New Year’s is an ideal time to make resolutions to hit the gym, eat healthier, and make better choices. For many homeowners, the process of making their home marketable can feel overwhelming, and the prep stage often gets put on the backburner. Why not resolve to make 2020 the year to get your home ready to go to market? Here are some ideas to get you started.

A clean home is a happy home! Use the new year as an excuse to really give your home a deep clean and get rid of unnecessary items. When your home looks clean, it gives a positive impression that you take care of your property. Along with eliminating your home’s dirt and grime, take a moment to go through your belongings and get rid of things you don’t need anymore. Try starting with one room and sift through it thoroughly. Beginning the cleaning process now will not only make your house less cluttered, but will also reduce the amount of packing to be done once your home is sold.

Despite the popularity of house flipping reality shows, many people will not be attracted to homes that need heavy repairs or upgrades. A home that needs major fixes means the buyer will have to invest even more money into the purchase, and that can make a sale less likely to happen. If you needed another reason to get problem areas fixed, improving utility issues can increase your home equity. Take action to get everything in your home in working order before it opens to prospective buyers.

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see when your home is on the market. If they aren’t intrigued by the outside, they may not want to look at the inside, either. You don’t need to do any fancy landscaping, simply mowing the lawn and trimming overgrown vegetation can do wonders. Additionally, consider giving your house a fresh coat of paint if it’s looking faded.

Before you officially declare your home for sale, it’s important to find a realtor who understands your needs and can help you get the best price for your home. An experienced agent will be able to guide you through the selling stage and know how to market your home. You may have to try out a few agents before you find one that’s a good fit for your situation, but having a competent agent is well worth the search.

Figuring out how much your house is worth and how much you could potentially make from a sale can be a bit confusing. Work with your agent to perform a competitive market analysis to get an estimate of your home’s value. Once you have an idea of its value, you and your agent can discuss an ideal selling price.  Finding that sweet spot for your asking price will help optimize future profits and attract buyers.

Don’t feel like you need to fulfill all these resolutions at once. Start with one and make it your goal to work your way through them. In no time, your home will be ready to show off to prospective buyers. What better way to start the new year than to make your home the best it can be!

If you have any questions or want more information about the home selling process, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If you are ready to begin the home buying process, click here to get started!

With summer over, it’s the perfect time to start preparing for the approaching winter months. Here are some important tips to help you start getting your home ready for fall.

Clean your Chimney

One of the last things you want to worry about is having your chimney catch on fire. That’s why it is important you regularly check for any buildup of creosote. If there is a sticky black substance thicker than ¼ inch on the back of your chimney, you should schedule a cleaning and refrain from using your fireplace. Meanwhile, prepare by collecting plenty of firewood to last you in the upcoming colder months.

Inspect the Furnace

Check your furnace and other heating systems to ensure they are in good condition and ready to be used. Even if you don’t have your furnace professionally checked, give it a thorough visual inspection. You should replace your furnace filter, even if it looks fine. One important way to maintain your water heater’s lifetime is by cleaning sediment out, which reduces the chance of clogs and increases energy efficiency.

Organize your Tools

Gather your most used fall tools so they are easily accessible, such as a leaf blower or rake. This will keep you from rummaging through your garage or tool shed when you’re ready to use them. You can even pull out your winter tools (ice scraper, shovel, snow blower) to really get ahead of the game. When putting away your garden hoses, make sure you drain all the water out or you’ll risk having to replace them if they rip when frozen water is trapped inside. You should also drain your outdoor faucets and sprinklers after cutting off the water supply.

Empty the Gutters

It is a popular belief that you only need to clean your gutters out after leaves and other debris start falling, but that’s not true. Be proactive and clean the gutters regularly to prevent clogs before they happen. This will not only require less time and effort but will extend the lifetime of your gutters and could save you from unexpected costs, such as foundation or landscape damages. If you’re not one for maintenance, hire professionals or consider installing gutter guards to really remove the headache of cleaning.

Check your Windows and Doors

The weather stripping on your doors or windows might have leaks. This means that the hot air from your home could be leaking outdoors (and cool air might have been escaping all summer). If you do find leaks, replacing the stripping is a reasonably easy DIY project. If you have the funds, replacing windows or doors with more energy-efficient options will save money you in the long run.

Taking care and maintaining your home is your responsibility as a home owner. These tasks shouldn’t take more than a weekend to knock out. Even if you live in an area that doesn’t experience winter, some of these tasks still apply to your home. Once completed, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is ready for the change in season.

Fall is also a great time to purchase a home. For those looking for a dream home and finding one that needs a little TLC, there are renovation and rehab loan options that will help cover costs. For more information about renovation loans or the homebuying process, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If you are ready to begin the process, click here to get started!

Let’s face it; of everything on your to-do list, spring cleaning probably isn’t the most exciting. But with warmer temperatures and a new year ahead of you, spring is a great opportunity to clean up, organize, and refresh your home. Use these spring cleaning tips to get your home looking its best.

Surface Cleaning

• Windows – Wash your windows on a cloudy day as the sun will dry up your cleaning solution too quickly and cause streaks. Use microfiber cloths or a squeegee and chemical-free cleaning products to avoid attracting dust with chemical-based cleaners.
• Wood – Cleaning hardwood floors or wood fixtures depends on the surface. Use an oil-soap wood cleaner, wax, or polish on wood surfaces to keep them clean and looking new. Damp mop your hardwood floors to get rid of grime and dirt that has built up over time. Be sure to wipe up excess liquid so it doesn’t damage your floors.
• Other Surfaces – Your spring cleaning project should include surfaces you might not think about every day. Scrub your walls, baseboards, and door frames with a sponge, warm water, and dish soap.

Exterior Cleaning

• Power washing – Power washing the exterior of your home will not only improve its curb appeal, but also helps prevent mold and mildew. Wear appropriate protective gear and stay clear of other people and animals. If you aren’t comfortable using a power washer, consider hiring a professional.
• Paint – Updating your home’s exterior paint can prolong the life of your siding and update the look of your home. Re-painting your house is just one of many ways to improve your home’s value.
• Gutters – A clogged gutter can cause thousands of dollars worth of water damage to your house, so it’s important to clean them at least once a year. Use a small shovel to remove leaves and dirt, then use a hose to rinse them out. Investing in a gutter cover is another way to prevent clogged gutters.

Organization

• Donate it – Take a day to go through your home and put aside unwanted and gently used clothes, toys, and household items to donate. Keep an itemized list for tax purposes. Be sure to check out the donation guidelines for each charity you choose.
• Trash it – Discard any unwanted items that are broken, damaged, or stained. These items should not be donated.
• Organize it – Maybe you have household items you want to keep, but find them taking up a lot of space. Spend some time re-organizing so you can easily access these items when needed. There are plenty of innovative storage tips to help you get organized without spending a lot of money.

Spring cleaning might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Take on one project at a time and recruit friends or family members to help you out. We promise it will be worth it once all is said and done!

If you’re thinking about including home renovations in your spring cleaning project, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If your spring cleaning involves starting fresh in a new home, click here to get started!

This blog was originally published in April 2015 and has been updated to reflect current trends.