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8 Things You May Have Thought When Your In-Laws Stayed Over

August 23, 2014 By CENTURY 21

You love your in-laws. They are your family. Still, when they come over on short notice you always feel unprepared.

We’re not pointing any fingers but you may have thought one of the following things while you were smiling, listening to the story they tell every year, or cooking a meal you know they’ll hardly touch.

1. How long are they staying?: He said they were just staying the weekend but that never happens. It’s always so much longer… At least it feels that way. Maybe I’ll fake sick Sunday afternoon to make sure they leave on time. Yes, that’s it! I’ll watch that Ferris movie to plan my strategy.

2. Anything that can go wrong, will: That is just my luck, isn’t it? Either the kids will get sick, someone will have to work later than usual, the house will flood, or the world will end. Nothing can go right if the in-laws are here, that is just not how life works. They call that Murphy’s Law; I call it Murphy’s In-Laws.

3. Cooking Criticism: Last time I slaved in the kitchen, “the chicken was overcooked and the pasta was undercooked.” I’m sure someone will have something to say this time, too. I think the cooking powers-that-be curse me when my in-laws are here.

4. Clean, Clean, Clean: I wonder, if I had hired a cleaning service to come in and take over the house, would it have been noticeable? The house would be cleaner than usual so they might suspect something. That might open a whole other can of worms, so maybe I’ll just clean myself. If only I had a bunch of birds following me along cleaning, like a certain princess who lost her shoe. I wonder what the prince’s in-laws were like. They probably loved the good lady’s chicken.

5. Wine, Wine, and More Wine: I should probably run to the liquor store and pick something up… for them, not for me. I swear, these six bottles of wine are for my in-laws, not for me. I swear, I’m opening the first of them right now even though they don’t arrive until this weekend FOR THEM, NOT FOR ME.

6. Where are those gifts?: I know I put that ceramic elephant they got us for Christmas three years ago in the attic, but which box is it in? I thought I wrote it down the last time they visited so this wouldn’t happen again. Ok, now let me practice my “I love it and look at it every day” face.

7. Please don’t bring that up: I know that his/her ex still lives down the block from you. No, I do not want to hear about their new job and how they look better than ever. Please just don’t bring it up, please.

8. Good attitude: Lots of smiles and a clear head. If I remember to be nice, all will go well — hopefully. After all, in-laws can smell fear.

You finally understand the line, “to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life (Traditional Wedding Vows).” Even this weekend.

Recommended Reading:

-5 Stages of Having Your Kids Home from College

-Moving Advice You Should NOT Take from People in Stock Photos

-7 Reasons You’re Secretly Jealous of Your Dollhouse Family

-5 Zombie-Proof Houses Your Family Won’t be Caught Dead In

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Done in One Hour: How to Install a Faucet

August 16, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Replacing an old, inefficient faucet with one that’s equipped to save water can reduce your consumption by up to 80 percent. When you shop, look for logos such as Eco-Friendly, Energy Star, and Water Sense; these logos designate environmentally conscious features, including low-flow aerators and touchless controls. Donate your old fixture to a good cause (try Habitat for Humanity) or take it to a local recycling center (look in the Yellow Pages). Learn more about water saving products and techniques.

Here is how to install your eco-friendly faucet.

Supplies and Tools:

-Crescent or basin wrench
-Water pump pliers
-Bucket
-Towel

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1) Shut off the water supply. The copper lines that supply hot and cold water to the sink often have shutoff valves under the sink. Turn them off. In some homes, you may need to turn off water elsewhere, such as the lines in the basement that lead to the sink. Once the water supply is off, turn the faucet on to let water and pressure drain from the lines.

2) Disconnect the existing faucet from the plumbing. Use a crescent wrench (or a basin wrench if the nuts are difficult to reach) to disconnect the faucet from the supply lines. Then disconnect the sink from the drainpipes using water pump pliers. Keep a bucket and towel handy to clean up the water that will, inevitably, spill from pipes.

3) Install the faucet on the sink. Follow the installation instructions for your specific faucet. The process typically involves laying a gasket on the sink, then setting the faucet on top of the gasket with its tailpieces extending through the sink’s holes. Tightening a nut on the underside of the sink secures the faucet to the sink.

Complete these steps, then stand back and enjoy your brand new faucet!

5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Property Value

August 6, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Selling your home? Make improvements to your home to increase the likelihood that you will get a higher offer. Even small and inexpensive updates can make a difference. Do these projects before you put up your listing and schedule a staging.

Here are five simple ways to increase your property value when it’s time to sell:

1. Rethink your home’s layout: If you have three bedrooms and a home office, take out the office to make your house a four bedroom home. Removing bedrooms may decrease the value of your home. Turn it into an office, gym, or craft room then turn it back to a bedroom when you’re ready to sell. (Forbes)

2. Remove clutter: Making rooms look neat and clean is always a necessity, but take it one step further and remove the clutter and personal items from your rooms. Taking out photos, magazines, and little decorations will make the room look bigger and taking away personal items will help your buyers envision their lives there. (Forbes)

3. Front yard makeovers: The saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but when it comes to real estate, that is hard to live by. The first impression of your home is the front yard so make sure it is neat and tidy. Plant some new flowers, mow the lawn, and touch up any exterior paint that might need some attention. (DIY Network)

4. Maintenance work: The last thing buyers want to see when they walk into your kitchen or bathroom is rusty, leaking pipes, or a faucet that looks like it has seen better days. Take a weekend and give attention to any little repairs around the house. It could be as easy as replacing old door knobs and faucets. Paint your home neutral colors to minimize the chance that your design aesthetic will clash with the aesthetic of your potential buyers. (This Old House)

5. Update appliances: The kitchen is a huge selling point for potential buyers. If your kitchen appliances are old and outdated buy newer versions. While you’re at it, take your kitchen from good to great without breaking the bank.

Complete these simple tasks before selling your home to increase the likelihood that you’ll get a higher offer.

Buying a Home: 5 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

August 5, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Buying a home is an incredibly important decision. We recommend working with a CENTURY 21^® real estate professional who can provide insights and advice throughout your home buying process.

There are lots of questions you can ask your real estate agent but here are five starters.

1. Should I even buy at all?

Perhaps you’re not ready to buy yet, and renting is a smart plan at the moment. Discuss the varying costs, how long you plan to stay in the area, and whether a rent-to-own plan (where you begin a lease with the option to buy down the road) is a better fit. Our Renting vs. Buying Calculator can also help you make your decision.

We hope that these questions help you find your dream home. Use the resources found on century21.com to help you throughout the process of finding a home.

2. May I see a Comparative Market Analysis for this area?

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), is a comparison of one home to other similar homes that have recently been on the market. Use it to understand if the price of the homes you’re looking at is on par with the price of other homes in the neighborhood or similarly sized homes. You can find more details about how to use a CMA in our glossary.

3. What is the neighborhood like?

You are not just moving into a home, you are moving into a neighborhood. Your neighborhood determines your school district, your commute, your neighbors, your taxes, and more. Ask questions that indicate whether the neighborhood is right for you and your family. We recommend driving to work at rush hour times to measure the commute, visiting the school your kids would attend, visiting the home during different times of day, and learning about local hospitals and doctor’s offices. Find out more here!

4. How flexible is this home’s asking price?

Ask your REALTOR^® to help you hone in on a good but fair initial offer. Too low, and it could seem insulting; too high, and you’re at a disadvantage. Find out more about how your CENTURY 21^® real estate professional can help you determine the right price.

5. Will they accept a lease option?

A lease option is an arrangement whereby a buyer and seller agree to rent a home until the buyer is able to make a purchase. Your CENTURY 21 real estate professional can ask if the seller would be willing to go through with a lease option. If you and the buyer decide that this option works well for you learn more about the process.

Recommended Reading:

-Buying a Home: Tips for LGBT Couples

-Myth vs. Fact: Homebuying

-5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

-We Asked, You Answered: Tips for First Time Homebuyers

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How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Touching the Thermostat

July 21, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Contribution by Andrea Davis, HomeAdvisor

The temperature keeps rising…and rising…and rising! When will it stop? As you wait for the temperatures to make their slow decline, how about helping to avoid high utility bills? There are plenty of ways to keep your home cool without turning on the air conditioner. Here are some simple, effective methods that will cost you a fraction of the electricity bill:

1. Keep the sun out! From about May to August, the sun is not your best friend from around ten to four p.m. That’s when it shines through the windows and increases the temperature inside. So avoid it by installing window shutters, blinds and shades to keep the rays out. If you already have them installed, be sure to keep them closed from the time you leave until you come home.

2. Get those ceiling fans turned around. You might not be aware, but ceiling fans need to have their motors switched seasonally. During the winter, they need to turn clockwise and during the summer counter-clockwise. Counter-clockwise pushes cold air down and warm air up so the room feels cooler, whereas during the winter you want the fan to push cold air up and warm air down for the opposite effect.

3. Buy more fans. If some of your rooms don’t have ceiling fans or seem hot anyway, you can always purchase standing fans. Recent innovations have allotted new fans that don’t have spinning, loud blades. You can buy regular fans with blades or tower fans that have adjustable airflow and are completely quiet.

4. Invest in energy-efficient lighting. Did you know fluorescent and incandescent bulbs give off heat, which helps to increase room temperature? Buying LED bulbs is not only energy-efficient, but they also help keep your house cool during summer days. They come in all sizes and watts to fit about anywhere you need lighting.

5. Ventilate hot air immediately. Because you can’t grill every day during the summer, there will be times when you have to cook with the oven or stove. This means a lot of hot air, so you need to use the hood vent immediately. The same goes for when you take a shower or bath with the bathroom fan. You should also be sure your attic fan is properly venting out hot air that could increase house heat by 10 or more degrees. By getting that the hot air out immediately, it won’t spread to other rooms and increase the temperature.

Photo courtesy of Home Power

6. Let in the cool air! When the sun sets and temperatures start to drop, there might be a cool breeze blowing across the yard. So open the windows and back door to let it pass through the house and cool down all of your rooms. It will require no electricity, and you’ll be able to take in the night sounds as you fall asleep.

Header image courtesy of DesignMine

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Summer Savings: 5 Ways to Decrease Your Energy Bill

July 19, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Summer is in full swing and as the temperature rises, so can the electric bill. When you’re ready to escape the sun, you shouldn’t have to feel guilty about seeking cool relief inside your home.

Here are five things that may help to decrease your energy bill this summer:

1. Use the energy saver option on your air conditioner (AC): When you leave your home, use the energy saver option on your air conditioner rather than turning it off. The energy saver will keep your house at a cool temperature. If you turn off your air conditioner the temperature in your house will rise, and when you turn the unit back on it will need to work harder to cool your house down again, which in turn, can increase your electric bill.

2. Fans are your friend: Well placed fans can keep cool air circulating in the house, which means you might be able to delay turning on the air conditioning—especially if you can also leave windows open on cool summer evenings.

3. Create a lights-out policy: Keeping all of the lights off in your home during the day is a simple way to conserve energy and lower your electric bill. Try to rely on natural light alone. At night, consider trying something new like candlelit dinners or dimly-lit game nights.

4. Use heavy drapes on the windows: We’re not saying you have to be Dracula, but try hanging some heavier drapes—especially in windows that get a lot of natural sunlight. Close the drapes when you leave the house to help keep the sunlight out and the cool air in.

5. Get your AC inspected: Inspectors can make sure your system is leak-free and operating as efficiently as possible. Don’t forget to clean air filters; some units require monthly cleanings.

Many people shivered their way through a long winter dreaming of summertime. With these tips, you can help enjoy fun in the sun without getting burned by rising energy bills!

Recommended Reading:

-How to Make Your Home Summer Ready

-Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

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Cents and Sensibility: 5 Mistakes That Could Decrease Your Homes Value

July 17, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Renovating or improving something too much sounds like an oxymoron, however when it comes to attracting a buyer and generating a return on investment, it is possible. The decisions you make may be best for you and your family, but it is crucial to consider the mindset of potential buyers.

Here are five common renovation mistakes that may decrease your home value:

1. Over improvement: Your home should be similar to other homes in the neighborhood. If your home costs much more than other homes in the neighborhood, potential buyers may choose that the updates you made do not outweigh the increased cost.

2. Over personalization: You may love bright paint, built-ins, and elaborate tiles but the potential buyer may see changing it as too much of a hassle. You want buyers to be able to picture themselves living in the home so it is helpful to have a neutral design aesthetic when you show your home.

3. Inconsistency: It is better to spend smaller amounts on many projects than spend a large amount of money on one project while neglecting other parts of the home. Instead of spending upwards of $30,000 installing a pool while keeping old and outdated appliances, it is a wiser decision to update the appliances.

4. Removing a wall: It may seem as though knocking down a wall between two small rooms to make one larger room is a no brainer but having more rooms is almost always better when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Your family may be smaller than the potential buyers and, for them, it may be better to have more rooms regardless of their size. Removing bedrooms can also decrease the value of your home. Turn an extra bedroom into an office or gym while you are living there, but switch it back to a bedroom when you are getting ready to sell.

5. Functional Obsolescence: Make sure that your renovations make sense. For example, potential buyers will probably not want to have the only way to enter one bedroom be to go through another bedroom. Another example would be turning a garage into a guest house. Although having a guest house might be better for your family, many families would prioritize having a garage.

Remember these mistakes when you are choosing renovation projects around your home. What seems like a good idea might not actually lead to a return on investment or, worse, may detract someone from buying your home.

Recommended Reading:

-Picture Perfect: How to Take Great Photos of Your Home

-Do This, Not That: Tips for Staging Your Home

-Your Pre-Sale Checklist

-Seller Marketing Plan

-Adding Value to Your Home

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5 Ways to Take Your Bedroom from Good to Great

July 15, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Your bedroom should be a comfortable oasis where you can peacefully start and end each day. Make your bedroom your favorite room of the house!

We’ve put together five simple ways to help take your bedroom from good to great:

1. Beautiful Bedding: Your bed is the focal point of your bedroom and a vital component for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A good night’s sleep is essential, and a comfortable bed will increase your chances of getting rest. Use our tips to make your bed beautiful and cozy!

2. Art and Personal Photographs: Surround yourself with your favorite art and personal photographs. You’ll love being surrounded by art and some of you favorite memories. Buying art doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a lot of resources for buying decor on a budget.

2. Sitting Area: A sitting area will help elevate your bedroom from good to great! Curl up in your favorite chair to read, chat with your family members while you savor your first cup of coffee, listen to music, and relax. If you are short on space, put a bench or two x-benches at the end of your bed. If you have more space, add a couch, chairs, and a coffee table or ottoman.

4. Storage Space: Create a place for everything so that your room always looks neat and tidy. Getting rid of clutter will also make your space feel much larger. Buy multipurpose furniture, storage bins for under the bed, and a bookshelf. If you have a large closet, you could optimize the space by getting built-in shelving, shoe racks, and drawers.

5. Paint or Wallpaper: Choose paint or wallpaper that matches your style and decor. We have put together a few different color palettes to choose from. Paint or wallpaper can make a huge difference in making your room come together!

One great thing about these changes is that they do not have to be expensive. You can take your bedroom from good to great in just one weekend. These small changes can make a big difference in making your bedroom your new favorite room of the house!

Recommended Reading:

-Sweet Dreams are Made of These: How to Style a Bed

-Good to Great: Take Your Kitchen from Good to Great

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

-How to Style a Nightstand

-Serene Spaces: 5 Tips for Creating a Calm Bedroom

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10 Ways to Baby-Proof Your Home

July 14, 2014 By CENTURY 21

What do cabinets, countertops, bath spouts, toilets, and outlets have in common? They are all areas of the home that can be dangerous for your baby or toddler. Baby-proof your home to make it a safe place for creating family memories with your loved ones.

There are dozens of ways to baby-proof your home, but here are ten crucial steps:

1. Outlet plugs: Buy outlet plugs that go inside the outlet and prevent children from being shocked by sticking fingers or objects inside.

2. Non-slip bath mats: A non-slip bath mat allows you to make bath time fun without worrying that your child will slip and fall.

3. Safety gates: Use safety gates once your baby starts crawling and walking. Place them at the tops and bottoms of staircases and in the doorways of any rooms that aren’t baby-proofed and don’t have a door.

4. Corner guards: If you have sharp-edged furniture like cabinets and tables, put on corner guards. This is especially important for furniture that is low to the ground, like coffee tables.

5. Window locks: Install window locks so that your child can’t open the windows.

6. Door locks and door knob covers: Door locks and door knob covers keep children from being able to access things that could potentially be dangerous like cooking utensils, cords, medicine, and cleaning supplies.

7. Oven knob covers and oven latches: Oven knob covers and oven latches keep your child from opening the oven or turning it on.

8. Bath spout covers: The bath spout might get too hot when you are running water. Use a bath spout cover so that your child doesn’t get hurt if he or she gets too close to the faucet.

9. Pool gates: If you have a pool at home, it is essential to have a gate around it. Your baby should never be left unattended in the yard or pool, but a gate provides an added security measure.

10. Toilet locks: Babies try to get into everything! Install locks on toilets.

These safety measures can help keep your child safe around your home. You’ll have one less thing to worry about and more time to spend enjoying time with your family!

Recommended Reading:

1. Good to Great: How to Take Your Kitchen from Good to Great

2. Serene Spaces: 5 Tips for Creating a Calm Bedroom

3. Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

4. 10 Secrets for Making Your Small Bedroom Feel Larger

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Buying a Home: Tips for LGBT Couples

July 8, 2014 By CENTURY 21

LGBT couples face unique questions when shopping for a house. It is important to be happy with the community you’re in and the legal protections you’re granted.

Here are a few things to consider as you’re going through the process of finding a home:

Research legal protections: Lambda Legal is a helpful resource for learning legal protections that, in particular, affect LGBT people. Look at issues like: marriage status, adoption rights, workplace protections, hospital visitation rights, and school anti-bullying laws to get a holistic image of your rights

Read reviews: Do an internet search for LGBT community centers and businesses. Overall, search for the indicated LGBT population in order to get a sense of how accepting the community might be.

Interview school administrators: Meet with an administrator at prospective schools to assess the LGBT acceptance and safety climate of a local school. Be sure to ask questions like,

● How often do you have anti-LGBT related incidents?

● What are you doing to promote acceptance of nontraditional families?

● If a student bullied my child because of his/her family background, how would you handle it?

Legally define ownership: If something happens to you, who would be next to inherit this new property? Meet with a local attorney and make sure your partner is legally protected to stay in the home you’re purchasing, even if he or she isn’t the buyer.

We hope that these tips help you to find a state and neighborhood that work well for you and your family. Once you’ve found a neighborhood that works for you, call a CENTURY 21® Agent who can help you find your home!

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