Buying A Home September 3, 2024

Eight Steps for Buying Your First Home

Welcome to one of life’s great adventures: buying your first home! This journey is not just about brick and mortar – it’s about creating a sanctuary for new memories, a haven of comfort and the key to your future. These eight steps will help set you on a path for success.

1. Do Your Research

Diving deep into housing market research is a step you simply can’t skip. This preparatory phase involves taking a close look at current market trends, assessing home values in your desired neighborhoods and gauging local supply and demand. Understanding interest rate trends and the economic health of your target area is also important. Remember that knowledge is power – it’s essential to making informed decisions with confidence and clarity.

2. Set Your Budget

When buying your first home, getting a handle on your finances is crucial. It helps you manage your expectations, ease any stress you may be feeling and narrow down your home search. A great starting point is to get a mortgage preapproval – it’s like having a golden ticket to the home buying theater. It tells sellers you mean business and, more importantly, tells you how much you can actually afford.

3. Craft Your Wish List

You’ve probably been dreaming of your first home for a while, and now is the time to map out your “must-haves” versus your “nice-to-haves.” You can start by asking the right questions: How many bedrooms do I really need? Is a home office necessary? Do I want a big yard or is a cozy balcony enough outdoor space? Knowing your non-negotiables will help you steer clear of beautiful distractions that might not fit your lifestyle or budget.

4. Choose Your Location

As the saying goes, it’s all about location. But what does that even mean? It’s more than just a spot on the map. It’s about the community, local schools, commute times and even the home’s future value. To get into a new home that you’ll love, focus down to three neighborhoods while considering their projected market trends in case you ever want to sell.

5. Work With a Real Estate Agent

From local market expertise and financing to legal requirements and negotiation, a good real estate agent can guide you through every step of the home buying process. A specialist in your chosen areas can alert you to available properties as soon as they hit the market, giving you a jump-start on the competition. Many federal and state assistance programs are also available to first-time buyers, essential information your agent can provide for you.

6. Start Viewing Homes

With your wish list in one hand and your preapproval letter in the other, it’s time to check out your options in person. You should attend plenty of open houses and ask your agent to pull back the curtain on any home that sparks your interest. Once you find that perfect property, your real estate agent is your #1 ally, helping you craft an offer that’s enticing to the seller yet protects your interests – especially in competitive markets.

7. Schedule the Home Inspection

This is another important step that your agent can help facilitate. After your offer has been accepted, a thorough property inspection will give you a clear understanding of the home’s condition. If any hidden issues are revealed, your agent can negotiate repairs or adjust the offer before you make your final decision.

8. Close the Deal

As you come down the final stretch, your real estate agent will help you navigate all the paperwork and legal considerations. Make sure you understand your obligations and ask questions if you need clarification. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line, swapped out that preapproval for a mortgage and handed over the down payment, congratulations – you’re a home owner!

Your first home is more than just a piece of real estate; it’s the cozy embrace at the end of a long day, the gathering spot for friends and family and the foundation upon which you’ll build your dreams. Unwrap the joy, embrace the journey and open the door to an exciting future.

Selling A Home September 3, 2024

Making Your Home Stand Out: Strategies for a Successful Sale

In today’s bustling real estate market, ensuring your home outshines the competition is crucial to cinching a quick and profitable sale. These home selling strategies, along with the guidance of a trusted real estate agent, can make all the difference in a competitive landscape.

Enhance Your Curb Appeal

First impressions are not just lasting – they’re everything. A manicured lawn, trimmed trees and well-placed flowers help create a warm and welcoming feel that brings buyers through the door. Small touches like a freshly painted front door, new house numbers, a charming mailbox and inviting lighting can also have a big impact.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Your home tells a story, but now it’s time to let buyers envision their own narratives within its walls. Decluttering not only creates a neutral canvas – it is also key to maximizing space and allowing the home’s features to stand out. By removing all personal items, like picture frames, toys and knick-knacks, buyers can more easily imagine their lives unfolding there while making the interior appealing to a broader audience.

Illuminate the Possibilities

Light has the magical ability to transform spaces, making them appear more open, airy and welcoming. Pull back the curtains, open the blinds and let the natural light flood in. For showings later in the day, ensure that your home is well-lit with ambient, task and accent lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Refresh and Repair

A well-maintained home speaks volumes about the care it has received. Address those small repair jobs you’ve been putting off – fix leaky faucets, replace outdated hardware and give the walls a fresh coat of paint. These details contribute to the overall feeling that your home is ready to embrace new owners without burdening them with a to-do list.

Stage to Sell

Staging is the art of dressing up your home for its market debut and goes beyond simply cleaning and decluttering. Furniture, artwork and accent pieces should showcase the flow of your space without overcrowding it. Your agent can help you stage your home to highlight its strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers.

Highlight Unique Features

Whether it’s a cozy window seat, original hardwood floors or a remodeled kitchen, you want your home’s unique features to be front and center. Highlighting these elements in your listing information and during showings can make your home stand out while creating a memorable impression.

Lean Into Digital Marketing

In today’s digital age, your online listing is your home’s first showing. You should work with an agent who will help you arrange professional photography and virtual tours that engage potential buyers before they even step through the door.

Price it Right

Finally, all your efforts must be complemented by the right asking price. An overpriced home can linger on the market, while one priced competitively can spark interest and even bidding wars. Your real estate agent will help you set a price that’s in line with recent sales while reflecting your home’s value.

Making your property stand out in the market doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavor. With these home selling strategies, you can not only speed up the sale process but also potentially increase your property’s value in the eyes of buyers. Remember, you’re not just selling a house – you’re selling a dream and a future full of possibilities.

 

Home Improvements September 3, 2024

Clear the Clutter & Make an Impact

The following is a guest post from Chief of Organized Living & NorthStar Moving Company Co-Founder Laura McHolm

‘Follow this guide of what and where to give and you’re sure to make Santa proud. It is the ideal time to give your household items a new home and make someone else’s day brighter.

THE WHAT & WHERE TO GIVE GUIDE

NON-PERISHABLE FOOD

Clear your kitchen of food items you don’t plan to consume and make room.

What to Donate:

Wondering if your food bank wants your three pound bottle of mustard? Here are the top items that they need:

  • Canned Vegetables & Fruits
  • Canned Stews & Soups
  • Canned Beans
  • Canned Tuna
  • Pasta & Sauce
  • Baby Food
  • Dry Beans
  • Flour
  • Cereal & Oatmeal
  • Juice
  • Rice
  • Peanut/Nut Butters & Jelly/Jams

Where to Donate:

  • Your local Food Bank. You can find your local food bank here
  • Check with your local fire department, churches, synagogues, schools and grocery stores to see if they are hosting food pantry donations drop offs
  • Moving soon? Find a mover who will volunteer to deliver your non-perishable food to your local food bank at no additional cost. Visit Move for Hunger to find a local participating moving company
  • Willing to roll-up your sleeves? Start your own food drive. Simply ask local businesses, schools and libraries to put out your colorfully decorated food drive donation boxes and use your social networks to get the word out. It only takes 1.2 lbs of food to provide a meal to an individual in need, so it doesn’t matter how big your food drive is, every little bit helps

CLOTHING

Sort through your closets and ask: When was the last time I wore or used this? If you can’t remember, donate it.

What to Donate:

  • Baby, kids and adult clothing
  • Coats
  • Suits
  • Belts
  • Scarves
  • Ties
  • Pocketbooks
  • Boots
  • Shoes

Where to Donate:

Bring gently used clothing to the following charities, go online or call them to see if they will come to your door to pick up your donations.

  • Goodwill
  • Salvation Army
  • Epilepsy Foundation
  • Veteran organizations
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
  • Red Cross
  • Check with your local fire department, churches, synagogues and schools, to see if they are hosting clothing donation drop offs

TOYS

Sort through old toy boxes in your home. Get your kids involved in sorting through their things so they get to learn the ultimate gift – the gift of giving!

What to Donate:

  • Gently used, unbroken toys or new toys that are unwrapped (it depends on the charity if a new toy is required so contact them first.)
  • Stuffed animals
  • Coloring books & crayons
  • School supplies and stationery
  • Hand held games
  • Children’s books
  • No toy guns or other violent toys

Where to Donate:

  • Toys for Tots. Find your local Toys for Tots drop off locations here
  • Local children’s hospitals & hospitals
  • Local Boys & Girls Club
  • Many local shelters or children’s charities accept toy donations. Use this Homeless Shelter Directoryto find shelters in your area
  • Organizations like My Stuff Bagsand Stuffed Animals for Emergencies offer children a familiar object in times of crisis
  • Check with your local fire department, churches, synagogues, and schools, to see if they are hosting toy donation drives
  • Other places to check includechildren’s social services offices and often stores have a donation bin at the front entrance

HOUSEHOLD GOODS & FURNITURE

Not only are your old things finding a new life, you’re making room for the new and clearing space.

What to Donate:

  • Gently used furniture
  • Antiques, collectibles
  • Appliances (small)
  • Artwork
  • Bedspreads, blankets, curtains, tablecloths, decorative pillows
  • Bicycles
  • Books, records, tapes, CDs, DVDs
  • Cookware, dishes, pots and pans
  • Housewares and decorative items
  • Jewelry
  • Sporting goods

Where to Donate:

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore
  • Goodwill
  • Salvation Army
  • Epilepsy Foundation
  • Veteran organizations
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
  • Red Cross

CELL PHONES

Clean out the old gadget drawer!

What to Donate:

  • Old smart phones & tablets (Make sure to clear your data from it first!)

Where to Donate:

  • Visit sites like com and CellPhoneBank.org where you can donate your old smartphone to someone that needs it

GIFT CARDS

Keep your drawers clutter free!

What to Donate:

  • Re-gift the gift cards you are given by turning them into charitable donations.

Where to Donate:

  • Visit sites like org where you can exchange your retail gift cards for a charity donation. You will receive a tax receipt for the entire full value or residual balance of your card

VEHICLES

Open up a parking space!

What to Donate:

  • Car
  • Truck
  • RV
  • Boat
  • Motorcycle
  • Trailer

Where to Donate:

  • Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes
  • Salvation Army
  • Kars 4 Kids
  • Wheels for Wishes
  • Cars Helping Veterans.org
  • Goodwill

Don’t forget it’s the end of the year!

Tidy up those taxes by making a tax-deductible donation to a favorite local charity or these deserving nonprofit organizations:

  • Claire’s Place Foundation: Founded by thirteen-year-old Claire Wineland who was born with cystic fibrosis, the foundation provides financial assistance to families so they can afford to sit bedside while their family member is in the hospital
  • Hands and Hearts of Hope: Supports homeless college students, most of whom were emancipated from the foster system and left without resources
  • Miry’s List: Provides essential household needs to families who have recently resettled in the United States as vetted refugees from war torn countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and the Ukraine
  • My Stuff Bags Foundation: Fills overnight bags with new belongings to provide comfort and hope to children who were rescued from abandonment, abuse, domestic violence, homelessness or neglect

Once you have cleared the clutter and given to those who will actually use and need your unwanted items, your heart and home will be filled with love & joy.

Buying A Home September 3, 2024

Destination Relaxation: Tips for Buying a Vacation Property

Picture yourself escaping reality now and then? Whether you’re just dreaming about a vacation home or ready to start shopping, it’s crucial to consider a variety of factors before jumping into such a big investment of your time and resources.

Weigh Financial Implications

Be clear on your why. Are you searching for a personal retreat, strictly an investment property, or will it be a mix of both? Once you know your goal, establish a realistic budget that takes into consideration ALL the expenses of owning a second property. For example, your quaint seaside property might come with hefty insurance costs if there are higher risks of natural disasters like flooding or hurricanes. If you’re counting on rental income, plan for a reduction in that income stream to cover the costs of a property management company, unless you’ll manage it yourself. Also set aside funds for property taxes and ongoing maintenance costs. Finally, check with your accountant about the tax ramifications, especially if you’re receiving rental income.

Assess the Location

Location is paramount when it comes to purchasing a vacation property. If you’ve only visited during peak tourist times, will you enjoy going there as much when things have quieted down? Will all your favorite hotspots be closed in the offseason? Also consider seasonal weather changes. If you’d like to use your retreat all year, will you embrace the fall and winter as much as the summer? Distance is also a factor. If you plan on visiting frequently, is a long drive realistic with your schedule or will you need to build in even more time and money for airfare?

Consider Long-Term Needs

Most likely you’re thinking of a vacation property as a longer-term investment. If it’s mainly for personal use, consider your changing needs over the years. If your children are grade-school age now, will you still have open weekends for traveling when their schedules become busier? As your family grows, will there be enough activities at the vacation home to accommodate everyone’s evolving interests? Finally, zoom out 20 or 30 years. Will you mind scaling stairs to get to the master bedroom or navigating a dirt road to reach your cabin tucked deep in the woods?

A vacation home is an exciting endeavor! Before getting too far along in the dreaming, reach out to a local real estate agent who can offer you a detailed market analysis to find the right property for you.

Buying A Home September 3, 2024

A Buyer’s Agent Can Help You Find Your Dream Home

Finding your dream home in today’s market needs to go beyond casual searches, checking out a few open houses and hoping for the best. You need a buyer’s agent – a real estate professional focused on your wants and requirements. They can bring a wealth of experience and resources that can be game-changing during your house hunt. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits they offer.

Early Access to Listings

One key benefit of having a buyer’s agent is immediate access to new listings as soon as they’re available. Being among the first to see a property in a competitive market can be crucial. Buyer’s agents leverage their industry intel and skills to ensure you’re always ahead with rapid alerts on newly listed homes.

Neighborhood Insights

Whether you’re brand new in town or a local, a buyer’s agent is your go-to source for the inside scoop on everything from schools to the finer details like HOA costs and zoning considerations. If you’re not from the area, they can give you a crash course on the ideal spots to suit your lifestyle, whether that’s the most family-friendly neighborhoods, the towns with hip eateries and shops nearby, or areas with the easiest commute options. They also often have access to deeper insights that might not be common knowledge, like upcoming issues that could affect your property’s value.

Streamlining Pre-Qualification

Want to show sellers you really mean business? Get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Buyer’s agents have connections with trusted lenders to streamline this process. This action does two big things – it shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear picture of what you can afford. That way, you’re looking at homes within your budget from the start.

Pricing Assistance 

Keeping up with real estate trends, like when prices drop or a house is about to go off the market (that’s what pending status means), is crucial for your home buying strategy. Your agent will keep an eye on all these things, making sure you’re always in the loop. This info is super important because it helps you decide whether to make an offer now or wait it out for a better deal. It’s all about making smart moves at the right time.

Appealing Offers

In a tight buying environment, how you present your offer matters. Buyer’s agents know how to craft offers that grab attention, combining the right terms and conditions to catch the seller’s eye while still looking out for your best interests. They’re pros at locating that sweet spot where the offer meets the seller’s needs but ensures your interests are protected, too.

Comprehensive Services

The journey doesn’t end with finding the perfect home. Your agent can also connect you with all the essential services needed, from home inspections to insurance to moving companies. Each step of the way, they can make sure you have reliable professionals to handle every aspect of your home purchase, easing the transition into your new space.

A savvy buyer’s agent brings all this and more to your real estate experience, transforming the process into a guided journey toward your dream home. With their assistance, even the trickiest markets can offer promising opportunities for buyers ready to make a move.

Lifestyle September 3, 2024

The Rise of Luxury Living: Current Trends in Condo Amenities

Condominiums have long been a great housing option, especially in urban areas, and today’s upscale amenities are only increasing buyer demand. With luxury features and a plethora of services, the modern condo has become much more than just a living space – it is a curated experience offering the perfect blend of convenience, community and entertainment.

Full-Service Living

Condos are evolving into all-in-one complexes that cater to multiple lifestyle needs. This means concierge services that go beyond the basics – think personal shopping, luxury salons, at-home dining delivered from on-site restaurants and even event planning. In a fast-paced world, the gift of time is invaluable, making these convenient sought-after amenities ideal for busy residents.

 Health and Wellness Centers

Today’s condo residents don’t just desire gyms – they’re looking for wellness sanctuaries. Standard fitness facilities are expanding into comprehensive wellness centers that feature state-of-the-art equipment, yoga studios and on-demand virtual classes. Saunas, steam rooms and massage therapy suites are also becoming commonplace, offering tranquility without the travel.

Outdoor Oasis

The craving for outdoor space has cascaded onto condo amenity trends, manifesting in expansive terraces, communal gardens, outdoor kitchens and swimming pools for laps and lounging alike. These luxuriously appointed extensions of indoor living are designed for entertainment, relaxation and reconnection with nature.

High-Tech Hubs

As remote employment becomes more and more prevalent, condos have adapted to include dedicated work areas complete with high-speed internet, private pods and conference rooms equipped with the latest technologies. Forget the daily commute – the new workspace is an elevator ride away, the ultimate in productivity and proximity.

Pet-Friendly Perks

Recognizing furry friends as family members, condos are incorporating pet-friendly amenities that pamper both pets and their owners. On-site pet spas, dog walking services and even private parks or rooftop dog runs ensure that four-legged residents live as lavishly as their human counterparts.

Bespoke Entertainment

Entertainment amenities are on the upswing, with condos offering private movie theaters, game rooms and sports simulators. Residents can enjoy a blockbuster or a round of virtual golf without even leaving the building. Some developments are also positioning themselves as cultural hubs, with on-site art galleries and music rooms that nurture creativity.

As preferences evolve, so do condo amenities, reflecting a collective pursuit of holistic living that’s equal parts leisure and productivity. These trends also reveal a move toward thoughtful craftsmanship, where convenience meets luxury and the everyday becomes the extraordinary.

Selling A Home September 3, 2024

9 Overlooked Items to Prep Your Home for Sale

Guest post by Cara Ameer

So you’ve prepped your home cosmetically for sale in every imaginable way – fresh paint, a deep cleaning, new landscaping, decluttered closets and even organized the garage!  Your house looks better then it ever has and you are ready to hit the market!  Before you proceed with the “For Sale” sign in the ground, there are several key pieces of information that you should consider gathering that today’s savvy buyers are going to want to know.

1.  Survey

Do you have a copy of a current survey on your home?  Have this document available and provide to your listing agent so they can include in the information about your home.  Buyers want to know about property lines, easements, conservation buffers, if there is room for a pool, if the property line extends to the water behind your home, etc.  Having a survey to provide upfront will help to eliminate these types of concerns vs. waiting until a property is under contract.

If you’ve made any changes that would affect your property such as adding a pool or fence since you took ownership and are not shown on your current survey, it’s important to advise the buyer.  A new survey will usually need to be ordered prior to closing in this scenario.  If you don’t have one from when you purchased the home, try contacting the title company or attorney’s office that handled the closing of the property.  Depending on how long ago that was, they may be able to retrieve from their archives.

2.  Floorplan or Appraisal Sketch

Buyers often need to know room dimensions as it helps with determining furniture placement and to ensure how what they have will fit (or have to be reconfigured) in the new space.  As any real estate agent can attest, many hours have been spent measuring spaces while looking at a home and comparing that against the existing buyer’s furniture dimensions.  I’ve encountered entire home searches that revolved around a great room accommodating an entertainment center and the garage size so a motorcycle could fit in addition to the cars!

An appraisal is helpful as it can confirm the exact square footage of a home vs. relying on tax records which may not be accurate.  We’ve all heard stories where the appraisal showed the actual square footage that was smaller than what was initially represented in a listing sheet.  Having an appraisal will help to ensure that does not happen.  You should have received a copy of the appraisal if you obtained a mortgage loan from your lender or if you refinanced.  If you don’t have either, consider having a floorplan drawn up or home measured by an appraiser when prepping your home for sale. Your agent can assist with resources to this effect.

3.  Utility Bills

Buyers want to get an idea of what they can expect the heating and cooling bills to be in a home.  Review your bills over the last one to two years to get an average in the various seasons, or call your local utility provider as they can often provide you with information on the high, average and low costs.  This information can be very beneficial when a buyer sits down to number crunch their total costs of owning a home.  If you had an unusually high or low bill, provide some explanation to accompany the numbers.

4.  Termite Bond

In many markets where termites are alive and well, it is common place for homes to have some sort of protection plan in place which is also known as a bond.   In Florida, where I live and work, this is a primary concern and often one of the first questions buyers and their agents want to know.  Prior to listing your home, obtain a copy of your termite bond policy from the provider, know exactly what type of bond you have – repair or treatment bond and up to what dollar amount of coverage is it good for.  Also know how long the bond is in effect, when it is up for renewal and what the renewal fee is, if there is a transfer fee and what does it provide protection for – not all bonds provide protection against all different types of termites.

5.  Pest Control

If you maintain any type of pest control on your property, compile information as to who the provider is, what you have done, how much you pay and how often does the company come out to treat the property.  A copy of your service agreement is helpful in this instance.

6.  Insurance

Buyers especially want to know who a seller uses for their homeowners insurance and how much they pay.  This is particularly the case in higher risk areas (where there are hurricanes, floods, fires, etc.) With homeowners insurance potentially more difficult to obtain in some areas, going through the existing seller’s insurance company can help streamline the process, particularly on an older home.

7. Product Manuals and Warranty Documents 

Now is the time to gather the various product manuals for all items that will be staying in the home such as appliances, water heater, heating and cooling system, ceiling fans, pool equipment, etc.  If your home came with any warranties, be sure to include these for the new owner as well.  Putting all of these in one large envelope makes it easy for everything to be readily accessible in one place for the new buyer.

 8.  Service Providers

Compile a list of all service providers/vendors and their contact information who you have used on your home – lawn service, pool service, A/C company, etc. While a new buyer may or may not choose to use these services, they will certainly appreciate having resources available to them and may elect to initially use them as they make the transition to living in your home.

9.  Covenants and Restrictions, Neighborhood Rules and Information  

This is key critical information for a new owner to have on hand.  A contract may likely hinge on the buyer’s review of this information, so easiest to have it available ahead of time.  If you don’t have these, contact your neighborhood’s association president or management company for assistance in obtaining a copy. Many of these documents are matters of public record and are available by going online to the appropriate municipality’s website.

Work with your agent to create an informational package or binder that you can provide to prospective purchasers that come through the home with the information mentioned above.  Gathering this information before you put your home on the market will save time and make the process that more efficient once you find a buyer.  It may even help your home to sell faster as all of this information is available upfront, eliminating the need for guesswork and waiting on answers while another property could possibly come on the market to grab the buyer’s attention.  You want to help keep the buyer focused on your home, so make it easy for them to buy by giving them what they want.  Happy selling!  You can read more home seller tips here.

Home Improvements September 3, 2024

5 Apps to Redecorate Your Home with Your Phone

Guest post by Lori Cunningham

With dozens of decorating apps to choose from and inspiration just a finger touch away, redecorating your home has never been easier. Augmented Reality (AR) now lets you use your phone to see how colors, accessories, and furniture will look in your own house. On the horizon, you can expect to see apps using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learn your style through your interaction with them.

Whether you’re looking to give your living room a quick refresh or want to completely revamp your home, these five apps can help you get started. Create a stunning look without blowing your budget — no professional interior designer needed.

Houzz: Start with online inspiration

Apps like Pinterest and Instagram have plenty of pictures and designs to start your inspiration journey. However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, and keeping track of design ideas can be cumbersome.  It’s not always simple to buy an item featured in a picture, and you might need to search around to find a similar item. A site like Houzz can help you keep everything organized and in one place.

Houzz covers architecture, interior design, decorating, landscape design, and home improvement. It has over 17 million high-resolution photos, all of which can be filtered by room, style, budget, size, color, or a combination.

 

Many of the pictures have purchasing information on the featured items, allowing you to purchase them within the Houzz app.  You can also save pictures to an “Ideabook” to help keep your style ideas all in one place.

The app uses AR to help you see what an item will look like in your home. Click the “View in my room” button to see the item in 2D using your phone’s camera.

The Houzz app is free on iOS and Android.

MagicPlan: Create a floor plan from your phone

To ensure that the furniture you plan to purchase fits in the room you’d like to decorate, it helps to create a floor plan.  The MagicPlan app lets you input the dimensions of a room by measuring, drawing, or using your phone’s camera to create the floor plan.

Once you’ve added your room’s dimensions, you can add doors, windows, structural features, plumbing, appliances, electrical, HVAC, furniture, flooring, and more to your floor plan.  Many of these features are free to use, but there is an in-app cost for things like cabinetry, light switches, and outlets.

When you add MagicPlan’s 2D furniture, you can adjust it to the size you want by using your fingers or inputting the dimensions.  You can add your own photos to your floor plan, as well.

If you are planning to paint or replace the flooring, estimate how much it would cost by clicking “Estimate” for the approximate price. Just remember the estimates do not include the cost of labor.

MagicPlan is free on iOS and Android.

TapPainter: Virtually paint your walls

Swatches from your local home improvement store make it hard to envision the color of the whole room, and buying paint samples can get expensive. The TapPainter app lets you choose paint colors from Benjamin Moore, Behr, Sherwin Williams, and other popular brands.

Use the app to snap pictures of the room you want to paint and try out different colors by entering the code from a paint swatch, choosing a color from one of the brands included, or mixing your own custom color.  You can even add different colors to different walls.

TapPainter is free on iOS.

DécorMatters: Design a room using AR

DecorMatters is an app that lets you virtually add pieces and design elements to a real room.  Take a picture of the room you want to decorate and use AR and the AR ruler to add and measure 3D pieces. This is a simple way to see if a piece you’ve been eyeing will fit.

The app features items from popular stores like Crate & Barrel, Target, Overstock, West Elm, IKEA, and Ashley, and you can make in-app purchases right from your phone. You can save your ideas to your mood board to share with friends, and the DecorMatters in-app messaging also offers free feedback and suggestions from real DecorMatters interior designers.

DecorMatters is free on iOS.

Art.com: Add some art to your walls

Finally, the Art.com app offers hundreds of frame styles and sizes to help you plan your gallery wall. Use the app to arrange different layouts to see how your gallery wall could look.

Art.com’s latest app release also lets you upload your own artwork and family pictures to pair with any style frame, and you can even have them printed on canvas, wood mount, acrylic, and more.

The Art.com app is free on iOS and Android.

It’s easy to create a stunning look that suits your style, all from your phone. These five apps offer the inspiration, confidence, and guidance you need to get started on your redecorating project.

Home Improvements September 3, 2024

Low-Cost Ways to Boost Fall Curb Appeal

Ah, the power of an inviting outdoor facade! If you’re selling your home, it’s important to set the right tone outside so shoppers know to expect a fantastic interior. But it’s also just fun to enjoy the warm fall fuzzies when pulling in your own driveway. Here are some fall curb appeal ideas that are easy to pull off – and best yet, won’t break the bank.

Visit the Pumpkin Patch

Head to the nearest pumpkin patch and choose your favorites!  You can flank your doorway with a few or get creative arranging clusters of pumpkins and gourds in various shapes, sizes and colors. You can dress up the display and add height by mixing in hay bales, crates or decorative baskets. For more bursts of fall color, you can also add gourds to other landscape areas such as gateways and gardens.

Plant Autumn Flowers

Mums, pansies and asters are excellent choices for fall. They can be planted in the front areas of plant beds for instant fall interest. You can also display them in pots or window boxes to add vibrant touches. While technically not flowers, other striking options include ornamental kale and cabbage.

Add Hardy Grasses

Along with annual plants, fall is a great time to incorporate switchgrass, fountain grass or blue fescue into your landscaping. These additions introduce texture and movement to your garden and can withstand cooler temperatures.

Highlight the Front Door

With cooler temperatures, fall is an ideal time to give your front door a fresh coat of paint. Choose a bold color to make a statement. Create a warm welcome by hanging a seasonal wreath made of natural materials like berries and twigs, along with touches of autumn foliage. You can also swap out your summer doormat for one with a fall theme or greeting.

Illuminate Your Landscape

Fall brings shorter daylight hours, so why not brighten up your landscape and highlight your home’s best features. Guests will appreciate the glowing welcome! Use spotlights to accentuate specific areas, such as driveways or large trees. Solar stakes are a good way to illuminate a walkway and come in a variety of styles and price ranges. As a bonus: Landscape lighting enhances security.

Welcome fall with open arms and enjoy the year’s most colorful season. Try one or all of these affordable ways to make the most of autumn and showcase your home.