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REAL ESTATE

How to Know if You’ve Found Your Dream Home

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Most people dream of finding the perfect home for themselves and their families. Of course, it’s highly unlikely that you will find a house that fits the exact picture you have in your head. So, how do you know if you’ve found the right house for you?

While this will differ from person to person, there are a few things that can help you determine whether or not you have found your dream home, and we’re here to share them.

Is it your dream kind of home?

As mentioned, most of us have a picture in our heads of what our dream home would look like – and you probably won’t find that exact house unless you build it yourself. However, you should try to find a home that is the same kind of home that you’ve always dreamed about. 

For example, some people may dream of a massive mansion, while others may want a small low-maintenance apartment. Some people may want a little cabin in the woods, while others may be more interested in New York City condos for sale. Finding a house that has the same atmosphere as your dream house is always a good sign that you’re on the right track. 

Does it fit your budget?

Unfortunately, for many people, their dream home doesn’t fit into their budget. This means that they will need to lower their expectations a bit. 

However, just because you’re looking at homes in a lower price class doesn’t mean you can’t find your dream home. In fact, it might be a great idea to buy a relatively cheap home with good bones, and then renovate it as needed until you’ve added your own touch and it resembles your dream home. 

The key is to buy a house within your budget – even your dream house isn’t worth it if you have to go bankrupt over it. You might also need to take out a loan, so be sure you have these documents ready to make the process easier. 

Does it feel like home?

Most people would agree that home isn’t as much a place as it is a feeling. As cliché as that may sound, it’s true. You will know I the place is the right fit for you or not the moment you walk through the door. Of course, you should still take all the other factors into consideration, but you shouldn’t discount your gut feeling. 

If you can’t choose between two homes, and you prefer one above the other for no particular reason, you should trust your instincts. 

Does it have enough space?

We often get caught up in the aesthetics of a home when house hunting. If you don’t like the colors of the walls, you might not want to buy the house.

But remember that things like that are easy to change. It’s more important to look at things like the structure and space that the house can offer you since they are much harder to change. Naturally, you can still make a small room look good, but you should try to find a house that has enough rooms for your family. Also keep in mind that if you want your family to grow, you might want a house that can accommodate this growth. 

Is it safe?

Safety is a major concern of anyone buying a house, especially if you’re hoping to live there for a long time. Keep in mind that this shouldn’t make or break your decision since you can always add safety features like an alarm system or burglar bars after you’ve bought the house. 

However, one thing you can’t change is the neighborhood the house is in. While crime can happen in any neighborhood, some neighborhoods are simply safer than others, so if possible, try to get a home in a safe neighborhood. If you’re not sure whether a neighborhood is safe or not, you can use these online tools to help you.

In conclusion

Just because you might not find the exact home you’ve always dreamed of doesn’t mean that you can’t still find your dream house – it might just look a bit different than you always imagined. 

There are many things that you need to consider when deciding whether or not a home is the perfect fit for you. Buying a house is a big deal, so try not to make emotional decisions. Rather focus on the things that matter – remember, you can always add your own style later so that it feels like home.

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE, REAL ESTATE

How to add value to your property without overspending

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Whether you are moving home or have been living in your property for a while, there will come a time that you will need and want to update your home. This may just be to freshen the look and design of it but you should make sure that everything you do not only makes you happier but that it adds value to your property. 

The process of taking on home redecoration can be fraught with potential anxiety as well as lots and lots of costs. With all home improvements, planning is essential. One in four projects goes over budget. Even on the TV home improvement shows reveal that the homeowners always overspend. It is worth doing the extra planning work upfront to avoid this. 

Follow these tips and tricks to make sure that you can boost your home’s value without breaking your bank. 

Flooring 

Considering that this is something that you constantly walk upon and probably rarely look at, flooring can really affect how your home looks and feels. If you have had a carpet for a while, you may want to think about changing to wooden flooring. If you already have wooden flooring, you could try a natural wood stain to change the color and make sure the floor remains sealed and looked after. These little ideas can really improve your home for a little cost.

Recent trends have shown that the wooden floor aesthetic is incredibly popular right now. Full true wood can be expensive and difficult to install. However, you can invest in vinyl flooring or laminate flooring in order to rejuvenate your home without having to spend loads of money. Also, they are really easy to install without the cost of hiring a fitter. 

Budget

Speaking of spending money, knowing what your budget is, is essential when it comes to redecorating your home. As well as this, you need to know what estate agents call the ‘ceiling price’ of your home. This is the maximum price you can expect to achieve based on similar properties in your area.

Even if you were to turn your house into a palace there will still be a limit on how much people will pay when it comes to the area that you live in. It is worth speaking to local estate agents before committing to any major plans as they can guide you when deciding how much money you can spend on your improvements and still recoup your money when selling your property.

Converting your garage

If you have off-road parking and depending on the area in which you live, you may find converting a garage can significantly increase the value of your home. In some cases, this can be as much as 10 to 15 percent. Getting extra living space that you don’t need to add an extension for is an invaluable asset in such a crowded property market.

If your garage is attached to your house, then you should be able to convert it into another room between $10,000 to $20,000. This can grant you extra square footage. However, your options are not limited to another bedroom. You could convert the garage into something that you need or want such as a home office, a gym, a playroom, or a bar that you can invite your friends around. Quirky ideas like these will increase the value of your home exponentially.

Knocking down walls

If you find that you have lots of smaller rooms divided by walls that are not load-bearing, then you could knock one or more of them down to increase the flow through your home. If you have a little bit of technical knowledge how then you can even do this yourself.

The modern market shows that most people prefer to have a large kitchen or dining room rather than a small kitchen with a separate dining room. Additionally, if you have multiple living spaces adjacent to each other then you may be better off knocking down the walls to create one luxurious and large space. This is a minimal cost to double the amount of space you have in these rooms.

Updating your kitchen

The popularity of open kitchens and dining spaces has transformed the kitchen into the focal point of many homes. They can provide everything from the dinner table to the place where people do homework. Basic makeovers like changing fixtures and fittings like the door and drawer handles and adding energy-efficient appliances can make a huge difference without a large cost.

Fitting a completely new kitchen can increase a home price by up to 10 percent and as such is one of the more lucrative ways to increase the value of your home. Though it will cost you upfront.

Adding bathrooms

Adding an extra bathroom or an ensuite onto one of the bedrooms can not only make your life easier in the long run especially if you have a family but also increase the value of your home. It is a huge selling point for any home if it has bathrooms upstairs and downstairs as well as if they are joined to bedrooms.

One thing that you should be aware of though is what room to make into a bathroom. If you have dead space or extra unused storage space, then they are ideal for conversion. However, you should never give up a bedroom for a bathroom. Instead, you should look at carving space from the larger rooms like the master bedroom to make sure for an extra bathroom.

Improving the value of your home

There are plenty of options out there to improve your home. Some will be much more expensive than others. These are often dependent on your own ability to do things yourself without outside help and what space you have available.

Things like converting dead space are really easy ways to increase value to your home. You need to take stock and plan your home with care but also boldly. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box. Speak to local builders and architects who may be able to inspire your new home.

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HOME DESIGN, REAL ESTATE

A Guide to Finding Your Dream Home

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Looking for your dream home is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. After all, buying a house isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly because it’s an incredibly big commitment. And if you’re trying to find the perfect house for you and your family, it’s even harder since you will have such high standards. 

That being said, when you do get your dream home, it will be so worth it. So, what steps do you take to find your dream home? If that’s what you’re asking yourself, you’ve come to the right place. 

Find the right area

You can find the perfect house on paper, but if it’s in an area you don’t like, it won’t be the right fit for you. Have a look at safe neighborhoods close to you to get an idea of where to start looking. You also need to find a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle; some neighborhoods are geared towards families, whereas others may be best suited to young, single professionals. 

Once you’ve found the right area, you will be able to narrow down your search. You can search homes in St. Albert to see if there’s anything that catches your eye. 

Make a list of your dream home needs

There are plenty of houses on the market, with more coming up for sale each day. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or to somehow miss your dream house in the sea of other houses. That’s why you should start your search by making a list of things your dream house simply must have.

This means that you can easily eliminate many houses and only focus on the ones that will work for you. While many of these needs can be added after you buy a house, one thing you should look for is a structurally sound house. You can click here to learn about how to tell if a house has structural damage. 

Get an estate agent

Where possible, it’s always worth it to work with professionals who know what they are doing. House hunting is no different. 

By working with an estate agent, you may get the opportunity to view houses before they are even officially on the market, and many estate agents have contacts that can help the sale go through faster. Estate agents will also be able to specifically find houses that meet your needs, which means you won’t need to waste your time; they’ll do the hard work for you. 

Estate agents sometimes have a bad reputation, but a good estate agent can be just what you need to find your dream home.

Set up a budget

Of course, every big expense has a limit to how much you can spend. You may find the perfect home, only to realize that it’s out of your budget. Rather set up a budget upfront, and don’t even look at houses that don’t fit it – you’ll only get your hopes up. 

When you buy a house, you need to be sure that you can afford to pay for the house as well as any other expenses you may have. Set up a household budget to estimate how much you spend each month on various things, and then how much you have left to spend on a house. 

Look at the potential 

When you’re looking for your dream house, you probably have a specific image in mind. Unfortunately, you will rarely find a home that matches this image. 

If you keep waiting for that to happen, you will likely never find a home that meets your expectations. So, instead of looking at only the house, look at its potential. For example, don’t look at a small room and see only a small room. See what it could become. A nursery? Or perhaps even a home office? Once you start to look at how you can turn a house into your dream home, it becomes a lot easier. 

In conclusion

While searching for your dream house can be stressful, and at times you may feel hopeless, this doesn’t need to be the case. There are plenty of things you can do to find the perfect home for you and your family.

Of course, you will need to be patient, so don’t give up if you don’t immediately find your dream home! The most important things are to know what you want and to have a plan of action so that you can achieve it. Start planning for your dream house well in advance to make things go smoother.

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HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE, REAL ESTATE

6 Things to Try if You Find Yourself Locked Out of Your Home

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Getting locked out of your home can be a frightful experience. Knowing that the keys are inside but the door is locked and there is no way to get in is very frustrating. Fortunately, there are some methods that can help when people are in this situation. Trying these six things may help get that door open.

Prevention

Taking steps to prevent being locked out of your home is probably the best solution for this situation. There are a variety of steps to take that can ensure homeowners can always get into their house even if they forgot their keys.

One method of prevention is to keep a reminder to always have the keys in hand when leaving. Having a keyless entry system installed may also be a great way to ensure access to the home. Hiding a key around the property or even giving a spare to a neighbor or friend will ensure a homeowner is never locked out again.

Spare Key

The spare key is always the best option for getting back in the home. Calling a friend or family member that also has a key may be the best option for getting in the home. If there is a key hidden around the home, using that may help as well.

For a rental home, the landlord will generally have a copy they can provide for this type of situation. Some may charge a fee for this service. If the landlord does not have a spare key, they may at least be able to provide options to gain entry.

Check all Doors and Windows

If there is no spare key available, the next option is to check the home for an access point. Take a moment to go around the entire home to check any other doors or windows. This should be done before taking any other steps to enter the home. It would be quite frustrating to break something or pay for a locksmith to find the back door was open the whole time.

Tools to Unlock a Door or Window

The next option may be to try to gain access to the home by force. Some door or window locks can be opened with the use of a credit card or other flat, hard object that will push the lock open and allow access. A screwdriver may also be a good option for removing hinges or even doorknobs to get in the home.

More violent methods can also be taken to get in the home. However, this option is potentially dangerous and will cause damage that will be costly to repair. Breaking a window is always an option, but it is important to take caution to prevent injury. It is also a good idea to be prepared for neighbors to call the police, so have identification ready to prove homeownership.

Call for Help

Calling a neighbor or friend to help gain access to the home is probably a good idea. They could provide support or even a lift to get to a higher window that may be open. They can even bring the tools necessary for getting into the home.

Do not call emergency services to help with a lock-out situation. Neither the police nor the fire department will help gain access to the home. The only time to call these services is if there is an actual emergency connected to the lockout, such as a medical emergency or a child that’s alone inside.  

Call a Locksmith

The best option for getting a home open is to call a locksmith. They are able to open any door easily without causing too much damage to the home. In addition, some roadside assistance services may cover the cost of a locksmith.

A locksmith is probably the option that should be taken before breaking into the home. This is because the locksmith is often less expensive than the costs to repair the damage caused by the break-in and may even be faster. Once in, it may be a good idea to consider one of the previous prevention options.

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REAL ESTATE

The Most Practical Ways To Sell Your Home In Today’s Market

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In recent times, when homeowners wanted to put a property on the market, they did so by contacting a realtor. Unfortunately, selling a home otherwise was hardly an option. But thanks to technological advancements and various changes to the real estate industry, there is now more than one way to sell a home.

While there are tons of reasons homeowners decide to sell, the process of selling is pretty tedious and sometimes quite frustrating. Although this is typically only the case when property listings lack crucial elements, extensive property damage, or price listings are far too high. 

Nevertheless, there are ways to overcome all these concerns, and in some instances, the condition of your home won’t determine whether or not it can sell if you know how to sell it. 

So, if you are hoping to sell your property, we’ve rounded up the best home selling approaches in today’s market. 

Sell using A Traditional Realtor

Even though it’s no longer essential to rely on a real estate agent to sell your home, you can still consider the option as it does offer numerous perks. For starters, when depending on a real estate agent, you won’t have to worry about scheduling viewings, to negotiate the sale, or closing the deal; your realtor will handle it all for you.

However, the main downfall with this method is that the realtor will be entitled to a percentage of the sale. Therefore, you will typically pocket a bit less than you would if you opt for modern approaches. Nevertheless, relying on a realtor remains the most convenient solution.

Moreover, you can also consider flat-fee or discount realtors. These real estate agents will sell your home for a discounted rate or a flat fee instead of taking home a percentage of the sale and possibly other fees. 

While these agents will list your home and assist with the sale in a few ways, they won’t do as much as traditional realtors. 

Real Estate Listing Platforms

You can now sell a home fast in Atlanta and any other area with the help of real estate listing platforms that allow homeowners to create private listings without any assistance from real estate.

Creating your own listing means you can adjust the pricing and edit the post in your favor. Because this approach will help you avoid relying on a realtor, you can ultimately enjoy a larger profit on the sale. Furthermore, these platforms are also relatively straightforward to navigate and use. 

Even though you will benefit from a larger take-home profit, you will need to invest some time, effort, and money towards listing your property so that it grabs the attention of the right buyers. So, you’ll want to take professional photographs, consider virtual tours, and determine the value of your home.

When determining the accurate value of your home, it’s wise to have a property evaluator assess the value. Moreover, you should still check the market for property listings in your area to better understand how much to sell your home for. 

But with that said, whether you sell your home with a realtor or privately, you should consider investing in some affordable renovations to boost property value as much as possible before the sale. Some of the more affordable home improvement projects include landscaping, upgrading fittings, repainting the exterior and interior, and conducting essential repairs. These small investments will also go a long way in ensuring your property sells. 

Property Buyers

These days, companies out there purchase homes in any condition. Typically, these real estate investment individuals and businesses aim to buy properties to renovate and flip them for a profit. Other times, homes are purchased for real estate development reasons. Regardless, property buyers will make a cash offer on any property.

This option is the best solution for anyone that needs to sell a home fast and does not have time or money to invest in renovations. Additionally, selling your home to a property buyer is also the best option if the property has structural issues or other extensive damages that will keep home buyers avoiding a listing. 

Selling a home in today’s market is a lot more straightforward than in days gone by. However, because more options are available, you will need to consider which method will give you the most. For some homeowners, it will be best to rely on a realtor, while others might find that property buyers or private sales are more suitable.

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REAL ESTATE

5 Tips to Remember When Moving Internationally

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Moving overseas can undoubtedly be an exciting journey. However, you may be feeling a bit stressed about the entire process.

Packing up your entire life and heading somewhere new can be challenging. Not to mention all of the preparation and planning that is involved.

In this article, we are going to take a look at five tips to keep in mind when you’re moving internationally.

Want to learn more? Then keep on reading!

Save more than you budget for …

You’re probably already aware, relocating overseas requires a lot of money. So, it’s best to save more than you initially expected before you actually leave.

Even if you plan out all your expenses in advance, there will always be hidden costs that arise. Some of which include:

  • Customs, taxes, and duties.
  • Shipping and flight costs.
  • Visa fees.
  • Bad exchange rates.

Trust us when we say it’s better to have some back-up, just in case of any accidents.

Plan out accommodation in advance

One of the most important things to have sorted before you actually move to your new home is accommodation. If you can’t secure a rental right away, you’ll need to have alternative arrangements that won’t cost you a fortune.

Don’t forget that you’ll also need to organize assistance to move all of your belongings. Getting in early will ensure that companies aren’t booked out. 

Check out home movers Dubai to get started.

Update important information

As much hassle as it may be, it’s critical that you remember to update your details when moving abroad. You don’t want to end up with huge bills because you neglected to update your personal information.

A few things you’ll need to do include:

– Cancel (or update) subscription services.

– Contact your bank, tax agency, and insurance providers.

– Transfer your mail.

– Inform friends and family.

Purchase adequate travel insurance

Before you move or even think about stepping on a plane, purchasing travel insurance should be the first step on your list. This is because it will protect you if any accidents do occur during your travels.

Just make sure that you do some research so that you can find the right plan for you. You have to have the right coverage. Otherwise, you could end up with some hefty bills to pay.

Don’t rush the moving process

Finally, another tip to remember when moving internationally is that you can’t rush the process. As excited as you may be, you want to wait until you are financially stable and confident in your decision.

This will help things run much more smoothly, and you’ll be able to ease yourself into your new life. Good things always come to those that are patient.

Final words

And that’s it! These were five things to remember when moving internationally. By making sure that you follow these tips, you’ll be able to avoid any mistakes when relocating.

Good luck, and, most importantly, have fun! Yes, it will be stressful, but it will also be one of the most memorable times of your life.

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REAL ESTATE

Smart Ways To Sell Your Property Sooner

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It’s important to sell your house fast because the longer it sits the less you will get back for it. Selling a home is not always easy, there are many different factors to take into consideration. But with this guide, you can find out how to sell your house fast and make sure that you are getting the most you can out of your investment. The best way to sell a home is through an investment or real estate agent. 

They will market the property on their websites and in their neighborhood area. They will also be available to answer any questions potential buyers might have about the property that they might not want to ask you over email or phone. This ensures that they maximize their client’s profits and minimizes any potential risk of turning away a buyer from being too hesitant about those details. 

The quick guide to 1031 exchange in Los Angeles allows you to defer the capital gains tax that would ordinarily be due upon the sale of property if you reinvest that same property within 180 days. However, here are a few smart ways to sell your property sooner. 

Use Social Media To Promote Your Listing

Social media is the new way to advertise. There are more social media platforms than ever before, which makes it easier for people to find information about property listings. Facebook’s Marketplace which has become a popular way of buying and selling homes in recent years. On this platform, it’s possible to promote your listing with sponsored posts. 

This means that you can pay Facebook to promote your property on their platform with ads that will appear on people’s newsfeeds. Social media is one of the most popular marketing channels for real estate agents. With its large customer base and continuous reach, it’s easy to see why many of them are embracing it. 

Listings that are promoted on social media get more views, more likes, and more shares than listings that aren’t. Hence, there is a clear correlation between social media marketing and the success of an individual listing.

Get Professional Photos Taken Of Your Home

Homeowners want to make sure that prospective buyers will be able to see their home in the best possible light. The best way to do this is by hiring a professional photographer who can capture potential buyers’ attention with beautiful photos. Whether you’re looking to sell your home, renovate it, or just want a great place for your family to live, getting professional photos taken of it is a great idea. 

Professional real estate photography services are beneficial for many reasons which includes making homes more appealing to prospective buyers and catching the attention of potential homeowners.

Invest In A Home Staging Consultation

Home staging is a process in which homeowners make their homes attractive to potential buyers. It involves the use of colors, furniture arrangement, and other features in order to make the property stand out during marketing. There are many reasons why people invest in a home staging consultation. Sometimes, homeowners just want to improve their home’s appearance and don’t plan on selling it any time soon. 

But most of the time, they need help with preparing their home for sale so they can get more money when it comes time for them to sell their house or condo. Investing in some professional assistance can be a great idea if you’re planning on selling your property anytime soon. These professionals will know everything about what it takes to stage your property and they’ll help you avoid mistakes that might cost you thousands of dollars.

Create An Engaging Brochure

A brochure is a piece of paper or other flat material that can be folded and typically contains text and images. Brochures are designed to present information to the viewer, make a sale, promote an event, or as a flyer for something else. A brochure is like a short booklet that could also include images and graphics to show what life would be like living in the house you’re selling or renting. 

A brochure will help sell houses fast if it includes pictures of the inside and outside of the house and has good descriptions of the features and amenities offered by the home.

Find The Right Real Estate Agent

Buying and selling a house is a complicated and stressful process. Whether you’re buying or selling the right real estate agent can make all the difference. The right real estate agent can either make or break your sale. When you choose wisely, you’ll have someone who understands what it takes to get your home on the market quickly and get it sold at the best price possible. 

What kind of experience does this agent have? How long have they been in business? Do they specialize in your area? Do they have a proven track record for getting homes sold quickly at their asking price? Consider these factors when choosing an agent to represent you. When you are ready to sell your home, it is important to find the right agent. 

One way to find the right agent is to ask for referrals from friends and family. Another way is to search online for reviews on agents in your area. You can also talk with people in your community who have already sold their homes.

Price It To Sell 

An important question that often comes up when homeowners are listing their homes for sale is how much should I price my home for? The price of a house can have a dramatic effect on the number of potential buyers who are interested in it. If the price is too high, it might not be considered by many prospective buyers. If the price is too low, they might worry that there’s something wrong with the house or that the seller didn’t put a lot of work into maintaining or updating it. 

Therefore, there is no universal answer to this question because the final decision depends on many factors such as location and size of property, type of home and what other similar homes in close proximity are currently selling for. In addition, what you want out of your sale will guide your decision

Clean, Declutter, And Depersonalize

The first step is to paint the walls in a neutral color or simply repaint them to make them fresh and new. You can also remove any unnecessary items from the walls. This process should be followed by decluttering and depersonalizing your home. Make sure that you only keep the essentials, such as furniture, appliances, and other home necessities. 

In order to make your house more appealing to potential buyers, there are some other things you can do as well: Improve curb appeal with landscaping, clean up the property thoroughly, and make sure that there is nothing blocking views from windows or doors.

Sweeten The Deal

If you want to sell your home fast, you need to make some changes from the usual. The first way is by offering a housewarming gift for new homeowners. This will help them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings and make them feel grateful for the gift that they have been given. 

You also need to make your home as appealing as possible by decluttering and cleaning up before showing it off to a potential buyer. Finally, if you are willing to do a little more work, consider having a housewarming party or dinner with your friends and family when they buy their new home.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

New Home or Fixer Upper: What To Know Before Buying

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When you’re buying a new home, you want it to be your perfect dream home. The problem is that when you are dealing with a house that has already been built, it may not be exactly to your standards or wants. 

This means that you have to make some tough decisions. Namely, should you buy a house that was just built, or buy something to fix up? It’s not an easy decision to make so you have to think about a few things before buying. In this article, we will go over several factors you should consider while house hunting. 

New construction has everything

When you see some land for sale Werribee, or wherever it is that you are looking to buy, you have a completely blank slate on which to create a masterpiece. You can use your wishlist to construct the house that has everything. All the modern conveniences and the exact style you are looking for. 

If you can dream it you can build it. Though, if you aren’t very creative when it comes to building design, you can often choose to have a prebuilt home done and still get some say in the design and style of the house. 

A newly constructed house will also be able to use the land and materials to be very efficient and use a lot less energy than an older home. For instance, you can position the house to make the most out of the sunlight in the winter so it can heat itself passively. And new materials keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter so you use less energy. 

Downsides to building from scratch

One of the biggest downsides to building a new home is the cost. Land alone can cost as much as a house in some areas. And then the costs of construction can be more than most people can afford. Not only that, but financing a new construction is also a bit tricky. You’ll need to have substantial savings to be able to pull it off. 

Finding land where you would actually want to live is another challenge. In areas near a city where you would likely be commuting to there is not much land available where you can build a home. Though with remote working being so prevalent now, and new developments popping up that offer something of a village, you can live further away from a metropolitan area and still enjoy modern conveniences. 

Buying a fixer upper

When you buy an old house to fix up, you have the second best thing to having a blank slate. You can strip the house down to the studs and essentially make it to your exact standards. 

You may already love the structure and just need to modernize it to where it can suit your needs. The downside is that the structure may not even be that good. And the materials are not as efficient as modern ones. 

You will save some money, but you will also have to compromise on many things so you never really get everything that you want with a fixer upper.

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HOME DECOR, HOME DESIGN, REAL ESTATE

Nantucket vs. Cape Cod: What’s Your Coastal Style?

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Coastal New England offers some of the most beautiful properties in the country. Who wouldn’t want to live on a gorgeous coastal area? There is so much to see and explore in these areas. Those who are attempting to decide between Cape Cod and Nantucket should keep reading so they can make the right decision when deciding where to purchase a home. 

Nantucket and Cape Cod Offer Vibrant Lifestyle

To get more information about life in these two coastal regions, it is important to research carefully. Although one must travel through Cape Cod to get to Nantucket, the two areas are entirely different. Yes, they both offer beautiful beaches, but each of these areas is unique. Cape Cod is more of a bustling metropolis, while Nantucket is full of cobblestone streets and a more laid-back atmosphere.  Neither is better than the other, but they each appeal to different people.

Nantucket Vs. Cape Cod

Understanding how these two coastal communities differ is important for anyone who is considering moving to one of these areas of New England. These areas both offer amazing views, beautiful homes, and plenty of amenities to keep people of all ages happy. By continuing to read further, individuals can learn everything they need to know about these two vastly different coastal experiences. 

Quiet Or Hustle and Bustle?

One of the biggest differences between the two is one offers a quieter setting while the other region is bursting with noise. Cape Cod is filled with tourist attractions, restaurants, and big-name retailers. Many travelers come in and out of Cape Cod, especially during the summer season. Some people love being in on the action, while others require a quieter place to live. 

While Nantucket gets busier in the summer, when tourists come in, it is very quiet the rest of the year. Nantucket has a much more laid-back atmosphere that is ideal for people who enjoy peace and quiet. 

Size Matters

Cape Cod is much bigger than Nantucket. While Cape Cod is 339 miles long, Nantucket is only 100 miles in area. Cape Cod boasts of over 216,000 residents, while Nantucket has a population that hovers around 10,000. When it comes to choosing between the two, the decision depends on preference. 

Coastal Living Is Paradise

No matter which New England region a person chooses, life is grand. Each beautiful coastal community offers its own charms that are enjoyable for residents all year long. When choosing between the two, it is important individuals consider their needs and style of living. It is wise for individuals to visit both areas as a tourist first so they can determine which area is going to appeal to their lifestyle the most. 

Those who love the beach will find both areas to be perfect for their needs. There is just something so special about living in a coastal town, whether it is bigger like Cape Cod or smaller like Nantucket. 

Conclusion

Those who have been considering purchasing a coastal home have options in both Nantucket and Cape Cod. Both areas offer a distinctive impression of east coast life that cannot be forgotten. 

No matter which region a person chooses, getting help from an agent will assist them in finding the property of their dreams. A beautiful new home is waiting for you on whichever community you choose. Get help from an agent and make the process of choosing a new home much more exciting. 

SHOP EAST COAST STYLE…

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

8 Simple Home Renovations To Boost Your Property Value

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Are you looking to boost your property value or just have the coolest house on the block?

There are plenty of ways to renovate your home that can really amp up your interior style and design whether you’re looking to sell your home or stay in it forever.

Home renovations don’t have to be difficult and overwhelming. There are great small-scale tweaks that you can make to take your home to the next level. What are you going to choose?

Keep reading to learn about a few simple home upgrades and design changes that you can make to boost the value of your home. 

1. Replace Kitchen Appliances

Is your kitchen outdated? How new are your appliances?

Fresh and new appliances can do wonders for a home’s value. After all, when you’re getting ready to move into a new house, wouldn’t you rather have appliances that you know you won’t have to replace in a few years? 

This is a simple task that you can do at home, at least for the stove and refrigerator. If you’re installing or upgrading a dishwasher it’s best to enlist the help of a professional. 

If you choose not to sell, you still have a shiny new set of kitchen appliances that you can cook with!

2. Fix Your Tiling

We don’t pay enough attention to our floors. We grow blind to the things that might be “not quite right” and ignore how dingy tile floors can get over time. 

There are several ways to re-tile a floor and some are easier than others. Tearing up tile is going to be the hardest part.

If you’re going about this the hard way (yet also the best long-term way), remove the tiles that you already have. Then, you’re going to replace them with your new tiles and grout, being careful to cover all blank space. Everything has to be sealed to protect from moisture.

For a simpler route, there are plenty of options for stick-on tiles. They’re beginner-friendly and they aren’t permanent, but they hold up well and they look great. 

They’re also a great choice for a fancy kitchen backsplash! Fresh and clean tiling makes such a huge difference to the aesthetic appeal of your home. 

3. Consider Replacing Carpets

Carpets aren’t as popular as they used to be. They get dirty, they’re hard to clean, they don’t stay fluffy, and they can trap mold. 

More and more people are opting for hardwood all over. That means that if you want more potential buyers, you might want to do the same. 

Replacing the carpet isn’t easy. If you’re lucky, you’ll discover beautiful hardwood underneath your carpet, but don’t count on it. If you haven’t done this before, hire a professional. 

It’s a quick fix that makes a big difference. 

4. Add Some Fans

Have you ever moved into a new home and been disappointed that there are no fans in the rooms? We’ve been there. There’s something calming about the slow rotation of a nice fan.

You can install fans if you don’t already have them. You do need a bit of know-how but it’s still considered a DIY project for anyone who’s handy. 

Whether you want the smooth look of a classic fan or the beachy look of Gulf Coast fans, there’s something for you. Find something that matches the overall “vibe” of your home so your potential buyers get a cohesive and trendy space!

5. Basic Hardware Upgrades

Have you ever sat down and really looked at your handles and doorknobs? 

Probably not, right? You’re used to them. They’re utilitarian in nature and they aren’t meant to be aesthetic. But should they be? 

Having a cohesive style of cabinet handles, door locks, doorknobs, and all of the other metal bits and bobs around your home can make a big difference. They’re also fun to shop for as a bonus. 

This is a time-consuming but easy process once you have your new hardware pieces picked out. Why not give it a try? 

6. Paint Your Cabinets

What good is the new hardware if your cabinets are ugly or scuffed? 

Painting the cabinets is a great way to make your kitchen (with its new appliances) pop. Cabinets often get overlooked, but pay attention! Painting them is way easier than getting new ones installed and you can customize them.

We love the look of clean white cabinets with shiny gold handles, but the coloring is up to you. What do you love?

7. Re-Color Those Walls!

If your walls are looking scuffed and dingy it’s time for a new paint job or wallpaper. You can do this in a few ways.

First, basic painting. This is a DIY project that anyone can do, but it can be time-consuming. It’s best to go for somewhat neutral and agreeable colors to make sure you appeal to the widest audience, but we love a good statement wall in an otherwise neutral room.

You can also try wallpaper. This is extra good on a statement wall. Removable wallpaper allows you to make the statement that you want while also allowing your buyers the ability to remove it if they choose. 

8. Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Going green is in style right now. How green is your home? 

There are eco-friendly options for all over your home and some are easier to install than others. You can opt for a few green electrical items like a greener dishwasher or a green garage door opener. There are solar hot water heaters and large, energy-efficient windows that can keep the house’s carbon footprint low!

You don’t need to install full solar panels (though you can) to have a greener home. 

Which Home Renovations Are You Going to Do?

There are so many fun and easy home renovations that can take your home from drab to fab. Which ones are your favorites? 

Whether you’re new to renovation or you’ve done this all before, there’s something for every homeowner. 

For more posts on renovations, real estate, and more, check out the rest of our site!

 

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