CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty - SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

You are here: Home / Archives for new home

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).

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/moqoY6CyT7Y/

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!

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/ujt_WLU1eSo/

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.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/WP6wuhXPhH8/

Moving Advice

April 20, 2015 By

We just released our video series Moved by Moving, the world’s first video series created entirely with moving boxes. We know that moving is often an anxious, stressful time. From new surroundings to new people, there is a lot to handle and get used to.

There’s no need to worry though, we are here to help! You’ve watched our videos, and now we’re providing even more tips for making the moving process as smooth as possible.

1. Dimensions: If you’re transporting furniture from home to home, measure the dimensions of the doorways and the furniture pieces. The last thing you need on moving day is to realize that your new couch doesn’t fit in the doorway of your new home.

2. Declutter: When you start packing up for your move, look at the items you have in front of you. If you see a lot of belongings that you don’t use anymore it may be time to consider a garage sale and donation. The key is to declutter your old home before moving into your new one.

3. Packing: To ensure that everything is transported safely, pack heavy items in smaller boxes and light items in bigger boxes, this makes it more likely that they won’t move around and break in transit. Also, pack plates vertically, not flat, and they will be more likely to safely make the move.

4. Necessities: It can be easy to get caught up in the moving process. On moving day, don’t forget that your new home is bare. Items like toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, and glasses won’t be there unless you bring them. Set aside a separate bin to hold these moving essentials so you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation!

5. Pets and kids: The key to a successful move is to stay calm and avoid any chaos. If you have small children, or pets, it may be best to keep them out of the move. Ask someone to babysit (or pet sit) for the day. Once you settle in bring your pets and kids into their new home!

Moving to new home is a huge adjustment, but if you follow this advice, and do what works best for you, you’re likely to have a smooth move!

Recommended Reading:

-How to Build a Winning Home Buying Team

-On the Road Again: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

-We Asked, You Answered: Advice for First-Time Homeowners

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/QBq5CGtjZUs/

Freaky Friday House Superstitions Debunked

March 12, 2015 By

Beware of the black cat! Whether you call them superstitions, old wives’ tales, or tall tales, there are so many spooky superstitions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

There are some common superstitions that can strike no matter where you are — for example, walking under ladders, breaking mirrors, and black cats, can all cause bad luck. Did you know that there are also common superstitions that occur inside a home? Don’t worry, here are some helpful tips.

1. Don’t move an old broom: If you’re moving into a new house, it is said to never bring your old broom with you. It’s believed that all of your bad luck will come with you into the new home. Out with the old, in with the new. Buy a new broom for your new home. (House Logic)

2. Say no to sharp objects: Don’t give or receive knives and other sharp objects as gifts. According to Apartment Guide’s Courtney Craig, “It symbolizes a cutting of your friendship – in other words, your friend will soon become an enemy, according to Italian folklore. If you must accept it, pay the giver a penny, which will reverse the curse.” We know what we won’t be bringing to housewarming parties! (Apartment Guide)

3. No shoes on the table: Never put shoes on a table because it will bring you bad luck. It’s also unsanitary, this is a good rule to follow whether you believe in superstitions or not. (RealEstate.com)

4. Beware of multiples of three: It’s important to stay away from staircases that have steps in multiples of three. If you can, stay away from all odd number stairs, since multiples of three are said to be the number one cause of bad luck. It’s best to have even numbers all around your home, especially on your stairs. (Apartment Guide)

5. Carry rice into your home: If you’re moving into a new home, congratulations! Carry a full container of rice the first time you walk through the threshold. Rice is said to bring prosperity and peace, which is why people throw rice at weddings. Bringing uncooked rice into your home can be a recipe for happiness (and risotto). (Apartment Guide)

6. Paint your front porch blue: Legend says that if you paint your front porch blue, it will keep ghosts away. According to the superstition, ghosts can’t cross water. The blue paint will confuse the ghosts into thinking your porch is a body of water and they’ll stay away. You may want to quit your day job in favor of painting porches and ghost busting. (House Logic)

7. Scatter coins in your living room: Scattering coins in your living room is good luck. On the first day of living in your new home, throw some coins on the floor and prosperity may come to you. (Apartment Guide)

Follow these tips and you might get lucky in your new home.

Recommended Reading

-Home for the Holidays: Your Favorite Holiday Movies Come to Life

-Carrie, Seinfeld, and Friends: NYC Apartments Straight from the Screen

-How to Turn Your Home into the Ultimate Haunted House

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/q63EtniNg6E/

Freaky Friday House Superstitions Debunked

March 6, 2015 By

Beware of the black cat! Whether you call them superstitions, old wives’ tales, or tall tales, there are so many spooky superstitions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

 

There are some common superstitions that can strike no matter where you are — for example, walking under ladders, breaking mirrors, and black cats, can all cause bad luck. Did you know that there are also common superstitions that occur inside a home? Don’t worry, here are some helpful tips.

 

1. Don’t move an old broom: If you’re moving into a new house, it is said to never bring your old broom with you. It’s believed that all of your bad luck will come with you into the new home. Out with the old, in with the new. Buy a new broom for your new home. (House Logic)

 

2. Say no to sharp objects: Don’t give or receive knives and other sharp objects as gifts. According to Apartment Guide’s Courtney Craig, “It symbolizes a cutting of your friendship – in other words, your friend will soon become an enemy, according to Italian folklore. If you must accept it, pay the giver a penny, which will reverse the curse.” We know what we won’t be bringing to housewarming parties! (Apartment Guide)

 

3. No shoes on the table: Never put shoes on a table because it will bring you bad luck. It’s also unsanitary, this is a good rule to follow whether you believe in superstitions or not. (RealEstate.com)

 

4. Beware of multiples of three: It’s important to stay away from staircases that have steps in multiples of three. If you can, stay away from all odd number stairs, since multiples of three are said to be the number one cause of bad luck. It’s best to have even numbers all around your home, especially on your stairs. (Apartment Guide)

 

5. Carry rice into your home: If you’re moving into a new home, congratulations! Carry a full container of rice the first time you walk through the threshold. Rice is said to bring prosperity and peace, which is why people throw rice at weddings. Bringing uncooked rice into your home can be a recipe for happiness (and risotto). (Apartment Guide)

 

6. Paint your front porch blue: Legend says that if you paint your front porch blue, it will keep ghosts away. According to the superstition, ghosts can’t cross water. The blue paint will confuse the ghosts into thinking your porch is a body of water and they’ll stay away. You may want to quit your day job in favor of painting porches and ghost busting. (House Logic)

 

7. Scatter coins in your living room: Scattering coins in your living room is good luck. On the first day of living in your new home, throw some coins on the floor and prosperity may come to you. (Apartment Guide)

 

Follow these tips and you might get lucky in your new home.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/H_OYWVuMWtk/