Category Archives: Home Owners

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6 Ways to Make a House Feel Like Home During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here! It’s the perfect time to relax, reflect, and gather with friends and family.

Here are six tips for enjoying a cozy home while it’s all happening:

1. De-clutter and clean

Whether your home will be a hub of activity or a calm oasis, it’s a good idea to tidy up and end the year on a clean note. Start by storing past-season décor and clearing surfaces and countertops. Consider how many coats and shoes are taking up space in the entryway, too.

Then, give your home the deep clean it deserves. Dusting and vacuuming – as well as wiping down the bathrooms and kitchen – will set you up for peace of mind all season long.

After sprucing up your space, celebrate your efforts by cozying up to watch your favorite holiday film.

2. Change up picture frames

Year-end is a great time to refresh your rooms by swapping out your framed photos. A lot has probably happened during the year – and displaying your photos is a fun way to spark conversation and relive the moments. It’s an instant connection to your best memories and your favorite people or places.

3. Consider lighting choices

Help the holiday season feel merry and bright by adjusting the brightness inside your home. According to a RE/MAX agent and interior design expert, lighting plays an important role in setting the tone for a space. And the shade of the lightbulbs themselves can impact the experience in a room.

“We can use light to control the way a space visually expands and contracts. Bright light helps a space feel larger and cleaner in some circumstances, whereas dim light makes the space recede, feel more intimate, and can also be used to hide things,” says Jeannie Do, a member of The International Group with RE/MAX Professionals in Lakewood, Colorado.

The lightbulb shades are typically listed on the packaging, described in ways like “natural daylight” or “warm white.” Do recommends shopping for bulbs between 3,000 and 4,000 Kelvin degrees for balanced lighting.

4. Give the guest room some TLC

Have guests coming into town? Make sure a spare bedroom feels like home-away-from-home for your visitors.

First and foremost, remove your own items that ought to be stored elsewhere. Then, give the room a deep clean – it’s likely dusty if it’s not used as much as other rooms. Next, prepare the bed by washing the sheets, fluffing pillows, and keeping extra blankets close by for chilly nights. Don’t forget to leave clean towels, too, and replenish essentials like hand soap and shampoo in whatever bathroom guests will use.

5. Set a wow-worthy dining table

For many people, eating is a major part of gatherings. This is especially true around the holidays, where customs and traditions – in the form of family recipes – are upheld or evolved with modern twists. Help make your dining area inviting and eye-catching by sprucing up the table.

Simple additions to elevate the space could be a runner, placemats, and decorative napkins. Get creative with a seasonal centerpiece – some opt for greenery, garland, tapered candles, flowers, or a mixture of multiple elements.

6. Bring on the festive flair!

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the timing of putting up holiday decorations. Whether it entails stringing up lights outdoors or decking the halls indoors, decorate your home with festive flair that brings joy to everyone.

In addition to holiday-specific items, create an ambient wintry atmosphere with plush blankets, fun throw pillows, and seasonally scented candles (think balsam fir or vanilla spice). Consider stocking up on holiday items like festive-flavored coffee and tea, hot cocoa (and marshmallows, of course), baking supplies, and any other goodies that bring warmth and happiness this season.

Searching for a new place to spend the holidays? Contact me today!




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3 Overlooked Tasks That Help a Home Get Ready for Winter

These practical pointers can help ensure your house is prepared to take the chilly season by “storm.”

While many are enjoying a temperate fall, people in some locations (like Denver, Colorado – home of the RE/MAX World Headquarters!) have received their first snowstorm of the season. The glistening blanket of untimely snow is a great reminder that it’s time to prepare your home for wintry weather on the way.

Most homeowners have a list of regular seasonal tasks they complete, which may include covering up patio furniture, blowing out the sprinklers, making sure the heating system is good to go, and more. But a few other, lesser-known tips can also make a big difference in creating a comfortable environment for the wintertime.

Have you completed these often-overlooked winter home-prep tasks?

1. Conduct an energy audit

It’s important to have an effective HVAC system for your heating needs, whether it be via forced air, baseboard radiators, and electric, to name a few. But in order to keep costs down, be careful that you’re not expending more energy than necessary.

Consider hiring a professional who can conduct a home energy audit to identify places in each room that could be optimized for energy use. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heat is lost through windows alone. If drafty windows are an issue, look into different methods of sealing cracks and air leaks. Some popular DIY fixes include weather stripping tape or caulk.

If your heat is generated from a furnace, ensure you’re regularly cleaning the air filters, which gather dust and debris over time.

An energy audit can also determine if the structure’s insulation is outdated and identify what areas – like the attic, crawl space or basement – might need bolstering. Plus, it can help uncover lighting that could be upgraded to energy-saving options, like LED bulbs.

2. Switch the direction of a ceiling fan

If you thought ceiling fans were useful only in the warmer months, think again. A ceiling fan can actually be a helpful aid in keeping a room toasty in the winter – but there’s a trick to getting it to work in your favor.

In the summer, your ceiling fan should be set to spin counterclockwise, which creates a cold downdraft. But when winter is on its way, you should reverse the direction to clockwise, which helps circulate warm air. To make the switch, start by turning the fan off and waiting for the blades to come to a complete stop. Then, check the base of the fan for a switch – and simply flip it to make your fan winter-ready.

Once the direction of the fan is reversed to accommodate heat, it’s also recommended to keep it at the lowest speed to prevent an unwanted breeze. This circulation of warm air should prevent the need to crank up the thermostat – an impulse which can get costly.

3. Stock up on seasonal supplies in advance

In life, it’s generally better to be proactive than reactive – and that’s true for home maintenance, too. Before winter gets underway, stock up on all of the seasonal supplies you need for indoor and outdoor care. That way, you’re not scrambling when the first (or next) snowstorm hits.

Some ideas to get started:

• Salt for icy sidewalks
• Shovels for snow
• An outdoor boot scraper
• Durable indoor mats for soggy footwear
• Flashlights and spare batteries in case of power outages
• Refilled propane and/or firewood
• A windshield scraper and windshield ice cover (because for those who spend a lot of time on the road, a car can feel like home, too)

Thinking of selling your home amid the changing seasons? Contact me today!

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How to Maintain Resale Value While Enjoying Your Home

Homeowners, here are four ways to help a property hold its value over time:

Buying a home is a big investment, both emotionally and financially.

Homeowners should enjoy their home for the reason they purchased it, whatever that might be. But they can also protect – and even enhance – the property’s resale value at the same time.

Here are four ways to help resale value while reaping the benefits of upgrades and enjoying your home.

1. Keep up with regular maintenance

Maintaining a home over time can help avoid larger repair issues down the road. This could include work such as:

• Touching up chipped paint inside and outside
• Having the HVAC system cleaned
• Aiding curb appeal with lawn and weed maintenance
• Inspecting for interior water damage or roof leaks
• Clearing out gutters
• Replacing batteries and light bulbs where needed
• Managing pest control
• Cleaning that goes beyond the normal routine

2. Invest in energy-efficient features

Implementing environmentally friendly tactics in a house can help you save money on your energy bills while adding value to your property. To determine where to focus – common examples are updating poorly insulated windows and replacing older light fixtures – conduct an energy audit before you begin.

These modern features could appeal to buyers if you ever decide to sell. Demand for energy efficiency in homes is on the rise – according to research by Freddie Mac, over 80% of homebuyers want Energy Star-rated windows and appliances, and energy-efficient lighting in a prospective home. Similarly, the 2023 RE/MAX Future of Real Estate Report reveals that 73% of Americans consider energy insulation an important factor when buying a property, up from 60% – a significant increase in recent years.

3. Renovate key rooms

Renovation projects can be an effective way to increase a property’s resale value, especially in highly trafficked areas of the home. A 2022 consumer survey by RE/MAX found that the top upgrades sellers plan to make before listing their home are to the kitchen and bathrooms.

Removal of dated features like popcorn ceilings and wall-to-wall carpeting should also enhance your experience of living in the home, as could larger renovations such as installing new appliances in the kitchen, finishing a basement to create more space, adding a bathroom, and more.

4. Consider curb appeal

Maintaining your home’s outdoor space is a must for enhancing curb appeal and enjoying its external appearance. Not only does it keep a property looking tidy, but can also be a creative way to express yourself with gardening. For future resale value, think about the longevity of new plants that could be added to the yard.

Trees, bushes, and perennial flowers can enhance the exterior of your home, and will continue to flourish with age. With regular maintenance, new saplings can age into mature trees and create shade and privacy on your property. This means you can enjoy them now, knowing they will help in a future sale, too.

Even if you adore your current dwelling, you may want to upsize, downsize, or seek other features like more acreage (which Fido would love) sometime down the road. In the meantime, it’s critical to maintain your home while you’re in it – for your current enjoyment and for resale value in the future.

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4 Reasons to Fall in Love With Your Home All Over Again

Many homeowners enjoy the financial and emotional benefits of owning property. Here are a few reasons to swoon over your space.

Home sweet home. It’s the place that greets you after a hard day at work – or in your home office. The place where you relax, laugh, celebrate, eat, drink, and do the things you want to do. What’s not to love about a place like that?

Many buyers find love in their home search – “I love this kitchen!” “The dogs would love this backyard!” “I’d love to spend Friday nights on this porch!” – and even in the idea of moving on (“We’d love to have more space than our cramped apartment”).

Home is where families and friends share love for one another, and where everyone loves the dog (How can you not? “Who’s a good boy?”) And what makes this love affair with home even more rewarding and long-lasting? Homeownership!

Here are four reasons to love a home you own:

1. It provides shelter – and comfort

A long day or a trip away reinforces the idea that there’s no place like home. Not only does a home provide shelter by way of a roof overhead, but it also acts as a template for recharging. From lounging in a favorite recliner chair to snagging the best spot on the couch to gathering around the kitchen table for memorable conversations, a home you own is a sanctuary of comfort.

2. It helps generate equity

For many, homeownership is a significant way to build wealth that can span across generations. Equity is built by paying down a mortgage, plus completing regular maintenance, making necessary repairs, and even renovating the home over time.

By paying your mortgage rather than a landlord’s, you add to your financial wellbeing.

3. It allows room for personalization

Renting a home comes with strings attached – many of which involve following regulations with paint color, nails to hang art, landscaping, décor, and more. When you own your home, the opportunity to customize the place is virtually limitless.

Best of all, the style of your home can evolve over time. Knowing you have the freedom to shake things up at any moment means your home can grow alongside you and your family.

Additionally, many dog owners know the difficulties of trying to rent a property with a pet. When you own your home – short of some condo stipulations – Fido is welcome, too. And if your home has outdoor space, you can help make it as pet-friendly as possible.

4. It’s the backdrop for lifelong memories

In recent years, more of life happens at home. Across time, a house continues to be the center for gathering with friends and family, celebrating holidays, hosting neighbors, cooking meals indoors, enjoying sunshine outdoors, and so many other things you love to do.

Many people appreciate their home for its convenient location, proximity to family, nearby entertainment, and the surrounding community. When homeowners look back on the purchase of their house, they often fondly reflect on the memories that have since made it into a home.

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Make the Most Out of Limited Kitchen Space

Living with a smaller sized kitchen? Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or simply cooking dinner with family, don’t let limited kitchen space inhibit your hosting and dining dreams.

With some ingenuity – and a few storage solutions – you can transform a smaller kitchen into a fully functioning space that lives up to chef’s standards.

Check out these tips for making the most out of a smaller kitchen:

Find gadgets that free up countertops

Minimal counter space can be a challenge for the at-home chef, and storing things like small appliances and produce on your countertops eats away at available working space. Staying organized can help alleviate stress and create the feeling of a larger, more efficient kitchen.

If your countertops feel cluttered, storage solutions like pantry bins, drawer dividers, a rotating spice rack, mountable shelves, and an over-the-sink dish drain can keep items organized – and even out of sight.

Expand your working space

Need more room to chop, dice and mince? Invest in a cutting board that covers the sink. Best of all, any mess will be an easy cleanup when the cooking is done. Or, consider adding a compact, moveable island (or cart) that can add valuable counter space and storage. In smaller kitchens, the addition of a portable island can create the experience of a 360° area.

Make seating versatile

Does the size or layout of your kitchen limit seating options? There are alternatives to a traditional kitchen table that may better fit your unique space.

If your kitchen is outfitted with built-in bar seating, you may not need to add a table. Or, if you have space for an island, consider one that can comfortably fit chairs or bar stools on its perimeter. For a more traditional table, consider a folding style that stores small and can be expanded when needed. Some may consider a table that mounts to the wall and can double as decorative space, storage, or even a home office.

Use the walls

Running out of room? Go vertical! Blank wall space presents abundant opportunity to get creative and generate storage. Consider implementing things like pegboards and floating shelves. Plus, try mounting a magnetic knife holder, adding hooks underneath cabinets to hang coffee mugs, and putting up an overhead rack to hang pots and pans.

Don’t skip out on food prep

Especially when hosting multiple guests, one of the best ways to move fluidly in a smaller space and free up appliances is by prepping some dishes ahead of time. If you have the space to store precooked components of a meal, you’ll save yourself stove and oven space the day of the gathering.

Make use of other spaces for your guests

Ever heard the phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen”? This can feel especially true when cooking and entertaining at the same time.

If you’re hosting an event and don’t have a large kitchen space, avoid gathering your guests in the kitchen so you have room to finish preparing the meal. When possible, draw guests to the table or living room until the food is ready.

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6 Checklist Items to Make a Home’s Interior Ready for Winter

‘Tis the season for snow boots – and the mess they trail inside. Prepare the interior of your home now for wintry days ahead.

Have you checked the forecast? Winter is almost here – and some places have already received their first snowfall of the season!

For homeowners in chillier climates, now’s the time to prepare for the challenges of winter weather. In addition to turning off outdoor waterlines and stocking up on shovels and sand, it’s important to get the interior of the home ready for frosty temps, too.

Consider these checklist items to help prepare the inside of your home to withstand the colder months – and run smoothly throughout them.

1. Stock the entryway with winter gear

If you live in an area that experiences the harsh weather of the season, it’s officially time to remove summer items from the entryway and replace them with more insulated options. Store away warm weather shoes like sandals and bring out the boots and slippers. In bins or on hooks, find convenient space to store coats, mittens, and hats.

Invest in plastic or rubber shoe trays for each entrance to prevent dragging snow into the house. Some people even opt for a boot brush mat outside the door to wipe off shoes before stepping inside.

2. Make sure nothing is touching the heater

Redecorated recently? Whether the answer is yes or no, furniture can scooch around throughout the year with use. To prevent risk of damage or fire, make sure items like furniture, blankets, or drapes aren’t touching the heating system, including baseboards or a radiator.

The same awareness goes for candles. Lighting a candle is a great way to make a room feel cozy on a winter day, but be cautious when placing them throughout the house. Put them in exposed areas situated far from notoriously flammable items like drapes and curtains, holiday decorations, and more.

3. Switch out linens for warmer options

If your house runs cold, try swapping out lighter bedding for toastier options, including flannel sheets or a more insulated comforter. Also consider adding a few throw blankets in common seating areas to make evenings more comfortable.

4. Organize the garage for indoor parking

Home to yard supplies, sports equipment and outdoor recreation gear, the garage can get messy in the warmer months when people tend to park outdoors more frequently. Take time now to organize the garage, sweep the floor, and make room for a parked car. This could save you from the trouble of windshield scraping when overnight frosts and snowstorms arrive.

5. Reverse ceiling fans

Did you know the direction a ceiling fan’s blades spin determines whether it pulls air up or pushes air down? This little fact can help cut costs on energy bills throughout the year.

In the summer months, it’s best to have the fan run counterclockwise, blowing air down to create a cooling effect. And in the winter months, it’s best to have the fan run clockwise, redistributing hot air throughout the room. Figure out which way you currently have it running by turning off the fan, standing underneath (looking upward) and having someone else switch the fan back on. Pay attention to the first few revolutions.

Then, to change the direction of the blades, turn off the fan (wait for a complete stop!) and then flip the switch that is often found on either the motor housing or the base.

6. Clean up the fireplace

Whether you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, make sure it’s in good shape prior to using it.

For a gas fireplace, ensure you have a sufficient supply of propane and, while the fireplace is off, clean the vent and glass panel of any dust and buildup. For a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected by a professional chimney inspector and hire a professional chimney sweep. These annual services will help keep your fireplace in pristine condition and safe to use.

Spending the first winter in your new home? Check out tips for preparing the exterior of the property for the snowy season ahead.

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4 Ways to Prepare for the First Winter in Your Home

Have you recently moved to a colder climate with harsh weather? Plan ahead to get your new home ready for winter.

The winter months are right around the corner – and in some locales, winter weather is already here. It’s time to make sure your home is ready to stand up to the freezing temperatures on the way.

Will this be the first winter spent in your new home? If so, consider these steps to ensure the property is protected and prepared for the upcoming season.

1. Hire a professional to conduct an in-home energy audit

Conducting an energy audit may save you a few dollars off your electric bill in the winter months. Hire a professional to locate air leaks in windows and doors and identify other places to save on energy costs.

If you’re already aware of drafts in your home, applying weather stripping or caulk – or even putting a draft-stopping pillow in place – are relatively easy DIY fixes. As a bonus, you’ll likely notice a difference in the summer months, too, when better sealed areas trap air-conditioning.

2. Prep the fireplace for use

If your home has a fireplace, whether gas-powered or wood-burning, make sure it’s ready to use so you can safely enjoy its toasty benefits on cold days.

With a gas fireplace, start the winter with a sufficient supply of propane. And, make sure to clean the vent and glass panel of any debris (while the fireplace is off, of course).

With a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected by a professional chimney inspector to prevent the possibility of a house fire or carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Hire a professional chimney sweep, too, to spruce up a charred firebox and remove creosote buildup. Take advantage of still-temperate days to start chopping or purchasing wood and storing it in a cool, dry place.

Now is also a great time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside the home and replace batteries where necessary.

3. Drain and cap outdoor water pipes

When below-freezing temperatures are on the horizon, it’s time to drain any outdoor water lines (like a hose or sprinkler system) and turn them off for the season. If leftover water freezes inside pipes, you run the risk of pipes bursting and causing catastrophic plumbing issues and damage.

4. Gather the right tools for snow removal

If you live in an area where winter storms are common, make sure you own a sturdy snow shovel to help clear the driveway and surrounding sidewalks. A bag of sidewalk salt or sand are seasonal staples to keep on hand to melt ice.

If you recently moved to a new climate – or just need a refresher – check out local snow removal regulations that vary town by town and state by state.

While preparing for snow maintenance outside the home, pick up necessary tools for the car too, including a windshield scraper, freeze-proof windshield wiper fluid, and essential supplies in case of emergency, such as a blanket and flashlight.

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Exterior Home Maintenance Tips for the Transition to Spring

Snow is melting, temps are rising, and grass is growing (though the ground still may freeze from time to time). In locales that experience the four seasons, these are a few tell-tale signs that spring is almost here.

For homeowners, seasonal change comes with care and keeping – inside and out – to maintain the property and repair damage.

With spring just days away, consider these maintenance tips and inspection reminders to help prepare the home for a change in weather.

Clean out gutters

Leaves from the fall, debris from winter storms and general grime (and pests) can easily clog gutters, preventing proper drainage. And with spring showers on their way, it’s important to ensure water has an unobstructed path away from the house, keeping the home’s roof, structure, and foundation dry and mold-free. Depending on your comfort level using a ladder, consider hiring a professional to do a safe and thorough cleaning job.

Complete a roof check-up

See any sagging spots on your roof? Or, notice any leaks from the inside of the house? With snow persistently falling and melting over the course of the winter, the roof could be subject to leaking. Locate any of these issues now and make a plan for repair before the rainy season begins.

Remove debris that may have piled up (think: twigs and pine needles) and, if this applies to your home, make sure you’re not missing any shingles. Like with the gutters, consider hiring a professional – and schedule a routine inspection while you’re at it! – if accessing the roof is difficult or unsafe.

Inspect the sprinkler system

Dead grass will be parched come springtime, so if you’re looking to have a luscious lawn, it’s time to check in on the sprinkler system. Check for damage to sprinkler heads as broken equipment can lead to patchy lawn watering and dry spots. It’s important to note that prepping a sprinkler system for warm weather should happen when there’s likely no more snow or frost in the forecast.

Prep windows for A.C.

Identify drafty windows now to ensure you have enough time to repair them before the first heat wave of the season calls for air-conditioning. A deep cleaning of a window’s frame and hinges can prevent pileup from obstructing its ability to open and close smoothly. For leaks, consider applying caulk around the window to reseal it. By functioning properly and containing cool air, windows can help save money on A.C. costs.

While you’re at it, take this time to change the air filter to optimize the efficiency of your HVAC system and improve air quality inside the home.

Wash outdoor furniture

If you have patio furniture, it likely got covered for the winter or stored away. Take the time to wipe down each piece and make sure nothing is broken. The grill could use some TLC as well – scrape, deep clean and degrease the interior, scrub the grates, and refill the propane fuel tank in preparation for future BBQs.

Audit the outside

There are many other components to exterior maintenance that are specific to each individual home. Walk around your property and take note of any tasks you can get ahead on or appointments with professionals you need to schedule. Planning ahead for services like mulch delivery, air-conditioning unit installation, lawn aerating and more can alleviate stress when spring finally arrives.

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Hot Home Trend: Paint it Black

Black is popping up everywhere in home design, from flooring to windows. Black feature walls also are trending. Matte black finishes have become popular choices for hardware, decor, and finishes.

Take a look at some of the latest trends:

Faucets and Fixtures

Matte black finishes are mostly found in kitchens and bathrooms, often up against a white background for a high-contrast look. It’s being used in both modern and more traditional spaces. Matte black is an easy-to-maintain finish: No need to polish!

Also, matte black is increasingly appearing against brass for an even trendier look, which you can get in one fixture. Kohler is now offering a faucet that is half brass and half matted black—two finishes in one.

Black-Framed Windows

Windows are coming to the forefront. A black window trim can add an industrial look to a space.

Black Accent Walls

Few paint jobs are bolder than painting a wall black. But up against lighter colors, a black feature wall could provide drama to liven up your space.

Black Doors

A black front door can add some luxury to a home’s curb appeal. Black doors on white homes create a trendy farmhouse style, but the look can work on other home styles, too.

Source: Realtor® Magazine

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What’s Trending in Kitchens for 2022?

The kitchen is the heart of the house where everyone congregated during the pandemic, and it’s still the go-to room for multiple functions—that means it keeps changing.

The kitchen became an even more significant heart of the home during the pandemic as the focal point for gathering, working, entertaining, and, of course, cooking, says Joe Fava, CEO of Fava Design Group in Miami. Now, homeowners are putting more into their kitchen space—literally. They’re buying larger refrigerators, freezers, and sinks, and second dishwashers and ovens, he says.

Homeowners are entertaining and cooking even more at home, and the price tag reflects their exuberance. Those who can afford to do so spend upwards of $100,000 on kitchen upgrades. But your clients don’t have to pay that much to get a kitchen they love. Much smaller, less costly improvements can make any kitchen more appealing.

Read more…

Source: Realtor® Magazine