At Home With Valerie

When you start shopping for a home, you probably have a very specific image of what you would like that home to look like.   You probably also see the perfect neighborhood surrounding that perfect home.   Every buyer sets out with an image of the house they want to own, but in reality compromises are often necessary in order to stay within your budget. Compromising On The House There may be certain things that are non-negotiable when it comes to your new home, such as the number of bedrooms or a two-car garage.  But as you take a look at the homes that are within your budget, you may discover that it is not likely you will get everything on your wish list.  But the great thing about owning a home is that you have the power to remodel it at any time.  Once you are in your new home, you can renovate or even add on if necessary to create the home you really want.  And if you have managed to stay below your budget, you will even have the e...

Any material improvement to your home can increase the home’s value. But this doesn’t mean you have to take on a major renovation project. Check out these inexpensive ways to boost your home’s value on a budget. Want to boost your home’s value, but don’t have the budget for a big renovation? Good news: You don’t need a big budget to make material improvements. When evaluating home improvements, it’s always a good idea to ask yourself if the money invested will be recouped in the sale of the home. The best renovations not only cover their costs, but they can actually provide a nice return. The key, of course, is identifying those improvements which deliver the biggest return for the smallest investment. Here are five renovation projects which are both easy and inexpensive ways to dial up your home’s appeal and value: 1. Paint the front door: You might not have the budget for full exterior paint job, but have you looked at your front door lately? It’s a focal point fro...

Now that Spring has finally arrived, it's time to get outdoors and into your garden. But don't forget to bring your family along! As adults, we often assume that gardening is designed exclusively for us.  Believe it or not, children also love to garden making this popular past time a wonderful family-oriented activity.  If you are interested in making gardening a family affair, consider the following ideas to help make your goal a successful one. Why Children Love To Garden Children love to create and there's no better way to do so than by sharing in the fun of planting a garden.  Because little ones also love color, they are naturally drawn to the landscape of a garden.  In addition to that, they also can enjoy the pleasure of watching something grow that they had a hand in preparing. What To Plant If you want to enjoy gardening as a family affair, try planting something that the entire family will enjoy.  Everyone loves straw...

Is now the time for you to purchase your first home? Are you nervous or unclear about how the process works?  Here are straightforward answers to some of the basic questions about home buying. Okay, first-time buyers… it’s time to turn the dream into the dirt you can stand on. Your very own home. I’m sure you have questions. In fact, I’m sure your questions are like most first-time buyers. Which is why I’ve put together this down-and-dirty answer guide for the most common questions home buyers have. 1. What kind of credit score do I need to have? Generally, 630 or above is what you’ll want to have. The better your score, the better the terms will be on your loan. Some lenders may give you wiggle room on this, but it all depends on the circumstances. A loan professional can help you navigate this as you go. 2. How much of a down payment is required? There are loans which will let you in for as low as 3% - 5% of the value of the home, but I would consider 5% to...

Most of us fall into the habit of disposing of all of our household items when they’ve broken, expired, or simply are no longer useful.  But for environmental and safety reasons, here are five items that need to be disposed of with care: Old batteries: Batteries contain chemicals like alkaline, zinc, cadmium, and nickel. These chemicals can be hazardous if a battery deteriorates, so take your old batteries to a hazardous waste center. CFL lightbulbs: CFL bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they require different care once they burn out, because they contain mercury. Take them to a waste center. Paint: Water-based paint is OK to be thrown in the trash. But oil-based paints can be hazardous. You could take them to a hazardous waste center, or you could donate the paint—community centers and non-profit organizations are a good start. Electronics: Replacing your computer, or just getting rid of old junk? Inste...

Collecting feedback from prospective buyers is a valuable part of listing and selling a home.  Here’s how collecting an evaluating buyer feedback can be used to your advantage. A second pair of eyes on an important document often helps spot mistakes or awkward  phrasing we might miss on our own. Therapists help guide countless people through difficult  situations with an outsider’s viewpoint. The same is true with selling a home: Buyers can see  what’s holding your house back. Naturally, some buyers believe complaints will help them lower the price when negotiation time comes around, but more often than not buyer feedback offers valuable insight. As the owner, you are frequently too familiar with your home to see it (and smell it!) with a buyer’s point of view. Common buyer complaints include: - Foul or off-putting odors from animals, cigarette smoke, mildew, or a “closed up” house. - Poor lighting or a “dark” feel to the rooms - Worn ...

A surprisingly small percent of real estate agents are responsible for the majority of business in any given market. How do you make sure you don’t choose one of the slackers?  Here are some simple tips to help you make your choice. As you probably know, having a real estate license doesn’t make someone a great agent. In fact, in any given market, a relatively small percentage of the total number of agents are responsible for a majority of the business. This means that when you’re evaluating agents, the odds of picking someone with relatively little experience or true skill can be disconcertingly high. So how do you know you’re in danger of working with a rank amateur? Here are some common “sniff tests” to help you sort through the masses: 1. Is the agent’s top selling point the fact they offer a lower commission? If an agent is eager to buy your business by promising to work for less than the competition, be wary. Professionals are compensated for hard work, an...