Spring Real Estate & Home Improvement Guide, March 2020

March 2020

Spring Real Estate &HomeImprovementGuide

SPRING REAL ESTATE & HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

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MARCH 2020 - INSIDENOVA PRINCE WILLIAM

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5 IMPORTANT FINANCIAL DECISIONS: SHOULD YOU DIY OR HIRE A PRO?

inancial decisions can have a big impact on your future and the future of your loved ones.

Good financial decisions you make on your own can save thousands of dollars, but according to experts, there are some decisions that may be better left to the professionals.

1. Do your taxes. There is no onesize-fits-all answer but if you don’t have dependents or investments, don’t own a business, and have the time and patience, you may be able to file a simple tax form on your own fairly easily. As you gain significant income and your financial situation becomes more complex, a pro might be helpful.

2. Buy or sell a house. Weigh the pros and cons to determine the best plan.

Choosing the “For Sale by Owner” route lets you avoid paying a commission to real estate agents, which averages 5 to 6% of the home’s sale price. On the other hand, your house may get less traffic compared to what it would receive if it were included in professional listing platforms.

You’d also need to be prepared to handle all the paperwork, organize open houses and screen potential buyers yourself.

3. Purchase life insurance. Life is always changing, and it’s important to make sure your coverage is keeping up so that your loved ones are protected in the event that

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something happens to you. Because life insurance is so critical, companies like Erie Insurance recommend always working with a pro instead of going the DIY route. For example, term life insurance provides coverage for a specific number of years, while a whole life policy is designed to last a lifetime. But which type is best for

you -- and how much you actually need to protect your family -- is something your trusted insurance agent can help you determine. In addition, studies show that people often overestimate the cost of life insurance, sometimes assuming it costs as much as three times more than it does. In addition to being surprised at how afford-

Buying or Selling Your Home?

able it is, you also might be surprised at how quick and easy it is to get a quote.

4. Create a retirement savings plan.

The right advisor can help you figure out a monthly amount of money to set aside in a 401(k) or Roth IRA and choose the right investments to reach your long-term goals. If you want to DIY, there are free calculators available online that use your savings and spending habits to look at your financial situation. The federal government also offers a calculator to estimate your social security benefits.

5. Write a will. This is an area where many experts say it may be advisable to hire a pro. Estate-planning software can be generic, as it considers compliance across the country instead of state-specific laws. It’s important to use the correct legal language in a will and be knowledgeable about estate and inheritance taxes when leaving behind property. As part of estate planning, you may want to consider addressing whom you’d want to care for your minor children in the event of your passing. Federal regulations prevent minors from legally owning property, but they can be beneficiaries.

Determine whether you have the right skill set and time to take on these five important financial decisions. Doing it yourself can save money but the long-term result could be costly.

—StatePoint

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TAKING A TOP DOWN APPROACH TO HOME EXTERIOR UPDATES

hether you want to boost the beauty of your home for your own enjoyment or you’re looking to sell in the near future, experts recommend taking a topdown approach to evaluate the outside of your home.

“When making updates to your home exterior, it’s helpful to think of how all the parts of the whole work together to create a unified look,” says Kate Smith, chief color maven with Sensational Color.

With that in mind, here are a few remodeling ideas to get you started:

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THE ROOF

A new roof not only adds aesthetic appeal, it can add value too. Indeed, Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value 2020 report shows that a roof replacement can have a returnon-investment of over 60 percent.

Composite roofing is particularly durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance, and an all-around smart investment.

Not only does a high-quality roof help home-sellers get foot traffic, but the lowmaintenance aspect really resonates with house-hunters. An attractive, more affordable alternative to the real thing, the composite slate and shake roofing options available from manufacturers like DaVinci Roofscapes, for example, reduce pesky maintenance concerns, offering impact-, fire- and wind-resistance, as well as the peace of mind that comes with a strong

site include a Color Visualizer offering users the ability to see how different colors may look on their home exteriors, as well as a variety of free e-books with project inspiration and advice. To learn more,

warranty.

This is also a good choice for both those with a clear color palette in mind, and those who might need some direction, as free resources on the DaVinci Roofscapes

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visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.

“Using these free color tools can be both fun and empowering,” says Smith. “They EXTERIOR UPDATES

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PROPER PRUNING IS ALL ABOUT THE RIGHT TOOLS f you are like most homeowners, you need to prune trees, shrubs, bushes and other plants in your yard from time to time. But do you know which tool is best suited for each particular job? Experts say that choosing tools wisely is key to maximizing beauty, and minimizing damage to plants.

There are a few things to keep in mind as you go about selecting tools for your pruning jobs, big and small, and landscape designer Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground in Atlanta, Ga., is sharing a few insights to get you started: • For most basic pruning around the yard, bypass or hand pruners, also known as garden or pruning shears, are go-to tools. Best for making clean cuts through living plants and tree branches, they work much like a set of heavy-duty scissors and are capable of getting into tight spots for close, precise cuts. Scott advises against a common pitfall here: the urge to save money.

“Since pruning shears see so much use, it makes sense to buy the best ones you can afford. From my experience, inexpensive models simply don’t last very long,” he says. “A well-cared for, high-quality set of bypass pruners however can be a lifetime investment for the average home-

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EXTERIOR UPDATES

owner.”

• For larger branches, Scott says anvilstyle shears can be a good choice, which feature one sharp blade closing against a flat, wide blade and work much like a knife cutting against a cutting board.

However, he warns that they should be used selectively, as they crush plant stems more than bypass-style pruners.

• When it comes to branches of more than 1/2-inch (12.7 millimeters) in diameter, loppers are the best choice. Like hand pruning tools, there are bypass loppers, which operate much like a large, long-handled set of bypass shears, while anvil-style loppers use just one cutting blade.

“Bypass loppers generally cut with more precision, while anvil-style loppers are typically capable of generating more cutting force,” Scott said.

Still have questions? New online resources can help. Scott has partnered with Exmark, a leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment on a new video series for DIY homeowners called “Done in a Weekend.” Among the videos is “Cut It Out,” which explains the differences between different pruning tools, as well as provides tips for pruning more effectively with less effort. To view the video, as well as access the other videos

in the series, which cover a range of home and garden topics, visit Exmark.com/DIY. Regular pruning is necessary to keep your yard looking beautiful and well-

FROM PAGE4

Since 1981, we’ve been a family owned and operated company dedicated to providing incomparable value in all of our business endeavors. Our Custom Homes, Remodeling and Commercial projects are designed to our client’s specifications and built with the most durable,cost effective quality materials available. Our passion is to build long lasting relationships with our clients, partners, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure an enjoyable, hassle-free building experience, of which everyone can be proud.

take the guesswork out of crafting a pleasing exterior color palette for the home and help create increased curb appeal.”

SIDING

If your home sports traditional siding, you may have noticed that the tiles contract and expand in fluctuating weather conditions and temperatures. What’s more, the color of these often-times thin and flimsy materials can fade quickly.

Rather than replacing siding with more of the same, consider composite siding built to resist impact, fire, mold, algae, insects, salt air and high winds. The handsplit shake siding available from DaVinci Roofscapes is made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers, plus a highlyspecialized fire retardant. Whether you add accent panels with composite siding or go for the whole house, this can add a hassle-free aesthetic benefit to your home and boost its value.

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ASK ABOUT OUR DESIGN/BUILD PROCESS FOR YOUR PERSONAL, BUSINESS and LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

WALKWAYS

Cracked or uneven walkways and steps are not only an eyesore, they can present a tripping hazard to you and guests. Evaluate whether it’s time to give yours an overhaul. Be sure to select low-maintenance materials that complement the look of the other elements of your exterior. This is a good time to consider lighting that adds drama to the walkway at night and makes for safer walking.

Sprucing up? Go for high-impact projects that boost curb appeal and add value to the home.

—StatePoint

maintained as well as to improve the health of plants. Be sure you’re equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to do so effectively. —StatePoint

703-897-0900

BUILDER/CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

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HOW TO EXTEND YOUR

Home Improvement Directory

LIVING AREA TO OUTDOOR SPACES When warmer weather arrives, it’s all about spending time in your home’s outdoor spaces. Here are a few new ideas for transforming your porch, deck or yard into an oasis of relaxation.

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BUILDERS

CHERRY STREET BUILDING SUPPLY CORPORATION

SPRUCE UP

Before getting down to brass tacks, it’s time to give your outdoor spaces a onceover and note what basic maintenance and cleaning are needed; be sure to sweep up porches and decks of debris, dust off and move outdoor furniture out of storage and prune trees and plants that need it. This may be a good time to refinish or re-stain an older deck in need of some tender loving care. Want to add a splash of color to the space? Give some timeworn wooden furniture a new paint job in a bold hue.

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20 +Years •Seasonal Cleaning of Experience •Planting •Lawn Mowing •New Lawns •Fertilizing •Retaining Walls •Weed Control •Aeration •Tree Pruning •Mulching •Trimming •Gutter Cleaning •Patios •Drains

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POWER UP

To match the true comfort of indoor life to your home’s outdoor spaces, you’ll need a safe, code-compliant and unobtrusive way to power fans, lighting, entertainment, electric appliances and more.

To add an outlet to raised outdoor floors, porches and decks, consider installing a Deck Outlet Cover from Hubbell TayMac. Accommodating two power cords, it lets you put the power where you

• elmerslawnandgarden@msn.com

want it -- in a safe place where people are less likely to trip over cords.

Weatherproof, UV resistant and durable even in harsh environments, it also features a low-profile design that meets ADA standards, and an attractive slipresistant texture available in gray, white and bronze.

FURNISH

Given the broad scope of weatherproof furnishings, cushions, pillows and even rugs available on the market today, there is absolutely no reason that your outdoor spaces can’t offer the same level of comfort and beauty as any den or living room, especially now that you’ve supplied your outdoor space with electrical power and the flexibility to install such amenities as an entertainment center, ceiling fans and even chandeliers.

Just be sure everything you install is weatherproofed and protected against the elements, and that you select only outdoor-grade products. However, you can extend the life of certain items by taking extra precautions during extreme weather and the off-season.

By giving your home’s outdoor spaces the same attention to detail as the indoors, you can extend your living spaces and even create new “rooms” in which to dine, relax and entertain.

—StatePoint

A home filled with memories is waiting.

Make an appointment today at 540.349.0200.

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for the Birds!

TOP WAYS TO LIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME WORKSPACE

any people have found themselves working from home.

Whether setting up shop at the kitchen table or creating a complete home office, here are simple hacks to make your new work environment comfortable and productive.

“No matter which room becomes your workspace, proper lighting plays a key role in avoiding fatigue, eye strain and other discomforts,” said Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications, Progress Lighting.

Begin by defining your workspace. Setting up on the kitchen or dining table can work -- temporarily. The upside is that it’s quick and easy. But these rooms are typically high-traffic areas, leading to distractions. Plus, you might have to pack up work at mealtimes. Instead, re-purpose a small table and chair and place it in an out-of-the-way spot, such as a stairwell or bedroom corner.

Next, think about lighting. Layering light is a basic technique that should be used in every room, but especially home offices.

“Balance the lighting for different times of day. Natural light for day, layered light for afternoon and task lighting at night,” recommends Piper Stromatt, lead designer and partner for Curate Custom Homes.

“There are three layers of light to consider: ambient or general light, task lighting and decorative or accent lighting.”

Select a location with a good source of ambient light. Natural light is ideal: it diffuses throughout the space, bouncing off walls and ceilings to cut down on glare that can reflect on the computer monitor and the shiny desk surface.

“When selecting ambient light sources, the goal is to illuminate the entire space without creating undue glare and contrast, which can lead to headaches and eye strain,” says Kis. “If possible, avoid using overhead ceiling fixtures as the primary source of lighting. If that’s the only

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option, use a dimmer switch to vary light levels as needed.”

Positioning your workspace correctly also helps. For rooms with natural light, place your desk perpendicular to the window, ideally facing north or south so that sunlight doesn’t cast shadows at certain times of the day. If an overhead fixture is the only light source, situate your workstation so that the light shines from behind it.

“Make sure your home office suits your performance under particular lighting conditions,” says Stromatt, who recommends the following tips: • Don’t set your monitor in front of the window; the bright background light shining behind the screen causes eye strain.

• Place your chair at least arm’s length from the screen so that it can be seen without reading glasses or squinting.

• Add LED tape lighting behind your monitor or under a desk for diffused light.

• Use solar shades to soften lighting and lessen heat.

After setting up a glare-free workstation, add task lighting. Use dedicated light sources such as desk lamps for tasks like paperwork and filing. Place direct task lights on the opposite side of the hand you write with to avoid casting shadows onto your work.

Finally, add accent lighting for visual appeal. Frame your workspace with desk lamps or install a permanent fixture on a dimmer switch, such as a pendant hung directly over the desk. Wall sconces can throw light on decorative objects in the room.

For more home tips and lighting inspiration, visit Progress Lighting at www. progressltg.com/shop.

Lighting can make or break a home office. Be sure to set yourself up for maximum productivity and comfort.

—StatePoint

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