How to Make Moving a Breeze

Moving to a new home can cause stress on you and your family from packing and unpacking your belongings, moving your furniture, leaving a home filled with memories, and moving into a home to make new memories.  But it’s time to take the stress and pain out of moving with these helpful tips.

1. 1.     Start Early- As soon as you have made the decision to move, start going through all of your belongings.  Create separate piles and boxes- one for keep, one for donate, and one for toss.  Finally, box up the seasonal items you will not use until after you move.
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3. 2.     Create a System- Devise a system to help you keep track of your stuff and organize everything before packing it away.  Ensure that all of your items are in the correct boxes- color code your boxes by rooms, number each box, and write the destination of where your boxes are going.
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5. 3.     Pack a Suitcase- Pack items you will need to use the week of moving and the first week you are in your new home.  This way you can take time unpacking all of your belongings.
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7. 4.     Set Out Two Empty Boxes- Place items you want to toss or donate after you move.  Even if you have already sorted your boxes, you will still find items you will not need.
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9. 5.     Remember to Reward Yourself- Take a break from unpacking and enjoy a snack, drink, or even a massage.

Wishing You and Your Family a Happy Holiday

Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!  Thank you for the support throughout the year! I look forward to assisting you this upcoming year!

How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays on a Budget?

The holidays can be an expensive time a year and establishing a budget is key.  When you create your budget it usually consists of gift buying, food, entertainment, and lights for the outdoors but generally not decorations for the home.  Here are some budget-friendly tips to help keep the money in your wallet and your holiday guests happy.

1.     Check Your Inventory- Look for leftover items or extra throws that can be used for decorating.  Collect candles, leaves, branches, and sticks to create a centerpiece for your guests.  Core some apples and stick candles in them to add to your centerpiece. Put extra throws on your couches to give your home a cozy feel.

2.     Look in Nature- Collecting items from nature is not only free but it can add pine scent to your home or you can create your own wreath with your findings. In nature, locate pinecones, pine tree branches, and red berries. 

3.     Find Mismatched Dinnerware- One challenge when it comes to hosting a party is finding enough dinnerware for everyone to use.  Pick up used dinnerware at a local thrift store to help accommodate for all of your guests.  Try sticking with the holiday colors.

4.     Get Help From Your Kids- Have your kids help you collect items from nature, decorate and even clean your house to help you save money and time.  Even have your kids make a centerpiece for your guests.

5.     Create a Storage Place- Create space in your home that is in good condition and well maintained to ensure your decorations do not get ruined.  Invest in good storage bins and wrap all decorations properly before storing them.

When is it time to replace your roof?

Roofs are meant to last for many years, but how do you know when is the right time to replace it.  Weather can play a huge part in the lifespan of your roof from the heat to the winds to the hail.  Repairs can be costly but replacements can be even more.

Your roof needs to be replaced when….

• Your roof has missing shingles.
•  Shingles are cracked or peeling.
• There are stains or watermarks on your ceiling.
• Shingles are discolored.
• Your roof is old.

How long will your household appliances, fixtures, and accessories last?

Each year there are items in a home that need to be replaced because they are either outdated or broken. However, it can be difficult to discern when a major household feature needs to be replaced. One way, you can predict when you will need to replace the items is by the typical lifespan.

Fortunately, the major appliances and fixtures such as garage doors, gas fireplaces, linoleum floors are expected to last for at least 25 years with bathtubs and sinks lasting about 20 years.

• Other Appliances and Fixtures
• Washing Machine, dryers, refrigerators- 13-15 years
• Food Disposals- 12 years
• Plasma TVs- 11 years
• Lawnmowers and carpet- 10 years
• Microwaves and dishwashers- 9 years
• Air conditioners and mattresses- 7 years
• Rugs- 5 years
• Laptops- 4 years
• Coffee makers- 2 years

Don’t worry about your doorbell that will last for about 45 years!

How to Update Your Kitchen in Five Easy Steps?

Renovating your entire kitchen can be quite expensive, however, when it comes to selling you can get about 66% return on your investment. But a smaller kitchen renovation investment can lead to even more return!

1. Cabinet Refacing- Keep your existing cabinet but give them a facelift! Changing out the fronts of your cabinets and draws will make them look like they are brand new for a fourth of the cost.

2. New Lighting- Brightening up your kitchen welcomes people and creates a functioning space. Replacing recessed lights with impactful pendant lighting will brighten up your kitchen. They also offer a stylish solution for the space over the island and sink.

3. Cabinet Painting- If you are on budget painting your cabinets is a great temporary kitchen remodel idea until you have the budget to reface them.

4. Upgrade Appliances- The majority of remodelers are incorporating stainless steel appliances into their projects. However, most people tend to take the appliances with them when they move, it’s important to keep them in the residence when you are selling your home. You will get a return on your investment and the appliances will appeal to buyers.

5. New Countertops- Countertop styles can range from granite to quartz to even stylish laminate. Installing the right kind of countertop depends on the type of home you live in. Pick a style that suits your home and the best option you will see a return on.

As a First Time Homebuyer, What Should You Take into Consideration When Selecting the Perfect Home?

When you are ready to buy your first home, it can be overwhelming and scary. There are many different options to choose from including the area, neighborhood, school district, and location. To start you must determine the budget you are willing to spend on a home and stick with it.

• Location is a key factor when determining where you want to live and the amount you are willing to spend. You don’t want to
walk-through homes in an area you simply can’t afford.

• Determine the neighborhood and school district you want to live in is essential to narrowing down your search.

• Research the area you are most interested to see if there are plans for expansion in the neighborhood, new shopping center developments or even new apartment developments.

• Determine if you are planning on staying in your home for a few years, 10+ years, or even forever. If you are planning on staying in your home for a long time, is there room for your family to grow? Is there space available to add onto the home?