Articles Tagged "feeling at home"

Spring is coming. Homeowners are looking for ways to get the house spring cleaned and ready for prospective buyers. Where to start is often the challenge. Depending on how routine maintenance and cleaning have been, this may be an easy or difficult task. A thorough cleaning makes the home stand out more than one that only looks good on the surface. People can usually tell a deep clean from surface clean. Prospective buyers need to envision themselves in the home. 

Clean Up and Ship Out

The best rule of thumb when spring cleaning is to get rid of things that don't belong. This may be old clothes that have not been worn or old furniture that won't be going to the new place. Reduce the amount of clutter and donate to a good cause at the same time. It is well worth the investment to stage the house for prospective buyers by taking time to bag up clothes, toys, papers, and documents that can be shredded. It also helps to put things in storage so they are out of the common areas where people might see them (like too many books, DVDs, or personal items).

Outside Clutter

Nothing is less appealing to prospective buyers than a home's exterior that has not been maintained. The outside of a home is important as a first impression. Curb appeal is important because house hunters go off first glance to request a showing. Some key tips to consider:

• Lawn maintenance matters. Keep the lawn free and clear of clutter and long grass in spring or summer. Keep it free of leaves and make sure the hedges are trimmed
• Clean up gutters and downspouts of debris to make sure it is flowing well
• Spruce up flower beds, add additional plants, or trim some hedges to clean up landscaping
• Put out a new mat that welcomes prospective home buyers to the property
• Add a few touch-ups to paint or exterior siding that will help make it look more presentable

Windows

Make sure all the windows are clean. Homes are better with blinds and curtains pointing up. A clean window still gives more light into a room and gives buyers a chance to get a clear picture of the interior of the home. Make sure to clean and get rid of streaks. Check sliding doors, large windows, and outside doors, too.

Little Things Matter

Look at all the little pieces of the home from the perspective of a potential buyer. When looking around, think of it as whether someone will think a quirk is just a quirk or if it needs work. Things that are loose and squeaky may need extra love for the moment. If knobs are missing or loose, it is best to replace them.

A small amount of cleaning goes a long way. Don't hesitate to speak to a real estate professional about getting your home spring cleaned and ready for sale. It takes a village to get it done right. Be sure to put in the time and effort now. It will pay dividends in the future.

Even if cleaning is not your favorite part of the sale process, we can help make the rest easier. Our goal is to support you as you search for that perfect property and sell your current home. We help you navigate the home inspection process, spring cleaning, and everything in-between. Let us know how Choice Properties can help you through the process. 

Commercials, renovation shows and other commercialization of real estate can give people a false impression of what to expect out of home ownership. A quaint historic house, cabin by the lake or beautiful home in the suburbs are all great aspirations. The idealized version is often different than the realistic concept of finding (and purchasing) the home of a person's dreams. Learn some tips to feel at home no matter where you may live.

Meaning of Home

Home can be best understood as a place to live, reside and put stuff. However, a home is more than that. It embodies a sense of comfortable, familiarity which many desire but it seems few achieve. Some people travel for work, are in military families who move frequently or spend less time at home than expected. Being between homes when things are tight can change the meaning of home when changing spaces with some frequency. Finding a creative way to cultivate a sense of home can be important to feeling that home is a place that resides within, rather than in a particular place.

Downsize

Many people live with materialistic goods and carry it from place to place. The rule of the day seems to be 'less is more,' focused on the idea people should curate what is really important and pare down all the belongings to only what brings true joy and happiness. Throwing out items or donating them can free up space and make a person feel more at home. Selling or giving away old books and furniture can feel good as well.

Keep Photos

A creative way to make a house feel like a home is to print photos. Visual histories are not kept online mostly through social media accounts or on phones. Some photo frames with conceptual feel and a little organization can really brighten up any space, no matter where a person resides.

Making Scents

Nothing smells sweeter than a mild fragrance that adds a pleasant aroma to a space. Scents play an important role for people socially and emotionally. It is one of the senses people rely on to determine how appetizing food might be (or not be) and even to assess danger. Any smell that brings up a sense of home can be done with candles, flowers or even special cleaners to keep a space neat and tidy.

Finding "Home"

When an individual moves spaces alot whether for work or because home ownership is not in the cards at the present moment, it can feel as if people live in other's spaces. The familiar sights may not be present but it should not shy a person away from exploring neighborhoods and trying new things to make a place feel like home. Check out local places, engage neighbors and find a way to connect with the area. Whether indoors or outdoors, being in and outside a space can elevate ideas for how to build a sense of belonging and home.

Choice Properties is locally owned and operated, focusing on serving the communities in and around Indian Lake in Logan County. Our award-winning agents will focus on meeting your needs to help get you the results you need. Call us to get started.