12 (Affordable!) Decorative Items to Buy Before You Sell Your House
12 (Affordable!) Decorative Items to Buy Before You Sell Your House Assuming you’ve done the deep cleaning and decluttering, consider adding these items to your shopping list as you’re preparing to stage your home. TOY CHEST: Where it is appropriate, it’s sorely needed. If you have children or pets living in your house, you’ll need to keep their things corralled. If you’re constantly picking up toys in common living areas, this is a must-buy. BEDDING: When was the last time you bought yourself a new bedding set? If it’s been a while, then your bedroom will probably benefit significantly from an update. Don’t overthink it; it’s hard to go wrong with a crisp white or a neutral gray shade on your bed as long as it looks fluffy and clean and inviting. NEW TOWELS: Nothing makes a bath or shower look more inviting than a pile of fluffy folded towels. Can yours at least play the part without a stunt double standing in? At least break out the “fancy” towels from wherever you’ve stashed them in the linen closet. PAINT: It’s possible you already have some paint lurking in your closet that you can use to touch up any dings in the walls. But why not consider updating the paint scheme as a whole? Paint is one of the most affordable ways you can refine and polish the whole look of your home. THROW PILLOWS: One very easy way to make a living room set look brand-new and fresh is to buy a new set of throw pillows. The pillows are the first parts of your couch to start showing wear and tear, from fraying to stains. FURNITURE COVERS: If you were already thinking about replacing the living-room set, then this might be an appropriate time to do it; if not, furniture covers come in all kinds of sizes, colors, and fabrics, so as long as the bones of your furniture look solid, the covers will provide the cosmetic finish. LIGHTS: Assess how much light you have (and how much light you need) in every room in your house. Ideally, your home will feel airy and bright, and light is a major contributor to that atmospheric and elusive tone. If a room feels dark and drab, investing in a table lamp or floor lamp will help alleviate some of that downward “pull” you experience when you walk in. AREA RUGS: One area where people may have an opportunity to add some items is the floor. A well-placed rug draws the eye down a hallway toward the armchair by the fireplace, or provides some distinction between the living room and dining area in an open floorplan. MIRRORS: Another very well-known way to help expand the look and feel of spaciousness in your house is to add some mirrors. Hang one over the sofa or fireplace in the living room, on the big expanse of wall in the hallway, or on the closet door in the bedroom. SMALL TABLES OR SHELVES: Showcase some of the niceties that would appeal to buyers. Are there enough clean and shiny surfaces to display a plant or a vase of flowers? You’ll want to add some as your final touch on the home. Find one spot per room to place an eye-catching detail. VASES OR POTS: The mass appeal of plants and flowers mean that they are a universally beloved way to stage a house. And that means you’re going to need things in which to put those plants and flowers. Glass vases and ceramic pots are abundant and cheap. FRESH FLOWERS: A beautiful finishing touch you can put on your space is a bouquet or two of fresh flowers strategically placed throughout the home. Something about flowers or live plants inside helps to create a calming environment, and if you’ve taken the standard advice to outfit your house in mostly neutral tones, some pops of fresh flowers on clean, shiny surfaces will help pull the whole look together. Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn affiliate links when you click through the affiliate links on our website
Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make
The 5 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make Buying a home is always an anxiety-ridden process, and that goes triple for first-time buyers. Be wary of falling into a few common traps: Mistake No. 1: Not understanding down payment options Do you really need to put 20% down? Not necessarily; there are low- and no-down-payment loans that will let you get your foot in the homeownership door a lot sooner. Mistake No. 2: Not getting preapproved It pays to figure out what you can actually afford -- and that means getting preapproved for a home loan. (Prequalification isn’t enough.) Mistake No. 3: Not finding a qualified agent You may wonder why a real estate agent is even necessary. But in areas with red-hot markets, you’re not seeing the most updated listings, and you’re missing out on expertise around where to look. Mistake No. 4: Not spending the night (in the neighborhood) See if you can find an Airbnb where you can crash for a night or two — preferably closer to a week — so you can try your new neighborhood on for size. Mistake No. 5: Not understanding what’s fixable Drop panels in the ceiling and that miniscule bathtub — ugh! Are those annoyances that can be fixed or deal-breakers that mean you should pass on the property entirely? In markets where entry-level homes are getting snatched up as soon as they hit the market, knowing what’s acceptable and what you just can’t take is a huge advantage. None of these mistakes will keep you from buying a home of your own — but they could delay the process and cost you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars at the end of the day. But if you’re able to avoid them, you’ll be signing the closing papers on your dream home before you know it!
What a Home Inspection Involves
39 Things a Home Inspector Checks What does a home inspection involve? There are dozens of features that a home inspector will examine to ensure the home's safety and habitability. Here are some of the things you can expect your inspector to check out. Outside Puddles/standing water: Puddles or standing water could indicate a drainage problem. A shed: Shed walls should be solidly built, and doors must open and shut smoothly. Retaining walls: Leaning retaining walls might show instability in the ground. Fences: Fences should be standing straight. Paths: Buckling or crooked pathways are another indication of draining issues. Deck/patio: Decks and patios must be free of holes and have adequate railings. Trees and shrubs: Trees overhanging your roof or shrubs planted too close to the house might be flags. Roof: The roof should be free from holes; materials should be in decent shape, and vents should be free and clean. Gutters and drainage: Gutters should be secured to the roof, clear from debris, and draining away from the house. Siding: The siding material will get a look for any signs of aging or damage, and to ensure the walls are straight. Inside Basement: Basements and crawl spaces will be inspected for moisture and pests. Foundation: Foundation problems can make or break a sale; the inspector will check for stability and leaks. Mold/mildew: Mold and mildew could mean a leaky foundation. Plumbing or pipes: Any visible damage to your plumbing pipes, or stains around the materials, will be noted in the report. Water heaters: The inspector will note the size of the water heater, note its ventilation and set temperature, and check for any signs of rust. Attic: Inspectors will check for mold and mildew, leakage, and more in the attic. Insulation: The attic is one of the best places to see if insulation is the right type and has been installed correctly. Front door: Crooked door frames or doors that stick can indicate a foundation problem. Windows: Inspectors will make sure windows open and close smoothly. Walls: Leaning or tilted walls could show a structural problem with the house. Ceilings: Water stains on the ceiling mean that water is leaking somewhere in the house. Heat/cooling sources: Is the heat or cooling adequate for this part of the country? Fireplace/chimney: The inspector will check for cracks or damage in the fireplace or chimney. Kitchen Range hood or exhaust fan: Your kitchen needs to be well-ventilated, so inspectors will check for that. Outlets by sink: Any outlets by the kitchen sink must have a ground fault circuit interrupter. Kitchen sink: The kitchen sink should have adequate water pressure, and should be free of any leaks or stains underneath. Appliances: Any built-in appliances will get a once-over to make sure they operate properly and aren’t causing any issues. Cabinets drawers: Cabinets and drawers that don’t open or close smoothly can be another indication that the home’s foundation is shifting. Bathroom Toilets: Not only should toilets operate, but they also need to be secured. Shower: The shower drains and water pressure, tiles and caulking, and flooring will all be examined. Tub: Inspectors will check bathtubs for drainage, any signs of leaks or damage, and water pressure. Garage doors: Do the garage doors open and close properly, and is the garage structurally sound? Electrical Visible wiring: Visible wiring is usually OK, but it has to be secured and protected, with no visible splices. Electrical panel: The electrical panel must be the correct size for the home, and the connections must be in good order. Outlets: Inspectors will note the number of outlets in each room and whether that number is adequate. Light switches: Are all the light switches operational? You can expect your inspector to check. General safety Operational smoke/carbon monoxide detectors: Do the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work? (Yes, the inspector is going to set them off to check!) Level floors: The floors should be level and free of cracks, stains, or signs of damage. Stairs: Stairs should have solid risers and tread, with no loose boards or other issues, and hand railings (if necessary).
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