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4 Common Open House Mistakes Made by Home Buyers

December 21, 2015 By

When you’re looking for your dream home, how do you ensure that you’re getting exactly what you want? One easy way is to stop by open houses in your neighborhood. It’s easy to make a mistake during the complicated open house process, so here are a few things to avoid when attending an open house.

Don’t get distracted by the current state of the house.

Paint colors, carpets, and cluttered rooms can distract you from the way a home looks. When you enter a home and you don’t initially like the way it is decorated, don’t let it stop you from appreciating the architecture of the house. Ignore what’s inside and imagine it decorated with your furniture and photos.

Don’t believe everything you hear.

The homeowners you interact with may very well be interested in helping you find the right home, but at the end of the day, do your own research. You wouldn’t buy a used car without a history, so treat your potential new home the same way. Make sure you know everything, from past damage, to potential for any new problems in the future.

Don’t forget to ask questions.

On that note, make sure that you ask a LOT of questions. Don’t simply walk into a home and sign on the dotted line — that’s not the best way to make a huge investment. Ask questions about everything, from the current condition of the home, to details about the neighborhood. You’ll want to have as much information as you can before you purchase the house.

Don’t try to figure it out on your own.

Open houses can be confusing, so don’t walk in unprepared. The perfect weapon is having your own CENTURY 21© agent by your side! Agents are trained to attend open houses and see what is going on. They’ll know what to ask and look for even if you don’t.

Most importantly, don’t let an open house overwhelm you; it’s meant to be an easy way to see the home you’re interested in. This list can help you take the first steps in preparing yourself for your open house visits and ensure that you find the perfect place for you and your family.

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Driveway Detective: Tips for Assessing a Driveway When You Buy

December 7, 2015 By

Thought-out floor plans, updated kitchen appliances, and abundant backyard space may be perks you’re searching for when trying to find your dream home, but a seemingly minor aspect may make or break the sale — and it’s right under your feet. An attractive driveway boosts curb appeal and sets the tone for the entire home. You don’t want to come home to a dilapidated driveway every day after work, so here’s what to look out for when making the drive to the big decision.

Don’t step on the crack:

Cracks and crumbling, sunken areas in a driveway usually mean there are weeds growing underneath. The option of tearing apart and repaving could be in the cards, but wouldn’t you rather spend your money on other household projects?

Sharing is caring:

…except when you’re sharing a driveway with your neighbor. In some urban neighborhoods, cohabiting the same driving space with dwellers surrounding you is the norm. If you’re not comfortable with constant communication in the early morning hours, perhaps this might not be the right home for you.

Keep a watchful eye:

A security system in your home is commonplace nowadays. Having a driveway sensor to detect suspicious movement around the entrance of your home would give your entire family an additional sense of safety while you’re at the office or school for the entire day. While more of a perk than a necessity, the luxury of having heightened protection can give the home a desirable edge.

A worthy investment:

Looks matter in a lot of departments, including your driveway. Gravel driveways are economically easy to make and maintain, while a timeless cobblestone path gives the home upscale undertones. Attractive paths tend to lead towards more impressive interiors, so the bar is already set high from the moment you park the car.

Keep these tips in mind when you go to your next open house — they may make all the difference!

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Homes

October 18, 2015 By

Wouldn’t it be nice if homes came as “one size fits all” to save you from the decision-making process? Unfortunately, you can’t try on different living spaces as you would jeans or shoes. To help out, we’ve created a list of the advantages and disadvantages of different homes.

Apartment or Condo

An apartment or condo is one unit of a larger building. The difference between them is that you rent the former and buy the latter. Deciding which option is better for you is an entirely other conversation — check out our renting vs. buying calculator for more. Regardless, both options offer some pros and cons regarding physical living space.

Advantages:

– Maintenance and repairs are covered.
– Utility bills can be lower because you may not be responsible for heat or water.
– Amenities, such as security and fitness centers, may be included.

Disadvantages:

– Privacy isn’t promised — sounds can travel through walls, floors, and ceilings.
– Parking can be a hassle if the building doesn’t have a designated garage.
– Space is limited, and a yard will be communal if it exists at all.

Townhouse

A townhouse is a house connected to others in a row, usually with space for a small front lawn or backyard.

Advantages:

– Communities are tight knit due to close quarters.
– Home Owners Association (HOA) covers maintenance through their membership fee.
– Prices are typically lower than standalone units.

Disadvantages:

– Renovations need approval from the HOA.
– Some walls are shared with neighbors, which decreases privacy.
– Space is limited, though more available than when in an apartment.

Detached House

A detached house is a single structure with its surrounding property, though it can vary in terms of architecture, size, and location.

Advantages:

– Privacy, space, and independence are at a maximum.
– Value usually increases over time, making a house’s purchase more like an investment.
– Storage space allows for more material possessions, whether for hobbies or bulk buys.

Disadvantages:

– Maintenance can be costly and time-consuming.
– Cleaning is a bigger job.
– Prices may be higher than other types of homes.

Compare your family’s needs to what’s here and you may be able to find your perfect fit!

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5 Moving Day Mistakes That May Slow You Down

October 6, 2015 By

Congratulations! You’ve found a new home. Now it’s time to move in. One of the most important components of a successful move may be staying organized. Avoid making these common moving mistakes and you are likely to have a smoother move.
 
Packing boxes haphazardly

You may think that putting everything into boxes as fast as you can is easier, but in reality it is likely to make unpacking a headache. How will you find your silverware without opening up every single box? Pack items by room and label them accordingly so movers can drop them off in the appropriate rooms.
 
Hiring movers without researching

Do your research before choosing a moving company. Read reviews and ask for referrals from friends to decrease the likelihood of lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.
 
Forgetting to set up utilities beforehand

Call your providers a month before your move. Schedule to have your utilities set up in advance so you don’t have another task on your to-do list on moving day.
 
Underestimating the importance of measurements

Can your living room sofa fit through the front door? Take measurements of doorways beforehand to make sure all your large pieces of furniture can fit. If the front door isn’t an option, measure other entry ways, such as the back door or garage.
 
Not packing a “just in case” kit

Pack a small suitcase with clothes and belongings you’ll need to get through one week. If anything comes up that delays your movers significantly, you may be relieved to have the essentials on hand.
 
Avoid these mistakes and your move may just fly by, stress-free. Looking for more tips? Use our Ultimate Moving Checklist. (And don’t get take moving advice from stock photos).

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MASH for Adults: What Type of House Should You Have?

October 3, 2015 By

Do you remember MASH, the game you used to play in grade school to predict your future? We’ve created the adult version to help you find out the type of home that may be right for you. Grab a pen, think of a number, and start playing!

How would you describe your style?

  1. Eclectic
  2. Modern
  3. Traditional
  4. Chic

 

How do you feel about work?

  1. I’d rather be traveling the world.
  2. It’s fine, but I prefer nightlife.
  3. It teaches responsibility.
  4. It’s great, if you make a lot of money.

 

Which home exterior do you prefer?

  1. Blue paint
  2. Red brick
  3. White siding
  4. Tan stone

 

Where would you like to live?

  1. On a beach
  2. In a city
  3. In the suburbs
  4. An exclusive development

 

Which is your ideal vacation?

  1. A beachside retreat in the Caribbean
  2. A night out on the town in a bustling city
  3. A family-friendly trip to an amusement park
  4. An extravagant European tour

Now add up your scores! (Answer 1 = 1 point, Answer 2 = 2 points, etc.)

If you scored…

5 – 8  = You should live in a bungalow!

The perfect home for you may be a beachside bungalow! You love to travel the world and spend most of your time on a beach. Your home is filled with treasured items you’ve picked up over the years. Who cares about matching? Everything you own reflects a memory, a piece of you, or a part of the world.

9 – 12 = You should live in an apartment!

You’re a natural urban dweller, and we couldn’t take that away from you! You may have been born for the bright lights of the big city, and you don’t care if that means living in a smaller space. You’re willing to sacrifice square footage for experiences in a metropolis, so you’ve developed a minimalist style to decorate your abode. You aren’t too attached to your items, but instead, are attached to your city.

13 – 16 = You should live in a house!

You may love peace and quiet, and what better place for that than the suburbs or the country? Family comes first for you, which is echoed in your design style. You care about practicality first, and you understand the difference between “needs” and “wants.” But that doesn’t mean that you don’t have sentimental attachment to items. You proudly decorate your home with artwork and items made by family members.

17 – 20 = You should live in a mansion!

You favor a big, pristinely decorated space, so a mansion may be right for you. You love extravagant items, like a large mirror or brightly-colored furniture. And everything you own matches, which means you have a home that your friends fawn over constantly.

For entertainment purposes only.

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Avoid These Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

September 29, 2015 By

Buying a home for the first time can be cumbersome. You’ve never done it before, so it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. Luckily, we’ve pulled together some of the common mistakes first-time home buyers make. Learn from them, and you may have a smoother home buying process.

  • Forgetting About Costs:

Your mortgage will probably not be the only cost when it comes to buying a home. Smaller costs like property insurance, taxes, electric and water bills, and other fees may start to pile up. Before buying a house, you may need to look further into your savings to figure out if you can pay for all of these additional charges.

  • Looking for a Home Before the Loan:

Once you find a house and decide to buy it, you don’t want to spend time wondering if you can afford it. Knowing your budget, and that you are a qualified buyer before you begin your search may make the process easier and more efficient. Once you decide that it’s time to buy a home, get pre-approved for a loan.

  • Not Hiring Professionals:

Moving isn’t as simple as packing up your stuff and renting a van. It takes a village to move into a new neighborhood. Your team can only be as good as your weakest link, so you may want to ensure that you have only the best players. Get your home buying team in place before starting the search.

  • Being Too Picky:

There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want when it comes to buying a home. But if your “must-have” list get too long and too specific, you may end up looking for your perfect house for a very long time. Also, remember that you can make changes once you move in. It may be wise to take the time to figure out what you really need versus what you want. If you are unsure where to start, our checklist may help!

  • Lacking Vision:

Some of the open houses you attend may not look move-in ready. But plenty of homes have hidden potential. When you look for a home, try to look past the 70’s shag rugs and lava lamps. Imagine what the home will look like after you’ve moved in with all of your own belongings, or try to envision the structure of the home without the stuff inside it. This will be an important skill, especially if you’re looking to buy a fixer-upper as your first home.

  • Ignoring the Future: 

If you plan on living in this house for a long time, you may want to think ahead. You may decide to have kids in a few years, and then you’ll have to worry about another set of questions. Will there be enough bedrooms? Is the house located in a good school district? These may be things to think about when buying your home.

So whether you’re just starting to think about buying your first home, or you’ve already spent some time looking, there may be a lot to learn from this list of mistakes.

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Don’t Make These 5 Common Home Buying Mistakes

August 24, 2015 By

It can be easy to get lost and confused during the home buying process. Proper planning is paramount. It’s also helpful to learn from other people’s mistakes. Here are some of the most common errors people make when shopping for a new home.

Not budgeting for everything: Yes, this sounds obvious, but many people forget about some of the costs of buying a home. There are added costs such as furniture and appliances, DIY projects, moving fees, or your first mortgage payment. This last one is especially important—setting a budget may help you determine how much you can comfortably afford to pay for your mortgage.

Neglecting your credit score: Your credit score will play a major role in the home buying process. This 3-digit number might be the thing that keeps you from your new home! Credit reports often contain errors or misinformation, so it’s important to retrieve your report ahead of time and fix any errors before sending it out to lenders. Looking at your credit reports may also give you a better idea of what interest rates you can expect so you can make room for them in your budget.

Trusting verbal agreements: A home seller can verbally accept your bid and still turn around and give it to someone else if a higher bidder comes along. So before you celebrate your new home, make sure you’ve signed paperwork!

Skipping the home inspection: You can’t expect the seller to tell you about all the potential problems you might face if you buy their home. There might even be issues with the house that the seller isn’t aware of, which is why it’s crucial to hire an inspector to take a look through the house. An inspector will examine the overall foundation and structural features of a house. It’s their job to find these areas of concern so that you don’t have to worry about them later on! (Tip: Don’t be too reliant on the inspector. You may catch these problems that they sometimes miss.)

Sweating the small things: Don’t like the color of a house or the wallpaper inside? Is there something about the kitchen that you just can’t stand? Don’t sweat the small things! Focus instead on the location and the overall structure of the house. Once you move in you can change the small things you don’t like and make your house a home!

If you avoid these mistakes and work closely with a CENTURY 21® Affiliated Sales Associate, you may just find the home you’ve been searching for!

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New Home Checklist: Needs and Wants

August 18, 2015 By

If you’re shopping for a home for the first time, you might find yourself thinking, “Where do I even begin?” It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of searching for your home, and it can be hard to consider what we actually need and not what we simply want. Do you really need a house with a spacious backyard if you don’t have children or pets? And yes, a swimming pool would be nice, but is there enough room for one in your budget?

When shopping for a new home, the needs have to outweigh the wants. For now, it’s more important for you to find a home in a good location, with the right amount of rooms than one with a pool.

This New Home Checklist encourages you to separate what you need in a home from what you want in a home. Bring it around to open houses and check things off as you look around! If there are more wants checked off than needs, then this might not be a practical home for you.

What I need in my new home: These are some general things to look for in a new home, but not everything may apply to you! Simply cross off the ones that apply to the home you’re viewing. There’s space to write in your own.

  • Good location
  • Strong school district
  • Reasonably sized rooms (not too small OR too big)
  • Interior layout that I like
  • Home with solid foundation
  • Good amount of natural light
  • Attached garage
  • A driveway or somewhere to park cars easily

What I want in my new home: Write down everything that makes up your ideal home! A swimming pool, a sprawling backyard, and a beautiful, spacious kitchen might make the list. Use this space to fill them in and cross them off as you look through the home.

 

 

Take a copy of this checklist to each open house you attend. It might make it easier for you to compare different homes. Search for a home that fulfills most of your needs and allots for some of your wants as well. Practicality is important, but so is increasing the likelihood that you love your new home.

Happy house hunting!

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New Homeowner Tips – 5 Do’s and Dont’s

July 30, 2015 By

If you’ve recently purchased a new home, or if you’re about to, you’ve likely given a lot of thought to all of the responsibilities that come with it: mortgages, insurance and — sooner or later — renovations and repairs. While the responsibilities can seem overwhelming, owning a home is exciting and rewarding too. You just need to know what to do and what not to do to avoid unexpected expenses.

New Homeowner Do’s:

There are a few home maintenance projects that should top the to-do list of every new homeowner. According to a recent article, these include:

  1. Checking your HVAC system: If your HVAC system wasn’t serviced before you purchased the house, inspect air filters and other components for anything in need of repair or replacement.
  2. Inspecting gutters and downspouts: Make sure that your gutters or downspouts have been cleared of debris. If they’re clogged, moisture could build up and leak over into your roofing or foundation — a predicament that will most likely require costly repairs. Also look for cracks or holes in the system; these could cause the same issues.
  3. Look for leaks: Air and water leaks — whether in your insulation, your pipes or your walls — can lead to a number of issues in your home. They’re the perfect entry for pests, and they also offer a prime opportunity for air to seep out, which can force your HVAC system into overdrive. Fix leaks immediately with weatherproofing, caulking or more insulation material.
  4. Assess insulation: Attic and basement insulation are crucial to protecting your roof and foundation from moisture, pests and interior temperature fluctuations. If there are holes, missing pieces or other issues with your insulation, you will need to have it augmented or replaced. You can install some kinds of insulation yourself; others require the help of a professional.
  5. Upgrade appliances: Depending on the age of your appliances, now might be a good time to upgrade to newer, more energy-efficient models. Replacing one or more of your appliances will pay back in utility bill savings, whether you replace your washer and dryer, dishwasher, microwave or refrigerator.

 

New Homeowner Dont’s:

There are also some new homeowner mistakes you should avoid. Making these mistakes could lead to the need for costly repairs and renovations down the road:

  1. No routine care: While the house might have passed a home inspection, you need to keep it up to snuff; if you don’t, you could find yourself paying for major repairs within a year. Routine care includes seasonal maintenance like roof inspection and repair, gutter cleaning, deck repair and cleaning, and so forth. Ignoring these areas or waiting another year before attending to them could lead to more trouble — and money spent — than necessary. Don’t wait.
  2. Renovating too soon: Although you may have considered a kitchen or bathroom remodel going into the purchase of your home, it’s best to wait at least one year before you renovate a room. You need to get to know the house and confirm that there aren’t more crucial repairs that need your budget and attention first. Otherwise, you could get halfway through your remodel only to find that your foundation is in serious disrepair — and that you have no money to fix it.
  3. Overspending: As a new homeowner, you have a lot of costs to factor into your budget, including mortgage payments and an increased utility bill. If you invest in remodeling projects or landscaping in the first year — without giving yourself some time to get used to your new budget — you could end up in the red. Spend a year getting to know your new home budget, then think about spending money on improvements.
  4. Dreaming too big: If you don’t have the money to remodel in the first year but want to do it anyway, you might try to DIY. We’ve all watched the DIYNetwork, HGTV — programs that make it all look simple. But we have to be realistic. These DIYers are experts who have worked in the field for years. Most homeowners have no prior experience, and our projects generally show our lack of expertise. If you attempt a DIY remodel, you will likely spend thousands to have a professional redo your work.
  5. Taking the lowball offer: When you start hiring contractors for home projects, you’re going to run into those who quote far below the average bid. While you might be tempted to hire these pros, DON’T. As the saying goes: you get what you pay for. More than likely, you’ll end up hiring another pro to fix a shoddy job.

 

Conclusion

Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility and a lot of opportunity — some of it exciting and some not so much. It’s important to keep up on routine maintenance, as well as be prepared for everything that may come your way before you invest in major home improvements. Take this quiz to see whether you’re ready to be a new homeowner or need a little more time to prepare.

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5 Must-Read Tips for Swimming Pool Maintenance

July 27, 2015 By

There is something so relaxing and rejuvenating about sitting by the swimming pool, sipping lemonade, reading a good book, or cooling off by swimming laps. Having a pool at home may make you feel like you’re on vacation — but maintaining it may feel like work. Following these tips may take the guesswork out of maintaining your summer oasis without feeling like you’re about to fail a chemistry test. There are chemicals involved with maintaining a swimming pool, so you should always follow your recommended pool chemical safety rules. A general rule of thumb is that you clean your pool weekly.

Skim and scrub: Remove any leaves and debris that may be floating on the top of your pool. Scrub the sides and bottom of the pool. You may want to invest in a robot vacuum that will scrub for you. Scrubbing is important because it may decrease and/or prevent algae build-up.

Pay attention to your filter: Your filter helps to remove impurities like leaves and dirt from the water. According to the Fresh Home editorial team, you should clean out your filter basket at least once a week. They also recommend that you clean out the filter’s pipes once a month.

Test your chemical levels: Examine your pool’s chemical levels at least once a week. Test the following levels: cyanuric acid, free chlorine, acidity/alkalinity, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Learn more at The Center for Disease Control (CDC) website. Don’t worry, there won’t be a test after your chemistry lesson!

Shock your swimming pool: When you shock your pool you raise the chlorine level for a short time frame to kill bacteria. According to the team at Fresh Home, “It’s done by diluting three to five times the normal amount of chlorine or other chemical sanitizer with water, slowly pouring it into the pool’s return line, letting it filter throughout the pool, and then slowly refilling the pool with water over time.” Pool owners are advised to shock their pools at least once a week during the peak swimming season (AKA summertime.) But this number really depends on the number of people swimming in your pool and the weather. After a pool party or particularly long periods of rain or sunshine, you should think about giving your pool a shock.

Keep an eye on water levels: The water level of your pool will naturally fluctuate throughout the summer, but the last thing you want is an overflowing pool! Aim for a level that is halfway up the opening of your skimmer. If you notice your water level might be too low, use a garden hose to fill it up as much as necessary. And if it’s getting too high, rent a waterproof pump to get rid of any excess water. Level pool, level mind!

There you have it! Pool maintenance doesn’t have to be stressful — these tips from Fresh Home may put you on the right track to having some good, clean fun this summer!

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