In today’s hyper-competitive market, buyers are often willing to overlook cosmetic or minor repair needs if it means snagging a home in their price range. With so few houses available for sale today, you may be able to skip the bigger renovations before you sell and cash in on the current demand for your home!
If you’re ready to move, reach out to the Yancey Realty team at 704-467-8877 to determine your best next steps in this sellers’ market!
As one of the integral furniture pieces you will be purchasing for your home, selecting the right couch for you is incredibly important. Below are five aspects to consider when looking for the lounger of your dreams.
Size. The first thing to consider is how much seating you need. If you have a large family (or planning to grow yours) or have plans to host friends for movie nights or the big game, you should look at larger sectionals. If you live alone or don’t have children, you can opt for something a little smaller.
Shape. To determine the couch shape, you’ll need to examine the size of your living room and determine how you want the area divided. If you want your couch to be the focal point and fill most of the room, an L-shape is a great option, but if you are interested in incorporating more chairs or recliners then a 3-seater sofa might get the job done.
Color. If you have children or pets, will be hosting gatherings where people may eat or drink in your living room, or you just love a good movie and snack night, you may want to choose a darker couch.
Fabric. Similar to choosing a color for your couch, selecting a fabric comes down to who will be using your couch and how. Cotton, linen, and chenille are usually better suited for a slightly-used couch while fabric like leather, microfiber, and polyester is easy to clean and durable.
Filling. Foam is a commonly used cushion material and generally offers more support and lasts longer with little maintenance, while feather- or down-filled cushions provide that soft, sinking comfort, but require more maintenance.
She sheds allow the women of the household a tranquil sanctuary where they can step away from the hustle and bustle of their home lives. Here are some must-haves for your she shed!
Décor
The options for decorating your space are endless. Whether you go modern, rustic, or cozy, the choice is all yours. Some items to consider are framed photos of family, friends, and pets, a letter board for fun sayings, colorful paintings, mirrors, and plush or colorful rugs.
Plants
Whether you have a green thumb or not, adding real or fake plants into the mix can help create a Zen, calming space. Some easy-to-maintain plants include succulents, snake plants, air plants, and parlor palms. Freshly cut flowers can also liven up the room.
Lights
Selecting the right lighting can really affect the ambiance of your she shed. Some options to consider include string lights, unique floor or table lamps, chandeliers, candles, and light diffusers.
Seating
Some of the most popular seating choices for a she shed are lounge chairs or chaises, however don’t rule out a big comfy couch, recliners, or floor pillows if those are more your style.
Activities
What are your favorite activities to do alone or with your girlfriends? Whether you love to craft, sew, journal, read, play an instrument, watch TV, or workout, make sure you stock all the items needed for your favorite hobbies in your space. Refreshments Whether you’re a wino, dirty martini connoisseur, or mocktail master, a designated bar area is a common addition to a she shed. Don’t forget your favorite treats to complement your favorite drink.
This fact might surprise you: The average home improvement project does not tend to have a 100% return on initial investment. You might be thinking – why would I remodel then? The reasons range from the added enjoyment you’ll get from having that brand new kitchen to staying in line with other homes in the area who are investing in these upgrades. However, if you’re looking for a project with 100% ROI, these are some of the top options you should consider.
Upgraded Landscaping: Were you thinking I was going to say kitchen or bath? Surprisingly landscaping is a top runner for maximum return on investment. Your curb appeal is the first impression of your home so it makes sense that landscaping would have a good return. If your yard is one area your home is lacking, adding in some color and cleaning things up can make a big difference. Consider incorporating some flowering shrubs, large planters with bright flowers, fresh mulch and maybe even a new flagstone walkway to really spruce things up.
New Roof: This one doesn’t sound like the most fun but it’s a big deal when it comes to selling your home. If you’re seeing water leaks in your roof, put this in the #1 spot before you do anything else. Plus, the ROI on a new roof is over 100%. How do you know if you need a new roof? Here are a few signs.. If you notice shingles missing or curling up, the sun shining through your attic or you see stains on ceilings and walls, then it’s probably time for a new roof.
Hardwood Floors: The timeless look of hardwood floors are a top feature to love and they are probably the one feature that will always be a good investment. The trending style of hardwood floors may change over time but they’re always going to trump any other style of flooring when it comes to holding their value. You know the feeling when you find out there are hardwood floors underneath old, outdated carpeting? It feels like you hit the jackpot! Hardwood floors are timeless so refinishing them is a no brainer. If you don’t have them, they’re also going to be worth the initial investment down the road.
Patio or Deck: Say hello to outdoor entertaining and Summer BBQ’s. We already know that landscaping is the #1 project for ROI so it makes sense that a patio or deck addition is really going ot up your backyard game! Now you’ll even have a place to sit with a cocktail and appreciate all that landscaping work you did. To give you some examples, the average cost of a patio is $6,000 and the average return is 102%. For a deck, the average cost is $9,450 with a 106% average return. Are you thinking tonight’s dinner conversation will go something like “Honey, we’re getting a new deck!”
Which remodeling project have you been considering? Always consider the ROI on any home projects you decide to tackle. Spending $50,000 on a kitchen remodel will not necessarily add that amount to the value of your home so keep that in mind when deciding where to spend vs where to splurge.
When purchasing a home, there are several fees you have to understand and factor in to your budget before you hit the closing table. Here’s what you need to know.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs are the fees for services required to finalize your mortgage. Typically, the buyer is responsible for paying these costs unless otherwise negotiated to have the seller contribute. Fees include (but certainly are not limited to) attorney, appraisal, inspection, government taxes, title insurance, home insurance, mortgage insurance, and property taxes.
How much are closing costs?
According to Zillow.com, closing costs usually total about 2 to 5 percent of the home’s purchase price, and they generally vary depending on the property purchased and state you reside in. Your lender will provide you with an estimate of your closing costs following your loan approval, and although that number can change slightly, your final costs should be similar.
How can you reduce closing costs?
Some of the fees that fall under your closing costs can be reduced by doing ample research on lenders at the beginning of the homebuying process. Then, compare any potential discounts or deals they offer before making your choice. Additionally, you can attempt to negotiate with the seller to cover part or all of your closing costs.
Can you avoid upfront closing costs?
If you think you will be unable to afford the closing costs upfront, you can opt to roll them into your loan. However, choosing this route often costs you more in the long run. At a minimum, you’ll have to pay interest on your closing costs, or depending on your lender, you may face a higher interest rate on your entire loan.
Sometimes, the man or men of the house just need a little space to do their thing. That’s why, if your home layout allows, a man cave is a great addition. Now that you have the space picked out, how should you fill it? Check out the below to get you started!
Mini fridge and bar. Every good man cave has a stockpile of drinks and food. Purchase a mini fridge and fill it with your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Then, don’t forget to fill a basket with easy-to-grab snacks.
Ample seating. You’ll likely be spending a large chunk of time in your man cave watching tv, relaxing, playing games, and more, so choosing the right couch or recliners is crucial. Plus, if you plan to have the guys over, you’ll want to make sure you choose furniture that can seat everyone comfortably and have back-up folding chairs in case you need more spots.
Favorite décor. Whether you’re a big movie buff, die-hard sports fan, or dedicated concert goer, your man cave is the perfect place to let your interests shine by displaying your favorite memorabilia, posters, jerseys, and more. TV.
The centerpiece of your man cave is your TV. You should purchase one that is large enough to see clearly from any spot in the room and comes equipped with streaming services to ensure you can catch the game or newest movie release with a click of a button.
Games. Video games, card games, board games, and more. Fill your man cave with all your favorites to keep you and your guests entertained with some friendly competition.