A home is more than just a place to live; it's your personal sanctuary. It's where you seek comfort, relaxation, and refuge from the outside world. While the concept of coziness is subjective, there are certain built-in features that can universally contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. In this post, we'll explore some key elements that can transform your space into the ultimate haven.

 

Fireplace 

Few features can match the charm and warmth of a built-in fireplace. Whether you opt for a traditional wood-burning hearth or a modern gas variant, a fireplace can be the centerpiece of your cozy living space. Its crackling flames and radiant heat make it a focal point for gatherings and a source of comfort on chilly nights.

Exposed Wooden Beams

Exposed wooden beams on ceilings or walls can infuse your home with a rustic and inviting ambiance. These architectural elements add character, making your space feel more grounded and cozy.

 Built-In Shelving

Custom-built shelves or bookcases are not only practical but also contribute to the overall coziness of your home. Display your cherished books, collectibles, or family photos, turning these built-in shelves into a reflection of your personality.

Tranquil Window Seat

Imagine having a peaceful corner with a view and natural light where you can curl up with a good book. A built-in window seat offers just that. It's a tranquil nook that allows you to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home.

Bay Windows

Bay windows provide a perfect spot for a cozy seating area or a charming dining nook. The additional space and the natural light they bring can make any room feel warmer and more inviting.

Crown Molding

Elegant crown molding adds a touch of timeless beauty to your home. It creates a sense of refinement and coziness that can transform any room.

Wainscoting

Wainscoting on your walls can introduce a sense of traditional warmth and style. It adds texture and character to your living spaces, making them feel more inviting.

Built-In Blinds

Built-in blinds or window treatments offer not only privacy and light control but also a polished and cozy look. They seamlessly blend with the architecture of your home.

Hidden Storage Solutions

Built-in storage solutions are more than just practical; they keep your space clutter-free and organized. Whether it's under-stair storage, hidden closets, or built-in cabinets, these features add convenience and a tidy, inviting environment.

Custom-Built Kitchen Island

A custom-built kitchen island can be the heart of your home, providing a central gathering place, additional counter space, and storage. It adds functionality and style to your kitchen, making it a cozy hub for cooking and socializing.

 

Incorporating these built-in features into your home can have a transformative effect, creating an environment that is both stylish and welcoming. Your living space will become more than just a house; it will be a true sanctuary of comfort and coziness.

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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?"

Marketing Ideas For Eco-Friendly Homes: Why Are Eco-Friendly Homes Important?

1. Showing The Positive Effects That Eco-Friendly Homes Have On The Environment

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.

2. Read About The Financial Advantages And Disadvantages Of Living In Eco-Friendly Homes

Buying an eco-friendly home has many financial advantages:

family at living room watching television

3. Make Use Of Different Marketing Channels To Achieve Reach Across Multiple Age Demographics

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.

 

4. Think About Specializing In The Market For Eco-Friendly Homes

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.

5. Showing The Benefits Of Living In An Eco-Friendly Home On One's Health

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!

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.

Homeowner Prep Tips For Fall

Home Prepping #8: Maintain The Humidifier Working

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.

Home Prepping #9: Prevent Gas Issues

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.

professional checking gas heater part 2

Home Prepping #10: Keep The Fires In The Wood Blazing Brightly

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:

Home Prepping #11: Fix The Walkways

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.

Home Prepping #12: Check Safety Features

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:

Home Prepping #13: Get Your Lawn Ready For Winter

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.

Home Prepping #14: Exterior Touch-Ups

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.

Home Prepping #15: Do Some Carpet Cleaning

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.

Best Way To Stage Your Home For Fall Sale

Here are the five best ways on how to stage your home:

1. Take Advantage Of Surrounding Lights

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.

2. Switch On Your Heating System

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.

traditional styled home decorated in autumn decore

3. Make Comfort A Priority

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.

4. Maintain Your Home's Appeal From The Street

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.

5. Reduce The Amount Of Seasonal Decoration

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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In the first part, we've discussed what home staging is, how home staging might maximize home appeal, and how you can do it. Now, let's learn more valuable tips to help increase your home's value through home staging.

Some Valuable Tips On How To Do Home Staging

There are so many ways to attract home buyers that it can be overwhelming, but don't worry, we're here to make it easier for you.

Home staging, as mentioned, is one of the most effective ways to increase home value and you can start this by decluttering.

Living Room

Get rid of personal stuff, furniture, and decorations. Add warmth and charm to the area using neutral hues and subtle accents like throw cushions or fresh flowers.

Kitchen

Kitchens are one of the three crucial areas of a property that may make or break a buyer, so they must be functional and clean. Clear surfaces and organize cabinets to create space. Upgrade old fixtures and appliances if needed. Display some nice kitchenware or utensils to make the kitchen feel cozy. Bring in as much natural light as possible and use well-placed artificial lighting to accent the countertop and eating area.

Bedroom

Let's now focus on the bedrooms. The aim is to establish a calm and unwinding atmosphere. Depersonalize and clear the area to start. To make the bed look appealing, ensure the sheets are clean, and add attractive cushions or a throw blanket. Remove any extra furniture to give the impression that the space is more significant. Add soft lighting, like bedside lamps or wall sconces to create a cozy atmosphere. Lastly, check that the closets and wardrobes are tidy and not stuffed with clothing. 

Outdoor Spaces

Don't overlook the outdoor spaces. For homes to sell, curb appeal is essential. Ensure that the front of the property is kept up and has well-kept community spaces or landscaped gardens, and perhaps some potted plants or flowers to provide some color.

Any outside living areas, such as patios or balconies, should be cleaned and cleared of clutter. Set up some outside furniture to establish a warm and cozy ambiance. If you want to showcase the space's best qualities, consider installing outdoor lighting, especially if you intend to display the house at night. 

Finally, staging various parts of a property involves close attention to detail and a concentration on developing a warm and inviting ambiance. The best qualities of each space can be highlighted by decluttering, organizing, and adding appropriate finishing touches. This will help prospective buyers picture themselves residing in the area. The idea is to make the space neutral and welcoming so potential purchasers may imagine themselves making it their own.

scandinavian home decor

Do DIY Home Staging Or Hire A Professional Home Stager

Property owners have two alternatives available to them regarding home staging: staging the home themselves or hiring an expert. Both ways have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should ultimately depend on various considerations, including time, money, and skill. Let's talk about each alternative's benefits and drawbacks so you can decide which one to go with.

 

Pros & Cons Of DIY Staging

DIY staging can help save money for property owners with time, ingenuity, and effort. It also avoids additional costs from hiring professional stagers.

 

This also lets you customize the design to your preference. However, it might demand interior design and real estate marketing skills to succeed, however, there are many resources online that can help with this.

 

Pros & Cons Of Hiring A Professional Home Stager

Working with a professional home stager can provide considerable skill and experience. Their attention to detail lets them showcase your home's best characteristics while minimizing its drawbacks. They may have furniture, accessories, and decor items to make your home shine.

 

Professional stagers know the local market and buyer preferences, which can boost your chances of selling your property quicker and for more. However, one must consider the price of hiring a professional stager. Their fees depend on your property's size, condition, and staging needs. The return on investment may make hiring a professional stager worth it for some homeowners. In addition, skilled stagers can save you both stress and time by renting furniture, arranging, and designing the room.

 

Whether you do it by yourself or hire a professional, home staging takes time, money, and effort; however, with so many incredible benefits, it proves to be a great investment! In such a competitive market, implementing this to sell your home could be a great help!

 

Home staging refers to getting a house ready for the market by decorating and organizing its contents in such a way that it would appeal to prospective buyers.

In this post, you will learn how to do home staging and the essential details and tips you need to know when it comes to home staging.

Why Is Home Staging Necessary When Selling A Property?

Home staging is not a requirement however, it is a helpful step that can create a warm, inviting, and visually appealing setting, enabling potential purchasers to picture themselves living there. 

The purpose of home staging is to draw attention to the positive aspects of a given property. 

When staging various parts of a house, some helpful suggestions and methods can help increase the property's appeal to prospective purchasers.

How To Do Home Staging?

Getting rid of the clutter in the room and making it look and feel tidy are critical steps in the process. Take out all of your personal belongings (such as picture frames and medals), any surplus furniture, and any decorations that aren't necessary. Doing this allows potential buyers to visualize what they want to do in the space as they are not distracted by a crowded layout or any personal belongings.

Another way to improve the place is by adding warmth and personality to the room. Use neutral hues and stylish accessories, and place the furniture in a way that encourages flow and conversation. 

Improving a property's appearance from the street is another strategy to stage it so that it seems as appealing as possible. This includes improving the property's exterior, such as landscaping, and ensuring the entry is inviting. First impressions are extremely important, and a properly maintained and aesthetically pleasing surface can significantly impact how a prospective buyer perceives the house.

house with beautiful landscape

Home staging also requires selecting and arranging furniture. Property owners should use furniture that matches the space's style and size. Organizing furniture to showcase space functioning and flow can also help buyers imagine living in the house they buy. A friendly, lived-in sense is crucial, but buyers need space to explore and visualize their stuff.

Lighting is essential in home staging. The vendors should maximize the natural light by drawing back the drapes and shutters and ensuring the windows are spotless. In addition, the strategic application of artificial lighting, such as lamps and spotlights, can contribute to developing a cozy and welcoming ambiance. In general, well-lit rooms give the impression of being more prominent and are more desirable to prospective buyers.

Furthermore, finishing touches and a friendly atmosphere can boost a property's attractiveness. This can be done with fresh flowers, scented candles, and decorative items. Cleaning and maintaining the property might improve purchasers' perception of its desirability.

Home staging may dramatically raise the property's perceived worth and attract potential purchasers, and this can be done by showing the home in the best possible light. Learn more tips on how to do home staging in Part 2.

Autumn in Indiana is a beautiful season. However, the outdoors of your home may start to take on an uninspiring appearance as fall approaches, when the leaves of surrounding trees and shrubs begin to fall, and the summer blooms die off. 

On the other hand, if you put in a little extra time and work, you can make it look brand new again. 

How to improve your home during this season, you ask? One of the easiest and not to mention, cheapest things to do is to give your house a spring cleaning to increase its appeal for the fall season.

How To Improve Your Home?

Here are eight things you can do to revamp your home during the fall season:

1. Continue To Maintain Your Lawn

Even though the vibrant colors of the fall foliage contribute a lot of appeal to the area, your grass will still need some maintenance to continue looking fantastic until it snows. 

Rake the leaves periodically to keep the accumulation of fallen leaves under control, and then either compost them yourself or bag them and bring them to your community's recycling center to be composted. 

After raking the leaves off the lawn, you should fix any brown areas in the grass and edge the lawn to look nice and tidy. 

2. Trim Your Shrubs And Trees

Shrubs and trees appear disorganized when they drop their leaves. Bring out the pruning shears and trim the trees, shrubs, and bushes in your yard to give it a well-kept appearance. 

It's essential to eliminate any problem branches immediately before winter winds, snowfall, and ice weight cause them to fall and perhaps harm your home.

house exterior with curb appeal

3. Clean Up Flower Beds

After annual flowers fade, dig up and destroy the plants, plucking any leftover weeds. Blow dry leaves from flower bed corners with a leaf blower.

After clearing out summer plants, add some fall-blooming ones to your yard for color. 

Fall-colored mums, marigolds, flowering kale, and others will enhance your display. Finalize your planting beds with 2-3 inches of fresh mulch for a clean look.

4. Maintenance For Your Outdoor Lighting

Curb appeal and safety depend on adequate outdoor lighting when the sun rises later and sets sooner. Place lanterns or flood lights near entrances and decorate pathways. Try landscape lights in your yard and gardens.

Cleaning outdoor light fixtures makes them sparkle at night. Take glass shades and thoroughly clean them—clean metal and plastic with a soft rag and all-purpose cleanser.

5. Clean Up Gutters

Clear leaves and other debris from your gutters to improve your home drainage and shield your home from water damage. Gutter cleaning is necessary before winter weather arrives because clogged gutters can result in ice dams. Hire a professional to complete this task to save time and the risk of climbing the ladder yourself.

6. Make The Outdoors Of Your Home Gleam

Pressure washers or garden hose jet nozzles can remove dirt from the siding and foundation to improve curb appeal. Meanwhile, pressure wash the sidewalks and driveway. Clean windows both inside and out. Autumn is a good season to repaint fading or damaged walls.

7. Your Front Door And Porch Should Be Spruced Up

Sweep your porch to remove summer detritus. Fix or replace loose railings and steps. Consider painting or staining your worn porch floor and stairs. If your porch furniture needs a fresh color, paint it too. Lastly, paint the front door to match but contrast your siding and trim.

8. Decorate Your Home But Make It Simple

Add some fall decorations to your yard, which will look less festive with empty trees and plants. Add a fall wreath to the front entrance and potted seasonal flowers to create a comfortable atmosphere. Some pumpkins or gourds and an autumn welcome mat will enhance your doorstep. 

Some decorations may improve your home from fall curb appeal. However, too much decor might make your home look cluttered. The best fall curb appeal is simple.

 

If you want to see more fall inspirations, you can check the following:

 

Thank you!

As the weather cools, preparing your home for falling leaves, cooler temperatures, and, eventually, winter storms is important. 

Tackling a few fall home maintenance activities now can help prevent problems later in the season, allowing you to enjoy all you love about autumn without anxiety. 

Most of the home-prepping activities listed below are well beyond the capabilities of the ordinary homeowner, but hiring a professional to undertake them can be well worth the cost. 

You'll save money in the long run by avoiding costly (and perhaps deadly) home damage. 

Follow our fall home maintenance checklist to discover how to clean gutters, roofs, and fireplaces, among other things.

Homeowner Prep Tips For Fall

Home Prepping #1: Clean Your Gutters

Maintaining the roof's drainage system is crucial because it removes hundreds of gallons of water from the exterior of your home and foundation walls each year. 

Damaged gutters can cause basement flooding and exterior damage. Clogged gutters lead to rust and corrosion. The first homeowner prep is to clean and mesh-guard the gutters before the leaves fall to prevent debris buildup.

Home Prepping #2: Repair Air Leaks

A home with window and door air leaks is like an unbuttoned coat. Sealing drafty homes with caulk and weatherstripping can cut heating costs by 20%. Weatherstripping is the cheapest way to lower heating and cooling expenditures. 

This simple substance minimizes drafts and makes your home warmer year-round. However, weatherstripping deteriorates, so check it regularly. Closing a door or window on paper may indicate a weatherstripping issue.

Check missing or damaged caulk around windows, doors, electrical, cable, phone, and gas access points in addition to weatherstripping. Use caulk to fill gaps. Replacement windows may be necessary if drafts persist. Glass with several panes, spacers, or filler gasses may fix these issues. A professional can replace inefficient windows with more energy-efficient ones to improve comfort and lower heating costs.

Home Prepping #3: Check Your Roof

A leaky roof is one of the worst homeowner issues. After dripping begins, pinpointing the source can take a while. The homeowner prep is to fix them in autumn before ice, and even winter winds convert problems into disasters.

Make a top-to-bottom roof inspection with binoculars. Check wind and cracks in ridge shingles. Valley and vent/chimney metal flashing should be checked for damage. 

Also, examine the roof for missing, curling, or broken shingles. Large accumulations of granules in your gutters indicate that your roof is losing its covering, which can lead to more significant issues. Ensure gutters flow smoothly.

Want to see more home repair and maintenance content? Check these:

Repairs that Will Cost You When Buying a Home

With Proper Protection and Maintenance, Your Home Can Last Long

7 Home Remodel Tips For Beginners

Home Prepping #4: Prevent Freezing Temperatures From Damaging Faucets

Protect exterior faucets and in-ground irrigation systems from freezing in cold weather. To drain the pipe, close any outside faucet, shut off valves, and open the tap. Several home centers sell styrofoam faucet covers for faucets without shut-off valves or "freeze-proof" materials. Follow manufacturer draining and winter protection instructions to freeze-proof an in-ground irrigation system.

home owner checking faucet for leaks part 1

Home Prepping #5: Clean The Furnace Filter

Furnace filters collect dust from your home. Other than a dirty furnace, clogged filters can cause rising utility expenditures. However, you can regularly clean the filters to avoid this. 

You can either choose disposable filters that can only be vacuumed once and then replaced or use foam filters that you can vacuum any time and only need to be replaced once broken.

When cleaning foam filters, remove and clean metal or electrostatic filters with a strong water spray and vacuum using a gentle brush.

Home Prepping #6: Check Your Furnace

Get a professional heating system checkup once a year. Consider scheduling this task early in the fall before the heating season to prevent the last-minute rush. 

Here are signs you need a professional check sooner:

Home Prepping #7: Get Your Fireplace Ready

If you rarely use your fireplace, examine it annually for damage and risks. Find creosote, a combustible wood byproduct, in the flue. An overloaded flue or chimney might start a fire. Inspect your chimney annually for creosote. Once each cord of wood is burned, examine the fireplace or wood stove flue if you use it often.

Chimney sweeps are great for inspecting the complete chimney system. With a bright flashlight, shine up the flue to look for deposits nearing 1/8 inch thick. A chimney expert should remove these deposits.

Here are some things you can do:

These are just some of the home-prepping activities you can do this fall. Watch out for Part 2 by clicking this link.

One way to increase home value is to do home improvements. Although remodeling and redoing a home is expensive, especially during these inflationary times, choosing the right home renovation can give high returns on your investment.

Below are ways to increase the value of your greatest asset -- your home:

1. Cleaning And Decluttering

Decreasing your home's clutter doesn't only contribute to your peace of mind, it also helps in increasing the value of your home. Decluttering and cleaning are cheap, even in larger homes, especially when you do the task yourself. 

Pro Tip: Looking for a faster and easier way to declutter your place? Sort drawers and closets into donation piles. You should then empty drawers and other storage locations of unnecessary items.

2. Increase The Amount Of Usable Space

Adding usable space to a home can make cost-effective sense, especially in places with limited area, and almost always increases its value. Homes are valued by their livable square feet, with more being preferable. 

Thus, adding a bathroom, great room, or other needed area to a home may increase utility and value. A separate in-law suite is also a wise tactic for increasing the value of your home.

3. Improve The Energy-Efficient Of The Home

Lowering utility expenses is a sensible approach to increasing the value of your home. Using a smart thermostat saves money and improves efficiency. 

Replacing outdated, leaking windows, installing energy-efficient appliances, and adding insulation can boost home efficiency and value. Naturally, some projects will cost more.

4. Use Fresh Paint To Give It An Updated Look

A fresh coat of house paint can revitalize even the most worn-out exteriors and interiors, and it's cheap. Repaint "odd"-colored rooms first. Your painting budget depends on the rooms you want to paint.

Doing it yourself to repaint a door or room costs $1–3 per square foot, about half the cost of a professional. Labor is often the most expensive part of painting. However, for larger jobs, especially outside ones, a painter may be better because they can buy paint wholesale, know what finishes to use, and can climb ladders.

5. Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal

Curb appeal might be increasing the value of your home by power washing your driveway, washing your windows, and mowing the lawn. Curb appeal might contribute 7%. Upgrading the landscaping can help. Upgrades to soft and hard outdoor landscaping include a new walkway, plants, planters, mulching, patio, or outdoor kitchen.

6. Enhance Your Outside Doors

Along with curb appeal, fixing an old door on the front may be helpful. The front part of the home is what neighbors, buyers, and you see initially. Garage doors take up the greatest space on the front of your property, so putting a modern glass panel or rustic wood door will significantly improve its appeal.

men remodeling kitchen

7. Update The Look Of Your Kitchen

If your kitchen is outdated, it may affect how much you sell the home. Buyers focus on the kitchen. You're not optimizing space if you can't use your kitchen fully because of its layout, size, or other issues. However, this project will cost a lot and may not return every dollar. 

Coordinating appliances and new cabinet hardware may increase your home's value if a complete kitchen remodel is too much. Discuss with an expert real estate agent what makes sense and will fetch the greatest money from buyers.

8. Your Home Should Be Staged

Skip cosmetic home upgrades and hire a home staging agency if you're selling your property. Depending on your preferences and home, staging costs a little over $1,600 on average. 

Decluttering, depersonalization, renting furniture, and painting are all staging services. The more work required to stage it, the greater the amount it will cost. A real estate agent can recommend the best staging services to boost property value.

For more content like this, you can click this link or call us at 317-316-8224 so we can assist you with increasing your home value!

 

As the summer warmth gives way to the colorful spectacle of autumn, it's the perfect time to shift your focus from outdoor adventures to the important task of preparing your home for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Fall home maintenance is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring your property remains comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient during the colder months ahead. To help you navigate this crucial transition, we've put together a comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist.

 

  1. Inspect and Clean Gutters:

Your gutters play a critical role in protecting your home from water damage. The first task on your checklist should be to ensure they're in top shape:

  1. Check the Roof:

Your roof is your home's shield against the elements, so it deserves a thorough inspection:

  1. Seal Gaps and Cracks:

A well-insulated home is not only more comfortable but also more energy-efficient:

  1. Service Your Heating System:

With the temperature dropping, your heating system becomes a crucial component of your home:

  1. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

Safety should always be a top priority in your home:

  1. Inspect and Clean Chimney and Fireplace:

If you have a fireplace, it's essential to ensure it's in safe working condition for those cozy fall and winter nights:

  1. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses:

To prevent damage and frozen pipes, take care of your outdoor water sources:

  1. Check for Drafts:

A drafty home can be uncomfortable and costly to heat:

  1. Clean and Inspect the Lawn and Garden:

Don't neglect your outdoor space; it needs care before winter sets in:

  1. Clean and Inspect the Deck/Patio:

Your outdoor spaces deserve some attention too:

  1. Test Outdoor Lighting:

Good outdoor lighting enhances safety and security:

  1. Prepare Outdoor Furniture:

Protect your outdoor furniture from the harsh elements:

  1. Inspect the Insulation:

A well-insulated home is a warm and energy-efficient one:

  1. Clean and Inspect Appliances:

Maintain the appliances that keep your home running smoothly:

  1. Safety Check:

Your family's safety is paramount:

  1. Prepare for Winter Storms:

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared:

  1. Check for Pest Infestations:

Pests may seek shelter in your home during the colder months:

 

Now that you have this comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist in hand, it's time to roll up your sleeves and start preparing your home for the upcoming season. By tackling these tasks diligently, you'll ensure that your home remains comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the colder months.

However, if you've been dreaming about finding your perfect home this fall, there's no better time than now to turn that dream into a reality. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade, or considering an investment property, RE/MAX Advanced Realty is here to help you every step of the way.

Our experienced real estate professionals are ready to assist you in finding the home of your dreams in the vibrant fall real estate market. From cozy homes surrounded by colorful foliage to spacious family homes perfect for holiday gatherings, we have a wide range of properties to suit your needs.

Don't let this fall season pass by without taking action on your homeownership goals. Contact RE/MAX Advanced Realty today, and let's make your dream home a reality before winter arrives. Your dream home is just a phone call or click away!

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