How to Keep Your Christmas Décor Up Year-Round?

Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year for those who celebrate it. But it’s really hard to deny the love for twinkling lights, sparkling decoration and festive colors sprinkled everywhere.  The magic of Christmas can be so strong, a post-Christmas depression may set in for some after all the decorations are put away.  However, there are a few ways you can use your holiday décor all year-round. Finding items that don’t scream Christmas can be left out for good.

You can probably pack away anything that is sporting jolly ‘ol Saint Nick, stockings, poinsettias, and mistletoe. But you can get away with leaving out the snowmen, reindeer (without Rudolph), snowflakes, and snowy accents for a little longer.

Decorate your home with neutrals and metallic elements for the holidays- blue and silver or any other color combination used to convey Christmas.  These items could still work throughout the year

Try not to use too much green and red together.  People tend to associate those colors with Christmas.  

Leave out Christmas décor that doesn’t necessarily look specific to Christmas. Clear glass hurricane vases can be used all year-round with a few tweaks.  Fills them with colorful bulbs for the holidays, sand and candles for a summer centerpiece or acorns and pinecones for fall.

 Use string lights all year-round on your patio.  There’s no need to pack up your Christmas lights if you enjoy a soft cozy glow. 

Metallic ornaments can be displayed all year when mixed in a bowl or glass vase with other natural materials like seagrass, twine, or wood.

What are Items in Your Home a Mover Hates Moving?

There’s no doubt professional movers are essential when you are moving.  Their job is probably one of the most physically demanding jobs out there. They are constantly going up and down stairs, carrying hundreds of pounds of furniture, dismantling (and reassembling) furniture, climbing in and out of trucks and storage units all day. However, there are a few common items a professional mover hates moving, and some may surprise you.  So, if you have any of these items to move, you may want to kick your mover a few extra bucks for helping you out.

Foam mattresses- Foam mattresses can be one of the more challenging items to move due to them being bulky.  They can also be a lot heavier than spring mattresses.

Sleeper sofas- A typical couch weighs about 300 pounds but one with a built-in bed can weigh an extra 75 pounds.  To make it easier on your mover, use a small piece of rope or bungee cord to tie the bed to the couch to keep the bed from flipping out on the movers.

Particleboard furniture- The budget-friendly furniture may not only be a nightmare to put together but it’s also a nightmare for movers.  The reason for this is the furniture is so lightweight it is easily damaged.

Bunk beds- Dismantling and reassembling bunk beds can be a big-time consuming project which can lead to even more expense for you.  

Dressers with packed drawers- Emptying out your drawers to put them in moving boxes only to unpack them a few days later is annoying.  But don’t attempt to find a short cut by leaving your items in the dressers.  Not only does this make the movers job more difficult, but your furniture can also break due to it being too heavy.

Exercise equipment- Most exercise equipment is not only extremely heavy but it can be very difficult for a mover to reassemble it without breaking it.  Hire a professional to prep the gear before your move and one to reassemble it after the move.

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What are Thing You Should Never Get Rid Of?

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Decluttering your home for the holidays may sound like a great idea but what happens when you get rid of items you actually need. Those old letters from your high school friends, important documents you thought you would never need again, or a memory from your childhood. Before you purge, think!

Personal Paperwork- Before you toss those memories or bills think if the future you will need them.  It may sound like a good idea at the time but what if the future you decides to write a book or catch up with an old friend and laugh at the letters you wrote to each other.

Photos You Think You Don’t Look Good In- Those photos you thought you didn’t look good in a few years ago might have a different meaning to you today.  Old friends or family members who may have passed might be in those photos.  Getting rid of those photos might be something you really regret later. 

Iconic Clothing- What happens when you get invited to an 80’s party but you just got rid of all of your 80’s gear?  Keeping one or two pieces might help you in the future for your get togethers.

Real and Fake Jewelry- Throwing out your fake jewelry may cause you to get rid of an heirloom you never knew you had.  Even if it’s a piece you don’t wear, keep it.  It might be worth more money in the future.

What are Valuable Home Features that May Be a Big Waste of Money?

Paying too much or full prize these days is not something anymore likes.  That is true when you are looking for a new home.  It’s time to make your home-buying dollar count so you aren’t wasting your hard-earned money on things you may not want or need in a home.

A Huge Yard- If you are not an outdoor person or don’t see yourself spending a lot of time outside, why spend the extra money for the home that has one?  Sellers may charge a premium for those extra patches of grass in the yard which you may end up paying even more in maintenance.

A “Short” Commute You Won’t Use- If you work from home, don’t commute during busy times, or retired living downtown or near public transportation may not be right for you. Living in these areas tend to have increased house prices as they attract those who will take advantage of it.

Top School District- If you don’t have kids in the home or don’t plan to have kids in the home you are looking to buy, why spend more money to live in a top school district?  People tend to over pay for home that are in a good school district to ensure their children will get a good education.

Single Story Home When You Prefer a Two Story- Single story homes can be more expensive depending on the area and price of land.  Typically, single story home takes up more land which can cost you more.

Fancy Amenities You Won’t Use- If you don’t spend time working in the garage, why spend extra money on home that has a heated garage?  Or if you don’t drink, why purchase a home with a built-in bar with a wine fridge.  These premium upgrades will send a purchase of the home’s price up.

What are the Fall Home Décor Trends?

New season, new Starbucks drinks, and time for new home décor.  Decorators are predicting this year’s trends to be rich tones, color blocks, and big fancy florals.  With these trends in mind, how can you incorporate them into your décor?

1.    Oversized Florals- who doesn’t love a floral print on an oversized scale? Be sure you don’t overdo the florals in your room.  Stick with one or two pieces with oversized florals.

2.    Modern Neutrals- keeping your look beautiful and simple by adding different elements of natural-looking furniture and décor.  Try focusing on stripped timbers, wood grain, and add in simple or natural materials. 

3.    Gold- gold may have been the trend in spring/summer but it’s still holding on and you’ll see it even more this season! Switch up how you used gold in the past- instead of accessories go for the carpet or a splash of paint.

4.    Tacticle Kitchen- kitchens are continuously going through changes and they may not be about adding one style rather mixing styles. It’s all about adding a mix of different styles into one kitchen with contrasting colors.

5.    Jet black- black seems to be the color of classy and elegance but in home design it may be changing a bit. If you are a fan of monochrome you will love this trend. It’s all about the accessories and they need to be black! Combine this look with tactile pieces and it will help balance it out.

What are Five Household Chores You Can Skip?

Weekends are meant to be relaxing and catching up on your favorite shows or sleep.  They also meant for family, friends, and relaxing not chores. What chores can your skip this weekend, so you don’t have to miss out on your weekend?

Laundry- Most clothes don’t need to be washed after one use unless it is your undergarments, gym clothes, or clothes that stick close to your body.  

Hand-Drying Dishes- Swap your towel for a drying rack and let the dishes air dry.

Dusting- Dust can be gross but it does not need to be cleaned up every weekend.  You can wait to dust your home once a month.

Cleaning Windows- Your windows don’t need to be washed every week.  Instead wash them every four months.

Organizing- If you are over doing your organizing you may add unnecessary stress to your weekend. Your closets need a major overhaul only a few times are year. The rest of your home can be done in several days- take 15 minutes and focus on one area.  Move to the next area the next week.

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What are 6 Things Buyers Must Do Before They Move?

The countdown to moving into your new home has begun. In the 11^th hour things can get missed or forgotten but with this checklist, you won’t forget anything.

1.    Make sure all contingencies are squared away- If you, the buyer, have added contingencies to the transaction, make sure they are completed before you go into your closing appointment.

a.    Home Inspection- Schedule your home inspection right away.  If there are problems with the home, make sure they are negotiated within a timely manner.

b.    Appraisal- Mortgage lenders will hire a third party to evaluate the home to ensure the value is not lower than the sale price.

c.    Financial- This will give you the right to back out of the deal with your mortgage falls through.

2.    Clear the title- Your mortgage lender will require a title search on the property you are purchasing to ensure the title is clean with no outstanding issues.  You will also need to purchase title insurance.

3.    Get your final mortgage approval- Before closing, your home loan must go through the underwriting process.  If you’ve made any false or misleading claims on your loan application, they may come up and can delay your closing.

4.    Review your closing disclosure- The closing disclosure is also known as HUD-1 settlement statement. This document will outline your exact mortgage payments, loan terms, and additional fees (closing costs)

5.    Do a final walk-through- A walk-through will be conducted within 24-hours before closing. During the walk-through you will check to see if all repairs were made based on the home inspection and ensure there are no additional issues with the home.

6.    Bring all necessary documents to closing- You will need to bring- proof of homeowners insurance, copy of your contract, home inspection reports, paperwork required by your bank to approve the loan, government issued photo ID.

Why Every Buyer Needs a Proof of Funds Letter?

Once you’ve made a decision to purchase your first home or a new home, your next step is to apply for a loan and receive a proof of funds.  This letter proves that you, the home buyer, has enough liquid cash to purchase a home.  It is an essential letter to show home sellers to ensure you are a qualified buyer. It will also help your real estate agent show you homes within your budget.

Does Everyone Need a Letter?

The short answer is yes, everyone needs a letter.  Even if you are getting a mortgage you will still need enough money for your down payment and closing costs.  

What is the difference between a proof of funds letter and pre-approval letter?

The preapproval letter is a commitment from a lender to provide a buyer with a home loan.  A proof of funds letter is a document that shows where you’re keep the cash you need to bring to the closing table.

A proof of funds letter can be provided to you by your bank.  Contact your bank to request one today.  

How to Decorate with White- the Do's and Don'ts

There was a time when white décor was used for a formal living room that was seldomly used and handled with care.  Now days, color isn’t always king especially as people look to live a more minimalist environments.  White can sometimes be ignored but used purposefully and carefully.

When it comes to decorating with white- what are the do’s and don’ts?

Do:

Mix different tints, tones and shades of white

Incorporate the white color into accessories- vases, florals, and pillows

Mix white with colors such as grey and taupe to create a soothing environment

Use textured white accessories to soften up a space

Mix white with both warm and cool colors

Don’ts:

Forget to extend the color white into elements such as cabinets, fixtures and appliances

Ignore the opportunity to reflect color through the use of mirrors and windows

Omit negative white space – trims, door headers, and under ceiling soffits

Dismiss the power of the pure white space

Why You Shouldn’t Always Take the Highest Offer?

You took the time to get your house perfect to put on the market and now you have offers rolling in. Some even over your asking price. But the highest offer may not always be the best one. There are many factors you need to look at before accepting the offer and ensure it’s the right offer for you.

Closing Date- If a certain closing date is important to you, make sure the potential buys date aligns with yours.

Home Inspection- If one buyer wants an inspection while the other does not, what do you do? If the inspection is waived, chances are there will be no further negotiations prior to signing the purchase agreement.  

Cash or No Financial Contingencies- Most sellers are more willing to choose the all-cash offer versus the financed one.  However, an all-cash offer may come in the lowest and the funds may not clear. Waiving this contingency will also forgo the bank appraisal.

Escalation Clause- A clause states that a buyer will pay a certain amount over the highest bona fide offer that does not contain a home sale contingency.  Not all agents use this tactic but it can be a great way for buyers to ensure their bid stands out against the competition. 

Whatever option you end up picking, remember that every term is negotiable and as a seller you are in control.

What Does it Take to Sell Your Home Quickly?

You’ve made the tough decision to sell your home and now it’s time to get your home ready for it to sell quickly!  Chances are you may not be able to purchase another home until your current home sells. It can be stressful and may take some work but with the correct approach it can be sold in record time.

Channel your inner clean freak- Decluttering doesn’t have to be rocket science but it is key to creating a pleasing environment. Pay attention to these common areas: kitchen and bathroom counters, fireplace mantels, laundry room shelves, tabletops, and magazine racks. Don’t forget about the closet! 

Rearrange the furniture- Ask yourself- does my home invite buyers to sit and stay awhile? Can they flow freely through my home without bumping into things? Start by putting big and bulky pieces in storage and move pieces away from the walls.  You may even want to consider selling some items that may not go in your new home.

Set the table- Staging your home will paint a picture for potential buyers to envision them living in your home.  Bring out your china, flatware, and linens to help paint the picture.  Try to keep it simple!

 Bring the outside in- Bring in fresh flowers from your garden. They will warm up any room and make your home smell great

Think like a buyer- When it comes to cleaning your home, think how you would want a home to look when you walk through it.  Buyers may get down to the nitty-gritty so even the smallest details need to shine. Don’t forget to clean the windows inside and out!