Blog - Sandra Meranda

May 12, 2020 by changescapeweb

Get Top Price for Your Home By Decorating It to Sell

Decorating your home may be a great way to show your taste and standard, but another use of home décor is to add detail and make it look trendy enough to be able to ask a higher price for your home.

The following are amazingly clever, but easy ways to get a better financial return for your house should you decide to sell it:

Replace out of date tiles or use marble
When planning to sell a home that’s been around for some years, replacing worn-out tiles or changing it to marble floors in your kitchen can give it a huge upgrade to a more elegant and expensive look. Even just using it sparingly on a spot like the baking area, is enough to transform that part of the floor.

Pick a harmonious Color Scheme
Pick a color that can tie everything together. Transform any room by giving it a new splash of color. Use creams and beiges to make it look more extravagant. Light colors can make a room feel larger than it is. If you prefer to use dark color themes, then go for greys and black. Using textured wallpaper can also help you achieve that classy makeover on a small budget.
Choosing rugs and curtains that go well together, can also help you get cohesion that subconsciously signals harmony and luxury.

Lighting
Lighting is a great way to add atmosphere and improve the look of your home. Choose a focal point in the room and install a dimmer to create a luxurious atmosphere. Remove any furniture that may be blocking the natural light from coming in. Add lamps in dark spaces. You may have an expensive home, but if you can’t see the beauty of it, then the beauty will go unnoticed.

Try to get light fixtures that are not the cheapest or from the nearest IKEA, so you won’t have one that looks the same in a nearby house. Remember, people who look for houses usually have several choices for a future home, so it is highly likely for them to see fixtures or décor that they’ve already seen somewhere else.

Stick to Minimalism
It seems nice to keep on buying “stuff” for your home, but some items you won’t need for the long-term and will only take up space. Too much décor can actually make your home look less attractive, not more.

Keep entryways clutter-free. Entryways are one of the first areas of a house that can make a good impression. It should always be clean, spacious and organized for first-time guests to have that feeling that they’re stepping into that perfect home.

Use a minimalist shoe rack to organize shoes and avoid clutter. A messy space will only keep your home from looking attractive.

Hang Unique Wall Pieces
Try hanging a Tapestry to a bare wall. Adding this décor will give your room a different look, with a minimalist statement. Any unique wall décor piece like frames and DIY art, will look great as long as it is properly placed.

If you want to make your home look more upgraded & attractive, make it look “intentional” that you wanted it to look that way. Use furniture, home accessories, and meaningful pieces that match well, to make it look like you put in the effort to make it that perfect home for a lucky buyer!

March 2, 2020 by changescapeweb

Ultimate Guide to Finding Accessible Housing While You’re House Hunting

Image via Pixaby

According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly one in five Americans has a disability that affects their ability to walk, climb, hear, see, lift, or perform basic daily activities without the use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane. However, less than one percent of homes are wheelchair accessible — and only about a third could be modified to meet the needs of those with mobility impairments. While fewer housing options are available to accommodate individuals with disabilities, accessible homes are out there, and this guide will help you to find what you need.

Make a List of Must-Have Features

Before you begin your search for accessible housing, make a list of the features you’ll need in a home. If you hold moderate mobility impairments, for instance, you may need a one-level home, stepless entryways, an entry-level bathroom and bedroom (or an elevator on the main floor), and at least one accessible bathroom with safety handrails or grab bars.

If you need a wheelchair accessible home, then your list may include the aforementioned requirements in addition to the following:

Wide hallways and doorways
Doors with handles rather than knobs
Sinks with levers or handles
Flat surfaces between rooms (no steps)
Accessible features throughout the home, including accessible electrical switches and outlets, thermostats, countertops, and cabinets

If a home doesn’t contain these features, you may be able to modify the property in the future to make it more accessible. For example, you may be able to install a wheelchair ramp, lower the countertops and cabinets, replace the door and sink handles, and modify the kitchen or bathroom to make these rooms more accessible.

Moreover, several grants are available to assist you in making your home more accessible, comfortable, and livable if you hold a disability. A couple of options include the Modest Needs’ Self-Sufficiency Grant and the USDA’s Rural Housing Repair Loan/Grant.

Where to Find Accessible Homes for Sale

When you’re looking to buy a home but have a mobility impairment or disability, it’s important to work directly with a real estate agent who has experience in working with disabled clients, as he or she can help you to find accessible or potentially modifiable homes. If you are 50 years of age or older, however, you may choose to work with a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

In addition to working with a real estate agent, you can search for homes online by visiting websites such as:

Accessible Properties. Through Accessible Properties, you can search for accessible homes for sale in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
Barrier-Free Home. Whichever state you live in, you can search for wheelchair-accessible homes, condos, and apartments in your area.
Zillow and Trulia. Through these websites, you can create a search filter for “accessible” as you look for homes in your desired area.

Explore Your Financing Options

As you search for accessible housing, you may need a loan to finance the purchase of your new home. However, many financial assistance programs are available to assist disabled homebuyers, including the Homeownership Voucher Program under the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HomeReady Mortgages through Fannie Mae, and additional housing assistance under Habitat for Humanity.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, then you may also qualify for a mortgage under the Federal Housing Administration (known as an FHA loan). Before applying for a loan, however, it’s important to check your credit score, gather any documents you may need to apply for a mortgage, and work with a trusted lender to determine how much money you can afford to spend on the purchase of a home. After you’ve done so, look for an experienced real estate agent who can walk you through the entire home buying process.

While finding the perfect home can be a bit more difficult when you hold a mobility impairment or disability, these simple tips will help you to find accessible homes for sale in your area. Try not to worry if you can’t find a fully accessible home right away — your real estate agent can show you potentially modifiable homes as well.

December 18, 2019 by changescapeweb

4 Staging Strategies to Help You Sell Your Home Faster This Winter

Source: Unsplash

When you decide that you’re ready to sell your home and relocate, many people will advise you to wait until the weather gets a little warmer before listing it on the market. But should you really hold off until the holidays are over if you know that you want to move? Although it goes against popular wisdom, showing your home to prospective buyers during the winter months actually has some unexpected advantages.

According to Frederick Real Estate, fewer people selling their homes at this time of year means less competition for you, and everyone from real estate agents to contractors will have more room in their schedules to accommodate your needs. However, you might need to put a little more thought into staging and dealing with harsh weather. These tips will help you stage your home during the colder months to increase your curb appeal and impress potential buyers.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Hazardous winter weather can present some additional challenges to both buyers and sellers. Before any buyers come by, make sure that walkways are clear of snow, ice, mud, and leaves — you don’t want anyone slipping and falling on their way to the house.

The weather can also be a concern on your own moving day. If you’re moving in the winter, trying to drive a large truck by yourself might not be advisable — let an experienced crew who knows how to navigate in inclement weather handle those responsibilities. Carefully research local moving companies and read over reviews. You can’t control the elements, but you can choose how you deal with the circumstances!

Add a Pop of Color

The dreary winter weather might not provide the most attractive backdrop to your home. However, you can create some contrast with a few pops of color. If you’re planning on decorating outside for the holiday season, keep it simple and make sure that your brightly colored decor complements the hues of your home’s siding. A new coat of paint on the mailbox and even an eye-catching set of house numbers can work wonders. Toss a cute welcome mat down and hang a wreath on the door to liven things up a bit.

Fresh Paint Job

Sometimes, a fresh outdoor paint job is just what your home needs for wintertime curb appeal. Check it out from the street yourself, and get a second opinion from a friend – if the consensus is that it looks a little drab, it’s time for a touch-up. You don’t need to paint the entire house. Repainting the window shutters and the front door is a quicker, more cost-effective option. Got a window box? Give it a fresh coat, too. Lowes also recommends looking into an exterior garage makeover; don’t ignore this important section of the house! Your goal is to make your home look like an inviting oasis despite the cold climate, and a basic paint job is key.

The Right Lighting

When it comes to your home’s interior, the right lighting can make all the difference, especially since the sun sets earlier this time of year. Ensure that all the lighting in the kitchen is bright enough for cooking and entertaining. Change the bulbs in bedside lamps, and consider a floor lamp for your living room. Wall-mounted lighting in hallways can also look elegant. You might even want to install an outdoor lamp by your front door to give your porch a warm glow.

Selling your home during the fall or winter might seem like a risky choice, but you might be surprised by how quickly you find a buyer. It’s all about considering the presentation from the buyer’s point of view and getting the aesthetics just right. And when your staging choices help you clinch that sale, you can ring in the New Year by celebrating as you put up that “Sold” sign.

October 18, 2019 by changescapeweb

Home Sweet Home: How to Help Your Senior Loved One Downsize

Photo courtesy of Pexels

Moving is hard for anyone. Downsizing during one’s golden years, however, can be the most difficult move of all. We grow to love our homes. They make us feel safe, comforted, and loved. However, as we age, it can become too difficult or too expensive to stay in the same place we’ve called home for the past several years.

If you’re reading this article, chances are that you or someone you love is considering a downsize. Downsizing can be a daunting process, especially for seniors who have decades of nostalgic memories tied to their current homes and belongings. Luckily, with some careful planning, you can successfully downsize and reclaim the best years of your life.

Here are some tips on ensuring a smooth process.

Do Your Homework

Before touring any homes, research local properties online. Search homes by price in your area to get a feel for which home sizes, prices, and locations work best for your senior loved one.

As you search for the ideal property, take note of the average cost of homes for sale in your desired location. For instance, Redfin reports that the average sale price of a home in St. Charles this past month was $232,000. Knowing these numbers helps you not only budget for your new home, but also estimate how much you can expect to get for your current home.

Have Compassion

Deciding where to move and what to keep or discard can bring up many emotions. Many people even experience grief when it’s time to say goodbye to their beloved home. By showing your loved one some empathy and compassion, you can help them cope with this difficult process.

Start by capturing plenty of photos of each room and making a photo book, which your loved one can reflect on at their new home. Tell them to take time saying goodbye and allow them to express their feelings.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, the best way to cope with the emotions of downsizing is to have social support. Make it a family affair, and invite others to help sort and pack belongings. When settling into a new home, it’s important to also plug into the neighborhood. By engaging with local resources and making new friends as quickly as possible, your loved one can transition into a new chapter of life and avoid feeling estranged in the new community.

What should you do with the items you can’t take with you? You might consider selling those belongings rather than tossing them in the trash. Or you could donate items to a local humane society, Salvation Army, or sell them to a vintage store. As a fringe benefit, for the items you donate it’s possible to receive a tax deduction.

Plan the Move

When it comes to planning a smooth move, start by creating a moving budget. Your budget should include tasks like transportation of all belongings to your new home, the cost of hiring movers, and potential costs to repair anything unexpectedly damaged during the move. Although it cost a little extra to hire professional movers, you might find that it’s worth it in the long run.

By leaving your moving day to the professionals, you’ll reduce your stress level, as well as your risks of injury or damaged items. Before hiring a moving crew, search for reputable local movers who have excellent customer reviews and fit your budget.

There’s a lot of thought that goes into downsizing and moving, especially as we age. Before relocating, seniors must consider where to move, what to keep or get rid of, and how to plan a smooth move. It’s no small feat, but with the right planning, you can ensure a successful downsize. With a smaller, lower-maintenance space, you’ll be happy you settled into a new home where you can make lasting memories for years to come.

April 22, 2019 by changescapeweb

Top Tips First-Time Homebuyers Need to Successfully Invest in a Fixer-Upper

Buying a home for the first time is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. And while this isn’t a decision to be made lightly, it’s hard to not let emotions get involved too. Many first-time home buyers choose to buy a fixer-upper, whether as a way to afford their dream home or to turn a profit. Either way, if you’re considering a fixer-upper, you need to know what to expect and how to keep the emotional and practical considerations in balance.

Finding and Buying Your Fixer-Upper

When you start searching for fixer-upper properties in your area, you need to determine what the true cost will be. Of course, the cost of buying a home is only one of several factors to consider. The cost of repairs needs to be included in your overall budget too. Money Crashers recommends making a list of exactly which repairs are needed, paying close attention to anything structural. A professional home inspector can help address structural issues and uncover any hidden concerns.

When writing your list of repairs, be careful not to take on more than you can handle. Buying a fixer-upper is only a good investment when you can keep costs low, which means you should expect to do much of the work yourself. With that in mind, it’s easy to get carried away with dreams and plans, but you don’t want to get in over your head with more DIY repairs than you can manage.

Once you have found the right home that fits your budget, start exploring options to finance it. Don’t overlook loans designed for a fixer-upper purchase, which have built-in reserves for funding your renovation projects. If you’re a veteran who has served on active duty for six months or more, you’re likely eligible for a VA loan. With this type of loan, you can get reduced interest rates, and you can purchase your home without having to make a down payment (as long as you don’t buy your home for more than its appraised value).

Think About Resale Before Buying

Even before you buy, start thinking about whether you plan on staying in or selling the home once it’s all fixed up. Flipping a home for a profit can be a great investment, but going into it with that plan will likely affect some remodeling decisions. The location of your home makes a difference in resale value too. If you’re planning on remodeling your dream home and staying put for a while, this is less of a concern. But if you plan on selling the house soon afterwards, make sure you don’t overimprove for the neighborhood. If you plan on adding upscale features, you’re better off buying in a nice or up-and-coming neighborhood so you can get the price you’re hoping for.

Remodeling Right

Once you close on your new home, where do you start with repairs? Before you jump in, determine which projects you can do yourself and what you should hire out. Don’t try to take on anything that would be unsafe to do yourself, such as electrical work, but be prepared to put in some sweat equity as much as possible. Make sure you have all the right power tools for DIY repairs, including a few necessities such as the best drills, sanders, and jigsaws.

Structural repairs or any work that needs to be done on the exterior of the home should come first. These projects are essential for your safety if you’re living in the home. You should also prioritize updating old HVAC systems, and take care of any wiring or plumbing problems.

After completing essential structural repairs, be strategic about which remodeling projects you choose next. According to HGTV, kitchen and bathroom projects are always safe bets for resale, so they’re a good place to focus some time and money. Whether you plan on staying or selling, you always want to keep resale value of projects in mind. It’s always smart to keep design in line with the home’s style and avoid anything that’s too trendy.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the process of buying a fixer-upper, but the end result is often worth the work. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to rush into anything. Do your homework before buying and remodeling for a smart purchase that pays off.

Photo credit: Pixabay

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