Fall Real Estate & Home Improvement Guide 2019

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Fall Real Estate & Home Improvement | 2019

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Impactful Weekend Projects

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f your home needs some modern updates but you can’t find the time or room in your budget for a significant renovation, consider a small project for big results. It doesn’t always have to cost a fortune to make a change. © Adobe Stock

improved coverings. You can find DIYfriendly materials to do the install yourself like interlocking planks of vinyl or adhesivebacked carpet or tile. For some jobs like installing hardwood or stretching room-sized carpet, some special tools and research may be necessary to perform the jobs without the help of an expert.

REARRANGE THE FURNITURE

Many jobs with large impacts are easily achievable with a minor understanding of home renovations. While some major projects may be best suited for a professional, don’t be afraid to try a simple job as you become familiar with DIY repairs and upgrades.

Here are a few quick and easy ideas to

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consider when updating your home over a weekend.

REPLACE FLOORING

A quick renovation that makes a big difference is replacing dated flooring with

focal points in the room. For instance, chairs and couches should face your television setup or a relaxing view in front of the window.

Consider the available lighting in a room from windows and fixtures like lamps. To add more light, consider installing in-floor outlets to give yourself more options when using a floating furniture design.

TOUCH UP TRIM

You can give an old room new life by simply rearranging your existing furniture. Follow these tips from Better Homes and Gardens to make a statement with your new display.

Go for a long and lean design with plenty of room for foot traffic and use end tables on both ends of the sofa.

Arrange your furniture to showcase main

When you don’t want to paint an entire room, even minor touch ups to your trim can make a big difference. In addition to choosing neutral colors as accents, you can make it stand out by using a high-sheen gloss but remember that it may highlight imperfections in the nearby walls.

If the defects are too noticeable, you may benefit from patching them up and coating with a matching paint color.

Basic Plumbing Tips

or the beginning DIY-er,plumbing can seem like a monumental skill to acquire. But fixing leaky fixtures and slowrunning toilets requires only the proper tools and basic knowledge of how plumbing works.

The most important course of action you can take regarding your home’s plumbing is to continually pay attention to its performance and systems.

The quicker you are able to identify a leak or drain issue, the more likely you are to avoid major damage to your home and wallet.

By understanding the common plumbing issues that all homeowners deal with at one time or another, you will be able to take on basic challenges before they become fullblown emergencies.

COMMON ISSUES

Faucets leak, toilets clog and pipes break.

Any homeowner can tell you that. It is what you choose to do about these problems that can mean the difference between a quick fix or a pricey call to the plumber.

Educate yourself on your home’s basic plumbing systems – both the water service and the drain. Know where your shutoff valves are for your main service, washer, sinks, toilets and icemakers for quick access during emergency situations.

THE RIGHT TOOLS

If you’re spending more time lately tending to your home’s plumbing needs, then you have probably become quite familiar with the

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pipe wrench.

This tool is vital in your ability to loosen and tighten pipes of all sizes, and troubleshoot issues. Plumbers’ putty also comes in handy when replacing sink fixtures and drain coverings, as does teflon tape for effectively wrapping threads of shower heads and pipes. © Adobe Stock

PLUMBING EMERGENCIES

Of course, some homeowners will unfortunately experience major plumbing emergencies that require professional help. Always have the number of a reputable, certified

plumber handy in case of such a situation.

Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for comprehensive repairs, but also take comfort in the fact that the job will be correctly executed and often guaranteed for the life of any new parts.

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Fall Real Estate & Home Improvement | 2019

Modernize Dated Design Schemes

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© Adobe Stock

specially if you live in an older home, the featured materials may not fit into today’s popular styles.

Whether you are planning to pursue a real estate sale or further improve your forever home, the condition of your property can have a significant impact.

If you’re unfamiliar with trends that are past their prime, here are some things to look for when you’re deciding what to update.

PANELING AND WALLPAPER

Dated wall coverings can quickly make a home look drab and uninspiring.

Instead, consider removing old-fashioned paneling or wallpaper and replacing it with a layer of drywall. A professional install is relatively inexpensive, at a national average of $1.50 per-square-foot, according to Home Advisor. It’s also easy to work with when coating it with unique coats of paint and using accents to highlight other features in your rooms.

GLASS BLOCK WINDOWS

These windows gained popularity because of their ability to allow light to pass through walls and illuminate to other rooms. However, the trend that was used in many bathrooms doesn’t fit in most of today’s modernized styles.

Depending on the size of the window, a replacement can be a costly renovation.

However, replacing it with a modern option can enhance the appearance. If you find yourself missing the additional light they provided, consider installing a skylight to allow natural light to wash into your room.

ANALOG THERMOSTAT

An attractive wall can be held back by the presence of an analog thermostat.

While many view this tool as a simple way to control their heating and cooling system, an updated model can bring a

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sleek appearance to a room.

Digital options are available to bring a splash of modernization to your home but a color touchscreen model can become a powerful accent that works both visually and practically.

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that can be controlled from an app on your smartphone from anywhere in the world.

They’re not only attractive but will also save you money since you are able to activate or deactivate your HVAC system while you’re away from home.

Renovations that Add Value

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hether you’re planning to sell your property or wish to invest in your forever home, fall is a great time to renovate.

As the distractions of having fun in the sun pass with summer, take advantage of cooler weather to improve the appearance and increase the value of your house.

While searching for a lender, you should plan to shop around for competitive interest rates, reasonable terms and manageable payment obligations. Make sure to disclose your desire to acquire a home-improvement loan as it features attractive benefits to borrowers.

Here are a few common repairs that homeowners perform to add value to their home.

KITCHEN UPGRADES

The kitchen has long been regarded as a room that attracts the most attention. If your cabinets or appliances are outdated, refreshing them to more modern standards can change the entire aesthetic of your room. You can also use an attractive backsplash to tie together countertops and cabinets during a renovation.

For more extreme (and expensive) upgrades, redesigning the layout of cabinets or adding an island is another value-enhancing trend. If your new blueprint requires you to remove walls,

it’s best to hire an expert who can ensure loadbearing stabilizers remain unaltered.

FINISHING THE BASEMENT

This renovation may be an expensive investment but can add ample living space to your home’s square footage. While HomeAdvisor suggests that homeowners should expect to pay between $10,000 and $27,000 when converting a basement, the extra space for a new bedroom or office can add tremendous upside to your property.

REDO YOUR FLOORS

Carpet doesn’t hold the same fashion sense as it used to. Updating your floor coverings with high quality hardwood or vinyl is an easy upgrade that can visually enhance a room. When replacing floors, inspect your home’s structure for signs of damaged wood or water spots, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Resolving these problems before adding new flooring will protect your investment and ensure the newly installed components are uncompromised.

2019 | Fall Real Estate & Home Improvement

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Save on Next Year’s Landscape

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ou can save a ton of money on next year’s landscape by investing and planning during autumn. Here are a few tips to get you started without breaking the bank.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AUTUMN SALES

For most parts of the country, fall is the time to plant perennial bulbs for spring blooms. Nurseries also typically hold autumn sales to unload inventory before the cold temperatures arrive. Once you plant your bulbs, be sure to cover them with a protective layer of mulch to serve as a barrier to frost.

You can also look for great price cuts on hardy flowering plants that can be cared for indoors before transporting them outside in spring

PREPARE YOUR LAWN

How you treat your lawn during autumn can have a direct impact on how healthy it is when spring arrives. Experts at Popular Mechanics suggest regularly mowing until the last two cuttings of the year. For the final two, drop your mower’s blade but avoid taking off more than one-third of the grass blades at one time.

Depending on the length of grass, you may

have to gradually lower your deck as you finish out the year. Keeping it cut short helps the sun reach its crowns and promote future growth.

Don’t forget to fertilize your lawn to ensure it stays healthy during the winter. With the help of a broadcast or walk-behind drop spreader, you can evenly distribute nutrients throughout your entire lawn. If you’re not sure which type of fertilizer is right for your lawn’s condition, consider hiring a professional lawn care service to find the right mixture.

FERTILIZE BEDS

While the leaves and flowers of your perennials may look worse for the wear during fall, underground, the plant is very active. Fertilizing the area during the fall is a great way to ensure they will be back in full force next spring and avoid investing in new plants.

The experts at Missouri Botanical Garden suggests using a complete fertilizer that contains important nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

© Adobe Stock

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Fall Real Estate & Home Improvement | 2019

Funding Home Improvement Projects

efore starting a home improvement project, either on one’s own or with the assistance of a professional contractor, homeowners must first consider the costs involved.

1. CASH-OUT REFINANCING

With cash-out refinancing, a person will begin the mortgage process anew with the intention of paying off the current mortgage balance, and then taking out additional funds for other purposes. Cash-out refinancing is a way to tap into a home’s existing equity for use on improvements or other expenses, such as college tuition.

2. HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT

According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, more than onethird of homeowners do not understand what hiring a professional will cost, and then cannot successfully budget and secure financing once they have set their sights on a renovation project.

HomeAdvisor says that some of the more popular projects, such as remodeling

a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, can cost, on average, $19,920, $9,274 and $6,919, respectively.

Homeowners may find that the more expensive renovations require them to secure some type of financing.

Those who have never before sought such financing may want to consider these options.

The financial experts at Bankrate indicate that a HELOC works like a credit card, with the house as collateral. There is a credit limit, and borrowers can spend up to that limit.

The interest rate may or may not be fixed.

However, the interest may be tax-deductible if the financing is used to improve, buy or build a home.

3. HOME EQUITY LOAN Individuals also can borrow against equity

in their homes with a fixed interest rate through a home equity loan. Most lenders will calculate 80 percent of the home value and subtract a homeowner’s mortgage balance to figure out how much can be borrowed, according to the financial advisory site The Simple Dollar.

4. PERSONAL LOAN

Homeowners can shop around at various financial institutions for competitive personal loans to be used for home improvement purposes. Funds may be approved within one business day, which can be ideal for those who want to begin their improvements soon.

5. PERSONAL LINE OF CREDIT

A personal line of credit allows borrowers to borrow only the money needed at the time, and offers a variable interest rate that is generally lower than fixed loan rates. Again, like a credit card, PLOC gives a person a maximum borrowing amount and is ideal for ongoing purchases.

6. CREDIT CARDS

In a pinch, credit cards can be used to finance improvements, but they do come with the cost of very high interest rates if the balance is not paid in full by the time the bill comes due. However, for funding smaller projects and maximizing rewards points through home improvement retailers or specific credit card company promotions, credit cards can be a way to earn various perks in addition to the benefit of improving a home.

Homeowners looking to finance their next improvements should speak to a financial advisor and shop around for the best types of funding for them.

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Buying your Dream Home

f you have been hesitant when waiting to buy a home, fall can be the best time of year to find your dream property at a great value.

Due to seasonal fluctuations, much of America shifts into a buyer’s market once autumn temperatures arrive and before winter’s chill sets in.

This is usually caused when there is saturation in available inventory but a lack of competition from eager home buyers. In this scenario, sellers are more open to negotiations rather than carrying over expenses into next year. If you’re committed to buying a house this fall, here are some tips to streamline the process and stretch your dollar.

GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER

Determining the amount of a monthly payment you can afford shouldn’t be your only concern when developing a budget.

© Adobe Stock

Buying a home carries many financial responsibilities.

Closing costs are a common expense that falls on a buyer’s shoulders. In fact, data from the American Society of Home Inspectors suggests the fees can add up to between two and five percent of a home’s sale price.

This covers services necessary to

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complete a sale like appraisals, home inspections and title-transfer fees. You will also benefit from seeking pre-approval from a lender to find out how much financing you’re eligible for and to show sellers you’re motivated and qualified.

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wish list is intact, you should seek the expertise of a real estate agent. They will guide you through in-person visits, negotiations and help you understand what paperwork to expect. Did you know that since home sellers are typically responsible for a Realtor’s commission fees, you will get their services for little or no financial obligation?

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Fall Real Estate & Home Improvement | 2019

Improve your Driveway

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hether you’re looking to redo your driveway to boost the appeal of your home’s exterior or need it rerouted to accommodate new vehicles like a camper or trailer, you have several options to complete the job.

From choosing the right material for your needs to hiring a team of experts, a driveway renovation can be a valuable project.

CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

When researching and receiving different quotes from potential contractors, always ensure they are licensed to work and are insured. The job sometimes requires heavy equipment to finish successfully. If an accident happens, it’s important your home insurance isn’t liable. You should also find an expert who is proficient in the type of material you choose. Whether it’s concrete, asphalt or even gravel, an installers knowledge will play a large role in the outcome.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL

When planning a driveway renovation, there are numerous materials to choose from. Make sure to consider your budget when deciding which to use as some

installations can become costly. You’ll also want to factor in maintenance as for some driveway options, it can be important to maintain its integrity.

Aggregate or gravel is one of the most affordable and low-maintenance options.

It is also extremely durable and easily repairable by adding more rock. Some downsides include the need for a drainage system, it’s not as aesthetically pleasing, and snow removal can be difficult.

Asphalt can be a bit more strenuous on your budget but offers attractive curb appeal and high performance. It’s high maintenance and requires periodic sealant and a resurface every few years. This process can be relatively expensive in relation to aggregate maintenance so you should leave room in your budget if you choose this material.

If you’re looking for low maintenance and an appealing aesthetic, concrete is a quality option, but it comes at an expensive price. While it is much more durable than asphalt, the initial install will be more costly. Consider if the frontload expense is more attractive than an affordable installation with higher maintenance costs down the road.

© Adobe Stock

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2019 | Fall Real Estate & Home Improvement

Attic Living Space

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hen you need to add more living space but don’t want to commit to building an addition, sometimes an attic can be the perfect transition.

The task is best left to a professional, especially if it requires the installation of new electricity or water pipes.

Get your plan together before contacting a service to determine how you want to reinvigorate the space. Many people prefer to use the attic as an additional bedroom, an office or even a hangout spot. It’s important to check with your local officials about building permits as their unique regulations may require licensing.

BUILDING A SUBFLOOR

Your home’s attic was likely built to add storage for items like boxes, suitcases or trunks.

Unfortunately, many contractor’s or home builders don’t foresee the need for an attic to become a living space, so before you can upgrade it, a subfloor must be installed over the bare joists.

To add a floor, it’s not always as simple as laying plywood down on the current supports.

Many times, homes are built with bare joists that are unsuitable for the additional weight of furniture, people or pets who will frequent the new space. However, to create a safe area, an expert can cut boards of the same length and nail them to the existing joints to create a durable structure.

HEATING AND AIR

When planning an attic renovation, it’s important to include plans on heating and cooling the new room. If you want it to be included in your current system’s ductwork, hiring a professional HVAC technician is the best way to ensure it is rerouted properly and efficiently.

If you want to forgo the expense of redirecting air into your attic, you can get by with the assistance of a window unit in the summer and by using space heaters during cooler temperatures.

Make sure to keep nearby items away from the additional heating tool as the The National Fire Protection Association blamed them for 15% of all home fires between 2012 and 2016.

FINISHING THE ATTIC

In addition to covering your newly built floor, you’ll have to decide a wall cover too.

Many who renovate their attics add a modern touch with paintable drywall or choose a type of paneling to fit their design scheme.

Consider how you will use the space to determine how to finish the walls and ceilings.

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Create an Open Floor Plan

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Fall Real Estate & Home Improvement | 2019

f you’re a fan of home improvement reality shows or follow renovation trends, you know that an open floor plan is a popular design that many homeowners want.

In fact, the National Association of Home Builders reports that 70% of recent buyers were interested in at least an open kitchen plan while 32% preferred a completely open arrangement.

Performing this renovation to an established home requires detailed knowledge about a home’s structure. Since you will likely be taking down walls and rerouting electrical diagrams, an expert can ensure the integrity will not be affected.

BENEFITS OF BEING OPEN

© Adobe Stock

There are multiple reasons that open floor plans are extremely popular.

One major advantage is the connection hosts feel with their guests while preparing

party favors in the kitchen and engaging with their company in the living space. Family dinners and events with friends are more enjoyable when rooms flow into each other.

Parents of young children also benefit from the ability to keep an eye on their little ones as they roam throughout the open space.

DENTIFYING LOAD BEARING WALLS

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Before removing walls to create your open floor plan, it’s crucial to identify load-bearing walls. They are imperative to distributing weight forces of your property and typically bear the load of a roof structure above.

Most of the time, you can easily identify this important support by walls that run perpendicular to their joists. Since it may be difficult to tell without removing a wall’s covering, getting advice from an expert is a beneficial resource before you find yourself with an expensive repair.

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR NEW SPACE

The key to decorating an open floor plan is to make it appear symmetrical. You can start in the living room by arranging it around a focal point. The experts at Home and Garden Television recommend taking advantage of attractive centerpieces like a fireplace or gallery wall.

Modern kitchens often utilize the sleek appearance of an island or peninsula rather than a traditional dinner table.

Organizing bar stools around their perimeter provides more space for guests without disrupting the flow of your open floor plan.