The holidays are a time to celebrate, relax, and enjoy your home with family and friends. Whether you're hosting guests or simply want to create a cozy atmosphere, this checklist will help you prepare your home for a stress-free and festive season.

? 1. Declutter and Deep Clean

• Clear entryways, living areas, and guest rooms of clutter
• Clean windows, baseboards, and light fixtures
• Wipe down kitchen appliances, especially the oven and refrigerator
• Vacuum and mop high-traffic areas

? Holiday cleaning tips from This Old House

?️ 2. Prepare Guest Spaces

• Wash and refresh guest room linens
• Stock bedside tables with water, tissues, and reading material
• Provide extra towels and basic toiletries
• Add cozy touches like throw blankets or a holiday-scented candle

? 7-Day Holiday Spruce-Up from The Spruce

? 3. Check Appliances and Systems

• Test your oven, stove, and dishwasher
• Replace HVAC filters and schedule maintenance if needed
• Inspect your fireplace and chimney for safety
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

? 4. Decorate with Intention

• Choose a cohesive theme or color palette
• Use natural elements like pinecones, garlands, and candles
• Avoid overcrowding spaces with too many decorations
• Keep walkways and surfaces clear for guests

? Holiday staging tips from RBFCU

?️ 5. Create a Hosting Plan

• Finalize your guest list and send invitations
• Plan your menu and shop early for ingredients
• Prep dishes ahead of time to reduce day-of stress
• Ensure you have enough seating, tableware, and serving dishes

? Holiday hosting checklist from Forbes

? Bonus Tip: Enjoy Your Home

• Light a fire or play soft music to set the mood
• Create a welcoming entry with seasonal décor
• Take time to relax and enjoy the space you've created

? Personalized Service is Never out Of Season!

Preparing your home for the holidays doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and this checklist, you can create a warm, inviting space that's ready for celebration. I have access to very hard-working elves who would love to help you get through the holiday season! Need something special? Just call me! I'm always here for you & yours!

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home this season, or want tips on making your space more marketable, I'm here to help. Let's connect and make this holiday season your most memorable one yet.

Freshen your mats and rugs

Indoor and outdoor mats and rugs can collect a lot of dirt tracked into the house by people and pets over the winter months. Vacuuming doesn't always get everything, so you might consider buying or renting a portable steam cleaner. Pay special attention to the doormats inside and out since those collect the most dirt.

Clean windows and blinds

Seeing the difference between a dirty window and a clean one will make you feel a great sense of accomplishment. Your windows will get dirty throughout the year, so take this time to clean them. Start on an overcast day to make it easier to see streaks left behind by a cloth. Double-hung windows that tilt in for cleaning, can make it even easier. And don't forget to wash the blinds while doing this.

Wipe down your walls

While mopping floors and regularly cleaning counters is part of a usual cleaning routine, we seldom think to wash the walls until it's time to repaint. But doing it once a year will prevent a lot of grime from building up, making that task even more manageable in the future. Use a little all-purpose cleaner or vinegar and water on a clean microfiber cloth to freshen your walls quickly.

Refresh carpets

If you have carpeting in your home, you can buy or rent a steam cleaner or hire a company to do a deep clean. You only need a deep clean every few years, unless you have young children or pets, in which case you may need to deep clean more often. Otherwise, sprinkle deodorizer on the carpet according to the package directions, and your household vacuum cleaner should do the trick during spring cleaning.

Other spring-cleaning tasks

Don't forget these often-forgotten tasks:

• Toss any expired food from your refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.
• Run your oven's self-cleaning cycle.
• Clean your curtains and blinds.
• Replace your furnace filter.
• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Are you ready to clean this spring? Contact me for my personal list of reliable, local house cleaners, clean-out/dumpsters or estate sales today 518-867-7699 or email lisa.miller@cbpp.com.

After a cold and rainy first half of the year, many people thought summer and sunshine would never come. Well, it is certainly here now! While it may be easy for us to beat the heat by staying indoors with air conditioning, visiting the beach, or even taking a dip in our backyard pools—staying cool and alive for plants is significantly harder. A lot of us take pride in our perfectly manicured lawns and gardens and understandably become brokenhearted to see them wilt, discolor, and even die during the tough dog days of summer. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help to prolong the life of your plants this summer.

1. Set a feeding schedule
One of the most common mistakes people make, which actually helps to speed up the deterioration of their plants and lawn, is to water at the wrong time of day. The best time to water your greenery is either in the morning, before the sun comes up, or in the afternoon when the sun is beginning to go down. The key is to never water when the sun is out and beaming. If you do, the water almost becomes like oil, and it will certainly fry your precious plants. The same goes for lawns. Moreover, aim to use water that is as close to air temperature as possible. Too hot or too cold may send your plants into shock. (Hey, we didn't say this was an easy job!)

2. Choose wisely
While they may all seem beautiful, be very choosy when it comes to deciding which plants and flowers to grow for your space. Not all are created equal, meaning that not all greenery can survive in all climates. Speak to a professional, or even an attendant at your local plant store to decide together which plants are best suited for your region. If you live in a very hot area, sensitive plants aren't the best option. Look into some beautiful annuals like Bells of Ireland, Pansies, and Black-Eyed Susans.

3. To Go Organic or Not
Many believe that going organic in the food we eat and the food we feed our plants is pointless. However, there is a point in changing up the diet and going healthier with organic alternatives. In regard to your greenery, using organic fertilizer is better for plants and lawns because it provides sustained nourishment. On the other hand, chemical fertilizer is more like fast-food–it delivers a quick fix but its results and benefits are not sustainable.

We here at Coldwell Banker hope that these few tips will help you to improve your lawn and garden's condition this summer. Best of luck! If you have any other tips or tricks, leave a comment below!

Information courtesy of The Daily Green.

The following is a guest post from Paul Martin

While buying your first home is exciting, buying your first homeowner's insurance policy isn't nearly as much fun. New homeowners have all kinds of questions about what homeowners insurance covers and what it doesn't, and understandably so. When shopping around for a policy to protect the biggest financial investment of your life, you want to feel confident that you'll walk away with enough coverage.

Fortunately, with just a bit of a debriefing on homeowner's insurance, those shopping for their first policy can feel empowered and knowledgeable even before meeting with an insurance agent. Here's a quick breakdown of the finer nuances of homeowner's insurance coverage, including how much you need to protect your home and belongings.

What Homeowners Insurance Covers

When buying an insurance policy, it's important to know what it's going to do for you as far as offering protection for your home and belongings. Since a home is made up of much more than just four walls and a roof, homeowners insurance includes coverage for all related aspects — not just the building itself. Coverage also aims to protect a home's contents, including the family and their guests, against potential disasters within or surrounding the house.

Standard homeowners insurance policies have four main coverage categories:

• Damage to the home's structure: The first category of property damage concerns the actual dwelling or the structure of the house itself. Your homeowner's policy protects the home's structure from damage or destruction due to covered perils, which we'll explore further in the next section. Detached structures, such as sheds, are often covered as well.
• Damage to your personal property: This second aspect of property damage covers your personal belongings (e.g., furniture, electronics, clothing, artwork, decorations, etc.) stored within the home or in places such as storage units, to an extent. Damage, destruction, or loss of your personal property due to a covered peril is all protected under your insurance policy.
• Liability: Homeowner's policies include liability coverage for both bodily injury and property damage to a third party. Coverage extends to all members of your family living in the home, including pets. Liability coverage protects you against legal claims by reimbursing you for the attorney and court fees, including any settlements you're ordered to pay if the case rules against you. Your homeowner's policy even protects against incidents in which you are sued away from home.
• Additional living expenses: If your home gets badly damaged or destroyed and you're forced to live elsewhere while repairs are done, your insurance will reimburse you for the additional expenses such as hotel rooms, eating out, extra gas mileage, etc., within reason.

From structural damage to the accidental injury of a guest, you're likely to be covered by a homeowner's insurance policy. For a claim to be successful, the cause of the issue needs to be due to a covered peril.

Covered Perils Under Homeowners Insurance

While it would be nice if homeowners insurance covered your home and belongings from absolutely all potential hazards, in reality, there isn't any insurance policy that comes without a set of defined covered perils and a list of specific exclusions. First, we'll start with the positives.

Commonly covered perils under standard homeowners policies include the following:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Explosion
• Fire and smoke
• Water damage
• Aircraft or vehicle damage
• Riots
• Falling objects (and trees)
• Roof collapse (due to weight of ice/snow)
• Certain natural disasters (i.e., windstorms, hail, lightning, and blizzards)

Notice that only some, not all, natural disasters are covered by homeowner's insurance. That being said, it's time for the flipside of the coin.

What Homeowners Insurance Doesn't Cover

Perhaps even more important than knowing what your homeowner's policy covers is understanding what it doesn't. This can save you the hassle of filing a claim that's bound to get denied or counting on a reimbursement that's not going to happen.

Standard homeowners policies typically do NOT cover the following perils:

• Certain natural disasters (i.e., floods, earthquakes, and mudslides)
• Maintenance-related losses
• Wear and tear damage (i.e., failure of the homeowner to maintain upkeep of the home)
• Insect damage or infestations
• Damage from war or nuclear fallout
• Business-related liability

If you run a business out of your home, homeowner's insurance typically won't cover liability for related mishaps. Homeowner's policies also tend to limit liability coverage for certain types of vehicles, including aircraft, ATVs and boats, and have very specific exceptions for certain powered vehicles, such as ride-on lawnmowers. You'll need to check the policy to be sure of coverage for special vehicles.

Knowing How Much Coverage You Need to Purchase for Your Home

Once you understand what homeowners insurance does and doesn't cover, you'll need to figure out how much coverage you need. When insuring the home itself, consider how much it would cost to rebuild if a disaster caused destruction. Several things influence rebuilding costs for a home, including location, the type and age of construction, surface area, amenities, built-in plumbing and heating systems, and various features. Additionally, any measures taken to make a home nicer may increase its value and make it more expensive to rebuild.

Depending on the specific home's value, rebuilding costs may run somewhere between $80-$150 per square foot. Plenty of online tools are available to help calculate the estimated cost to rebuild your home. Insurance agents are also equipped with professional tools for accurate estimates to help get you set up with the right amount of coverage for your home. It's better to err on the side of purchasing too much coverage for your home's structure, should you ever need to rebuild following a disaster.

Knowing How Much Coverage You Need to Purchase for Your Belongings

When it comes to insuring your personal belongings, homeowner's policies typically limit replacement coverage for your personal property to 60% of your home's total insured value. For example, if you purchase $200,000 worth of insurance on your home, $120,000 of coverage would apply to your belongings. Of course, you can always add more coverage. Should disaster strike, it's a good idea to have a record of your belongings in photo or video format to help receive the reimbursement you're entitled to.

If you have expensive or valuable items like furnishings, artwork, jewelry, or electronics, you might want to purchase extra coverage for your property. Special endorsements or riders are available for specific types of property that may be on the pricier side, such as jewelry and electronics. Purchasing endorsements or riders can help ensure your items are covered for their replacement costs and won't exceed your policy's coverage limit if they are lost, damaged, or destroyed.

Now that you have a deeper understanding of homeowner's insurance coverage and how much is needed, you can begin your hunt for the right policy with a sense of empowerment and confidence. Don't hesitate to ask your independent insurance agent for further clarification on any gray areas. Good luck.

Paul Martin, CPCU, is an insurance professional for Trusted Choice with over 30 years' experience in the field. Throughout his career, his mission has been to advance the insurance industry through education to be better equipped to serve the public.

The value of regular cleaning and disinfecting the spaces we occupy has become more important than ever. Following the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), it's extremely important for the safety of you, your loved ones and colleagues that you take all precautions in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Regular maintenance is key to reducing the risk of infection, and hiring a professional cleaning service can help you navigate creating a safe environment. While you may not need some cleaning each and every day, or even every week, consider the following scenarios when their expertise and resources can help keep you, your family and others safe.

1. COVID Recovery and Ongoing Cleaning

If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, it is critical that they stay in a quarantined room or space. As they recover, hiring a professional service to help conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire household, including their space when healthy again, will ensure that you eliminate the possibility of infection for anyone else in your home.

Be clear with the cleaning company about the situation so they're aware of the environment they'll be in and can take extra personal precautions to keep themselves safe.

2. Water and Sewage Cleanup

Have you considered how your plumbing might also affect your health? When we think about the best cleaning and maintenance practices during a pandemic, we might only consider what's on the surface. We may not realize that something like a sewage or plumbing incident can be just as dangerous as someone touching your countertops with unclean hands. 

John Sooker, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at SERVPRO, "Water in sewer backups could have viruses, bacteria and other microbes that can cause illnesses, which is the last thing any homeowner or business wants under 'normal' circumstances, and certainly not during the current pandemic."

If your sewage has backed up, don't just call a plumber—call a cleaning company. Don't let those bacteria and dangerous microbes live in your space.

3. Essential Worker Support

If you're an essential worker clocking in extra hours and finding just enough time in the day for sleep, a professional cleaner may be a wise investment. Bacteria builds up even when we're not in the home, and if you can't maintain the regular cleaning required during COVID-19 while working full-time, hire a professional service. You'll stay safe and enjoy extra peace-of-mind so you can use those extra non-work hours to relax and recharge.

In addition to standard cleaning needs, professional cleaners can also help identify areas in the home that need extra care. These are often places we forget to clean when completing our regular chores. For example, Prevention shares the germiest areas we touch every day:

• Kitchen faucet
• Garbage disposal
• Dishtowel
• Computer keyboard
• Cell phone
• Welcome mat
• Vacuum cleaner
• Soap dispensers

Work with a cleaning company to address these areas and create a plan for making your home a safe place to come home to.

4. Business Office, Retail and Living Space

If you own a business, you also need to consider the spaces where you and your employees work. While you can clean yourself following the guidelines, tips and information provided by the CDC, partnering with a professional cleaning service may ensure better results and keep you safe from potential infection.

When hiring a cleaning company for your business space, apartment building, or other property, consider looking for a business that's well-versed in that type of space. This ensures that not only will the space be free of germs, but that the particular needs of that specific type of space are taken into consideration. For example, office space has more areas to be cleaned than an apartment, and the right company will be prepared to do the job well.

5. After Guests Leave

Even if your guests were healthy, if you've had anyone stay anywhere in your home, it's critical that you clean the space while they're in the home and after they leave. While you can clean during their stay, it may be wise to bring in a cleaner once they've gone to ensure every area of your home is safe. With recent statistics saying 25-50 percent of people with COVID don't know they have it, even "healthy" guests pose a danger.

Call a Professional Cleaner

Following the guidelines from the CDC and WHO is a great first step for keeping your home and business spaces clean. However, there are some situations when hiring a professional cleaning service is the safest option for you, your loved ones, and the other people living or coming and going to and from the area. Use these scenarios to determine whether you should bring in a cleaning crew to stay healthy during COVID.

Jessica Thiefels is an entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Jessica Thiefels Consulting. She's been writing for more than 10 years and has been featured in top publications like Forbes. She also writes for Business Insider, Virgin, Glassdoor and more. Follow her on Twitter @JThiefels and connect on LinkedIn.

Gardening is fun and relaxing. The National Gardening Association says that 1 in 3 households are growing a combination of vegetables and fruits in the US and the number of gardeners is growing – a 14% increase in 5 years. Other studies have revealed that microbes in dirt and garden soil act like antidepressants and boost your mood.  Mycobacterium vaccae seems to be responsible for our higher serotonin levels. So get your hands dirty!

Here are some ideas for an urban vegetable garden:

Container gardening

If you're living in a small condo, with no balcony, this could be challenging. And messy. However, a few options could work for you. Growing herbs in containers will allow you to add them fresh in your dishes, thus adding more flavor!

Sprouting seeds though is something that you could become very good at. Use only raw seeds, without a chemical layer such as a fungicide. Do not forget that warm and humid conditions that speed up sprouting are also favorable for bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. According to Foodsafety[dot]gov, you should cook the sprouts properly in order to kill bacteria. When dining out, you should emphasize that you don't want any sprouts on your plate. Children, pregnant women, and people with a weak immune system should not eat any kind of sprouts. However, sprouts are very nutritious.

If you have a balcony you can plan a small vegetable garden to cover an empty wall. Vertical gardens work well in small spaces. You can repurpose old gutter sections, recycle plastic bottles, use the Florafelt system, or even a hanging shoe organizer.

Furthermore, you can also talk to the board of your Homeowners Association and request permission to use the roof of the building for gardening. Most HOAs have a long list of rules, including pet restrictions! Rooftop gardening is nothing new. However, explain your idea and unless you want to cover the whole roof with soil (which could top 100 lbs. per sq. ft. and may require the approval of a structural engineer), you could grow a few pots with herbs, vegetables, and even some fruit trees without any problems! Maybe your neighbors will follow suit.

Growing vegetables in pots for beginners

Some vegetables can be grown successfully in pots or different containers. First, you will have to sow the seeds. Do this in several batches, a few weeks apart for a longer harvest. You can do a germination chamber/sweat chamber yourself, or simply cover the pots with a wrapping foil. Most seeds sprout in a few days, and the whole process could be very entertaining for your kids as well. Whether they have learned how to grow their own food at a public or private school, at home they can expand their knowledge and experiment freely. Of course, if you are homeschooling your children, then gardening should be a priority.

Use high-quality soil, perlite and even some good compost (you can try to prepare your own compost by layering dried leaves, paper, cardboard, and food leftovers). Some vegetables such as radishes, potatoes, beetroot, and spring onions may require larger containers for their roots, while others can be grown on the window sill. Vegetables need at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. If you're growing any fruit trees in containers, make sure they bathed in sunshine for at least 10 hours a day.

So, have you been looking for a new healthy hobby? Container gardening is the answer. Here are some ideal plants for beginners:

Salad leaves – lettuce, arugula, roman salad

Sow the seeds from early spring throughout summer. Plants produce leaves until late autumn. You don't have to cut the whole plant! You can cut only a few leaves at a time and your leafy greens will continue to grow. You don't even need soil for them! Salads are suitable for aquaculture. Have you ever heard of aquaponics? Then you should experiment with it!

Radishes

Packed with Vitamins E, A, C, B6, and K, radishes can be picked one month after sowing – a crunchy addition to any salad. For the best taste, don't let them grow too large – pull them out when the root diameter is about half an inch. Through its high water content, radishes provide hydration. This vegetable is also a diuretic for those with kidney or urinary tract problems.

Spinach

Another nutritious plant that can be grown indoors, Popeye's favorite food is rich in iron, vitamin A and C and other magic chemicals that protect the eyes and reduce the risk of a heart attack or certain cancers. It can be harvested 40-45 days after sowing. What varieties to look for? Choose the smaller ones, such as Baby's Leaf Hybrid and Melody.

Spring onions

If you like them fresh and raw, don't think twice about growing spring onions in containers! Sow between March and July, and harvest after 8 weeks. Let them flower to obtain some free seeds! Some varieties continue to develop into large onions unless you pick them early.

Garlic

A really simple vegetable to grow in containers. Take the garlic cloves, put them in rainwater for about a week, until they sprout. Then plant them not too deep in soil enriched with compost. Include garlic in your dishes more often because it improves digestion, combats allergies, lowers blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.

Tomatoes

A plant with a very interesting history, the tomato is native to the Americas. Europeans were introduced to this delicacy in the 16th century. The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that Americans eat between 22 and 24 pounds of tomatoes per person, every year, both raw or preserved (ketchup, canned, tomato paste and the like). Scientifically speaking, there's no doubt that a tomato is a fruit. So, if a tomato is a fruit, is ketchup a jam?

Tomatoes are suitable for container gardening, too. Plant tomatoes deep in large containers. Make sure you water them regularly. Keep the soil moderately moist, and don't water the leaves to keep fungi at bay. Place them in full sun, but harden your seedlings first. A minimum of 6 hours of bright light should be okay, but 8 hours of sunlight is best. Amend your soil with organic fertilizers. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or a fertilizer rich in potassium. Tomatoes start producing fruits after 40 days from planting.

Aromatic herbs

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. However, to make this drink even more refreshing, you should add some mint leaves. Mentha is a genus in the Lamiaceae family – the mint family. Other members are basil, lemon balm, catnip, and lavender.

Herbs are an ace up every chef's sleeve. The flavors of herbs turn any ordinary dish into an excellent one. If you don't trust the labeling on the herbs found in supermarkets, it's time to grow your own. Start with basil, chives, parsley, and continue with oregano, rosemary, and dill. Most of these do not have special requirements, just provide them plenty of sunlight and good soil. A good selection of herbs on the window sill will motivate you to find more about how to set up an organic garden at home.

Benefits of urban gardening

Starting an organic garden at home is the best choice you can make today when companies like Monsanto, Syngenta, and Dupont focus rather on the short term profitability of the food industry than on the long term sustainability. The use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial light steal the taste from our vegetables, and most of the time we have to add more salt to our food to make it taste better.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the salt intake of 90% of Americans 2 years and older is way too high. Americans consume more than 3.4 grams of salt every day. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans attempt to decrease the salt intake to less than 2.3 grams per day. But even this level is too high, as the World Health Organization recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,000 milligrams a day. The American Heart Association sets an even lower limit at 1,500 mg per day.

So, by providing tasty fresh vegetables, urban gardening could play a leading role in lowering American's sodium intake. The benefits of urban gardening may not pop into our minds, but as we look at it from different angles, they become crystal clear. Container gardening will cover more and more of America's food needs in the following years, especially in urban areas. In fact, almost 30% of those aged between 18 and 34 years old are enthusiastic gardeners, according to data from the 2018 National Gardening Survey. Millenials really understand the benefits of urban gardening and are taking it seriously, even if space is scarce.

ORGANIC GARDENING – how to start an organic garden at home?

"The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies," once said British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll. In other words, appetite comes with eating. Start once, and you will never stop! And why would you stop when your crop is pure and unaltered by chemicals unheard of. While container gardening can bring good results, a raised bed or a high tunnel can yield a lot more, although weeds are a constant problem.

What makes your garden organic? The fact that you avoid using any synthetic fertilizers and rely only on products based on natural ingredients. There are many recipes online for natural pesticides made at home as well as a multitude of compost mixtures. Organic fertilizers are made of animal matter, manure, and decomposed vegetable matter. Other harmless soil fertilizers are eggshells, coffee grounds, and fish tank water.

If you'd never wondered how to start an organic garden at home, it's easier than you think! Have you been blessed with a backyard? If so, then you have quite a few options to choose from:

Raised beds

Turn your backyard into a checkerboard with a raised bed for each of your favorite crops! Place them in the area that gets the best sun exposure. Raised beds work well no matter the quality of the soil underneath them. You can add your own blend of soil that best suits your plants. Each raised bed can have a different composition. However, you should loosen the native soil for better drainage. Raised beds with a depth of 10-12″ should be fine. It's important to know the growth habit of your plants to place the plants in the right spot. Are they bushy, climbing or trailing? Due to the high density of plants, raised beds are easy to keep weed-free and you'll be proud to have such a clean and well organized organic garden at home, in your backyard.

High tunnels

These installations are low-cost temporary structures that extend the growing season. In the summer, high tunnels get extremely hot inside, that's why shade cloth is used to lower the temperature. You can grow a huge variety of vegetables, small fruits, and flowers. The productivity per square foot could also be a lot higher than that of those grown outdoors. If you want to take your organic gardening to the next level, you should install an automatic irrigation system as well. Tomatoes and salad greens are the top 2 vegetables grown in high tunnels, commercially, but you can also try growing cucumbers and eggplants. To prevent weeds from growing, cover the soil with black landscape fabric or weed control fabric.

Greenhouses

High tunnels have borrowed the science behind them from greenhouses. These glass houses can be freestanding or attached to the house. An attached greenhouse could also provide more living space so it could turn out more valuable, however, you have to think about the humidity and the heat that it generates. On top of these, there are all insects that thrive in that environment. According to HomeAdvisor, it costs on average $25/sq.ft. to build a greenhouse. Greenhouse kits carried by big retailers are using polycarbonate instead of glass and are priced between $600 and $25,500.

First greenhouses appeared in Holland in the 19th century. Today, the largest greenhouses in the world are to be found in the Netherlands. And speaking of the Netherlands – the flower shop of the world, why not build a greenhouse to grow all your favorite flowers and plants? Gardening is relaxing. It improves our mental health and it gives us a sense of responsibility. What's good for the body is also good for the mind. So, build a greenhouse to destress and rip off all the benefits of organic gardening at home!

Don't be afraid to make mistakes in gardening! It's human! That's how we all learn. If you love what you do, you will succeed! And when your harvest will be abundant, overflowing your baskets and horns of plenty, don't forget about your neighbors in need. Sharing is caring!

Are you buying a home? Consider a condo!

A condo can be a great way to get a first home, downsize without losing amenities, or build value for the future. However, there are a few details about condo living you might not realize.

1. What Are the Average Condo Fees?
   Because condos tend to share walls and landscaping, management needs a way to pay for community property. Condo fees meet that need, but they can be confusing for first-time buyers – partly because they go up and down.HOAs can levy assessments for improvements, such as repaving. These projects may have little impact on your quality of life, but you may be required to pay them. 
2. What Do Condo Fees Pay For?
   Condo fees pay for "must-have" expenses like snow removal and lawn care. However, other features vary by development. Some condos offer free storage space, and others don't. Bear in mind luxury amenities like pools and tennis courts can lead to higher fees.
3. Are There Any HOA Red Flags?
   Several signs can indicate the homeowners association isn't all it's cracked up to be. First is a lack of reserve funds. Low reserve funds may mean fees increase in the near future – it only takes one fire, weather event, or other problem to trigger an assessment.
   
   Naturally, you should talk to residents (past and present!) to get the scoop. Be wary if there are complaints about poor maintenance or fund misuse. Also, ask if the development has changed owners or has pending litigation.
4. What Are the HOA's Rules?
   Everyone moving into a condo must agree to HOA rules sooner or later. They are spelled out in CC&Rs – "Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions." This standard document will outline all the rights and responsibilities condo residents must follow.
   
   While most HOA rules are minor, some might cramp your style. You may not be able to paint your home any color you want or decorate outside in specific ways. Breaking these rules can result in fines and even eviction.
5. Are the Units Modern and Well-Maintained?
   It's crucial to go over every aspect of the condo with a fine-tooth comb. The units should be clean and tidy. Water heaters should be relatively new: They typically last 15 years.
   
   Be wary of older condos. Outdated materials and construction practices can cause big repair bills or even put you in danger. Lead paint and popcorn ceilings are risks, the latter because of asbestos. These hazards are most likely for condos built before 1982.
6. What is the Potential Resale Value?
   There's good news and bad news when it comes to resale value. First, the good news: Condos typically outperform detached homes when it comes to appreciation. The bad news: Most buyers aren't in the market for condos at any given time.
   
   Resale value is highest in developments where buyers outnumber renters. There should be few unsold units unless new units have only recently been completed. And, of course, HOA fees should line up with similar developments in the area.

When you're house hunting, if buying a single-family residence doesn't meet your needs, a condo can be just the thing. With these six questions in mind, you'll be equipped to make the best choice for you.

Text or Skype me today for more information on how to sell or buy a home in today's virtual market. 518-867-7699 Skype: live:lisakmiller518

Are you a pet owner that's hoping to sell your home? As much as you love your four-legged friend or cuddly critter, all homeowners should be aware that the presence of a pet can negatively impact the resale value of your home. While most pet owners are prepared for the cleaning, repair and insurance costs that some pets create, there are many animal lovers that don't realize the specific ways in which these family members can turn away those buying a house.

• Wear & Tear
  Perhaps the most prominent sign of pet residence is the wear and tear they contribute to the home. Stained carpets, scratched flooring, chewed furniture and scraped walls are easy to spot and can lessen the perceived value of the home. After seeing these markings, many homebuyers will wonder what other damages are hidden throughout the house.
• Odors
  Smells are hard to get rid of, especially those from cat or dog secretions. Even if we cannot smell them, animals may still be able to. It's not uncommon for dogs or cats to try and make their territory by covering these odors with their own scents. If a buyer can sense these smells, or is aware that a pet has lived in the home, it may deter them from buying.
• Exterior Issues
  Don't forget that your pet might damage your exterior as well. Dogs will dig holes throughout the yard, potentially damaging the lawn and making it less attractive. Fences, outdoor furniture, and other features may be scratched, bitten or peed on. With curb appeal and rear yard space a top priority for buyers, some may not desire a home that has an outdoor area that looks abused.
• Pet-Friendly Living
  When a pet is part of the family, prospective buyers try to find a home that caters to these creatures. A large backyard, local dog park or spaces that can be used as the animal's playroom are great features for pets. However, not all homebuyers desire these features. A large backyard may be too much work for older adults trying to downsize. Those with a fear of or allergy to animals may not want to live in a community that caters to pet-lovers.
• Pet-Unfriendly Living
  On the flip side, your home may not be suitable for certain pets. Smaller rodents, cats or dogs can easily live in a modest space but larger animals cannot. Families buying a house with medium to large-sized dogs may pass on your property if it doesn't meet their animal's needs.

Don't worry! If you do have a pet, you can still successfully sell your home for a great price. Here are a few tips to follow when listing and showing the space to those buying a house:

• Consider having your space professionally staged with furniture that doesn't show wear and tear from animals.
• Remove all signs of pets like cages, food bowls, and toys — in and out of the home — when taking photographs for the listing and viewings.
• Don't forget to remove décor like photographs of you and pets too.
• Ask a neighbor without pets to visit your home to discover if they can smell any pet odors.
• Hire a professional cleaning service that specializes in pets to make your space look and smell amazing.
• It's best to take your animals with you when you leave the house for buyers to view.
• Be prepared to negotiate if the buyer considers pet damage to be a loss of value in the home.

Even though your dog or other animals may lower your resale value, you can still successfully sell your home for a great price. Follow these steps to ensure you're being considerate of the buyer's feelings towards pets and show them that this can be the home of their dreams with or without a furry family member

Text or Skype me today for more information on how to sell or buy a home in today's virtual market. 518-867-7699 Skype: live:lisakmiller518

Aim for balance.

Collecting furniture from only one decade can make a room feel like a time capsule rather than a carefully curated space. Thoughtful interior design aims for balance in colors, shapes, textures, and scale. For example, if you have an ornate antique piece, choose other furniture with simple, clean lines.

Pair with trendy accents. 

Make formal heirloom pieces look a little more playful by surrounding them with modern touches. A vintage sofa looks right at home with a few graphic throw pillows and a sleek coffee table. The 1950s writing desk pairs well with a molded plastic chair, and a mahogany dresser looks classy rather than stuffy with black and gold decor and a colorful area rug.

Choose the pieces you love.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to reflect your style. If you find an antique piece that you love, there's bound to be a way to make it work in your home.

Text or Skype me today for more information on how to sell or buy a home in today's virtual market. 518-867-7699 Skype: live:lisakmiller518

Once buyers start looking at the available homes within their price range, however, they tend to make practical compromises that they know they can live with. Location vs. square footage is often the first compromise buyers must consider. Living closer to the city center might mean buying a smaller home than what can be purchased for the same price farther out.

Buyers with school-age children tend to want a big backyard but, depending on the cost of land, they may have to rethink just how large is large enough for an outdoor play area and a swing set. One compromise might be looking for a home with a smaller backyard that's within walking distance of a park.

The architectural style of the house is the most important feature for some buyers. Others are more willing to be flexible with the exterior design in exchange for an additional bedroom or bath inside the home.

The size of the garage or carport and whether it's attached or detached is another feature that buyers may have to keep an open mind about in order to get their preferred location.

By working closely with a real estate professional, you'll gain knowledgeable expertise when it comes to prioritizing your list of desired features for your new home.

Text or Skype me today for more information on how to sell or buy a home in today's virtual market. 518-867-7699 Skype: live:lisakmiller518

Once the offer has been accepted, some sellers may try to negotiate with the buyers on a few items that they don't want to move such as a second refrigerator in the garage, an outdoor trampoline, or unattached storage shelves in the basement.

What buyers may not be prepared for are the odd items that sellers leave behind without notice. For example, older big-screen TVs and heavy sleeper sofas are two large items that may not be removed. Pianos, which can be difficult to resell and expensive to move, may "accidentally" be left behind as well. While some buyers discover that items have been taken from the home that was included in the purchase price, it's much more common for sellers to leave stuff behind. Scheduling a final walk-through a day or two before the closing is the best way to ensure that the house is empty and broom-clean.

Lisa's "Walkthrough Tips"

• Do not waive the walk-through! You snooze, you lose, if there are subsequent problems.
• Always go with your agent, or when that is not possible (pandemic), video chat with them during the event.
• Bring your smartphone or camera to document any issues
• Turn on/off all major appliances to see if they are working properly
• Check under decks–sellers often leave nasty stuff behind
• Check the basement, check for water seepage and stuff left behind
• Check repairs if the sellers agreed to make any
• Turn on and off every light fixture
• Run water & look under sinks for leaks
• Check garage door openers (are they there and do they work?)
• Have broker test alarm system
• Open and close all doors
• Flush toilets
• Inspect ceilings, wall, and floors and windows
• Run garbage disposal and exhaust fans
• Test heating and air conditioning (if air conditioning or pool is in escrow, this may have to wait)

After The Walk-Through

When the buyer arrives at the closing, the first thing attorney's always ask is how did the walk-through go? They can usually tell how it went by whether the buyers (and their agents) are smiling or frowning when entering the closing room. The good thing is that no matter how poorly it went, the attorneys are almost always able to draft a hold-back agreement or some other solution to enable the transaction to close as scheduled. This is just another reason why buyers and sellers should have experienced real estate counsel at the closing and why a final walkthrough is so important. 

Text or Skype me today for more information on how to sell or buy a home in today's virtual market. 518-867-7699 Skype: live:lisakmiller518

The majority of millennials want to buy a home that's clean, in good condition and move-in ready.

Cosmetic changes are not a problem for this generation of DIYers.

A formal dining room is not high on these buyers' lists.

An open kitchen with a breakfast nook or bar stools at the island is their preference for mealtime entertaining.

They tend to look for a yard that's easy to maintain and often prefer growing indoor plants than to care for elaborate landscaping.

Most millennials prefer laminates, tile, and hardwood flooring. They consider uncarpeted floors with stylish rugs more friendly to kids' little shoes and pets' muddy paws.

Text or Skype me today for more information on how to sell your home in today's virtual market. 518-867-7699 Skype: live:lisakmiller518

Just a few short weeks ago, "spring cleaning" meant taking advantage of the longer days to dust off your home and make it nice and shiny for the warmer months. Today, we're living a new reality.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us all together. We are sharing the collective experience of being at home, doing our utmost to stay healthy and making sure we are doing our part to flatten the curve to keep entire communities safe. Since many of us are at home full-time, it is vital that we ensure our environment is safe and virus-free. Staying home and staying clean & disinfected is how we are going to flatten the curve and keep us all safe.

The media has been sharing daily guidelines and our inboxes have been filled with long messages about what businesses and services are doing to protect us. It is overwhelming! So, let's throw out the complicated and keep it simple. 

Here are the 5 things you can do to help keep the coronavirus from living in your home: 

1. Supplies: Before you get started, give your cleaning supplies an overhaul. Spring cleaning in 2020 requires different equipment to keep your home virus-free:

• Gloves: Disposable gloves are recommended, but if you don't have any just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after you clean. And, remember not to touch your face. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. Wash your hands before gloves are applied and immediately after gloves are removed.
• No more brushes & mops: Brushes and mops might spread the contagions. You can use a cloth or towel if you wash them in hot water and soap when you are finished.
• Disinfecting wipes & spray (at least 70% alcohol, most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.)

2. Clean AND Disinfect: Cleaning is the act of removing contaminants from a surface. Disinfecting is the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces.

• First, clean surfaces by wiping them with soapy water or a cleaning spray and a hand towel.
• Second, disinfect with disinfecting wipes or disinfectant spray. DO NOT dry the disinfectant with a towel, let it air dry. This is important when fully disinfecting!

3. High-touch Surfaces: The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces daily in your home. These surfaces include: 

• Door knobs
• Light switches
• Refrigerator and microwave doors
• TV remote
• Electronics (keyboards, phone etc.)
• Counters and table tops where you cook and eat
• Toilet & faucet handles

4. Laundry: For clothing, towels, linens and other items that go in the laundry it is important to take these extra steps:

• Do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.
• Use the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.
• Clean and disinfect hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.
• Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard or launder the gloves after each use.

5. Enter with Care: Now that your home is disinfected, when you return home from  getting essentials: take off your shoes, hang up your coat (away from other clothing) and, immediately, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Also, consider changing your clothes into clean ones.

Follow these 5 steps religiously to drastically reduce the risk of COVID-19 living in your home. Together, we will get through this uncertain time. Cleaning and disinfecting will help you be in control. And, the good news is we have the time at home to do it. Stay clean, stay calm and stay kind!

Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, "A+" rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services. www.northstarmoving.com

When you update your kitchen, you'll get more of your investment back when you sell the home. On average, sellers get back 70 or 80 percent of the cost of the updates. The updates you choose do matter, though, so here are a few things to focus on.

1. Paint
   There's no better way to brighten your kitchen than a fresh coat of paint. Stick to light neutral shades to keep the kitchen bright and leave room for buyers to envision their own color schemes and decor. Think beyond white to shades of cream, beige, and tan. If your cabinets are in good condition, a few coats of paint and a change of hardware can give them a whole new look.
   
   
2. Cabinetry
   Nothing makes a kitchen look dated faster than old cabinetry. If the cabinets aren't in good enough condition to be repainted, you can give them a major facelift by refacing. Completely new cabinetry should be a last resort, as the added expense may not be reflected in the returns.
   
   
3. Appliances
   One of the top things to update when selling your home is your kitchen appliances. A full set of new, matching appliances is a strong selling point in any home. Opt for something neutral--stainless steel is always popular with buyers. Energy Star appliances can turn some heads, especially with younger buyers, who tend to be more energy conscious. 
   
   
4. Granite
   Granite is another kitchen upgrade that you're likely to see a high return on when selling your home. Buyers love seeing granite countertops. You don't necessarily need to upgrade with the most expensive options.  You can always opt for something that looks similar to granite, like quartz with a granite pattern. 
   
   
5. Flooring
   Think of your kitchen's floor as setting the stage for impressing potential buyers. Drab or dated flooring can detract from any other updates you might make in the kitchen. Budget permitting, install high-quality flooring that will turn people's heads, like attractive, high-quality tile. Want to make your kitchen look bigger? Set the tile on the diagonal to create a space-stretching optical illusion. Hardwood is another favorite with buyers, even in kitchens.  If you have hardwood underneath your linoleum, consider uncovering it and having it refinished.
   
   

Make a Strong Impression

The kitchen is possibly your best chance to impress potential buyers, not to mention one of the few areas of your home where your investment gets the biggest return. Even so, you'll want to do it right for maximum impact. While updating these five areas, make sure you're staying true to your home's character, architecture, and neighborhood. If you need help deciding what updates to make, your real estate agent can help guide your decisions.

Our real estate agents strive to make the process of closing on Albany homes for sale simple. With personalized advice and local market insights, finding the perfect home is much easier. Still, the more you know about the buying process, the better. Making informed decisions every step of the way will help you get a terrific value on a home that truly meets your needs.

One question our team gets often is about earnest money. Earnest money is a deposit that demonstrates a prospective buyer is serious about moving forward with a transaction. This deposit is only made once the buyer has decided to purchase a home. It covers the cost of the seller's inconvenience if things change at the last minute.

Like any deposit, the person who puts the money up is ultimately expected to get it back. In this case, earnest money typically becomes part of the down payment once the contract is executed. The buyer and seller can agree on several situations where the would-be buyer will get the money back even if the transaction doesn't go through. For example, there can be an agreement that certain problems discovered in the home inspection would allow the buyer to cancel.

However, it is possible to lose earnest money. In fact, it is easy to make a mistake that can cost thousands. To protect your interests, keep these important tips on earnest money in mind.

1. Don't Give Too Much or Too Little
   Although your earnest money goes toward the down payment, it's not the same thing. Most states do not specify how much the earnest money needs to be – simply enough to demonstrate you're serious. In many situations, $1,000 is sufficient, up to 3% of the home value.
   
   
2. Never Give Cash Directly to a Seller
   Your earnest money deposit should be treated like any money you apply to your home purchase. Write a check to a third party who can oversee the transaction, such as a legal firm, an escrow company, or a title company. Ask your real estate agent if their firm can help, too.
   
   
3. Verify Where the Funds Will Go
   You might have anywhere from 30 to 90 days between the time you pay your earnest money and closing day. During that time, the third party you selected should maintain the money in a separate, secure trust account – and you should get a receipt showing it's in there.
   
   
4. Don't Give Away Your Rights
   When you need to negotiate what circumstances return your earnest money to you, don't give up too much. Call on your real estate agent as an advocate. You should never waive your right to walk away if an inspection reveals that a property is dangerous or uninsurable.
   
   
5. Maintain Your Deadlines
   The seller's agent may push to include a clause that gives a hard date for closing. If you exceed this timeframe, you'll have to request a change in the contract – by no means easy – or forfeit your earnest money. Be sure you understand everything that might affect your timing before you agree.
   
   
6. Void Your Contract With Care
   When a transaction falls through, both the buyer and the seller need to agree to void the contract. If you're in this situation and you feel you've lost your earnest money unfairly, you can decide not to void. This makes the property unsellable until the disagreement can be settled.

Your real estate agent should always take an active role in reviewing any seller proposals and ensuring your priorities are reflected. Need advice? Contact me at Coldwell Banker Prime Properties for expert help.

Winter is a wonderful time of the year, especially when you have the opportunity to cuddle up with a warm blanket on a comfy couch.  Space heaters are perfect resources for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home as the temperatures outside drop. When used and maintained properly, these sources of warmth are ideal alternatives to using a fireplace or furnace. However, they can easily endanger your home and family when left neglected.

How dangerous are space heaters? According to the National Fire Protection Agency, nearly half of all fires related to home-heating sources are caused by space heaters. Many of these unfortunate incidents can be prevented with responsible practices. All homeowners should be aware of the dangers that space heaters may pose in your home. Consider these tips any time you use your space heater this season.

• Invest in a Reliable Space Heater
  If you've had your space heater for many years, now is a good time to replace it. Newer models have safety features including automatic shut-off technology that cuts the power to the machine when it fails or when it overheats.
• Maintain Your Space Heater Annually
  Even if your space heater is brand new, you should get into the habit of inspecting it before and after the cold season. Exposed wiring, damaged components, or signs of overheating should always be repaired professionally before using the machine.
• Keep a Safe Distance
  Even on the most frigid of nights, you need to ensure that your space heater is kept at a safe distance away from any object that can burn or catch fire. Put at least three feet between the space heater and your furniture, family, and pets.
• Operate it Correctly
  Using a space heater responsibly involves knowing how to operate it. The device should always be placed on a solid, flat surface like a tile or hardwood floor. Never run the cord beneath rugs or carpets and don't block walkways or doorways with the heating unit.
• Remember to Turn it Off
  Though most homeowners know that the space heater should be turned off before going to sleep or leaving the house, all it takes is one lapse in memory to endanger your home. Get into a habit of turning it off 30 minutes before you leave the house or go to sleep.
• Only Use Wall Outlets
  The space heater should only be plugged into a wall, not an extension cord or another power source. These machines draw a lot of power and can pose electrical hazards if it's not plugged into an appropriate outlet.
• Be Especially Careful in Unfinished Areas
  The cold weather encourages many homeowners to tackle indoor home improvement projects. We recommend not using a space heater in these areas, as there are often many flammable materials that could quickly catch fire despite using the space heater as responsibly as possible. If you need to use it while you complete your home improvement project, be careful.
• Use Combustible Space Heaters Responsibly
  Gas-operated space heaters pose additional dangers, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and risks of explosion. Only use these space heaters in well-ventilated areas, only use the correct fuel source, and never leave them running while away from home.

If you want to stay warm this winter, it's important that you always play it safe with space heaters. By operating and maintaining it responsibly throughout the season, you decrease the chances of creating a fire or electrical hazard in your home.    

If your dryer isn't working quite as well as it typically does, it may be time to clean your dryer vent. In addition to making sure it stays in top working condition, keeping your dryer vent clean also helps eliminate the fire hazard that comes with dirty vents. It's not a home improvement project you'll need to do every month or even every season, but that doesn't make it any less critical. Learn how to keep your dryer running properly, with our eight tips for cleaning your dryer vent.

1. Clean Vents Every 6 to 12 Months
   For most newer dryers, you'll want to clean your vents every 6 to 12 months. If your dryer is older or sees unusually heavy use, then you may need to clean the vents more often. It's also a good idea to check the vent any time that you're having issues with your dryer.
2. Start By Turning Off and Unplugging Your Dryer
   The first step in cleaning vents is making sure your dryer is turned off and unplugged. You may also want to clear some space in your laundry room so that you can you'll have room to move the dryer out of the way before you access the vent.
3. Move Dryer Away from Wall to Access and Remove Vent Clamp
   Once your dryer is turned off, move it away from the wall to gain access to the vent. Before you clean the vent, you'll need to remove the vent clamp. Depending on the design, you may need a screwdriver to remove the clamp.
4. Clear Clogs Close to Interior Vent
   With the vent clamp removed, the fun part of this home improvement project begins. Start by clearing out any clogs and debris you can reach with your hands. Depending on how long it's been since you've cleaned the vents, there may be substantial build-up to remove. Get rid of as much as possible with your hands before moving on to the next step.
5. Use a Vacuum for Deep Cleaning
   You won't be able to reach everything with your hands, so you'll also want to have a vacuum handy to clean deeper inside the vent. Try to remove as much debris as possible with a vacuum attachment.
6. Remove Clogs and Obstructions from Exterior Vent
   After the indoor vent is clean, you're nearly done. The final step before reattaching your dryer is cleaning the outdoor vent, repeating the same process as you did to clean indoors. 
7. Reattach Indoor Vent
   With your vents clean, all that's left is putting things back together. Start by reattaching the indoor dryer vent, before you move your dryer back into place.
8. Plug Dryer In, Turn on and Enjoy
   Now plug your dryer in, turn it on, and enjoy the efficiency that comes with clean dryer vents. Stick to a regular schedule for cleaning your dryer vents to make the process as painless as possible.

Cleaning your dryer vent is a home improvement project that doesn't require a huge investment of time, and the results are more than worth the effort. Stay on top of dryer maintenance once or twice per year, and you can get more mileage out of one of the most-used appliances in any home.

A comfortable room with a crackling fireplace can be the coziest space in a house. Even for southern homes, a fireplace can enhance the aesthetic of a room, captivating your attention as the focal point of a room. A neglected fireplace, however, can be an eyesore. Fireplaces are a desirable feature for many buyers; showcasing one in a presentable way can also increase the value of your home depending on your location.

Does your fireplace need a facelift? Don't put this home improvement project off any longer. Whether you're getting ready to list your home or plan on staying put for a few more years, give your family the coziness that comes with a renovated fireplace. Here are a couple of ideas to fan the flames of your creativity.

• Make its Presence Powerful
  A fireplace is not meant to smolder — let it shine brightly as the centerpiece of your room. Rearrange furniture so that it naturally surrounds the fireplace. To make it stand out as a focal point, you have a few options, including simple adjustments like changes to décor or full home improvement projects like putting up molding or tile. Draw the eyes with a large painting or centerpiece hung above the fireplace. Décor needn't be extravagant or expensive to create a powerful presentation.
• Blend it into the Wall
  Looking for a minimalist design? Instead of making the fireplace a dominant focus, make it appear strong yet subtle by blending it into the wall. Use tile, paint, or porcelain to unite the wall and fireplace. A little white paint and a few hours of work can create a calm, cohesive space.
• Incorporate a New Texture
  Although brick is a desirable material, there are plenty of other ways you can use texture to make your fireplace come alive. Other stonework, even faux stone, can transform your fireplace without breaking the bank.
• Paint Over Problems
  If you'd rather not integrate tile, porcelain, or stone into the space, you could paint over the exposed bricks. A fresh coat of white paint will brighten the area while still keeping it neutral. However, we suggest using one bold color and one subtle complementary color on the fireplace and adjoining wall to create depth.  
• Enhance it with a Stunning Mantle & Hearth
  Think beyond the fireplace by enhancing the hearth and mantle. A mantle not only introduces a new element but also gives you a space to display photographs or décor. The hearth, or area directly in front of the fireplace, is another space you can update affordably with a few attractive tiles.
• Accessorize with Décor
  Keep in mind that your fireplace is only one element of the room's décor. If you're going to integrate any other furnishings into the space, you'll need to accessorize it with the fireplace. Use similar color schemes, don't mix diverse materials, and create symmetry on either side of the fireplace to keep it as the focal point.

Not all home improvement projects need to cost an arm and a leg, especially a fireplace facelift. With a little creativity, patience, and effort, you can use a spark of design to reignite your fireplace's aesthetic and watch it rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

As a new homeowner, you realize that you've taken on a big financial responsibility. At some point, home repairs will increase that financial obligation. Fortunately, if you plan, you can make sure you have the funds to cover the biggest repairs. Here are a few tips to consider to keep you from being overwhelmed when the repair bills come in.  

1. Get to Know Your Home
   Your home inspection report is a tool for looking at your home piece-by-piece and figuring out what might go wrong in the future. It lists all of the major systems in your home, the appliances, the roof, and many other components. It may also show age, condition, etc. In short, it's a master list that can help you figure out what repairs you might need down the road.
   
   
2. Establish a Home Repair Fund
   Unanticipated repairs can be frustrating. It's even more frustrating when you don't have the money to pay for them. That's why it's important to establish a home repair fund. You should begin by setting aside a large lump sum then adding to it monthly or weekly. The prevailing wisdom suggests that you set aside an amount equivalent to 1 to 3% of your home cost. That's $2,000. for a $200,000 home. 
   
   
3. Consider DIY to Save Repair Costs
   As you get to know your home, you'll become comfortable with performing DIY tasks. While you might not want to replace your roof, you may feel good about installing a faucet, repairing your gutters, or patching your driveway. Every home repair task you're willing to perform will reduce your repair costs and help keep your repair fund intact.
   
   
4. The Home Warranty Option
   Home warranties are another option for managing home repair costs. Depending on the type of coverage you purchase, your warranty will pay to repair or replace specified major appliances and home systems if they fail. They're not for everyone. Check into them carefully to see if it's a viable option for you. 
   
   
5. Don't Finance Your Home Repairs
   When you have a home repair fund, it eliminates the temptation to go into debt to repair your furnace, plumbing, or roof. The debt and interest incurred to repair a major item could become a fixture in your life for years to come. 

When you're ready to start your search for a new home, let's schedule a time to meet.  We can discuss points about the home buying process you may not have already considered.  Using my experience in the real estate business can make your home buying experience easier.

Thank you,

Winter temperatures can be tough on your garden, but some plants can survive under these conditions. Not only that, but some even manage to thrive during cold weather, still yielding blooms or berries.

The following six cold-loving plants are hardy enough to withstand the toughest winters in some parts of our country:

1. Peonies
   Peonies are known for their attractive, fragrant flowers that are usually pink, red, or white. They're hardy enough to survive long periods of cold winter temperatures with little care, so they're the perfect choice for home improvement projects for your landscaping. If its glossy green foliage yellowed in the fall, trim it back. Also, use a layer of straw or shredded bark after the ground freezes, and in the late spring or early summer, you'll see blooms.
2. Coneflower
   Most varieties of coneflowers can withstand cold temperatures, but some modern hybrids may not. If you're buying coneflower to plant, check the label for its tolerance to cold weather and plant in a sunny area. Just trim dead stems and use a few inches of mulch to help protect them, and you'll see coneflower's daisy-like blooms, which are often pink or purple, return in the spring.
3. Pansies
   Pansies not only survive winter temperatures, but they can also continue to bloom through it in some areas of the country. In fact, you can even plant them in late winter as a part of landscaping and home improvement projects and wait for its solid or bicolor blooms to emerge in the spring. They'll need to be protected from frost and high winds with mulch or pine straw, but with this little bit of care, they can survive surprisingly low temperatures.
4. Winterberries
   With winter in their name, it's no surprise that winterberries can thrive in tough winters. Its bright red berries can continue to bloom even in cold temperatures, adding a merry burst of color to your winter landscape. You'll also find that its berries will attract blooms to your yard. And to bring its burst of color inside, cut the stems and add them to floral arrangements or holiday decorations.
5. Hosta
   Hostas are known as easy plants to grow are offer a wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and textures. They usually like partial sun and don't require much protection to survive cold temperatures. Since they have short, fleshy roots, they'll need to be covered with mulch in the winter, which also helps the plant's large surface area retain moisture.
6. Lily of the Valley
   Although its white bell-shaped blooms look delicate, lily of the valley is quite hardy. It thrives in just about any soil or climate and survives winter with minimal care. Simply prune flower stalks and foliage to the ground after it dies back and uses three to four inches of chopped leaves around the plant in late winter or early fall.

Winter weather can be tough for some plants. But by choosing some of these listed above as part of your landscaping and home improvement projects, you'll help your garden endure winter temperatures, snow, and wind. Some of them continue to thrive in the winter, while others lay dormant, ready to emerge in the spring.

There's no doubt that selling a unique property comes with its share of challenges. Real estate shoppers rely heavily on comparable properties when analyzing prices, and by definition, a unique property is difficult to compare with anything else in the area when selling your home. A property can be unique because of its value, layout, or extravagant upgrades, especially if has been personalized specifically to suit the needs of its previous owner. The good news is that selling a unique property is far from impossible, but it may require different tactics than selling a property that fits more naturally with the neighborhood. Get started with our six tips on how to sell your unique property.

1. Aerial Photos Showcase the Whole Property
   Many properties are unique due to their location, views, the size of the lot, or the unique outdoor features of the property. It's hard to capture these perks with standard photography, which is why aerial photography is such a powerful tool for selling unique properties. A view from above highlights what makes the property unique, and shows buyers why it's worth the investment.
2. Video Tours to Highlight the Property's Unique Features
   While aerial photos are great for showcasing the outdoor aspects of a property, they won't show off all of the unique aspects awaiting buyers indoors. Video tours can be a great way to highlight unique interior features, tell the story of historic properties, and give buyers an easy way to explore the property from the comfort of home.
3. Picking a Price for a Unique Property
   Choosing the right price is one of the biggest challenges in selling a unique property. A professional appraisal can give you an idea of what the property is worth, but even then there will not be many comparable properties in the area. The historical value, location, and unique features of the property all play an important role in setting the right price when selling your home.
4. Extraordinary Properties Require Extraordinary Marketing
   When you're selling a unique property, it pays to go above and beyond the marketing that you might use for a more traditional home. In other words, your marketing should be just as unique and high-quality as the home itself. That may mean spending more on better quality marketing materials and tailoring your marketing to the niche demographics most likely to be interested in the property.
5. Highlight the Perks, and Be Honest about Maintenance
   With a unique property, it pays to be honest about all aspects of owning the property. A historic home may require more repairs, and property with expansive outdoor space will require significant landscaping throughout the year. However, the property's history, upgrades, or outdoor space are also key elements in attracting the right buyer, and you should always make highlighting the positives of every aspect of the property your top priority.
6. Professional Staging for Your Target Demographic
   Professional staging helps buyers see the full potential of the property, and the right pro can help you stage the property in a way that specifically appeals to your target demographic. The right staging can make all the difference in how a buyer perceives the home when they arrive, and give your marketing materials a boost in the process. 

Selling a unique home may not always be easy, but you can absolutely learn from the people who have been in your shoes before. By capturing the unique nature of the property through images/video, choosing the right price, and making the most of modern marketing tools, you can simplify the process of selling your home.

With the home market heating up, many buyers believe that making a cash offer will give them an advantage over other buyers. But, as a seller, is it in your best interest to take a cash offer? Or are you better off sticking to your price and holding out for a lender-financed buyer? 

The answer is--it depends.

There certainly are some advantages to selling your home to a cash buyer. This is particularly true if you're in a hurry to sell because you're moving or you need money quickly. However, as with most things, there are some potential drawbacks. Let's take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of a cash sale.

1. Fast Closing
   One of the best things about a cash deal is the ability to go to closing quickly. When a buyer purchases a home with traditional financing, it often takes 30 to 60 days from the time the contract is signed until the closing date. Since a cash buyer doesn't have to undergo the loan underwriting process, you may be able to close in a few weeks or, in some cases, even a few days. 
2. No Need for Repairs 
   Before a lender approves financing for a home, they'll require an inspection. If your home needs major repairs and you're not in a position to make them, then an "as-is" cash sale is likely your best option. While you're required to disclose any problems with the home, it's up to the buyer to deal with them after the purchase is complete. 
3. Less Uncertainty
   Almost all lender-financed contracts have contingencies written into them. If the home appraisal isn't high enough or the buyer isn't able to obtain financing, the contract will likely fall through. While some cash deals do have contingencies written into them, they're less common. Generally, accepting a cash offer gives you more certainty that the deal will close. 
4. Lower Selling Price
   Despite the benefits of a cash sale, there are some trade-offs. The biggest is usually the selling price. Cash offers are almost always lower than what you could get if you waited for a traditional buyer, sometimes significantly so. However, once you factor in the cost of repairs, the stress of the uncertainty, and the money you'll spend while you're waiting to sell your home (for example, if you're carrying two mortgages), you may decide that the trade-off is worth it. 
5. Transaction Risks
   ​​​​​​​When you're selling your home for cash, it's essential to watch out for scams! You'll want to make sure the buyer has the money on hand to pay for the home. Ask to see a bank statement, or, even better, a "proof of funds" letter from the bank before accepting the offer. 

For your protection, never accept a personal check from a buyer to pay for your home. Instead, insist on a bank check or a check from the attorney's escrow account. Also, beware of a buyer who tries to purchase the home with actual cash. The cash could be part of a money-laundering ring or drug money. If that's found to be the case and you failed to report it, you could lose your home.

The Bottom Line

For sellers who are in a hurry to sell their home, a cash offer can be the perfect answer. However, if you have the time to wait and can deal with a minimal amount of uncertainty, you'll almost always get a better deal from a lender-financed buyer. Your circumstances will determine which is the best choice for you. 

If you're thinking about selling your home, give us a call. Working with a qualified agent can help minimize stress and give you the peace of mind that you're making good decisions. We'll help you determine your property's fair market value and find the perfect buyer, so you can sell your home without the hassle. 

Moving is a pretty big project no matter what age you are or how much stuff you have. It's almost always bigger than you think. When you're selling your home and moving to a new one, you'll want to keep your moving costs from getting out of control. These tips can help you cut moving costs and still get the job done.

• Plan ahead.
  Probably the best thing you can do to save yourself some money is to plan ahead. Get started as early as possible sourcing the goods and services you'll need, so you can research and take advantage of deals or freebies. Movers are often booked up on weekends far in advance, so you'll pay extra for last-minute arrangements if you can schedule them at all.
• Get rid of stuff you don't need.
  Packing and moving services use the time spent on your move, how much stuff you have and how many people they need to determine what they'll charge you. Moving less stuff means you'll save money. Before selling your home is the time to sell, donate, recycle, or just get rid of whatever you don't need.
• Be open about scheduling.
  Try to schedule your move when the movers are less busy. It increases the chances of being able to book the movers you want and saves you money. Movers charge more for those popular time slots because they know they'll still be able to book them. Moving during the fall or winter instead of summer can save some money, but you can also save by avoiding the first few and last few days of the month, weekends, and holiday weekends. 
• Comparison shop for everything.
  Movers, packing services, storage, truck rental, and packing supplies are all possibilities for a discount. You may find offers online or you can just ask if there's any coupons or sales available.
• Be a DIYer.
  You can always save some money by doing things yourself. If you're not comfortable doing everything yourself even doing part of it will save you some money. For example, if you're not comfortable driving the rental truck, it's ok to hire movers, but you could do the packing yourself instead.
• Take advantage of free.
  Get boxes from a local store after they unpack them. Use free newspapers or magazines or raid the recycle bin for packing materials. Reuse bubble wrap from packages you receive. Use towels, blankets, throw pillows and socks to cushion breakables.
• Be sure to ask about additional charges.
  Read any contracts carefully and make sure you understand what you're being charged for so you can avoid surprises when it's time to pay up. Some examples of extra charges include unpacking charges, extra charges for extremely fragile or valuable items, and waiting charges.  
• Use a moving container.
  These containers are delivered to your home for you to pack at your convenience, then picked up, stored if necessary and shipped to your new home. They are often cheaper than getting movers and a storage unit.

When you're selling your home you'll want to keep as much of that money as you can so keeping moving costs down just makes sense. No matter when or how far you plan to move, it doesn't have to break the bank. There are always at least a few ways to save some money. And with a little planning and creativity, you'll probably save quite a bit.

Whether you're selling your home soon or you're looking to add value long-term, the garage may not be the first room you think of when upgrading your home. For many homeowners, the garage is a place to store things and work on projects, so aesthetics take a back seat. If you're looking for a unique way to wow potential buyers, however, a finished garage is one potential tool in your arsenal. But does a finished garage truly add value when selling your home? The answer depends on what you're trying to accomplish, and what sort of buyer you intend to attract.

• What Is a Finished Garage?
  In many homes, the garage simply doesn't get the same attention as other rooms. An unfinished garage is basically your average garage--stuff stored all around, unfinished walls and ceilings, and very few creature comforts. A finished garage looks more like any other room in the home, with a clean, put-together look and plenty of open space. Finishing the garage creates a new usable space in the home, especially for homeowners who love working on cars or home improvement projects.
• How a Finished Garage Impacts Appraisal Value
  If your only goal is to increase the appraisal value of the home, then a finished garage may not offer the best bang for your buck compared to other renovations. While that may sound ominous, it only tells part of the story. A finished garage may not add much to the appraisal value outright, but it can still be an important factor in convincing a buyer that your home is the right choice for their needs.
• The "Wow Factor" of a Finished Garage
  While a finished garage may not add to the home's appraisal value, it can certainly be a factor in convincing a buyer that the home is right for them. It can make your home stand out from the pack and holds major appeal for potential buyers who love home improvement projects. This is ultimately where the value comes in finishing your garage, but since it's subjective it only adds value for the right buyer.
• Considering the Cost of a Finished Garage
  Finishing the garage definitely isn't cheap, but it won't set you back as much as renovation projects in some other rooms. The typical cost for finishing a garage checks in around $10,000, so the upfront cost is significant. Whether the investment is worth it is in the eye of the beholder – and the buyer.
• Why Finishing Is Better Than Converting
  If you do plan to update your garage, it's better to finish it than to convert it completely by removing the garage door. A converted garage is ultimately just another room, while a finished garage still retains the character and utility of the typical garage.
• A Middle Ground for Your Garage
  If you want to make your garage more impressive without finishing it completely when selling your home, there's a middle ground. By cleaning your garage thoroughly, organizing it neatly, and fixing any glaring maintenance issues, you can give your garage a fresh, appealing look without the investment that would be required to fully finish the room.

While finishing your garage may not add resale value in a concrete way, it can be an important subjective factor in attracting the right buyer. Not every buyer will be interested in a finished garage, but the right buyer may love it. Your real estate agent can help you decide whether to finish the garage, or whether you're better off investing those funds in another room.

Selling your home can be tough. Just about everyone will have strong emotions associated with a very first home – and these can make it harder to sell.

That's not just because you might be tempted to procrastinate. How we feel about a home can create a challenge: Putting the wrong price on it.

It's easy to overprice a property because of its sentimental value. Luckily, a local real estate expert can help. By researching recently-sold homes in the area, he or she can price any property to attract buyers.

Although pricing is best left to the professionals, there are many things you can do to help in selling your home faster. With these tips, you'll make it much more likely to connect with the right buyer and get to closing without a hitch:

1. Decide on the Best Timing
   Timing is the second-biggest factor in selling your home, right behind price. Timing should strike a balance between meeting your needs and taking advantage of the home market's busiest seasons. Research has shown listings in early April tend to over-perform others in both time-to-sale and final price. Both spring and summer offer some great opportunities.
2. Work on Any Crucial Repairs
   Necessary repair work is another factor that influences timing. Virtually all today's buyers will insist on a complete home inspection that discloses all issues in need of repair – and some insurers even require it. Problems that tend to spook buyers include electrical faults, sewer and septic, roofing near the end of its functional life, and signs of pest infestation. Especially termites!
3. Stage Your Home
   Staging is an essential part of selling any home. You should plan to clean the house thoroughly and de-clutter. Removing large furniture items and clearing your closets makes a home look more open and airy. It's also a good idea to improve lighting: Use brighter bulbs and maximize natural light by removing any heavy window coverings. Your agent will have other suggestions, too.
4. Get Professional Photos Done
   Photos are an essential piece in promoting any home. Would-be buyers want to see the whole property at its best. That means both interior and exterior images taken by an experienced photographer. The cameras used by professionals provide crisp, clear, vibrant photos that no cell phone can match. These will help your online home listing to stand out from the crowd.
5. Get Ready for Open House
   An open house is the best way to attract buyers who are motivated to take action fast. Visitors will either learn that the property isn't right for them – saving both you and them some time – or end up more excited than ever. Work together with your real estate agent to make sure each visitor gets the personal touch from start to finish, including a folder of home photos and perks.
6. Be Ready to Respond to Offers
   Buyers' offers come with an expiration date, so line everything up to move quickly. Look at all the practicalities – especially what it will take to get you out the door in time for closing day. Compare offers from various movers and discuss your move-out timeline. Consider moving inessential items to a storage facility. Ideally, you should aim to respond to buyer offers within three days.
   
   Last but not least, be sure to give yourself time to bid your first home, "adieu." It can be a bittersweet time, but you are on to even greater adventures! An orderly selling process means a stress-free closing, and you can start to enjoy your new home even sooner.

At the end of the day, selling your home is a means to an end. Whether you're downsizing, relocating for work, or simply need a space that meets your current financial and lifestyle needs, you're relying on your home sale to help facilitate the purchase of a new home. The question is: Will you lose money when you sell your home?

Selling your home is easier said than done, especially if this is your first time navigating a real estate transaction. Unfortunately, this opens up many opportunities for mistakes to be made — even by homeowners who have already successfully sold a home. The following are the common mistakes that could cause you to leave money on the table:

• Listing at the wrong time.
  With or without an agent to help you, there are certain times when selling your home may be more difficult than others. The winter, for instance, may yield fewer buyers. Attempting to sell in a poor market could also present you with obstacles.
• Not hiring a knowledgeable and motivated real estate agent.
  The difference between a dynamic real estate agent and a run of the mill agent can mean the difference between tens of thousands of dollars. Their experience and knowledge will help you navigate every part of the process so that you have the best chance of securing a reasonable offer for your home.
• Not trusting your agent.
  If you're hiring an agent, you must trust their opinion and expertise. Although you may have a differing opinion, it's important to respect and place your confidence in their suggestions. Their goal is your goal — successfully selling your home.
• Not investing in professional photography for the listing.
  Before buyers visit your home, they'll almost certainly view it online. Without professional photography, you're not giving the best first impression possible. Invest in professional photography so that buyers fall in love with your home before they even set foot on your doorstep.
• Becoming too emotionally invested in your home.
  Your home is part of your life, part of your family. While it's understandable that you'll go through a variety of emotions during the listing and negotiation, you must remember that this is a business traction that requires professionalism. Don't allow your emotions or ego to influence the process.
• Choosing not to stage the home.
  Some homes are best sold empty, but most homes will perform better when they are professionally staged. Staging the home removes clutter and eyesores, replacing them with furnishings that help the buyer envision life in the space.
• Failing to clean, renovate, or repair the home.
  Before you stage the home, you must make sure that it's professionally cleaned, any renovations are finished, and that all repairs are professionally completed. Any unfinished elements will detract from the aesthetic and may make the buyer assume that there are other problems hidden in the home.
• Trying to hide serious issues.
  Never lie, fail to disclose, or try to cover up issues in the home. This is illegal and unethical. By being open and honest with your agent and buyer, you safeguard yourself legally and financially.
• Being too firm on price.
  Pricing your home can be tricky. You don't want to price it too high nor too low. You also don't want to set an unrealistic value on the home that does not align with current market trends. Trust your agent's judgment on the listing price and during negotiations.
• Playing hardball with buyers.
  When you receive an offer, be open to contingencies, counteroffers, or other negotiations they may ask you to consider. The goal is to find a reasonable middle ground that both you and the buyer can respectfully agree on.

Selling your home is a detailed process but a thorough understanding of these transactions will help you ensure that you don't make mistakes that cause you to lose money on your sale.

Buying a house requires a significant financial investment — one which many prospective buyers aren't fully aware of. The two elements that receive the most focus are the mortgage calculations and the down payment. Although it's wise to determine how much home you can afford before you begin your search, it's easy to forget about the other costs associated with the transaction. Budgeting for closing costs is a key aspect of your overall budget for buying a house.

What Are Closing Costs?

"Closing costs" is a catchall term that refers to the different fees you'll pay as you finalize the home sale. Every real estate transaction is unique and one homebuyer may pay a different percentage than another homebuyer. While these costs are dependent on each individual home sale, most home buyers should expect to pay between two percent and five percent of the principal of the loan. How is this amount calculated? Closing costs usually include:

• Application Fees: Also known as administrative or processing fees, the application fee is charged by the lender to process your loan application.
• Inspection Fees: This fee pays for a qualified home inspector to evaluate your home's condition. You may also have to pay a separate fee for a pest inspection.
• Appraisal Fees: The appraisal fee covers the cost for a professional appraiser to evaluate your home and provide an estimate of its market value.
• Property Taxes: Depending on your county, you may need to pay roughly six months' worth of property taxes at the time of closing.
• Title Search & Insurance: These costs are paid to the title company that searches public records concerning the property and to ensure that there are no claims or liens against the property.
• Real Estate Broker Fees: These fees are paid to both the buyer's agent and the seller's agent for their work in the transaction.
• Transfer Taxes: Transfer taxes, which may also be referred to as conveyance, property transfer, or stamp taxes, are owed to the government in which the property is located.
• Prepaid Interest Fees: These costs will cover the interest on the loan between the date of closing and the end of the month.
• Origination Fees: Similar to processing fees, origination fees are charged by the lender initiating the loan.
• Credit Report Fees: You may have to pay a lender to check your credit score and issue your credit report.
• Recording Fees: Recording fees cover the local government's recording of the mortgage and deed into the public record.
• Notary Fees: This is a small fee paid to the licensed individual who notarizes your documents.
• Land Survey Fees: These fees are paid to a professional who surveys your land to determine property lines.
• HOA Fees: If your property is within a home owner's association, you may need to pay certain fees at closing.
• Flood Determination Fees: Your property will be evaluated by a professional to determine if it's in a flood zone.
• Home Warranty Fees: This is an optional cost only if you choose to purchase a home warranty.

Who Is Responsible For Closing Costs?

Many of these fees are the responsibility of the buyer while some are traditionally the responsibility of the seller. Thankfully, some of these costs can be negotiated between the seller and buyer. Certain fees may even be negotiated or reduce by speaking with the lender. The best way to prepare for these varying costs is to assume that your budget should include a two to five percent increase to cover these costs.

Although you may or may not be responsible for all of these fees when buying a house, having the funds available is the most responsible way to proceed. When it comes to negotiating these fees, confide in your real estate agent and let them advise you on how to approach the negotiations as amicable and respectful as possible.

Winter is a wonderful time of year to sell your home. However, unlike spring and summer you won't have bright and flush foliage to frame the exterior. You may also have less sunlight to illuminate the interior. To help your home stand out, our real estate agents recommend the following advice for taking spectacular listing photos. 

• Clear Away the Snow & Lawn Debris
  You want your walkways, patio, driveway, and roof to be free of snow when you take your photos. This helps give prospective buyers a true feel for how the home looks without a white blanket covering everything.
  
  Similarly, you will want to prune bushes and trees. It's vital to clean gutters and remove dead foliage as well as extraneous decor. Cleaning up the front and back yard will make it easier for your photographer to take stunning photos of your property. If everything has turned brown, it is advisable to add potted evergreens or artificial shrubs to create a touch of contrast.   

• Install Higher Wattage Bulbs
  Higher wattage bulbs breathe life into the room. They create warmth and a bright atmosphere that will appeal to prospective buyers who view the photos and walk through the home.
  
  
• Hang Colorful Curtains
  Hanging brightly colored curtains that accent the decor creates a pleasant ambiance. When choosing curtains, opt for solid colors or curtains with a soft pattern that blends into the background.
  
  
• Incorporate Plants into the Decor
  Incorporating green, red, yellow, or pink plants into your decorating scheme creates a pleasant scene that is comforting and inviting. Your photographer can position these plants around the room to create a peaceful, relaxing setting.
  
  
• Photoshop is Your Friend
  Your photographer can use Photoshop to adjust tone and lighting so that winter shadows don't diminish the beauty of your home's interior or exterior features. They can also use the program to correct any distortion caused by the lens or the angle the photos were taken.
  
  
• Add a Coat of Paint
  It's always a good idea to paint your interior walls a solid, neutral color. Choosing a slightly bright white paint creates a neutral setting that allows prospective home buyers to envision their favorite colors on the walls. White paint also helps make rooms feel larger and more open, which is always an appealing consideration. Along with white walls, you may choose to paint doors and trim a warm and cheerful color.
  
  
• Clear Away the Clutter
  Clearing away clutter will open your rooms up and make them feel larger, well-organized, and more welcoming. Removing bric-a-brac is especially important as this will diminish distractions in the photographs. As an added bonus, clearing away clutter also means fewer things to pack up and move with you.
  
  
• Update Your Fixtures
  Installing modern light fixtures, door handles, door pulls, etc. is an inexpensive investment that you will recoup at closing. It will enhance the home's curb appeal and add a nice touch that's readily visible in the listing photos.
  
  
• Repair Defects
  Damaged shingles, loose siding, broken bricks look terrible in photographs. Make sure that any physical defects or damaged structural elements are repaired before the photographer arrives.   

We encourage you to contact us to learn more about the secrets of taking stunning photographs of your Albany homes for sale. It is our pleasure to answer your questions and give you the contact information of the real estate photographers we use for our property listings. 

Buying a house is one of the biggest parts of the American dream, but that doesn't mean you have to wait for it your whole life. If you take the right steps, you can start on the path to homeownership right now.

Each step builds on the last, and you'll learn more about your needs and challenges as you go. If you run into something you need to reassess, advice is a call or email away. Real estate agents help first-time buyers like you every day.

Here's how to get off to a good start when buying a house:

1. Work on Building Your Credit
   Strengthening your credit can help you get a better interest rate on your mortgage and may save you thousands of dollars. Aim to pay off (but not close!) any high-interest credit accounts you may have. Don't start on any new financial obligations, such as a car loan.
2. Gather Financial Information
   Any loan provider you work with will want details of your financial situation. That usually includes three months of pay stubs and two years of tax filings. If you are self-employed or your income varies for other reasons, you may need to submit a longer income history. If you have past issues such as bankruptcies or charge-offs, prepare to explain them.
3. Develop a Budget
   Tally up your monthly expenses and income sources to figure out how much disposable income you'll have for home expenses. You might find costs you can cut so you can save for your down payment. Remember, you shouldn't spend more than 30% of your monthly income on housing.
4. Talk to a Real Estate Agent
   Before you talk to a lender, reach out to a real estate agent you can trust. He or she will help you get clear on your needs and develop realistic expectations for the process. A real estate agent will be your best ally throughout the process, answering your questions and steering you toward the resources you need to get to closing day without a hitch.
5. Get Prequalified for a Loan
   Prequalification is a process where you submit financial information to your lender of choice so a loan package can be issued as soon as you need it. This is essential if you are dealing with "motivated sellers" or putting in a bid on a home that has attracted a lot of prospective buyers.
6. Assess Your "Must Haves"
   It's time to start making your dreams a reality. Everyone who will be living in the home should come up with a list of five features that they most want from it. Although it's hard to find a perfect home, this will help you zoom in on areas where everyone agrees. You'll also know at a glance which properties don't match your priorities, saving you time.
7. Compare Homes and Neighborhoods
   This is where your real estate agent shines. He or she should get you off to a running start with a list of neighborhoods that suit you. From there, make time every weekend to attend open houses, tour properties, and look at current listings. You can do it!
8. Get a Home Inspection
   A home inspection gives you a complete report on the home's condition from top to bottom. Most buyers choose to walk away from homes with electrical, plumbing, or pest issues, and mortgage programs for first-time buyers will not finance homes with certain serious defects.

Buying a house is a lot to wrap your mind around at first, but it's easier than it looks. 

No one wants to be the victim of a burglary. By knowing more about how they go about choosing a target and what they're looking for, you can decrease your chances of becoming a victim.

The following are five things a burglar doesn't want you to know:

1. They May Look Familiar
   Burglars often live within two miles of their victims, so you may actually recognize their faces. People who live close to you can easily take note of your routines, such as when you leave for and return from work.
   
   ​​​​​​​You may also recognize a burglar from a recent encounter at your home. Home improvement service or delivery people can leave a window unlocked so they can return later to burglarize your home.
   
   Tip: Check your window locks frequently and look for easy ways to vary your routine.
2. They Know Your Hiding Places
   Many people hide valuables in dresser drawers and bedside tables. Burglars are aware of this, so these can be among the first places they look. And those somewhat realistic-looking rocks that you can stash an extra set of keys outside? They know to scan for those as well.
   
   Tip: Find different hiding places for your valuables and give an extra set of keys to a trusted neighbor instead of hiding them in a "rock."
3. They love looking on social media
   Burglars are known to check out social media for clues that you're away from home. If you post a photo, a thief may be able to its embedded GPS data to see that you're an hour away, enjoying a nice evening out. Your impressive vacation photos are also a gold mine for burglars. They tell a crook where you are, and in many cases, you also post about when you'll be home.
   
   Tip: Set your account to private, and don't post about times when you're away from home and when you'll return.
4. They don't like security systems and practices A security system sign will often make a burglar move onto the next house. If you've already installed a system, keep your keypad clean of grime that may indicate which numbers are repeatedly pushed. Even low-tech deterrents like locked windows and doors and motion sensor or timed lights can make a burglar decide your home isn't worth the time and risk.
   
   Tip: Be diligent about locking up and invest in some home improvement lighting. You may also want to consider a home security system, whether it's a DIY version or one through a company.
5. They look for signs of valuables
   If a burglar is scoping out your home for a possible burglary, leaving an expensive phone or tablet near a first-floor window with open blinds or draperies may make you a target. The same is true of an expensive car in a garage that has a window with a clear line of sight to the street. Even your garbage can give burglars clues to big purchases. A large flat-screen TV box that's left out beside your trash lets them know what they can find inside your home.
   
   Tip: Keep valuables away from windows and use your window coverings. And take large boxes for expensive items to the recycling center yourself rather than leaving them out with the regular garbage.

The previous home improvement tips can't guarantee that you'll never be burglarized, but they can help you make sure you're not inadvertently creating a target. Burglars want to get in and out as quickly as possible without getting caught, so by taking some reasonably small measures, you may be able to deter them.

Most homebuyers know that they're shopping for a neighborhood in addition to a home, which means in a roundabout way that they're also shopping for neighbors. Savvy buyers understand that neighbors can make a big difference in the quality of life--for better or worse--and they'll definitely be scouting the neighbors while they check out your home. Understanding how troublesome neighbors can impact your home sale will ultimately make it easier to navigate the obstacles that those neighbors present, and get your home sold.

• The Jungle Next Door
  With all of the work that you do to prep your home for sale both indoors and outside when selling your home, a poorly maintained property next door can ruin the aesthetic. If the yard next door is overgrown, with a tall, tangled lawn and shrubs intruding in every direction, buyers will take notice. You may be able to convince the neighbors to clean things up, but in many cases, an overgrown lawn is a sign of an abandoned home.
• Too Many Foreclosures and Empty Homes
  Most buyers want to live in a neighborhood that feels like its on the upswing, and it's hard to feel that way if the neighborhood is filled with empty homes. That's doubly true if those homes have been foreclosed upon, or if they've been sitting on the market for months without generating any interest. Some buyers will still consider the neighborhood, however, if they think they can get a good deal.
• Neighbor's Best Friend
  No matter how much you or your neighbor may love dogs, not every buyer will feel the same way. That's especially true if the dogs next door are aggressive, or if they're allowed to run around unsupervised. While you can't control the neighbor's pets, you can make sure your own home is as safe as possible.
• Too Much Action
  Do your neighbors love loud music, or constantly have people coming and going while you're selling your home? Loud, rowdy neighbors will make any buyer think twice about whether your neighborhood is the right fit, especially if they're creating noise in the middle of the day when buyers are coming to see the home.
• Guilt by Association
  Does your neighborhood have a homeowners association with strict rules and regulations? If you have a neighbor who refuses to follow those regulations, that may be a problem. Buyers who appreciate the benefits of a homeowners association will think twice if they see that the neighbors are flouting the rules.
• The Eyesore Next Door
  Every neighborhood seems to have at least one home that stands out for all of the wrong reasons, with a paint job that's years past its sell-by date and little regard for home maintenance. If that home happens to be located close to your own, it may draw attention away from all of the positives of your home.
• Outdoor Storage
  ​​​​​​​Does your neighbor's yard look like a used car lot or an outdoor storage facility? Too much stuff stored outdoors is yet another way that neighbors can create an eyesore that will turn buyers off from shopping in the area. If the neighbor does have stuff strewn across their lawn, there's a good chance they're committing some of the other sins on this list, too.

While troublesome neighbors can make life more difficult when selling your home, all is certainly not lost. You may be able to talk neighbors into being more accommodating, and you can still sell potential buyers on all of the positives that your neighborhood has to offer