Karen Miglin
REALTOR® /Sales Associate
Realty Executives Exceptional Realtors®
Realty Executives International, Alysia Heun
There are many things to enjoy during the first weeks of autumn- from cooler weather and the vibrant colors of fall leaves to the first light blanket of snow. However, the change in seasons is also a reminder that winter weather is around the corner, and it is time for some quick home maintenance chores. As you indulge in sweater weather, spiced drinks, and the pre-holiday season, take time to put a few home projects on your to-do list.
Throughout the year, leaves, twigs, and debris build up in your gutters. Clogged gutters lead to a host of costly issues for your home such as leaks and molds. Autumn is the best time to take care of this critical home maintenance task after the leaves have dropped from the trees. Your gutters will be in perfect working order for heavy precipitation through the winter.
If you’ve been avoiding big home improvement projects to avoid the summer heat, the temperate fall weather is the ideal time to check these items off your list. Fall temperatures are the best conditions for painting your home’s exterior. Plus, a fresh paint job on your front door can brighten up your home’s exterior and boost curb appeal.
Give your perennials extra care by pruning the branches and laying down fresh mulch. Pruning your perennials and removing excess foliage nurtures healthy growth.
Mulching is a landscaping project usually reserved for spring, but there are fantastic benefits to doing these tasks in the fall. Fresh mulch will also protect them from harsh winter weather conditions.
Heavy winds and storms can loosen and tear away at aging shingles and expose your home to leaks and major water damage. Inspect your roof and assess any repairs, no matter how small. Look for missing, curled, or damaged shingles and exposure of the metal flashing. Replace damaged or missing shingles. It’s easier to make small repairs before harsh weather moves in!
Home heating costs add up quickly, and you can increase your energy efficiency by draft-proofing your home. Check doors, windows, and chimneys for openings that can cause cold water and air to leak into your home. Caulk or re-caulk windows as needed and consider replacing single pane windows that don’t provide proper insulation. It’s easy to neglect the attic and crawl spaces, so inspect those areas for air leakage and deteriorated wood and caulking. Warm air rises, so if your attic isn’t well-insulated, you’ll lose a lot of heat.
Wind can loosen dead branches, and snow and ice build-up on tree limbs, causing them to break and fall. This can cause costly damage to your home, fence, power lines, or other personal property. Take initiative and hire a tree service company to trim your trees. Not only does it prevent a disaster, but it keeps trees healthy and vibrant.
The last thing you want is your furnace to break down during a winter storm. You’ll save yourself a major headache by checking it now or hiring a professional to inspect it. Regular maintenance improves efficiency and reduces home heating costs. But more importantly, it will increase the longevity of your furnace and ensure that it’s operating under safe conditions.
There’s nothing like cozying up to a fire on a cold winter day, but before you build that fire and strike the match, don’t forget to inspect it first. A clogged chimney can increase the risk of fire and should be inspected and cleaned before you put it to use. Inspect your fireplace flue with a flashlight to see if the damper is working properly, and look for bird’s nests, foliage, and any other detritus. You should be able to see daylight at the top of the chimney. Finally, check for missing or broken bricks and mortar.
Your irrigation systems can still freeze even if they are buried underground. Draining and removing water from your irrigation system will prevent it from bursting in cold temperatures. You can do this by shutting off valves to the outside faucets and opening them to drain the line. Remove any above-ground sprinkler heads and shake the water out. If you don’t have shut-off valves, install foam faucet covers to insulate them from cold air and frigid temperatures.
Your home is your sanctuary, and you will spend much more time nesting during the long winter season. Big or small, fall home improvements will allow you to make the most of it!
Realty Executives International, Alysia Heun
Do you want to completely update your bathroom without the hassle of going through a total remodel? The following 10 bathroom upgrades will easily transform your bathroom into a completely different space without all the time and monetary investment.
It seems obvious that new paint could transform a space, but it is especially true for a small and often confined space such as a bathroom. Choose a color that is light and bright if you are looking to make the room feel larger. If painting is the only upgrade that you are making, then be sure to match it with your existing sink top and cabinets.
There are many beautiful designs of sink tops and cabinets that can instantly transform a bathroom into a completely different space. They are relatively cheap to purchase, with a unit that is complete with cabinet, sink top, and all the hardware able to be purchased for around $300. Check the return or clearance sections if you are looking for a deal!
Painting the cabinetry is a good way to drastically change the look of your bathroom without the cost of buying new, expensive cabinets. The trick is to use 4-inch rollers, made for cabinets, a high-quality primer, and colored cabinet paint. Right now, some of the popular colors to paint your bathroom cabinets are shades of white and grey, but beyond trends, you typically want to pick a color that will go with the existing theme of your bathroom without going too bold.
If you are not ready to invest the money into an entirely new cabinet set, consider changing out the sink top to fit the existing cabinet. A new sink top can easily upgrade your bathroom space without investing time and money into a huge renovation project. Pure white or faux marble sink tops are very popular right now and create a very clean and elegant look. Changing out the hardware with the new sink top is also recommended.
Faucets, faucet handles, and cabinet knobs are items that are touched every day, so spending extra time picking them out is very important. Expect to spend at least $100 for a nice faucet set that will last the lifetime of the sink. Try a faucet with the new open flow design for a spa-like effect. Adding a shower facet with a detachable spa wand is an excellent way to cheaply spruce up your shower area.
Adding a backsplash behind your sink top is another great way to upgrade your bathroom with a short amount of time and money. We recommend the easy to install options for those that don’t want the hassle and mess of grouting tile (including peel and stick options). There are so many colors and designs to choose from that you are sure to find one that would go perfect with your existing bathroom design!
Installing new light fixtures is a great bathroom improvement, especially if you upgrade the main ceiling unit to a fixture that also contains a heat lamp! The fixtures above the sink should be very bright and provide a natural shade of light. This is a cheap and easy upgrade that will make a big difference in the ambiance of the room.
Sometimes we just need new things to spruce things up, and a toilet is a good example, especially when the house is older. Newer toilets are more efficient and will save you money on your electricity and water bills. They are also relatively cheap, only costing around $100 for a basic set. Most people are preferring the new higher pedestal toilets, while the more traditional toilets sit lower to the ground.
The shower and bathtub are the centerpieces of the bathroom. Whether you have one unit or two separate units, upgrading them is the biggest improvement that you can make to your bathroom, but it is also the most expensive.
Research plug-and-play options if you are looking to replace your shower or tub on a budget.
Adding storage space is a small project that will help to make your space more usable. You can buy standalone cabinets for bare walls or install cabinets and shelves behind toilets. You can also install specialized hooks or racks to make the things that you use every day more accessible, like hooks for hair dryers and robes. Adding a mirror that is also a cabinet is a great way to keep items off your sink top, which helps to keep things clean and tidy.
If you are looking to give your bathroom a little facelift, do not feel obligated to make all the changes suggested. Even a few small updates will make the room look and feel brand new!
Alysia Heun, Realty Executives International
Buying a home is exciting. It can also be nerve-wracking, complicated, risky, and keep you awake at night. The same can be said about selling your home. Both are important decisions that can potentially change your life.
Buying or selling a home requires a lot of preparation. We recommend that you research and consult a professional realtor to streamline the process. Additionally, use all the information available and look at other people’s experiences in selling their homes so you can avoid common mistakes. For example, many homeowners decide to do some remodeling prior to listing their home on the market. While this can improve your chances of sale at the best price point, there are some upgrades to avoid when selling your home.
Upgrading your home may help you sell faster and for a better price, but that’s not always the case. You can potentially cause serious financial damage if you are not careful. Some of the upgrades you do to your home won’t pay off when you sell, so be careful with projects such as:
1) Kitchen renovation
2) Basement
3) Landscaping
4) Wine cellar
5) Swimming pool
6) New appliances
7) Partial upgrades
8) Trendy decoration
Remodeling a kitchen is the first thing that comes to mind for many people when selling their house. They feel a nice shiny new kitchen will attract buyers, which is not wrong. It will likely attract buyers, but you must consider the return on investment. Renovating a kitchen is very expensive. New marble countertops, new cabinets, appliances, painting, and installing new floors can be pricey. Not to mention, it requires a lot of time and effort. And according to statistics, major overhauls rarely pay off when selling, resulting in a financial loss. The best thing to do is work on fixing problems that can devalue your home, such as broken kitchen appliances and bad plumbing. Those things will be more important to potential buyers than trendy expensive countertops and cabinets.
Another upgrade to avoid has to do with the basement. Finishing your basement and turning it into another room (bedroom, playroom, office) seems like an excellent feature for a house hunter. But that’s not quite the case. You don’t know who will buy your home in advance, and people have different needs and wishes. Someone will want an extra bedroom, someone else a baby’s room, while some people need more storage. It’s better to leave the basement space empty and clean so people can decide what they want to turn it into later. Painting and decluttering your basement will be enough. Plus, keeping the space neutral is economical.
One of the upgrades to avoid when selling your home is excessive landscaping. A lovely exterior can make your house look very inviting to potential buyers, but it would be best to avoid going overboard. If your landscaping is not in perfect shape, do not feel pressured to spend lots of money to fix everything. The best thing to do is tidy it up and keep it clean. Do the necessary trimming and cutting. Make sure there is no garbage and clutter around the house. You can plant some lovely flowers in the garden to add some curb appeal. A vast garden or yard that requires expensive landscaping can prove too much responsibility for potential buyers and turn them off. Leave room so the new owners can give their outdoor space a personal touch.
A wine cellar is a particularly risky feature to invest in, and an upgrade to avoid. Maybe you love wine and enjoy having a wine cellar, but many others don’t. And they are unlikely to spend extra money on a house just because it has a wine cellar. With this feature, you are limiting your options in terms of potential buyers. Consider a wine cellar an upgrade to avoid when selling your home unless your home is on the high end of the luxury market.
Probably the most expensive upgrade you can add to your home is a swimming pool. And because of that, it is also the one you should avoid. It doesn’t add as much value to your house compared to the installation cost. Also, the upkeep that it requires is not always appealing to buyers. You should only consider investing in a swimming pool when most other houses in your neighborhood also have it. That way, you ensure you do not lack a feature that other properties have.
If your appliances are a bit old but still working without problems, you should keep them. There is no reason to spend money on something that won’t make much price difference when selling. It’s common for new owners to decorate the house and replace appliances to their liking.
When upgrading, it’s crucial to keep in mind the budget that you have. You can quickly go overboard trying to upgrade everything and not have enough money to finish what you’ve started. And worse than not upgrading your home is having a house filled with partial upgrades. It will look messy and unattractive. The best thing to do is plan one complete upgrade that fits your budget.
Following popular style when decorating never pays off and is an upgrade to avoid. Trends change very quickly, and what is popular now won’t be for long. Investing in expensive carpeting, painting, and decoration that will soon go out of style is simply unprofitable. Keep your home neutral and let new owners decorate the way they like it.
Selling a home requires a lot of work and preparation. You should consider what’s valued on the market right now, listen to the feedback from potential buyers, and invest responsibly in your home. It may seem tempting to upgrade, but try to control yourself, and don’t forget which upgrades to avoid when selling your home.
It hasn’t been said enough, but your roof is a crucial part of your home. It serves as your protection against harsh weather, outdoor elements, and unexpected forces of nature. Your roof also provides good ventilation and helps keep indoor temperature safe and stable. A well-maintained roof also adds curb appeal and value to your home. For these reasons, you need to choose the right roofing materials.
If you have never selected a roof or replaced a roof, you can always consult with a professional roofing contractor. Choose a roofer with vast experience so he or she can help you select the appropriate materials and install it. It’s also vital to work with a roofer with roofing insurance-you’re guaranteed that they have protection.
Listen to your contractor’s suggestions and consider the innovative roofing materials listed below.
A cool roof uses energy-absorbing/energy-reflecting materials to transfer less overall heat to the home building. They come in light colors to reflect more sunshine than a traditional roof.
Fiber cement composite tiles are created using clay, concrete, and wood fiber. It is light, durable, and fireproof. You can choose from various colors and textures.
If you want to add curb appeal to your home without losing functionality, sustainability, and durability, use cedar shingles for your roof. They are resistant to insects and UV rays, and moss growth is less likely to develop. Cedar shingles are also environmentally friendly as they have a low carbon footprint and are biodegradable.
Green roofs are made of eco-friendly materials. Plants and trees are typically planted over them, and this can even be landscaped to increase curb appeal. The plants and trees are added to provide home insulation. A green roof is essentially a rooftop garden.
Green roofs can regulate home temperature, particularly in the summer and winter months.
These are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, fireproof, and insect-proof tiles that have a lifespan of over 50 years.
Clay and concrete tiles are good for Mediterranean, southwestern, and Spanish style homes.
Metal roofs are some of the most durable, with lifespans reaching at least 70 years. They are non-combustible and sturdy, even in the worst weather.
Metal roofing is often recommended for cabins, bungalows, and contemporary homes.
These are just some of the innovative roofing materials you can consider when you’re ready for roof renovation. Don’t forget to call on your favorite roofer to help you with installation!
Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start decorating your home in colors that help bring feel-good energy indoors. We’ve rounded up all the color trends you need to know for this season. Feel free to mix complementing colors together or choose the one that best fits in with your established home décor. Incorporating these fun colors can lead to a bright and cheery atmosphere without ever having to leave home!
Number one must go to the Pantone color of the year, Very Peri. This fun shade is a beautiful cross between blue and purple and, while versatile for every season, can be a great cool touch to balance warm days. The color itself is said to encourage personal inventiveness and creativity, and what better way to make it through mid-summer slumps and long warm days than to have this color around the home to inspire you to keep moving? While Very Peri doesn’t need to coat your walls, it can certainly make for a great accent piece, such as a centerpiece vase for flowers on a kitchen island or living room table. Pillows with a fun print, including the Very Peri shade, can also be a great touch for bringing color into the home without being overwhelming!
Green is a versatile color that can play a role in any home year-round. Whether it be in the form of permanent fixtures such as cabinets and lamp shades or with rotating floral arrangements featuring eucalyptus leaves and other house plants, green adds life to a home. Lucky for you, there are plenty of greens that can fit in with your needs, all in varying depths and shades. However, this summer, it seems deeper greens are the rage. It is said that darker greens bring feelings of wealth and ambition while olives can bring feelings of peace. On the other hand, lighter shades can bring a feeling of playfulness and youth. If you’re a seasoned homeowner and looking to add a touch of luxuriousness to your home, a darker green can help symbolize maturity and promote feelings of improvement.
While fashion week usually happens in spring, the colors can help dictate what will be “in” throughout the rest of the year. Two colors are making the rounds this year: a very subtle lilac and a bold yellow, Canary, or Butter (you can find more on them below). Lilac is a very soft, feminine shade derived from the flower with similar traits. Often defined as pastel and used as the main player for “aesthetics,” lilac can make for a great addition to your home this summer. Pairing it with another fun color can make for an eye-catching product, but lilac can be a star all on its own. In places where you have primary neutral colors, such as a kitchen or office space, consider adding a pop of color with a lilac-themed painting or candles and flowers with the hues.
As mentioned above, bold yellows come with a vibrancy that is perfect for summertime. Both Popcorn and Canary have grown popular this year, a shift from soft yellows that were previously in season. Where a spring palette might feature a soft shade of yellow, the dark summer shades mimic the brightness and electricity of long warm days and bright sunshine. These bold yellows can be incorporated throughout the home to bring a pop of light or may be perfect for the exterior of your home to boost curb appeal and set you apart. Consider adding beautiful border flowers, luscious tulips, or sunflowers to help elevate your landscape and create a show-stopping look.
Another pop of color derived from flowers, fuchsia, is enjoying its time in the spotlight this summer! While a beautiful color, it is certainly not for the weak and demands attention with its vibrancy and uniqueness. While this color may not fit into just any home’s décor, it can be a gamechanger. Much like other colors on this list, fuchsia can also be a great addition to your exterior, made easy with the beautiful flowering and sprawling plant of the same name. Fuchsia plants also make for perfect hanging baskets on your porch, which can bring a much-needed burst of color and fragrance up close to your door. If you’re hoping to add fuchsia to your interior design, try not to overdo it by finding complementing colors to help ground the brightness, such as yellows, white, black, or even brighter but subtler options like lime green and mint.
Get those creative juices flowing and try your hand at a little interior design! Hopefully these summer color suggestions get you excited for the joyful season ahead!
