Real Estate Information Archive

- Keeping shades drawn in rooms where the sun comes streaming in is a great first defense on staying cool inside.  Doing this simple thing can lower the inside temps 30%! 
 

- When you’re away, program the thermostat to 80°, and then down to 75° once you are home.  No need to cool an unoccupied house, and leaving it off completely causes not only heat, but humidity, to build up. If those settings seem warm, give it a week, and you’ll find that your body acclimates to the warmer temperatures! 
 

- Utilizing fans is an inexpensive way to help stay cool; your ceiling fan should be turning counterclockwise (find the direction toggle switch near the fan speed chain), and floor fans should blow towards you at a comfortable speed. 
  

- Planting large shrubbery and plants with heavy foliage on the sunny sides of the house not only makes the landscaping attractive, the plants help block the heat, making the outside cooler, thus, the inside will stay cooler. 
 

- Permanent awnings and shutters are easy ways to block sun, as are retractable curtain awnings.   
 

- Allowing all interior doors to stay open will help the air circulate fully and helps keep hot spots from forming.  Leave air registers open, even in unoccupied rooms, to avoid putting a strain on ductwork over time. 
 

- Using a dehumidifier will, obviously, reduce the moisture in the air, making the house feel cooler. 
 

- Time your clothes-drying and dishwashing for nighttime hours and keep the house cooler in the daytime and save on your electric bill. Most energy companies have off-peak consumption hours at night and early mornings. 
 

- Cooking will heat up the kitchen, so learn how to plan your cooking early or later in the day and make use of a toaster oven creates less heat than turning the oven on. 

Before you move, think about how you want to set up and decorate your new home.  Here are a few factors you can focus on: 
 

- If you love the layout of your current home, do the same in your new house as closely as you can.  Use the same furniture placement, arrange your focal wall close to what you are familiar with, and keep your kitchen arranged as you do now. 
 

- Is there something you really dislike about where you are now? Switch things up in the new house for a completely different look that you love. Paint and furniture slipcovers go a long way if a total overhaul is not in the budget. 
 

- Those who thrive on change are going to have an easier time of moving to a new place.

  - Many go from one decorating extreme to another: farmhouse rustic to sleek and modern or from mid-century decor to a cottage style.    
 

If it is in your plan to do any painting or other work, have that done before moving, or get it completed as soon as possible.  The longer it takes to unpack and put your personal things in place, the longer you will feel unsettled. 
 

Getting unpacked as quickly as you can; no one feels at home having to maneuver around boxes that are stacked up around the house. If there are storage items that need to be put away, get them in the attic. Some rooms can be set up easily, such as the kitchen and eating areas, as well as bedrooms.  
 

Forgo the take-out food after a couple of nights.  If you simply do not have time for cooking, at least seat everyone at the table with your usual dishes and silverware.  
 

Having younger children’s rooms arranged with all their favorites will help them settle in.  Is there a family clock that chimes the hour? Get it unpacked and chiming as soon as possible.  Whatever is an “expected thing” in your home, the sooner it is in place, the more comfortable everyone will feel.
 

No matter the season, get your landscaping and outdoor items placed where you would like them. Personalizing with a monogrammed flag, your favorite flowers (in pots, as that is easier to care for after a recent move), and outdoor furnishings.  
 

Get into your normal routine as best you can, and if there are new jobs or places to be, go about them as you would have in your former home.  Keeping everything, you need for the everyday running of life in the same general way and area they were in before will make for some normalcy. 

Flat or matte paint is great for hiding flaws, and best used in low-traffic rooms, as it is not as easy to clean as glossy paint.  Use latex paint for high-traffic walls, and oil paint for wood trim.  Leave windows open when painting with oil paint because the odor is quite strong, and it takes longer to dry. 
 

When picking colors, do not be afraid to go bold, unless you plan to sell soon, then neutrals are your best choice. 
 

Purchase paint samples and apply each color in a 2’x2’ area on the wall you are planning to paint. Once it is dry, you will get a better feel for the color in the different lights, and whether you can live with it or not. 
 

The ceiling cannot be forgotten in your new design!  Change the feel of the room’s height by going a shade darker (for a lower ceiling feel) or go a shade lighter or use a lighter color to give the illusion of a higher ceiling. 
 

Use this handy paint calculator to determine how much paint you will need.  Other supplies necessary for a professional look are painter’s tape, drop cloths, putty, a putty knife, caulking, and any tools you may need for removing hardware from any doors or walls. 
 

Clean your walls and sand if necessary, then use a vacuum to make sure all the dust is gone. 

Covering a dark color, stains on the walls, old paneling, or new sheetrock may require a coat of primer prior to painting. Tint the primer with a little of your new wall color before applying. 
 

Before you start on the walls, do the little stuff first:  paint in corners and close to the ceiling with a good brush, working your way down to catch drips. 
 

Paint the walls in 3’-4’ sections in an overlapping W-pattern, applying paint until you need to reload the roller. When you are near the ceiling and corners, get as close as possible using what is left on the roller where you previously already cut in. This gives a smooth appearance to the finish. 
 

Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours and avoid hanging anything on the walls for a few days. Hopefully, you should not have to do any cleaning until the paint has cured, usually two weeks to thirty days. 

It is important to know, realistically, how much house you can afford, and start shooting for a 20% down payment of that amount. 
 

Turn your $4.50-per-day cup of coffee into $90/month in the piggy bank. Add up similar purchases, decide what you can live without, and move that money (set up automatic transfers) every day from your checking to a hands-off savings account. 
 

Put your savings egg into a nest of high-yield savings or money market account. 
 

Sign up with your employer to deposit a portion of your pay into a down payment savings account.  Most of the time, if you do not see it, you do not miss it. 
 

If a pay raise comes your way, save that unexpected pay:  stay on your old budget, and have the difference in old and new pay direct deposited into your down payment account. 
 

When non-salary payments such as bonuses or even a tax refund come in, sock them away and give your savings a boost. 
 

Did you know that family members can gift money towards your down payment? Make certain you document these gifts correctly for your lender and the IRS.  Mortgage Reports shares more information about down payment gifts. 
 

A part-time job may provide enough each week to add to your down payment savings. Your well-being is important, however, so do not go into a second job unless you are certain it will be a benefit. 
 

If you have investments in stocks or bonds, plan on liquidating those assets when the time comes to purchase your house.  Make sure you document these sales. 
 

You can always borrow from your 401k or IRA, but make sure you will not have to pay penalties.  Talk with your account holder before making any withdrawals. 

Rake the last of the fallen leaves and other debris so your lawn can absorb as much sun as possible to look its best. Place debris in the compost pile. 
 

After or during extremely cold temperatures, be sure to check the irrigation system for any cracks. 
 

Seed catalogs are filling your mailbox, so take the time to browse through them and decide what you will be planting for spring.  Start them inside to lengthen your growing season outdoors. 
 

While you wait for the seeds to be delivered, have your garden soil tested by your local extension office, and add another layer of compost (or the raked-up leaves). 
 

Prune dead wood and suckers out of flowering trees and shrubbery.  Plants that bloom in spring or bloom off old wood, however, should not be cut back until after flowering. For instance, azaleas have already formed their flower buds for the coming spring. Cutting a healthy plant now means no spring color from your shrubs. 
 

If you are pruning fruit trees, spray with neem oil to help prevent any pests that have overwintered and can destroy your Summer harvest. 
 

Do not forget your mower and other power tools! If they were not stored properly, you may have problems getting them started.  Home Depot offers some tips for getting your lawnmower ready for the busy season. 
 

Keep bird feeders clean and full, because winter fruit is fading, and their favorite insects have not ventured out yet.   

A safe environment is as important for a pet as it is for children and having a fenced-in area will usually keep your pet contained, and others on the other side. A pathway made of gravel, cement, or other material that is not plant-based will help knock off any debris that catches on paws and fur before pets go inside. 
 

Consider the plants in your landscaping, and make sure you have nothing that can make your pet ill if they ingest it.  The SPCA offers this great list of poisonous-to-animals plants to help you decide what does not need to be in your landscaping. 
 

When house-training, encourage your pet to use a specific area of the yard for easy clean-up, as well as keeping unwanted odors away from the house.   
 

Purchase an ID tag for your pet’s collar, with your name and contact information just in case they do get out and about.  Having your pet microchipped is like a two-step identification for them in case they lose their collar. 
 

Make sure window screens are secure when you open them in case Kitty wants to enjoy a nap there.  Investing in a window perch or creating a “catio” would be ideal for indoor cats to enjoy the outdoors safely. 

Keeping pets brushed and their bedding changed and/or washed regularly is essential in keeping you from doing a lot of extra cleaning and floor repairs.  A hard surfaced, scratch-resistant floor is perfect for homes with pets. Area rugs need to be secure and washable.  
 

Be sure your trash container has a child-proof lid if it cannot be placed in a pantry or cabinet. Not only do you not want the mess, but Fluffy or Fido could eat something harmful. 
 

Crate-training is best for dogs, but most animals need a space of their own.  Provide a comfy pet bed, toys and food and water in a quiet area of the house. Your cat’s litter box should be kept away from their food in a quiet place. Having one more box than you have cats is optimal for them as well. 
 

Are you considering a bird, hermit crab, or other small pet? They require their own habitat, and some have specialized needs: safety from larger pets, child-proof habitat covers, and a room with certain temperature and humidity settings. 
 

Check with your local municipality to see if you need permits for exotic pets. 

When you purchase a home in an HOA, an organization that creates and enforces rules in a subdivision or condominium, by default you are a member of that HOA and must pay fees and follow their bylaws.  
 

HOAs have rules and bylaws in place to protect property values, as well as to maintain a certain quality of life for the homeowners.  
 

Do not think about living in an organized community as a place that keeps homeowners from expressing themselves in their landscaping or house’s exterior.  It is more about protecting your investment because of the home-maintenance regulations. You will appreciate this if you ever decide to sell the home. 
 

While searching for houses online, read the listing information carefully, and if the property is in an HOA, you will find the association’s name as well as the neighborhood’s fees. HOA fees can be high, but in comparison with what amenities they offer, it could save you money in the end. 
 

Performing an internet search for the specific name of a community should result in finding their website, complete with photos of homes and amenities.  Some HOAs offer a readable file with more specific information, such as the community bylaws, covenants, restrictions, and fees.  
 

Not all HOAs are the same:  amenities vary from community beautification, playground, swimming pool, or tennis courts to a neighborhood walking path or gym. 
 

Some associations provide security, trash pick-up, pest control, as well as street sweeping and snow removal.  
 

Choosing to live in a condominium community may be more to your liking: the HOA usually handles all landscape maintenance, as well as exterior home maintenance.  You are responsible only for the interior of your home.  
 

The organization’s board members live in the neighborhood, so they are aware of needs specific to the area and can better handle solutions to any problems. 

- While your new house has had a thorough inspection, you may want to go through that list and begin planning for items the inspector may have noted would need repair soon. Get estimates for the fixes and begin saving now. 
 

- Assuming the former owner kept everything in tip-top shape and not performing your own monthly or seasonal inspection is never a good idea. Print this handy checklist, and use it for DIY inspection and maintenance so you stay a few steps ahead of a major repair need. 
 

- Beginning any major work as soon as the moving truck leaves the driveway may be too soon!  Live in the home for a while and learn its quirks and possible trouble spots before drawing plans and hiring a contractor.  Finding an unforeseen issue with the house after work has begun can cause more financial burden. 
 

- Renovation television shows make DIY tempting, to say the least.  If you have no experience in a major remodel, leave it to the pros.  Paying the right person to do the job could save you thousands in “mistake” money. 
 

- A total overhaul of your decor as soon as you move in can put a dent in your wallet. Personalizing your home is best done room-by-room or whatever is easiest on your budget. Living space furniture with new slipcovers, new stylish pillows, and a fresh coat of paint on the walls should satisfy anyone who is itching to make their home “theirs.” 
 

- Probably the furthest thing from new homeowners’ minds is their future tax returns, but not keeping receipts and all other financial forms related to your home purchase could hurt come tax time. Consider hiring an accountant or tax preparer when the time comes.