Hello,
The holidays are over, and now it’s time to look ahead at the new year. Whether you’re already living in the home of your dreams or making plans for a big move, We look forward to being there for you this year. Find below some tips to reclaim space in your home, keep your home in tip-top shape, and some tips for if you’re planning to sell your home this winter.
How to Declutter and Help Your Community in 2020
What began as treasure can easily become clutter over the course of a year. If you’re looking to clear out items you no longer use, why not donate it to someone in need? Here are three things you can donate to make a positive difference to someone in your community and reclaim space in your home.
1. Coats
Are you running out of closet space? If you have coats you no longer wear, consider giving them to someone in need. It will free up space for your other storage needs and help someone stay warm in the new year.
2. Furniture
Big, bulky furniture can be very comfortable, but it also makes most homes feel smaller than they are. If you’re looking to reclaim space, consider donating over-sized furniture items to a charitable organization and investing in smaller-scale furniture instead.
3. Electronics
If you have working tablets, phones, computers, or TVs lying around that you no longer use, consider donating them to a family in need. Your old tech could be just what a student needs to help them succeed in school.
Home Maintenance Resolutions for 2020
Homes need continuous maintenance to keep them in good condition. Plan to invest one to four percent of your home’s value in maintenance costs each year to avoid losing home value!
1. Interior
If you invest time in some simple maintenance, you can keep the inside of your home looking like new. Some tasks your home may need include repainting the walls, restripping and resealing wood, or restaining trim and built-ins. Some more complicated repairs may involve replacing worn or outdated floors or rebuilding fixtures.
2. Exterior
Taking time each year to maintain the exterior of your home will help ensure your home doesn’t take in excessive damage-causing moisture. Some tasks you should complete each year include cleaning and repairing your gutters/downspouts, inspecting and repairing your roof, and repainting, cleaning, and repairing your home’s siding.
3. Systems
Part of keeping your home in good condition is ensuring your systems are running safely. Cleaning your chimney flue, replacing air filters, and other inspection and cleaning projects can keep your home and family safe by helping to prevent floods and fires caused by poorly maintained systems.
4. Landscaping
Keeping your outdoor structures and landscaping in good condition is also important. Keep an eye out for erosion issues, rodent infestations, and dangerous trees. You should also refinish your deck, fence, and other wood structures semi-annually.
What You Need to Know About Selling in Winter
Your home should look its best when it hits the market to help you get the best offers, and each season offers its own challenges. If you’re selling your home in the middle of winter, you’ll likely have to work around lackluster lighting and minimal visual assistance from your plants. However, here are some tips to make sure your home makes the best first impression possible.
1. Keep walkways clear.
Don’t let mother nature take up space on your walkways. Keep them clear to ensure the path to your house is safe and attractive.
2. Create atmosphere.
Make your home warm and inviting by keeping your thermostat set to a pleasant temperature when buyers come by, especially when it’s cold outside. You can tie in the idea of warmth by folding afghans or throw blankets across your living room furniture.
3. Let in light.
Pull back the curtains and open up the blinds before a showing to ensure you’re taking full advantage of any available natural light. A quick window cleaning will also ensure you don’t miss out on natural light.
4. Work with buyers’ schedules. The winter months are often hectic as people try to accomplish tasks before the sun sets, so look for ways to add flexibility to your schedule so that buyers can view your home in the evenings and on weekends. Being flexible with your closing date can also help attract buyers.