Clever Ways To Add Value To Your Home

When selling a property, you want to get the best price possible for it. If you want to increase the value of your home in clever ways, without turning to more expensive methods like remodelling your kitchen or building an extension. Here are some clever tricks to add value instantly to your home.

Add some smart technology

If you want to make your home more valuable, then smart technology is a smart addition. Smart tech like thermostats, lighting, locks, and security cameras can add value without the expense of renovations. If a buyer is looking at other homes that are very similar to yours, then the addition of smart technology could be what makes the difference in helping them to decide to buy yours and not another. 

Remove your carpeting

Many modern homebuyers don’t want carpeting. Wooden floors are fashionable, easy to clean, and far more popular with buyers. A new wood floor will be popular with those looking at the house. If you don’t want to spend on real wood, laminate or engineered wood can work just as well. 

Resurface your cabinets

If there’s no budget available to remodel your whole kitchen, you can still make some improvements that buyers will appreciate. Even beaten up cabinet doors can be saved with resurfacing, making the kitchen look much fresher. If a buyer doesn’t think they have will to replace the kitchen as soon as they move in, they will be willing to spend more on the property. 

Build a deck

If you want to maximise your outdoor space in order to increase your home’s value, then a desk is a great idea. People want to see usable outdoor space that they don’t have to do anything to. Dress the deck with some garden furniture so potential buyers can imagine themselves using it and living in your home. 

Add attic insulation

A home that is drafty, or doesn’t hold cool air from air conditioning will be a turn-off for buyers. Insulation in the attic will increase the property’s value, and help it to hold value for the future. Insulation helps to reduce energy costs, thanks to more efficient heating and air conditioning. 

Finish any minor repairs around the house

It can be easy to overlook and ignore minor repairs that you have been putting off around the house, but a potential buyer will see these small things are annoyances that they will have to put right when they move in. Don’t give a buyer a reason to be put off, and get those little repairs done. This could be things like repairing a loose drawer, a leaking tap, a door that sticks, or cracks in the plasterwork. Get everything fixed up, so a buyer won’t be wondering how many bigger problems are disguised by small repairs.

If you’re not sure which improvements to make, take advise from your real estate company, like JKK Real Estate, who can advise you on what is popular with buyers and helping to drive sales. 

The Pros and Cons of Living in the Suburbs

Planning where you live in the future can be tricky. While most families gravitate to the suburbs, this isn't possible for some people, whether because of transport issues or other commitments. The same goes for city dwellers who can't tear themselves away from the thriving life of metropolitan living. But, everyone has their preferences, and if you're not sure which is the best for you, here are the pros and cons of living in the suburbs. 

The Pros

Larger Home, Less Money

One perk of the suburbs is that you get a larger home for less money. While you get houses in the city, they are nothing compared to the expanse you can enjoy with a suburban home, complete with a driveway and backyard to make life much less cramped. If you can't wait to move, services such as Homeward can help you purchase your dream home, with all the trimmings even before you sell your previous property. 

Slowing Life Down

You don't need to live in the city to know that much of it is go-go-go. People have busy lives to lead, places to go, meetings to attend, and even though you can cope with this when younger, it gets tiring the more you get older. Suburban life is relaxed, chilled, and slow-paced, giving you the chance to rest and take a breath.  

Sick of the Crowds

Another problem with cities is that they are so cramped, with hundreds of thousands of people packed into smaller spaces. The suburbs give you plenty of room to stretch out and renovate, doesn't demand you squeeze onto packed subway lines, and minimizes the chance of getting elbowed by a passing commuter. 

The Cons

You Feel Too Far Away

If you're someone who gets bored quickly, the suburbs may not be ideal for you. It's great to slow down for a while, but you may also run out of things to do. It's not easy to run to the store to pick up some essentials, and meeting friends for a drink after work may not feel worth the energy it takes to get there. 

More Space to Fill

With big houses means there's more space for you to fill, and this means you spend more money making your home look attractive. At first, you may relish this extra space, but it can be a slippery slope, and soon you'll find yourself buying things for the sake of buying them, and if you're trying to live a clutter-free life, this can be an issue. 

A Competitive Job Market

There is always a job available in the city, especially international hubs for technology, media, sports, and finance. But in the suburbs, the job market shrinks, and you may need to travel further if you want a job that excites you. If you've moved away from the city to get out of it for good, then it's worth finding a job before you move. 

Moving to the Suburbs?

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to living, but these can change as you get older. Even if you don't think the suburbs are right for you now, there's still the chance that could change in the future, so don't dismiss them entirely.

7 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Luxurious

Having a luxurious home doesn’t have to be a far off dream. You can live in one today by just doing a few simple changes. Here are some tricks you can do to make your home look more elegant on a budget.

1. Add in touches of high-end materials

Materials like marble, leather, antique gold, solid wood, and crystal all add that instant touch of elegance to your home. They don’t have to completely take up a space. It can be in little things such as a marble vase, a mirror with antique gold piping, or varnished wooden railings. Some of these items don’t have to cost you a fortune either. Just take a look at your local Craigslist listings and Facebook marketplace for secondhand furniture and decor made in these materials. 

2. Repaint walls  your walls

If you’re looking to make a big difference to a space, consider repainting the walls. It’s inexpensive and can really transform a room. Most luxurious homes have walls painted in neutral hues. Opt for colors like cream, beige, brown or honey. These are classic colors that make a room feel calmer and bring the focus back to your furniture. You can also take the dramatic route and pick hues like dark reds and blues. These are good choices for that added character and understated elegance.

3. Blend in your appliances

Certain appliances can look out of place in a room. One thing you’ll notice in luxurious homes is that the appliances blend in with the space. You can do the same by repainting your appliances or installing matching shelves for them. But before you do, make sure to get a home warranty to protect any potential damage. Most high-ticket appliances are covered with this type of warranty and can prevent high costs in case it gets damaged during the remodel process.

4. Move around furniture 

Speaking of furniture, consider moving them around. Most homes feel luxurious because furniture is placed strategically to hide clutter. Put away anything that isn’t decorative and only display items that add character to your home such as antiques, framed pictures, memorabilia, etc.

5. Think of the smell

Try to remember the last time you visited a luxurious hotel or spa, what was one of the first things you noticed? Aside from the interior decor, you probably noticed how nice the place smells. Try to do the same for yours by adding in some scents. Start with a clean home first. You need to regularly take out your garbage, dust your furniture, and replace the fabrics in your home.

Once you have removed the source of bad odors, it’s time to add in those desirable scents. You can do this by lighting scented candles, diffusing essential oils, spraying your pillows, etc. Fragrances may be invisible but they create a huge impact on how a home feels.

6. Install large-scale art

Consider adding in a big piece of art to your living room. This will instantly transform your space and will be a great conversation when guests come in. There are plenty of inexpensive wall-arts you can buy at home decor stores. You can even have one printed off the internet. If you want it to be more personal, consider hunting for wall art at secondhand shops and estate sales.

7. Change your lighting

The right lighting can turn a space from depressing to relaxing. Change your light fixtures to something more soft  like warm yellow, and be generous with it. This will only increase the elegant feeling in your home. If you’d like to take it a step further, you can get custom lamps and chandeliers. Again, you can find these pieces at thrift shops and garage sales.

Which of these tips are you going to try out first? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Why You Should Sell Your Home in 2020

Despite uncertain times, 2020 is a great year to sell your house. Everything is pointing to a year with a hot real estate market. Take advantage now.

The Fed moved to a dovish stance in 2019. Combine that with economic growth, more jobs, and steady interest rates, and you have a good market for sellers.

We've taken a look at the trends and forecasts and put together a guide to why you should sell your house in 2020. Read on to learn more.

More Buyers Than Expected

One of the factors needed for a hot real estate market is to have more buyers than sellers. Younger buyers are still entering the market. As a result, houses at the lower end of the price range in your area are selling well. 

If your house is in a higher price bracket you could always look for a company who buys houses. You might get a lower price than you hoped for but you'll be able to sell quickly and easily.

Thirty-seven percent of house buyers in 2020 will be Millenials. This is great for you as a seller. With tech-savvy buyers, you can use digital selling tools to make your home appeal to this segment of the market.

House Prices Rising

Experts are predicting that house prices will continue to rise in 2020. They are predicting a slightly smaller increase than the previous 3 years, but it's still growth. 

As a seller, you want to see that growth. And although there are more buyers coming on the market, the increase in house prices will affect some of that market. Even so, it still makes for a hot real estate market for sellers.

2020 More Financially Stable Than Predicted 

In 2019, financial experts were predicting a possible dip in the financial situation in 2020. Now, most experts have shifted that prediction to 2021. This makes 2020 a good year in which to sell your house. 

Interest Rates Remaining Low Helps Hot Real Estate Market

Interest rates are remaining low, too. The expected interest rate of about 3.7 percent isn't quite as good as it has been in recent years, but it's still an incentive for buyers to get into the market.

As a seller, you'll also appreciate the interest-rate stability when you sell your house and go to buy a new one.

2021 Looks Less Financially Predictable

As 2020 progresses we'll move towards the presidential election. Uncertainty about who will be the next president and what that means for the economy will slide into 2021. This will make 2020 a hot real estate market.

Take advantage of the unpredictability of 2021 by selling your house this year. 

According to one report in late 2019, 75 percent of economy experts were predicting that 2021 would see the US economy move to a recession status. If the economy does slow down or even shift to a recession, selling your house will be much harder.

Get Into the Hot Real Estate Market

With all these reasons on your side as a seller, it's time to get ready to sell your house in this hot real estate market. 

Take advantage of a younger, smarter group of buyers, low-interest rates, continued house-price growth, and a more stable economic present.

Learn more about the current trends in the real estate market by checking out all our posts. We've got your real estate needs covered. 

Want to Make a Profit? Renovate The Kitchen!

Flipping houses can be an excellent way to make a living; not only do you get the satisfaction of turning a run down old property into a usable home again, but you can make a whole lot of money in the process. The kitchen is such an important room in the home, and it’s certainly the most expensive to renovate- but doing so will likely improve the amount of profits you’re able to make, so focusing a decent amount of your budget here is worthwhile. Here are some of the ways you can go about it. 

Extend

Old homes tend to have smaller kitchens whereas these days, large kitchens are in high demand. So if you’re working with an inadequate space, your first step would be to make the kitchen larger. You might be able to get away with tearing down a wall and creating a more open plan and spacious room, or you might need to extend and take the kitchen outwards. Either way, think carefully about the space before you make any design plans. 

Choose the units

Depending on the kitchen that’s currently in the home, you might be able to get away with renovating the existing units. Simply sand, paint and treat the doors and keep the carcasses in place, if the kitchen is in good condition and the layout is fine this is a good way to save money. In other cases you’ll need to choose an entirely new kitchen. Work with a kitchen designer and have them create a plan for something beautiful. Go with a design that most people will like, neutrals tend to be a safe option. If you have DIY skills you could look into fitting the kitchen yourself, just be careful and know your limits. The last thing you want is to install a substandard kitchen, cause someone an injury and end up with a personal injury lawyer on your case. Remember, things like electrics and gas fitting should be left to trained professionals.

Paint the walls

Use a paint designed for kitchens as it will be mould and stain resistant and wipe clean, perfect for splashes and spills. Choose a shade that complements your kitchen design, but avoid anything too bold which could put certain buyers off. Again neutrals or soft colours are a good choice, consult a decorator if you’re not sure

Get the finishing touches right

It’s often the finishing touches that really bring a kitchen renovation to life, but it’s easy to overspend here. Make sure you’re choosing nice touches but that you’re staying within budget, spend too much and you’ll cut into your profits. Shop around to find the best deals, and check home magazines and social media for inspiration. Sometimes, something as simple as replacing the handles on the cupboard doors is enough to completely liven up and transform the space.

Can You Afford To Live In Luxury?

Who doesn’t want to live in absolute luxury for the rest of their lives? If you are hoping for something along these lines then there are many ways that you can make sure of that. It’s wise to remember that it can take time and effort, but even so it is the kind of thing that is likely to be available to all if you know how to get it. In this article, we are going to look at how it might be that anyone can ultimately live in luxury. As long as you follow these ideas, you should find that you can live in luxury too, and so enjoy life for all that it is much more readily.

Although there is going to be much more to it than merely saving some money, this is still an important part of the process, and as such you should make sure that you are doing it along with everything else that you might need to do. Saving up can be hard to do effectively, and it can often be frustrating how long it takes to do it right. But as long as you are happy to work at it, you should ultimately find that you have enough funds to do whatever you like, including of course living in a luxury home and having a luxurious life generally. Be sure to find the best savings account you can, and to work on keeping your money going into it regularly, ideally by setting up an automatic payment like a standing order so that you can’t forget to do it. That will ensure that you save a lot more money.

Finding A Luxury Home

If you want to live in luxury, that means primarily that you are going to need to have a home to live in which you can consider luxury. There are many ways to make sure that you do this, but the important thing at the moment is that you start looking for your ideal home. This will vary from person to person, but keeping the luxury in mind will ensure that you are much more likely to make a good decision here. Put together a shortlist of all the luxury cottages that you might want to live in and then whittle them down to see which is the most realistically achievable. In this way, you can find yourself living in a luxury home before too long, and that is going to really help things along.

Upgrading Your Vacations

When you go on vacation, this is a great opportunity to ensure that you are living in luxury - simply by finding a luxury vacation to go on. There are a lot of different ways to approach this, but the important thing is to look at both the accommodation and the transport itself. As long as you can find accommodation that you would consider to be luxurious, like a five star hotel, then you are going to be able to say that the vacation itself is in the lap of luxury. In order to be able to afford it, you might want to think about looking for last minute deals, of which there are generally plenty, or looking for free upgrades on hotel rooms. You can also do that for flights sometimes and get upgraded to business or first class. You can also use air mile points to upgrade yourself if you are able to do that and you have collected enough. All in all, it is easy enough to have luxury vacations as long as you know what you are doing.

Eating Well

For most people, food is an important part of life. That is certainly true in this case - if you want to live in luxury, you are going to have to make sure that you are eating luxuriously too. That means that you need to think about finding good restaurants and being able to afford them. Basically this might be a simple case of diverting a little more of your budget towards eating out, or it could be that you want to save up for a while so you can eat out once a month at a nice restaurant. However you do it, this is another important part of living in luxury, so it’s something to think about. You might also want to eat well at home, which is much easier still - it’s just about learning to cook great food, which is in itself a lot of fun to do.