5 ways to liven up your home before you sell

5 ways to liven up your home before you sell

We are slowly but surely recovering from a long stint of slow home sales, however it is still considered a buyer’s market out there. Many of the buyers will not be looking to invest in a “fixer-upper” as they may not have the funds to take care of what is needed, so before you put your home on the market apply these 5 steps to ensure that you have a place “live” enough to attract the attention of your potential buyers.

Give your Kitchen a Face-Lift

The kitchen may very well be best place to start. You don’t have to over-do it. Replacing the cabinet fronts in your kitchen will be a lot less costly than replacing them all together. And replacing counter tops can give your kitchen that “edge” that will grab buyer’s attention the moment they walk in. But keep it simple, you don’t have to spend excessive money on your kitchen remodeling.

Carpets

Nothing says welcome home than a clean carpet! If your carpet needs a little pick me up you may want to rent a carpet cleaner or pay for a professional to deep condition your carpets. If your carpets are badly worn and have stains that just won’t come out then you might want to consider replacing it. 

Curb Appeal

A lot of us don’t go in our homes through our front doors anymore, but our potential buyers do so creating a “homey” feel would be best when looking to sell your home. Again, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars creating a brand new landscaping look. At least make sure that the grass is cut and looks nice (preferable green). If you have flower beds make sure that they are neat and up kept, add some mulch and remove weeds if necessary. 

 

Bathroom Makeover

Potential buyers can get turned off by your bathroom. Take a good look at it and see what can be done to make it more presentable. Although bathroom remodeling can become a bit expensive, there are some simple improvement steps that you can make that should not put you out too much. If you tub looks old, you can consider re-glazing it. This makes it look “new” again without actually replacing it and is affordable.

Painting

Adding a fresh layer of paint to your walls will make your rooms stand out. The effect that freshly painted walls have on homes is amazing; it can brighten up the room and virtually make it look new again, which is exactly what we want our buyers to see and think when we enter!

I hope that these tips prove to be a winner for you. We all want our houses to be just as good as our neighbors, but remember not to over-do it. Your renovations could increase the price value of your home, but a lot of the time the most expensive house on the block is often the hardest to sell, however the house that looks like it has been neglected is even worse! Good luck and happy remodeling!!

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Country Charmer with LOTS of yard space!!

197 Melody Ln, Cameron, NC   Send to Friend Close to Fort Bragg and Sanford!!   Share Listing
4BR/2+1BA Single Family House offered at $174,900 Year Built 1994 Sq Footage 2,001 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.70 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Large 4 bedroom plus bonus room,with 2.5 baths,formal dining room, great room with fireplace,kitchen, master bedroom upstairs with walk-in-closet,master bath with dual vanities, jetted tub,separate shower,all other bedrooms upstairs,outside storage shed,large fenced back yard overlooking woods.Great for that growing family and close to Fort Bragg and Sanford. For more information on this home or any other home on the market visit my website at www.ask4patty.com to view this home or any homes available in Fayetteville and the surrounding areas or call Patty at 910-476-4267. Front click on thumbnail to enlarge
PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Walk-in closet Family room Bonus/Rec room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard
Contact info: Patty Herrera Litchfield Realty (910) 476-4267 For sale by agent/broker View my other listings	Contact: email (required) subject confirm text >

Renting? Know your rights!!

Renting? Know your rights!!

Most tenant-landlord relationships are matches made in heaven, however I am not speaking on behalf of ALL of them. There are some horror stories we’ve all heard about the exceptions. There are laws that protect both the tenant and the landlord, but trying to understand them all can be quite a headache. The basics are to at least know your rights before you even sign a rental agreement. Researching and understanding the terms of your lease in accordance to your state is your best guarantee. 

15 common renters' rights
Although renters' rights vary by region, many are pretty predictable. Here's a sample of rights likely to be addressed in your state's landlord-tenant law:

1. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to deny housing to a tenant on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, disability, family status, or national origin.
2. Residential rental units should be habitable and in compliance with housing and health codes—meaning they should be structurally safe, sanitary, weatherproofed, and include adequate water, electricity, and heat.
3. Many states limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits.
4. A landlord should make necessary repairs and perform maintenance tasks in a timely fashion, or include a provision in the lease stating that tenants can order repairs and deduct the cost from rent.
5. A landlord must give prior notice (typically 24 hours) before entering your premises and can normally only do so to make repairs or in case of an emergency.
6. Illegal provisions in a rental agreement (provisions counter to state law) are usually not enforceable in court.
7. If a landlord has violated important terms related to health, safety, or necessary repairs, you might have a legal right to break your lease.
8. If you have to break a long-term lease, in most states landlords are required to search for a new tenant as soon as possible rather than charging the tenant for the full duration of the lease.
9. Damage or security deposits are not deductible for "normal wear and tear." Some states require that a landlord give an itemized report of any deductions.
10. Most states require landlords to return refundable portions of a security deposit within 14 to 30 days after the tenant has vacated the premises, even in the case of eviction.
11. Landlords usually can't legally seize a tenant's property for nonpayment of rent or any other reason, except in the case of abandonment as defined by law.
12. Landlords are legally prohibited from evicting tenants as retaliation for action a tenant takes related to a perceived landlord violation.
13. A landlord cannot legally change the locks, shut off (or cause to have shut off) your utilities, or evict you without notice; eviction requires a court order.
14. If a landlord makes life so miserable for you that it forces you to move, it may be considered "constructive eviction," which is usually grounds for legal action.
15. In many states, it's illegal for a lease to stipulate that the tenant is responsible for the landlord's attorney fees in case of a court dispute.

Protect yourself

Before you move in, tour the premises with your landlord, and note -- or better yet, photograph -- any existing damage. When you move out, if your landlord withholds part of your damage deposit, ask for an itemized list of charges and the reason for the charges. If there's a discrepancy between this list and the one you made before moving in, let the landlord know immediately. Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord, as well as dated records of phone and in-person conversations. 

 If you have a dispute

If your landlord takes an action that is illegal in your state or neglects a legality, you probably have grounds for legal action, but consider court as a last resort. First make every effort to resolve the problem by talking with your landlord. This is the simplest and least expensive approach to mediating disputes.

If the problem continues, enlist the help of a neutral party or a mediator. Mediators are usually publicly funded and available free or at low cost. To find out whether mediators are available in your area, contact your mayor's or city manager's office and ask to talk with someone about housing disputes or landlord-tenant mediation.

If all else fails, you can take financial complaints to small claims court, provided your claim is under a specified amount. Before you take this step, be sure to look up local law regarding your responsibility for attorney fees. Most larger cities offer free or low-cost legal support for tenants in case of a property dispute. You can also contact your state bar association to ask about its lawyer referral program, or check with local service agencies to find out about inexpensive legal clinics.

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For Your Home: Spring Maintenance

Springtime is among us and it is about time to give your home a check-up in addition to the spring cleaning that will be taking place. Adding these home maintenance tips to your routine can help your house operate more efficiently.

Outside The House

Check The A/C

Have a qualified HVAC contractor come out to give your air-conditioning system a tune-up. To help lower your energy bills, do this every year to ensure the system is running at its manufacturer-rated efficiency. Also make sure to inspect your system’s condensate drain hose, especially if you live in a humid climate. This hose could become clogged with algae and sediment, and your contractor may charge you more to clean it out. Avoid this extra cost by checking the hose periodically yourself. Use a wet-vac to suction any blockage out from it.

Roofs And Gutters

The hot summer sun can quickly damage a roof’s shingles, so you may want to call a contractor if you haven’t inspected your roof in several years. Clean out the leaves and other debris that have collected in them. Then check to see if the gutters are safely attached and haven’t sprung any leaks. Also, make sure that downspouts direct water away from the house’s foundation, to prevent a potential basement flood (if you have a basement).

Seal The Deck

If you have a patio deck, inspect the wood for stains, discolorations, or warping. If you find any, consider resealing the deck. To verify that your old application still works, pour some water onto the dry deck and check to see that it beads up. Most deck-sealer manufacturers recommend resealing annually, but if there are no immediate problems worth addressing, you can likely wait until the following spring to reseal. Check for any sharp edges, splintered wood, or rotting wood. Also look for rusting nails or any nails that are coming out or weakening their connections. And be sure to check the railings and stairs to make sure they are secure and not wobbly.

Ready The Soil

Spring is the season to prepare for new growth in your garden. Rake beds of leaves and other leftover winter debris. Use a hoe to churn and loosen the soil, and mix in compost for nutrients. If you’ll be planting new seeds, follow the instructions provided on the seed packet for the best results.

Inside The House

The Water Heater

Look around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years. If your water heater is over 5 years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced. If you live in an area with particularly hard water, you may need to drain your water heater because of the sediment buildup in the tank.

The Basement And Attic

Does your attic or basement smell musty? If you have an attic, check it for leaks from the roof. Inspect the underside of the roof and the insulation closely for any discoloration, deterioration or dirt stains, as the leaking water might have dried up.

Check the basement walls, floor, and trim for water stains or any signs of seepage through the foundation. There are a number of flooding causes and while you’re down there, keep a close eye on your sump pump, making sure it is still in good working order, and has a battery backup in place if necessary.

Military Relocation & PCSing tips!!

For military spouses PCSing is never an easy task. Your spouse gets orders for your next duty station and as butterflies are fluttering through your stomach your mind begins to race and wonder of all the things you need to get taken care of. I have compiled a list of some basic things you should get taken care of prior to your PCS move.

You have orders, now what?

                First of all, when you get your PCs orders you will want to contact the base transportation office as soon as possible to find out your options. Do you want a do-it-yourself (DITY) move or would you prefer that the government handle everything for you?  You will want to begin to prepare for your move. If you have small children be sure to plan ahead for special moving needs (if necessary). Take inventory of all your valuable items (write down serial numbers and you may even want to take pictures/video). Begin saving money for travel expenses that will not be covered by the government. Make sure that you contact schools if need be, and make all necessary medical appointments prior to the move. Also, be sure to request copies of your medical records in advance to have with you when you travel to your next duty station. Keep all important paperwork (birth certificates, insurance papers, etc.) together in a place that is easily accessible during this transition and always remember to take a breath in between it all. 

Putting your ducks in a row (3+ months – 3 weeks before PCSing)

                Will you need childcare at your new location? You may want to research the base and surrounding areas and begin to call around to find out how to get your childcare plans in place, the same goes with the schools for your older children. If you have pets, make sure that all of their shots are up-to-date and begin making travel arrangements for them if necessary. If you are working (civilian), give your notice of termination letter and consider getting a letter of recommendation.

The time is drawing near (3 weeks – 1 week before PCSing)

                If you already have quarters or a new home make sure that you coordinate with the landlord/housing to confirm your move-in date. Clear out any unwanted items in your home, maybe sell or donate unwanted furniture and clothing items. Cancel or transfer utilities and other house related bills. Obtain change of address forms from your local post office and have your mail forwarded to your new address, if you do not yet have an address think about getting a P.O. Box and having your mail temporarily forwarded there. Start using all the canned goods in your pantry to avoid purchasing new food items that may be wasted when the time for your move arrives. Think about planning menus with the items you already have and only buy what is necessary to complete your menus until you PCS. 

Moving Day! 

                It is finally here! Be sure to get plenty of rest and get up early to get ready for the movers. Make sure that you do not have dirty dishes in the kitchen or dirty clothes lying around, and take out the trash. Do not ship your jewelry, put that in a secure place and take it with you when you travel. Make sure that the mover’s inventory list is detailed. DO NOT accept any entries labeled as “miscellaneous” or “other”. Be sure that any items that are damaged are labeled as such in the event that something gets damaged during the move (you will have documentation of any previous damages to be able to file for new ones). Make sure that you do a final walk through before you release the packers; they are not required to return to the residence after they are done packing your house. Again, be sure to have all important files and documents IN HAND and not packed up for easy access. 

FINALLY! You have arrived!

You have finally made it to your next duty station, but don’t do your victory dance just yet. Your household goods may take a while to arrive, so be sure that the military member takes advantage of the resources available to them that will allow you to checkout basic household items until your household goods arrive there. When it does arrive, be sure that you check all of your household goods against the inventory sheets and check for damages or missing items. You have the option to allow the packers to reassemble your furniture if you so choose, and for them to unpack your household goods. Go ahead and register your children for school, get registered at your local medical treatment facility, and get the utilities turned on.  Phew! NOW you can do your happy/victory dance!  

There is A LOT that goes into the planning of a PCS move, but following the tips I provided it may ease a lot of the stress that comes with it. Feel free to pass this on to whomever you feel would benefit from it and if you are relocating or PCSing to the Fayetteville, Fort Bragg NC area I would be more than happy to assist you in the relocation process. Feel free to EMAIL ME (Patty Herrera), call (910) 476-4267, or visit my website to SEARCH HOMES IN FAYETTEVILLE/ FORT BRAGG, NC and surrounding areas.

Choosing A Home That's Right For You

Here are some tips to help determine which house is best for you.

Once you've settled on a couple of neighborhoods for your search, it's time to pick out a few homes to view. Your wish list can remind you which features are absolute requirements and which amenities you'd like to have if possible. When narrowing down your home search, consider:

• Types of homes
• Home purchase considerations
• Home comparison chart
• What to do when you’ve found the right home for you

Types of homes

In addition to single family homes (one home per lot), there are other forms of home ownership:

 

Multifamily homes: Some buyers, particularly first-timers, start with multiple family dwellings, so they'll have rental income to help with their costs. Many mortgage plans, including VA and FHA loans, can be used for buildings with up to four units, if the buyer intends to occupy one of them.

 

Condominiums: With a condo, you own "from the plaster in" just as you would a single house. You also own a certain percentage of the "common elements" -- staircases, sidewalks, roofs and the like. Monthly charges pay your share of taxes and insurance on those elements, as well as repairs and maintenance. A homeowners association administers the development.

 

Co-ops: In a few cities, cooperative apartments are common. With those, you purchase shares in a corporation that owns the whole building, and you receive a lease to your own apartment. A board of directors supervises management. Monthly charges include your share of an overall mortgage on the building.

 

Home purchase considerations

 Most buyers' first consideration, after neighborhoods are chosen, is the number of bedrooms. As you begin to view homes, keep the following purchase and resale considerations in mind:

• Weigh your needs, budget and personal tastes in deciding whether you want a home that’s a newly constructed home, an older home or a home that requires some work -- a "fixer-upper."
• One-bedroom condos are more difficult to resell than two-bedroom ones.
• Two-bedroom/one-bath single houses generally have less appeal than houses with three or more bedrooms, and therefore less appreciation potential.
• Homes with "curb appeal" (a well-maintained, attractive, and charming view-from-the-street appearance) are the easiest to resell.
• When resale is a possibility, don't buy the most expensive house on the street, or anything that is unusual or unique. The best investment potential is traditionally found in a less expensive, more moderately sized home on the street.

Home comparison chart

While house-hunting, it's a good idea to make notes about what you see because viewing several houses at a time can be confusing. Use our home comparison chart to help you keep track of your search, organize your thoughts and record your impressions.

When you’ve found the right home

 

 Before you begin the home buying process, resolve to act promptly when you find the right house. Every REALTOR® has stories to tell about a couple who looked far and wide for their dream home, finally found it, and then revealed that "we always promised my Dad we'd sleep on it, so we'll make an offer tomorrow." Many times the story has a sad ending -- someone else came in that evening with an offer that was accepted.

 

Resolve at this point that you will act decisively when you find the house that’s clearly right for you. This is particularly important after a long search or if the house is newly listed and/or under-priced.