One of the most crucial instruments in today's real estate market for property sales is technology. Among those technological tools, one of the newest and most important ones for selling a house quickly is a virtual tour of real estate. This technology allowed military members to be transferred, investors to increase their portfolios, and homeowners to select vacation properties. Virtual tours enable real estate agents to help buyers find homes and give sellers unique marketing tools.
Buyers want to rapidly find their next secure haven, which may be their office, gym, or classroom over months or years. Sellers want to prevent strangers from entering their homes while reaching enough buyers for the greatest offer. Virtual house tours are popular, but there are many choices for buying or selling a home.
Many real estate specialists who had never utilized virtual tours had to adjust rapidly during the pandemic. Not everyone can produce a "virtual tour" as last year due to time and resource constraints.
360° photos are used in traditional virtual house tours to show all sides. These let virtual tour viewers see up, down, and around a home's interior and exterior. A dollhouse-like digital model can be created from 360° photographs using software. Agents may also use Virtual Staging to embellish spaces with digital furniture and wallpaper or paint.
Online Walkthroughs show you strolling about the home, unlike traditional virtual tours. The seller or agent will hold a camera or smartphone and go through the house to make a video. Online walkthroughs can be pre-recorded or live.
They are also called Virtual Showings or Online Open Houses if live. A scheduled, one-on-one Virtual Showing begins at the exterior and moves around the home like an in-person tour. Virtual Showings include FaceTime or Skype from your agent from a home you're interested in. Online Open Houses are more flexible, allowing viewers to join and leave group video calls on Instagram, Facebook, or Zoom.
These kinds of virtual tours show property details more clearly than static images. However, a new refrigerator or the size of the master closet aren't the only variables when buying a property. It's a good thing virtual tours are great for human connection.
Virtual house tours let buyers see the house from every angle, visualize themselves living there, and assess if the flow and features suit their lifestyle. Live video walkthroughs in the real estate agent reveal non-visual details like creaking floors, quick internet, and community dynamics. Plus, you may ask concerns and get an insider's take on the home's best features.
Virtual tours are now my standard recommendation for sellers to showcase their homes and attract buyers. You can be sure that interested buyers are still seeing your house up close and personal, which will inspire their best offers.
Even though certain government limitations are lifted, virtual tours are still advised for buying and selling real estate. Buyers don't have to worry about previous visitors, while sellers lose foot traffic. Some data suggest virtual house tours make agents safer by reducing in-person showings and open houses.
Many virtual tours are available, but some buyers need to view a home to feel secure enough to make an offer. Realtors may advise purchasers to stay in their cars and wear gloves and face covers on the day of the in-person tour. Many sellers give hand sanitizer and ask buyers not to touch any surfaces. The agent will turn on lights, doors, and curtains.
Real or not, virtual tours are expanding buyer and seller alternatives. The average buyer saw ten homes over ten weeks before making an offer in 2019. However, virtual tours save them time and allow them to view many homes quickly to create their ultimate pick.
As a buyer looking at a home from a couch, know you're not alone. You're competing with other buyers viewing the same properties, so collaborate with your real estate agent to make a solid offer when you find the property of your dreams. Sellers should evaluate the desire for a quick sale against the temptation to accept additional bids, which can extend the listing period by six percent. Agents can help you choose the best plan for your priorities.
Virtual tour creation, editing, uploading, and promotion for listings are expensive. Virtual staging and advertising will increase a listing's marketing expense. Even affordable methods like video call walkthroughs involve seller and agency time and effort.
These costs imply sellers may not want a comprehensive virtual tour bundle. Your agent may advise against a lengthy virtual tour, showing, and open house while marketing your home. That style of promotion may not appeal to your potential buyers, the investment-to-return ratio may not be favorable, or there may be other ways to get eligible buyers to notice your listing.
Buyers, some listings in your search may have something other than virtual tours. Those for-sale homes may have yet to need a full virtual marketing package to attract buyers or be better marketed traditionally.
Have you tried a virtual tour? If yes, how was your experience with it? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.
Buying a home is one thing; bidding for your dream house is another. It can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you haven't done this before.
You may have prepared everything you need to purchase the property you want only to be outbid by another home buyer.
So, how to get a house in a bidding war and make sure that you end up with the home you want?
In this post, we'll give you easy steps that will make your offer stand out from the others.
During the process of purchasing a home, a bidding war might break out when there are numerous purchasers interested in buying the same property.
Each prospective buyer of a home continues to submit an offer that is higher or better than the previous one, which ultimately drives up the price of the residence.
In very competitive real estate markets, bidding wars may get out of control and even look nasty.
Here are nine simple steps on how to get a house in a bidding war:
Home-buying for the first time doesn't have to be complicated. You can save time and money by hiring a market-savvy real estate agent. The agent will negotiate with the seller's agent and recommend reputable, low-interest lenders. An expert loan officer with local roots can help the sale go through—request mortgage pre-approval to simplify the procedure.
Show the seller and agent you want the home. Most sellers worry about mortgage loan denials stopping the purchase. Request pre-underwriting from your lender before making an offer. A pre-approval shows you have funds, enhancing your negotiating power. This may speed up the closing procedure and waive your financial contingency.
Waiving buyer contingency clauses may help you get an offer approved on a house with many offers. Contingency offers eliminate surprises like repairs and title issues after buying a house.
Removing contract contingencies can sweeten your offer as the real estate market lacks homes. Strategy risk is higher. If you want to waive your financing or inspection contingency, talk to your real estate agent.
Down payments often indicate the buyer's financial situation to the seller. If the seller compares bids, a bigger down payment may suggest a stronger commitment to closing.
More cash in the bank informs the seller you won't walk away after low appraisals or hefty repair bills. To entice the seller, provide earnest money—sellers like purchasers with good faith deposits who want their ideal home. Average charges are 1% to 3% of the purchase price, depending on area.
As home inventories decrease, homebuyers must be inventive to convince sellers to accept their bids. Escalation clauses in buyer contracts allow you to match and offer more than the highest bid until a specified amount.
Consider inserting an escalation clause carefully. Seller's agents can use the clauses to get you to pay significantly more for the home than contracted. Talk to your realtor before utilizing this aggressive technique.
Appraisal discrepancies are a major cause of missed house sales. If prices soar faster than appraisers can justify, they will value a home below contract. A lesser price may cause sellers to walk away.
Offering to fill part of the evaluation gap can boost your offer. Paying more than the home's value may be necessary. Waiving the appraisal contingency and contributing to discrepancies ensures the seller won't have to lower the price following the house inspection.
An advance cash payment is the easiest way to get a house offer accepted with many offers. You have the money to close an all-cash home payment. A clean offer without mortgage lender contingencies is also what it means. Eliminating finance problems speeds up closure.
Acknowledge sellers' demands with some flexibility. If you can afford closing costs, offer. Understanding each seller's wants and acting fast will help you beat other bidders to the sale. To respond fast to the seller, make sure your real estate agent communicates. The seller may accept your offer if you show that you are serious about closing quickly and without complications.
Giving the seller a personal letter with your contract offer is outmoded. Your letter might convey that you value the home where they built many memories, enticing them to accept your proposal.
Avoid using your religion, race, or politics in the letter to avoid unconscious bias. Growing Fair Housing Act litigation is discouraging real estate brokers and their clients from employing this method.
Rejections for homes on the market might demoralize buyers. You may need to entice sellers with your bid.
The tips above can help show your willingness to go the extra mile to buy the property.
Do you have more tips on how to make your offer stand out? If yes, feel free to drop them in the comment section!
There are tons of reasons why it's good to buy real estate in Indiana. For one, the home prices here are much lower, making it practical for families and even real estate investors to buy homes at an affordable price.
No wonder Indiana is growing in popularity as a real estate investment hub; other than affordable housing, it's known for its strong economy, excellent universities, and excellent growth. So, if you're looking for a home for sale in Indianapolis, below are good areas for real estate investment.
Here are the ten good areas for real estate investment that you need to know if you want to invest in Indiana:
Downtown Indianapolis draws families and young professionals due to its thriving companies, vibrant nightlife, and many cultural attractions. Due to the area's strong demand and low vacancy rates, investing in condos or flats here can result in substantial rental revenue.
Broad Ripple Village is a sanctuary for millennials because of its thriving artistic community and diverse eateries and businesses. The distinct appeal of this area and its robust rental market make it a great place to invest in real estate.
Fountain Square has changed dramatically from a forgotten area. Today, it's a trendy neighborhood with a booming arts scene and many new restaurants and stores. As the area gentrifies, fixer-uppers can yield high profits.
Carmel is one of the best areas to live in the U.S. due to its excellent schools, minimal crime, and good quality of life. This upscale area has single-family houses with regular rental income and appreciation potential.
Fishers, a family-friendly town with outstanding schools and a robust employment market is another highly regarded suburb. This neighborhood is a good place to invest in real estate because of the increased house demand.
Zionsville is a delightful tiny town with a feeling of an ancient village. Wealthy families are drawn to the area by the high-end mansions, top-notch schools, and low crime rates, allowing investors to enter the luxury property market.
Meridian-Kessler is one of Indianapolis' most desired neighborhoods because of its historic homes and tree-lined avenues. The robust housing market and great demand in this area make investing profitable.
Greenwood, a suburb of Indianapolis, has a robust rental market and affordable housing. Its convenient location in downtown Indianapolis makes it a desirable alternative for commuters and a wise real estate investment.
Westfield is a rapidly expanding community with a robust housing market. Because of its consistent growth and generally high standard of living, the area is an attractive prospect for real estate investment.
Noblesville is a well-liked option for families due to its charming downtown, distinguished educational system, and robust labor market. Investing in this neighborhood has the potential to generate reliable rental income in addition to capital appreciation.
Indianapolis has many real estate investment opportunities. Each community provides investors with various possibilities, from downtown to the lovely outskirts. This dynamic city offers excellent opportunities for condo, single-family, and fixer-upper investors.
Need help finding the best real estate investment? Let our experts help you!
RE/MAX Advanced Realty has been the top RE/MAX team in Indiana for 12 years, and we couldn't have done that without our top-notch realtors.
So if you need help buying a real estate in Indiana or even selling your home, we are confident that our real estate services can help you.
Talk to us today by calling 317-316-8224 to learn more!
Although directly owning investment properties is the best real estate investing strategy, investors have other ways to generate money from real estate, like what we've mentioned in Part 1. This includes:
To continue this part, we will give you additional investment strategies in real estate that you may want to consider in the future.
Below are the additional five investment strategies in real estate:
The investing strategies in real estate through wholesaling are similar to those of investing in real estate through fixing and flipping, except that a wholesaler does not take ownership of the property they are investing in.
For a small wholesale fee, a real estate wholesaler finds a distressed property with an inspired seller, puts it under a contract at a below-market price, estimates repairs and fair market value, and assigns the buying and sale agreement to another investor.
Like mending and flipping, real estate wholesaling needs a lot of effort, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to get an owner to sell for less than market value. In several states, property wholesalers must be licensed.
Real estate wholesaling may be an excellent business for those with limited capital. Many professional real estate distributors use "real estate bird dogs" to find distressed property and pay a small referral fee.
Small funds known as real estate investment groups (REIGs) buy collections of rental properties and then make those properties available for investors.
REIGs promote vacant properties, screen tenants, collect rents, manage property, and maintain them for a percentage of monthly rental income. REIG investors benefit from ongoing rental income and equity appreciation when the houses are sold.
People searching for a hands-off real estate investing strategy may find REIG a viable alternative. Still, it's essential to look into management and their prior record of success or failure.
REITs are publicly or privately held companies that invest in residential build-to-rent (BTR) subdivisions, commercial real estate, and special-use properties like data centers and cold storage facilities.
At least 90% of REIT profits must be distributed as dividends. They can diversify an investment portfolio, generating real estate income without owning property. Typically, REITs lease investment-grade properties to credit tenants for long periods. Publicly listed REITs are more liquid than other real estate investments because they may be traded.
REITs do not offer the pros of owning a rental property, such as directly influencing property management decisions.
Investors in crowdfunding platforms buy shares in high-quality commercial and residential assets like new house developments, apartment buildings, and stable commercial real estate.
Crowdfunding can expose investors to homes they cannot afford directly. If a project is lucrative, crowdfunding investors receive pro-rata net income distributions and a part of any sales revenues.
Crowdfunding's illiquid shares may be locked up until a project is stable or during economic uncertainty. The crowdfund sponsor's experience in identifying profitable possibilities, financing and developing the project, and leasing and managing the property to optimize asset value and cash flow is also important to investors.
Private lenders buy real estate debt instead of equity. Private lenders finance real estate investors like home flippers who want an alternative to regular lending. Like banks, private lenders profit through lending fees and interest rates; however, most fees and interest rates are higher.
Although private lending can offer continuous interest income, a borrower may default, and a lender may have to take back a partially restored home. Since private lenders have real estate investing knowledge, they know how to protect themselves from foreclosure.
Did we miss anything? If there are other real estate investment strategies you know, feel free to drop them in the comment section below!
The unpredictable housing market in Indiana is complicated, so buying a house here can be difficult. Navigating such a market demands expertise and careful planning, regardless of whether you're purchasing for the first time or planning to make a strategic investment.
But don't worry! In this post, we'll give you detailed information and tips on buying a house in Indiana and what you need to know about it as a first-time homebuyer.
The Hoosier State is known for being able to combine a great quality of life with a low cost of living, and these are just two reasons why buying a home in this state is a must. Here are seven simple steps on how to get started:
Financial readiness is vital when buying real estate. Here are some actions to prepare financially for buying a house in Indiana:
Make a plan for your down payment after determining your house budget. You can set your down payment; however, 20% is the norm. Homebuyers' down payments vary by mortgage type. If you put down less, your lender may require private mortgage insurance.
Indiana first-time buyers may be surprised by closing costs. Closers, like down payments, are out-of-pocket charges for home financing, purchase, and ownership. Set aside 2%–5% of the buying price for closing charges.
In Indiana, mortgage pre-approval decides how much you can borrow to buy a property. Pre-approval letters demonstrate your seriousness in financing a home with lenders.
You must understand house loans and choose the one that suits your needs before applying for pre-approval:
Traditionally, real estate agents assist homebuyers. Your agent shortlists properties from the MLS and local inventory. However, Indiana For Sale By Owner websites let you find FSBO houses.
When searching, take these in mind:
After choosing a home, make your offer appealing. It should consist of the offer price, pre-approval letter, and down payment proof of funds, including purchasing terms and contingencies.
Appraisals, property inspections, etc., are common house purchase contingencies. You might give cash or waive contingencies to attract home sellers.
Homeowners usually counteroffer. Counteroffers might be accepted or rejected. When the seller confirms your offer, they'll sign the purchase agreement and set escrow. 1% to 2% of the purchase price must be held in escrow.
Indiana house inspections reveal property issues. The property must be inspected and reported by an Indiana home inspector. There may be structural or mechanical flaws in a home inspection report. Reports allow you to demand repairs from home sellers. Consider canceling if the property is severely damaged.
Your mortgage lender requires property appraisal. A home appraisal prevents them from lending more than fair value. Get a professional Indiana house appraiser to determine its market value. The loan amount equals the appraised value. If the down payment is low, you can raise it or renegotiate.
You can close the deal if everything goes according to plan and the final walk-through is agreeable. The final stage involves paying closing costs, signing paperwork, and getting the keys.
The closing disclosure is provided by your lender three days before closing. It includes your mortgage type, monthly payment, interest rate, origination fees, closing costs, etc.
The closure will include your agent and others. Sellers, their agents, and settlement agents—real estate attorneys, escrow representatives, or title companies—are involved. The escrow will transfer the closing costs and down payment onto the seller after deducting them.
Buying a house in Indiana can be intimidating but thrilling. Here are some Indiana home-buying tips to prepare you:
Buying a home can be overwhelming; however, with the right knowledge and help from experts, you can make this journey fun and easy.
If you're looking for a new home in Indiana, our team at RE/MAX Advanced Realty - Indy Home Pros is here to help. You can check out townhouses, condos, and other properties for sale here.
As climate change worsens, more people want to live sustainably. This has increased demand for eco-friendly homes. According to Redrow, 82% of purchasers would pay more for eco-friendly homes than a typical one.
The greener home buyers could be a millennial looking to move out and start a family or a retiree looking for a simple one-floor home suitable for their needs. Eco-friendly homes are prevalent across all ages.
This post might answer one of the most frequently asked questions: "Why are eco-friendly homes important to the enormous and expanding population of environmentally aware prospective home buyers?"
Better insulation, upgraded HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and renewable energy generation make eco-friendly homes more energy efficient. Besides energy efficiency, they have other environmental benefits.
Sustainable building materials make eco-friendly homes environmentally friendly. These homes reduce carbon emissions and pollution using wood frames, low-emissions concrete, and recycled materials. Green homes use sustainable resources and generate fewer waste products through efficient design and construction.
Eco-friendly homes utilize less water than standard homes through rainwater capture, greywater reuse for irrigation and landscaping, low-flow faucets, and other water-saving appliances.
Promoting eco-friendly homes with all these benefits will help buyers see that they can save money on bills while preserving the environment.
Buying an eco-friendly home has many financial advantages:
You should 'cast the net wide' when selling eco-friendly homes because many demographics want them. These marketing strategies target homebuyers of all ages.
Older homebuyers, people may see less TV, social media, email, or radio advertising than younger generations. Traditional advertising, like newspapers, magazines, and billboards, could get to this audience better. Use recycled paper and inks for mail-out flyers or other resource-intensive advertising to reach your target demographic.
Digital marketing targeting youth has infinite potential. Remember to target adverts to reach all internet users. Google Ads lets you choose which pages your ads display on, making prospecting easy.
Social media marketing also works well for younger audiences. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook all offer ad services and are popular with "just-moving-out" to "middle-aged buyers." Use many channels to reach a wide range of green homebuyers.
Trust and authenticity are key to sales. Thus, targeting the environmentally-friendly housing market will demonstrate to eco-conscious buyers that you are a sustainable real estate business. Today's market offers several sustainable home layouts and aspects to specialize in.
Prefabricated modular homes are increasing in popularity in green housing. These properties are 'prefab,' indicating factory-built and brought to the site. Modules can be assembled like LEGO blocks; thus, adding rooms doesn't require a costly rebuild. Due to their cost-effectiveness and adaptable design, modular prefab buildings are considered the future of eco-friendly homes.
Retrofitted homes are another green housing niche. Traditional homes are retrofitted with sustainable materials and energy- and water-saving features. Eco-friendly retrofits offer financial savings and health benefits without the high expense of new green homes.
These new green homes exemplify how the real estate business is becoming more sustainable and supporting green housing. You can lead real estate trends and stand out by specializing in sustainable housing or energy efficiency.
The saying "health is wealth" applies to most people prioritizing their health. Buyers will be pleased to learn that eco-friendly homes provide several advantages for both mental and physical health.
Eco-friendly homes utilize low- or no-VOC paints. Many paints and interior furnishings contain VOCs, which evaporate or "off gas" into the air. Buy a sustainable home from a reputable agency to avoid VOC-related health issues and live better. Smog Armor's no-VOC paints are ideal for exterior and interior painting.
Sustainable homes employ natural sunlight for passive heating and lighting energy reduction. Natural light boosts mood and promotes sleep.
What are the other reasons why you think eco-friendly homes are a must? Feel free to share them in the comment section!
Owning real estate is an excellent investment strategy with a holding that produces returns equal to the stock market but with less volatility.
Additionally, residential real estate offers investors unique tax advantages and can employ leverage to increase overall returns to them.
In this post, we will give you the best real estate investing strategies you can use to get started.
Before anything else, you have to know that your goals and timeframe will determine which investment strategies in real estate work best for you.
And here are your options:
Real estate investors buy and hold SFR properties to earn rental income, profit from property value appreciation, and take advantage of specific tax incentives. Single-family rental property is the most popular real estate investment type for novice and experienced investors. SFRs (Single Family Residential) are simple to locate, acquire, and run.
Residential real estate buyers have access to various financing choices, including conventional loans, loans backed by the government, private lenders, and lenders with portfolios of properties.
Reinvesting income from rental properties is a common supplement to the buy-and-hold approach many real estate investors employ.
The "snowball effect" saves net cash flow on one rental property until they have enough money for a second rental property down payment. Next, both rental properties' net cash flows are kept until they have enough money saved for the third asset.
The snowball effect of cash created by an investor's rental properties grows larger as the investor's portfolio grows, much like a snowball that rolls down a hill.
Owners may reinvest rental revenue by making extra mortgage payments to pay down a property faster. After appreciation and mortgage prepayments, the investor conducts a cash-out refinance to purchase another rental property.
Investing in rental property may demand a substantial down payment. People who own their home but don't have enough money to buy a rental property use house hacking.
The common examples of house hacking are the rental of a spare bedroom or converting a basement into a studio apartment. Savings from home hacking rentals can be utilized as down payments on rental properties until funds are available.
Some investors will also employ a low down payment Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or Veterans Affairs (VA) loan to buy a modest, multifamily property. The requirement that the borrower resides in one of the units as their principal residence is one of the potential disadvantages of this strategy.
However, residing next to tenants is an excellent opportunity to learn about investment strategies in real estate and obtain practical property management expertise.
Investors utilize buy, remodel, rent, refinance, repeat (BRRRR) to buy fixer-upper property with short-term financing, make renovations, rent to a qualifying tenant, then refinance and draw cash out once the property has stabilized cash flow.
In the BRRRR investment strategy in real estate, investors repeat the same steps, like the snowball effect. Active investors with the time, knowledge, or a trusted, cost-effective network of contractors and handypersons to remodel should use BRRRR.
If everything goes according to plan, house flipping is a high-risk real estate investing strategy with a potential high payout. Fix-and-flip investors don't want to be landlords since they only own properties for a few months. After buying an undervalued home, a flipper may perform targeted modifications to increase its value or hold onto it to profit from appreciation.
A home flipper who takes too long or underestimates repairs may run out of money. Fixed and flipping is best for people with knowledge of assessing fair market property worth, remodeling costs, and enough funds to finish on schedule and budget.
These are just some strategies in real estate investment. If you find this helpful, we've created more tips on how to invest in properties in Part 2!
Indianapolis has family-friendly suburbs, but a few repeat offenders stand out. Suburbs in Indianapolis, like Fishers, Zionsville, Carmel, and Greenwood, are ideal places to raise a family. Most suburbs of Indianapolis, Indiana, are huge, and not everyone wants shopping and movie theaters.
But which suburbs in Indianapolis are quieter, smaller, and still suitable for raising a family? Below are the family-friendly suburbs of Indianapolis, Indiana, which are great if you're searching for a rural lifestyle, a lakeside community, or developments with a little more room.
Indianapolis residents who wish to feel like they don't live in the suburbs will love New Palestine. This rustic, open area is called "New Pal" by locals. New Palestine is a great area to reside in an agricultural setting and increase your land.
Those seeking the county-adjacent front porch swing lifestyle must forego some conveniences. In New Pal, nothing is within walking distance. There's nothing within a few minutes' drive. Although New Palestine has limited conveniences, you can get what you need. The town has grocery stores, clinics, and other necessities, but you must go to a larger city for comprehensive shopping.
New Palestine has an excellent school system. Though small, these schools are good. Many Hancock County students attend New Palestine High School even though they don't reside there. New Palestine is a safe, family-friendly suburb that appreciates the simple things in life.
Population growth in Bargersville. As far south as the Indy Metro Area can go, this family-friendly suburb of Indianapolis is. Bargersville is farther south than Greenwood but still has much to offer: good schools, lovely residences, and exciting things to do almost year-round.
Outdoor lovers love Bargersville. South of the Mighty Ohio River on Indiana's southern border, undulating hills and lush forests replace central Indiana's plains. A nature lover's paradise is the Hoosier National Forest and Brown County State Park south of Bargersville. Bargersville, Indiana, feels like the woods with fishing, camping, hiking, and great mountain biking trails.
West of Brownsburg, IN, Pittsboro is a lovely suburb of Indianapolis. Pittsboro is smaller than Bargersville or New Palestine but has 3,500 residents. Residents in Pittsboro enjoy a quieter lifestyle yet have all the facilities of Brownsburg, one of Indianapolis' largest suburbs. Although rural and open, Pittsboro is adjacent to Eagle Creek State Park, making it a good compromise between New Palestine and Bargersville.
Choosing public education in Pittsboro means sending your kids to Brownsburg High School. Although vast, this school's evaluations speak for themselves. Brownsburg High School is an excellent choice for your kids, with many activities, athletics, and organizations.
McCordsville and Fishers are often mistaken as the same, but it's not since it's smaller and quieter.
Being close to Fisher allows McCordsville to have suburban and rural vibes while being one of the fastest-growing in the Indy Metro location.
The Geist Reservoir is a significant benefit of this modest, family-friendly community. One of Central Indiana's most prominent attractions, this stunning water feature has over 1,900 acres of water. Residents near the reservoir enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and aqua fun, letting them enjoy lake life. This location explodes in summer, so be prepared to welcome a more significant population if you move here.
Cicero is a drive on the northern end of Indy if you work downtown or frequent the city. Despite being an overlooked suburb, its merits outweigh its cons.
Cicero has several fantastic school districts, depending on where you live. In most Indianapolis suburbs, public schools are well-ranked. It also offers a love of the outdoors in Cicero Red Ridge Park.
There's a busy scene in downtown Cicero. Recently, Cicero's newly revitalized downtown has become charming and none of the other little suburbs have a golf course like what they have. Although smaller than Indianapolis' suburbs, this area has a little of everything.
Did we miss anything? Which suburbs in Indiana do you like the most? Feel free to share them in the comment section!
In the first part, we've listed 7 home prepping activities you can do this fall. This includes cleaning your gutters, repairing air leaks, checking your roof for potential issues, and preventing freezing temperatures from damaging faucets.
We also talked about the proper cleaning of the furnace filters, getting the furnace checked by a professional, and examining the fireplace for damages. Now, we've added more home-prepping repairs and maintenance that are doable by the typical homeowner prep.
However, keep in mind that hiring a professional may be worth it, especially when the homeowner issues are severe. At the end of the day, preventing home damages does not only save time but also money in the long run.
Dry winter air can be hard on your skin and airways and may also break your beautiful wood. Maintaining your central humidifier will make your home more comfortable. Check the plates or pads and clean them with a strong washing detergent to start. Meanwhile, you can remove mineral deposits using a wire brush or steel wool.
Keep a gas heater maintained in good condition for safety and cost. An unmaintained heater can release harmful gasses into your home or cost extra. Have a pro inspect these devices annually. Also, perform some maintenance. First, turn off the heater. Check the air shutter and exhaust vents for dust. If they're unclean, vacuum the burner's air tubes and clean the burner. Follow manufacturer instructions for other maintenance.
Your home will feel cozier and warmer with a wood-burning stove, but regular maintenance is required to prevent safety hazards.
When checking the wood-burning stove, follow these steps:
Improper walkways, roads, and steps are dangerous year-round, but cold weather worsens them. Fall repairs are also essential to avoid costly cracks. Look for uneven parts, loose step rails, and over 1/8-inch broad cracks. Check loose-fill routes for asphalt disintegration or washouts. A DIYer can do most of the little work, but major repairs require expertise.
Check your home's safety features from top to bottom at least once yearly. This would also be an excellent opportunity to review your family's fire evacuation plan.
To perform a safety check on your house, follow these steps:
Many fall lawn care tasks are necessary to maintain your lawn's condition and attractiveness in spring. Rake leaves and aerate to avoid choking your lawn and flower beds. They'll sleep well if you fertilize and winterize your grass, trees, and shrubs. Professional lawn care services can complete these tasks quickly, allowing up time for family, friends, and others.
Fall is an excellent time to touch up exterior paint and prolong siding and trim life. Porch stairs and wood floors should also be painted or sealed before snowfall. Since many paint jobs aren't recommended on days below 45° to 50°F, finding a local painter or doing the process yourself sooner is best.
Fall in Indiana is a good carpet cleaning season. Winter is yet to arrive, but summer is over. Window ventilation is best at this time to hasten drying. Let a pro handle a carpet cleaner if you're uncomfortable using it. A home full of damp carpet will make you want to enjoy the warm days outside.
We hope that these tips can help you prepare for this wonderful season. For more home maintenance tips, you may visit our website today!
Pumpkin carving and relaxing by the campfire are just two fun things you can do during the fall. In addition, the fall season is frequently a good time to enter the housing market.
There may not be as many people interested in purchasing a home during the fall as there are during the spring and summer; nevertheless, you may have less competition if you choose to sell your home during this time, and motivated purchasers may want to move into a new property before the holidays.
However, before prospective buyers visit your property, it may be good to know our best way to stage your home for sale with our valuable ways inspired by autumn to help it stand out.
Here are the five best ways on how to stage your home:
As autumn continues and the days get shorter, the amount of natural light that enters your home may decrease. You may ask, "How to stage your home using those lights?"
Well, one trick is to use more light around your home since well-lit rooms will make the space look larger and more inviting.
As you move from room to room, you should investigate to see if you can improve any dark with additional illumination. You can keep the lights in your home on timers so that they turn out after the showing, but you should inspect your lamps and light fixtures regularly and replace any bulbs that have gone out.
Painting the walls is another option to consider if you want to increase the amount of light that enters a particular room. Go for neutral colors, such as white and gray to make the living area more relaxing.
If your guests will be there after dark, you should remember to leave the outside lights on so that they can have a better look at your house and yard. This will also make warm and friendly lighting possible to greet guests, increasing your home's curb appeal.
During a showing of your house, it is essential to maintain the highest level of comfort possible, particularly in regions that see chilly fall days. If you have scheduled an open house, the ideal temperature should be between 70 and 73 degrees throughout preparation.
If it's too hot, the prospective customers can start to perspire and become distracted. People may become concerned that the heating system is malfunctioning when it gets too cold.
The fall season is when coziness and convenience are of the utmost importance. Utilize this to work to your advantage and spruce up your sofa or armchairs by adding throw pillows and accent pillows in a color scheme inspired by fall. If the floors in your home are hard surfaces like tile or wood, you can also put plush rugs all about the house.
If your home has a fireplace, you should store some wood beside it so prospective buyers might picture themselves snuggling up in front of it on a chilly autumn day. You can suggest to your real estate agent that they light a fire in a gas or electric fireplace during the showing so that the space feels more at home.
Even though summer is gone by, help your outdoor area look more inviting to your buyer. Here are some tips that can help you improve the look on how to stage your home:
Putting one or two fresh pumpkins on your front porch can create the feeling of being at home while adding a splash of color if you wish to decorate the front of your house for fall. However, you need to keep a close eye on the gourd to ensure it doesn't start showing any signs of rotting, as this is a huge red flag for prospective purchasers of homes.
Finally, this is the least valuable way to stage your home. Even though you might enjoy decorating for holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving, storing your decorations while trying to sell your house is best. Seasonal decorations should not be overdone; some can even turn off prospective homebuyers. Instead, limit your decor to a classic fall motif, such as a wreath or color scheme.
Looking for more fall staging tips? Check these blogs for inspiration:
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dennis@indyhomepros.com
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