When the real estate market crashed in 2008, new home builds came to a screeching halt. As a result, fewer homes were built over the next ten years, flinging the United States real estate market into a severe housing shortage—a 3.8 million unit deficit by 2019. Not quite a year later when the pandemic struck, and a material and labor shortage ensued, creating a perfect storm of surging prices and a supply and demand crisis. And now that the pendulum is beginning to swing toward the center, sellers are scratching their heads, trying to understand how to navigate the current real estate market shift.

Pricing your home to sell

With the real estate market being so unpredictable, many home sellers are still determining how to price their homes. It will take thought, calculation, and research to arrive at a fair price—not too high to scare off potential buyers, but not too low that you’re leaving money on the table. Here are some of the biggest factors to consider when figuring out your asking price.

Buyer attitude
As the market continues to readjust, buyers have become more selective with their homebuying decisions. Sellers can no longer expect them to pay over the asking price, waive home inspections, or remove contract contingencies. So if you’re considering selling your home in 2023, fairly pricing and properly prepping your home to go on the market will be essential. When staging, be sure to showcase the advantages and special features of your home. Remember, a buyer’s first impressions can directly impact how long it will take to sell and the final sale price.  If you have questions about properly staging your home, you can message or call Doug or Ronnie and we're happy to discuss it with you.

Market trends
The best way to establish a reasonable listing price is by examining the most recent market trends. Is it pointing toward a buyer’s market, or are trends favoring sellers? You can easily access this information through the National Association of REALTORS® which reports monthly, quarterly, and annually on market activity. You can then gain a firm understanding of where the trends are heading and, with the assistance of your friends at OKC Metro Group, you can determine the best approach to your pricing strategy.

Interest rates
Buyers are usually able to spend more when rates are low, which ultimately leads to a seller’s market. That’s when there are more buyers than sellers and less inventory—and as demand increases, so does pricing. In late 2022, when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, buyers began to pull back, resulting in a significant dip in real estate sales. So If selling is on your agenda for 2023, remain informed of the status of interest rates, as it will likely determine your pricing strategy.  

Home evaluation
Several real estate sources like Zillow.com and Realtor.com will provide an estimated home value. However, these sources generally overestimate value, so you may want to consider doing some preliminary research with an automated valuation model. This online algorithm extracts information from various real estate websites to provide an estimated value of your home. It can be a great jump-off point to help you price your home to sell for the most money in the least amount of time. Just keep in mind that these valuations are only guestimates; they don’t know your home’s condition, upgrades, or lot location. Your best bet will always be to consult with Doug and Ronnie who can personalize your valuation by considering all its elements to arrive at a fair, marketable listing price.

Homeowners spend a lot of time and energy on improving their home’s interior. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are among the top renovations people make in an effort to enhance their home’s livability and resale value. In fact, Google trends showed that “kitchen remodel” searches were up 77 percent between 2020 and 2021.

There’s no question that putting your renovation budget toward interior improvements can be beneficial when it comes time to sell. However, exterior improvements can be just as lucrative, if not more so. Curb appeal is king when it comes to ROI, and you don’t have to look too closely to see why.

Curb Appeal Counts

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 94 percent of real estate agents recommend curb appeal improvements before listing a home. But upping your curb appeal isn’t only important for those who plan to sell—it’s crucial for all homeowners.

Anthony Wilder, founder of Anthony Wilder Architecture, Interior Design, and Construction, is a master of hardscaping and exterior architecture. His team has done award-winning work for clients in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, and his firm has a special focus on exterior architecture, design, and landscaping. When starting a project for a new client, Wilder’s team focuses on the exterior from the very beginning, understanding the role curb appeal has in transforming a home’s overall aesthetic.

One of their recent projects, a split-level brick home in Falls Church Virginia, is a prime example, Wilder says, of the difference exterior enhancements can make for how the residents feel about their home. “The masking of the building in this case was very shuttered, old, and abandoned looking. We brightened it up with a fresh face, and once it came to life, we knew the client would love what we did with it. They absolutely hated the front of their house, but this made them look at it differently.”

Wilder’s team removed the home’s Antebellum-era pillars and replaced dated shutters with warm wood frames to elongate the front of the home. The key with a split level, he says, is to implement visual tricks, such as they did with the windows, to prevent the home from looking like it’s cut in half.

In the case of this home, the removal of a few exterior elements, the addition of modern hardware, and a new paint job brought it out of the nineteenth century and into the twenty-first century. The crucial role curb appeal had in this project cannot be emphasized enough.

Areas of Focus 

While architectural changes can make a world of difference, you don’t necessarily have to go dramatic when making exterior improvements to your home if you don’t want to or feel that it’s needed. Simple changes, such as a fresh coat of paint, new lighting fixtures, and beautiful landscaping can work wonders.

Painting

There’s virtually nothing that a new coat of paint can’t fix. Wilder notes that, for many of the projects his team has worked on, painting the home’s exterior has made one of the biggest visual differences and casts a home in a completely new light. In their renovation of a brick Colonial in Potomac, Maryland, his team painted over faded multi-color brick with a creamy white color that makes the home more inviting for its socially active owners. If you want to make a nice impression on guests and passersby, painting your exterior is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to do so.

Hardscaping

Stone pavers for entryways and patios are not only visually appealing but also greatly improve the functionality of a front or backyard, especially for homeowners who like to spend time outdoors. If a home’s front door is tucked away or is opposite from the driveway, like in the brick Colonial project, you can create interest with a stone pathway lined with greenery that leads to the door. In the backyard, a paved patio with built-in elements such as a firepit or  retaining wall can help you get more use out of your yard for hosting or relaxing.

Landscaping 

The right kind of landscaping draws the eyes up and frames the house. It is one of the best investments you can make for your home in terms of return. However, the key is to ensure the landscaping you choose is a good fit for your home and the surrounding area. It’s also important to be mindful of the trees and shrubs you choose because, for example, if you plant a two-foot shrub in front of a window, that shrub could grow to five or six feet, depending on its type. Choosing native plants and trees can be beneficial, too, as they will be more likely to thrive in your environment with minimal upkeep and will look more natural.

Maintenance Matters

The last and most important part of improving your home’s curb appeal is to ensure you maintain it. Anyone can repaint their home’s exterior, plant trees and flowers, and install a new front door. However, if you don’t work to keep up with the improvements you made, your curb appeal and its value will suffer. If you’re not much of a home-improvement afficionado or don’t have time to put toward lawncare, hiring a contractor can help you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to keeping your exterior maintained.

Set a schedule to keep up with small tasks, such as trimming back trees and shrubs, pulling weeds, and pressure-washing walkways, and pay particular attention to your front door and entryway. Keep the pathway to the door free of leaves and debris, and make sure the door is clean and that there are no chips in the paint. The same goes for maintaining the paint job on your window trim and shutters.

Personality Pops

While curb appeal is important for your home’s value and visual appeal, it’s not the only reason to improve it. Ultimately, you and your family are the one’s spending the majority of your time in your home. Therefore, changes to your curb appeal can amount to big changes in the pride you have in your home and the way it reflects your personality.

Pay attention to improvements you feel will make the biggest difference for your household. If you’re keen on spending time in the backyard, a new patio and garden could be life-changing updates. If you’re not a fan of cutting the grass, implementing more hardscaping can eliminate the surface area you have to cut. And if your home is one of the oldest in your neighborhood, modern improvements might help you feel more comfortable and at home there.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t allow what’s popular or trendy in your area to completely sway the decisions you make when it comes to your curb appeal. Focus on balancing your own personal tastes and needs with what will look best and appeal to future buyers, but don’t sacrifice your style to do so.

Never underestimate the value good exterior design can have for your home. When it comes to curb appeal improvements, a little bit goes a long way and can dramatically increase your quality of life and the satisfaction you have in your home.  

The kitchen is an essential part of the home. It’s a central piece of your life where you cook your meals and spend time with your household. That’s why it’s so important to make it stand out when selling your home.

A study by the National Association of REALTORS® found that the three most important rooms to stage when selling your home are the living room, primary bedroom, and the kitchen. If you need help staging your kitchen, these tips will help you give this space a facelift that homebuyers will appreciate.

Give it a deep clean

Everyone loves a clean kitchen, and you should give yours a deep cleaning before showing your home. Start with the following tasks:

• Wiping down cabinets and counters
• Cleaning the inside and outside of the fridge
• Removing burnt food stains from the stove
• Polishing stainless-steel appliances
• Cleaning the oven
• Removing garbage, recycling, and pet items
• Running the dishwasher, and emptying it
• Cleaning the floor

Declutter the countertops

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, decluttering is a priority for every room in your house, especially in the kitchen. Your countertops can become home for a variety of appliances, cookbooks, and a multitude of other items. You should remove everything, only leaving a few select items—try to limit yourself to one appliance like a coffee maker or toaster. You can also add some fruit like apples, oranges, or lemons in a decorative bowl. Make sure to only use a single type of fruit in the bowl and that it is fresh. In addition to the countertops, make sure to remove items from the top of the fridge and cabinets.

Depersonalize the space

The front of your fridge can become highly personalized with magnets, notes, photos, and your child’s artwork. Before showing your home, you should store these items away. This can help homebuyers better envision themselves living in your house.

Give the cabinets a makeover

If you’re cabinets are in good shape but a little outdated, you can apply a fresh coat of paint to give them an upgrade. Make sure to match the cabinets to the countertops by painting them a neutral color like white, beige, or gray. After you’ve finished painting your cabinets, add some new hardware like handles, knobs, and hinges to complete the look.

Update the lighting

If the lighting fixtures in the kitchen are a little old, this is a good time to give them an upgrade. By switching to a more contemporary choice over your island or sink, you’ll help give your kitchen a like-new feel. Additionally, avoid light bulbs that cast a yellow glow and stick with daylight style bulbs that will help your space feel more open and cleaner.

Replace the electrical outlets

This is a simple kitchen upgrade that can help give it a stylish new look. Simply find a decorative outlet cover that fits your kitchen, unscrew the old cover, and add the new cover. Best of all, this is a relatively low-cost upgrade that will help your kitchen stand out.

Help the space look larger

Give your kitchen a more spacious appearance by changing out the furniture. If you have an eat-in kitchen, try using a smaller table and chairs set to open the space up. You can also consider removing some of the seating. If your kitchen table typically holds six chairs, remove two. If your island has the space for four stools, take away two.

Organize cabinets and the pantry

When people start viewing your home, they will likely look inside your cabinets and pantry. If they’re packed full of items, it can send the message that the kitchen does not have enough storage space, so make sure to declutter these areas.

If you’re looking for more staging help, these thrifty tips will help your home look good without breaking the bank.

If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, you may believe there isn’t anything you can do to make it better. However, even though you think it’s perfect, it is essential to view your home through the eyes of a potential buyer. Before you list your home, take care of some of these simple repairs and renovations to help attract attention from potential buyers. Don’t forget to ask your real estate agent for any recommendations of other upgrades you can make to boost your home’s value.

Paint a room or two

A fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate any room in your home. While you may not need to paint your entire home, focusing on a few spaces with blemishes can make a room feel clean and fresh. If you have a room with bold or dark colors, painting it a lighter or neutral color can appeal to more homebuyers. Best of all, interior painting can be accomplished on your own over a weekend, and it could bring up to a 107 percent return on your investment.

Fix leaky faucets

Homebuyers will likely notice the drip of a leaky faucet, raising concerns that there may be issues with your home’s plumbing. However, you can ease their minds by either replacing the washers on the faucet or updating an older faucet with a new one for $100 or less—this will also help give your bathroom or kitchen a visual upgrade.

Update the lighting

Make sure the lighting in your home reaches every corner to help buyers take notice of all your home’s features and brighten up any evening viewings. If you have a few rooms with dated light fixtures, switching them out can make the space seem more open and inviting. Make sure you replace any burnt-out lightbulbs and switch out any bulbs giving off a yellow or dark tint for LED lightbulbs. If you’re looking for an easy way to improve the natural lighting in your home, remove any heavy drapes to let the sunshine stream in.

Replace damaged window screens

Before potential homebuyers enter your home and check the view from each of your windows, make sure you repair or replace any damaged screens. Tears can make your home look dated or in disrepair, so either replace the screen (you can find many options for less than $50 depending on the size) or use a screen-repair kit to fix the damage. These kits cost less than $20 online or at your local hardware store. Such a simple repair can significantly impact the overall look of your home.

Update your flooring

No matter what style of flooring you have, giving it some TLC before selling your home can improve its appeal. If you have hardwood floors, you can highlight this in-demand feature by having them refinished to make them look new. You can hire a professional to do it for around $3 to $8 per square foot, but the task could add up to 2.5 percent to the sale price. If your carpets have permanent stains or tears, you’ll want to have them replaced for a clean aesthetic. Most homeowners pay between $3 to $11 per square foot for new carpet. If your carpet doesn’t need to be replaced, you may want it cleaned. It’s recommended to have the carpets in your home cleaned at least once a year.

Getting your home ready and keeping it clean can be challenging, especially if you have a dog or cat. Use these tips to help make sure selling your home isn’t ruff for you or your four-legged friend.

Like many things in life, there are no courses or manuals for making some of its most important decisions. Whether they’re emotional or financially driven, or a combination of both, sometimes you just have to go with your gut. And while there’s no easy answer, recognizing your motivations for downsizing can help you make the final decision on whether it’s time to stay or go.

1. Financial stability: Are you retired or experiencing financial hardships? Have your monthly expenses increased over the years due to the escalation in the cost of living? If so, this may be an opportune time to downsize, especially If you’re feeling a financial crunch. Selling your home for a smaller, lesser expensive place can help you to save money, reduce your monthly expenses, and possibly increase your disposable income.

2. Home equity: If you’ve owned your home for several years, there’s likely a lot of equity, particularly with the rise in home prices over the past few years. This may be a great reason to sell as you can use the proceeds from the sale to downsize and have some cash left over to add to your nest egg.

3. Homeownership: Are you tired of being a homeowner and no longer want the responsibilities of the upkeep or ongoing expense? Whether it’s due to financial, physical, or other circumstances, it may be a good time to discuss selling and explore rental options with your real estate agent.

4. Home upkeep: Having less maintenance is often the key reason for downsizing. Not only can it be costly, but it can also be dangerous. For example, if you’re older and have to climb on your roof to clean the gutters, you may be putting yourself at risk of a serious fall. If you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed with your home’s upkeep, it may be a good time to consider a downsizing move.

5. Life changes: Unexpected major life-changing events, such as divorce or the death of a spouse or partner, may require you to make some changes, both in your financial life and your lifestyle. They may even be the catalyst for making your final decision to downsize.

6. Lifestyle: Have you aged out of your neighborhood? Are you an empty nester and your home now feels lonely or too big for you? If so, it may be time to consider downsizing to a smaller home and into a community that makes sense for you. Your real estate agent can help you to research communities that match your financial and lifestyle needs with other like-minded people.

7. Proximity to family: Your adult children and grandchildren may not live close to you anymore and chances are you want to be in closer proximity to them. Whether you’re retired or still in the workforce and able to work remotely, it may be the right time to sell and downsize.

If you’ve decided to begin the downsizing process, be thorough in your research—the options are endless. Whether your motivations have to do with a lifestyle change, lower cost of living, or health challenges, be sure to contact your real estate agent to assist you in exploring all the possibilities.

Purchasing a home when self-employed may not be as difficult as you think. Mortgage lenders still require much of the same information for corporate employees as they do for self-employed individuals. However, as a self-employed person, it’s essential to understand mortgage guidelines and requirements for obtaining a home loan. Consider the following when applying for a self-employed home loan.

Self-employment status

By mortgage lending standards, you are considered self-employed if you own 25 percent or more of a business; at least 25 percent of your income comes from your self-employed work; you do not receive a W-2 but rather a 1099 tax form; you are a contractor, freelancer; or a seasonal or gig worker. Any or all of these can be considered on their own merit or even as additional income. The lender must also see that this income is expected to be ongoing.

Employment verification

A lender will need to verify your role as a self-employed individual and will likely ask for several items, such as confirmation of your business insurance and business license, a letter from a certified public accountant (CPA)verifying the existence of your business, proof of membership in a professional organization, and emails or letters from existing clients. Some lenders will approve your loan with just one year of self-employment as long as you’re able to show that you’ve had two years of employment in the same or similar field of work. You will also need documentation stating that your current income is equal to or greater than what’s reflected on your W-2 from your previous position.

Note: If you’ve been self-employed for less than one year, the chances of obtaining a loan are less likely. Be sure to discuss with your lender how to build a financial portfolio to obtain loan approval.

Income verification

When applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to prove that you’ve had a steady income for at least two years before applying for the loan. Also, lenders will only count your taxable income when calculating your debt-to-income ratio. They will require you to supply your tax returns as it relates to you as a business owner or a sole proprietor such as Schedule C. Also, try to avoid any income inconsistencies which could affect your ability to obtain loan approval. Keep separate accounts for your down payment and estimated quarterly taxes. Do not comingle business finances with your personal funds as it can increase your debt-to-income ratio, making it more difficult to get loan approval.

Business stability

Lenders want to know that your business is financially secure and that your income will be stable. For these reasons, they may choose to conduct an in-depth review of your business to determine its stability. Upon analysis, if they believe your business is in a declining industry, it could show up as a negative mark on your loan application.

Mortgage options 

Self-employed individuals can qualify for a loan just like any other homebuyer. However, if you’re seeking a conventional loan (not backed by the government), it just may take a little more patience and tenacity. Federally-backed government loans like Fannie Mae, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan, and the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) loan can be a great option if you do not show enough income, have a lower credit score, or need to make a lower down payment than needed for a conventional mortgage. You can also apply for a bank statement loan which allows you to qualify for a loan based on the total funds coming into your bank rather than your income tax returns.

Credit history

You can increase the likelihood of obtaining a loan by improving your credit score if possible. This includes paying your revolving accounts on time, paying down current debt, and avoiding opening new credit cards or closing old ones. Also, decrease your debt-to-income ratio by cutting out all unnecessary expenses, which can also help to increase your credit score.

Joint loans

If you are jointly purchasing a home with your spouse or co-borrower who is a W-2 employee, as long as the financial guidelines of the loan are satisfied, there is a high likelihood of you securing a loan. You can also choose to exclude them if you feel it will negatively impact your application.

Cosigned loans 

If you are unable to secure a loan individually due to your self-employment status, you may consider asking someone to be a cosigner on your loan. The lender will assess their income, assets, employment history, and credit score. Because the cosigner will also be financially responsible for the loan, be sure to talk to your mortgage lender to fully understand the pros and cons of this arrangement.

Separate banking

When applying for a home loan as a self-employed individual, check with your mortgage lender to be sure you understand the guidelines and requirements for securing a loan. Consider creating a checklist of all the information the lender requires, such as your tax returns, employment and income verification, and proof of your self-employment status. As long as you plan ahead, shop around for the best programs and interest rates, and meet the guidelines set forth by the lender, you should be able to purchase a new home.

Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are now the largest population group in the United States at seventy-two million people, making up 22 percent of the population. They’re also not that young anymore; older millennials (OM), born between 1980 and 1989, are starting to hit their forties, and younger millennials (YM), born between 1990 and 1998, bottom out at twenty-six. That makes them the perfect age to buy a home—and the ideal targets for selling one.

Millennial homebuying habits

As millennials become more financially stable, increase their savings, and experience career growth, they have become increasingly interested in becoming homeowners.

Millennial stats

• According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), millennials currently represent 43 percent of homebuyers in the US, the largest group compared to all other generations.
• Of this 43 percent of millennial homebuyers, 81 percent of YM and 48 percent of OM are first-time homebuyers.
• The most common type of home purchased by millennials is a detached single-family home, with an average size ranging from 1,700 square feet to 2,400 square feet.
• Most millennials (69 percent) would rather be homeowners than tenants and are willing to move to another state to buy an affordable home.
• Millennials typically marry and have children later than previous generations, resulting in a later entry into the real estate market—significantly later than their boomer parents. Some critical reasons for this are high student loan debt, inability to save, and a slow recovery from the sluggish job market of the Great Recession in 2007—2009.

Technology 
Overall, both older and younger millennials use their mobile devices to search for homes and submit mortgage applications through real estate apps. A benefit of this is that when real-time notifications of new listings are sent, a showing can be scheduled within minutes of receiving an alert—a convenient and efficient way to search for a home.

Financing 
With the recent interest rate hikes, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) are making a comeback with millennials as they struggle to make up the difference with a potentially higher monthly mortgage. Because interest rates can fluctuate, an ARM allows the borrower to lock into a lower rate for a defined period—three, five, seven, or ten years, making an ARM a great option. Other benefits include lower upfront costs, more flexibility if a move is required, more cash flow, and the possibility of purchasing a more expensive home.

Real estate agent
Older and younger millennials prefer a real estate agent to help them understand the purchase process and to help negotiate the terms and conditions of their sales contract. In fact, on average, 90 percent purchase their home through a real estate agent, proving that agents continue to be a trusted resource for homebuyers across all generations.

Challenges for millennial homebuyers

Although a quarter of millennials say they will be  “forever renters,” a large portion of this generation does want to become homeowners. However, they may still face various challenges.

• The millennial generation has had a more difficult time saving for a down payment; 24 percent indicate that it’s the most challenging step to becoming a homeowner, and 25 percent need financial help from family or friends to help purchase a home.
• Inventory levels are low in many markets, resulting in higher prices and making homes unaffordable for many millennial buyers.
• Interest rate hikes can increase the potential for higher monthly payments, thus reducing buying power and making purchasing more difficult, especially for first-time homebuyers.
• In real estate markets across the country, many investors and sellers in more expensive markets are paying cash for homes, leaving millennial buyers in a precarious position due to their inability to compete with cash buyers.

Luckily for millennials, some of these challenges may be short-lived as the housing market is predicted to experience a pricing correction in 2023. Some markets are already encountering a buyer slowdown. And with this expected shift, there’s no reason to expect millennials won’t continue to dominate the real estate market.

When we think of New Year’s resolutions, we normally think about ourselves—diet, exercise, daily habits, and other personal items. However, making resolutions that impact your finances are often easier to keep. What’s more, they tend to pay dividends long after those other resolutions have fallen by the wayside.

Of course, for most people, the biggest asset is the home, so adding value there has the biggest financial impact. However, it can be intimidating to consider a home improvement project, both from a monetary and logistical standpoint. In fact, you may already have visions of scheduling contractors and taking out loans to finance needed improvements.

The good news is that there are many ways to increase your home’s bottom line without breaking the bank. Here are ten things you should do in the next year to make your home more beautiful, more valuable, and more pleasant to live in. The best part? All of these require minimal financial outlay while offering maximum return on investment.

1.   Add some curb appeal

You may think that the most profitable home improvements are those you make in the kitchen and bathrooms. In reality, however, year after year, the biggest bang for your remodeling buck comes from replacing the front door and sprucing up the home’s facade. While you may need some help hanging the door, you can add new house numbers, a new mailbox, and new hardware yourself, quickly and inexpensively.

2.   Tick off that honey-do list

Deferred maintenance is one of the biggest budget-busters homeowners face. As small tasks become big ones and things left undone begin to multiply, the remedy can often mean a major home repair and an expensive lesson learned. If you’ve got an extensive list of small repairs, it’s time to tackle them once and for all. Set aside a day or two and knock them out all at once, or add an item to your calendar once a week until they are all complete.

3.   Create a maintenance schedule

Once you’re all caught up with your fix-it list, you’ll want to create a schedule for ongoing maintenance. This may be as simple as walking the property both indoors and out once a month to check for peeling paint, standing water, or other minor warning signs of trouble. In addition, preschedule a spring and fall inspection and maintenance appointment for your systems, including HVAC, irrigation systems, and gutters.

4.   Get your lawn in shape

Yet another way to add major curb appeal on a tiny budget is to ensure that your lawn is in top condition. If you frequently fall behind on lawn care, you may want to enlist the help of a landscaping service to get your green spaces back in shape and keep them looking their best.

5.   Invest in new greenery

Yet another way to affordably improve the look of your home is with new plants and trees. Create planting beds, add tubs of seasonal flowers at the front door, or plant a fast-growing tree to provide shade and insulation to a sunny spot. Remember to favor plants that are native to your area in order to reduce time, money, and environmental impact related to fertilizer, water, and pest control.

6.   Invest in smart upgrades

Smart home improvements not only add value to your home at resale time—they also pay for themselves in energy savings and convenience. Consider a fully integrated smart home system or start out small with a smart thermostat, doorbell, or door lock. Resolve to add a new smart upgrade to your system each season in order to gradually and affordably transform the way your home works.

7.   Conduct an energy audit

Consult your utility provider about an energy audit to find out what changes or improvements you can make to your home that will increase its energy efficiency. You may find that you’re losing a lot of money to leaky window frames and drafty doorways when a little caulk and sealant would make a world of difference.

8.   Add a fresh coat of paint

One of the most affordable ways to transform a room—or your whole home—is with a brand new paint color. Start small by sprucing up your favorite room or go bigger by transforming your kitchen through painted cabinetry. You’re only limited by your time and your imagination.

9.   Update finishes and fixtures

One of the easiest ways to date a home’s interior is through outmoded light fixtures, switch plates, cabinet pulls, and other small finishes. The good news is that these are also among the most affordable changes you can make, and they are easy to DIY.

Start small with drawer and cabinet hardware in kitchens and baths, then move up to freshly updated switch plates and outlet covers. Consider interior door hardware in a contemporary style, then have your handyman hang updated light fixtures and install new plumbing fixtures for the finishing touch.

10.   Consult with your real estate professional

Your most important New Year’s resolution should be to have a cup of coffee with Doug or Ronnie. They will be able to walk you through the design trends that everyone is clamoring for right now so that you can make a more informed decision about where to spend your home improvement dollars.

In addition, you may want to ask for a referral to our most trusted home inspector. This will allow you to have a professional come in and view your home with a fresh set of eyes and identify repairs and improvements that are needed. In addition, your home inspector can help you categorize your updates into those that are urgently needed and those that can wait a few months or even years.

Winter weather usually has everyone hiding indoors— anxiously waiting for the spring to start the home buying and selling process. If you are interested in buying or selling a home, don’t wait! There are plenty of advantages to buying and selling during the winter season.

Less competition

Many people wait until warmer months to come around to get the ball rolling on house hunting and staging. This means you are going to have a lot of competition. If you can tough out the cold, you may find yourself putting up less of a fight for the home of your dreams.

Motivation

People who buy and sell in the winter are not typically looking to just get an idea—they know what they want. If people are taking the time to stage and hunt during this season, it usually means they are serious and want to close before the competition rolls around in the spring.

Get loans fast

With less people applying for loans because winter is a less competitive season, lenders are going to be less busy. Which is good news for those that do decide to buy and sell; you will get the undivided attention and service you deserve.

Show off cozy qualities

Take advantage of the snow on the ground if you are selling—show buyers distinct aspects of your home that may pose more appealing during the winter like a fire pit, fireplace, insulated attic—anything to grab their attention.

Buying and selling your home doesn’t have to be long and arduous, check buying and selling your home off your list of things to do this winter!