Whether you’re locked out of your house or vehicle or need to change the locks on your new home, a good locksmith is an invaluable resource. Here are a few tips on what to look for when hiring a pro. In most states, a locksmith must be licensed. Usually, states require the license number to… Read more »
If you’re remodeling your kitchen or clearing out your basement and attic in preparation for a move, you’ll likely generate more trash than your standard weekly pickup can handle. Renting a roll-off dumpster may be the perfect solution for your disposal needs. Here’s what you need to know about renting a dumpster. Dumpster basics The… Read more »
With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping buyers close to home, video tours of seller’s homes are in greater demand than ever. If you are selling your house, it’s vital to make it look its very best in a video home tour. Here’s how to get your place ready for showtime! The camera sees all It’s always… Read more »
Books, podcasts and TV shows promote the liberating benefits of decluttering and minimizing your possessions. Swedish author Margareta Magnusson gives you a new reason to declutter in late middle age: to spare your heirs from having to face your mountain of stuff after you’re gone. Lighten the burden We accumulate a house full of possessions… Read more »
It can be challenging to sell an empty house. Furnishings help potential buyers to see a home as if they lived there. But bringing in furniture and accessories to stage empty rooms can be expensive. Get that benefit without the hard work and cost by using virtual home staging to enhance your listing. Filling a… Read more »
Clean your home’s wall-to-wall carpet before listing for sale. Proper care will, of course, extend its life, but you may need to call in the pros for this job. Here are a few tips on carpet and area rug cleaning to stage your home in style. How often should carpets be cleaned? Most carpet manufacturers… Read more »
Every homeowner eventually faces the issue of what to do with leftover paint. How do you store it, how long will it remain usable, and how do you dispose of it? Will a sample be needed to pass on to future owners if the home is sold. To keep or dispose Keep only the paint… Read more »
Is your closet so stuffed that you’re secretly hanging new purchases in the back of your kids’ closets? Have you purchased a new stapler in frustration after searching for hours for one of the two you already own? Do you trip over piles of books in the hallway because you’ve run out of room on… Read more »
When decluttering your home for sale, remember that ancient desktop computer has got to go. But where? With new and changing restrictions on electronics recycling and disposal, here are a few ideas about how to responsibly get rid of electronic waste before listing your home. What’s at stake? In 2016, 44.7 million tons of electronic… Read more »
When preparing a home for sale, most of us clean all the hot spots – vacuuming the carpets, scrubbing the tub and shower, wiping down messy countertops, and cleaning mirrors and windows. But what about these five forgotten places in your home where dirt and grime are likely lurking? Trash cans Have you ever taken… Read more »
When putting a house on the market, many homeowners worry about spending large sums of money on replacing outdated door hardware with the latest styles. Another common concern: Should all the light fixtures and faucets match, too? Here are a few answers for sellers that won’t break the bank. Does brass make my home look… Read more »
Whether you are ready to list your home or expect to stay put a few more years, check out these top seven home improvements — the most important from an interior designer’s point of view. 1. Color Palettes Instead of painting rooms wild, brash colors, designers recommend neutral colors, while adding color and personalization using… Read more »
Hiring a stager to polish the look and presentation of your home will help it sell faster and for more money in many cases. In case you’re tempted to do it yourself, professional staging is more than adding a few throw pillows to the sofa and clearing the clutter. It’s a systematic approach to highlighting… Read more »
Before the “For Sale” sign goes up, smart homeowners typically make any necessary repairs and clean until their homes shine. Home staging is an extra step that savvy sellers take to prepare their homes for potential buyers. What is staging? Is it worth the trouble? What is home staging? The goal of home staging is… Read more »
Before inviting potential listing agents to your home, you’ve got work to do. Get your house ready with this checklist. Outside the house. Evaluate the landscaping and the general condition of the house. If you were a buyer driving by, what would you think? Does your home have curb appeal? Mow and edge the lawn…. Read more »
Water stains on ceilings are a giant red flag to potential home buyers. Thankfully, they are a relatively easy fix. Find the source. Damage shouldn’t be repaired until identifying the source of the problem. Call a qualified plumber to identify and fix suspected leaks. If plumbing isn’t the issue, have a certified roofing expert perform… Read more »
When prepping a home for sale, don’t forget the exterior of the house in the rush to revamp the interior. Curb appeal is key. If potential buyers aren’t dazzled by the exterior of a home, they might enter the house with a negative impression — assuming they go inside at all. Here’s a handy outdoor… Read more »
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, and that holds true for your house as well. So, when prepping your home to sell, don’t forget to spruce up the exterior and the surrounding yard. In other words, focus first on what potential buyers will see first. The Front Door It… Read more »
Does your otherwise attractive home have an unsightly foundation wall that spoils its curb appeal? Here are five ways to make that ugly wall disappear. Paint it. Typically, the foundation wall has a thin veneer of concrete mortar spread over it similar to stucco, for a smoother cosmetic look. Choose a masonry paint that works… Read more »
A great open house can be just what you need to set your home apart and land an offer. For the novice seller, preparing for an open house can be intimidating. Take the guesswork out of getting your home ready with this checklist of the top 10 questions to ask before scheduling an open house…. Read more »
