Sandra Meranda

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6 Ways to Create A Comfortable Outdoor Living Space

Whether you’re looking for a cozy respite for morning coffee or an ideal spot for entertaining friends, there are many ways to make the most of your outdoor area. Designing a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space is all about increasing the space’s comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. Consider what activities and functions you need, so you can choose furniture and elements to bring your vision to life. Here are 6 ways to create a comfortable outdoor living space

 

1. Selecting the Right Furnishing

The foundation of any outdoor living space is comfortable seating and furniture pieces that provide an inviting atmosphere and encourage people to stay and relax. 

  • Selecting durable, low-maintenance materials that stand up to the elements is wise. 
  • Ensure all pieces are well-crafted and made with quality materials to ensure they last season after season.
  • If you plan to entertain guests or host intimate gatherings, opt for comfortable seating arrangements with chairs, loungers, benches, and patio tables that provide enough room for everyone. 
  • Choose fabrics and comfy cushions to create a soft, inviting atmosphere. 
  • Thinking about size and shape is essential. Furniture pieces that are too small will seem out of proportion; too large will overwhelm the space. 
  • Hammocks or swings hung from posts add options perfect for napping or relaxing with a good book.

 

2. Optimize with Covered Outdoor Living Area

Creating a covered outdoor living space is a great way to extend your living space outdoors and provide protection from the elements. There are many options for covering the area that can fit any budget. 

  • If opting for a structural cover, like a pergola, consider both the permanent and portable options. 
  • Permanent covers are typically made of wood or metal and require professional installation. 
  • Portable covers offer convenience and ease of setup but may not be as durable as permanent structures.

 

3. Enhance with Lighting 

Lighting is an essential element to consider when transforming your area into a cozy outdoor living space. The proper lighting can bring the entire look of your outdoor space together. There is a wide variety of lighting solutions to choose from that can create the atmosphere you want while delivering adequate illumination. 

  • Select lighting to add warmth, safety, and ambiance to your outdoor living space.
  • Invest in quality string lights that you can hang around the outdoor living area and turn them on as soon as it gets dark outside. 
  • Solar-powered fixtures offer energy efficiency, while lanterns and candles will give off a traditional feel. 

 

4. Add Beauty with Greenery 

Incorporating greenery into the design of your outdoor living space adds freshness, color, and life to the area. 

  • Design areas around the perimeter to showcase colorful flowers and plants. 
  • Select plants that best complement the space and your overall style aesthetic.
  • Look for planters made with sustainable materials like cedar wood or concrete. These materials are durable and weatherproof, and they can also be beautiful accents for displaying your beautiful potted plants and flowers. 
  • Place smaller potted plants like herbs or succulents around the seating area in various locations to add interest.
  • Add larger shrubs or flowers near the outer edges of the site for more depth as well as height contrasts. 

 

5. Include a Relaxing Water Feature 

Consider installing an outdoor water feature for added relaxation. 

  • The soothing sounds of trickling water adds an extra sense of relaxation and peace, creating a calming oasis.
  • Attracts butterflies and songbirds.

 

6. Install a Heat Feature

Consider installing an outdoor heat feature to add extra character and comfort to your outdoor living space. Be sure to look into local fire regulations before making any installations to ensure you follow proper safety protocols. 

  • Adding a heat feature offers a cozy and inviting appeal to outdoor gathering spots and provides ambient lighting after dusk. 
  • Incorporating a heat source keeps the living area warm and inviting after dusk when the temperatures drop.

 

Benefits of adding a comfortable outdoor living space include the following:

  1. Adds usable entertaining space.
  2. Boosts curb appeal.
  3. Increases property values.
  4. Helps reduce stress levels and increase focus, creativity, and productivity.

 

Planning your outdoor living area and adding comfort features helps you create a serene escape where you can relax after a long day or entertain family and friends in comfortable luxury. Boosting your home’s curb appeal with a beautiful and functional outdoor space will make your home stand out from others and attract more buyers when you decide to sell. 

 

Talk to a Real Estate Professional

Selling your home begins with your online listing. Improving your home’s online curb appeal will go a long way to attracting potential buyers and selling your home at top dollar. Talk to a local real estate professional when you’re ready to put your home on the market. They can advise you on the best ways to market your home and can provide helpful information every step of the way. If you’re ready to sell, contact Sandra Meranda at 314-691-1320 for a free market analysis of your home.

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Home Buying Tips for 2023

Home Buying Tips

If a new home is on the 2023 wish list, now is a great time to start planning. Buying a home is a big decision, and being prepared will make your home search more successful. Follow these home-buying tips to make the process easier.

5 Tips for Buyers

1. Figure How Much House You Can Afford

Before you start shopping, figure out how much you can safely spend on a house. A variety of free online home affordability calculators can help set a price range based on your income, debt, down payment, credit score, and preferred neighborhood.  NerdWallet and Zillow both have easy to use online calculators.

2. Check Your Credit Score

It is not uncommon to find errors on a credit report. If you find any errors, get them corrected immediately. Take the time to boost your credit score and pay down debts. This allows you to qualify for the best mortgage rate. Don’t make any large purchases before you close on your home. Lenders will typically pull your credit report one last time before closing to ensure there are no changes to your credit score.

3. Get Pre-Approved

Before you start house shopping, get pre-approved by a local and reputable mortgage lender. The approval significantly strengthens your offer when you find a home to purchase. Take time to evaluate mortgage options and decide which will be most advantageous to your long-term financial goals.

4. Interview Real Estate Agents

An experienced agent can give you the upper hand in a seller’s market, from assisting with a competitive offer to expediting your search. The right agent will help with the entire process, point out issues with properties, and negotiate better contract terms. You will likely spend a lot of time with your real estate agent, so make sure you choose someone easy to communicate with and whom you trust.

5. Vet Several Neighborhoods

When searching for a home, be mindful to consider your daily commute to work, schools, grocery stores, and other necessities. The location of a home can significantly impact your daily life and schedule. Once you’ve narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go and get a feel for what it might be like to live there. Are the homes tidy and well-maintained? Are the streets busy or quiet? Do you feel safe during the day and night? Drive through the area at different times during the day and evening. Whether you have children or not, research the local school system because it will impact the long-term value of your home.

6. Understand All of the Costs

Just because you can afford a mortgage doesn’t mean you afford the long-term costs associated with a particular home. One of the most important steps to buying a property is understanding the total cost of ownership. There are a lot of fees that come with a home purchase beyond the mortgage. Insurance, necessary repairs, property taxes, and homeowner association (HOA) fees should all be considered. Before buying a condo or house with a homeowner’s association, thoroughly read the HOA’s bylaws. The HOA’s bylaws should spell out how responsibilities are divided between the HOA and members of the community.

Today Is a Great Time to Start Your Home Search

Following these home-buying tips will make the process smoother and less stressful. Having an experienced local realtor on your side is essential. Whether you are buying or selling a home in St. Charles County, Sandra Meranda can help. Call 314-691-1320 to schedule a consultation.

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Selling Your Home in the Spring: How to Prepare

house for sale spring

Now is the right time to start prepping your home if you plan to put it on the market this spring – which is only a few short months away! Selling your home in the spring is a good idea if speed and a higher offer are your top priorities. According to the St. Louis Business Journal, homes listed in early May benefit from a 3.1% boost in final sale price. Let’s explore how homeowners can get ready for an active spring real estate market and sell their homes faster and at a higher price. 

7 Tips for Selling Your Home

1. Clean and Declutter 

Winter is a great time to clean out those closets and declutter your house. This is a perfect time to donate, recycle, or throw out any items in your home that you are not using. Less clutter and knick-knacks can help depersonalize your home and make it seem more spacious. When potential home buyers can envision themselves inside your home and understand the available space, they are more likely to consider your home. 

2. Clean Your Windows

You want the maximum amount of light coming into your home. Dusty, dirty windows can make your home seem dark and unwelcoming. It’s essential to make sure your windows are squeaky clean, inside and out. Hire a professional service to handle the job – it’s worth the money.

3. Pay Attention to Odors

The smell of tobacco, pets, or food can kill a home sale. Carpets and other textiles hold odors. Have your carpets professionally cleaned before putting your home on the market. On nice days, open the windows and thoroughly air out your home. If you have pets, arrange a place for them to stay during open houses or home tours.

4. Make Repairs and Replacements

Potential home buyers will be making mental lists of things they will need to update or repair. Make that list shorter by repairing and updating as many items as possible in your home before it is listed. Fix any plumbing or electrical issues, ripped screens, holes in walls, or other known problems. Replacing aging or mismatched kitchen appliances is also a good idea. 

5. Boost Your Curb Appeal 

Home buyers will quickly judge a home based on how it looks as they drive up. They may not even take a home tour if your exterior is outdated or unappealing. Easy ways to improve your home’s curb appeal include power washing the exterior, replacing old house numbers and the mailbox, and cleaning up the landscaping. Painting your front door and trim can dramatically improve your home’s exterior. 

6. Update Interior Paint 

Painting the rooms in your home over the winter is a great way to clean from top to bottom and give it a fresh new look. This process is especially important if your surfaces look worn or the color needs to be updated. Choose a light neutral color palette that will appeal to the most potential buyers.

7. Create a Marketing Plan

Nearly 100% of home buyers now begin their home search online. Creating an online listing that captures the attention of buyers is the goal. Professional staging and photography can make a significant difference. If you have the budget, consider hiring a professional home stager or follow your real estate agent’s advice before having photos taken for your listing.

Work With An Experienced Real Estate Professional

Selling your home in the spring will be easier with the help of an experienced real estate agent.  They’ll be able to assess your home and give you expert advice on the best ways to prepare before placing it on the market. Call Sandra Meranda at 314-691-1320 for a free market analysis of your home.

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How to Update a Kitchen Before Selling

how to update a kitchen

The best way to get top dollar and sell your home quickly is to make updates that attract buyers. Many homeowners wonder how to update a kitchen without spending a fortune. It usually isn’t necessary to embark on a costly remodeling project. Minor improvements can often make the biggest difference. A few budget-friendly kitchen updates can make your home stand out and attract potential buyers.

Kitchen Updates Buyers Appreciate

Declutter and Clean

Cleaning and decluttering your entire home is essential. The quickest way to make your kitchen look more spacious is to remove unnecessary items and organize the rest. A thorough cleaning from top to bottom will also instantly improve the appearance of your kitchen. This step costs nothing but time and effort. 

Apply Fresh Paint

A new coat of paint is an inexpensive way to update any room. A fresh coat won’t take much time and will instantly brighten your kitchen. If you’re handy with a paintbrush, you can save labor costs by doing it yourself. Remember to prep surfaces correctly before painting. Choosing the right paint color is important. A stark white can feel sterile and uninviting. Light neutral colors, including light grays and creamy whites, are safe choices. Tan colors have a yellow tone and can make a space look dated.

Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Switching out your kitchen hardware is a low-cost way to modernize your kitchen and give it an updated look. There are numerous hardware options available at various price points. Choose hardware with the same hole pattern to make switching out knobs and handles easy. To learn about different types of hardware, refer to Wayfair’s cabinet hardware guide.

Add a Kitchen Backsplash

A backsplash finishes a kitchen and can add a lot of style without spending much money. They also protect your walls from grease and food splatters. If you don’t currently have a backsplash, install one. Backsplash.com has an excellent online gallery to browse for ideas. Busier tiles might be trendy, but they won’t appeal to everybody. A simple backsplash design is probably the best choice.

Update the Sink and Faucet

The kitchen sink and faucet get a lot of use daily. If your sink is worn or cracked, replace it. The current trend is a farmhouse or under-mount sink. If the faucet leaks, have it repaired or replace it with a modern, more efficient model. If your sink or faucet needs to be replaced, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to handle the project.

Replace Dated Light Fixtures

You can add style and substance to any space with the proper lighting. A well-lit kitchen is vital for both safety and aesthetics. Add undercabinet lighting to brighten up work areas. Replace outdated lighting fixtures with more modern options. A simple modern pendant light won’t overpower the design of your kitchen. Remember to make sure every light bulb is working correctly.

Talk to a Real Estate Professional

A common question homeowners ask real estate agents is, “should I remodel or update my kitchen before listing?” There is no simple answer to that question. It depends on your home, the local market, and recently sold homes. If you don’t have the time or money to invest in a major renovation, a few simple upgrades may be all that is needed to make your home shine. You may even be able to update your kitchen on your own if you are an experienced DIYer. Remember, it’s always best to leave plumbing and electrical work to licensed professionals.

There are a lot of kitchen remodeling ideas that can add to the resale value of your home. However, most of them require big budgets. On the other hand, simple kitchen upgrades are practical and far more affordable. Before making any significant changes to your home, speaking with an experienced real estate professional is essential. They can evaluate your home’s condition and advise you before placing it on the market.

Call Sandra Meranda at 314-691-1320 for a free market analysis of your home. Her extensive knowledge of St. Charles and St. Louis Counties helps make selling or buying a home as stress-free as possible.

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Moving with Children

Moving with Children

Moving can be an emotional project for anyone, but it can become a daunting task once you have a family. Although the adults may be excited about the move, it can seriously disrupt a child’s sense of security. Moving with children requires more planning, and there are many things parents can do to ease the transition.

Before the Move

  • Once you have decided to move, actively involve your children. Don’t wait for them to overhear conversations that might worry them; make sure they understand where the family is moving to and why. Whenever possible, involve them in online house shopping and take them along to viewings.
  • It’s normal to be stressed before a move, especially if it’s to a new city or for a new job, but your children will notice your emotions. Stay positive, and talk through any fears your children have about moving. Mark the calendar with your moving date and keep your children updated about the process.
  • Visit your new home before the move, or take an online tour. Let your children pick their new room, and show them around the new neighborhood. This can help build excitement rather than fear.
  • Resist the urge to promise new furnishings and decorations for their new rooms. Having familiar belongings in the new home can help children settle in more quickly. If you do need to buy new items for your child, involve them in making selections.
  • Have a going away party for your current home and neighborhood. Invite their friends and ensure your children know they have plenty of ways to stay in touch with their friends.

When You Move

  • Explain the moving process to your children. If professional movers will be coming to help you pack and move, explain the process. A visual timetable of the day and what is likely to happen when keeps surprises to a minimum.
  • As you pack up your home, allow your kids time to pack their belongings as much as possible. Allowing them to pack last and helping them pack their things in special boxes lets them know their belongings have value.
  • Keep some of their favorite toys or belongings with you in the car rather than in the moving van. It will help with the trip, and your kids will have something to play with while waiting to unpack at the new home. 
  • Give everyone a job to do once you arrive at the new house. Even young children can help with moving and unpacking tasks. Have them unpack their room or help with easy chores around the house.

After the Move

  • Take your children around their new town and neighborhood to show them the great things they’ll get to know. Find a park, bike through your community, visit the local library or a bakery. Introduce your children to the neighbors to help them feel at home in the new neighborhood.
  • Help your children adjust to a new location by giving them time and space. As they adjust, encourage them to get involved in activities they have always enjoyed to meet new people.
  • For adolescents, the hardest part of a move is leaving behind close friends. Friendships are usually critical to older children; teenagers, in particular, can feel isolated after moving to a new community. Signing your children up for extracurricular activities is a good way to help them meet people with similar interests. Signing up in advance helps them start making new friends faster.
  • While meeting new people, encourage your children to stay in touch with old friends. Technology has given everyone the means to keep in touch, and even young children can utilize technology to stay in touch with family and friends. 

Stay Positive 

While it’s often necessary for adults to move for jobs or other reasons, it’s challenging for children to start over at a new school and make new friends. They don’t have a say in where they go or what they leave behind. Moving with children can be challenging, but a little preparation goes a long way. For additional suggestions, check out Parents.com for recommendations on easing the process for every age, from toddlers to teenagers. For packing advice, check out these suggestions from professional movers.

Contact Sandra

Cell: 314-691-1320
Office: 636-946-2020
Contact Sandra

 

ReeceNichols – St. Charles

2171 Bluestone Dr.
St. Charles, MO 63303

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