Real Estate Information Archive

- Use mirrors to fool the eye, because they reflect light and images. Hang one larger mirror on the main wall, several small ones, (gallery style), or even an oversized mirror leaned against the wall.   

- Painting walls a light color automatically opens up the space to the eye, because it reflects light.  Going all one color is a great way to make the room appear larger, too. 

- Get rid of clutter.  The more you have sitting around--mail, books, work, kids’ school things--the fuller your space looks.  Baskets, files or paper organizing gadgets, decorative storage containers, or furniture pieces that double as storage are the best way to hide necessary things.  Get rid of, (in other words, throw away or recycle), junk mail and unnecessary paper as soon as you look at it. 

- Draw an imaginary diagonal line across your room and place your furniture at an angle.  You even get a bonus storage area behind anything that covers a corner! 

- Pieces that are the same color as the walls blend in, making the room appear larger. 

- Either skip window coverings, or use sheer drapery or curtains and blinds that are the same color as your walls.  If you have to use drapes, hang them either at ceiling height, or just inside the window so the framework is visible. 

- If you want bookshelves, consider a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling unit.  Draw the eyes horizontally and vertically. 

- Speaking of bookshelves, the less you have on these open spaces, the roomier it looks.  Cramming every collection, book, or “trinket” just fills up the space in a similar way that clutter does. If you must display sentimental pieces, display a few at the time.  Switching them out on occasion will also give new appreciation for them. 

- Choose sofas and chairs with exposed legs to allow to light to pass through underneath them.  The more light in your room, the better. 

- On that note, light is your friend.  If you can’t get more natural light into the space, use a few lamps instead of an overhead light, as it draws the eye to look around the room. 

- Keep patterns small.  Use a punch or two of larger patterns on pillows or throws, but not too many--remember--less is more. 

- If you need an area rug, don’t settle for a small rug under the coffee table.  Purchase a rug that extends out from the furniture, as it will draw the eye out. 

- Create a focal point with framed pieces on one wall, especially behind a sofa, and extend the arrangement to the ceiling, and it will make the space appear taller.  It will also add pop and take away from the room’s size.  

- Drop-leaf tables or dining tables with the extra leaf removed work best in small areas, and if you need more tabletop space for guests or for workspace, simply add the leaf. 

- Paint--doing this before having to work around furniture and boxes makes the job go faster. 

- Clean everything, including carpets if you plan on keeping them. 

- Add storage to closets or utility rooms. 

- If you’re planning on upgrading the floors, do it before you get everything in the house. 

- Check the attic to make sure it’s adequately insulated.   

- Change the locks!  Every door should get a new lock, including the garage door. 

- Clean the ductwork and vents of the heating and cooling system.  If you’d like a deep clean, call a pro who specializes in cleaning HVAC ductwork. 

- If there’s a fireplace, have it inspected to be sure it’s safe and that the chimney is clean. 

- Find the circuit breaker box, and familiarize yourself with the switches.  If you can’t read the labels, turn each switch off and on to see what areas they control, and label them.  This is also a good time to locate your water main shut-off, so you’ll know where that is. 

- Making major changes too soon isn’t a good idea, unless necessary.  Live in your new home for a while and get a feel for what you love and what you don’t love. Waiting to remodel will allow your finances recover from the down payment and closing costs, as well. 

- You need to know everything that your homeowner’s insurance will cover, and what it won’t.  Make an appointment with your insurance agent to go over your information with them. 

- Taking a large tree down isn’t a good DIY project; this should be left to a professional, so call an arborist or neighborhood committee member to find out what you need to do if the tree is diseased or is a safety hazard. 

- Drilling or nailing into the walls of your new home is better done with a stud finder and make sure there isn’t any old wiring lurking behind the sheetrock.  There should be a setting on the stud finder for electric wires. 

- If your home is brand new, maintaining it is key.  But if you live in an older home, don’t neglect a monthly walk-around and make sure everything is okay.  You don’t want a small fix to turn into a major repair. 

- Saving money shouldn’t stop once you’ve bought your home!  Do your best to cut corners where you can, and continue the saving habits you got into while stocking away that down payment.   

- Throwing away receipts, new appliance user guides and paper work is a mistake.  Keep everything together in a folder labeled “Home Receipts,” so you can find them when you need them. 

- Don’t be a stranger!  Meet your neighbors before you move in; once you’re there permanently, it will be easier to invite them over for a casual get-together. 

- Avoid opening emails whose sender you don’t know personally, or haven’t signed up to receive.
 

- If a sender’s name looks like it’s from a legitimate site, say Google for instance, and the subject matter says that you need to enter your information after clicking a link in the body of the email, don’t.  Google and other reputable email providers, as well as your bank and credit card companies never ask you for information unless you initiate the change. 
 

- When you aren’t sure of a link in an email, hover over it with your cursor, and read the address that pops up at the bottom left of your screen.  Hover over this link:  www.freecadillacforyou.com. Do you see that the actual link says that it will take you to google’s homepage?  That’s how those links work.  Make sure what you’re clicking on goes to where it says it will. 
 

- Anyone that you don’t know that sends you an email telling you they will give you money in exchange for helping them obtain part of it is lying to you.  They are scammers and will clean out your bank account. 
 

- Most web browsers will let you know with a symbol or a pop-up message if a site is secure or not.  If you are trying to go to your bank’s website, but the padlock symbol on your computer is open, then you’re at the wrong place.  Don’t type any personal information--including username and password. 

- Many times, scammers will hijack someone’s account and create a new profile with copied photos and start sending friend requests. As soon as people accept, the imposter sends personal messages claiming to need money because they lost their wallet or debit card. Do not reply to any more messages, and report the scammer to the fraud department.   
 

- “What Character from The Simpsons Are You?” types of quizzes and other questionnaires that request your name and cell phone number in order for you to share with your friends will likely add a charge to your cell phone bill. 
 

- Be careful about complaining in a public tweet or post about your cable company going up on your rates, or your high cell phone bill.  There are scammers who comb social media for posts like that, then, posing as a customer service rep for that company, send you a direct message, offering you a discount if you’ll provide your account number and verify your credit card. You’ll see bogus charges on your next card statement.  
 

- Don’t click on the link for the local news story that Johnny Depp or George Clooney had a flat tire in your town and fell in love with the location, and decided to purchase a home there.  Those fake news websites will install malicious software onto your computer and gather personal information.

- Empty water bottles and a soft ball or a ball of yarn make for a fun game of bowling! Set the water bottles up and start rolling! 
 

- The cardboard tubes from paper towels and toilet paper can be used for several projects, including a marble run, bird feeders, and even STEM activities! 
 

- Different sized plastic storage bowls and a rubber ball can provide lots of fun by creating a bouncy maze.  Set up a path with the bowls, and make a game of bouncing the balls to land in each bowl. 
 

- Have a family competition using straws and pom-poms or cotton balls.  Using a smooth surface, place the pom-poms side by side and blow on them with the straws.  See who can get them to the finish line first! 
 

- Empty food boxes are great oversized blocks for building towers and forts.
 

- A simple thin ice game can be played by placing a tissue over a large mug and securing it with a large rubber band, leaving the tissue as tight as possible without tearing.  Place a quarter on the top, and roll a die.  The roller must poke as many holes in the tissue with a sharpened pencil, trying not to send the quarter “through the ice.” 
 

- Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube channel has tons of videos to choose from with different themes.  This is a fun activity to get the kids to chill and have fun at the same time. 
 

- The older kids don’t have to be left out.  Check out these great ideas for tweens ranging from art to math to STEM activities from whatwedoallday.com. 
 

- Many museums offer hands-on exhibits for children, and even free admission if the kids are under a certain age.   
 

- Go roller skating or take advantage of the cold temps and hit up an ice skating rink.  Grab a hot chocolate afterwards at a local coffee shop. 
 

- Find a family-friendly Escape Room studio in your area and spend the afternoon working together to get out! 
 

- Many local artists are offering inexpensive paint-and-take sessions for kids and families.  Search on Facebook or your local arts councils for this memory-making venture. 

- As defined by the Business Dictionary, a condominium is a “Single, individually-owned housing unit in a multi-unit building.” In some cases, a condo is in a co-op, which is much different than owning a single unit. 
 

- Architecture of the buildings varies, but the exteriors and common areas are owned by the Homeowners Association (HOA). 
 

- Most condo HOA’s offer community perks, such as a pool, community center, playground, tennis courts, or workout gym. Landscaping is taken care of, and many condo complexes offer gated security. 
 

- Homeowners insurance premiums are normally lower, as the owners only insure the unit’s interior. 
 

- Perks come with a fee, and that will vary from HOA to HOA. House hunters are given this information up front so they can be sure they can handle the added fees in their budget. 

- “Two or three storied single-family housing unit, often connected other such units via party walls.” --Business Dictionary 
 

- Unlike condos, townhouse buyers own the exterior of the unit as well as the interior. 
 

- Architecturally-speaking, the exterior of townhouses in a neighborhood are generally the same style.  
 

- Owning the exterior of a townhouse means you have control of its appearance.  While those communities that have an HOA means you may be limited to certain paint colors, etc., owners otherwise have free rein for upgrades. 
 

- Not every townhouse community is part of an HOA, but either way, the owner is responsible for the upkeep of the landscaping. Some non-HOA neighborhoods still have a few perks, but upkeep for these amenities isn’t a given. 

- Moneycrashers.com defines a duplex as “...a house or building with separate entrances for two families. The units can either be on separate floors (i.e. two-story house) or side by side.” 
 

- Purchasing a duplex usually means you will be purchasing both units--one whole building, though you will find some municipalities that allow half-unit sales. The owner is solely responsible for upkeep of interior, exterior and landscaping. 
 

- For ‘sandwich’ families, a duplex meets important needs: aging parents can live close by their families but have the privacy of their own home. 
 

- Perfect for someone who is interested in a starter investment, renting out the other unit will help with the mortgage, taxes and utilities if the unit shares those meters. 

Age of the house isn’t a factor if the house is structurally sound.  Just be certain to ask about updates or add-ons, and any other factors that could be problems with an older home. 
 

Poorly maintained curb appeal can be a turn-off as soon as you drive up, but if the house is great, the landscaping can be taken care of with a little hard work, new front door and mailbox, and a few pots of plants. 
 

Unattractive Paint/Wallpaper Walking into some can be like walking into a time capsule when you see a mauve living room, or a bathroom with swans adorning the wallpaper. A gallon of paint can take care of the ugly.  Focus on the structure of the walls, and check for cracks or holes.   
 

Dirty carpets can be a negotiating point when you make an offer on the house.  Sometimes the seller is willing to give credit for replacing the carpet or may change it out themselves.  Do, however, lift the corners of the carpet to see if it’s covering hardwood. 
 

Smells like cigarette smoke and animal odors can be a turn off but remember that a thorough cleaning and airing-out is what it takes to freshen up a house.  Moldy smells shouldn’t be ignored, however. 
 

Remember that many people that have an extra bedroom set it up as an office or use what's listed as a dining room for a sitting area.  Don’t let that keep you from imagining a sleek new dining room suite for entertaining, or the much-needed third bedroom for your growing family. 
 

The current owner’s decor may not be your style at all, but you’re not buying their furniture!  Simply take note of the general layout and size of each room to determine if the house will work for your needs. 

- Find a buyers agent that has a reputation for handling sales efficiently.  You want someone who understands your need to buy quickly, but who will also make sure you’re not making huge mistakes in the process. 
 

- Make sure your credit score is in good standing, and gather all paperwork necessary for the lender:  tax returns from past years, current pay stubs, bank statements, documentation for rent payments if you’re a renter, gift letter if someone is gifting part of the down payment, and proof of any assets you may have. 
 

- Don’t just get pre-qualified for a mortgage--get pre-approved.  This way, you’ll know exactly what you can afford, and when you make an offer, the seller will be certain you are serious about buying the house. 
 

- You might have to forgo the perfect house dreams, but don’t sacrifice your must-haves.  That said, not being extremely picky with what you want in a house will see your success a few steps closer.   
 

- When you talk to your agent, ask them to look for homes that have been on the market for a while.  This may give you some leeway in the offer process because the seller is likely somewhat anxious to sell. 
 

- If you have any equity in the home you will be moving from, and you don’t want to lease or rent it, selling as quickly as you are able will give you a head start on the purchase of a new home. 
  

- Be prepared to put your belongings in storage if you do sell before you buy, and talk to friends or relatives about staying with them temporarily. 
 

- You’ll want a transaction without a lot of contingencies so there isn’t a lot of time-consuming negotiating, but be careful about what you are willing to let go to buy the property.   
 

- Don’t go AWOL during the process--sure you’ll be busy getting packed up and prepping for a move, but you need to be available to your agent so no time is wasted.   

Popular in the 1930s was the Arts and Crafts, or Craftsman, house.  Known by their low-pitched roof, front porch with tapered columns, the interiors of this type of home features lots of woodwork and built ins. 
 

Cape Cod-style homes are rectangular in shape, usually with the front door in the center of the front of the home, shuttered windows on either side of the front door and gable ends.  Traditional structures are one and a half stories, with living, sleeping and dining rooms all divided with walls.
   

Colonial houses are the predecessor of the Cape Cod, and they are similar in shape, style, and interior.  The biggest difference between the two is the Colonial’s second story was a full story, versus the Cape Cod’s half-story.   
 

A home that is described as Contemporary should be just that--a house of “now.”  Think of a contemporary home as having Colonial, Ranch or other architectural characteristics, just with an updated look. 
 

As times changed during the 1930s-60s, Mid-Century Modern-style houses began to make an impression using sleek straight lines, asymmetrical form and basic materials like glass, concrete, and metal.   
 

Ranch-style homes were a popular architectural style in the US during the post-World War II years through the 1970s.  The one-story form was usually low on the ground, with mixed exterior siding and attached garage.   
 

Looking like something from a fairy tale, Tudor homes featured curved rooflines and doorways, timbered or half-timbered gables filled with mason work or shingles, decorated windows, and cross-gables on the front exterior.  
 

The Victorian era brought romance and frills, and the homes of that period are no different.  A Victorian-style home will normally have a steeped-pitch roof, gabled windows, decorative woodwork, bay windows, and wide front porch.  

Before you buy any used item, inspect it as well as you can for broken/missing parts or loose hardware.  With the exception that you’re certain you can repair it yourself; it might be better left for someone else with experience. 
 

Laminated pieces that are in bad condition will never repair well.  Not only that, but laminate furniture is usually not made of solid wood underneath and won’t have a lot of life left in them unless they’re in perfect condition.   
 

Cleaning is probably the first thing you’ll need to do. The Creek Line Home blog has some great solutions for cleaning thoroughly, as well as removing odors.  
 

Does your piece need a little work?  Unless you love the look of distressed furniture, you will want to repair cracks, rings and replace missing wood.   
 

Cushioned dining chairs are easily made over by removing the seat and covering the cushion with new fabric. (If the foam is very worn, you may need to replace that.) Pull it tightly and attach with a staple gun.  Painting the chair is easier without the cushion, but if you’re keeping the original finish, just re-attach the seat. 
 

Decoupage is another way to bring an old wooden piece back to life.  Choose practically any kind of paper, and using a decoupage medium, cover the whole thing, or, like Miss Mustard Seed, just highlight certain parts, while leaving the rest painted. 
 

Don’t pass up a good lamp! Many can be painted and outfitted with a new shade and serve you for years.  If the electrical parts are fried, lamp kits are available in-home stores and online. 

Spray paint is perfect for hard-to paint items such as candlesticks and decorative items, metal furniture pieces, and wicker furniture.   
 

Chalk paint has become a popular choice for DIY furniture makeover enthusiasts, but there is a bit of prep work in spite of it being an “easy” way to paint. 
 

Outdated art can even be made new again!  These ideas are amazing, and you’ll have what looks like commissioned pieces for just a few dollars and a little work. 

Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreen, has many hybrids, and come with splashes of silver and red.  Not only will you have a plant that doesn’t need a lot of watering, but you’ll have a plant that brightens without having to buy a bouquet of fresh flowers every week! 
 

Using contrast in your rooms can apply to plants as well.  Calathea is a plant with variegated leaves, and some types have red stems and undersides of its leaves.  Placed in a corner with light-colored walls will make this low-light lover take the stage! 
 

What sounds tougher than cast iron plant (Aspidistra)? These long-leafed plants thrive in shady spots, can handle poor soil, and if you forget to water them, they will survive! 
 

Corn plant or dragon tree, (Dracaena fragrans) is a great plant if you’re looking for height.  It might need pruning once it starts getting too tall but is great for medium light.  Children would love to tell their friends they have a dragon tree in their house! 
 

Turn your room into a tropical oasis with parlor palms (neanthe bella)!  The best thing about this palm is that it doesn’t grow very tall and can do well in virtually any amount of light. 
 

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a common houseplant, and rightly so.  While enjoying medium-low light, they do need water at least once per week to keep their beautiful dark green leaves and white blossoms. 
 

There are so many types of philodendron that you can find one for any houseplant need you have.  They prefer medium-low light, but in perfect conditions, they can grow tall. You get a bonus with philodendron, as they are proven air-cleaners! 
 

If you have a dark corner but no space for placing a container on the floor or furniture, pothos is the plant for you. The trailing vine is perfect to hang in a dark corner, and there are several hybrids to choose from. 
 

Does your grandmother have a pot of Swedish ivy that she’s been caring for as long as you can remember?  Plectranthus verticillatus grows very well in low light and be sure it has plenty of room to spread its trailing vines.  
 

When there’s little light and almost no room for a plant in your home, a terrarium filled with mosses, small-growing ferns, Pilea glauca “Aquamarine,” and sweet flag (Acorus) are just a few of the plants that will grow well tucked inside an enclosed case.  Learn more about this age-old type of gardening.