The front porch—a classic feature of American homes—is making a comeback but with a twist.
Younger crowds are literally turning porches into stages. “Porchfest” is growing in popularity across the country, in which neighborhood music festivals pop up that are enjoyed from homeowners’ front porches.
The Atlantic Monthly’s CityLab reports: “In the Instagram age, the front steps have become places to see and be seen, throw a rocking concert or party, and to foster metropolitan community in a walk-by, stop-in-for-wine sense.”
While it’s not a dramatic renovation project, regular home maintenance will help you maintain your home’s value. In fact, proper maintenance actually increases the value of a house by about 1 percent each year, according to research from the University of Connecticut and Syracuse University.
Here are some strategies for keeping on track:
Focus on Enemy No. 1: Moisture
Slowly and insidiously, water can attack your house and wreak havoc with your home. Check and clear your gutters seasonally. Make sure your windows and doors are caulked to stave off moldy invaders. Check all water-related appliances, like your fridge, water heater, HVAC and sump pump. Don’t wait on fixing leaky faucets; the drips you see may be eroding the hidden pipes.
Optimize your home’s energy
Lowering your energy bill saves you money every month and higher efficiency will be a selling point when you list your home. Hire a pro to inspect your furnace every year, and be sure to replace filters regularly. Clean and replace filters on your AC unit, as well.
Keep your curb appeal
Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see when they visit your house, so maintaining it is key to protecting your investment. Keep hedges and trees trimmed neatly to improve aesthetics, and also prevent debris from clogging drainage and damaging your home’s exterior. Power wash decks, driveways and walkways to fight mold and slippery buildup and keep them looking new.
Keep a schedule
Use a home maintenance app like BrightNest to help you keep up with maintenance tasks. Tasks can also help you keep records you can show potential buyers.
$195,000
2 bedrooms; 1 bathroom; 806 square feet
Updated, well-maintained & move-in ready! Features include new ext paint & gutters; newer roof, windows, int paint, light fixtures, doors & molding; laminate floors through-out living areas. You’ll appreciate the updated kitch w/ newer appliances, maple cabinets, counters & tile backsplash. Relax & enjoy BBQs on the flagstone patio; activities in the large, level, fully-fenced lot. Plenty of parking along the driveway & in side/back yards behind gates. Don’t miss the deep garage, shed & lean-to.
Sold 12/12/17 for $207,000
$255,000
3 bedrooms; 2.5 bathrooms; 1,540 square feet
This bright, beautiful & well maintained home simply awaits your move-in! Features include an open floorplan w/ cathedral ceilings, laminate flrs throughout the main level, comfortable kitchen, cozy gas fireplace & newer roof. Relax on your covered front porch; enjoy BBQs & entertaining on the large multi-level deck & a variety of activities in the large fully-fenced backyard. A double gate provides access to small boat/trailer parking on the side. All appliances, freezer & lawn care items stay!
Sold 12/8/17 for $257,000
September Home Sales Slow Amid Strong Prices, Low Inventory
September became the fifth month this year to post a decline in home sales compared to a record-setting 2016, while marking the 71st consecutive month of rising sale prices year-over-year, according to the October RE/MAX National Housing Report.
Joining August, July, April and February, September home sales dropped 4.2% year-over-year in the report’s monthly analysis of housing data in 54 metro areas. Going in the opposite direction, the Median Sales Price increased to $225,000. Though the lowest price since March, it was 2.3% higher than September 2016. The last month when home prices did not increase year-over-year was October 2011.
Read the full article in RE/MAX’s newsroom…
Watch the 40 second summary video on YouTube…
The exterior of the home counts big for creating first impressions. Here are a few things you can do to enhance the curb appeal to your listing:
1. Paint colorful flowers.
Adding colorful flowers, like yellows or pinks, to your landscaping can be the pop of color needed to attract buyers. Visit the local nursery or garden center to learn which varieties are the most hardy for where you live.
2. Freshen up the mailbox.
The mailbox counts too in adding curb appeal. Consider a new mailbox, or try to save the old one with a fresh coat of paint. Add new numbers to the box to spruce it up too.
3. Pressure wash.
Driveways can develop oil stains and a deck can show some wear and tear. To remove pesky stains, power wash the deck and driveway to get them clean.
4. Add lighting to walkways.
Beckon buyers to the front door by adding lighting to the path to the door. This will also create a clean border along your walkway. Select solar-powered LED outdoor lights, which don’t require any wiring, to brighten up the exterior pathways.
5. Revisit the front door.
Invest in a new door if the current one is looking too old and dingy. A fresh coat of paint may help improve an existing one, if a new door isn’t in the budget. Consider a new color, like red. Also, replace the hardware, like the doorbell and locks, to give the front door a fresh new look.
6. Repaint the shutters.
Painting the entire house may not be in the budget, but sellers can still make a big impact to the exterior by painting just the shutters. They might even want to consider changing up the color to boost their curb appeal.
Source: “Foolproof Upgrades That Will Instantly Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal,” Cheetsheet.com
$238,000
3 bedrooms; 2.25 bathrooms; 1,572 square feet
Don’t miss this beautiful, low maintenance home! Updates include quartz counters, newer appliances, laminate floors & some fresh paint. Features an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, fan, loft w/ office area, double sinks in master bath, walk-in pantry & closet. Relax on the fully-fenced private patio with many flowers & a trellis that backs to a greenbelt. HOA dues cover front yard maintenance & sprinklers, roof, siding, exterior paint, HOA Ins, park, playground & athletic court.
Sold 11/13/17 for $240,000
Moving comes with many emotions for both you and your pets – from the excitement of a new city, new house, or both, to sadness for leaving a place you’ve called home. Moving is emotional for many reasons, and your pets pick up on how you feel. Here are some tips to keep your pets comfortable and confident during the moving process, and ultimately make it easier for you, your pets and your family.
It’s important to take care of yourself during your move. Pets pick up on their family’s energy and can sense if you’re upset, frustrated or anxious. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, make sure to take a breath and relax, because your pets will do the same!
The worst thing that can happen during a move is realizing that your pet has slipped out unnoticed in all the commotion. With you and helpers coming in and out of the house, and all of the noise associated with moving, pets can easily become distressed.
To allow yourself to concentrate on moving and to keep your pet safe and secure, perhaps the best option is to have a family member or friend take your pet to their house during move-out day. If there isn’t someone close by that can pet sit for the day, consider doggie daycares and boarding facilities.
If neither of those options will work for you, consider giving your pets their own space in the house, and closing the door with a “Do Not Enter” sign, especially if you have movers helping you. If you can’t designate a room, consider a crate to keep your pets safely out of the way and unable to escape when you aren’t looking.
Do your best to keep your pets busy and help them forget all of the hubbub going on around them. Consider turning on a TV or radio, giving them toys to play with, or propping them up near windows to look outside.
Pets thrive when routines are maintained, so it’s important to keep feeding and walking times the same during your move. This gives some normalcy to an otherwise anything-but-normal situation. Signaling to your pets that what they have come to count on won’t change is a great way to keep them feeling confident and comfortable.
Managing The Real Estate Details 