Tips on How to Pay Your Mortgage off Early

Homeownership is a major milestone, but can you really say you’re a homeowner if you’re still paying off your mortgage?

 

Most people aren’t able to pay for a home in cash. Instead, they have to take out a mortgage to finance their first house. While this solution is less than ideal, it’s often the only option.

 

Home mortgages typically take decades to pay off — up to 40 years or more. Meaning, if you decide to move, you’ll have to use most of the money from the sale to pay off the rest of your mortgage. Moreover, paying off a loan for this long means you’ll likely end up paying thousands of dollars more than the original loan amount in interest.

 

If you don’t want to spend decades paying off your home loan, consider these tips to help you pay off your mortgage as quickly as possible.

 

 

Make Biweekly Payments

Making biweekly mortgage is payments can be a great strategy to help you pay off your mortgage early.

 

The concept is simple: instead of making the full mortgage payment once a month, make half of your monthly payment every two weeks.

 

First of all, this can make it easier to manage your mortgage payments if you are paid on a biweekly basis. You’ll be able to sync your mortgage payments with your paycheck.

 

Moreover, since there are 52 weeks in a year, you’ll be making a total of 26 reduced mortgage payments — equal to 13 months of payments.

 

By making this extra monthly payment each year, you can knock several years off of your mortgage term.

 

 

Refinance but Make the Same Payments

If possible, consider refinancing your mortgage but continue making the same monthly payments.

 

If your financial situation has improved, for example, you’ve increased your credit score, you may be able to get approved for refinancing. Refinancing could lower your interest rate.

 

Since your interest rate is now lower, the total amount of your loan will decrease. However, if you keep making the same payments, you’ll be able to pay off the principal on your loan more quickly.

 

This could reduce your loan terms by several years.

 

 

Make Larger Payments

This might seem like an obvious one, but you should consider making larger mortgage payments as your income increases.

 

Some people would advise against this. Since mortgage rates are often fairly low, it might make more financial sense to invest your additional income if you’re able to generate returns at a higher rate than your mortgage rate.

 

However, if paying off your mortgage quickly is your primary concern, then making increased mortgage payments is going to be one of the best ways to do this.

 

Be careful, though, not to make higher payments than you can actually afford. But, if making larger payments is a possibility, this could help you save a lot on interest — particularly if your mortgage has a variable interest rate.

 

Paying off your mortgage early could save you thousands on interest and make moving easier if the need arises. Consider using these tips to pay off your mortgage as quickly as possible.

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The Average Lot size of new Single Family Homes

If you are interested in building a house, one of the first things to consider is the lot size. The lot size determines the size of your home even though it varies depending on your location. As of 2010, the average lot size was 17, 590 ft² while the highest lot size was 18, 433 ft² in 2008.

 

However, if your property is outside the metropolitan areas, you will have a large lot size. The lot size as of 2009 was 32, 664 ft². For example, in the Northeastern part of the United States, the land size peaked at 44, 781 ft² in 2008 and 32, 955 ft² in 2010.

 

The minimum amount of land you need to build your home depends mostly on the local zoning requirements of the area as well as the size of the house. A good understanding of what the buyers are looking for or expecting will also give you an upper hand. You can always contact a local real estate expert to know more about your choice area. This article contains four factors that determines the land size for your building.

 

 

Why Do You Want to Build the House?

Having understood the average plot size, the next thing to focus on is the purpose of the building. You need to know why you are building the house.

• Is it your dream home?
• Will you rent it out?
• Alternatively, do you want to make it part of a farm?

The answers to the above questions will determine how much space you need for the house. If it is your dream home, you can build the house to your taste. However, if it is rent or sales, you may not care as much as making it reach your standard. All you need is to make the home inhabitable.

 

 

Building Plans

Many homeowners have made the mistake of not considering their building plans before buying a lot of land. The size of your home in the building plan will determine how much land you need to build your house.

 

The government in many areas has the right to use about 10 feet of your property for road or utility purpose. As a result, you need to ensure that there is a setback of 25 feet to the road. You can calculate the setback by subtracting the square footage of the proposed house from the measurement of the land. If the property will not contain the home conveniently and allow for an additional 25 feet for clearance, then you might need to go for a bigger lot.

 

 

 

Space for Utilities

The importance of utilities in a home cannot be overemphasized. No one is always interested in living in a home that lacks some basic amenities. Apart from that, some local regulations have laid down specific rules in respect of utilities.

 

The proposed land should have space for septic in line with the regulations which required it to be several feet away from home. While considering this, you should ensure that the property line of your neighbor is not affected.

 

 

Occupier Liability

Everybody has a duty of care to their neighbor. As a result, one must try to build in such a way that it will not affect other property. Thus, it is advised that a building should not be too close to the next building to avoid being liable for some activities which could attract fine.

 

As a smart home builder, you do not just need to buy a lot of land without analyzing how much land you would need. You would have little problem irrespective of the home if you could determine the size of your land. 

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How to Write an Offer Letter for A House

Part of your home purchase application will include a letter to the homeowner. With all the house hunting, pricing, and plans for renovations and moving, it can be easy to forget this aspect of the buying process.

 

The truth is, however, that this piece of information is going to help the seller decide who to offer the home to. And even if you offer a great price, it doesn’t mean you lock down the home if the seller chooses someone else, they’d rather grant the home to.

 

Here, we’ll cover what it means to write an offer letter for a home.

 

 

Write an Actual Letter

When we say “write a letter” we mean it. If you don’t know how to write a letter, then research on standard letter formats. Generally, letters include:

• A letterhead that contains your name and contact information,
• A salutation “Dear Homeowner,”
• The body of the letter, and
• A valediction, or closing (“Sincerely, HomeBuyer”).

 

The body of the mail should have short paragraphs that are easy to read, with the first paragraph introducing you and what your letter is about. The closing paragraph should conclude the entire letter. Make sure that you address them by name in the salutation and use your full name in the valediction.

If you can, print out the letter and sign it by hand above your typed name in the valediction. That way, you can either mail the letter physically or scan and email it with the signature intact, making it more personal and carefully constructed.

 

 

Stay Friendly

Your letter should always be friendly. Greet the homeowner like a colleague or friend. Always thank them for their time and attention without being overbearing. Remember that you are trying to get them to sell, and as such present yourself as a good person.

 

Better yet, present yourself as someone that they would want in the house. Supportive, caring, friendly. Someone who could be a good neighbor and who they can trust while negotiating prices.

 

 

 

 

Express Your Interest Professionally and Seriously…

Remember when we said don’t be overbearing? We meant it. Laying it on too thick can turn a buyer off. So, when it comes to the business of making an offer for the house, make sure that your tone and the content of your message is focused on sealing the deal. Make sure that they know exactly what you want out of the house, including:

• what price you are asking for
• What you like about the home from a financial/logistical standpoint,
• Your references, and
• that you are serious about negotiating a price that both parties can agree on.

 

 

…But Appeal to Their Emotions

Don’t be too stodgy, however. People don’t often remember business acquaintances in the same way they do friends or just people they don’t like. If you can make an impact with the homeowner that makes you stand out from the pack.

 

Make sure that is a positive impact, however, by appealing to positive emotions:

• Be friendly (see above).
• Mention something personal about you that could connect you to the house, the homeowner, or the neighborhood.
• Draw from your background to illustrate why this home would mean so much to you.
• Include a photo of yourself and your family (if applicable).

Buyers who articulate their reasons for wanting a home, like having a family to raise or wanting to have a “forever home” to retire in, are more likely to land the interest of a seller.

 

 

Be Concise

Don’t beat your homeowner over the head with your story and interest. Keep the letter to a page, with short paragraphs and sentences that are easy to read. Remember that they are going to want to read something and get the gist easily. They don’t want to read a novel.

 

Make it easy for them and keep it short.

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Smart Home Features That Sell Your Home Faster

Smart homes sometimes feel like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they’re the latest technology available today. In fact, you don’t need a newly built property to transform your space into a smart home. By using a few key devices, many of which are affordable, you can make your home a more efficient, tech-focused space.

 

Aside from making your life simpler, smart home devices actually make your home easier to sell. It’s true that people today are looking for tech-savvy homes to call their own. When you install and configure these devices, you’re taking the hard work out of the equation. In this guide, we’ll explain why you should consider installing smart features in your home as well as list the top devices on the market today.

 

 

Why should you install smart features before selling your home?

While you might think smart homes are limited to the luxury market, this simply isn’t true. There are smart home devices for all price ranges and lifestyles. While you might not be able to completely overhaul your home’s existing systems, you can make some big changes where it matters.

 

According to Angel Piontek, a real-estate agent from Virginia with experience in smart homes, even if your home doesn’t rise in monetary value, you’re still likely to land a faster sale. Why’s this? Simply put, smart devices help your home stand out. They’re a fun bonus people would like to have, but probably won’t install themselves.

 

Piontek also recommends choosing devices that most people are already familiar with. Things that are easy to recognize will be much easier to sell to the average buyers, and you won’t have to do as much explaining.

 

What are the top smart features homebuyers look for?

As we said before, you have to be smart when choosing the right devices for your home. They need to be easy to use, recognizable, and reliable. There will always be a discussion of data-privacy, so the more familiar these devices are, the less likely this will be a concern.

 

The good news is your money will go a long way here. A small $1000 investment could yield big results. Here are the best smart home features that sell your home fast.

 

Wireless Security System – In the past, security systems needed to rely on a connection to the phone line or broadband system. This made it possible for criminals to simply “cut the line” to turn off the system. Today, there are many wireless, smartphone-enabled security systems that not only let you monitor your home when you’re away but also have the peace of mind of knowing you’re always connected.

Popular brands: SimpliSafe and Vivint Smart Home

 

Security Doorbell – Similar to the wireless security system is the security doorbell. Not everyone wants the hassle of a full-blown security system, but they still want privacy. With a security doorbell, your doorbell becomes a smart device that shares real-time footage with your smartphone. This way, you always know who’s coming to your door, and you can keep an eye on the front of your property.

Popular brands: Ring and Google Nest Doorbell

 

Smart Thermostat – If you’ve ever left the home only to realize you left the heater or A/C on, you know how annoying this can be. Today, it’s important to pay attention to how you use energy in your home. With a smart thermostat, it’s easy to control your home temperature on the go, and it can even adjust the temperature to your habits. Talk about convenience!

Popular brands: Nest and Hive

 

Smart Lights – Another smart option is to install smart lights. This is the most inexpensive way to make your home smarter. You can find smart lights for as little as $15, and they’re easy to connect to your smart devices like your Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or even just your smartphone.

Popular brands: Samsung and Philips Hue

 

Smart Home Hub – Finally, if you plan to have a variety of devices, it’s best to connect them all with a hub. A central system can control all of your devices in one place, making life a little bit easier.

Popular brands: Samsung Smartthings 

 

How smart is your home?

If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, an easy upgrade is to install these smart home features above. They’re more affordable than you think, and they can result in your home selling faster.

 

Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re in a home from the future? The good news is that the future is officially here, so why not enjoy the best of it?

 

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How To Ease Your Pet’s Anxiety On Moving Day

Moving to a new place can be extremely exciting, though for your dog, it can be a difficult experience overall. A dog is a creature of habit. It can become very attached to a home if it lives there for many years. The stress and fear of the unknown can be very taxing on your furry friend.

 

We know that dogs are just as much a part of our families as anyone else, so making sure that they feel good is extremely important. You can watch for signs of anxiety with your dog before your move too to see if they’re in a good place. Without further ado, let’s jump in to see what you can do to prevent it.

 

 

Top Ways To Prevent Anxiety

 

1. Visit the New House Ahead of Time

If you’re moving away from your current home and it is not that far away, we recommend taking your dog with you to visit as much as possible. You can take them into the backyard to play around or spend a bit of time hanging out and playing in the living areas. Give them a few treats while they are there so that you can provide them with good memories of the house.

 

The more and more your dog visits that home, the more and more they will become used to all of the sights and smells that come with it.

 

 

1. Be Patient With Your Dog

Make sure that you don’t force the new house on them too quickly. Yes, there are dogs that may adjust quicker than others, but for the ones that take a while, you need to give them as much time as they need to adjust.

 

To be patient, you must remain calm. The calmer you are, the calmer your dog will be, and the easier time they will have adjusting overall. Remember, your anxiety is contagious.

 

 

1. Keep Them Away On Moving Day

Your best bet is to keep your dog far away from everything when you are moving. You may want to keep them with a friend or family member for the moving time if you can. Your dog will feel anxious if they see their space changing drastically.

 

Instead, get your home setup with all of their belongings so that they have a nice place to come into when they arrive. Set their food down somewhere, make them a bed, and spread a few of their toys around.

 

 

Conclusion

There a million things that you can do to take the moving anxiety away from your dog beyond the things listed above. You can try to get them on some CBD oil for relaxation, keep them on the same routine throughout your move, make sure that you retain all of their belongings, and make it a priority to keep them safe.

 

We hope that our list was helpful in providing you with ways to keep your dogs from feeling anxious on moving day. Have you ever had to move with your dog? What was your experience. Make sure to let us know in the comments!

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How to Childproof Your Home

If you have a family, you need to make sure your home is childproof. Childproofing a home means that your home is free from threats and dangers that could harm young children. We all know that kids get into things they shouldn’t, so it’s always better to be safe.

 

Whether you’re welcoming home a new baby soon or kids are visiting your home for the first time, you need to know how to childproof your home. In this guide, we’ll outline the proper safety measures necessary to keep your home safe.

 

 

Why do I need to childproof my home?

First, let’s talk about why it’s so essential to childproof your home. We all like to think that our homes are a safe place, but unintentional injury in the home is one of the top killers of children in the United States.

 

Here are some important statistics about home safety from Safe Kids Worldwide:

• 1,268 children under 19 died from suffocation in the home in 2013
• 26 children each year die from injuries related to furniture and appliance tip-overs
• An average of 123 children under age 19 die in falls within the home each year

 

While these stats might be scary, it’s important to see how dangerous your home can be if you aren’t careful. To protect your kids, follow the steps below.

 

Kitchen & Bathroom Childproofing

The kitchen and bathroom are some of the most dangerous places in your home if you aren’t careful. This is usually where you store chemicals, cleaning solutions, and other dangerous things that kids can get into. Follow these steps below to protect your kids in these spaces.

 

• Safety Latches – Install safety latches on all cabinets and drawers that make it difficult for kids to open these without adult help.
• Toilet Locks – To keep kids out of toilets, use toilet locks. Remember, kids can drown in just one inch of water.
• Medicines – Always store medicines in their original containers, and store them in high places that are difficult to reach.
• Appliances – Unplug any electrical appliances and devices like hair dryers and toasters that could be played with near water.
• Electric Outlet Covers – Cover any electrical outlets with safety caps so kids aren’t tempted to play with them.

 

Around the Home Childproofing

Areas outside of the kitchen and bathrooms are still a threat to kids if you’re not careful. Make sure you take these steps below seriously.

 

• Gates – Use safety gates to keep kids away from stairs and other off-limits areas.
• Edge Bumpers – The edges of some furniture can be painful for kids at that lower level. Install edge bumpers to protect against injury.
• Window Blinds – Replace any window blinds which have looped cords that can be a strangulation hazard for children. Always lock blinds into position so they can’t be played with.
• Secure Furniture – Always secure furniture to the walls with brackets and anchors to prevent them from falling onto children. In addition, place heavier items on the bottom of any shelving to keep them from falling.
• Gun Safety – If you have guns in the home, they should be stored in a secure, locked gun cabinet away from children.
• Batteries – Batteries can be fatal if they’re swallowed. Keep any devices that contain small batteries out of reach of children.
• Maintenance – Always maintain your home and take action quickly if you need repairs. For instance, you should know what to do if you find asbestos in your home.

 

Protect Your Children by Childproofing Your Home

One of the first things you should do when moving into a home is to make sure it’s childproof. These tips above will give you more peace of mind, but they’re not a substitute for preventative action. You should always keep an eye on young children, and teach your kids about safety inside the home.

 

It’s also a good idea to learn basic first-aid so you’re ready if an emergency does happen in the home. Finally, check your readiness by reviewing the Kids Health checklist for the kitchen, bedroom, and beyond. Your safety and your kids’ safety is too important not to take these things seriously.

 

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How To Prevent Yourself From Becoming A Distressed Seller

Having trouble selling your home? Sometimes, selling a home can take quite a bit longer than anticipated. In some case, it might take long enough that your home listing expires. But you shouldn’t let this stress turn you into a distressed seller.

 

A distressed seller is someone who decides to sell their home as quickly as possible in order to get rid of the asset. In many cases, this results in the seller taking a loss just to get the property off of their hands.

 

In some cases, this is the result of a seller being willing to accept less in order to save time and move on from the sale. However, in other cases, this happens because you become worried that your home isn’t selling as quickly as you thought it would.

 

In order to ensure that you get as much money as possible from your home, consider these tips to help prevent yourself from becoming a distressed seller.

 

Selling a Home Takes Time

First and foremost, you need to remember that selling a home takes time. First time sellers, in particular, may make the error of expecting their home to sell within a couple of weeks.

 

However, the truth is that most homes stay on the market for an average of 65 days — that’s over two months. Sellers that manage to find a buyer in less time are often: selling their home for a very low price, live in a high-demand area, or are extremely lucky.

 

Also, keep in mind that this is the average timeframe for selling a home — meaning, there are plenty of homes that stay on the market longer than this.

 

If your home is taking longer than you expected to sell — don’t panic. Remember that selling a home can take several months.

 

Reevaluate the Listing Price

While you shouldn’t panic and drastically lower your sale price, that doesn’t mean you can’t reevaluate your listing price.

 

Real estate values fluctuate on a fairly regular basis. Your original listing price may no longer reflect current market values. In order to find the fair market value of your home, you can use real estate comps to find the values of similar properties in your area.

 

By using this method, you can see if your current listing price is reflective of similar houses being sold in your market.

 

If your listing price isn’t the issue, you may consider reevaluating your marketing strategy, making renovations, or other options.

 

Talk to Your Agent

Lastly, if you’re starting to become worried about the status of your listing, talk to your agent.

 

Your agent will be able to provide guidance regarding what steps you can take to sell your home without sacrificing your profits. Your agent can come up with an accurate valuation, help hold tours, and create a marketing strategy to help find new buyers.

 

Becoming a distressed seller can sacrifice your profits as you look to get rid of your home quickly. By rushing to sell, you may miss out on getting the money you need to pay off your mortgage and purchase a new home.

 

Consider using these tips to help prevent yourself from becoming a distressed seller.

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What To Do If you Have Termite Damage In Your Home

If you spot termite damage in your home, do not panic!  Though termites can compromise the structure of your home, signs of damage are not a guarantee you will have to spend thousands of dollars for repairs.  Time is of the essence.  Act quickly and you just might be able to get rid of the termites before they cause significant damage.  Let’s take a quick look at how you should proceed after finding termite damage in your home.

 

 

What to do After Termite Damage?  Take Immediate Action to Minimize the Destruction

You can do a few things on your own to prevent your termite problem from worsening.  As an example,  if you have shrubs near your home’s foundation, trim them.  If you store firewood near the base of your home, move it far away from the house so termites in the wood are not in close proximity to your living space.  It will also help to reduce the use of mulch around your home.

 

If there are airflow issues or a buildup of moisture, address those problems right away.  Otherwise, even more termites will be drawn to your home.  However, such measures will only do so much to keep termites at bay.  More is necessary to eliminate the termites in your home and prevent even additional termites from moving into your living space.  Fail to consult with the professionals and you are likely to end up with uber-costly repairs that probably won’t be covered by your standard insurance policy.

 

 

 

Contact the Professionals Right Away

The termite remedies available in stores and detailed on the web will only do so much.  You will need the assistance of the termite experts for immediate professional analysis and treatment.  Our pest control team has the specialized tools and knowledge necessary to identify termite activity and perform timely removal.  We understand the sight of termites in your home is unsettling yet there is no reason to panic or put your home up for sale. 

 

Reach out to our termite specialists right away so we can assess the problem and eliminate the termites as quickly as possible.  If you delay, you run the risk of your home’s floors or ceilings collapsing.  Even if the termites do not compromise your home’s foundation, these little buggers will damage everything from your walls to carpeting, furniture and beyond.  The failure to act in a timely manner will only worsen the condition.

 

 

Sit back and let the Termite Experts Take Care of the Infestation

Let the termite gurus inspect the infestation and you will finally know the true extent of your termite problem.  Timely treatment will prevent structural failure, return your living space to normal and provide an invaluable peace of mind.  Do not assume the termites will stay far away from your home in the years ahead.  Have your home inspected at least once each year for termites to prevent additional infestations and costly repairs. 

 

 

Perform the Necessary Repairs

Once our pest professional has guaranteed there are no longer termites attacking your home and the chances of additional infestation are slim-to-none, it is time to perform repairs.  Our termite specialist will account for all of the damage so you know exactly what needs to be repaired.  You can now proceed with repairs to the parts of your home damaged by termites. 

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 appeared first on National Cash Offer.

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Should I Get Hardwood Floor Instead of Carpet in My Home?

Just like everything else in life, interior design is cyclical. Colors, finishings, and design styles frequently fall in and out of fashion. Flooring no different.

Gone are the days of long shag pile carpets and wool blends. If you’re looking to replace your carpet, you should consider hardwood flooring. Not only is it allergen friendly, but you can also get it in a range of colors and finishes to suit any home interior.

 

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why hardwood could be the way to go in your home.

 

 

Hardwood Flooring is Timeless

Although trends for flooring come in and out of fashion, hardwood flooring has endured the test of time. Used for hundreds of years, it’s possible to match hardwood flooring to almost any interior style, color, or whatever accessories happen to be in fashion.

 

 

Hardwood Flooring is Desirable

Hardwood flooring is frequently the choice in luxury homes and apartments. Depending on the type of wood chosen, hardwood can create a sense of prestige and glamor. If you wish to make an impression on guests in your home, hardwood flooring should be the preferred choice of flooring over carpet.

 

 

Hardwood Flooring is Long-lasting

Although the initial cost is higher than carpet, if properly maintained, hardwood flooring can last for generations. This means that hardwood may even be the more economical flooring since your initial investment pays off over time. Because carpet needs to be replaced every few years — or sooner if it is stained — hardwood flooring can often be the more economical choice of the two options.

 

 

 

 

Hardwood Flooring Improves Resale Value

According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, 54% of home buyers are willing to spend more on a home that has hardwood flooring.

Of course, the return on your investment will naturally vary according to your local market and various other factors, but the statistics show that hardwood flooring can help to sell your home faster, and for a higher asking price.

 

 

Hardwood Flooring is More Allergen Friendly

Carpet attracts dust and dust mites that can exacerbate allergies for certain people. This becomes particularly problematic the older the carpet is, as it becomes more difficult to clean. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is effortless to clean and can be cleaned thoroughly. This makes it more allergen friends than carpet — and more hygienic.

 

 

Hardwood Flooring is Durable

If you change your color scheme or decor, you don’t need to worry about replacing the whole of your flooring. Hardwood flooring can be refinished with various colors. This also means that if it gets damaged in any way, it can be repaired easily, by sanding down the damaged surface repainting it.

There are many different factors to consider when deciding whether to replace your carpet with hardwood; this includes your budget, style, and overall needs.

 

Although carpet has some benefits, such an offering warmth and softness to a home, the classic style and luxurious appearance of hardwood is ultimately preferential for resale purposes.

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What to Do If You Have Water Damage in Your Home

Discovering water damage in your home can be scary. Whether a drain backed up, a pipe burst, or your home flooded, you have to see past the mess to discover what comes next. It’s hard to move past the initial damage and shock and take action.

 

You’re wondering what happens next. What do you do if you have water damage in your home? The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to limit the damage. Mold can start to form from water damage around 24 hours after the water starts to form, so you have to act quickly. Since there’s no time to waste, let’s get started.

 

 

1. Shut Down the Water Source

The first thing to do is to shut down the water source as soon as possible. Next, you need to turn off the electricity. If you’re not sure where the water is coming from, shut down all of the water on your property.

 

You can’t assess the damage until you’ve turned off the water, so make sure this step is taken first. When in doubt, hire an emergency professional to help you ensure the water is turned completely off. If you own your home, proceed to the next step. If not, contact your landlord and explain the situation and wait for their next steps.

 

2. Identify Your Water Type

You probably didn’t know there were different types of water, but there are when it comes to water in your home. Here’s what you need to look for:

 

• Clean water – The first type of water is known as “clean water.” This is water that’s come from rain, leaky pipes, or another “clean” source. This water is much easier to clean, and you can do a lot of the work yourself.
• Grey water – This type is dirtier than clean water, as the name implies. It could be from the dishwasher, washing machines, clean toilets, and other areas that aren’t completely clean. This water might have some contaminants, so you’ll need to be careful if you choose to clean it yourself.
• Black water – Finally, black water is the most dangerous type of water. This is any type of serious flooding from sewage, rivers, or a nearby body of water. This water is full of contaminants like bacteria and other harmful materials. You should never try to clean this water type on your own.

 

3. Look for Mold

Aside from determining which type of water you have in your home, you’ll want to look for signs of mold. The reason for this is because some types of mold can form quickly, and they could be harmful to you and your family members if they’re injected.

 

If you find signs of mold, you’ll need to be very careful. If the infected area is small, you can bag it and dispose of it yourself. If it’s a large area, shut down airflow to the area and call a professional immediately. Educate yourself about the signs of mold, remembering that some of the mold might be hidden in the walls or under the floorboards.

 

4. Dry Your Home

The first step you need to take other than reviewing your home for contaminants and molds is to dry out the affected area. Moisture is what causes mold and damage, so drying should be your first priority. You can use fans to circulate the air or even a large-capacity dehumidifier.

 

To remove the water, use a water pump or towels. depending on the size of the affected area, it might be easy to fully dry the area. Just make sure you’re continuously airing the exposed space to promote drying quickly.

 

5. Throw Away Damaged Materials 

Finally, you need to throw away any damaged materials. This includes anything that’s been contaminated with mold or unclean water. Any porous materials like carpet, fabric, and insulation need to be thrown away since the water will continuously damage them even after you think they’ve dried.

 

If there’s something you want to keep, such as a beloved piece of furniture, you’ll need to isolate it and dry it quickly. When in doubt, throw it out. It’s hard to reclaim things that have been exposed to water for too long. Remember that any unsealed cement, wood, and drywall count as porous materials.

 

Restore Your Home After Water Damage

If you’re wondering what to do if you have water damage in your home, start with these tips above. The good news is most home insurance plans offer coverage for water damage. That means you can have a professional help you with this process so your home is back to normal in no time.

 

Sudden events like a pipe burst are likely to be included in your coverage, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your insurance if you’re not sure. Water damage can be catastrophic in your home, especially if it’s been going on for a while. The good news is that the sooner you take action, the less disastrous the damage will be.

 

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How To Successfully Arrange Your Furniture When Moving Into A Home

There are so many things to consider when you are moving into a new house. Arranging your furniture is usually further down on the list. If you’re trying to fill your new house with existing furniture for the first time or buying new furniture for your home, there are a number of things that you must take into consideration.

 

Some space are unique and call for unique pieces of furniture.

Some spaces may not work with your old, L-shaped couch, for example, meaning you might not want to haul it all the way there just to find out that it is useless in your new abode.

 

Here are some things you can do to make sure that your furniture arrangement situation goes smoothly.

 

 

1. Evaluate the Space Beforehand

The first thing you should do when evaluating the space in your new home is remove everything that is in there presently. Remove your moving boxes, trinkets, or other pieces of furniture that might be sprinkled around the room. This way you can get the most honest view of what your room might work best with.

 

 

2. Decide How You Will Utilize Every Room

An office should have a desk just as much as a living room should have a couch. Finding the best compromise between functionality and attractiveness is the key here. Let’s say that you are trying to arrange your living room.

 

You might ask yourself a few questions.

 

Is this a space that you want to be able to host big Super Bowl parties?

Is this maybe a space that you want to keep neat for formal occasions?

Is this a space that you want to keep open for an array of activities?

 

Each of these scenarios requires a different kind of living room setup.

 

 

 

3. Make Use of Home Arrangement Tools

There are many different arrangement and decorating tools available online to help you experiment with your space before ever lifting a finger. You simply enter the dimensions of your home, create a model of your specific space, and test out how different pieces of furniture would fit within different rooms.

 

 

4. Balance Your Room

There are things you can do to create feng shui in a room.

For example, it is recommended that you utilize all different parts of the room wisely. Pushing all of your furniture against the walls gets rid of depth and can make a room bland. In the same way, having furniture of the same height, size, or color next to each other, makes for a boring space as well.

Instead, use different patterns, colors, materials, and sizes, that all fit within a similar theme, to bring a room together.

 

 

Conclusion

Arranging furniture should be fun and exciting, not stressful. If there was one golden rule we’d recommend keeping in mind, it would be traffic flow. You should always leave a few feet of space to make sure that there is enough room for people to safely and comfortably move throughout your home.

Do you have any experience with decorating or arranging furniture in a home? Are there any tips or tricks you’d be willing to share? Let us know in the comments!

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Things Buyers Should Know About Home Warranties

Home warranties can give buyers the peace of mind they’re looking for when buying a pre-owned house. They can also be an excellent way for sellers to ‘sweeten the deal’ with a buyer. A home warranty can help to protect buyers against the risk of costly repairs and the replacement of major appliances.

Home warranties are not a one size fits all solution, however, and there are a few things you should know if you plan to purchase one (or have the seller buy one on your behalf) for your new home.

 

 

A Home Warranty Is Not The Same As Home Insurance

Home warranties cover home appliances and major systems, such as the HVAC or electrical system. If an appliance — which is covered by a home warranty — fails, it is typically repaired or replaced. Home insurance, on the other hand, covers the structure and foundation of the home, from issues such as fire damage or natural disasters. It can also include your belongings and possessions inside of the house from damage or theft.

 

 

Not All Home Warranties Are Created Equal

As stated above, home warranties typically include your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing system. These are major systems that require immediate repair or replacement if they fail. Not all home warranties cover all appliances though, for example, some policies may cover minor appliances such as your dishwasher, and others may not. The coverage you receive is dependent on your particular home warranty plan.  It’s important to discuss your chosen plan in depth with the warranty issuer to ensure that you’re aware of your coverage.

 

 

 

Home Warranties Are Not Retroactive

Taking out a home warranty will not cover you against any existing issues that your systems and appliances have. This is why it is so important as a buyer to have a home inspection. Defects or system failures which are noted during the home inspection are ‘known conditions,’ and are not typically covered by your home warranty. If however, you move into your home and a problem that was not previously known comes to light, your home warranty will usually cover this.

 

 

Read The Fine Print

According to the Better Business Bureau, home warranty companies are subject to thousands of complaints each year. It is vital that you read the fine print of any home warranty plan that you take out. Oftentimes there can be exclusions in your coverage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacements if you’re not aware.

Even the most comprehensive cover can still include exclusions in the plan. For example, most home warranties do not include refrigerator ice makers, as they tend to break often. Be sure to read all paperwork thoroughly — and ask questions if you’re not sure.

 

Home warranties can be a great way to protect yourself from the unexpected expenses of homeownership. In order to get the best deal, think carefully about how extensive you require your coverage to be. If the home is relatively new, you may not need a warranty that is as comprehensive as you would need for an older home.

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The Top 5 Famous Athletes Who Have Houses in AZ

The warm weather and beautiful landscape of Arizona make it an ideal place for the rich and famous. Plus, it’s relatively affordable to own a large home in Arizona, making it ideal for celebrities who want a home they can live in for a while.

 

Why does Arizona attract so many sports legends? Aside from the endless number of golf courses, Arizona is also a popular spring training spot for many sports. Athletes who choose Arizona as their home are close to all of the action.

 

Who’s chosen to set roots in Arizona? Let’s take a look at the top 5 famous athletes who have houses in Arizona as well as what those homes look like.

 

 

 

1. Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick is one of the most well-known names in race car driving. She’s made a name for herself by being the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing. She came first in the 2008 Indy Japan 300, and she’s the only woman to win an IndyCar series race.

 

Today, Patrick resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, and she showed her 8,300-square-foot mansion to People Magazine in 2018. While the architecture of the home is impressive in itself, the real reason she chose it was for the seven-car garage where she could park her full fleet of vehicles.

 

Patrick’s home is nicknamed the “Jetsons House” because of its circular shape. The walls are sheathed in concrete and everything is open and disc-shaped. It looks like it belongs in the Arizona landscape, so it’s no wonder Patrick loves it so much.

 

 

2. Charles Barkley

Charles Wade Barkley is a retired professional basketball player. You might hear him referred to as Sir Charles since he was one of the most well-known power forwards in the NBA. During his time in the NBA, he was the fourth player to achieve 20,000 points during his career.

 

As a former Phoenix Suns basketball player, it’s no surprise that Barkley now chooses Scottsdale as his home. In 1998, Barkley purchased a $2 million home in Gainey Ranch. His home is 6,000-square-feet with an impressive 7 car garage. His backyard features everything you need to enjoy the Arizona sun, with tennis courts, a putting green, and a swimming pool.

 

 

3. Amy Van Dyken-Rouen

Amy Van Dyken-Rouen won six Olympic gold medals in swimming, but she’s now paralyzed from a spinal cord injury. However, that hasn’t slowed her down. She leads her own foundation to help fund medical research, and she’s also been named one of the most influential women in Arizona.

 

Today, Dyken-Rouen lives with her husband, former NFL punter Tom Rouen just north of Scottsdale. Their home is on the golf course in Grayhawk, and it has one of the best views of the Arizona landscape.

 

 

4. Max Scherzer

Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Max Scherzer has called Arizona home for a while. He’s always had a soft spot for Arizona since being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006.

 

Scherzer’s penthouse offers views of Phoenix’s Camelback Mountain, and it’s truly a spectacular space. The 3,354-square-foot penthouse features three bedrooms and three baths, but the real wonders are outside. With four covered patios, guests can take in the city lights and the desert mountains.

 

In 2016, Scherzer officially sold the home. It was listed for over $2,225,000, and now another owner can live in this legend’s penthouse.

 

 

5. Michael Phelps

Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps has called Arizona his home since 2016. He originally built a mansion in 2017 that sits on two acres of Paradise Valley, a suburb of Phoenix. Phelps lives with his family in the six bedroom and eight bathroom home.

Unsurprisingly, his mansion includes a lot of outdoor activities like a wet bar and pool, hot tub, sauna, and barbecue space. This is Phelps second mansion in the Pheonix area, and it’s clear he’s planning to stay in his 10,000-square-foot home for a while.

 

 

Celebrity Athletes in Arizona

With all of the sun and sky, it’s no wonder so many athletes choose Arizona as their home. There’s a lot to see and do here, and an unlimited supply of great weather all year long. For those who like to stay active, there isn’t anywhere better.

 

Getting a glimpse into the homes of the rich and famous is an exciting way to see how pro athletes live. While we might not all be able to understand what it’s like to live in these impressive homes, it’s fun to learn more. These are the famous athletes who have houses in Arizona. Which home is your favorite?

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What To Do If Your Home Has Fire Damage

Fire damage can be devastating.

 

In severe cases, it could completely destroy your home and ruin your most valuable property. In more minor cases, it can still damage your home’s interior, leave noticeable marks, damage electronics, and leave smoke damage in its wake.

 

Fire damage can happen to anyone. Every home is susceptible to it, yet most people don’t know what to do if their home is damaged by fire.

 

If your home does experience fire damage, you should know what steps you can take to start recovering.

 

Let’s take a look at what you should do if your home has fire damage.

 

Call Your Insurance Provider

First and foremost, be sure to contact your insurance provider immediately after experiencing fire damage.

 

Call your agent to talk to them about the next steps that you should take. Your agent can provide guidance to help you understand what you need to do to start repairing your home.

 

They may advise you to take certain steps, including:

 

• Recording every item that has been damaged and how much each item costs
• Taking steps to minimize damage, such as covering openings and draining water
• Hiring an inspector to assess the damage done to your home

 

Your agent will tell you what steps to take to start recovering from fire damage.

 

Find a Restoration Company

Fire damage leaves a lot of repair work to be done. Your home may need extensive renovations, depending on the severity of the fire.

 

It’s important to clean up any soot, smoke damage, standing water, and other residual damage as soon as possible. This will help protect your home from experiencing more long-term damage.

 

You shouldn’t take on this task by yourself. Look for a reputable restoration company to help you clean and repair your home. Your insurance agent may be able to refer you to great, affordable restoration services.

 

Separate Your Goods

After any major disaster, it’s important to make a detailed list of all damaged and undamaged goods. This will ensure that your insurance provider compensates you for your losses.

 

Walking through your home, after it has been established as safe, is important so that you can identify all damaged property.

 

Additionally, this will help you identify undamaged goods and remove them so that they don’t experience any damage.

 

If possible, try to submit receipts for the items that you report as damaged. If you have your receipts, it will help you back up your claim to your insurance provider.

 

Find a Place to Stay

In some cases, your home may not be safe to inhabit after a fire.

 

In this case, you’ll need to find a place to stay as quickly as possible. Ask your insurance provider if your policy includes coverage for this. Homeowner’s insurance policies often include coverage in the case that your home becomes unsafe to live in. You may be able to receive compensation for your living expenses until you can return to your home.

 

Fire damage can take a serious toll on your home and property. Following these steps will help you recover as quickly as possible.

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How To Make Your Garage A Selling Point For Your Home

Your home will never reach its full potential unless you bring out the best in the garage.  Sadly, most homeowners neglect their garage as it reeks of vehicle exhaust, feels cramped and is laden with dirt.  Ignore your garage and you run the risk of its unsightly appearance or uncleanliness being a deal-breaker for interested home-buyers.  If you are thinking about selling your home or have already decided to put your house on the market, it is imperative you make the garage a selling point.  Here’s how to do it.

 

 

The Garage Should Serve Multiple Purposes

A garage that serves multiple purposes is much more valuable than a garage that merely provides a parking space.  If your garage has space beyond that which is necessary to accommodate your vehicle(s), you should consider making use of that space.  As an example, the addition of a workshop to your garage will provide home-seekers with a space to work on various projects. 

 

If you live in a city that does not receive snow, it might make sense to convert the garage to an apartment and park your vehicle in a carport, the driveway or elsewhere.  This way, the buyer will have another source of income in the form of a garage apartment.  You do not have to tear down the garage to turn it into a living space.  Rather, it might be possible to build a small apartment or even a bathroom atop the garage. 

 

 

Install a new Garage Door

The aesthetic appeal of a garage door is more important than most people think.  Spend for a new garage door and it just might sway a home-seeker who is on the fence to submit an attractive bid.  Aside from boosting your home’s visual appeal, a new garage door will also provide prospective bidders with an invaluable peace of mind.  There will be no doubt as to whether the garage door will function as it should for vehicle protection and home safety.  Though a new garage door will certainly set you back a tidy sum of money, it just might trigger a bidding war for your home.

 

 

 

An Insulated Garage is a Strong Selling Point

Put yourself in the position of a home-seeker.  If you were looking for a new home, wouldn’t it be nice if the house you have your eye on featured an insulated garage?  Spend for garage insulation and prospective buyers will immediately envision how they will use the garage.  A climate-controlled garage can serve a variety of purposes: a man cave, an apartment, a space to work on various projects, a space to socialize, etc. 

 

 

Add a Storage Loft Above the Garage

The addition of a storage loft above your garage just might encourage interested buyers to make a better-than-expected bid on your home.  After all, no one wants to venture into the attic or the cold basement to retrieve stored items.  A storage space built atop your garage will prove much more accessible and convenient. 

 

 

Let There be Light!

Most garages are dark, odorous and depressing places.  If your garage fits this description, the addition of new lighting will alter its look and feel.  However, if it is necessary to update or completely re-do the garage wiring, you will need the assistance of a licensed electrician to ensure all of the safety standards and codes are fulfilled down to the very last detail.

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 appeared first on National Cash Offer.

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The Top 5 Places To Find The Best Furniture

Finding the best furniture for your home can be difficult. You have to find pieces that fit your taste and your price range.

To find furniture that meets your criteria, you need to find the right shops to buy furniture from. Furniture shopping online has made finding the best furniture at an affordable price easier than ever. You just have to know where to look.

Let’s take a look at five of the best places you can shop online for great furniture at reasonable prices.

 

West Elm

West Elm is the most expensive option on this list. But, if budget isn’t your main concern, West Elm is a great option.

 

West Elm sells high-quality, modern furniture at reasonable prices. You can find everything from living room furniture to home decor.

 

While this option is the most expensive on this list, West Elm often has sales that can offer huge discounts on their furniture.

 

West Elm also has a tool to help you plan your room, so you can pick your furniture and see how it looks before you make any purchases.

 

Wayfair

Wayfair is one of the most popular budget-friendly furniture stores in existence, and for good reason.

 

Prices are more than affordable and this website offers an extremely wide selection of pieces to choose from. Wayfair offers a variety of styles, including mid-century, modern, contemporary, rustic, and more.

 

In addition to their already low prices, Wayfair offers constant sales to make their furniture even more affordable. All things considered, Wayfair is one of the best places to shop for furniture if you’re on a budget.

 

If there’s something specific you’re after, there’s a good chance Wayfair has it.

 

All Modern

All Modern is much like Wayfair. Here you’ll find a wide variety of stylish, modern, affordable furniture.

 

While Wayfair sells furniture that fit a wide variety of styles, All Modern focuses almost entirely on modern furniture — as the name might suggest.

 

However, if modern furniture is what you’re looking for, All Modern is the perfect store to find affordable furniture for your new home.

 

Target

You might not think of Target when you’re looking for a place to find great furniture. However, Target offers a very wide selection of affordable furniture on their online store.

 

Target offers a huge range of styles that can accommodate any budget. While Target does sell some furniture in their physical stores, you’ll find a much bigger selection online.

 

Make sure to check out Target when it’s time to find furniture for your new house.

 

World Market

World Market sells everything from food and drinks to jewelry.

 

In addition to these products, World Market offers affordable, contemporary furniture. While prices are a little bit higher than sites like Wayfair and All Modern, World Market’s furniture is still affordable and often higher in quality.

 

Of course, aside from these options, there’s a variety of other great options, including Ikea, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Anthropologie, and more.

 

However, at these locations, you’ll almost certainly be able to find the great, affordable pieces you need to decorate your new home.

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Top 5 Tips on How to Win a Bidding War When Buying a Home

You’ve found the home of your dreams, you put in an offer, and everything’s going according to plan. That is…until you discover a competing offer has been put into the same home. Oh no! You’ve found yourself in what’s known as a bidding war.

 

How do you win a bidding war when buying a home? There are multiple offers on the home you love, and you no longer have the upper hand. What causes these bidding wars? It’s the perfect combination of a high demand mixed with low housing inventory. Many markets across the U.S. are ripe with bidding wars, and they can be stressful to buyers.

 

So how do you snag your dream home? You’ll need to be smart about how you approach your bidding war so you can land the home sale of your dreams without blowing your budget. In this guide, we’ll share the top 5 tips on how to win a bidding war when buying a home.

 

 

1. Offer a High Price

It goes without saying that the easiest way to win a bidding war is to simply offer the highest price. This list wouldn’t be complete without spelling out this option. Homesellers are always trying to make the most income on their home sale as possible. Offering the highest price is a sure way to land the sale without the drama of a bidding war.

 

If you’re in a competitive market, you might discover that some buyers are willing to go tens of thousands higher than the asking price to get what they want. If this isn’t an option for your budget, it’s time to consider the strategies below.

 

2. Cash Is King

Another way to gain an advantage in a bidding war is to flash some cold, hard cash. As the saying goes, cash is king when it comes to sales. If there are multiple offers on a property, all-cash offers are incredibly appealing to home sellers.

 

What makes cash offers so special? First, who doesn’t prefer cash? Second, it’s like a fast pass through the buying process. Mortgage and agreements are complicated, and they add a lot of time to the home sale. In addition, mortgages sometimes fail unexpectedly, leaving the seller scrambling to pick up the pieces.

 

If you offer cash, you’re letting the home seller know you’re available to take the home as soon as possible. There are no third-party approvals to consider or hoops to jump through, and that’s important when trying to win a bidding war.

 

3. Show Your Pre-Approval

Because not everyone can offer an increased offer or pay cash, you might need some other ways to appeal to home buyers. One smart move is to show your mortgage pre-approval from your mortgage lender. This is an approval notice that clearly states you’re able to borrow enough money to purchase the house.

 

If possible, contact your lender to provide a pre-approval document specifically tailored to the property you’re trying to buy. This is something lenders will draft if you give them prior notice. This shows that you’re serious with your offer and that you’re less likely to experience any slowdowns in the approval process.

 

4. Put More Money Down

Another option is to put more money down as your downpayment. A higher down payment means you won’t need as much money from the bank, and we’ve already shown why that’s such a good thing when buying a home.

 

Backing up your down payment with financial proof that you can afford this home is another smart move. It shows that you’re prepared to put more down, and you actually can follow through on what you say. To prove you’re not full of hot air, be prepared to show documents like tax forms, pay stubs, or your 401(k) balance.

 

5. Waive Your Contingencies

Finally, your contingencies are any requirements that need to be met in order to close on the property. If the seller doesn’t follow through on these requirements, the buyer can back out of the sale. When you waive your contingencies, you’re showing how serious you are about securing this property.

 

For instance, you might decide to waive contingencies when it comes to the home inspection to continue with the sale no matter what’s discovered about the home. However, as you can imagine, this comes with some level of risk.

 

Final Thoughts

If your heart is set on a home, sometimes you have to go the extra mile to show you’re serious about making a purchase. In a perfect world, you’d never find yourself caught in a bidding war. However, if you are, you don’t have to accept defeat.

 

These 5 strategies above will give you an edge over the other buyers, even if you can’t offer a higher price. It takes some extra thinking to win a bidding war when buying a home. At the end of the day, you’ve got to fight for the house you want or decide to keep looking.

 

 

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How To Prepare For an Open House

Selling your home will prove much easier if you prepare well ahead of the scheduled open house.  Otherwise, prospective buyers will be greeted by a cluttered, messy home that does not look nearly as good as it should.  Preparing your home for an open house is not a Herculean effort.  Invest a little bit of time in this project with the assistance of a savvy realtor and you will be able to present your home at its best.  Let’s take a quick look at how to get your living space ready for an open house.

 

 

The Home Must be Ready to Sell

Preparing for an open house is all about putting yourself in the position of an interested buyer.  Home-seekers do not want to find broken, dirty or otherwise-flawed doors, roofs, floors, etc.  If anything is visibly dirty or malfunctioning, repair it prior to scheduling the open house.  Once everything is replaced, repaired and cleaned, it is time to stage the property with the assistance of a realtor.

 

 

Staging the Home With a Realtor

Lean on a realtor for assistance staging your home and you will have the expert insight necessary to maximize the beauty and appeal of your living space.  Your realtor will help you perfect your home’s interior design for universal appeal.  Realtors are also adept at picking up on subtleties that actually matter a great deal from the perspective of home-seekers.

 

 

 

Remove Personal Items

Buyers should be able to walk right into your home and feel as though they can move in that day.  If your personal items are still present throughout the house, it will be difficult for visitors to envision the living space as their own.  Remove as many of your personal items as possible.  Things like your child’s artwork on the refrigerator and family photos should be boxed up and put in storage or dropped off at your new living space.  Otherwise, interested parties will feel as though they are interfering with someone’s personal life as they walk through the home.

 

 

Maximize the Lighting

The proper lighting will illuminate your home’s best features.  Clean all the windows, open the shades, dust the lampshades and let the light shine through.  This additional light really will make your house look and feel that much more open.  Furthermore, an abundance of lighting makes the interested parties feel more comfortable.  The only downside to maximizing your home’s lighting is the potential for this additional illumination to spotlight dirt and dust.  Clean the entirety of the home with a particular focus on areas where the light shines through and home-seekers will be inclined to put in a bid on your beautiful living space.

 

 

Enhance the Property’s Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home matters just as much as the interior.  Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door.  If your home’s exterior paint is faded or chipped, consider repainting it before scheduling the open house.  Clean off the stairs with a power washer to eliminate all the grime, dirt and other gunk.  Beautify the exterior of your home and interested parties who swing by will be inclined to step inside to check out the open house.

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