Realty Executives Midwest
As the winter season comes to an end, many of us look forward to the fresh start that spring brings. It is the perfect time to declutter, organize, and deep clean our homes. Spring cleaning allows us to create a clean and refreshing environment, promoting a sense of well-being and productivity. In this article, we will look at some practical tips and tricks to organize your spring cleaning in a tidy and productive manner.
Before embarking on your spring cleaning, creating a checklist of to-do activities is important. This helps you stay organized and ensure you do not miss any areas needing attention. Start by going through each room in your home and note what needs to be cleaned, decluttered, or organized. Split your checklist into manageable sections, such as cleaning the kitchen, decluttering the bedroom, and organizing the garage. Having a clear plan will make your spring cleaning process much smoother.
One of the most important steps in spring cleaning is decluttering. Take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, donate, or discard. Start with one area at a time, such as a closet or a drawer, and sort through each item. Ask yourself if you have used or worn the item in the past year. If not, it may be time to let it go. Decluttering creates more space in your home, helps create a sense of calm, and reduces visual clutter.
When cleaning each room, starting from the top and working your way down is best. Kick-start by dusting shelves, light fittings, and ceiling fans. Then, move on to cleaning windows, blinds, and curtains. Next, focus on wiping down surfaces such as countertops, tables, and cabinets. Finally, vacuum or mop the floors. When you clean from top to bottom, you ensure that any dust or dirt that drops while cleaning is captured and removed.
During your spring cleaning, do not forget to pay attention to the often-neglected areas of your home. These include baseboards, vents, and light switches. Use a mild cleaning solution or damp cloth to wipe down these areas and remove accumulated dust or grime. Also, remember to clean behind large appliances, such as the refrigerator and stove, to ensure that no dirt or debris lurks in these hidden spaces.
Spring is the perfect time to give your carpets and upholstery a deep clean. Thoroughly vacuum your carpets to get rid of any dust or debris. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service or renting a carpet cleaner for stains or high-traffic areas. Similarly, clean your upholstery using appropriate cleaning products or consider cleaning it professionally. You can revive their appearance and prolong their lifespan by giving your carpets and upholstery some extra attention.
Refreshing your linens and bedding is a great idea when doing spring cleaning. Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in hot water to remove any allergens or dust mites that may have accumulated over time. To keep your mattress clean and prolong its life, consider rotating it and using a mattress protector. Do not forget to wash or dry clean your curtains and give your pillows a good fluff in the dryer to restore their shape.
Take the time to organize and declutter your storage spaces, such as closets, cabinets, and drawers. Remove everything from the area and sort through each item. Donate or discard items that you no longer use or need. Invest in storage solutions such as drawer organizers, boxes, or baskets to keep things accessible and tidy. To make locating stuff in the future simpler, label the storage containers you use. Over time, having a well-organized storage system will save you time and lessen your stress.
Spring cleaning is not just about the interior of your home; it is also a great time to clean and maintain your outdoor spaces. Sweep away any debris from your patio or deck, and wash the surfaces using a pressure washer if necessary. Clean your outdoor furniture and cushions, and check for any repairs or replacements that may be needed. Also, take the time to inspect and clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. When you pay attention to your outdoor spaces, you create a welcoming environment for outdoor activities during the spring and summer months.
Spring cleaning is a great time to give your house a makeover and make it a tidy, orderly place to live. These tips and tricks can make your spring cleaning process efficient and effective. Remember to create a checklist, declutter first, clean from top to bottom, and pay attention to neglected areas. Keep in mind to deep clean carpets and upholstery, refresh your bedding and linens, and organize storage spaces. Last, take the time to clean and maintain outdoor spaces for a complete spring cleaning experience. With these strategies, you can enjoy a fresh and revitalized home as you embrace the new season. Happy spring cleaning!
If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal.
One long-standing, popular way to do that is by downsizing to a smaller home.
When you think about cutting down on your spending, odds are you think of frequent purchases, like groceries and other goods. But when you downsize your house, you often end up downsizing the bills that come with it, like your mortgage payment, energy costs, and maintenance requirements. Realtor.com shares:
“A smaller home typically means lower bills and less upkeep. Then there’s the potential windfall that comes from selling your larger home and buying something smaller.”
That windfall is thanks to your home equity. If you’ve been in your house for a while, odds are you’ve built up a considerable amount of equity. And that equity is something you can use to help you buy a home that better fits your needs today. Daniel Hunt, CFA at Morgan Stanley, explains:
“Home equity can be a significant source of wealth for retirees, often representing a large portion of their net worth. . . . Retirement planning can be complex, but your home equity shouldn’t be overlooked.”
And when you’re ready to use that equity to fuel your next move, your real estate agent will be your guide through every step of the process. That includes setting the right price for your current house when you sell, finding the home that best fits your evolving needs, and understanding what you can afford at today’s mortgage rate.
If you’re thinking about downsizing, ask yourself these questions:
Then, meet with a real estate agent to get an answer to this one: What are my options in the market right now? A local real estate agent can walk you through how much equity you have in your house and how it positions you to win when you downsize.
Want to save money in retirement? Consider downsizing – it could really help you out. When you’re ready, connect with a local real estate agent about your goals in the housing market this year.
Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. And if you look at the current number of homes for sale, you’ll see two reasons why.
An article from Calculated Risk shows there are 15.6% more homes for sale now compared to the same week last year. That tells us inventory has grown. But going back to 2019, the last normal year in the housing market, there are nearly 40% fewer homes available now:
Here’s a breakdown of how this benefits you when you sell.
Are you thinking about selling because your current house is too big, too small, or because your needs have changed? If so, the year-over-year growth gives you more options for your home search. That means it may be less of a challenge to find what you’re looking for.
So, if you were holding off on selling because you were worried you weren’t going to find a home you like, this may be just the good news you needed. Partnering with a local real estate professional can help you make sure you’re up to date on the homes available in your area.
But to put that into perspective, even though there are more homes for sale now, there still aren’t as many as there’d be in a normal year. Remember, the data from Calculated Risk shows we’re down nearly 40% compared to 2019. And that large a deficit won’t be solved overnight. As a recent article from Realtor.com explains:
“. . . the number of homes for sale and new listing activity continues to improve compared to last year. However the inventory of homes for sale still has a long journey back to pre-pandemic levels.”
For you, that means if you work with an agent to price your house right, it should still get a lot of attention from eager buyers and could sell fast.
If you're a homeowner looking to sell, now's a good time. You'll have more options when buying your next home, and there's still not a ton of competition from other sellers. If you’re ready to move, talk to a local real estate agent to get the ball rolling.
Buying your first home is a big, exciting step and a major milestone that has the power to improve your life. As a first-time homebuyer, it’s a dream you can make come true, but there are some hurdles you’ll need to overcome in today’s housing market – specifically the limited supply of homes for sale and ongoing affordability challenges.
So, if you’re ready, willing, and able to buy your first home, here are three tips to help you turn your dream into a reality.
Paying the initial costs of homeownership, like your down payment and closing costs, can feel a bit daunting. But there are many assistance programs for first-time homebuyers that can help you get a loan with little or no money upfront. According to Bankrate:
“. . . you might qualify for a first-time homebuyer loan or assistance. First-time buyer loans typically have more flexible requirements, such as a lower down payment and credit score. Many help buyers with closing costs and the down payment through grants and low-interest loans.”
To find out more, talk to your state’s housing authority or check out websites like Down Payment Resource.
Right now, there aren’t enough homes for sale for everyone who wants to buy one. That’s pushing home prices up and making affordability tight for buyers. One way to deal with that issue and find a home right now is to consider condos and townhomes. Realtor.com explains:
“For many newbies, it might just be a matter of making a shift toward something they can better afford—like a condo or townhome. These lower-cost homes have historically been a stepping stone for buyers looking for a less expensive alternative to a single-family home.”
One reason why they may be more affordable is because they’re often smaller. But they still give you the chance to get your foot in the door and achieve your goal of owning a home and building equity. And that equity can help fuel your move into a larger home later on if you decide you need something bigger in the future. Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Analyst at Realtor.com, says:
“Condos can help prospective homebuyers who perhaps have a smaller budget, but who are really determined to get a foothold in the market and start to accumulate some equity. It can be a really great entry point.”
Another way to break into the market is by purchasing a home with friends or loved ones. That way you can split the cost of things like the mortgage and bills, to make it easier to afford a home. According to Money.com:
“Buying a home with another person has some obvious advantages in the mortgage department. With two incomes in the mix, buyers can likely qualify for a larger mortgage — a big help in today’s high-cost market.”
By exploring first-time homebuyer assistance, condos, townhomes, and multi-generational living, it can be easier to find and buy your first home. When you’re ready, connect with a local real estate agent.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
If you’re thinking of selling your house this spring, now is the perfect time to start getting it ready. With the market gearing up for its busiest time of year, it’ll be important to make sure your house shines bright among the competition.
Here are some valuable tips you can use to get your house market-ready.
First impressions matter, and if your house is a mess, that can easily turn off potential buyers. Before listing, take the time to declutter and organize each room. Decluttering is about more than just tidying up – it’s about creating a sense of space and openness that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home. According to Moving.com:
“Decluttering and organizing your space will go a long way in appealing to potential buyers. . . .decluttering will help the buyers see themselves living in your home. Less clutter inside a home also helps a place appear larger and cleaner, which should attract more buyers.”
The kitchen and bathrooms are focal points for many buyers, and often influence their overall opinion of the house. Ensure these spaces dazzle by giving them a thorough deep cleaning. Pay attention to details like scrubbing grout lines, polishing fixtures, and decluttering countertops. A sparkling kitchen and bathroom can leave a lasting positive impression on potential buyers.
Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see, so it’s important to make a good impression from the moment they arrive. A well-maintained yard not only enhances curb appeal, but also shows buyers the home has been well taken care of.
Take the time to spruce up your yard by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and clearing away any debris or dead plants. Remember, the goal is to create a welcoming environment that entices buyers to step inside and imagine themselves living there. U.S. News says:
“A beautifully landscaped front yard can elevate an ordinary house into a charming home and will help homes sell faster and for more money.”
A skilled listing agent is your partner in minimizing stress when selling your home. Lean on your agent for advice on decluttering, staging, and enhancing your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Their insights into market trends and recommendations for reliable contractors and stagers are invaluable. As Realtor.com says:
“A good listing agent will help you price your home . . . recommend a photographer and stager to make it look its best, and put your home on the multiple listing service.”
By decluttering, deep cleaning, and tidying up your house, you can create a welcoming environment that resonates with buyers and increases your chances of a successful sale. Connect with a trusted real estate agent for advice on what you need to do to get your house ready to sell this spring.
Realty Executives agents are real estate experts. They have the education and expertise you need to navigate through the process of buying or selling a home. From listing at the right price to making the best offer, our Executives have witnessed the best - and most regrettable - decisions homeowners and homebuyers can make. Every day, they are immersed in every aspect of real estate that includes comparable home price analysis, property surveys, credit reports, open houses, HOA agreements, lenders, title companies, homeowners’ insurance, walk-throughs, terms of sale or purchase, repairs, concessions and closing documents. Let our accomplished Executives help navigate you through the process of buying or selling a home.
