3 Considerations When Redoing Your Teen’s Bedroom

by admin on March 5, 2012

3 Considerations When Redoing Your Teen’s BedroomWithin their own private sanctuaries, otherwise known as their bedrooms, lies the opportunity for teenagers to explore their design talents, express their creativity and practice real-world skills and habits like putting away their clothes and properly cleaning their bedroom and bathroom.

When your teen is ready for a change – whether it’s a top to bottom redecorating or simply adding some minor touches or upgrades – it’s important to remember it is their room, not your idea of how their room should look.

Rather than embarking upon a “great idea” to surprise your teen with a complete room makeover when they return from a summer soccer or cheerleading camp, it’s best to talk about what works for you, budget-wise, and for them, “personalization”-wise. Here are three things to consider when you and your teen are ready for a new look:

What’s your budget?

As with many aspects in life, it’s good to set a budget and stick to it. Painting, furniture, new linens and curtains, built-in bookshelves, a vanity, new rugs or carpeting, not to mention decorative touches can add up quickly.  It’s best to look at your budget, determine what you can afford, and then work with your teen to discuss how to get the greatest bang for their decorating buck.

This also sets the stage for ongoing family discussions about budgeting and money management. Your teen may also be old enough to contribute to some of the decorating needs, whether they pick up extra jobs like babysitting, pet care, yard work, lifeguarding, delivering newspapers or other part-time work.

What is their vision of their bedroom?

At some point during their teen years, your son or daughter will have definite ideas about how they want their bedroom to look. While their vision may not coincide with yours, it’s important to remember it is their room.  Unless their request strikes you as needing psychological intervention (i.e. all black walls and a black ceiling), try to go with the flow.

In addition to the decorating aspect of their room, you may also want to consider your family values and the purpose of their bedroom.  It’s used for sleeping, and, depending upon your family’s schedule and dynamics, may also serve as their preferred location to do homework, watch TV, experiment with hair and makeup, or create the next major internet invention.

Your teen may also want to make the leap from “bedroom” to “pre-college-dorm room” and furnish their room with all their technology needs, a mini-refrigerator and a microwave. Such a set-up may guarantee they’ll never emerge, so think twice about how far you’re willing to go in creating their new bedroom.

What are some quick and easy teen decorating tips?

Paint is one way to make a relatively quick, inexpensive change to their bedroom. Whether the choice is baby blue or hot pink, remind them that professional decorators often go two or even three shades lighter than the preferred color on the paint chip. Purchase several small cans of paint and toss it on the walls; your teen will quickly see which color strikes them best.

Dressers, nightstands, headboards, and vanities can be stripped, re-varnished or painted, and then accented with decorative knobs or color accents.

Simple accessories can definitely enhance a room’s eye appeal and functionality. Beanbag or papasan chairs, chairs, hammocks, colorful lamps, and memo or bulletin boards can add fun, personalized touches to any room.

For flooring needs, consider the addition of colorful rugs that can help pull a room’s look together.

Shelving is another great addition to any bedroom and can “grow” with your child through the years. Use it for books, knickknacks, trophies, or favorite “collections.”

Help create a memorable space for your teen!

This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your teen to work together on budgeting and decorating skills. Offer some helpful ideas but keep foremost in your mind that is their sanctuary. It may not be your taste but it’s a gift of tangible and intangible memories your child will never forget.

If you’re interested in more home design ideas, check out Kimberley Kelly’s La Quinta CA homes for sale website where you can also search all Palm Desert California real estate listings as well as Palm Springs CA homes for sale.

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Selling A Home? Read this before you set your price!

by admin on February 26, 2012

Selling A Home? Read this before you set your price!Selling a Home is a significant project. There are various elements you must take into consideration before you put the house out into the market. The location, the condition of the house and the price are three most important factors to consider.

In order to get a good price and to be successful at this, you must get all the information you can about what ends up in a good sale. This daunting task can be a stepwise, doable one if you motivate yourself well and explore the reasons you are looking to sell the house in the first place.

Selling a Home should not be a decision you came up with one fine morning; you must prepare a home selling plan to be professional.

Home staging tips:

Home staging is basically decorating the house to sell it quicker. To increase the appeal of a house you must highlight its good features and simply clean the place up. Here are a few tips:

  1. You could redo the wallpapers and repaint the house.
  2. Arrangement of the furniture could be redone to make the house look bigger.
  3. Installing a fire place can add to the appeal to the place in a huge way.
  4. Spruce up the place by adding more plants and more paintings in the hallways.
  5. Hire a professional cleaning service to deep clean the house.
  6. Make sure all the cupboards open and close well, the doors don’t creak, etc.
  7. Also make sure the bathrooms are kept very clean. Add fresh towels to the rack. Clean off any smudges on the mirrors.
  8. The kitchen should be clutter free as should be the rest of the house.
  9. Check if all appliances are in working condition be it electrical or mechanical. Check the lighting system, the air condition system, the heating etc.
  10. When Selling A Home, you should open up a few windows, let some fresh air in. Make the place look brighter and give it a more open feeling.
  11. Do not display any photos or family portraits of the previous owners to the new potential ones. Take those off before you make the house open to the market.
  12. Make the front lawn a cleaner, well trimmed one. Welcome your buyers in a way that they appreciate from the start

The ambience of a place affects the decisions of potential buyers.

Tips on setting the price:

The main thing you should know is to not overprice the house. The market conditions and the interest rates affect your selling price. You have to check out the local sale prices to know how much you can set your price at. Of course your needs, if immediate, also take an important place in the price setting process.

 A few more important suggestions:

You should make an online presence. It is very important to put yourself out there and make yourself more approachable. Post many pictures of the house online so people can take a look at them at their own convenience and come to your open house if they like it and your prices.

Virtual tours are also becoming increasingly popular. Selling a Home is a part- art and part-negotiation process. You must sell the house like it is brand new and it deserves the best owner and sell it at a price which is as near to the original price as possible. Selling a Home is a big and an exciting deal; you must do your homework before you get into this herculean task.

Linda Wise is a professional real estate agent in Merritt Island Florida who sells many homes in the Palm Bay real estate and Viera Florida real estate market.

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Four Things to Know About Using Social Media to Attract Real Estate Clients

by admin on February 26, 2012

Four Things to Know About Using Social Media to Attract Real Estate ClientsThe use of social media has expanded exponentially–helping you broaden your marketing reach locally, nationally, and even internationally. No longer do you need to rely solely on traditional methods like television, radio and print advertising or direct mail, although you may still wish to do this on occasion.

Instead, you can reach people through a variety of online tools, often referred to as “social media.” To be successful in the world of social media, it’s important to understand how it can be benefit you and what it takes to use these tools successfully.

1. What are some examples of social media?

These may include, but aren’t limited to: a Website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Blogging.

Used effectively and consistently, social media can help build your business and attract clients through a variety of methods.

It’s important to have a website and include your URL everywhere–on all your marketing materials and other social media tools. While your tools will offer a taste of your personality and what you have to offer, a website should offer substantial content including an About Us profile to provide a professional overview of your capabilities.

Services, specialty tools (like calculators or links to related content), a portfolio of your work, contact information, and the opportunity for a site visitor to send you a message are essential. The latter also helps you acquire email addresses to use for future marketing purposes.

2. Why use social media?

Social media tools can do the following:

  • Increase the visibility and profile of your business
  • Drive traffic to your website
  • Increase attendance at an event, like an open house
  • Build awareness of your brand (and you are the brand)
  • Act as a business development tool as more people find you online
  • Position you as an expert in your field.

All of this can translate into a greater likelihood they will turn to you when they need your services, or recommend you to a friend.

3.  Social media tools are oftentimes free.

A Facebook profile is free, and, depending upon your goals, you can also utilize this tool as a paid advertising venue. Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are free as well. For the latter, however, you may need to invest in some technology and/or professional assistance to create a video that reflects your abilities and accurately portrays the message you want to convey.

Blogging is also free; you can create a blog using Google if you like. Choose your topics and your key words then promote it via your Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. The search engines continuously scan the web looking for fresh content and can help elevate the visibility of your posts.

Social media can also help you capitalize on your existing marketing materials. You can use current materials as the basis for personal profiles and blogging topics rather than starting from scratch.

4. How can you use social media effectively?

In order to use social media most effectively, there are four basic conceptual rules.

  •  Be an official, accurate source.
  • Make it relevant.
  • Make it newsworthy.
  • Be consistent. 

Social media takes a dedicated effort; it is not a once-a-week endeavor. Your posts should be accurate and current so followers know they can trust the information you share. It should be relevant and pertinent so they will continue to follow your posts, blogs and videos.

Your topics should be newsworthy; for example, if there is a major headline that impacts your industry, write a blog and post it quickly so people continue to view you as a knowledgeable, credible source in your field. And finally, be consistent. Out of sight is out of mind and if followers don’t see your name regularly, they will quickly lose interest in what you have to say. 

Use Social Media to Your Advantage 

In this fast-paced world, people are pressed for time, fickle, and forgetful. But they are consistently engaged in social media—a proven fact. Take advantage of the free social media tools that will help them connect with you and your business, but use these tools wisely, consistently, and keep them professional at all times.

About the author: Mitch Ribak uses social media in his business to attract home buyers and sellers in the Merritt Island real estate and Rockledge real estate market.

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5 Reasons to Inspect the Attic During a Home Inspection

by admin on February 13, 2012

5 Reasons to Inspect the Attic During a Home InspectionOne thing buyers tend to forget about during their home inspections is the attic. There are numerous reasons why a homebuyer should want the attic inspected before continuing on with the buying process. Even if you hire a professional home inspector, you need to make sure they check out the attic just as thoroughly as everything else on the property.

The attic tells the history of the house. It is the best place to find hidden clues to major issues that the seller just may not want to tell you about. Truth be told, they may not even know half the problems themselves. Here are just five reasons why the attic must be included in your home inspection:

5 Reasons to Inspect the Attic During a Home Inspection 

1)      Damaged Trusses and Rafters

A roof inspection is not sufficient when it comes to finding structural damage in an attic. Even if the roof looks safe and sound, there may be damaged trusses and rafters located in the attic. Inspecting the attic would ensure that you know about any stress cracks that could lead to even more damage in the future. This would also ensure that the correct lumber was used, according to housing codes.

2)      Fire Damage

The best way to spot whether the home has been in a fire is to inspect the wood in the attic. The rafters should be a natural color, not dark or burnt looking. If the wood is very dark, even black, with scorch marks and soot, it’s been in a fire before. Another thing to look for is fresh, white paint, as this is used to cover up the burned wood smell in the attic.

3)      Water Damage

It is very rare for water to enter a home from the side. It usually flows from the top, downward. A qualified home inspector will look for water damage stains on the ceilings and walls. This is almost always proof that the home has had leaks or currently has one in the roof. If condensation forms around the piping, this can cause rotting in the wood. This is another sure sign of water damage in the home.

4)      Chimney

It’s not actually possible to inspect the inside of a chimney from the attic. But, you can visually check the chimney’s structure to ensure that it’s safe and strong. Be sure to check for cracks within the chimney’s bricks and the sturdiness of the mortar.

5)      Rodent Damages

One of the easiest ways to detect whether a house has rodents in by noticing their fecal matter pellets. Squirrels, possums, raccoons, rats, mice and other rodents can get into attics through loose panels. They have a way of causing major damage to the home’s structure, including wiring and other electrical mechanisms.

Inspect the Attic During Your Home Inspection

There are so many things that can cause damage in your attic. This damage can lead to structural damage within the home itself. That’s why it’s very important to check the attic out thoroughly when doing a home inspection. Exposed wires can lead to fires. Bad insulation can lead to health problems. An unstable chimney can cause structural damage to the home. All of this can be avoided with a quality home inspection. Don’t buy a home until you know for a fact that it’s been properly inspected. This will save you much heartache later.

Guest blog provided by Vickie Nagy a San Ramon CA real estate agent. You can learn more about Vickie by visiting her Danville CA real estate website where you can also search all homes for sale Dublin CA.

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Multigenerational Housing Options

by admin on February 7, 2012

Multigenerational Housing OptionsSo you’re expecting a new addition to the family but it’s not exactly what you had planned–instead of the patter of little feet, perhaps it’s a recent college graduate who hasn’t found gainful employment.

Multigenerational Housing Options

Or maybe your daughter, who lost her job and is struggling with financial matters, has asked to move back “home” with her two children. Maybe your parents or a favorite sibling are in a position where they need new accommodations due to health reasons, loneliness, or economics.

  • According to Pew Research Center, personal finances have fueled an increase in several generations living within the same household. Between 2007 and 2009, the numbers increased from 46.5 million to 51.4 million.

With multiple age groups, not to mention personalities, living under one roof, families are addressing their joint home needs in a variety of ways. From duplexes to dual master suites to a casita, in-law suites or home addition, there are a variety of solutions when extended families are living under one roof. Following are some features and concept to consider when you are facing multigenerational living spaces.

1) Levels in the Home 

Certainly, one consideration when reviewing housing options is the number of levels in the home. As we age, our hips and knees may wear out before the rest of us, and the number of stairs you must climb daily should factor into your decision. If you’re buying a home together, consider the benefits of a one-story home.

2) Options Beyond Single-Family Residences 

When reviewing your options, think about those that are already tailor-made for multiple generations. This could be a duplex, where families could live side-by-side–close enough for comfort but allowing each to maintain their own home.

3) Unique Floor Plans 

Another option is purchasing a home with two master suites. Depending upon the home design, each master suite would contain a full bathroom, bedroom and sitting room that allows for a gracious private living area.

4) Casitas 

Becoming more popular, depending upon the part of the country in which you live, are casitas. Within a casita is a large bedroom, perhaps with a sitting area, and a bathroom. As a multi-functional space, it’s perfect because it has separate quarters for family members or guests, a live-in caregiver or house-sitter, or even someone who just wants to rent a room. Casitas generally have a private entrance and may or may not have an additional entrance into the main home.

5) In-law Suites 

In-law suites are also increasing in popularity. Varying in size, they include a bedroom, sitting room, private bathrooms and perhaps a kitchenette, thereby heading off the problem of “too many cooks in the kitchen” or “messy versus neat freaks.” Many times, a small kitchenette provides the opportunity for additional independence and the opportunity to engage in the creation of a family member’s favorite treats or specialties, even if families regularly share meals together.

6) Recreate What You Have 

Many families find ways to modify their existing homes to create separate living areas or better adapt existing areas for the arrival of new families. These may include the installation of a stair lift, which is a motorized chair that runs along a track attached to the staircase and carries a person from floor to floor. A residential elevator is another option to consider, depending upon the layout of your home.

Depending upon your needs, and with the help of some professionals, you could add or knock down walls to create a larger living space out of two adjacent bedrooms, or create an additional suite with a private entrance.

  • A Few Smaller Changes to Consider 

Based upon the needs of the older adults in the home, you may wish to install some additional features like grab-bars in the shower, lever handles on doors, which can be easier to open than round doorknobs, and a toilet seat extender. If a family member relies upon a wheelchair within the home, having a ramp to the home entrance, a roll-in shower and/or bathroom cabinetry and wide-enough hallways will make their lives considerably easier.

We Can Find What You Need To “Make It Work”

No matter what your financial situation and your particular circumstances, there are many options to consider when making the leap from “nuclear family” to “multi-generational living.” With good communication, a healthy respect for one another’s privacy, and a can-do attitude, many families find countless benefits living together under one roof, creating memories for years to come.

About the author: Allison Klein is a Fort Collins real estate agent who also specializes in helping home buyers and sellers in the Windsor CO real estate market as well as the Loveland Colorado real estate market. If you’re looking for a cozy and friendly town, you may want to visit Allison’s website to search what Fort Collins has to offer.

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Looking To Buy A Short Sale? Know This!

by admin on February 6, 2012

Looking To Buy A Short SaleA short sale is also known as a foreclosure. It is a sale offer by the owner when he or she is unable to pay the mortgage to the bank. It is the last resort for the owner so as to avoid a negative impact on the credit rating.

When it comes to the buyer, there are many things to consider during the process. Let us look at these in the following lines so as to help potential buyers in taking the right decision.

Buying A Short Sale

In a normal property sale, the bank’s involvement is not much when it comes to finalizing the deal, etc. However, in this case, the lender is present at all times and takes the final decision. Here are some of the key features of buying a short sale:

  • The price may be lesser than the actual cost of the property and hence, the buyer may stand to gain from the deal. It is a good investment idea and there are some people who are on the lookout for such sales.
  • The bank will take its own sweet time in deciding. Since it is a loss to them as they have to let go of the house at a discounted price, they will not give the green signal unless they feel that this is the best they can get.
  • The agent should be experienced and licensed. Choose one who has been recommended by friends or family. If he or she is considerably new, you may be on a wild goose chase because of lack of knowledge. Check the listings which the agent has and then take a decision.
  • Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is the reason for foreclosure. As a buyer, you will have to find out why the seller has opted for this type of sale. Is there any other issue with the property?
  • Knowing how much the seller owes the lender is also a good idea so as to make a reasonable offer. There is no point in making an offer higher than this amount.

In some cases, the property may be damaged and the buyer gets to know only when he or she takes possession of the house. A full inspection is necessary in order to reach a fair bargain. The property has to be bought ‘as is’ and hence, you will have to ensure that there are no major repairs which will have to be carried out.

The most important thing to remember is that the entire process is a very lengthy one and can take up to several months before the deal is sealed by the lender. You will have to give the time which the lender asks cannot ask for a quick decision. From a bank’s point of view, the price is lesser than what has been loaned to the seller and hence, their aim will be to deter it as much as possible.

A short sale can be a daunting process, both for the buyer as well as the seller. Both of them will be in a hurry to close the deal and the bank will have many things to consider before doing the same. However, some of the following tips will prove to be helpful:

Once you know the value of the property, offer a price that is close to it so as to speed up the process. The more information you have about the property, the better. There may be certain important things which the seller may not let you know. Always choose a licensed Rrealtor.

Article provided by Paula Henry, a Zionsville Indiana Realtor. If you’re interested in learning more about buying or selling a home in Metro Indianapolis, visit her Indianapolis Real Estate Blog or search homes for sale in Zionsville Indiana on her website.

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