Thanksgiving

It is really this time of year again? Just a week or two ago it was July, and I was thankful for the time I had to prepare for this season. Well ready or not it is here! I always try to focus this week on all the wonderful people in my life, and how they have helped me...but better to yet to focus on how I can help them or others. I am a big believer in "paying it forward". My goal is to do this throughout the year, but there is something about this time of the year that always gets me thinking a little harder. If you have a little extra this year, give. Whether it's a coat or a can, it can change a life. If you can't do that, there are other simple, random acts of kindness that can bring a smile. Hold the door open for someone, say kind words, and express gratitude. It could turn a bad day into a good one. As my 6 year old daughter says, "be a bucket filler not a bucket dipper". HOPE EVERYONE HAS A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Real Estate Gone Wrong???

So let's just say....

You are a first time home buyer. Nervous, excited, scared, but ready. You chose the real estate professional you would like to take on this journey with you, you get a solid (and valid) pre-approval letter and the home search is just beginning. First day of showings your agent has lined up 5 lovely homes for you to view. You know deep down the very first one is it...That's the ONE! In a competitive market such as Traverse City, MI often times there are multiple offers on a home within a day or two on the market. Such was the case....the ONE wasn't the ONE after all. Bouncing back from pure devastation....the search continues. Right down the road there is a pretty blue house....large kitchen, room for family and friends...PERFECT! Offer in and guess what...accepted! Not wanting to waste anytime you order your inspection. $600 dollars later you are relieved there are no major defects within the home and are now trying to zero in on a closing date...mentally you already reside in the home.
That's when it happens...BOOM 
The seller all of the sudden, out of the clear blue sky decides they can't/won't sell their home...what do you do?
First things first get your inspection money back. After that take a little time to sulk if needed. (not too long though, you might miss out on THE actual ONE)
Bottom line is that sometimes things happen, and it is said they happen for a reason. Flash forward to the end result.You will be happy you did. These cases are very rare, but this is a reminder in general to keep chugging along through obstacles and all. 

Preparing your home for the SELLING season...-

1. REPLACE YOUR FRONT DOOR- You may not even notice your front door anymore, but a new door makes a great first impression on buyers. If your front door doesn't need replacing you could always add new hardware for a similar impact. Replacing your garage door is another great idea if it is worn and beat up.

2. REJUVENATE YOUR KITCHEN- Low cost ideas such as replacing hardware, adding a back splash or giving it a new look with fresh paint can be very impressive to buyers.

3. WORK ON YOUR LIGHTING- Today's buyers like bright, light rooms, so look around your home and see if you need to upgrade your lighting fixtures or add more.

4. REPLACE WINDOW TREATMENTS- A great low cost investment could be replacing old window treatments with new to give the room an inviting look.

5. UPDATE YOUR BATHROOM-  You can make cost effective minor upgrades. Replace your fixtures and your mirror, or repaint the space. While you're there, redo the caulk around your tub and shower and replace the grout on your tile flooring.

JUST A FEW IDEAS TO HELP MAXIMIZE THE HOME VALUE AND BRING IN TOP NOTCH OFFERS!

Giving the Living Room a...Decorators Touch

One of the most important things you can do to make your living room great is to have your furniture placed as a decorator would.

* Choose a focal point, whether its a fireplace, TV, or piece of art. Arrange your furniture around the centerpiece.

* Try to stay away from placing furniture against walls. Try to place the furniture pieces close enough together so that you have a warm, intimate feeling when entering the room.

Monday Morning Blahhhg

Well....in Real Estate News for the Grand Traverse Area.....Inventory is LOW! It seems a home hits the market and is under contract in no time at all. That is great news, but can be frustrating for a serious and qualified buyer looking to purchase. It is important that as soon as a home is listed and fits your criteria, that you look at it as soon as possible. It is not the same market as 2010 or even 2012 where you can sit back and wait....think about it a while....then wait some more. If anyone is considering selling their home now is the perfect time. All POSITIVE news :)

Anyway, if anyone was considering re-vamping a bathroom here are some things to think about....

Maximum Value Project:

Bathroom

Boost your home value by turning your bathrooms into a relaxing, spa-like retreat.

Sink and Fixtures- The sink and fixtures set the tone for your bathroom, so if you can’t afford to do anything else, at least upgrade you sink and faucet.

Counters and Vanity- Functionality is crucial for kitchen countertops and cabinetry, but in the bathroom, you can focus on style and appearance.

Flooring- Ceramic tile is a popular choice for bathroom flooring, but hardwood or concrete can offer a unique look.

Tub and Shower-Unless you're a DIY expert, it's probably best that you avoid ripping out the tub. You may also want to avoid painting the tub with acrylic paint, because that usually doesn't work well. Instead, look into the wraparound tub liners that fit over your older tub to give it an instant makeover.

Questions Answered! Small and Large

Is there anything we can do to increase the value of our home, or make it more salable when we put it on the market? The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Fresh paint, new hardware, etc. etc........is the most popular and easiest on the pocket...but if you are really feeling ambitious and want to take on a remodel, consider this.

Recouping your remodeling investment may be your goal when selling your house. But when it comes to resale value, all home improvements are NOT created equal. As a rule, kitchen and bathroom remodels almost always pay back 90% or more of their costs. However, finishing a basement usually pays back less than 50%. Other improvements fall somewhere in between.

PROJECT	COST	AVERAGE PAYBACK
Heat or Air System	2,000-4,500	75%-100%
Minor Kitchen Remodel	2,000-8,500	94% to 102%
Major Kitchen Remodel	9,000-25,000	90%
Add Bathroom	5,000-12,000	92%
Add a Family Room	30,000	86%
Remodel Bathroom	8,500	77%
Add a Fireplace	1,500-3,000	75%
Build a Deck	6,000	73%
Remodel Home Office	8,000	69%
Replace Windows	6,000	68% to 74%
Build a Pool	10,000 and up	44%
Install/Upgrade Landscape	1,500 to 15,000	30% to 60%
Finish Basement	3,000 to 7,000	15%

T'is the SEASON

Where is the month of March going? Before we can blink an eye April will have arrived! Spring is fast approaching and so are the cleaning chores....makes both yourself and the house happy....(and the potential buyer)

T'is the season to Spring Clean........

Bedroom: Go through clothes! Gather winter clothes that will not be worn for another year. It is also a good time to flip your mattress, wash all linen (curtains included!), and mattress covers as well.
Kitchen: Go through all refrigerator, freezer, and canned good items and check expiration dates. Wipe out all cupboards and fridge shelves as well. Wipe down the outside of all appliances and cupboards.
Living and Dining Area: Refresh decor by adding new pictures or simply putting old old pictures in new frames. Dust and vacuum, and if possible get the carpets cleaned.
All-Over: Get rid of clutter! Wipe down walls and baseboards, and clean windows. Top it all off with new welcome mats outdoors.....

and Wallah...spring cleaning is complete!

Lucky me, I enlisted the help of my husband yesterday to accomplish a few of these myself :)