Move Faster and More Effectively: 8 Tips
Warm weather is here to stay, which means we've officially entered the 2019 Moving Season! RE/MAX Advanced Realty and The Indy Home Pros Team are here to help make your move better: Here Are 8 Tips!
1. Start Sooner
Too many people wait until the last minute to begin packing, leading to horrendously long moving days and frustrated families the entire way. Avoid this pitfall by starting early!
1-2 months before the move, we recommend packing small to medium sized boxes with items that are not necessary to everyday use. This way you can easily put them aside for moving day, or if you happen to have access to your new home early, you can move them in and have only the larger items to worry about on moving day.
2. Declutter
Moving is THE PERFECT time to declutter your life! If it hasn’t added value to your life or been used in the past 6 months to a year, toss or donate it! This can be scary at first, but we think it’s safe to bet that the “out of sight out of mind” freedom that comes with ditching the stuff will overcome you fully after it’s gone. Start this process early and just feel your stress and anxiety fade as your Feng Shui decluttering process begins.
3. Except for Chargers
Exception to the decluttering rule: Keep all the chargers, you never know what device you’ll need to power up and restore old memories from next year.
4. Get Free Quality Boxes
Don’t waste money! Most liquor stores, grocery stores, or big box stores are happy to give away their boxes. Just call and ask when the best day to come get them will be. If you do want to buy boxes, Lowes and Menards can have them cheaper than U-Haul type moving specific stores!
5. Renting The Right Size Truck
If you are planning the ultimate sacrifice of moving yourself, here is a guideline that can help you choose the moving truck size that’s right for you!
10 ft. truck = studio or small 1 bedroom
12-14 ft. truck = 450 cu. ft. or 1 to 2 bedrooms
16-17 ft. truck = 800 cu. ft. or 2-3 bedrooms
22-24 ft. truck = 1,200 cu. ft. or 3 to 4 bedrooms
26-27 ft. truck = 1,400 cu. ft. or 4+ bedrooms
6. Pack a Few “Open Me First” Boxes
These boxes will be for all of the items you will need first thing after a loooong day of moving. From toothbrushes to bed sheets, toilet paper to contact cases and solution, you may be too tired to do much other than eat and sleep. This will make the next days and weeks of unpacking go much smoother.
7. Label Boxes by Room
While you may think you will remember what’s in the boxes when you pack them, trust us, you won’t 😉
8. Use Colored Labeling Tape
Better than writing directly on the boxes, writing on different colored tape can help you easily organize boxes by room, faster! Consider this a tip for the next level mover, or those of you who are super organized and detail oriented.
BONUS TIP! Help others move so you can ask them for help with your move in return! 😉
It’s that time of year in Indy! People are complaining about the heat instead of the cold, sunscreen is flowing, and pools are bustling. Here are our 20 Things To Do In Indianapolis This Summer!
1. Hit the Top of The Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Indy's hidden gem experience is waiting for you at The Top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument! Most people living in Indianapolis have never been to the top, and we can't believe it! Check it out May thru October: Wednesday-Sunday 10:30AM-5:30PM. Nov thru April: Friday-Sunday only.
2. Ride or Stroll the Cultural Trail
The Cultural Trail has changed the Indianapolis Landscape for the better! Spanning 8 miles from Fountain Square up to when the trail connects to The Monon; The Cultural Trail is a peaceful and scenic way to experience Indianapolis's art, food, and beverage scene!
3. Mass Ave
Mass Ave is the unofficial spot of Downtown Indy. From restaurants to shops, and everything in between, you're sure to find something that suits your fancy on Mass Ave! We suggest Silver in The City for unique Indy Gifts as a nice spot to start!
4. Riding an Electric Scooter Downtown
Ride a Bird or Lime Electric Scooter around town (be safe, but this is such a fun and unique way to see the city!) Download either the Bird or Lime app, and head out to find a scooter to ride!
5. Original Farmers' Market at Indianapolis City Market
The Original Farmers' Market runs every Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., May through October.
"Perfectly situated in the heart of the Midwest, Indianapolis is ripe with farmers offering outstanding produce, dairy products, meats, and more! Through the Original Farmers' Market we bring them straight to you at the Indianapolis City Market. From fruits and vegetables and meats and cheeses, to baked goods and unique spices and herbs, you can find in-season, fresh foods that have been selected at their peak. As you fill your basket with good-tasting, healthy foods, you'll support the local growers dedicated to providing you with the freshest foods available." - From indycm.com
So, if you can't make it to the Farmer's Market on Wednesdays, check out the City Market overall! The City Market boasts amazing shops and sellers of all types! It's THE spot to eat, drink, and shop all things local!
7. Grab a drink outside at Newfields in their Beer Garden
Newfields is definitely a place to checkout this Summer whether you do the Beer Garden or not! Newfields boasts over 100,000 flower blooms and is sure to get you in the Spring mood! Sip a beer in their serene gardens Thursday-Saturday from 11AM-8PM and Sundays 11AM-5PM.
8. Picnic at White River State Park
From Movies at the IMAX at the Indiana State Museum, to Concerts on The White River Lawn, White River State Park is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy! Have a family or date picnic with a water view, or bike the canal!
Georgia Street has been bustling ever since Indianapolis hosted the Super Bowl in 2012. After renovating the three blocks between Pennsylvania and Capitol, Georgia Street has become a hub of restaurants, shops, coffee, and more!
We recommend an espresso from Georgia Street Grind, preferably as a post dinner coffee after a delicious burger from Burger Study!
A date night staple in Indianapolis year after year, there just isn't anything like taking in a night at Symphony on the Prairie. Bring a blanket or some chairs, wine or drink of choice, and your best cheese plate; then sit back and relax while listening to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra all while being outside on the beautiful lawn of Connor Prairie.
11. Metazoa Brewing with your Pups
You love beer. You love your dog. So go sip some beer with your K-9 wingman or wingwoman by your side at Metazoa Brewing, just East of Monument Circle! This dog friendly brewery has plenty of outside seating for the nice spring weather!
12. Stroll through Fountain Square
Fountain Square is like no where else in Indy; it's downtown Indy with a small town feel! From its namesake Fountains, to record shops, coffee shops, amazing and diverse restaurants, night life, and the crown jewel Fountain Square Theatre Building; you won't regret spending your day here!
We recommend sipping a coffee at Square Cat Vinyl while you peruse some records!
13. Indiana World War Memorial
This is a site to see in downtown Indianapolis, as well as the entire Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District. Plan an afternoon to take in the Museum and glorious sites of all of the monument dedicated to our Veterans; both the monuments and their message will give you a humbling and thankful feeling.
14. Catch an Indy 11 Soccer Game
Picture indystar.com
See Lucas Oil like you aren't used to seeing it when you catch an Indy 11 Soccer Game! A high energy atmosphere in one of the country's most renowned stadiums; this is a must do activity in Indy!
15. Canal Walk
The Downtown Canal Walk’s 3-mile loop is a popular urban destination for fitness enthusiasts and serenity-seekers alike! This Downtown waterfront is dotted with pedal boats and gondolas, bicycles, surreys and even Segways. Take a stroll today!
Wikipedia
This iconic section of Indy should've been much higher on our list, we know! Broad Ripple Village is the longest established of seven cultural districts in the City of Indianapolis. Located six miles north of downtown, the neighborhood was established in 1836. Relaxed vibes meet worldy restaurants, bars, and the amazing Broad Ripple Park where you can walk along the water!
One of Indy's most iconic institutions is the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Check out their outdoor Sports Experience and everything else they have to offer!
18. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
No article about things to do in Indianapolis could ever be complete without a nod to one of Indy's most prized and historic entities; The Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Check out the IMS Museum or The Brickyard 400 later this year!
19. Catch an Indianapolis Indians Game
No Summer Season would be complete without attending an Indianapolis Indians game. Getting outside with other Indianapolis friends, grab a hotdog, and catch a game. Want a more relaxed outing? Bring a blanket and sit in the outfield lawn!
20. Get out and Look At Homes 🙂
Okay, the fact that you've made it all the way down to Number 20 is huge and truly means a lot to us. So, why not take some time to check out some homes for sale. Selling your home? We can absolutely help with that too.
We also have a Free Prepared Home Buyer Checklist which you can download here!
Thanks for reading!
-The Indy Home Pros Team
Whether you’re a new homeowner dedicated to making you lawn finally shine, or a seasoned pro who takes pride in their lawn, we’ve got you covered with our 5 Item Lawn To Do Checklist!
1) Tune-Up the Mower
A racecar driver can have all the skills in the world, but with no car to perform them in, they will be greatly lacking. This is the perfect time of year to tune up your lawn mower. Many companies will even come to you to sharpen your blades, change the oil, and give your mower the once over it needs to be ready for it’s season!
2) Clear the Lawn of Debris
Branches, leaves, rocks, the dreaded dog missiles; a lot has happened during the winter. Make sure to pick up and clear your yard of any debris before mowing!
3) Spot Seed The Lawn
Early Spring is the time to fix those patches! Rough up the top ¼ inch of dirt and put down something like Scotts EZ Seed. Water daily until the new seed reaches about 2 inches before you mow.
4) Weed Prevention
You look out into your yard now, and it’s easy to forget how many weeds there will be in a few months if you fail to take the proper precautions! You can apply various weed preventing products with a fertilizer, or by attaching liquid spray bottles to your garden hose.
5) Feed Your Lawn!
Fertilizing in Spring is crucial to the success of your new succulent lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Some weed prevention applications mentioned above will also have fertilizer, but it can’t hurt to fertilize again in mid to late spring!
6) Sit back and enjoy your lawn knowing you’ve worked hard to make it look this nice!
5 Cheap Tips You Can Do This Winter to Sell Your Home For More
1. Declutter!
Decluttering is hands down the most important item on this list, plus, it costs nothing!
Clean out your laundry room shelves of all the unnecessary items, leaving only 1 or 2 and a decorative basket.
Clear all but 1 or 2 items from your kitchen counters.
Move big bulky furniture like TV Stands and over sized end tables to basement storage or somewhere off site. Making your home as spacious as possible is critical.
Why it Works: A new Home Owner wants to imagine THEMSELVES living in the space, not to be reminded of the people who currently live there. Decluttering allows them to see your house at it’s most ideal and roomy, even if the new homeowner will just bring in their own clutter. They see your house as their blank slate!
2. Organize
Now that you’ve decluttered, let’s organize! This may seem silly, but as our Realtors have shown, it works!
Easy Example: Organize similar items in your pantry in a row, and hide or get rid of all other bulky items in the way.
3. Remove Wall Items and Other Distractions
Hand soap in the bathroom, lose it! Colorful towels in the bathroom? Lose them! Personal/Family pictures, okay, hide them in a drawer, definitely don't lose them!
This is all about depersonalizing your home. We know your home is special to you, but you want it to be special for the new owner too; the new homeowner wants to imagine themselves in there, and a blank slate helps them with that.
4. Repaint Walls to Neutral Tones
Or better yet, have a painting party and include your kids and friends!
Or better better yet, hire a professional. It saves you time and a headache.
A good price estimate is about a dollar per square foot of wall space, so you can negotiate with their quote if you feel it’s high.
5. Now, Add Some POP!
Okay, you’ve decluttered and organized. Now let’s add some inviting pop! A plant or two in living spaces, a bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen, these small touches can be just the inviting touch that bring together a space!
Buying or Selling?
See Homes for Sale
Find a Realtor to Guide You Through The Home Selling Process
Bathroom of a Fischer New Construction Home | Photo Courtesy of Indy Home Pros Team
You’ve made it to the milestone in your life where you are ready to buy a New Construction Home. A home where no dirty feet have trodden, no spills have been covered up, and, most importantly, a home where no previous homeowner did DIY electrical work! A New Home where you will start fresh and be the very first occupant. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?
Firstly, congrats! Secondly, take the process as seriously as if you were making one of the biggest investments of your life. Oh wait, you are! And if you knew someone who could possibly help you negotiate more modern cabinets, custom paint colors, and maybe a free garage all at no cost to you, would you bring them with you? I know I’d feel more confident if I did! And good news, that person is an Indy Home Pros Team Realtor!
Our Indy Home Pros Team Realtors have met with New Construction Home Builders all over Indianapolis and Central Indiana. This has allowed us to establish strong relationships with Builders and their Sale Reps, relationships which are extremely important when it comes time to negotiate items such as the price of your home, upgrades to make your home the best fit for you, lot locations like a desirable cul-de-sac, etc. 
We do the research and compare Builders so that we are prepared when it comes time to find you a neighborhood, and a home within it, that both go above and beyond your expectations. (Article Continued Below)
Watch: Bob Konopinski, Divison Sales Manager for Ryan Homes, explains the process of bringing a Realtor with you on your first visit to a New Home Builder's Office.
When you first approach a representative of a New Construction Community, it is both crucial, and in your own best interest, to bring your Realtor along with you. If your Realtor is not with you to be registered, it could end up costing you in the end, seeing as some Builders will not allow you to register your Realtor after your initial visit. The Builder will likely have a Builder’s Agent, but don’t forget that they ultimately work for the Builder and not for you. You want someone negotiating for you who is strictly in your corner. And the great thing is, the Builder (who is also the seller) will be the one paying your Realtor, not you! So why not get the Realtor who is educated in various Builders and well versed in the New Construction process?
It can be tempting to want to endure the process on your own, or to check out various communities by yourself on the weekend. Then before you know it, you’ve registered with a Builder and are locked in at a price significantly higher than what your next door neighbor who used a Realtor will pay next month!
So if you are thinking about purchasing a New Home in one of the multiple communities popping up around the Central Indiana Area, do yourself a service and chat with an Indy Home Pros Realtor before you get started! Can't decide between a New or Existing Home? Watch our video below!
317.298.0961 | www.indyhomepros.com | dennis@indyhomepros.com
Watch: Trying to decide between an existing home and building a New Home? Watch the video below to see Aaron, an Indy Home Pros Team Client, talk about his experience when choosing whether to buy an existing home or build a New one!
If you are anything like me you rely heavily on, and place a significant amount of value in, reading customer reviews of products before purchasing them. And if I am so intent on reading each and every review of the 3 different toasters I am trying to decide between on Amazon, why wouldn’t I do the exact same when I am trying to find a Realtor to sell my home? Just because my friend’s son is a Realtor, does it mean I have to use him? Surely all Realtors are not the same, and simply being a Realtor does not mean you know anything about effectively marketing a home in order that it sells for the highest amount. Don’t I owe it to myself to spend more time shopping around for Realtors than the time I spent reviewing a $22 toaster? (which had better reviews than the cheaper looking, more expensive $24 toaster I might add) I digress.
*Watch below as Jeff and Josh, Indy Home Pros Team Realtors, discuss the importance of checking Google Reviews of a Realtor or Realtor Group before deciding on one to help you Buy or Sell your home.*
Here at RE/MAX Advanced Realty, we pride ourselves on marketing your home in the most effective and proficient manner. Posting a home to sites such as Zillow and Trulia is one of the basic steps in selling a home, but our marketing efforts dig much deeper than the simple act of publishing your home to multiple sites. We take our customer reviews seriously, which is why we place such emphasis and importance on our ratings on Google, Zillow, and other innumerable platforms. We encourage you to read our reviews and compare us with other Realtors. If their reviews are better, by all means choose them, but we have a feelings they won’t be. We look forward to working with you, and whether you are Buying or Selling, The Indy Home Pros Team at RE/MAX Advanced Realty can match you with the best Realtor for you.
Have questions, comments, concerns? Ready to talk to a Realtor? Contact us today at 317.298.0961!
You can also visit www.indyhomepros.com to find more info on our Indy Home Pros Team Realtors!
Deciding to sell your home is a huge undertaking, and there are numerous items to consider when doing so. From the simple thought of where to move next, to the complex details of accepting an offer, from negotiating with a buyer through inspections and repairs, to moving the process through title work so the home's deed is transferred correctly, the home selling process can become convoluted quickly.
In today's day and age of online marketing, online document sharing, digitization of media, and thousands of resources devoted to staging, design, inspections, and repair, it can be easy for families to lose site of where to start and how it will end. Choosing to sell a house on your own can be an undertaking many homeowners find overwhelming and time consuming, and most often end up changing their minds. But then there's the important decision they must make on who to hire to get the house sold.
Preparing to take on such a task of listing a home for sale entails some serious work and should begin with a Realtor. Interviewing agents is the best way to feel more comfortable about the decision to sell your home. And interviewing agents will allow you to, hopefully, garner a relationship with an agent you feel most confident in, and who will do what they're paid to do - sell your home. But what should you look for in an agent and why?
Today, as opposed to just a dozen years ago or so, online inquiries of homes for sale dominates the landscape. Over 90% of all home searches begin online, and where someone begins can have a bearing on how your own home sells. Did you know that the major sites, like Zillow and Trulia, don't list all homes that are for sale? Even some big brokerage listings aren't placed on these sites because of differences in agendas. So, be sure to inquire if your home will actually be listed on these sites. These sites are chalk full of inaccurate information as well, so be prepared to review them prior to listing to make sure specs are up to date.
Deciding on the price of your home is another major obstacle to overcome with an agent and, more importantly, yourself. Are you prepared to potentially learn your home isn't truly worth what you think it's worth? Always remember that it's not you or the agent that dictates what your home is worth, it’s the market. Any agent or online program can tell you what they think it's worth, but the true indicator is the price at which homes similar to yours in quality, age, and size have been selling for in your area.
Deciding on what agent or team to use to market and sell your home is no easy undertaking. While interviewing agents, find out what they do to market the home that's out of the norm. Everyone's home will be put online but, as stated earlier, not all major sites will be utilized. Verify how the agent will push your listing to market and via what platforms. Ask what their marketing budget is, where the most money is spent, why, and for how long. Our team, for instance, is one of the biggest spenders with Zillow and Trulia so that we capture more buyers for our listings. We additionally budget funds for advertising on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These social sites create a buzz and we know how to get that started.
What kind of yard signs will be installed? Will the pictures be professional or taken on the agent's cell phone? Do you have an option for drone footage or 3D mapping and imaging? If so, who does this? The agent, or a professional services that does it on a daily basis? Once these images and videos are posted online, how do they track traffic and how do they focus on verified demographics to push these media types out? It’s complex...but in today's market, you need to be coupled with an agent or team that understands the digital age, not just someone who posts "I Just Sold This House" on Facebook.
The other main topic of selecting the right agent for the job, I believe, is contract negotiations. Many sellers feel that an agent that can get them the most money for the house is the best negotiator. But, how would you ever know if that's the case? Beyond the final sales price, what other pieces of the process can cause the final sales price to fluctuate? Typically, the inspection response and the appraisal. How well do you think your selected agent can manage a transaction with another agent at this critical moment in the process? Being able to understand all options available to a buyer and seller in regards to repairs is essential.
Inspection response and repairs can cause many deals to fall apart. I believe this to be the hardest part to navigate for most agents, but it doesn't have to be. Preparing the seller of what to expect during this point of the sale needs to take place in your initial interview. Have them walk the house and share with you what they see in the house that he/she believes needs to be addressed before listing. Do they know and understand the appraisal process to be able to call out items that need repaired before even showing a house? Do they know what is expected in an FHA appraisal as opposed to a conventional loan appraisal?
Negotiating through inspections is probably the most taxing part of the process (aside from packing boxes for the move) but an appraisal can be the most nerve racking. There's not much you can do but let the appraiser in and wait for his blessing. Or receive the bad news - your home didn't appraise. Now what?? Is your agent well versed in speaking to an appraiser and pleading your home's case for being worth more than they said? Can your agent even speak to them? Will it matter? What if it's an FHA loan, which will remain "attached" to the house for months, no matter who buys the home?
As you can see, getting through inspections and an appraisal takes some navigating, and it should be done by someone who understands the process and guidelines. Don't be afraid to ask the agents you interview what experience they have. How many homes have you sold? Where? For how long? What did you do before you got into this business? You may be surprised to find that some of the best agents in the industry haven't been doing it for dozens of years. They come from financial backgrounds, insurance, teaching, law enforcement etc. Just know that there is not necessarily a positive correlation between how long someone has been in the business and their ability to sell your house effectively or for the most money. So, just ask!
Selling a home can be one of the most stressful occurrences in anyone's life, but with the right agent, it doesn't have to be. Selecting the right agent who puts your mind at ease with their understanding, compassion, knowledge, and experience can make a huge difference during the process. Do your homework, ask questions, and don't rush if you don't have to. A good agent will tell you when a good time is to list but never push you to do so.
Best of luck in your decision to sell your home!
-Josh Latham | Realtor/Broker | Indy Home Pros Team
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Holiday season is in the air, and everyone is already excited to start decorating their homes. Colorful lights, festive bows and ribbons, and fragrant candles are among the staple ornaments for Christmas. As beautiful as they are, it is important however to take note that these are dangerous combinations and could cause a fire accidently if proper caution is not observed. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, residential fires during the holiday season are more frequent.
Here are some fire safety tips to keep your household from becoming a holiday fire statistic.
Decorative Lights
To keep your family and home safe, follow these guidelines.
1.Inspect all electric plugs-ins, extension cords, and light strings. Throw out any with frayed or cracked wires or broken sockets.
2. Make certain the plug-in has a place for a ground wire. Check the extension cord for splits in the wire.
3. Don’t run an extension cord under a rug.
4. Always have a fire extinguisher ready.
5. Make sure that the lights used outside are rated for outdoors; and when hanging lights outside, avoid using nails or staples, which can damage the wiring and increase the risk of a fire. Instead, use UL-rated clips or hangers.
Candles
Fragrant candles add a festive flare to a room, but to prevent any fire accidents, make sure that your candle is placed on a heat resistant base and maintain about a foot of space between the candle and anything that can burn. Never leave flames unattended. Before hitting the sack, make sure to check if all candles are blown out. You can also opt for a flameless LED candles to still enjoy that candle lit atmosphere without worry.
Fireplaces
Soot can harden chimney walls as flammable creosote, so make sure to have your chimney inspected to see if it needs cleaning before the fireplace season begins. Also do not dispose of Christmas wrapping by burning it in your fireplace and only burn seasoned wood.
Cooking
Holiday treats are great this time of the year. Keep plastic away from the oven heat and be sure to never leave your food unattended to prevent any accidents. One tip is to bring a potholder with you when you step out of the kitchen to remind you that you have something on the stove. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher as well.
Give yourself the gift of peace of mind this Holiday season by following these tips to fully enjoy your time with friends and family.
Should you List Your Home During The Holiday Season?
Here are 8 Reasons Why You Should.
1. Relocation Buyers Are Out There.
Many companies are still hiring throughout the holidays and need their employees in their new positions as soon as possible.
2. Serious Buyers.
One of the top reasons to list your home during the holidays is that the quality of the potential buyer of your home improves greatly. Motivated buyers will shop for homes all year, even if it’s the holiday season.
3. Buyers Have More Time to Shop and Search for Homes.
Since it’s the holidays, it’s common that people have more time off from their jobs. This means that they have more time to do searching online and viewing homes in person.
4. Homes Show Better During The Holidays
An exceptional tip for preparing for showings is to ensure that your home is organized, neat and clean. There’s a good chance that you’ll be cleaning and organizing every inch of your home especially if you’ll be the hosting family during the holidays.
5. Fewer Competitors During the Holidays.
Another top reason why selling during the fall or winter months can be advantageous is because there are fewer competitors. This means that many of your neighbors are waiting to list their home until after the holidays or maybe even until the spring. It’s also not that uncommon for some homeowners to ask to have their home pulled off the market during the holidays.
6. Competitive Edge for Your Purchase
If you plan to purchase a new home after selling, listing your home during the holidays can give you a competitive advantage by the time you buy your new home. Selling and buying a home can be extremely frustrating, tricky and unsuccessful at times. Successfully selling your home during the holidays will give you a competitive edge in buying since it no longer has to be contingent on the sale of your current home.
7. Showing Times are More Convenient.
During the holiday season, restricting showing times is more acceptable and understandable for the buyers since you have family gatherings as an excuse. Also, since there are fewer homes for sale during the holidays, buyers are less likely to get upset if you cannot accommodate a showing because they simply will not have the abundance of options.
8. Smoother Transactions.
There are a variety of reasons closings get delayed in real estate, one of them being a work overload. Since all of these professionals have fewer transactions during the holidays, the chance they’re experiencing a work overload is less. This means they’ll able to focus additional time and effort on your home sale during the holidays. A smoother, and hopefully on time, transaction is another phenomenal reason to list your home during the holidays.
Some might say that selling a home during the holidays is a terrible idea. That’s not really the case. No matter what time of the year you are selling, there will always be known pros and cons. So the best thing to do is to speak with a trusted real estate agent who can explain to you the current market in your area. Know both positives and negatives and evaluate which seems to be the best fit for you in terms of your goals.
As a new homeowner, it is expected that you would want to maintain and improve your new residence. Does it have to be costly? Not necessarily. Here are a few upgrade suggestions to help ensure that your biggest investment stays in top shape for a long time.
Replace Doors and Windows - Doors and windows get worn down by climate conditions and repeated use over the years; so it’s definitely a good idea to replace the doors to avoid air leaks, cracks, and other problems. Another smart option is installing new windows; you can use this as an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient double-pane windows to help reduce utility bills.
Paint the Rooms - In order for the house to appeal to more buyers, many homes are painted with neutral colors before being listed. As the new owner of the home, you can personalize and make each space your own, quickly and inexpensively, simply by adding color.
Maintain and customize landscape- You can tailor your home’s landscape to fit your personal preference instead of merely maintaining the lawn. Plant new trees for shade, add shrubbery, and colorful flowerbeds to make your yard more attractive. You can also install a deck or patio for entertaining.
Make sustainable updates to your home- There are so many ways to save on your energy bills beyond buying the right kitchen appliances. Tankless water heaters, as well as plumbing and air conditioning units with high-efficiency ratings, can make a huge difference almost immediately and are totally worth upgrading to. The cost of improving energy efficiency, however, varies significantly depending on the type of upgrade and it can be costly. So our main tip is to plan for them. Earmark a slice of your budget ahead of time to avoid being overwhelmed by the process.
If you want more expert advice on home buying and selling, visit www.indyhomepros.com or contact 317-298-0961 to speak with one of our experts.
8313 W. 10th St
Indianapolis IN 46234
dennis@indyhomepros.com
317-316-8224
