The Most Important "To-Do's" on Your Spring Cleaning List

Spring cleaning can offer a way to freshen up the indoor and outdoor spaces of your home, while cleaning away the dirt and dust that has accumulated over the winter season. Many people also take advantage of the spring cleaning season to de-clutter throughout the home and clean up storage spaces like the attic and garage. Whether you live in a small apartment, or a large multi-level home, spring cleaning can help make your home a happier place to live in. The following are some of the most important things to consider when writing out your spring cleaning "to-do" list.

 

Clean Out Attic and Garage

Both of these areas tend to be catch-all spaces for junk that you don't know what else to…

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If you are selling your house, it is a given that you want it sold as soon as possible. Having your house sit on the market for a long period is costly and inconvenient. To sell it quickly, it is important to know some of the most popular qualities in a home that buyers are looking for.

 

1. Updated Windows

 

Buyers are looking for energy efficiency in the home they want to buy to save money and be more environmentally friendly. When buyers see old windows, they automatically think about high utility bills and drafts. The most effective way to increase energy efficiency is to update old windows with good quality, Energy Star-rated windows.

 

2. Open Floor Plans

 

A house with an open floor plan tends to top the "must have" list of…

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Smart Home Features Buyers Want in 2017

A recent survey by Coldwell Banker real estate revealed that two-thirds of its agents found out that homebuyers are interested in homes with smart features and technology than they were just two to five years. This trend is increasing, and research shows that homes with smart technologies are generally more desirable.

 

28% of U.S adults and 47% of millennials have smart home products and believe that these devices make life more comfortable, efficient and secure. If you are remodeling your old house, add these smart features to give it a touch of elegance and to make it more comfortable. On the other hand, if you are buying a new home ensure that it has these smart features.

 

Some of these smart…

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Dealing with demanding home buyers or sellers can be a daunting task. Below are a few tips to guide you when dealing with difficult buyers or sellers.

Listen

Listening is a sign of respect and professionalism. You will know about the concerns of the seller or buyer and whether they are legitimate. Don't interrupt them when talking to avoid a misunderstanding even when you know where they are aiming. This way, you will be showing them that you care. Encourage them to be open and transparent for clarity. Additionally, you ought to ask questions and support their statements. As an agent, you have to be straightforward when communicating whether it is a text or verbally. You should use a professional language when dealing with first-time clients because…

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 Moving into a new place can mean a lot of things to remember, and can leave you feeling like maybe there’s something you’ve forgotten to do. Once the boxes are packed and the moving vans are lined up, we all want it to be bliss-free unpacking from that point, with the only concern being making the new place feel like a home. Unfortunately, it really never works out that way: there are endless t’s to cross and i’s to dot, and taking the time to track down and notify everyone of your move can be quite a challenge.

Luckily, there’s plenty of information out there on who to notify aside from your friends and family; although, it is nice to pick up a pack of nice “we’ve moved” cards to send out to your loved ones giving them your new address. For everyone…

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Buying your first home is exhilarating. It's also the biggest investment you'll likely ever make, and probably the biggest one you've made so far. It's easy, whether from excitement or lack of knowledge, to make mistakes that you regret down the road.

Here are 4 common mistakes that you can avoid making:

1. Go to only one lender

Particularly if you've heard that each inquiry affects your credit score, you may be tempted to go to just one lender and hope for the best. Putting all your eggs in one basket like this is a bad idea. Ideally, you should talk to at least one national bank, one local bank or credit union, and an online lender. If you're concerned about your credit score taking a hit from the inquiries, consider hiring a broker instead -…

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The kids are bored. You are tired of the same old scenery. Everyone just needs to get away for a while. However, the budget or work and school schedules will only allow for a day trip somewhere close by. That is not a problem. Greenville, South Carolina is close to lots of great activities for you and your family to enjoy. Try these four suggestions and then venture out for your own adventures:

1. Riverbanks Zoo

See giraffe's, zebras and polar bears as you stroll along paved paths at the Riverbanks Zoo. Just 1 1/2 hours from Greenville, this Columbia attraction is a great way to get in some fresh air, some exercise and some excitement - all in one spot. Kids love the African Savannah reproduction, a 2-acre reproduction where lions and baboons roam…

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1. De-clutter

You know those roller blades you’ve held onto for nearly a decade? Trash them! Along with any other unused items. While you may think your childhood macaroni frames hold sentimental value, your future self will be thanking you for not lugging it to the next home. When you leave yourself with only the essentials, packing becomes a breeze.

2. Timing

Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to get everything moved out as soon as possible. Pick a day when you have no other obligations and dedicate your time to moving in an efficient manner that’s convenient for you.

3. Hire Professionals

There’s no shame in admitting you need help, especially when it comes to moving. Be sure to investigate and conduct thorough research before deciding on a…

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Even first-time home buyers know that there are closing costs associated with buying a home. But they don't always know what the words "closing costs" actually mean, what they include, or why they have to pay them. When you're handing over that much money, however, it's important that you understand exactly why you're doing it.

What are closing costs?

Closing costs are the fees associated with buying a home that you pay at closing. Closing is when the sale of your home is closed, and the title to the home is transferred to the buyer from the seller.

What fees are included in closing costs?

There are many fees that can be included in closing costs. Such fees include:

  •         Application fee
  •         Appraisal
  •         Attorney fee
  • …

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After years of dutifully saving money, you’re finally ready to buy your first place. You can’t wait to move out of the cramped apartment you’ve shared with your growing family for the past two years. If you can relate to this scenario, you might currently be scouring listings in your desired neighborhood. You may also be compiling a detailed list of must-haves for your new abode. When looking for the perfect place, don’t neglect to consider the following items.

Storage Space

When touring prospective homes, many people concentrate on kitchens and bathrooms. In their quest to buy a home with quartz counter tops or double sinks, they sometimes overlook the less glamorous issue of storage space. However, having enough room to neatly organize all of your…

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