Everything Home - March 2021

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Real Estate & Home Services Guide

How to become a homeowner in 2021 Page 6

Touchless design features for a germ-free home Page 10 VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 | MARCH 2021

Soundproofing your basement ceiling Page 15

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Real Estate & Home Services Guide A Publication of The Daily Star

102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 607-432-1000 thedailystar.com

PUBLISHER Fred Scheller fscheller@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7214

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235

LAYOUT Tracy Bender

How to start a bidding war. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 How to become a homeowner in 2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A brief guide to home additions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Should you invest in a sump pump?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Touchless design features for a germ-free home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5 must-have smart home features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3 advantages of folding doors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Kitchen trends of 2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ways to spot a bike-friendly neighborhood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Soundproofing your basement ceiling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 How to quickly sell your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 How to use the 2021 Pantone colors of the year in your home. . . . . . . . . 18

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How to start a

BIDDING WAR on your home

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f you’re selling your home, a bidding war is beneficial because it tends to drive up the final price of the property. Here are some ways you can increase the likelihood of getting multiple offers on your home.

Price your home to sell If your home is overpriced, it’ll likely draw few visitors. It’s recommended that you set the asking price for your home at slightly below market value to get more people interested in it and drive up the price in a bidding war.

Host a broker’s open house Talk to your real estate agent about hosting a broker’s open house in order to show the property to local real estate agents. This is a quick and easy way to give your home market exposure.

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pictures and details about the property, and share the link on your social media accounts.

Spruce up the property

Use social media

Buying a home can be emotional, and many people won’t hesitate to increase their offer if they really like a property. To get buyers to love your home, take steps to enhance its appearance. Repaint walls, up­date window treatments and sand and refinish hardwood floors.

Sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can be leveraged to generate buzz about your home. Consider creating a website for your listing, complete with

Most importantly, make sure to work with a skilled realtor who can help you develop an effective marketing plan.

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How to become a

HOMEOWNER IN 2021 Is your new year’s resolution to buy a new home? If so, here’s how to make good on this promise.

Establish a budget and start saving Determine how much money you require to buy a home.

Research house prices in the area where you want to live, and educate yourself about mortgages and what’s required to apply for one. Your bank or a reputable mortgage lender can assist you.

Once you’ve calculated how much money you need, establish a budget that allows you to reach this goal.

To make ends meet, you may need to trim unnecessary spending. However, you can grow your finances further by keeping your money in a high-yield savings account or investing it wisely.

Boost your credit score and get pre-approved A good credit score is key to buying a home. It gives

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you more mortgage options and will lower your monthly interest rate. Here are a few ways to improve your score: • Pay all your bills on time and don’t surpass your credit limit.

• Don’t transfer the balance of an older credit account to a new one; the longer an account is open and in use, the better your score.

• Use different types of credit (such as a credit card, car loan and line of credit), since using only one type can result in a lower score.

Once your credit score is in good shape, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage through your bank. This will equip you with a letter indicating how much you can borrow. Mortgage pre-approval is a great asset when house shopping, as it shows sellers that you’re a qualified buyer.

Once your financial affairs are in order, you’re ready to become a homeowner. To find a house that meets your needs, make sure to hire a realtor.

A brief guide to home additions Building an addition is a great way to expand your living space without moving. Here’s what you should know about this type of renovation project.

Types One way to add space to your home is to build another story. However, if you have the square-footage, house extensions can also be lateral. Alternatively, an extension can be added to the rear of your home.

What’s more, house additions can be built on piers or a foundation. If you want to build a sunroom, carport or storage room, you’re better off building the extension on piers. However, if it’s a space that will be frequently used, you may want to put in a foundation.

Steps Adding an extension can be broken down into three basic steps: plan, build and inspect. At each stage, you’ll need to rely on the expertise of the right professional to ensure your addition is functional, safe and to-code. You’ll need an architect to design it, a contractor to build it and an inspector to ensure everything is just right.

Costs Building a home extension is a major renovation and will likely come with a hefty price tag. However, you can save on expenses by carefully planning out your project and choosing materials that are modestly priced. Also, extensions built on piers are more affordable than those built on a foundation.

The best way to get started on an addition is to reach out to an architect who can help you draw up the plans and get the necessary permits for the project.

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Should you invest in a sump pump?

A sump pump is a device that can be installed in a basement, either beneath or above the floor. It’s designed to pump out water collected in a sump basin and discharge it to the outdoors. Consequently, your home is kept safe from the damage that can occur as a result of flooding.

If your basement is at risk of flooding, you should consider buying a sump pump, especially if you live somewhere with a high water table. If possible, select a submersible rather than a pedestal pump, as they’re less noisy when covered with a lid. You should also opt for a model with an iron core since it’s more durable than the plastic alternative. Plus, you should think about getting a pump with an alarm that alerts you if the water in the basin reaches a dangerous level.

In addition, you may want to install a secondary sump pump next to the first one, especially if you have a finished basement. This way, if your primary pump fails or becomes overtaxed, the secondary pump will automatically take over.

A battery backup pump can also be installed. In the event of a power outage, this type of pump will continue to work for up to two days.

To install a sump pump in your home, speak with a qualified plumber in your area.

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Touchless design features for a

GERM-FREE HOME Touchless technologies have long been featured in public spaces to limit the spread of germs. Now, these motion-activated innovations are making their way into homes. Here are a few you may want to adopt.

• Light switches. Illuminate your home by walking past conveniently placed sensors.

• Faucets and toilets. Touchless versions will help keep your bathrooms sanitary.

• Soap dispensers. Wash your hands without getting the dispenser dirty.

• Appliances. Dishwashers, refrigerators and ovens are increasingly featuring technologies that allow you to open and close them without using a handle.

• Garbage bins. Open and close your trash can with motion-activated technology.

You can find touchless technologies at hardware and appliance stores in your area.

5 must-have smart home features Smart home devices are becoming increasingly popular, and homebuyers are starting to expect them as standard features. Here are the key ones to consider adopting.

1. Locks. Openers for garages and locks for doors that can be operated from your smartphone are a convenient feature. They allow you to lock and unlock your home from virtually anywhere.

2. Thermostats. Delivering both comfort and savings on energy costs, smart thermostats are a smart investment.

3. Lighting. Controlling your lights is a must for anyone serious about home automation. Fortunately, there are a variety of op­tions available, from hue-changing smart bulbs to smart switches and dimmers.

4. Detectors. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors simultaneously sound an alarm and send an alert to your smartphone (and anyone else you authorize) if danger is detected. Some models also incorporate emergency lighting.

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5. Home security. Keep an eye on your home from anywhere. Smart security systems are highly customizable and available as do-it-yourself configu­ ra­tions or compre­hen­sive setups that include pro­­fes­ sio­nal installation and monitoring.

Expect these and ot­her smart home devi­ces to become must-have features in ho­mes. You can purchase them from the electronics, appliance and garage door retailers in your area.

3 advantages of folding doors If you want to maximize a small space or let in more natural light, folding doors are sure to be a welcome addition to your home. Here are three great reasons to install this type of door.

1. They help open up a space. Since these doors fold in on themselves when open, they’re an ideal option for small rooms where a standard door would take up too much space.

2. They suit any design style. Folding doors are available in a variety of configurations and can fit openings of different sizes. In addition to choosing the number of panels, you can opt for a door material that complements your home’s overall look.

3. They facilitate outdoor living. Folding doors for your patio that are made of glass can offer easy access to your backyard or deck. In addition, they can give you access to a great view, extend the length of an entire wall and let in an abundance of natural light.

To find folding doors that suit your needs, visit a home improvement store in your area or speak with a local contractor.

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TRENDS

f you plan to remodel your kitchen this year, you should know that lacquered cabinets, exaggerated modernism and large cabinet handles are passé. When it comes to kitchen designs, here’s what’s trending in 2021.

Oversized pantries Whether free-standing or walk-in, large pantries with showcase-like shelving and plenty of hideaway storage are a hit in kitchens of all styles. If you have the space for it, this trend is for you.

Storage walls If there’s limited room in your kitchen, floor-to-ceiling storage rather than multiple cabinets will maximize the space to accommodate all your cooking essentials. Protip: add electrical outlets inside the cabinets so you can plug in small appliances.

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Kitchen trends of

2021 Hidden range hoods Range hoods that are integrated into cabinets or walls are increasingly popular. You can also hide them behind tile or natural stone. However, make sure your range hood is positioned for optimal efficiency and easy to access for repair or replacement.

Warm neutral tones Browns, beiges and grays are taking

center stage in 2021. Hardware should also be warm. Choose matted gold, copper, champagne and charcoal pieces for your drawers and cabinets as well as your faucets and other fixtures.

Natural materials Wood, stone and other materials that evoke the natural world are the backbone of minimalist, contemporary, rustic and gardenthemed kitchens. Opt for understated matte finishes and warm rather than cool tones.

If there’s one trend not to ignore in 2021, it’s the rising tendency to favor locally crafted items and regionally sourced materials. When renovating your kitchen, be sure to buy decorative items, cabinets, hardware, tile and stone from retailers and craftspeople in your community.

Ways to spot a bike-friendly neighborhood

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re you buying a new home? If your main mode of transportation is a bicycle, it’s a good idea to determine how bike-friendly a neighborhood is before you decide to live there. Here are some factors to consider.

Designated bike lanes It’s safer to ride in designated bike lanes than on the road. The ideal neighborhood for cycling has bike lanes separated from roads with a barrier. Conversely, the most unsafe routes for cyclists are those where riders are sandwiched between moving traffic and parked cars.

Road conditions As a cyclist, it’s best to steer clear of routes with large cracks and potholes. Look for a neighborhood where the roads and paths are in good shape and wellmaintained.

Traffic volume It can be unpleasant to bike in heavy traffic. In addition to being less safe, busy roads are noisy and more polluted.

Speed limits Residential streets with low vehicle speed limits are ideal for cyclists, especially if they must share the road with drivers.

Flat terrain If you use your bike for long commutes, a hilly neighborhood could be a problem, as it can make your daily ride excessively grueling.

Lastly, if you love to bike in nature, choose a neighborhood with bike paths that pass through parks, waterfronts and other scenic areas.

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Soundproofing your basement ceiling Soundproofing your basement ceiling may be a good idea if you use the space as a playroom, man cave, home theater or rental suite. Here’s what you should know.

Materials you can use Your contractor can soundproof your basement in the following ways: • Soundproofing panels can be installed. There are many types available offering various levels of sound dampening. They come in a range of looks, are often customizable and are frequently made of recycled materials.

• Acoustic tiles can also be used to soundproof your basement. These require a drop ceiling and a willingness to accept the associated utilitarian esthetic.

They may be most suitable for a home office.

• Insulation. Increasing the amount of insulation in your ceiling can help reduce the amount of noise that carries between floors. Fiberglass insulation muffles sounds better than other types.

• Drywall, particularly acoustic drywall, can be installed overtop a finished ceiling. Isolation clips can be fastened to ceiling joists and used to hold channels.

The resulting structure can then be used to support the extra layer of drywall.

Return on investment Soundproofing your basement is unlikely to boost the resale value of your home. However, if you rent out the space, it should be easy to recoup the costs. Nevertheless, the best reason to soundproof your basement ceiling is to make your home a more comfortable space to live.

How to quickly sell your home

If you want to sell your home in a hurry, here are a few tips to help you get it off the market in record time.

Hire a realtor Choose a real estate agent who knows your region well and works for an agency you trust. Consider meeting with more than one realtor before you make a decision.

A professional agent will be able to provide clear answers to any questions you have. Throughout the selling process, you should feel comfortable making inquiries about how the sale is proceeding.

Set a fair price If the price of your home is too high, it could dissuade potential buyers and delay the sale of your home. On the other hand, a suspiciously low price may give peo­ple the impression that the house has issues. It’s crucial to draw on your realtor’s knowledge of the market to help you set a fair and competitive price. Additionally, a home inspection will help you determine your property’s value and bring to light if repairs are needed.

Stage it Thoroughly clean your home and remove all clutter.

This will make each room look larger and more inviting.

If you need to refresh the walls, choose neutral paint shades. You should also hide family portraits and other items that personalize the space. This will make it easier 16

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for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your house. Consider hiring a home staging consultant who can help you showcase your home.

Get the word out To increase the chance that it’ll sell quickly, show your home to as many people as possible. Once your realtor puts it on the market, there are several steps you can take to increase its visibility. Consider promoting the sale on real estate websites, in local newspapers and on social media. Additionally, make sure the for sale sign is clearly visible on your property and will catch the eye of potential buyers who drive through the area.

Meet with potential buyers Be upfront and answer visitor questions honestly.

Make note of both positive and negative feedback you get about your house. If the buyers you meet have reservations about the property, try to determine the reason. This information can be used to justify a price adjustment or better market your house to the next visitors.

The housing market can be unpredictable, but following these recommendations will greatly improve your chances of selling your home quickly.

How to use the

2021 Pantone colors of the year in your home

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or 2021, Pantone announced not one but two colors of the year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. Here’s how to incorporate these shades of natural, stony gray and warm, uplifting yellow into your home.

In The Bedroom Opt for bedding or pillows that combine both colors. For a more dramatic change, consider painting the walls gray and furnishing the room with a bright yellow bedside table, lamp or reading chair.

If you want to use paint to make an impression, consider creating a gray or yellow accent wall, and provide contrast by placing a footstool, shelf or side table in the other color against it. Wallpaper in these shades can also wow.

In the kitchen

In the living room

Find accessories or small appliances in gray or yellow. Look for serving dishes, oven mitts, towels, toasters and more in these colors. You can also change your chair cushions, tablecloth and table runner.

Add touches of these trendy shades by replacing curtains, throws, cushions or rugs. You could also hang artwork that features these colors.

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating can be integrated into any design style. Consider bringing these colors that evoke fortitude and optimism into any space that could use a pick-me-up.

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