CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty - SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

You are here: Home / Archives for Tips

5 Gifts To Leave For Your Old Home’s New Owners

April 13, 2015 By

Selling a home is an emotional event. You are leaving behind a house filled with memories and venturing off to someplace new. The people buying your home are excited to create their own memories in a home that you loved for so many years. Welcome them with a thoughtful gift that will leave a lasting impression.

Here are some ideas for gifts to leave for your home’s new owners.

1. Personalized Key Rings: Mark this milestone in the new owners’ lives by giving them a special key ring. Engrave it with their initials, the date of the move, or even a special message from you. Not only is this thoughtful, but it’s a practical gift as well.

2. Mailing labels and stationery: Personalized gifts go a long way. Create mailing labels with the owners’ names and new addresses; if you want to go the extra mile, create personalized stationery for them as well. Leave these paper gifts on the kitchen counter with a nice note to surprise the owners.

3. Monogrammed Doormat: Doormats are something that may not be at the top of a new homeowner “to-buy” list. Give them a monogrammed one or one that fits well with the decor of the home. They will surely appreciate this gesture.

4. Practical Items: If you’re skeptical about buying personalized gifts, stick to practical home items. Things like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, unpacking supplies, or even a utensil organizer are useful to new homeowners. They’ll be so busy when they first move in, and these are essentials that they should have immediately.

5. A Neighborhood Guide:  Write a detailed list of your favorite places in the neighborhood. Mention your favorite restaurants, boutiques, gyms and more. They’ll love having your recommendations on hand when they start to explore!

All of these gestures are incredibly kind and memorable. It’s a nice way to welcome new people into the home and neighborhood you have loved for so long.

Recommended Reading:

-Open House Oops: Don’t Make These Mistakes

-Benefits of Working With a Real Estate Agent

-5 Tips for First Time Home Buyers

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/P1JpvnzHW9o/

Storage Solutions: How to Store Winter Items Efficiently

April 3, 2015 By

The sweet smell of spring is in the air! There’s no more snow on the ground, so there’s no longer a need for your earmuffs, snow boots, or puffy coats. Say goodbye to your shovels and snow blowers until next season.

It’s time to store those pesky, bulky winter items someplace where they won’t be bothersome. The trick is to store them efficiently, safely, and securely.

1. Plastic bins: Opt for plastic bins that allow garments to breath without trapping moisture because moisture will dull the fibers. For bulkier items, use larger, deeper bins that you can place in a storage space. For smaller items, use thin, long bins that can be stored under your bed.

2. Store like items together: Storing similar items together makes unpacking next winter much easier. You’ll know exactly where every item is, causing less of a hassle.

3. Delicates: Cashmere sweaters or any other delicate pieces should be stored differently than everything else. You’ll want to store these items in a cotton canvas storage bag and then place them in a bin. This will keep the fabrics fresh and allow your clothes to keep their shape.

4. Boots and shoes: Storing shoes, especially ones as bulky as winter boots, can seem difficult. But, in fact, it’s quite easy. Invest in a few boot trees to store in your boots, helping them keep their shape, and then lay them flat in a storage bin. Wrap each pair in a cotton pillowcase or T-shirt to keep them dust free. For smaller booties or loafers, stuff them with tissue paper to help keep their shape. (StyleCaster)

5. Cool Temperatures: The ideal storing temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s not recommended to store items in a place that gets a lot of natural or artificial light and it’s best to avoid basements, garages, and attics. (AboutHome.com)

6. Winter tools: As for those snow blowers, shovels, and other winter tools, change the oil and store them in a cool, dry place to ensure that they are in tip top shape for next season.

These tips will make your home less cluttered and ready for spring!

Recommended Reading:

-From Chaos to Clean

-Organization 101: The Best Home Organization Inspiration on Instagram

-Here Comes the Sun: How to Prepare Your Home For Spring

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/Zf1dVxqsbgg/

How to Organize Your Kitchen

March 23, 2015 By

Organization is key to keeping your home neat and tidy. When everything in your home has a specific place, it’s much easier to find what you need in a pinch.

 

One room in the home that can really benefit from a good organization system is the kitchen. Between plates, glasses, silverware, and food, getting a good system in place can help create better flow.

 

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home, why not make it better?

 

  1. Lazy Susan: Incorporating a lazy Susan into your kitchen cabinets or on your countertops allows you to organize similar items neatly in one place. It also helps you find things much faster.

 

  1. Hang things up: Hang pots and pans on the wall or from a ceiling organizer to free up space in your cabinets. It’ll be much easier to organize pans by size and use if you can see them! You won’t have to dig through a mess of metal every time you want to cook dinner.

 

  1. Store items by use: This is an easy way to quickly organize your kitchen items. Whether it’s in your cabinets, drawers, or refrigerator, keeping like items together makes it easier to grab what you need, when you need it. For example, store everyday dishes on a lower cabinet shelf and special use items on a higher shelf. Put each type of food together – like cereals and breakfast food, snacks, pasta and grains, and baking ingredients.

 

  1. Filing System: Tupperware is an item that a lot of people have trouble storing. It takes up space and putting matching tops and bottoms together sometimes seems impossible. The tops and bottoms might be disappearing to the same place as the matching socks that always seem to get lost in the dryer. Instead of storing them in cabinets, put a dish organizer in a pull out drawer and store the Tupperware tops and bottoms with no problem.

 

  1. Over the Door Organizers: If you have a large pantry in your kitchen, consider an over the door organizer. You can store your most used food items in a clear organizer to eliminate search time and keep things neat.

 

The kitchen is the heart of the home. If you develop an easy, simple organizing system for your kitchen, it’ll pull everything together, make it easier to prep and cook meals, and set the tone for a more organized home.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/IZZvsBOo9o8/

How to Organize Your Kitchen

March 23, 2015 By

Organization is key to keeping your home neat and tidy. When everything in your home has a specific place, it’s much easier to find what you need in a pinch.

One room in the home that can really benefit from a good organization system is the kitchen. Between plates, glasses, silverware, and food, getting a good system in place can help create better flow.

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home, why not make it better?

1. Lazy Susan: Incorporating a lazy Susan into your kitchen cabinets or on your countertops allows you to organize similar items neatly in one place. It also helps you find things much faster.

2. Hang things up: Hang pots and pans on the wall or from a ceiling organizer to free up space in your cabinets. It’ll be much easier to organize pans by size and use if you can see them! You won’t have to dig through a mess of metal every time you want to cook dinner.

3. Store items by use: This is an easy way to quickly organize your kitchen items. Whether it’s in your cabinets, drawers, or refrigerator, keeping like items together makes it easier to grab what you need, when you need it. For example, store everyday dishes on a lower cabinet shelf and special use items on a higher shelf. Put each type of food together – like cereals and breakfast food, snacks, pasta and grains, and baking ingredients.

4. Filing System: Tupperware is an item that a lot of people have trouble storing. It takes up space and putting matching tops and bottoms together sometimes seems impossible. The tops and bottoms might be disappearing to the same place as the matching socks that always seem to get lost in the dryer. Instead of storing them in cabinets, put a dish organizer in a pull out drawer and store the Tupperware tops and bottoms with no problem.

5. Over the Door Organizers: If you have a large pantry in your kitchen, consider an over the door organizer. You can store your most used food items in a clear organizer to eliminate search time and keep things neat.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. If you develop an easy, simple organizing system for your kitchen, it’ll pull everything together, make it easier to prep and cook meals, and set the tone for a more organized home.

Recommended Reading:

-From Chaos to Clean

-5 Home Projects to Complete in 10 Minutes or Less

-How to Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa-Inspired Escape

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/8V7wHAYMyMM/

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/

How to Build a Winning Home Buying Team

January 28, 2015 By

Buying a home is a huge milestone – especially if you are buying for your first time. Although buying a home is exciting, there is a lot to keep track of and manage. It’s imperative to have a solid team behind you. Aside from having an excellent real estate agent to guide you through showings and the closing process, there are other essential people that you should have on deck.

Meet your home buying team:

1. Real estate agent: Your agent will help you research the homes that cater to your needs, negotiate with the seller, and help you find the rest of your home buying team. (Learn more about how your agent can help you.)

2. Lender: If you’re purchasing a home, you will most likely need a loan. Your lender can come from your bank, mortgage company, credit union, etc. Once you apply for a loan the lender will then decide if you qualify.

3. Home Inspector: An inspector will make sure that the home you hope to purchase is in good shape. Even if the seller has already had the home inspected, it’s a good idea to have someone else double-check and triple-check.

4. Appraiser: An appraiser will determine a “fair price” for the home by evaluating the home and comparing it to similar homes on the market. It is best to have an appraiser come before you negotiate with the seller.

5. Attorney: Your attorney will write contracts, settle any disputes, and review all documents before the closing.

6. Escrow officer: An escrow officer takes care of everything happening during escrow—the amount of time between when the purchase contract is signed and the date of the closing. The officer works for both the buyer and seller. Their main job is to hold onto all the documents and money during escrow, making sure that everything is taken care of.

With a team of professionals to take you step by step through the process, you’ll have a very positive home buying experience so that you can enjoy what matters most – your new home.

Recommended Reading:

-Open House Advice for Buyers

-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/K9GmqCFqByE/

5 Ways to Reconnect this Holiday Season

December 8, 2014 By

As a real estate agent, staying in touch with past clients is an essential part of building your business. The holidays are a great time to send your greetings and subtly remind clients that you’re there for their real estate needs.

Here are some unique ways to reconnect this holiday season:

1. Send an email: This is the easiest way to get a past client’s attention. Sending a thoughtful message or an e-card is a good way to let someone know that you’re thinking of them. Personalize it by asking questions such as them how they’re enjoying their home and neighborhood. Although it’s better to write individual emails, it is possible to send a message to multiple clients at once (just remember to BCC.)

2. Greeting cards: If you have a client’s address, take the more traditional route and send them a holiday card. They will appreciate the personal approach and they’ll be more likely to remember you when they see your card displayed in their home.

3. Small, thoughtful gifts: Whether it’s a tin of cookies, a flower arrangement, or a homemade gift, something small goes a long way. You can send these small gifts in the mail, or even give them to current clients at an open house. Clients will always remember the real estate agent who came to their showing with a holiday gift.

4. Set up coffee dates: If you had a really great client experience with someone in the past, call them to arrange to catch up over coffee or lunch. Face-to-face contact is great way to stay in touch and show that you truly care about the relationship.

5. Host a holiday party: To go above and beyond during the holiday season, host a small get together at your office or home. Invite past, present, and future clients, giving you the chance to work the room. This will help you reconnect with people you’ve once worked with, while also giving you the opportunity to promote yourself to future clients.

As a professional, you should be following up and connecting with clients 365 days a year, but the holidays are a great way to get unique with your networking.

Recommended Reading:

-5 Essential Networking Tips for Real Estate Agents

-Tech Talk: 5 Apps for Real Estate Agents

-6 Simple SEO Tips for Real Estate Agents

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/k_VTqbVvwK0/

Winter is Coming: How to Prep Your Home for Winter

December 3, 2014 By

Can you feel that chill in the air? When the low temperatures roll in, it’s time to prep your home for winter, ensuring that everything is safe and ready for the cold.

Follow these to help keep a warm, winterized home:

1. Tune up heating systems: Hire a professional to inspect your furnace and heater, making sure it’s clean and in its best condition. This will help make sure that your home is properly heated and that the system isn’t working overtime to keep the house warm. (Boston.com)

2. Caulk windows and doors: To keep your home well insulated, make sure there are no gaps between windows and doors. If there is, use a silicone based caulk to seal it because the material won’t shrink when exposed to harsh weather conditions. (Kiplinger)

3. Turn off exterior faucets: If you have a sprinkler system or outdoor hoses, it’s best to turn those off during the cold weather. If you leave the faucets on and the pipes undrained, they can freeze and eventually burst, causing even more problems and damage to your home exterior. (Womans Day)

4. Check the roof: Santa’s sleigh needs a smooth surface to land on. Reindeer falling off the roof is unacceptable. Get on a ladder, or inspect from the ground, to make sure no shingles are falling off. Also make sure there are no cracks in the roof. If it needs fixing, hire a professional to do the job. (Kiplinger)

5. Prevent ice dams: If your home is prone to icicles and ice dams, you may want to take all precautions to prevent them. An ice dam not only causes meltwater to back up into your home, but can also rip shingles and gutters. To prevent this, seal air leaks, add insulation, and make sure your roof is vented properly. (Kiplinger)

6. Block dormant fireplaces: If your house has a fireplace that you don’t plan on using this winter, make sure to block it off. This will help keep warm air from escaping up the chimney. You don’t need to make a huge project from this; just put a decorative fireplace screen in front of it. (Womans Day)

7. Clean your chimney: If you’re roasting chestnuts on an open fire, make sure the smoke has somewhere to travel. Hire a chimney sweep to get rid of soot before using the fireplace. This precaution prevents carbon monoxide from seeping into your home. No one likes a dirty chimney! (Boston.com)[1]

Preparing your home for the winter cold is essential in keeping your home heated, flood free, and safe. It can even help decrease your energy bills during this high energy time. Take a day to do these projects, and your home will thank you.

Recommended Reading:

-Fall into Fall: 5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Fall

-5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Property Value

-3 Things to Do With an Abundance of Autumn Leaves

Good sourcing!

 

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/fj9hYs_ytqw/

Money Matters: How to Decrease Your Energy Bill this Winter

November 24, 2014 By

Keeping your home warm during the winter months is essential, but your heating bills can add up quickly. You may think there is no hope when it comes to decreasing heating bills—you have to stay warm, so what are the alternatives? Think again and use these tips for helping to decrease your energy bill during the cold, winter months.

1. Change furnace filter: Furnace filters only cost a few dollars and can be installed easily. Over time, furnace filters can become clogged, making your furnace run less efficiently. Unclog the filter to save money. (Investopedia.com)

2. Replace light bulbs: Changing out your halogen or incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs is a great way to decrease costs. Fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy than others, which won’t make you feel guilty about turning those lights on for the 5 pm sunset.

3. Attic insulation: Make sure that your insulation doesn’t just cover attic walls, but the floors as well. Uninsulated floors can cause heat to escape through the roof and make your home feel colder than it actually is. (Investopedia.com)

4. Adjust thermostat: You can save 10% on your yearly bill if you lower your thermostat 10-15 degrees for 8 hours. It’s best to do this during the day when it’s not as cold.

5. Humidifier: Investing in a humidifier can do wonders for your home. When your thermostat is turned down, a humidifier will keep the air moist and make the temperature feel warmer. (Daily Finance)

6. Use LED holiday lights: Keeping holiday lights running for a significant amount of time can really add up. Switch out regular lights for LED ones since they use 80-90% less energy. If you want to deck your halls for the holiday season, don’t rack up your energy bill in the process.

7. Raise the shades: The cheapest way to warm up your home? Pull open your blinds and curtains! Letting sunlight into a room is a good way to keep your house warm and energy bills low. (SF Gate)

Making your home more energy efficient can not only save you money and keep your home warm, but it can also reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Why not save money while making your home a better place to live?

 

Recommended Reading:

-Keep Your Home Cool Without Touching the Thermostat

-Summer Savings: 5 Ways to Decrease Your Energy Bill

-How To Decorate Your Home on a Budget

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/TBhFlZben5g/