Blog - Sandra Meranda

June 24, 2022 by changescapeweb

10 Packing Tips: Great Advice From Professional Movers

Many small and large things can go wrong during a move, but with some planning and preparation, you can ensure it’s as stress-free as possible. If you haven’t moved in a long time, you may be surprised at how long it takes to pack up your belongings. Even a short move across town can be time-consuming and costly.

Between moving vans, fuel, and supplies, the cost of moving can quickly add up. According to data from Angi, the national average for a short-distance move is $1,400 and can be significantly more if you move out of state. It may be helpful to use a moving cost calculator to estimate what a move within your zip code could cost you.

When it’s time to move, you have several options to choose from – you can do the packing and move everything on your own, or you can hire someone to pack your belongings and move them. You can also pack your belongings and hire professional movers to load and unload them. Packing your household items allows you to declutter and will save you money.

Ten Packing Tips From Professional Movers

1. Invest in Good Packing Boxes

Buy boxes designed for moving. These boxes can handle anything homeowners are likely to pack and won’t collapse like free boxes from the grocery store. You can buy packing boxes and supplies online or in most hardware stores. Make sure you have appropriately sized boxes for what you’re packing. Large boxes are for lighter items like towels, clothing, and bedding. Small boxes are for heavier items, including dishes and books. If you only have large boxes, you’ll fill the empty spaces with paper, waste packing materials, and valuable space in your moving van.

2. Don’t Pack What You Don’t Need

If you haven’t moved in a while, you might be surprised at just how much stuff you have accumulated! On average, each American household has 300,000 items, and many of those items are rarely used. Why pay to move things that you don’t need? Moving is a great time to declutter. Donate unused or unwanted items, give them away to family and friends, or have a yard sale, but don’t pack things you aren’t likely to use in your new home.

3. Start Packing Early

Professional movers estimate that for the average 3-bedroom home, you could spend 3-5 full days packing, assuming there are no delays and you have all the necessary boxes and packing materials. Anything you won’t need before your moving date should be packed ahead of time. This includes:

Seasonal clothing
Holiday decorations
Guest rooms
Basements, attics, sheds, and garages

4. Don’t Wait to Pack the Kitchen

The kitchen takes the longest to pack, primarily because of all the breakable items. Always stack dishes upwards, and avoid breakage by using boxes designed for glassware and dishes. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect china and other items rather than newspaper to prevent stains.

5. Don’t Leave Empty Spaces In Boxes

Fill in gaps with packing paper, clothing, or towels. Unbalanced boxes are harder to move and are more likely to collapse when stacked in a moving truck.

6. Don’t Mix Items From Different Rooms

Get enough boxes so that you aren’t mixing items from different rooms. It will make both packing and unpacking easier.

7. Use Wardrobe Boxes

It makes little sense to take clothes off hangers. Save time at both ends of a move by using special wardrobe boxes designed for hanging clothes.

8. Clearly Label Each Box

Label each box with the room destination and a brief description of the contents. This will help you, and your movers know where every box belongs in your new home. Number each box and keep an inventory list to track what you’ve packed and ensure everything arrives safely. Label the top and at least one side of the box to locate items more quickly.

9. Take Photos

Before you tape a box shut, snap a photo to keep a record of the contents. If you’re moving valuable items such as antiques, artwork, or electronics, make sure to document their condition before the move. Accurate photos of your belongings prior to the move will increase your chances of being reimbursed for loss or damage.

10. Keep All Important Documents in One Place

If you’re utilizing a professional moving company, it’s best to keep all of your sensitive documents in a safe place and move them yourself. This includes passports, social security cards, marriage licenses, insurance information, and any other personal information you don’t want misplaced, lost, or stolen.

Prepare a Moving Checklist

In addition to packing, there are many other things to take care of before moving into a new home. A thorough moving checklist will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything. Here are just a few essential things to take care of:

Contact Your Service Companies

Contact all of your utility and service providers to cancel or transfer your services. Have the electric, gas, sewer, water, internet, phone, and trash services placed in your name and new address. Cancel newspapers, cable, pest control, lawn, and other services at least one week before your move.

Forward Your Mail

Go to www.usps.com to have your mail forwarded. It’s best to allow at least two weeks’ notice. Your mail forwarding service will eventually expire, so remember to update your address with all of your important contacts. Contact your banks, credit card companies, doctors, family and friends directly to update them with your new address.

Get Moving Insurance

Accidents happen, so check to see if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers your items during the move. Adequate insurance coverage is essential for long-distance moves. If you’re handling the move yourself or the moving company you hire doesn’t offer coverage, look into moving insurance to protect your property.

Pack a First Day Essentials Box

Fill a clear plastic tub with the essential items you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. This should contain important things such as toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning supplies, toiletries, light bulbs, first aid supplies, pet supplies, and other essential items your family needs. Don’t forget to have water, snacks, and necessary medications readily available.

Hire Moving Help

Hire a moving company or rent a truck if you have much to move. Rental vans and trucks are busiest on the first and last of the month when most rental leases end, so reserve well in advance. If you plan to do it yourself, rent a truck with a ramp to make loading and unloading easier. Hiring a professional moving company is money well spent if you have a lot of heavy furniture and bulky boxes to load and unload.

Enjoy Your New Home!

Moving into a new home should be an exciting time for your family. With some upfront planning and organization, you can alleviate the stress of packing and moving and start enjoying your new home sooner. Your real estate agent is an excellent resource for planning your move. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.

March 29, 2022 by changescapeweb

7 Simple Tips to Prepare Your Home to Sell

Selling a home can be stressful anytime, but springtime might be perfect for preparing your home to sell. The cold winter months are behind us, and warmer temperatures make it easier to get your home ready to put on the market. Setting your home apart from the competition and getting top dollar means making a great first impression.

Most buyers are looking for neutral colors, clean lines, and open spaces. You want your home to feel spacious, bright, clean, and move-in ready. Here are seven tips to prepare your home when it’s time to sell.

1. Freshen Up Your Curb Appeal

Buyers start judging your home before they walk through the front door. If your mailbox has seen better days, replace it. A fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive way to update a tired front door. Adding colorful plantings and new mulch to flower beds will brighten the front yard. If your home’s siding is dirty, power washing removes pollen, dust, and mildew stains and will make it look new again.

2. Make Minor Repairs

If you’ve lived in your home for a while, there are probably several issues you’ve learned to live with, such as chipped or faded paint, missing fence boards, leaky faucets, and flickering lights. Potential buyers will notice these minor problems and may assume there are more significant problems to uncover. Making a few inexpensive repairs sends the message that your home is well cared for and move-in ready.

3. Declutter and Organize

Clutter is distracting to buyers as they attempt to imagine living in a home. Overcrowded closets and cabinets convey that your home doesn’t have adequate storage. Remove anything you don’t need from cupboards and cabinets and organize the rest. Excess furniture makes rooms feel smaller and reduces flow. You want to project a sense of roominess and plenty of storage space.

4. Deep Clean

Cleaning your house before it goes on the market is an essential task. Set aside several days to tackle the job or hire a professional to thoroughly clean from top to bottom. The kitchen and bathrooms need to be immaculate. Wash all windows both inside and out. Thoroughly vacuum or shampoo carpets if necessary. A bright, spotless home will look appealing and well-maintained.

5. Remove Personal Items

Potential buyers need to be able to visualize their family living in your house. Remove personal items, including family photos, knickknacks, family heirlooms, scattered toys, and other belongings that could distract potential buyers. While a few decorative items are fine, too many are distracting. The goal is to create a neutral look that allows people to see a clean slate they could make their own.

6. Touch Up and Repaint

Go room by room, and if you have any bold or bright colors, repaint with a white or light neutral color. White paint makes rooms look larger, brighter and appeals to most home buyers. Touch up any smudged or dirty areas, including doors, baseboards, and trim. A fresh coat of paint is a relatively inexpensive way to make a home look clean, fresh, and move-in ready.

7. Don’t Over Invest In Expensive Remodeling Projects

Increasing home value and getting a significant return on your investment isn’t the same thing. The most recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) remodeling impact report reveals that homeowners who invested in expensive upscale kitchen remodels only recouped 53-58% of the cost when they sold. Far less costly kitchen upgrades realized a 77% return on investment. If you’re remodeling in hopes of recouping the cost when you sell, it’s essential to work with an experienced local realtor. They’ll know what homebuyers in your market are willing to pay for when searching for a new home.

The Bottom Line

Properly preparing your home is critical if you want to sell fast and for top dollar. If you’re unsure where to start, work with an experienced real estate professional. They’ll be able to assess your home and give you expert advice on the best ways to prepare your home before placing it on the market.

March 4, 2022 by changescapeweb

9 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Creating a great first impression starts from the outside. If a home has good curb appeal, that means it’s attractive to the eye and inspires confidence. Curb appeal is an effective way to get potential buyers in the door. Great curb appeal helps sell a home faster and often for more money because of its positive impact on buyers.

Even in today’s low-inventory housing market, it’s essential to evaluate your home’s curb appeal before putting it on the market. Not putting some effort into ensuring your home’s exterior looks its best can deter potential buyers and drive down the perceived value of your home. It often doesn’t take much time or money to improve your home’s curb appeal.

Nine Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal

1. Declutter and Clean
Keep your driveway, walkways, and lawn free of unnecessary clutter. Gather and store toys, yard tools, old newspapers, garden hoses, and excessive lawn ornaments. Simplify so that your home’s architecture and landscaping are what people notice.

2. Wash the Siding and Windows
If your home’s exterior is dirty, use a pressure washer to remove dust, grime, mold, mildew, and algae stains from the siding. Make sure to thoroughly clean windows both inside and out. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure your windows are free from streaks, dirt, and dust.

3. Upgrade Your Mailbox
If your mailbox has seen better days, replace it. Choose a mailbox that blends in with others in your neighborhood. Add flowers at the base for a pop of color. Remember to place easy-to-read house numbers on the new mailbox.

4. Replace Your House Numbers
Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to locate an address when you’re house hunting. If your house numbers are faded, too small, or out of style, replace them. Look for modern house numbers made from aluminum, brass, or steel. If possible, match the finish on your home’s exterior light fixtures.

5. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Overgrown yards not only block the view of a home, but they also look uninviting to neighbors and potential buyers. Overgrown landscaping can damage the siding on your home and act as a natural bridge for squirrels, raccoons, and mice that might try to gain access to your home. To keep your home from looking unkempt, regularly trim shrubs and trees.

6. Clean Driveways and Sidewalks
Too often, it’s easy to focus on the landscaping and forget about the hardscape areas, including concrete sidewalks and driveways. Use a pressure washer to clean off dirt and grime and give these areas a fresh, clean appearance. Ensure paver stones, stepping stones, or bricks are secure and create safe footing for visitors walking to and from your home.

7. Stage Your Front Entrance
Your home’s front entrance is the focal point of your curb appeal. Thoroughly clean the entrance and add a new doormat. Make a statement by giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. If your door is outdated or damaged, replace it with a new entry door. Liveable outdoor space is in high demand. If you have a front porch, add furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere. Even a small chair or table can boost an entrance area’s curb appeal.

8. Replace or Paint Shutters
Shutters are a focal point on homes, so paint or replace them if yours are faded, chipped, or look outdated. Updating your shutters with a fresh coat of paint will give your home an instant upgrade for minimal cost. Replacing dated or damaged shutters is a low-cost upgrade that will instantly improve your home’s appearance.

9. Clean and Repair the Roof and Gutters
Your roof makes up a large percentage of your home’s exterior. If your roof is damaged, dirty, or missing shingles, it can hurt the value of your home. Sometimes a thorough cleaning and minor repairs are all that is needed to make your roof look new again. Make sure gutters are clean and properly attached to your home as well.

First Impressions Matter in Real Estate
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Buyers often assume that a home with good curb appeal has been well maintained and is worth more than similar homes. A few simple upgrades can improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more appealing to prospective buyers when it’s time to sell your home.

June 23, 2021 by changescapeweb

8 Tips for Buying a Home In a Seller’s Market

Buying a home can be an emotional process. Searching for financing, setting a budget, attending open houses, dealing with home inspections, appraisals and more can make the entire process stressful at the best of times. But when you’re trying to purchase a home in a seller’s market, the challenges increase dramatically.

A seller’s market is one where there are more people wanting to buy homes than houses for sale. Low home inventory pushes up prices and bidding wars have become common in some areas of the country. In addition to higher prices and the need to make quick decisions, homebuyers face stiff competition from other buyers who are often ready to waive all contingencies. These tips can help make the home buying process less stressful:

Set a Realistic Budget

Taking the time to determine exactly what you need and can afford before you start house hunting is important. It’s best to limit house shopping to properties that are within your established budget. People who look at homes outside their budgets often end up in the dangerous position of trying to stretch beyond their means or end up feeling unsatisfied with what they can actually afford.

Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan

By obtaining a preapproval for a mortgage before you start your home search, you’ll know exactly how much buying power you have. To obtain pre-approval, a borrower has to submit basic financial information and provide access to their credit report. Sellers are more likely to accept an offer from a pre-approved buyer because it means there will be fewer issues finalizing the mortgage.

Be Patient and Flexible

It’s not unusual for buyers to submit numerous offers before they finally have one accepted. When inventory is low, homebuyers often can’t afford to wait for the perfect house to hit the market. Distinguishing between what is fixable and what is not is a key part of house-hunting. If a home meets your needs in terms of location and size, small cosmetic imperfections should not be a deterrent to making an offer. Adjusting your expectations can expand your options but don’t compromise on true essentials. For example, you shouldn’t buy a two-bedroom home if you know you need three bedrooms to comfortably accommodate your entire family.

Make a Cash Offer

For sellers, an all-cash offer is very appealing and leads to a higher likelihood of your offer being accepted. If you don’t have to use a mortgage lender, there’s no financing contingency, which shows sellers you aren’t likely to pull out of the deal due to financial problems. Cash sales can also happen quicker and lead to a smoother home sale.

Waive Extra Contingencies

In a seller’s market, many buyers submit an offer without certain contingencies as a way to stand out from competing offers. Waiving contingencies gives the sellers an advantage by taking away protections from the buyer and should only be done with the recommendation and oversight of an experienced real estate agent. Skipping home inspections can be risky for buyers, so it’s important to understand exactly what you are forfeiting as a homebuyer if you decide to waive contingencies.

Be Willing to Negotiate

Both buying and selling are stressful, so being willing to work with a seller is important. A vital aspect of successfully negotiating a home purchase is understanding what the seller wants and it’s not always the highest offer. For example, if a seller needs extra time to vacate due to another home purchase or construction, you may be able to grant them additional time in exchange for something you want – like having the home repainted. With houses selling quickly, some homebuyers are agreeing to rent the seller the house for 30 days after purchase, so they have time to look for a new house, in exchange for a discounted purchase price.

Work With An Experienced Agent

Buying a new home is stressful even in the best of times. In a seller’s market, homebuyers need all of the help they can get. An experienced real estate agent can save both time and money by helping you find the right property and negotiating with the seller on your behalf. They can help you determine if your budget is realistic for the area and point you to nearby neighborhoods that might also meet your needs. Agents can also refer you to other professionals like home inspectors, contractors, appraisers and title companies during the home buying process.

Don’t Rush the Process

Finally, don’t feel pressured to buy a property you don’t feel good about – even in a seller’s market. Buying a house that you really don’t like or that doesn’t fit your needs is never a wise decision. Purchasing a home is the single biggest financial transaction most of us ever make so it’s important to take your time and make the right decision – even in a seller’s market.

November 16, 2020 by changescapeweb

Your Home No Longer Meets Your Needs: Now What?

These days, many families find themselves in a position where their current home simply doesn’t meet their needs, currently or their future needs. Maybe there aren’t enough bedrooms or bathrooms. Maybe it’s the kitchen that’s too small and hopelessly outdated. Your layout may not fit your personal style. Your home may be no longer be as desirable as it once was.

If you do find yourself in this situation, what’s your next move? Well, you have three options:

remodel your current home
move to a home in a new neighborhood that better suits your needs
design and build a new home

Each option has its own set of pros and cons and your family must consider all of them and their nuances before making such an important decision. The accompanying infographic, Renovate, Move or Build a New Home?, offers a brief list of factors to consider before choosing. Things to consider include your budget, emotional ties to your neighborhood and home, the current real estate market, your tolerance of inconvenience, the amount of available free time, and more.

Renovate, Move or Build a New Home? from Silver Leaf Construction

It all comes down to a balancing act. You must weigh your desire for what you want against your ability to pay for it. A serious consideration of the infographic’s reasons for choosing one
option over the other will help you decide which way to go in pursuit of your dream home. Check it out — the advice is sure to help you hit a home run!