Category: Real Estate Tips

Moving can be overwhelming and stressful, but it does not have to be. These moving tips are a sure way to make sure the entire process is easy, organized and less stress from start to finish. Let this process be one to enjoy, not dread.

1. Purge before packing. Packing and moving unnecessary items can make packing, and even unpacking, a bigger job than it needs to be. Here are some great items to purge:

1. • Books
   • Cookbooks
   • Movies
   • Toys
   • Expired food
   • Toiletries and cosmetics
   • Craft supplies
   • Linens

2. Do little bits at a time. Packing is tiring, so you will want to break it up. Do not wait until the last minute, it will just add stress that you don’t need.

3. Make a packing list. This is a great way to organize your packing process. Start with rooms or areas that you will not need before you move such as books, items on shelves, etc. Really plan it out and set a timeline to each room. You will be sure to finish in time for moving day.

4. Use storage bags of various sizes. You can use these bags for multiple items that would otherwise be separate and loose in a box. Cords, screws/nails, silverware, pens/pencils, and bedside table drawers are just a few ideas to throw into a bag.

5. Tape bags of screws, nails, etc. to the item they belong to, so they stay together. Label the bag with what it goes to just in case it gets torn off or separated in the move.

6. Use towels, blankets, and pillows as padding for breakables. Do not pack them all together, instead, use them around items for additional protection.

7. Label cords and remotes with tape and a sharpie and put them all in the same bag or bin.

8. Along with what is in the box, label your boxes with the room they belong to so unloading is easier. When your friends or moving company unload the boxes, they can drop them in the room it belongs in.

9. If you can, hire a moving company to do the actual move. The moving company will come with all the tools to do the heavy lifting. They are usually more efficient, cutting the move time down tremendously. You can just sit back and supervise.

10. Have a moving party. If you cannot hire a moving company, ask for help and provide snacks, drinks and goodies for those who help. Your friends and family members will appreciate the thought.

I hope you found these tips helpful. May your next move be a little bit easier.

We all seem to be finding ourselves having a little more time than normal with the stay home and stay safe order. Now is the perfect time to spend some of your free time doing various projects to boost the value of your home. Whether you are thinking about selling in the near future, refinancing or just want to make sure you take good care of your home, these suggestions are a great way to help your home stay healthy and up to date!

Improve Your Curb Appeal

The weather here in the PNW has been perfect to start, or finish, those outside projects of yours. Taking the time to carefully landscape your yard can really help boost the value of your home. Clear out weeds, trim back bushes, edge the grass and throw on some new bark. While you are at it, add a few pots of color to your porch! And don’t forget about your backyard. A little bit of clean up and landscaping can do wonders!

Repaint Your Front Door

This simple update will add a fresh look to your home. White, red, blue or black are the perfect colors for any color of your home. A newly painted door can change the entire look of a home and help maintain the quality of the door itself.

Fresh Coat of Paint

This is one of the easiest ways to increase your home’s value! A fresh coat of paint can really make your home look new and up to date whether it be all the walls or just a few rooms. If it is in the budget, a fresh coat of paint outside is a fantastic idea as well. Remember, color matters. Choose colors that are both current and go with the rest of your home and décor.

Add or Replace Hardware

Simple, right? Right. Adding or replacing hardware in your bathrooms and kitchen completely changes the space and will ensure your cabinets last longer with less wear and tear.

Upgrade Light Fixtures

Are your light fixtures still builder grade and basic? Are they all different styles? Replacing fixtures is another simple task with a big impact. Updating to something modern and in style takes nothing more than a screwdriver and a few minutes to replace. Similar areas should match, kitchen, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms. Congruency is key. Do your porch and patio lighting need some love? Replace those too!

Replace Floors

New flooring can seem like a daunting task. However, this is one of the best ways to increase your value. This is also an area that you want to pick quality. Spending a little more on a quality flooring will not only increase value but make sure your floors last years without needing to be replaced.

Clean and Treat the Roof

Remove moss, replace shingles, repair damage and treat with a moss treatment. You may even need a new roof. Either way, this update has a major impact on the value and longevity of your home.

Ready to sell?  Homes are still selling. Contact me today to discuss your options!

Stay safe.

When you’re getting ready to sell your home, there’s a bunch of items to check off the to-do list. I understand how overwhelming and consuming it can be. It’s key that you separate the tasks into achievable to-do lists and exercise some patience with yourself – it won’t all happen in a day!

These 6 steps are designed to get you thinking as you begin your home selling journey:

Rid the Clutter

Follow the general rule of thumb of hiding about 30% of the extra items you have laying around the home – boxes, clothing, chairs, papers, books, the list goes on. Whether you get rid of these and donate them, or you

Neutralize the Interior

You may have loved that bright blue accent wall, but John and Jane Doe might not. Be sure you utilize neutral colors for your interior – either repaint, or remove bright, quirky objects around the home that you’ve used to personalize it to fit your style. Your guests need to be able to picture themselves in your home.

Hide the Pets!

Be sure that the pets are out of the house when you’re hosting showings – this way you avoid them jumping up on (or running out to) the unsuspecting strangers, the bothersome noises, AND you tackle the issue of pet fur and dander that may cause allergy flare ups for your guests.

Let the Light In

Whether you are optimizing your interior lighting or the natural light coming in from the windows, make sure you open the blinds and replace all the light bulbs.

Make it Smell Good

You’ve probably heard of the common “bake cookies” suggestion for home sellers. This is a great solution to make the house smell like home for your guests, or you can simply run to the local candle store and grab some candles or scented plug-ins to add around the house for showing purposes.

Hold Off on the Home Improvement

This doesn’t mean that you can’t finish the projects you had in your lineup – always finish replacements and fixer upper projects, but don’t start a huge renovation makeover when you’re close to selling. You likely won’t make profit on your investment that way.

Are you selling your home shortly? Which of these tips was the most helpful to you? Sound off in the comments below and add your tips for others!