Better Garden Tips

• Water houseplants less often since they grow more slowly on short, dark days. Too much water will kill them. Do not fertilize them unless they are growing under artificial lights.
• Shop for garden books, magazines subscriptions, tools, seeds or gift certificates for gardeners on your holiday list.
• When buying poinsettias or other gift plants, make sure they are well wrapped to protect them from freezing air temperatures and take them home right away. You may need to poke a hole in foil-wrapped containers so water doesn’t collect around the roots.
• Remember to feed and put water out for birds. They’ll reward you by staying healthy and ridding your garden of many pests during the next growing season.

When preparing to sell your home, think about how your personal decorating  style may affect prospective buyers. You want your home to be clean and  clutter-free and as neutral as possible so buyers can visualize how their  furnishings will look in your home. And keep in mind, there is a difference  between how you live in your home and how it should look once it’s on the  market.

Create an Entry

What does your home say when potential buyers walk in the front door? Since  your front entry is your home’s first visual impression, you want it to be as  inviting as possible.

Welcoming Entryway

Even if your home doesn’t have a distinct entryway, you can create one that  is warm and welcoming using a few suggestions from the pros: Establish a focal  point with a plant, print or decorative lamp. You might add attractive storage  with a wall shelf or table artfully arranged with collectibles and flowers. Or  just hang a picture or mirror on the wall, and put out a decorative throw rug.

Plants Add A Warm Touch

Large floor plants, hanging plants and fresh flowers add color and fragrance  to any room. If you want your room to appear more spacious, add a tall green  plant. Healthy floor plants are attractive and fill bare spaces by adding height  to a room.

Lighting Is Valuable

A home awash with natural sunlight is highly desirable to prospective buyers,  so open your curtains, raise the shades and let in the sun. Move large  furnishings away from your windows if they block the light or view.

Decorating With Light

Lighting is an inexpensive and effective way to enhance your decorating. If  you have a particularly nice feature or area – perhaps a plant or artwork – spotlighting the subject can be a nice touch. And for a special mood in one of  your rooms, such as the dining room, install a dimmer switch.

Type Of Improvement: Windows And Doors

Energy-saving windows and doors have a certain appeal to the energy-conscious  buyer. An aging front door can be replaced with an energy-efficient door. A  sliding glass door may be replaced with an energy-efficient swinging patio door.  Sliding windows may be replaced with insulated windows.

Recovery can reach 45 percent

Although these projects improve comfort and appearance, their recovery value  is low because most buyers assume that windows and doors will be in good  condition. If you can do the work yourself, a good payoff is probable.

Type Of Improvement: Insulation

If you own an older home, your loose-fill attic insulation may have compacted  significantly, causing energy loss. New fiberglass roll insulation may be added  to bring the depth up to 10 inches and help you reap substantial energy savings.

Recovery can reach 25 percent

Beefing up insulation in your home improves comfort and lowers energy bills  but doesn’t add much value to your home. Today’s buyers feel entitled to  adequate levels and don’t pay much more for a house that is well insulated.

Type Of Improvement: Energy-Efficient  Fireplace

Fireplaces hold great appeal. Options include going with a prefabricated  fireplace or installing a brick one.

Recovery can reach 100 percent

Many buyers are willing to pay extra for a fireplace – even in climates where  a fireplace isn’t a necessity. The prefabricated fireplace project can earn a  good recovery because a prefab unit with a boxed in metal chimney will be much  less expensive than a real brick one.

Type Of Improvement: New Heating System

If your furnace is old and needs replacing, an energy-efficient gas furnace  will save money in the long run. The project may not require any major  alterations to ductwork throughout the house, but most likely, a contractor will  be necessary.

Recovery can reach 50 percent

Buyers expect a functional heating system. A high-efficiency furnace is a  bonus they’ll like but may not reward. If your old furnace works and you plan to  sell soon, let the buyer replace the heating system.

If your roof shows signs  of wear, new shingles can improve your home’s first impression on buyers.  Composition shingles can be installed over a single layer of shingles. If the  roof is in good shape, no repairs may be required before adding a second layer  of shingles.

Recovery can reach 30 percent

A new layer of shingles on  a sound roof doesn’t raise the  value of your home much, but it could help attract a buyer more quickly.

Type Of Improvement: Exterior Painting

Though it should  be part of routine upkeep, exterior painting greatly increases the look of your  home. Some scraping and priming of the wood siding may be needed to prepare the  surface before painting. If the siding is in good shape, no re-caulking or  replacement of damaged siding should be necessary.

Recovery can reach 50 percent

Or significantly higher if  you do the job yourself. A fresh coat of paint peps up the exterior and makes it  more attractive to buyers. Choose a neutral shade to broaden your home’s appeal.  Preparation before painting (scraping, filling holes, caulking) is the key to a  project that increases your home’s value.

Type Of Improvement: Siding

If the exterior of your home  is in poor condition, it may have to be resurfaced with lap siding, a  substantial investment.

Recovery can reach 35 percent

Although new siding costs  more than painting, it may be your only option if the siding is badly  deteriorated. If you have to re-side, consider newer products that bring your  house up-to-date.

Type Of Improvement: Landscaping

As with other remodeling  projects, the degree of landscaping buyers expect varies greatly according to  region. Options might include a new concrete walk with a brick edge, new sod,  planting new trees and shrubs, ground cover for flower beds and window boxes.  The extent of work involved in such a project depends upon what you choose to  put into it; unlike many other projects, landscaping can be undertaken by most  homeowners.

Recovery can reach 60 percent

A planting project that  perks up your home is a good choice if you plan on selling soon. Don’t  over-plant; some buyers think extensive plantings are more work than they can  handle. Scraggly plants and bare patches of grass detract from your house no  matter how well kept it is inside.

A popular addition, the deck is an ideal do-it-yourself project. If price is  a consideration, use pressure-treated wood, the least expensive type of deck  lumber by far. The project will include excavation, digging post footings,  pouring concrete and in most cases, constructing stairs and railings.

Recovery can reach 75 percent

Outside living areas are popular in all climates. The project will be more  desirable if the deck includes features that provide some privacy. A small entry  deck that replaces a crumbling concrete stoop can make a positive impact on the  sale of your house.

Type Of Improvement: Sunspace

If your home suffers from a lack of natural light, you might consider adding  a sunspace. The simplest option is adding a prefabricated solar greenhouse kit  with thermal glazing to the back wall of your home. A sliding glass door may be  installed.

Recovery can reach 20 percent

Real estate professionals generally feel that a greenhouse adds limited or no  value to a home. You’d get better payback from a sunspace bump-out that expands  the square footage and views of an existing room.

Type Of Improvement: Swimming Pool

The decision whether or not to add a swimming pool can be problematic; while  some buyers actively search for a pool, many others may wary of the upkeep  required. Basic work will include digging, pouring concrete, brick work and  grading.

Recovery varies by market

Check out local preferences before building a pool. In colder climates, a  pool may add no value because buyers believe it requires too much upkeep for its  limited use. In warm climates, however, a pool can deliver a 65 percent return  or better.

Type Of Improvement: Skylight

To lighten up a room, a skylight seems the obvious choice. A skylight that  features insulating glass can be an added attraction. Work includes constructing  a skylight shaft of drywall and painting.

Recovery can reach 30 percent

Many real estate professionals feel that a skylight adds nothing to a home’s  value. If your house has a dark, stuffy entry or gloomy bath, a skylight might  make it more attractive to buyers.

Multiply the perimeter (distance around room) by the height. If using a  different paint for door or window trim, subtract the square footage of doors  and window frames.

Interior Paint – For Ceilings Or Floors

Multiply the length of the room by its width.

To determine how much paint you’ll need, divide the total square footage by  400 since one gallon of paint covers approximately 400 square feet. If using  varnish or stain, divide by 200 since one gallon of varnish or stain covers  approximately 200 square feet.

Exterior Paint – For Siding Surface

Multiply the perimeter by the height.

Exterior Paint – For Peak Areas

Multiply the height from base of roofline to tip of peak by one-half the base  length.

Exterior Paint – For Total Square Foot Area

Add siding surface area and peak areas. For gutter, add 1 square foot for  every running foot. If using a different paint for trim, subtract the square  footage of doors and frames.

To determine how much paint you’ll need, divide the total square footage by  400.

Simple Interior Improvements

Appeal to the Senses

Don’t underestimate prospective buyers’ olfactory powers – the smell is often  the first thing they notice when stepping inside your home. If you have pets or  someone in your home smokes, the odors can linger and detract from your home’s  appeal. You might not notice these smells because you live with them everyday;  however, an unchanged kitty litter box or an ashtray filled with cigarette stubs  can mean your home will get no further attention. To eliminate these odors,  steam clean your carpet and wash your walls and floors with household cleaners  and disinfectants. Always clean up after your pets, and if you have a cat,  change the litter box often. Keep your home smelling fresh by burning candles,  potpourri or boiling a pot of cinnamon sticks or putting a dab of vanilla on  cold light bulbs before turning them on.

Neutralize the Interior

Nothing makes a home look better than a good coat of paint – and it’s an  instant cure for old, outdated wallpaper and colors. This may be the best  interior improvement you can make. And remember to choose neutral colors to  suggest newness and cleanliness. The key to a good paint job is adequate  preparation; it’s important to patch holes, scrape peeling paint, sand surfaces  and put on a primer coat if necessary. Use a premium-quality paint. The results  are worth the cost.

An Investment that Pays Back

Carpeting has a major impact on the look of your home, consequently, if yours  appear outdated or badly worn, consider replacing it. This will be expensive,  but the feeling of newness it creates can make the investment worth it.  Concentrate on high-visibility areas first. Professional steam cleaning is an  option if your carpet is heavily soiled but still in good condition. If you live in an older home and have hardwood floors, you may be able to pull  up the carpeting and refinish or simply clean and wax the floors for a classic  look without the expense of new carpet.

Brighten the Inside

Finally, clean those windows! Sparkling windows are a signal to buyers that  you care about your home. Repair or replace cracked panes, torn screens, broken  sashes and ropes or cords as well. When showing your home, open your curtains to  let the light shine in – especially if the view is nice.

Type Of Improvement: Minor Kitchen  Remodeling

An older-style kitchen can easily be updated without major structural  changes. Painting the walls and cabinets might be a starting point. Vinyl  flooring, new countertops, a ceramic-tile backsplash and a double-basin sink are  some other modern options. Some new appliances might be included in the facelift  such as a dishwasher or a drop-in range.

Recovery can reach 80 percent

Kitchen improvements usually offer high returns. The smaller your investment  in a kitchen facelift, the higher the potential for recovering costs. If resale  value is critical, avoid extras such as state-of-the-art cook-tops or premium  countertop materials. A modern kitchen is a top priority prospective buyers look  for and are willing to pay to have.

Type Of Improvement: Major Kitchen  Remodeling

In some cases, an antiquated kitchen may need to be gutted. New cabinets and  countertops will probably be necessary, as will new appliances such as a  dishwasher, two-burner electric stovetop with grill, microwave oven, electric  wall oven and refrigerator.

Recovery can reach 70 percent

Though an outdated kitchen detracts from your home, a total redo makes sense  only if the colors and design appeal to most buyers. Consider features such as a  second sink that makes the kitchen work for two.

Type Of Improvement: New Bath

Second only to a newly-remodeled kitchen, replacing an older bath ranks high  in terms of dollar-for-dollar return. Options might include a new tub, sink,  shower and new flooring. Adding a new or larger window to allow more natural  light is also a common addition to the bath.

Recovery can be as high as 100 percent

A second full bath will usually net a higher return than a third or fourth  bath. Neutral colors have the broadest appeal.

Type Of Improvement: Bathroom Remodeling

Sometimes a dated bath simply needs a facelift. Ceramic tile might be  installed on the countertop, tub surround and floor. Walls can be painted and  cabinets may be replaced or painted for a fresh look. A new sink and faucet set  are another option, as are new light fixtures.

Recovery can be as high as 80 percent

Fixing up a master bath makes more sense than splurging on a guest bath. If  updating the only bath, consider revamping it for double occupancy with two  sinks and a separate shower and tub.

At RE/MAX Associates, we know that as much as the house itself, your new  hometown and what it has to offer are important factors in creating a home.  Getting a head start in learning about your community is easy with our on-line  relocating services.

Click HERE to begin by using our  Property Search function. Then find out about the school systems in your new  community with The School Report, the new on-line service that allows you to  research school districts all around the country. With The School Report, users  can compare up to six school districts on more than 200 fields of information.  The School Report offers information independently researched, verified and  updated three times yearly by a research staff of more than 50 trained  specialists. Click Here to begin your search today! To return to this page, use  the back button of your browser.

Find a Home and The School Report are a great way to get started in your  search for a new home and a new community. Email, or call your nearest RE/MAX  Associates office for more details.

• Create a folder to keep all records related to the move. You can also use a legal-sized envelope.
• Plan the actual physical move (are you renting a truck, hiring movers, etc.). Then get estimates for each.
• If you are moving for a job find out what moving expenses will be reimbursed and what receipts or documentation you will need for that purpose.
• If you are going to need temporary or permanent storage for some of your items figure that out now as well.
• Schedule the turn on and turn off of your utilities: Phone, Internet, Cable, Water, Garbage, Gas, and Electric services.
• Determine how you are going to move your vehicles and other valuables (especially for long distance moves).
• Sketch out a floor plan of the new home to figure out what furniture you can take with you and what new furniture you may need to get.
• Hold a garage sale or go through all of your belongings and donate what you don’t need to Goodwill. If you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably don’t need it (unless it is a keepsake).
• Contact schools, doctors, and dentists to transfer your records to the new location and to get referrals from them as appropriate.
• Start collecting packing materials boxes, tape, and all related packing materials to keep your belongings safe as you transport them.
• Make any home repairs that you may need to make (especially if a deposit is on the line). Get it over with.
• Return anything you may have borrowed from any neighbors to make sure you leave on good terms.
• Get back anything you may have loaned out to neighbors unless you never want to see it again.
• Start using up food in your pantry and refrigerator so you don’t have to move too much to your new home.

To Do: 3 Weeks Before Moving

• You should know how you are moving and have all the arrangements finalized (truck, movers, etc.).
• Start packing anything that is non-essential (anything that you use very rarely).
• Keep boxes well labeled by Room. It may help to mark the room in the old home as well as the room to take it to in the new home.
• Separate out any valuables that you will need to move yourself (keep them together).
• Set a box aside that will be filled with items you will need the day you move (tools, small parts from furniture, etc.).
• Create an inventory list of all the items and include serial numbers where available for items you need to insure.
• Fill out a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service (don’t wait until the last minute or mail you need won’t be at your new home).
• Make sure that friends, families, neighbors, and employers all have your new address.
• Notify your insurance and credit card companies of your change of address.
• Cancel automated payments associated with the old home and all of them if you are switching banks.
• Make sure that you get all vehicles into the shop for a tune-up so that they are ready for the move.

To Do: 2 Weeks Before Moving

• Continue packing everything up and make sure that you are cleaning each area of the home as you go.
• If you will need items right away, make sure you pack them separately and don’t just throw them in one gigantic box.
• Make sure you have enough time off around the move (coordinate it with your employer).
• If you have children find ways to let them contribute to the packing and move planning.
• If you have children make sure you have someone lined up to watch them on moving day.
• Begin packing suitcases to have all necessary items really handy (some clothes and toiletries).
• Reconfirm again your movers and method of moving (take no chances).
• Make sure all of your prescriptions are filled.
• Empty any safety deposit boxes you may have and put the contents in a safe place for transport.
• Cancel the following services at the old home: newspaper, housecleaning, lawncare, pool maintenance, and water delivery.
• Take some furniture apart (what you don’t absolutely need) and check it for any pre-move damage.
• Make sure all paperwork for the old and new homes is complete and in proper order.
• Get rid of any flammables such as paint, propane, gas, etc.
• Continue trying to use up any perishable food.

To Do: 1 Weeks Before Moving

• Confirm the moving details (truck, movers, etc.) one more time and verify all paperwork.
• Make an action plan for the day of the move (a complete schedule).
• If you rented a truck plan for how you are going to pick it up, who is going to drive, etc.
• Prepare for the moving expenses (food, lodging, moving, etc.). Make sure you have enough cash to cover the move.
• Continue cleaning the house as you pack more of your belongings (clean as you go).
• You need to defrost and clean the refrigerator.
• Make sure your toolbox is handy (screwdriver, wrench, tape, pliers, etc.).
• Pack of bag of snacks and water bottles to make sure you have ample supply on moving day.
• Make sure you keep the boxes you are moving yourself separate along with other valuables.

To Do: Moving Day

• Remove bedding and take the beds apart.
• Make sure you go early to pickup the truck if you rented one.
• When the movers arrive walk them through the house and tell them exactly what you want them to do.
• Once the old home is empty do a walk through just to make sure everything is gone.
• Write a note for the new residents leaving your forwarding address and other contact information.
• Take inventory before the movers leave and sign the bill of lading.
• Double check to make sure the movers have the correct new address.
• Lock the windows and doors and turn off the lights at the old place.
• At the new home verify that all utilities are on and working properly.
• Perform an initial inspection of the new home and note any damages or problems
• Do a quick cleaning while the place is empty clean the floors, counters, cabinets, etc.
• Direct the movers to place everything where you want them.
• Assemble beds and bedding.
• Begin unpacking.

To Do: Post Move (One to Two Weeks Out)

• As you are unpacking make sure you note any damages caused by the movers and watch the deadline for insurance claims.
• Make sure you change the locks on the new place and make at least 2 copies of the new keys.
• Confirm that mail is arriving at your new home.
• Confirm that the utilities at your old home have been cancelled and that they are no longer in your name.
• Verify that all of the following have your new address: banks, credit cards, IRS, loans, insurance, pension plans, attorneys, accountant, doctors, dentist, family support, newspapers, magazines, licenses, memberships.
• Schedule a time get your driver’s license updated with your new address.
• Get local phonebooks and maps if you moved to a new city.
• Find new doctors, dentists, etc. depending on what your needs are.
• Update your renters or homeowners insurance to make sure everything is adequately covered.