Tips For Hiring A Home Improvement Contractor

Home improvement projects tend to be ones that linger over time.  When your budget is tight, they get put on the back burner and aren’t seen as a necessity.  Because of this, there are a lot of contractors out there who are hungry for work; however, finding the right one for your project may be difficult.

Here are a few tips to remember in your process of finding the right home improvement contractor.

Ask for Referrals from Friends and Family

Personally asking your friends and family is probably the easiest way to find a home improvement contractor.  You will be able to hear their honest opinions and see the work of the contractor first-hand.

Using social media is also a really easy way to find a contractor.  Take your search to Facebook and ask for referrals and images of projects completed.  Who knows, you might find great options without having to look very hard.

Check the Contractor’s References

If a potential contractor has a list of references that is miles long, that is a good sign.  Depending on how long they’ve been in the business, they are bound to have a number of happy customers.  Contact a few of the references on the list to see how their home improvement projects went and if they were happy with the outcome.

Come to an Agreement

Come to an agreement with your contractor and have it in writing.  Having a formal agreement can prevent a big issue if something goes wrong down the road. For example, if the contractor doesn’t complete the project on time or doesn’t pay for supplies, then you will have a signed document to refer to that states whose responsibility it is to cover the fees.

When to Avoid a Home Improvement Contractor

The abundance of contactors is great for homeowners interested in improving their homes.  But how do you distinguish between the good and the bad?  If a contractor wants to skip the process of obtaining a permit, that’s a red flag.  Any major home improvement project legally requires a building permit, and inspectors will check the work throughout the process as well as at the end. Hiring a contractor who doesn’t want a permit just shows you that he doesn’t want his work inspected by someone else.

Also avoid a contractor who sought you out or demands to be paid in cash, this sounds like an obvious statement; however, when people are excited to improve their home, this isn’t something that is considered.  Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is use your best judgment; if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Home improvement projects can bring a lot of value to your home.  It should be exciting and rewarding; so find a contractor you love to make your project a positive experience.

For more information on finding a home improvement contractor that you will love, visit here.

Tips For Choosing Color To Decorate Your Home

Choosing a color palette for your house can be a daunting task – so many colors, so little time! You want to choose a color scheme that reflects you and your family’s personality as well as sends the message you want your home to convey. Here are eight tips from HGTV to help you pick the best colors for your home:

• Pick a color scheme from a patterned feature. Do you have a large patterned rug, printed curtains, or even a large piece of artwork? Select colors from a room’s feature to fill out an area.

• Start with your formal areas. Begin with the color schemes of your large formal areas such as the living room, dining room, and entry way. Once you have those palettes set, pull accent colors from them to use modify slightly for other more private spaces. For example, a green sofa in the living room could be toned down to a forest green accent in, say, the den.

• If you’re planning to sell your house, neutrals are your best bet. Neutrals help a buyer to envision the space as their own, allowing them to see your house as a blank canvas rather than forcing them to see around bold color schemes that may not appeal to their personal tastes.

• Decorate from dark to light, starting at the floor. Begin with darker values at the floor, move into medium values at eye-level, the lighter colors towards the ceiling. This method replicates nature’s lighting – with darker values at the ground, medium with trees and buildings, and lighter skyward – and is a great fool-proof way to set up a color scheme.

• Base your palette on your clothes. Study the predominant colors of your closet and build a color scheme around those themes. Most people gravitate towards colors of clothing that flatter them – the same concept works for your living areas.

• Consult the color wheel – analogous color schemes, or colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, are more casual and relaxed and make a good palette for relaxed, private spaces such as a bedroom.

• Use the rule of 60-30-10. This rule dictates that color in a space is broken up into percentages: 60 percent of a dominant color, most likely the walls, 30 percent of a secondary color, usually the upholstery, and 10 percent of an accent color, like throw pillows. This rule makes sure color is balanced and adds interest with the shot of color in the 10 percent section.

• Consult the architecture. Don’t go with the impulse to paint small rooms white to make them seem bigger – instead use a rich, warm color scheme to make a nurturing space. Bigger spaces can open up with light and smaller rooms do well with warmer schemes that make them cozier.

Whatever color scheme you choose, what’s important is that the palette appeals to you. No matter what colors you end up choosing, whether it’s the newest trendy coral or a simple eggshell white, your personal touches will be what really ends up making the space special. For more color tips and tricks and to read the full article, check out the HGTV article.

Things To Do In The Florida Keys – December 2013

Looking for something to do in the Florida Keys?

Check out the upcoming events for December…

Marathon Community Theater Presents: Mama Won’t Fly

When: November 21st – December 14th

What: Kick off the 2013-14 season with this ferociously funny, family-friendly show. An outrageously hilarious race against the clock begins when Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycutt agrees to get her feisty mother all the way from Alabama to California in time for her brother’s wedding. Savannah’s problem: Mama won’t fly. With only four days to make it to the ceremony, this determined daughter has no choice but to drive across country with her equally willful mother, Norleen Sprunt, in Mama’s vintage sedan. Show dates Nov. 21, 22, 23, 29 & 30; Dec. 5, 6, 7, 8 (matinee), 12-14. Visit theatre’s website for tickets. Showtime 8 p.m., matinee 3 p.m.

For more information click here!

Key West “Bight Before Christmas” Holiday Celebration

When: November 27th – December 31st

What: Live holiday music, games for the kids, holiday cheer and a chance for photos with Santa highlight this event along the historic harbor walk linking colorful seaport restaurants, bars and businesses at the Key West Bight. Created as a gift to the community, the gala is produced by the Key West Bight Preservation Association and tenants of the Key West Bight.

For more information click here!

ART! KEY WEST!

When: November 19th – December 1st

What: Key West offers a wide selection of arts and ART! Key West!™ will feature the best and freshest artists and venues alongside veteran and legendary established artists and galleries that have become the very fabric of art in Key West. Pottery to Poetry will have its day in the sun and specialty wine tastings and unique dining experiences complement the event. ART! Key West!™ is a three day, island-wide, art festival focused in downtown Key West. It is a celebration of the many artists, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and art-focused emporiums. Performance art, sculpture, interactive art, and musical performances are scheduled into the lively and coordinated art walk.

For more information click here!

Second Annual Florida Keys Triathlon Camp

When: December 4th – 8th

What: Join camp clinicians Jon Olsen, four-time gold medalists in swimming; and William Elkins, certified coach and triathlon race director, for guided paddle tours and group runs, barbecues and bike rides. Vacation package includes airport transfers, hotel accommodations, bike rentals, paddle board use and tour. The camp ends with participation in the Key West Triathlon. Check website for schedule, fees and registration.

For more information click here!

Islamorada Sailfish Tournament

When: December 5th – December 8th

What: The first leg of the triple-crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series is characterized by high-flying sail action, conservation and sportsmanship. It’s also the only tournament in the Gold Cup series to offer a junior division for anglers aged 16 and younger. Unlimited anglers are allowed per vessel.

Florida Keys Holiday Festival

When: December 6th – December 8th

What: This extravaganza begins with a tree-lighting ceremony at Founders Park, MM 87. A holiday parade follows, featuring Santa, food, kids activity booths and live “on stage” performances. A mountain of snow is the favorite among mitten-clad munchkins.

For more information click here!

Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade

When: December 8th

What: Christmas lights on outriggers, Santa’s elves and brightly lit deck displays highlight the beautiful festivities during the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade, set to begin at the 7th Street canal. The parade is open to all boats, and the route visits canals and cuts, and passes city hall three times. Great viewing spots include Sadowski Causeway at MM 53.5 and the dock area behind city hall and the post office. The public is welcome. An after-party with awards for captains and crews is to be held at Key Colony Inn with a free buffet and cash bar.

For more information click here!

Key Largo Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

When: December 14th

What: Blackwater Sound is to shimmer as decorated boats parade along the shoreline in celebration of the holiday season; 55-foot yachts to single-person kayaks are to set sail at 7:30 p.m. The best viewing and libations are to be found at Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club, MM 103-104. Boats are invited to deck their hulls, light up their boats and join in the fun. This year’s theme is “Christmas Rocks.” Entry is free with more than $2500 in cash and prizes up for grabs, including a $500 random cash raffle for all boat entries. Parade boats, captains and crews are invited to the Captains’ Party on Friday evening December 13 starting at 7:30 p.m. at Senor Frijoles, featuring a free Mexican buffet, ditty bag and raffle prizes.

For more information click here!

Big Pine & The Lower Keys Island Art Festival

When: December 14th

What: Highlights of this holiday event include live music by local entertainers, food, exhibits and booths featuring locally produced arts and crafts. Festivities traditionally take place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, MM 31 oceanside.

For more information click here!

54th Annual Key West House & Garden Tours

When: December 27th – 28th

What: Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, the annual self-guided tours showcase festively dressed Key West homes and gardens. December tours are from 4-7 p.m., both evenings. Tickets are $30 and proceeds benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation’s museums, collection and education, grant and scholarship programs.

For more information click here!

New Year’s Eve Shoe Drop Celebration

When: December 31st

What: The Southernmost City celebrates with a descending 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St. Seconds before midnight, the high heel bearing a lavishly gowned and coiffed Sushi is to be lowered from the second-story balcony of the complex toward the cheering crowds below. As midnight strikes and the New Year officially begins, she will land and gleefully pop the cork on a ceremonial bottle of champagne.

Looking for more things to do in the Florida Keys, check this out!

5 Apps To Help You Discover Your Dream Home

There is an app for everything these days and you’re smart if you take advantage of each of them in all aspects of your life. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, eat healthier or stay organized, there is an app for that, which many people often use. So, why should discovering your dream home be any different? There are apps that will help you begin your search, determine if the sale is financially right for you, and there are even apps that will help you envision yourself in a new home. You just have to know where to look. Here are five apps that will help you discover your new home and make sure that it’s a perfect fit for you.

Essential Real Estate Dictionary

If you’re nervous about working with a realtor to find your perfect home, don’t be. For all of the confusing jargon that you don’t understand, use the real estate dictionary app. Not only will the app serve as an essential reference guide for all things real estate, buy the seller and agent will think you’re a pro with how much you know.

Zillow

If you already know which area you want to live in, this will be the perfect app for you. Drive around the neighborhood to see how much each home is worth or if any of them are for sale. It’s also a great tool if you don’t know where you want to live. You can pretty much drive around any neighborhood, whether it is familiar or not, and find out exactly how much each home is worth and if they’re for sale.

Mortgage and Home Loan Calculator

There are a ton of mortgage and home loan calculators in the app store. It’s all about finding the right one for you. The secret is that they all do pretty much the same thing, so stick to the free ones. All you’ll need to do is plug in number and bam, you’ll know your price range.

ColorChange

If you’re viewing a house and you absolutely hate the color of the walls, don’t rule it out just yet. The ColorChange app allows you to snap a picture of any room and it will give you the ability to view it with a different color on the walls. This will also be useful once you move into a new home and can’t decide what colors you want each room to be. You can see it before you actually make the commitment in doing it.

Houzz Interior Design App

This free app will help you get settled into your new home and will help reiterate the fact that this new home is perfectly yours. You will be given tips and tricks from the internet’s largest database of interior design photos. You can pull certain looks from different ideas and make everything 100% yours.

 

Highlight – The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago in the southeast United States. They begin at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, about 15 miles (24 km) south of Miami, and extend in a gentle arc south-southwest and then westward to Key West, the westernmost of the inhabited islands, and on to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. The islands lie along the Florida Straits, dividing the Atlantic Ocean to the east from the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and defining one edge of Florida Bay.

The Keys

Key Largo – Some of the best diving in the Keys is found at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the beginning of the only living coral reef in the US. Diving, snorkeling and glass-bottom boats give spectacular views of undersea life. It includes the Christ of the Abyss statue, a bronze Christ with his arms upraised to the sun. At only 25 feet below the surface, it can easily be enjoyed by snorkelers as well as divers.

Islamorada – Islamorada is known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. A variety of game fish such as marlin, tuna and dolphin abound in the crystal blue waters. Take any one of the many charter boats to be found every couple of feet and be off for a day of fishing. If you’re not a fisherman, see a show or swim with dolphins, stingrays and sea lions at Theater of the Sea.

Marathon – Known as the Heart of the Keys, is a small town in the middle of otherwise tourist-y islands. If you’re driving through, be sure to stop at the Wal-Mart or Home Depot for anything you forgot; you won’t get another chance while you’re in the Keys! The seven-mile bridge, which has been the site of several movies including True Lies, is a gorgeous ride over the water. On one side is the Atlantic Ocean; on the other, the Bay. When the sky is clear and blue, it’s an unbeatable landscape of colors.

Lower Keys – They include, among others, the unparalleled diving at Looe Key reef and the pet-friendly beaches of Little Duck Key. Homey restaurants make the Lower Keys a perfect place to stop for dinner.

Key West – The southernmost Key, is unlike the rest of the Keys. The marker at the southernmost point in the US is 90 miles from Cuba, and on a clear day you can make out the shape of Cuba on the horizon. Hemmingway found Key West an inspirational place to work, and it has continued to draw artists and authors from around the world. The nightlife can be a bit wild, but it’s all part of the charm. Don’t miss the sunset at Mallory Square; the nightly Sunset Celebration is inspiring.

How To Get To The Florida Keys

The 120-mile-long Florida Keys island chain is linked to mainland Florida by U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway. Visitors can fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and from there can reach the Keys by airport shuttle buses or rental cars. Travelers can reach Key Largo, the gateway to the Keys, in about an hour from Miami or an hour and 45 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale.

A Scenic Drive Along An All – American Road

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, from north of Key Largo to Key West, has been designated an All-American Road. The Keys highway is the only All-American Road in Florida. It’s the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program established by the U.S. Congress in 1991. Only 30 other roadways in the nation have earned the prestigious title.

Things To Do In The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are teeming with activities and things to do for visitors of all ages and interests. Your time in the Keys can be as action-packed and thrilling or relaxed and low-key as you desire. You control the pace of your vacation.

Adventure-seekers can test the water, and their skills, on a fishing charter for prized game fish. Get up close and personal with tropical fish on a snorkel trip, or dive to explore a ship wreck on the ocean floor. Visit local art galleries and museums and shop for unique gifts. Feast on fresh seafood at fine restaurants and hang with the locals, or just hang on a hammock suspended between two palms. Simply unwind and let go with the outgoing tide. You will be, after all, on island time.

Browse attractions in the Florida Keys here.

For more information about the Florida Keys visit their website!

10 Things You Should Do Before Selling Your Home

Before you’re ready to list and sell your home, you need to make sure that the functionality and appearance of your home is top notch. It’s important that, when preparing your home to sell, you think like a buyer; turn your home into a home that you’d want to buy. Here are 10 things you need to do before you sell your home.

Outside of your home (exterior of the home (paint/ siding), lawn, flower beds, backyard, driveway, walkways, etc.). Curb appeal is key when trying to sell your home; it’s the first thing buyers will see when they look at your property, so it’s important to make a good impression with the outside of your home.

1. Cut the grass at least once a week, and be sure to water your lawn and plants regularly to keep them looking lively and beautiful

2. Depending on the season: rake up any leaves that have fallen, or clear your driveway and walkway of snow and ice

3. Add potted plants and flowers near the entrance of your home to make the property seem more inviting to potential buyers; look for seasonally appropriate flowers for your area, i.e. ones that will survive the outside weather, to be sure that your plants will enhance the look of your home

4. De-clutter your yard and driveway by removing cars and toys from the area. You want your property to appear clean and well-kept

5. Be sure to repaint, or replace if necessary, any outside trim or siding that looks old or worn

Inside of your home (flooring, walls, systems, etc.). Once buyers are drawn in by your curb appeal, you need to keep them interested and show them the beauty of your interior.

1. Clean all of your carpets and hardwood floors, in every room. Stained carpet and dull or scratched wood flooring are a turnoff for most buyers who are looking for a “move-in ready” home

2. Clean all furniture and fixtures in your home, including chairs, tables, beds, couches, lamps, and ceiling fans

3. Repaint your walls and ceilings, especially if any of the paint is chipping or wearing away. If your walls and ceilings don’t require fresh paint, make sure you still wash them down with a soap water mixture to remove fingerprints or other smudges.

4. Fix any non-working home systems (plumbing, electric, heating/cooling), and update older systems that aren’t as cost-effective or don’t work as well (we’re all about being green and efficient these days!)

5. Make sure your home is well lit for pictures and showings. If you don’t have a lot of windows, add lights under cabinets and in dark corners; this will increase the inviting-ness of your home.

For more on preparation tips for selling your home, click here.

Things To Do In The Florida Keys – November 2013

Looking for something to do in the Florida Keys?

Check out the upcoming events for November…

Key West Fishing Tournament

When: Now – November 30th

What: The Key West Fishing Tournament (KWFT) is an eight-month-long competition that runs from April through November and is open to the general public. Visiting and resident anglers are encouraged to enter their catches, at no charge, at a tournament weigh station during the eight-month event. All entries receive a certificate noting their catch, and qualify for prizes.

• How To Enter

• General Rules

• Tournament Rules

For more information click here!

The Rocky Horror Show

When: November 1st

What: Let’s Do The Time Warp Again … at The Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center! Located at mile marker 102 bayside. Ginsberg Productions is a non-profit, community based, theatrical organization. Show times and ticket information are available online.

For more information click here!

18th Annual Sculpture Key West

When: November 1st  – April 26th

What: This stunning annual art exhibit showcases the work of leading contemporary sculptors at the 56-acre Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower. Contemporary sculptures enhance the land and seascapes. Visit Web site for more information.

For more information click here!

Bubbafest Bike Fest Tours

When: November 2nd – November 9th

What: Join a hugely popular biking and resort camping experience, from Key Largo to Key West. Lodging, meals and plenty of sunshine, scenery and memories included. Event limited to first 200 participants and fills fast. Visit website for details.

For more information click here!

Key West World Championship Race

When: November 3rd – November 10th

What: High-speed offshore powerboats race in Key West Harbor and surrounding waters to continue Key West’s longstanding tradition in this 31st annual challenge, known internationally as the Indianapolis 500 of powerboat racing. A portion of the 6.5-mile course runs through Key West Harbor, meaning smooth water where racers can achieve speeds above 140 mph and provide fans breathtaking displays of skill and power.

For more information click here!

Fifth Annual Key Largo Bridge Run

When: November 8th – November 9th

What: The out-and-back foot race crosses the 65-foot-high, 1.25-mile-long Jewfish Creek Bridge and the southern portion of the 18-Mile Stretch, a segment of U.S. Highway 1 between Florida City and Key Largo that was recently completed after $330 million in improvements. The 10k event in addition to a half marathon and 5k run/walk is open to all ages, and is held in conjunction with a health & fitness expo each year. Register online at keylargobridgerun.com

For more information click here!

Second Annual Key West Film Festival

When: November 13th – November 17th

What: Showcasing films that exhibit excellence in storytelling, the festival’s lineup is to feature screenings and special events hosted at landmark venues throughout Key West, including the Tropic Cinema and San Carlos Institute. The four-day program is to include several films from multiple genres and categories as well as social events with filmmakers, actors and film lovers.

For more information click here!

Key Largo Chamber of Commerce’s 32nd Annual Cook – Off

When: November 14th

What: The culinary competition, held at the Holiday Inn, mile marker (MM) 100 in Key Largo, is open to professional and amateur cooks and chefs, as well as young aspiring chefs. Categories include soups and chowders, appetizers, main dishes, sides and salads, and desserts. The event is to be held from 6 – 8:30 p.m., and public sampling starts at about 7 p.m. Awards are to be announced afterward. Sampling tickets are to be sold at the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, Boilini Eye Care, TIB Bank and Community Bank.

For more information click here!

Second Annual Chalkfest

When: November 21st – November 24th

What: Artists from across Florida will take their craft to the streets of Key West. Presented by the Key West Art In Public Places Board. Each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both local and visiting artists will use the promenade alongside the seawall at the Truman Waterfront as their canvas for intricate and colorful chalk art creations. A Key West pet friendly event!

For more information click here!

Looking for more things to do in the Florida Keys, check this out!

 

How To Find More Storage In Your Kitchen

Feeling claustrophobic in your kitchen? Having a hard time finding the right utensils? Time to free up some space!

The kitchen is one of the most-used areas of the home, with a lot of traffic going in and out all day long. So, it’s easy to see how a kitchen could get to be cluttered and completely overrun by junk in just a few days. It’s important though to maintain a clean and clutter-free kitchen, since it’s really the hub of your home. Also, in terms of real estate, “A functional and attractive kitchen adds tremendous value to a home”,  according to writers at Realtor.com. You can easily clear out some space in your kitchen and effectively de-clutter by thinking creatively and and really dedicating some time to organizing.

Stop holding onto junk.

• If you’ve been hoarding broken appliances or utensils with the noble purpose of fixing them some day, get rid of them to help free up kitchen space instantly.

• Broken plates or cups? Toss ‘em. They’re an eyesore and a hazard.

• Go through your refrigerator and kitchen cabinets-get rid of any condiments, spices, etc. that have expired or that never get used.

• Tons of mismatched and warped-by-microwave tupperware? Time for those to go too.

Organize.

• Keep countertops clear of unnecessary junk. Reserve countertop space for regularly-used appliances or simple decorative items like a vase of flowers.

• Don’t keep sponges or dish towels on display. Try storing them in a wire basket that can easily be hung from the inside of a cabinet door.

• Store appliances that don’t get much use. If you don’t use your blender or panini-maker at least every week, store them to make room for things you do use.

• Make use of flatware trays to keep silverware organized and maximize drawer space.

• Use larger flatware trays to keep larger utensils, like spatulas, whisks, and ladles organized.

• You could also use a decorative canister to store larger loose cooking utensils.

• Hang a pot rack from the ceiling to quickly clear out an entire cabinet (or two). Pot racks make pots and pans easy to access and free up tons of space for other kitchen items.

• Drawers and shelves within cabinets also help keep things organized

• Consider using food storage canisters to hold staple items like cereal, snacks, flour, and sugar – these canisters are easy to stack, which helps you maximize cabinet and counter space.

• Invest in a spice rack to keep all spices together and correctly labeled.

• Store cleaning supplies in the laundry room or a hall closet to free up even more space.

These quick and simple tricks can help transform even the most cluttered kitchen into a manageable, functional, attractive room. Freeing up space in the kitchen will allow you to feel more organized yourself, will make cooking and baking easier, and will ensure that your kitchen is the hub of the home again.

For more tips on home and kitchen organization, check out this article from Realtor.com.

 

How To Sell Your Home FAST

If you put your home on the market, your goal should be to sell your home for the most amount of money, in the least amount of time, under the most favorable terms, right? So how do you sell your home super fast?

Here are 8 tips to help you sell your home fast…

1. Curb Appeal

When a potential buyer drives by your home or even pulls up for a showing, the first impression they will get is the front of your home. Make sure that you prepare your home for it’s best first impression…

• Powerwash doorway, windows, garage door, etc.

• Touch up paint around front door and garage door trim

• Add flowers for a pop of color

• Pull weeds and make sure to mulch

• Cut grass and edge all the way around for those clean lines

• Touch up the driveway

2. Clean it up

Make sure to do a deep clean before listing your home for sale. For a deep clean you can hire some help your invite your family over to pitch in. Here is what to remember…

• Look up, there is dust and spider webs in the corners of your ceiling

• Vacuum and clean all floors and carpets

• Touch up paint around high traffic areas with scrapes and fingerprints

• Wash knobs, handles, cabinets, railings and anywhere else someone would touch

• Scrub appliances inside and out to make them look like new

There is more to the list for sure, so make sure you go through your home with great detail whether you are the cleanest person or the messiest person.

3. Declutter

This means rooms, closets, cabinets, basement, and even your crawl space. When a buyer comes into your home, they will probably not be looking for less closet space or not as many cabinets right? So show them the space your home offers by…

• Removing pieces of furniture to open up your living room

• Organize and remove items from your closets

• Organize your Kitchen cabinets and pantry

• Organize bedroom closets to show off the space

• Organize your basement whether it’s finished or unfinished

This is where a second opinion or an expert could come in handy. They will let you know how to stage and organize your home to sell.

4. Set the table

Giving a little push to let home buyers see themselves living in your home doesn’t hurt. Try setting the table with placemats, plates, cups, silverware, and a center piece. Don’t over do it, but just enough to make it feel like a staged home.

5. Neutral Colors

No one wants a hot pink Kitchen or a lime green bedroom. Well, maybe they do but make sure that you keep it neutral. If you have any dark colors or bright colors, you might want to repaint. Stick with the neutral white, off white, beige, tan, neutral grays and blues, etc. If there is a bold color in a room, if the home buyer doesn’t like it all they will see are dollars signs and work to fix it.

6. Define rooms and areas

Have you ever walked into a home with an awkward space or a small room and think to yourself, “what do we do with this space?” If you have something like this in your home, try to give it a definition. Whether it is just a sitting area, storage area, or a playroom make sure to stage it that way for the potential buyers. Having more space is not a bad thing, but when it is awkward space it might throw off the buyer.

7. Price it right, the first time

Pricing is so important in any market. If you price your home too high you could miss out on potential buyers. If you price your home too low, you could miss out on money in your pocket. Listen to your real estate agent and listen to your local market. The stats don’t lie.

8. Be flexible

When it comes to showings, you never want to turn one down. Make sure you are flexible in accommodating potential home buyers when they request a showing. Even if they call an hour before they want to see your home, try your best to make it work. You never know, they might be the ones who buy your home!

Tips For Relocating To The Florida Keys

People have to and choose to relocate for various reasons, from work to finances  to simply wanting a change in scenery. However, relocating can be a difficult task, so it’s important to do your research and figure out if relocating to the Florida Keys is the right decision for you and your family right now.

There are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether or not you can and should relocate, one of the biggest ones being your financial situation.

Moving to a new area can be daunting. You can ease the anxiety if you do your home work and take a few precautions that might not be necessary if you were selling one house and buying another one in the same area.

First consider why you want to move to a new location. Empty nesters whose family lives elsewhere often want to move to be closer to children and grandchildren. Financial considerations often enter into the decision. The cost of living may be lower elsewhere than it is where you currently live.

Whatever the reason, you should consider your motivation carefully. What may seem like a good idea on the surface could look less desirable after you factor in the aspects of your current lifestyle that may not be able to be replicated elsewhere.

For example, you may have a large circle of friends and family in your current location that provides support you need. Or if you have serious medical issues, you may need to stay close to your medical providers.

Some people want to make big changes because they’re dissatisfied with their life. Changing locations won’t necessarily make a difference; you take your personal problems with you. Make sure your desire to get out of town is for the right reason.

Your employer may be driving the decision to move elsewhere, which means you may have no choice if you want to remain employed.

Find out what relocation benefits your company may offer. Some companies will cover the costs of your move and even buy you out of your existing home. Others provide attractive financing.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Find out as much as you can about the next location before you sell your home and move. Visit the new area several times, ideally during different times of year. Make sure the new location will provide you with what you need.

Make a list of all the services and amenities you want in the new location. Like buying a home, you may not find everything you want and need. But you should be able to satisfy your needs and a good portion of what you want in the new place. Otherwise, it may not be worth changing places.

Moving is expensive. You don’t want to find out in a year or so that you made a mistake and wish you hadn’t sold your old home and made the move. In today’s volatile housing marketing, you could lose money if you sell the new home soon after buying it.

The Internet provides a wealth of information about communities around the country and homes for sale. Hook up with a good real estate agent in an area where you think you want to live and ask to be sent information about new listings that might suit your needs. Or sign up with an online listing notification service with a home listing website like Realtor. com.

Inventories of homes for sale in desirable locations are very low in some areas, which may complicate an easy move from one location to the next. A tight market can also mean that rentals are expensive and hard to find.

However, renting for a while in a new location is a good idea if you’ve never lived there. It gives you the opportunity to get to know neighborhoods in the new area and make a decision on where you want to live based on firsthand experience. Talk to homeowners in the area to find out what they like least about living there.

THE CLOSING: Check with your financial adviser to find out the monetary and tax consequences of relocating and if this is the right time to make the move.

To read the original article from Inman News, click here.