Look for a pipe that’s cold to the touch, has frost forming on it or is bulg ing slightly; these are all signs of freezing.

Warm the pipe

There are several ways to defrost a pipe, but the haird ryer method is the safest. Turn on your faucet and slowly apply heat along the frozen pipe to achieve a gradual,

gentle thaw. Instead of a hairdryer, you can also use a heat lamp or space heater. However, be sure not to apply heat directly to the pipe.

If this approach fails to work, don’t resort to using a propane torch. In addition to being a fire hazard, the intense heat may cause your pipe to burst.

Alternatively, if you want to get the job done safely and quickly, contact a local plumber.

Hard water can damage your home’s plumbing and appliances and make your hair and skin feel dry. Fortunately, a water softener can remove minerals like calcium and magne sium to improve your water quality. Here are six benefits of installing a water softener in your home.

1. Reduced plumbing repairs. The minerals in hard water stick to the inside of pipes and can clog your plumbing and damage valves. Water softeners remove the mine rals before they can do damage.

2. Longer-lasting appliances. Minerals can build up in your dishwasher, washing machine and water heater, causing them to break down. Appliances that ope rate with soft water last longer.

3. Lower energy bills. Scaly mineral build up in your water heater forces it to work harder and

6 benefits of installing a water softener in your home

burn more fuel. Installing a water softener can improve your water heater’s efficiency.

4. Cleaner clothes. Washing clothes with mineral rich water can cause your clothing to fade and give off a yellowish hue. Soft water leaves your clothes cleaner and makes them last longer.

5. Easier household cleaning. Caked-on mineral deposits in your kitchen sink or bathroom are difficult to clean. Using a water softener prevents these stubborn white stains from forming.

6. Softer hair and skin. Showering with soft water leaves your hair fee ling soft and your skin hydrated. You also don’t need to use as much shampoo or conditioner.

Visit your local home improve ment store or plumbing supply re tailer to learn more about installing a water softener in your home.

How to sell your property with peace of mind

Over the past two years, demand for real estate has been rising. Are you thinking of moving in with your partner or retiring to a seniors’ residence? Now’s the perfect time to put your house up for sale. Here are a few things to consider to ensure the sale goes as smoothly as possible.

Surround yourself with the right people

First and foremost, do business with an experienced real estate broker who knows the market inside and out. Real estate professionals take a lot off your plate and handle a variety of tasks, including:

• Setting a fair and impartial selling price

• Verifying information about the property

• Taking photos and videos

• Staging the home

• Promoting your ad on different websites and online platforms

• Managing showings

• Preparing contracts and various documents

• Evaluating purchase offers

Real estate brokers are subject to an ethical code that governs their handling of your property. Therefore, you can rest assured they’re trustworthy and have your best interests in mind. Moreover, a real estate broker will help you avoid making costly rookie mistakes.

Furthermore, find your future home before putting your residence up for sale. It’s a good idea to work with a housing consultant or the same real estate broker hand ling the sale of your home to make your life easier.

Similarly, relying on the expertise of a mortgage broker will save you a lot of work, especially when it comes to transferring your mortgage.

In short, surrounding yourself with the right people is the key to a stress-free experience. Contact a broker near you to get started.

4 questions to ask when developing a real estate investment strategy

Do you want to invest in real estate? If so, it’s a good idea to develop a strategy to help you reach your goals. To guide you, here are four questions you should ask yourself.

1. What do you know about real estate?

If there are gaps in what you understand about real estate investing, do your best to learn more. Consi der attending a training seminar or getting in touch with an industry expert to gain firsthand advice.

2. Which tasks will you outsource?

It’s important to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Kno wing what you can effectively han dle on your own will help you set limits and decide which tasks to outsource.

3. What factors affect the real estate market?

Common influences on real estate include inflation, rising interest rates and the impact of globalization. If necessary, take a class to better understand the ins

Real have network and of Therefore, positioned sell

Net W ork

Real estate brokers have access to a vast network of other brokers and an impressive pool of potential buyers. Therefore, they’re best positioned to help you sell your home fast. and outs of the economy.

4. How many properties do you want to buy?

The real estate strategy you implement will vary de pending on what types of properties you want to buy. For example, do you want to live in your own duplex or manage several buildings with dozens of apartments? Answering these questions will help you establish a real estate investment strategy that aligns with your needs and goals.

What you need to know about buying a repossessed home

If you want to buy a home, you may be wondering if a repossessed property is a good investment. Here’s what you should know.

What’s repossession?

Properties are repossessed when homeowners fail to pay their mortgage. If the proprietor doesn’t make payments to the lender in a timely manner, the property may be foreclosed. This gives the len der the right to sell the home to repay the outstanding loan.

When should you buy this type of property?

Repossessed homes have immense potential. However, you must do your due diligence. To en sure you’re getting a deal, you’ll need to calculate the difference between the market value of the property and the outstanding mortgage balance. If the disparity is high, the property could be a good investment.

It’s also essential to consider how much more money you’ll need to pay for the property after purchasing it. Repossessed homes often require extensive repairs. Plus, they frequently come with multiple conditions and a tight procurement deadline. Moreover, these properties must be purchased “as is” and won’t come with a legal warranty.

Is there a lot of competition?

Investment buyers are often pro active when it comes to purchasing repossessed homes. They know how to get in touch with proprietors direc tly to make a quick and profitable transaction. For this reason, many of these properties never get listed.

To learn more about purchasing a repossessed home, contact a real estate lawyer in your area.

10 tips for moving in winter

Are you moving this winter? If so, you’ll need to take into account the likelihood of cold tem peratures, slippery conditions and blizzards. Here are a few tips to ensure your move is as safe and stress free as possible.

1. Keep an eye on the forecast, and don’t hesitate to reschedule if there’s a storm.

2. Double pack fragile items and electronics so they’re less likely to break in the cold.

3. Clear the walkway and driveway of snow and ice to prevent any accidents.

4. Cover the floors with plastic tarps to keep them clean and avoid water damage.

5. Turn off the heat since people will be going in and out of the house all day.

6. Put a space heater in the bathroom with the door closed so you have a warm retreat.

7. Board your pets so they’re not underfoot or stuck in an unheated house all day.

8. Confirm the utilities are working at the new house before you arrive on moving day.

9. Have warm clothes, spare gloves and bedding in the car for easy access.

10. Fill a thermos with hot chocolate or a crockpot with soup for you and the movers. Finally, be sure to hire professional movers who have experience working in the winter, and remember to tip them well.

1. Recycled rubber

Black tread covers made of recycled rubber are remarkably resistant to shocks, inclement weather, humidity, ultraviolet rays, oil and mildew. They are easy to install, maintain and store. They can, however, be quite heavy.

2. Polypropylene fiber

Available in an array of colors and patterns, polypro pylene fiber can be bought in mats or rolls. While it can stand up to heavy traffic, it should be treated against UV rays. To prevent seepage, it has waterproof backing made of vinyl or rubber, which increases its durability.

3. Coir

This material, made of coconut fiber, typically comes in a natural ecru color. It can give your exterior a unique look and works best on wood and concrete surfaces. The downside? Coir tends to retain water and dust. In addition, if not installed well, it may become loose over time.

To learn which materials will work best on your stairs, visit the flooring experts in your area.

How to maintain your home’s curb appeal in winter

Do you want to put your house on the market this winter? If so, you’ll need to make sure the cold, dreary weather doesn’t detract from your prop erty’s curb appeal. Here’s how to give potential buyers a great first impression.

Paint your front door. This is a simple way to make your home stand out. A bold color like blue, red or yellow is sure to pop against a snowy landscape.

Update your number and mailbox. Replace peeling sticker numbers and a rusty mailbox with quality pieces that match the style of your home’s exterior.

Spruce up your outdoor lighting. Since the days are short in winter, illuminating your home

should be a top priority. The warm glow of light from wall sconces or a porch chandelier will improve your home’s appearance and visi bility.

Add color to your yard. Plant evergreens, frost-resistant flowers and shrubs with colorful stems and berries to liven up your winter landscaping and make your prop erty more inviting.

Clear a path to the door. You’ll want to ensure your property is safe for buyers to visit. Remem ber to keep surfaces free of snow and ice, especially before an open house.

For more expert tips on selling your home in winter, consult a local real estate agent.

5 tips to ensure your reno will last

Do you plan to renovate your home? If so, here are a few tips to ensure your project stands the test of time.

1. Project yourself into the future

Don’t base your renovation decisions solely on your current wants and needs. If you anticipate expanding your family over the next few years, or if your children are getting ready to leave the nest, take these eventuali ties into account.

2. Invest in quality products

When purchasing or replacing pricier items like your bathtub, stove or sofa, it’s best to seek out brands with a reputation for reliability. Though they may cost more ini tially, you won’t have to replace them as quickly, and their longer lifespan will put money in your pocket.

3. Integrate trends economically

If you like to keep up with trends, do it with accesso ries like curtains, mirrors and cushions. These items are easy to replace without breaking the bank when they wear out or look dated. You might also want to experi ment with paint, which is a relatively affordable way to update a space.

4. Opt for neutral colors

For anything you intend to be permanent and for items that are more expensive or difficult to replace, such as a shower stall or ceramic floor, choose neutral colors. Consider white, beige or gray, and opt for a design that’ll age well.

5. Consider functionality

Take some time to reflect on your options to ensure your choices are as practical as they are fashionable. Don’t leave things like lighting, storage and clearance space to chance. These de tails can make the diffe rence between a successful renovation and one you regret.

To ensure your renova tions live up to your ex pectations, be sure to rely on the expertise of your local contractors, architects and interior decorators.