Columbus Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Homeownershttps://www.visionrealty.com/blog/Copyright VisionRealty.com2024-03-01T20:39:05-07:00tag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:15114Maintaining the Furnace in Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Maintaining_the_Furnace_in_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Maintaining the Furnace in Your Columbus Home" title="Maintaining the Furnace in Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />The furnace is one of the most important systems in your Columbus home. It is not just essential for running a comfortable climate while you're living in the home but the condition of the furnace can also greatly impact the value of your home when you decide to <a href="https://www.knieperteam.com/blog/what-makes-granbury-texas-popular/" target="_blank">list your Columbus home for sale.</a>
It is in a homeowner's best interest to make sure that they are properly caring for their furnace. Furnace maintenance can involve regular cleaning, checking, and testing all of the vital components of your system to make sure it is running efficiently. Making sure that you maintain your furnace well also saves you hundreds of dollars in emergency repairs later. Check out this guide to maintaining the furnace in your Columbus home.
Maintaining the furnace in your Columbus home
Changing the air filter
The air filter is one of the most important components of your furnace system. Not only does it keep the air cleaner and things from gunking up your furnace it can also help your system to run more efficiently. The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank">United States Environmental Protection Agency </a>suggests that you replace the air filter in your furnace every 60 to 90 days. Depending upon your home you may need more frequent air filter changes.
Checking the thermostat
If you do not have a programmable thermostat in your Columbus home now is a great time to switch out to one. If you have been holding off on doing this because you were concerned about the cost it is good to know that some very dependable programmable thermostats are surprisingly affordable. You want to make sure that you are checking in on your thermostat periodically and not just trusting that it is running the program. If you do not have a programmable thermostat you want to check to see if the temperature in your home is accurate to where your thermostat is set. The <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats" target="_blank">Department of Energy recommends</a> setting your thermostat between 60 and 70° during the day while you are awake and functioning in your home and turning down the temperature slightly when you are sleeping under warm blankets. You can save around 10% per year on a heating bill by decreasing the temperature in your home by 7 to 10° for eight hours at night.
Checking vents and registers
You want to make sure that the vents and registers of your heating and cooling system are clean and free from obstruction. Make sure to clean out accessible heating registers with a shop back every couple of months so that they are functioning optimally.
Schedule annual tune-ups with a professional
There is a lot of maintenance that can be performed by homeowners on their furnace but there are some things that should be left to professionals to ensure that the system is running at its peak. It is best to have yearly inspections or twice yearly when summer turns to fall and winter turns to spring. This will help to prevent any emergency repairs as much as possible.
Every furnace maintenance person that comes to check a heating and cooling system will have different routine items that they check but the standard maintenance checklist for furnace maintenance is fairly universal. Calling a professional can include checking the furnace and condenser for a build-up of debris and pest invasion, ensuring burners are firing appropriately, vacuuming the return box and electronic housing, checking and lubricating the blower motor and fan, checking for proper ventilation and airflow as well as exhaust, and checking carbon monoxide levels.
The more preventative maintenance you perform on your Columbus home the better it will run. The better condition it will be in the more efficient systems will operate. This can translate to saved money through utility bills as well as saving money on making a large list of repairs if you decide to list your home for sale. Maintaining your home so it is in its best shape is a benefit to you while you are in your home and when you get ready to sell it.
If you are considering listing your Columbus home for sale, I am here to help. I am highly knowledgeable in all <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/">Columbus real estate</a> and have a team of experts on my side. I am here to dedicate my services to my clients and help them sell their homes for the best price possible.2024-02-27T14:12:34-07:002024-03-01T20:39:05-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14909Using Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year in Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Using_Pantones_2024_Color_of_the_Year_in_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Using Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year in Your Columbus Home" title="Using Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year in Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />One of the best things about homeownership in Columbus is the ability to make your home whatever you want it. You are the owner and you make all of the decisions about altering your home to fit you. (within local zoning laws and safety building codes) This means that if you want to try the latest home decor trends, you are free to do so. If you want to try the latest popular color for home design you can. Every year Pantone announces the new hot color of the year and if you want to use it in your home there's no one stopping you.
What is the Pantone color of the year?
Pantone, short for <a href="https://www.pantone.com/" target="_blank">the Pantone Color Institute</a>, is a worldwide leader in following color trends, and every year it announces its color of the year. The color that they forecast will be more popular than any other in many ways including fashion and home design. Pantone has been announcing its color of the year since 1999.
2024's Pantone color of the year <a href="https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year/2024" target="_blank">is Peach Fuzz</a>. Pantone describes it as a gentle peach with an all-embracing spirit. The trend followers at the Institute describe the color as a yearning for closeness and connection between people and that it brings moods of warmth and modern elegance to a space
Incorporating Peach Fuzz in your Columbus Home
There are many different ways that you can bring the newest color trend of peach fuzz into your home in Columbus. There are some more subtle ways and then there are some ways to go all out with the color. It is good to know that if you plan to sell your Columbus home in the near future, that opting for the subtle end of the trend will set you up for the best success in preparing to sell your home.
The easiest way to incorporate this color is to use accessories that are very easy to switch out to a new trend. However, incorporating the color should be done intentionally in a space so that it does not stick out like a sore thumb. If you are going to use peach fuzz in your accessories it is a good idea to incorporate them in multiple different accessories around the room so that it looks intentional and on purpose.
An easy way to add a pop of the latest color trend is with throw pillows on your sofa and accent chairs. If you are not feeling a bold color punch you could always opt for pillows that have patterns with a hint of peach fuzz color. Adding in other items like a candle holder or a throw blanket also helps to make the color feel intentional and like a cohesive part of the design instead of jumping to a trend.
Other places pops of peach fuzz color can be incorporated into a room without altering structural elements are in throw rugs, lampshades, window coverings, and other fabric textiles. If you are ready to go just a little bit bolder you might consider giving the ceiling a coat of paint.
Deciding to go bold or neutral with the peach fuzz trend
If you really love the new color of the year and would like to update the interior design of your home to make it feel current you are probably wondering how much color you should incorporate into the style of your home so that it feels elevated and pleasing to the eye instead of out of control. You might be wavering between just a little bit of the color or going all out with a bold new color punch.
How much peach fuzz color you want to incorporate into your Columbus home is your decision. But when making bold structural changing design decisions in your home it is always best to consider how long you plan to stay in your home. If you are going to take this new color and paint it on all of the walls in your main living area for instance, that decision is best made if you plan on staying in your home for a while. Using color trends is often a very personal decision and brings personalization to the style of the interior of your home.
Going bold with the color can be a great way to personalize your home and make it feel like a space you truly love. But if you are <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/">planning to sell your home</a> this choice of the latest color trend may not be appealing to people looking at your home considering purchasing it. Boldly using color trends is perhaps the best idea when you plan to settle into your home for a while.
Your home is your safe space away from the bustling world and you should decorate it in a manner that makes you love your home. However, if you are planning a move sometime soon it could be best to bring this new fun trendy color into your home in an easier way to switch it out so that you are not spending more money to give your home a neutral makeover to <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/showing-your-home/">get it ready to sell.</a>
If you are considering selling your home in Columbus I am here to help. Contact me anytime I have extensive knowledge in <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/">selling Columbus real estate</a> to help you with your real estate goals and get your home sold for the best price possible in a shorter timeframe.2024-02-20T13:46:09-07:002024-02-22T20:17:06-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14849Using Smart Tech in the Laundry Room of Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Using_Smart_Tech_in_the_Laundry_Room_of_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Using Smart Tech in the Laundry Room of Your Columbus Home" title="Using Smart Tech in the Laundry Room of Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Just two or three decades ago a laundry room was not a huge selling point of a home. Sure, <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/">a Columbus homebuyer </a>would like to know that a home has washer and dryer hookups, but beyond that, there was little interest in finding out if the washer and dryer were staying or where the machines fit into the floorplan. Most homes had laundry machines incorporated into a closet somewhere to provide the ability to wash clothes. It wasn't a main area of interest.
Today laundry rooms are growing in interest amongst homebuyers. It is no longer just about having a hookup for a washing machine somewhere in the home. Buyers are hoping to find dedicated laundry rooms. Rooms that not just store machines but offer a whole organizational system around making this large family chore seem less daunting. Now laundry rooms are bringing in smart technology to make laundry feel like something you want to do because it is much more convenient and easy.
How to Bring Smart Tech to Your Laundry Room
How Much It Could Cost
There is no clear-cut number as to what to expect to pay to update your laundry room. For the average home, a laundry room can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $15,000 and average around $8,100. The cost will vary depending on the scope of the work. Some people opt to move their washer and dryer and completely create a new laundry room which is the most expensive and some just opt to buy a new set of the latest laundry machines. Of course, new machines with smart tech will cost more.
Finding The Right Smart Appliances
A <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/washer-reviews/g42006208/best-smart-washer-and-dryer/" target="_blank">Wi-Fi-enabled washer and dryer </a>can help optimize the efficiency of your laundry system. These machines can be paired with your phone to remind you about maintenance and even let you know when your laundry is done so it doesn't sit in the dryer and continuously re-fluff itself until you take it out. It can let you know if you need to adjust the load size and engage in an automatic self-clean system. Some machines seem like they could do almost anything on their own except get your children to do their chores.
Depending upon the machine you really could find one that makes the unavoidable chore of constantly getting the laundry done much more pleasant and efficient. And should you decide to sell your home it could be beneficial to offer the machines as part of the home sale to gain the attention of potential buyers.
Opting for a space-saving design if your laundry room is smaller
Stacking washers and dryers have always been available but not always the most dependable. This has changed in the last few years and many great stacking machines are of the highest quality that offer smart technology as well. You can even purchase machines that wash and dry your clothes in the same machine. Of course, you want to do your homework on the dependability of newer styles of machines as sometimes they have not worked out every kink until they are experienced by consumers. But if you do have a smaller footprint in your laundry room utilizing space-saving machines is a great way to go. It helps to make the room feel bigger and again should you choose to sell in the future this will be appealing to buyers. <a href="https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/buying-guide/laundry-room-home-value/" target="_blank">Larger laundry rooms are </a>always a bonus in a potential buyer's eyes.
Finish it off with great organization
Finding the most advanced technology in laundry machines to help make the chore less cumbersome is a great choice. Once you upgrade your laundry machines you want to make sure that the storage for all of the things that go along with doing the laundry is easy to use and encourages you to utilize your laundry room instead of running away from it. Items like utility sinks, plenty of shelving and cabinetry, counter space for folding, an area to steam or iron wrinkly clothes, an area to hang dry, and maybe a fun decorative sign on the wall.
Creating a space that feels like a decorative organized functioning system instead of just an afterthought is what many people are looking for in their laundry room. It is well worth the makeover when you go to sell your home because many home buyers want to see functional laundry rooms that get them excited about one of the largest chores in their home.
For more information on available <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/">Columbus real estate </a>contact me anytime. I am here to help you find the Columbus home that you all of or to sell your Columbus home successfully for the best price possible.2024-02-15T12:30:00-07:002024-02-15T22:09:01-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14850Fireplace Safety Tips for Your Columbus HomeWinter is somewhat coming to an end but it is still fairly chilly in the Columbus area. Fireplaces are a great way to heat a home and create architectural interest and a beautiful ambiance in a room. Fireplaces can also be potentially dangerous if not maintained properly. While some homeowners do know the basics of fireplace safety, there are still common safety mistakes that can lead to disaster in a Columbus home.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Fireplace_Safety_Tips_for_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Fireplace Safety Tips for Your Columbus Home" title="Fireplace Safety Tips for Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />There are some routine maintenance tasks that <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/">every Columbus homeowner </a>should know about how to operate their fireplace safely within their home. It is always good to know about keeping your home as safe as possible when you have a fireplace in your home.
Fireplace safety tips for every Columbus homeowner
Regular inspections are a must
Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, or have a gas or electric insert that allows you to turn on manufactured flames with the flip of a switch, it is always good to have a fireplace inspected before its first use. If you have just purchased a home in Columbus with a beautiful fire feature it is always best to hire a professional to come and look at your fireplace before operating it. You want to ensure that the previous homeowners took proper care and it is in safe working condition.
In addition, you want to make sure that you have your fireplace professionally inspected at least once a year to make sure that everything is working as it should. You want to make sure there's no need for cleaning or repair that if gone unchecked could cause a big problem. It is good to budget for this in your home maintenance. It can cost anywhere from $100-$500 per fireplace.
Addressing the flue
If you are not aware of <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-a-chimney-flue-5121155#:~:text=What%20Chimney%20Flues%20Are,the%20home%20from%20the%20firebox." target="_blank">what the flue is</a>, it is a very important working piece within your chimney. It is a duct vent that helps the chimney to operate safely. It is recommended that you have your flue cleaned about once a year, but the dependence upon needing to clean the flu is determined by the frequency of use for your fireplace. Some fireplace experts would suggest that chimneys should be swept, cleaned, and inspected for traditional wood-burning fireplaces for every cord of wood burned.
Professionals do not recommend that homeowners clean a flue on their own even though it is something possible for a homeowner to do. It is always best to hire someone who can get into the chimney and has experience with safely doing so to give the flue the most thorough cleaning possible.
Check for leaks or cracks
Cleaning is an important part of chimney maintenance you also want to inspect <a href="https://mcclellandsroofing.com/blogs/masonry-chimney/" target="_blank">the chimney for cracks</a> between the flue and the lining of the chimney. If cracking occurs in this area it can become a significant fire hazard. Cracks in a chimney can be caused by extreme weather, flooding, and the conditions of a house settling with age.
Make sure wildlife is unable to access your chimney
It is not uncommon for birds to look for a place to nest where they feel they are safe and secure and often this can end up being a home chimney. It is not uncommon to find a <a href="https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-birds-out-of-chimney/" target="_blank">bird nest blocking a flue</a> and this blockage can send smoke and carbon monoxide back into your home. To prevent wildlife from getting into your chimney make sure that you have a chimney guard.
Burning the right wood
If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace you want to make sure that you are <a href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/firewood-not-to-burn/" target="_blank">burning the proper wood</a> in the fireplace. The best choice for a fire is a hardwood. Pinewood is not the best choice to use in a home fireplace because it cracks and pops and is likely to send an amber into your home. The oil in Pinewood can lead to rapid creosote buildup in your flue as well.
It is always in a homeowner's best interest to make sure they know how all of the systems in their home work especially those that can create major safety concerns. With the right knowledge of how your chimney works and what your fireplace needs to operate safely, you can enjoy the warmth and atmosphere that a fire brings to your room.
For information on available <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/">real estate in Columbus</a> contact me anytime. I am here to help you find the best home that meets your search criteria in the Columbus area. If you need to sell your Columbus home I am also here to help you sell for the best price possible.2024-02-14T14:20:48-07:002024-02-16T14:14:34-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14664Making Your Columbus Home Eco-Friendly<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Making_Your_Columbus_Home_Eco-Friendly.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Making Your Columbus Home Eco-Friendly" title="Making Your Columbus Home Eco-Friendly" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />An eco-friendly home is growing in appeal to many homebuyers across the country. There are many benefits to an eco-friendly home beyond having a lesser impact on the planet. Eco-friendly homes can also save a Columbus homeowner money on the costs of homeownership.
Some home upgrades can be costly however when making a switch to eco-friendly systems. For example, adding solar panels to generate energy. But the good news is there are some very budget-friendly eco-friendly upgrades you can make in your home as well.
Low-Cost Eco-Friendly Upgrades for Your Columbus Home
Use LED Lightbulbs
One of the largest costs in home bills is the electric bill. You can make a big impact on your energy consumption by switching all of your lightbulbs to LED ones. <a href="https://www.energy.gov/" target="_blank">Energy.gov shares</a> that an LED bulb uses 90% less energy compared to an incandescent bulb. LED bulbs also last a lot longer than other bulbs. The best news is that each bulb can cost as little as $3 depending upon the type of bulb you choose.
Do An Air Leak Test
Many Columbus homeowners are surprised to find out that their exterior doors and windows are leaking air. This means that airflow from the outside is coming in and air from inside your house is leaking out. This does not just happen with doors that lead outside or windows, it can also happen in utility rooms, attics, and crawl spaces.
Make sure to <a href="https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/home-air-leak-seal-tips/" target="_blank">plug up these leaks</a>. This will ensure that the air you are trying to warm or cool in your house stays inside your house and that your heating/cooling system does not need to work twice as hard to keep your home at a certain temperature.
Change Your Curtains
Much of the heat or cool air in your home is lost through the windows. Switching out your curtains for ones that provide a better level of insulation will help greatly with heat and cool air loss through windows. There are special curtains made just for this purpose.
Conserving Water
During the summer we often hear many areas around the country have asked residents to reduce their water consumption. You can reduce your use of water with some easy small swaps.
There are many water-saving fixtures that you can install in your home. Some of the most impactful include water-saving toilets, low-flow faucets, and low-flow shower heads. Installing an <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/why-you-need-to-install-faucet-aerators-1821314" target="_blank">aerator in a faucet </a>can be an even more budget-friendly way to conserve water at your sink.
Energy Efficient Appliances
This is not the most budget-friendly item on the list, but it is relatively budget-friendly as compared to purchasing all new windows for your home. If you need to replace an appliance anyway because it is aging or not working properly it is a great time to look at appliances that draw much less power and water to them. They will also make a big impact on those utility bills.
For more information on purchasing a home in Columbus please contact me any time. I am here to help you find a home you love with as little stress as possible. Contact me anytime with all <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/">Columbus real estate</a> needs.
2024-01-25T19:35:00-07:002024-01-27T20:48:49-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14623Dealing with Frozen Pipes in Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Dealing_with_Frozen_Pipes_in_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Dealing with Frozen Pipes in Your Columbus Home" title="Dealing with Frozen Pipes in Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Columbus and pretty much the entire nation have been under a crazy cold snap in the last week. With temperatures changing drastically in a matter of days, several homeowners have been surprised with a gush of water in very unwelcome places like through the ceiling or down the wall. Or by the water not turning on when they go to take a shower or wash their hands. This is all from a common problem of pipes freezing when the temperature drops below freezing.
Why Frozen Pipes are an Issue
As the temperature drops and the water flowing through a pipe cools and freezes it expands in size. As the water increases in size, it puts pressure on the pipe and causes the pipe to expand. This pressure can be up to 2,000 pounds per square inch. There is little room for the water to expand in the pipe and eventually, the pipe gives way to the pressure of the water expanding as it freezes and then it bursts.
When a pipe first bursts it might go unnoticed because the water escapes at a very slow rate if at all. When the water begins to thaw again a homeowner is in danger of flooding. The most <a href="https://www.myzeo.com/house/what-are-the-common-causes-of-a-flooded-house/" target="_blank">common cause of home floods</a> is a burst pipe during the winter.
Pipes Most Susceptible to Freezing
Some pipes have a higher chance of freezing over than others. These pipes include ones located on outside walls in your home, pipes in cabinets under sinks (especially those on outside walls), pipes in an unheated crawl space or basement, and pipes connected to outdoor faucets used to connect garden hoses.
Techniques to Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you have discovered a frozen pipe in your home (usually detected by low or no water pressure when you attempt to turn the water on) it is important to try and thaw the pipe right away.
The first step is to locate the freeze
The first sign of a frozen pipe can usually be revealed from a faucet or other area of water usage. If you turn on the faucet and there's no water or a very slow trickle there's a good chance that somewhere a pipe is frozen and blocked. The first course of action is to shut off the main water valve in your home. You also want to open the faucet with a limited supply of water even if you are unable to locate the freeze.
Follow the pipe back from the affected faucet to try and locate the blockage. Usually, it is located in an exterior wall or unheated crawlspace. Look for an area of piping that shows frost or ice or is slightly enlarged or fissured. How you proceed to thaw the pipe depends on the area where the pipe is located.
Thawing a pipe inside a wall
Determining that a frozen pipe is located within a sealed-up wall is a challenging task to get the pipe thawed out. First, you want to turn up the heat in your house and give it some time to see if the water begins to flow again. If the pipe with an issue is located within a cabinet area you want to make sure you open the cabinet so that heat can reach the pipe.
If you're concerned that the pipe within the wall is likely to burst then you may want to cut out a small section in the wall to try and access the section of pipe that has been affected. If you can find the section of pipe and cut a section of wall to expose it then you can begin to treat it as if it was exposed.
Thawing exposed pipes
If the frozen portion of pipe is in an exposed area that is easily accessible it can be much easier to remedy the issue. You can try several heating elements like a hairdryer or a portable heater but always make sure that you are closely monitoring your heat source. You also want to try and position the heat so that it will cause the water to flow toward the faucet.
You can also use an item <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/heat-tape-2718680" target="_blank">called electric heat tape</a>. It is a ribbon-like wrap that you place around the pipe and plug into the wall. The temperature of the tape can be controlled with a thermostat and it can also be used to prevent pipes from freezing when the temperature drops again. You can leave the heat tape around the pipe and plug it in when it is needed.
Other Measures to Prevent Freezing
Freezing pipes can be a huge issue and unfortunately are all too common but there are some things that you can do to help prevent them if a cold spell is on the horizon. It is good to leave a faucet dripping during the coldest temperatures. This steadily moving water will help keep pipes slightly above the freezing point and help to prevent them from completely freezing over.
Also, make sure to open cabinet doors around sinks in your kitchen and bathroom. This allows sufficient heat to move around the pipes in your cupboard and helps to keep them from freezing. You can also grab some insulation wrap for pipes in unheated spaces. This method however does only slow and not prevent a pipe from freezing. And you could consider installing permanent heating fixtures in areas where there is no insulation to help keep pipes from freezing when it gets cold. And of course, it is always smart to remove your hose well before winter begins on outside faucets and to <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/winterize-outside-faucets-2718702" target="_blank">place winterized caps</a> over your exterior faucets to insulate them.
Making sure that you are well aware of how to prevent and care for possible pipe freezing in your Columbus home will go a long way in saving you thousands of dollars of damage in your home.
Or more information about purchasing or <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/">selling a home in Columbus</a> please contact me anytime. I am here to make your homeownership polls become a reality and make the process as stress-free as possible.Contact me with any <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">Columbus real estate </a>needs.
2024-01-18T10:32:00-07:002024-01-21T14:51:39-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14429Is the Wall Mural Trend Right for Your Columbus Home?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Is_the_Wall_Mural_Trend_Right_for_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="Is the Wall Mural Trend Right for Your Columbus Home?" title="Is the Wall Mural Trend Right for Your Columbus Home?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Recent home design trends have shown that more and more homeowners are putting murals in their homes. But is this a design trend you should try in your Columbus home?
What a home mural is
A mural is a very large format of artwork that many people apply directly to a large full wall or even the ceiling in their home. Some murals are hand-painted while other ones (growing in the most popularity currently) are made of wallpaper-like material that is applied to a large area in the home.
The most popular tend to be landscape and botanical patterns imitating an extremely large piece of art or a giant photograph. Also popular in the mural trend is a geometric pattern or a graffiti-type work of art. Sometimes comic book-style artwork is also seen. Murals are currently trending in home decor and are expected to increase in trending through 2024.
What to consider before trying the mural trend
If you are planning to sell your home in the next couple of years you may want to carefully think about incorporating the mural trend into your home right now. It can be harder to <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/">sell your Columbus home</a> if your mural is not done in a certain fashion.
A mural can be fun for you as a homeowner but a mural that is more personal than seen as an interesting addition to the overall design aesthetic of the entire home can be offputting to a potential homebuyer. Murals can add an updated design aesthetic to a home listed for sale but the mural should be kept to be <a href="https://www.homesandgardens.com/ideas/wall-mural-ideas" target="_blank">a reserved addition</a> to the overall design of a space instead of seen as a large statement making peace that speaks for the room right when you walk in.
When you sell a home want to appeal to the largest number of buyers possible and this means appealing to their style preferences and design choices. You might consider if it is worth putting the mural up now and doing the work to take it down just before you sell your home to avoid a design element that has the potential to deter a potential buyer.
An easy way to incorporate a home mural
If you would like to hop on the mural trend wagon there are some easy ways to incorporate one into your home. The easiest way is with <a href="https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/walls/wallpapering/best-removable-wallpapers/" target="_blank">self-stick wallpaper style decals.</a> This is a system of preprinted wall panel decals called peel and stick. This is a popular option because it allows for the easiest installation and also allows for an easier cleanup when you are ready to move on to a different design.
Popular places to place murals include a focal wall in a dining room or living room, a kid's bedroom, an entryway, or a hallway. A mural is a great way to create interest on a large empty wall if you are having a hard time placing artwork and pictures on it,
If you are getting ready to sell your Columbus home I can help. Contact me anytime with your <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">Columbus real estate </a>needs. I am here to help take the stress out of buying or selling a Columbus home. 2023-12-19T16:11:01-07:002023-12-21T17:53:09-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14366Keeping Your Columbus Home Safe During the Holidays<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Keeping_Your_Columbus_Home_Safe_During_the_Holidays.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Keeping Your Columbus Home Safe During the Holidays" title="Keeping Your Columbus Home Safe During the Holidays" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />If you were planning to travel somewhere outside of Columbus to meet up with family for the holidays or even if you just go out for a night on the town to experience Columbus holiday events you want to make sure you are keeping your home safe from potential break-ins. This time of year Break-ins increase significantly and keeping your home safe is a top priority for money Columbus homeowners <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/">and potential homebuyers.</a>
Tips for keeping your Columbus home safe during the holidays
Lock it all up
This is pretty obvious of course. We all instinctively lock our door when we leave our house. One thing homeowners may forget to do is check all windows and every single entry point into the home.
In addition, you want to check the overall function of your locks. You want to make sure that they are not loose or easily knocked out of place by a hammer or crowbar. You want to make sure that your locks are tight and secure. It is also a good idea to consider multiple locks on easy access points in your home.
Consider smart technology
There are many security accessories for homes that offer smart technology. This includes of course <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/home-security-cameras/best-video-doorbells-of-the-year-a1115426074/" target="_blank">video doorbell systems</a>. But you can get other cameras and security accessories for your home that will not only monitor but notify you in real-time on your phone of potential concerns regarding the security of your Columbus home. If you're not at home it gives you instant access to what is going on around your home through a video feed.
Surely you could set up systems <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Smart-Home-Smart-Lighting-Smart-Floodlights/N-5yc1vZ1z18ghl" target="_blank">such as floodlights</a> that turn on when they sense movement and <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/best-smart-light-switches/" target="_blank">programmed interior lights</a> that turn on and off throughout the day to make it look like someone is present in the home. You could even shift the schedule of when lights turn on and off from your phone while you are far away so that there is no routine to win lights or turn on and it is not easily seen that the lights are on a routine program to try and trick ankle intruders.
Be diligent with your routine
When we are living in the house sometimes we can be in a hurry and we have the instinctive things that we do to make sure our home is secure before we leave it. But in our rush, it is easy to forget things especially a list of tasks. It is not uncommon for people to leave things they meant to bring with them behind or to forget one task in making sure that their home is secure. So being disciplined to take a little more time and not be in such a hurry as well as making a checklist that sits by the door to ask yourself if you accomplished all the tasks and secure in your home can greatly help.
Get to know the neighbors
Building relationships with your neighbors can help to not only feel a sense of community but also look out for one another when needed. Letting your neighbors know that you will be gone for an extended period of time is a smart choice when you have got to know them and feel you can trust them. Forming a plan to watch out for one another and let neighbors know of any odd behavior around their home is beneficial to everyone in keeping their home safe.
This time of year there's always an increased activity of theft and burglary. Make sure that your Columbus home is safe and secure to the best of your ability. There's never a guarantee that you are 100% full proof of burglary but there are measures you can take to help reduce the likelihood.
If you are in search of a Columbus home I can help. Contact me anytime with any<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com"> Columbus real estate </a>needs. I am happy to help take as much stress as possible out of buying or selling a home.
2023-12-12T14:03:11-07:002023-12-14T16:20:20-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14203Less Than Glamorous but Important Improvements to Make on a Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Less_Than_Glamorous_but_Important_Improvements_to_Make_on_a_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Less Than Glamorous but Important Iimprovements to Make on a Columbus Home" title="Less Than Glamorous but Important Iimprovements to Make on a Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Often times when Columbus homeowners think of making improvements to their home they think of fun things like a kitchen makeover remodel or building a fancy brand new deck. Fun things that would help them to enjoy their Columbus home even more. But in reality, often the most important home improvements are ones that are not glamorous but highly important to the everyday function of the home.
Here are important home improvements that are boring but necessary for a Columbus home.
Insulation
If you have an older Columbus home that doesn't seem to be heating or cooling efficiently one of the first places to look into <a href="https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/install-insulation" target="_blank">is the insulation.</a> Having a professional come in and assess your insulation can make a world of difference. Insulation is not seen and no one will know you did anything to improve your home but yourself but it is greatly important. I only that but you will be very pleased to receive your next energy bill after you have made this improvement. A house without great insulation is not effectively maintaining a good temperature both in cold weather and hot weather. Insulation is your heating and cooling system's best helper.
Gutters
Gutters are not the most glamorous and fun of systems in your home but they are a necessary workhorse. Making sure that your <a href="https://www.samedaypros.com/blog/gutter-repair/signs-to-know-if-you-have-bad-gutters/">gutter system is working properly</a> on your home is hugely important to it's ability to function properly. You don't often hear someone say, "wow look at the gutters on that home!" but they do carry out a very important task in the home. Making sure that gutters are clean and in good repair is highly important to preventing water damage in your home.
Gutters in disrepair can lead to leaks in the roof and foundation and can also cause soil erosion around the home which also brings foundation issues. Keeping up on cleaning your gutters is highly important and if you discover that your gutter needs replacing you want to do so right away.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
Even though you are not planning for your home to catch fire, there are several ways that homes catch fire every year that catch homeowners off guard. It is said that one of the largest causes of home fire <a href="https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/cooking/" target="_blank">is cooking accidents</a>. You want to be as prepared as possible should a fire occur in your home. Making sure that smoke detectors are in every room, are up to date, and equipped with fresh batteries is incredibly important for the safety of every person living inside. Additionally, carbon monoxide alarms are also very important. Making sure to regularly check these and keep fresh batteries in them is a maintenance task no homeowner can afford to ignore. Be sure to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms once every year. Replace batteries and upgrade worn-out alarms for newer versions.
Electrical system
Making sure that your electrical system is in great working condition is not only beneficial to keeping things working properly but also important for the overall safety and livability of the home. You will not be able to see this upgrade, and it doesn't add a ton of style to your home, and it can be pretty expensive.
All that being said it seems like something you would want to run away from instead of run to. If you have an older home you want to make sure that your electrical system is able to handle the demands of newer electronic devices and appliances. It is well worth <a href="https://www.thisoldhouse.com/electrical/reviews/cost-to-upgrade-electrical-panel" target="_blank">upgrading the electrical panel </a>to make sure that the amenities within your home are running safely. The cost can be significant but it is well worth your safety and peace of mind and the ability to correctly run electrical items within your home
The benefits of boring maintenance
Purchasing a new home and making it your own is an exciting dream come true for many Columbus home buyers. But not everything about owning a home is always glamorous and exciting. Sometimes only a home is just about simple everyday upkeep. But there is a benefit to making sure that your home is in great working condition and that is that it helps your home to retain a higher value over time. While homes with curb appeal and the latest upgrades are interesting to potential buyers they also want to see homes that have been well cared for. Making sure a home is safe and in good repair will always add value to your home.
If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Columbus I can help. I am here to help take the stress out of <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com" target="_blank">Columbus real estate</a> and use my extensive knowledge to sell your home for the best price possible or help you find your ideal Columbus home within an affordable price range. Contact me anytime for any Columbus real estate needs.2023-11-20T20:04:27-07:002023-11-24T18:59:00-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14147A Columbus Home Maintenance Checklist Through the Seasons<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/A_Columbus_Home_Maintenance_Checklist_Through_the_Seasons.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="A Columbus Home Maintenance Checklist Through the Seasons" title="A Columbus Home Maintenance Checklist Through the Seasons" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When you <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/">purchase a home in Columbus</a> you are now the one in charge of making sure the property is in its best shape possible. This added cost of homeownership sometimes gets left uncalculated when making a Columbus home purchase. It is good to know the basics of maintaining a home throughout the year so that you can plan for the time, effort, and cost of average home ownership.
Here is a checklist of routine maintenance for your Columbus home throughout the year
Winter
Since winter is on the horizon let's start there. We are still in fall and there is a good chunk of time left in the season but you will find being proactive is the best way to take care of home maintenance so let's look ahead.
In the winter you will want to make sure that you are taking measures to <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html" target="_blank">prevent frozen pipes</a> which is a leading contributor to home flooding in the United States during the cold months. You will also want to ensure that all the vents in your home are clear. It is good to check weatherstripping and insulation around exterior doors and windows to ensure that you are not getting a gush of cold air inside your home and losing a significant amount of heat. It is a good time to<a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Test-a-Smoke-Detector" target="_blank"> test your smoke detectors </a>and carbon monoxide detectors. And when it snows you will want to make sure that you are properly clearing snow and ice.
Spring
Let's go in the order of seasons and take a look at routine spring home maintenance next. In the spring much of home maintenance is making sure that your home has weathered the harsh weather of winter and is recovering well during the thaw out and potential extreme change in temperature.
Home maintenance tasks that are good to perform in the spring include a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/exterior/how-to-inspect-your-roof/" target="_blank">roof inspection</a> to make sure the harsh weather did not damage any area of the roof, cleaning out gutters and downspouts from all of the winter debris, servicing the air conditioning as you get ready to use it in the next few months, cleaning up landscaping and preparing for planting, trimming back overgrown trees you could not get to in the cold, and checking all exterior faucet and irrigation systems before you turn them back on.
Summer
Summer is possibly one of the easiest seasons to perform maintenance tasks on your home with the weather being a little friendlier and less demanding on cram-packed busy schedules.
Some great maintenance tasks during the summer include<a href="https://cmmonline.com/articles/how-to-maintain-a-healthy-landscape" target="_blank"> routine landscaping maintenance,</a> inspecting and maintaining outdoor structures like decks and patios, cleaning outdoor events and exhaust, inspecting and repairing home siding, and taking time to check over all the areas of your home for small and minor repairs. Summer is often a great time to take on tasks that are smaller to help prevent bigger issues from occurring later, especially in seasons where they could be tough to get to.
Fall
The last season of course is fall and the best place to end off because we are currently smack in the middle of the fall season. Fall is a great time of course to prepare your home for the harsh weather of winter coming around the corner.
Good fall home maintenance tasks include cleaning/testing/maintaining all fireplaces <a href="https://handymanmag.com/chimney-maintenance/" target="_blank">and chimneys</a>, getting landscaping ready to go in touch during the winter, closing up any outdoor pool, getting that yearly professional furnace cleaning done, checking the foundation for cracks and sealing them, and maybe even having some professional deep cleaning services performed before those holiday gatherings.
Maintaining your home is not just beneficial to keep your home running well it also helps your home to retain its resale value. The better condition a home is in when you decide to <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/">sell your Columbus home</a> the easier it will be to sell and the higher price you can list it.
If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Columbus I can help. Contact me anytime with all of your Columbus real estate needs. I am highly knowledgeable and all <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">Columbus real estate</a> and I am dedicated to the best interests and needs of my clients.2023-11-14T14:02:02-07:002023-11-17T21:11:48-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14055Turn a Small Columbus Bathroom Into a Luxurious Spa Retreat<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Turn_a_Small_Columbus_Bathroom_Into_a_Luxurious_Spa_Retreat.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Turn a Small Columbus Bathroom Into a Luxurious Spa Retreat" title="Turn a Small Columbus Bathroom Into a Luxurious Spa Retreat" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Two of the most important spaces to have remodeled on Columbus homeowner's wish lists are the kitchen and the bathroom. If your home has a small bathroom you have probably considered the possibility of making it larger, but what if the structure of your home, or the floorplan layout just won't work to increase the size of your bathroom? What can you do to make a small bathroom in your Columbus home feel luxurious?
Ways to Create Space and Upgrade a Small Bathroom
Continuous Space
Spaces can seem larger when you continue certain finishes on different surfaces. For example instead of using new flooring in separate areas. Using all o<a href="https://www.roomlay.com/blog/making-small-room-look-bigger-with-flooring/" target="_blank">ne kind of flooring</a> gives the illusion of more space. If you were to pick a tile for the floor of the bathroom, for example, and continue that tile into the shower floor it would make the floor space seem larger. In addition, choosing a clear glass shower door will keep the sightline going into the shower and also create an illusion of space.
Keeping things continuous instead of breaking them up with separation lines makes the space feel like one large space instead of smaller broken ones.
Change for Sliding Doors
Traditional doors need space to swing, changing them out for sliding doors <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-a-pocket-door/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9017ce871af" target="_blank">like a pocket door</a> helps to create usable floor space in your bathroom. You can now place items on the wall or floor where the door once needed to swing.
If you can't swap put the door use the door as verticle storage space. The back of a door can be used with special organizers to easily store items. This helps to take some of the clutter off the bathroom counter and instantly makes the area feel not only cleaner but bigger.
Let Go of Clutter
Just because you can fit a lot of things in a small space doesn't mean you always should, The more things you put into a space the smaller it seems. It's like sticking items in a box. With every item you place in the box, you now have less space for other things. In a small bathroom try to <a href="https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/how-to-declutter-your-bathroom/" target="_blank">stick to the bare essentials</a>. Keep the decorations simple and few. The good thing about doing this, buying less, is you can afford to purchase higher quality luxury items that will help to make the space feel larger and more luxurious.
More Light
If there is a way to <a href="https://www.livingetc.com/ideas/how-to-increase-natural-light-in-a-small-bathroom" target="_blank">bring more light</a> into your small space it will work wonders to make the space feel bigger. The darker a room the smaller it feels. Sometimes this can be as simple as opting for a brighter light bulb, just make sure that your light fixture can safely handle it.
Get Rid of Old Fixtures
If the <a href="https://mary-catherinerd.com/how-to-change-bathroom-fixtures/" target="_blank">fixtures in your bathroom</a>, like the faucets and showerheads, are woefully outdated purchasing new ones will go a long way to give the space an instant style boost. You would be surprised by the large impact a small and simple change can make in your space. You can also switch out or add new door handles and drawer pulls to make the space feel up-to-date and more luxurious. It is an easy way to bring a new style to an area without changing the square footage.
Radiant Heat
If you have the budget to redo the flooring, consider the option of radiant heat installed in the flooring as well. This will eliminate the space that a heating unit would take up like a floor vent or radiator. Radiant heat is also great in a small space because it can easily and evenly <a href="https://www.tradewindsimports.com/blog/bathroom-heating/" target="_blank">distribute heat through the room</a>.
There are many ways that you can make a small space, even a small bathroom feel functional, larger, and luxurious. If you are selling your home these tricks can help you to showcase a small bathroom and show its potential.
Whether you are buying or selling a Columbus home please contact me. I am experienced with all <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com" target="_blank">Columbus real estate</a> and am here to help with all of your needs. 2023-11-02T14:41:00-07:002023-11-04T08:58:05-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:14001How Long Should It Take to Remodel the Kitchen in Your Columbus Home?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/How_Long_Should_It_Take_to_Remodel_the_Kitchen_in_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="How Long Should It Take to Remodel the Kitchen in Your Columbus Home?" title="How Long Should It Take to Remodel the Kitchen in Your Columbus Home?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When it comes to remodeling a home many Columbus homeowners set their focus on the kitchen. Kitchens are one of the most utilized and remodeled rooms in a home but they are also notorious for a lengthy completion time. This is because there are several different components to a kitchen. How long it will take to remodel the kitchen in your Columbus home depends on the project itself.
The reason kitchens take so long
One of the largest concerns Columbus homeowners have when considering the kitchen remodel is how long it will take to get the project finished. Each remodel is different and the timeline can vary depending upon the size and scope of the actual work needing to be done. It is hard to accurately predict an exact timeline but you can get a good general idea by planning out your remodel first.
A timeline for an average kitchen remodel
The average kitchen remodel can take anywhere between four and eight weeks to complete but it is not unordinary for a kitchen remodel to take longer. There are certain aspects of a kitchen remodel that will extend the timeline of the work like reconfiguring the kitchen layout. This means putting the sink in a different spot or moving the stove to another wall. Moving a kitchen sink, for example, takes more than just purchasing the sink and placing it somewhere else. There is getting into the wall to move the plumbing fixtures and purchasing new cabinets to fit around the new sink space. Each step required to get the job done right extends <a href="https://www.cliqstudios.com/remodel-timeline/" target="_blank">the timeline.</a>
Unexpected events could push the timeline out
As with any remodel, a kitchen remodel may have some unexpected occurrences that will make your <a href="https://www.bobvila.com/articles/home-renovation-delays/" target="_blank">project last even longer</a>. The probability of this happening is greater the older your home is. This is because it is not uncommon to find hidden issues when you start demolition. Other common setbacks include problems with material delivery being on time, damaged, or delayed. Sometimes the contractor may have a personal issue that keeps them from coming to work or an issue with a subcontractor being able to show up.
The Best Way to Estimate a Timeline
One of the biggest attributes that impacts the timeline of your kitchen remodel in your Columbus home is the planned work needing to be accomplished. The more detailed you are <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/kitchen-remodel" target="_blank">with your plan</a> the easier it is to estimate the timeline and stick as close to the projected finishing date as possible. A good way to start is to make a rough drawing of your kitchen and look at every detail of what you would like done to improve your kitchen.
Once you have a plan in place you can then begin to talk to different contractors about the work you hope to do in the kitchen. A reputable contractor will look at your current kitchen and look over the details of what you hope to change. They can help you to get a clearer picture of how long this work will take. Make sure to talk to more than one contractor and don't hire based solely on the professional that gives you the most promising and fastest timeline to get the work accomplished.
A seasoned and trustworthy contractor is going to be realistic about the time it will take to get things done and will add an additional buffer of time to allow for any unforeseen project issues like receiving the wrong product, accidental mishaps, or other common issues that pop up and cause the work to go a bit slower.
Remember it is difficult to precisely pinpoint the time a kitchen will take to remodel but with the right planning and <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/how-columbus-homeowners-can-avoid-contractor-scams/">a great contractor</a> on your side, you can closely estimate it. Depending on the work it can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks or sometimes longer.
If you are considering a move to Columbus or are getting your home ready to sell in Columbus please contact me. I am highly knowledgeable in helping clients buy and sell Columbus homes. Contact me anytime for any <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">Columbus real estate needs</a>. 2023-10-24T14:37:42-07:002023-10-27T14:36:36-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13890Getting Your Columbus Yard Ready for WinterTaking care of the lawn at your Columbus home is a great way to not only keep the exterior of your home looking great but also <a href="https://www.networx.com/article/why-curb-appeal-matters" target="_blank">to retain curb appeal</a> and as such retain a higher value for your home. Many of us are busy and unless you love being out in the yard landscaping can feel like an important but times sucking duty of owning a home.
There are some ways that you can maintain your landscaping to help you not have to do a major springtime overhaul when the weather gets warm and your landscaping thaws out. Performing some fall maintenance tasks in your yard will help you to have a lush landscape with less work come the following spring.
Landscaping professionals will advise that if you do a few smart preparatory tasks in the fall for winter as your yard goes dormant in many areas come spring you will be ready to showcase it at its best again.
Landscaping steps you can take in the fall to <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Getting_Your_Columbus_Yard_Ready_for_Winter.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Getting Your Columbus Yard Ready for Winter" title="Getting Your Columbus Yard Ready for Winter" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />prepare for winter and beyond
Clear debris
The first step in keeping your yard maintained and getting it ready for a very cold season is to remove all the debris. This includes dried-out plants and items like falling leaves or pine needles. Removing dead plants helps keep harmful visitors like insects from spreading disease throughout your yard when you are not taking care of it on a routine basis like you would during warmer weather. You also want to remove weeds and consider applying a spray or granular form of weed treatment.
Caring for perennials
Perennials are plants that come back seasonally. Now is a good time to make sure that these <a href="https://www.almanac.com/how-cut-back-perennials-fall" target="_blank">plants are in good condition</a> and ready to survive through the fall and the harsh winter so that they will come back in full health in the spring. Remove any dead areas and cut stems to within an inch or two of the ground. If you plan to plant bulbs now is the time to do it so that they are established and ready to flower in the spring.
Lawnmowing
Once the debris is cleared it is a great time to <a href="https://www.gardentoolexpert.com/mowing-your-lawn-in-the-fall-this-is-what-you-need-to-do/" target="_blank">get the lawn mowed.</a> At this time of year, it is better to place the mower in a lower setting and cut the grass shorter than you would during warmer months when you are cutting the grass more frequently. Some experts would advise you to cut the grass between 1 1/2 to 2 inches to help increase the sun exposure in the airflow to your lawn.
Aerating
Once the lawn is mowed and cleaned up it is a great time to consider <a href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/what-is-lawn-aeration-and-when-to-do-it/" target="_blank">aerating the lawn</a>. If you only have the ability to aerate your lawn one time a year this is the best suggested time to do so. Aerating is the process of removing small portions of the lawn called plugs that will add small holes or pores to the ground. This relieves compaction that is caused by foot traffic and the use of the lawn creates extra space in the soil and allows grass roots to access air, nutrients, and water.
Taking care of dirt patches
If you have had a harsh summer or there were just conditions that caused patches of dirt to pop up in your lawn now is a good time to consider putting down some <a href="https://www.milorganite.com/blog/Lawn/drought-damage-and-repair" target="_blank">new grass seed</a>. The colder temperatures and increased moisture present in the ground at this time of year make it A very lucrative time to re-plant these areas. If you do recede you want to make sure that you thoroughly water these areas of the lawn and have brand new grass that needs a lot of hydration.
Some landscaping experts would say watering in the fall regardless is a good idea. It helps to ensure that your lawn is strong hearty and ready to withstand a harsh upcoming winter.
Fertilizer
This is the best time to get that layer of <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping-and-hardscaping/lawns/how-to-fertilize-your-lawn-in-fall" target="_blank">fertilizer on your yard.</a> It's kind of like a squirrel preparing to store nuts for winter. You are giving your lawn a boost of much-needed nutrients that will help it to store up and teen plenty of nutrients to get it through the dormant winter months. It keeps your grass fed all winter long.
Stay on top of those leaves
Through the fall you'll have continued leaves and debris falling in your yard if you have leaves to begin with. You want to make sure to stay on top of clearing leaves in your yard. Not because it is unsightly but more so because you do not want leaves to be decaying underneath snowfall as this can create unhealthy decay that is not good for your lawn.
Taking a few preventative maintenance steps for your landscaping now will help you to be able to ignore your landscaping during the harsh cold winter and also be able to create your landscaping next spring with enthusiasm because you do not have a ton of work to get your yard cleaned up and ready to go in the spring.
For more great homeowner tips and tricks please feel free to browse our website and blog. If you are currently in the market for <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">Columbus area real estate</a> contact me anytime. I'm happy to answer all of your Columbus real estate inquiries and help you with buying or selling a home in Columbus.2023-10-13T13:57:00-07:002023-10-14T16:16:49-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13848How Columbus Homeowners Can Avoid Contractor Scams<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/How_Columbus_Homeowners_Can_Avoid_Contractor_Scams.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="How Columbus Homeowners Can Avoid Contractor Scams" title="How Columbus Homeowners Can Avoid Contractor Scams" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />There are many things that every Columbus homeowner will need for their home at some point. One of the most common is professional help to make a repair or get a project of some kind done around your home. Research shows that it is not uncommon for the average American homeowner to hire a contractor's help and end up in some sort of scamming situation.
In fact, a very <a href="https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/why-are-contractor-scams-suddenly-on-the-rise-062123.html" target="_blank">recent study found</a> that about one-tenth of homeowners end up hiring a less-than-reputable contractor. Unfortunately, there are several different types of scams that hired help tries to pull on the unsuspecting homeowner. This does not mean that every contractor is going to perform bad work, but it does mean that Columbus homeowners should be aware of the possible signs of a bad contractor. Here's how to tell.
Warning Signs of Scamming Contractors
Experts who have made it their duty to help weed out and lower the likelihood of contractor scams say there are a few identifying characteristics of a bad contractor. Many times you can spot these before the job starts or gets too far along.
Watch Out for "I Was in the Neighborhood"
If someone you have never met rings your doorbell or knocks on the front door and tells you they are just around the corner doing some work at your neighbor's house and thought they would visit everyone on the street. Or that they noticed you may need some help with x,y, or z on your home, don't entertain it. These, most often, are contractors who are desperate for work and are looking to prey on anyone ready to believe their story.
Some companies that offer acceptable work may send out new and young salesmen to do this to drum up business, but it is a very low chance that any job that starts with someone you don't know being in the neighborhood and noticing your house needs help will be done for a fair price.
Asking for Full Payment Before the Work is Done
This is the biggest and most obvious scam sign. if a contractor gives you a quote and expects you to pay the full amount for the entire project before they start work, run the other direction. This means that they are pulling the "take the money and run routine". Too many homeowners have found this out the hard way after making the payment and then never see the person again and their phone someone never works again.
Some large projects may understandably require a deposit to secure materials and rent needed equipment. Any project that asks for more than 20% upfront should be met with caution.
No Written Agreement
A true professional will have everything in writing that was talked about concerning the work in your home. This protects both you and them if any issues arise. Not having proof on paper about the work that was agreed upon and the price for that work can lead to trouble. a trustworthy contractor is going to back up their words <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-paperwork-should-my-contractor-provide.htm" target="_blank">with documented proof. </a>
Permits
If a contractor asks you to contact the local governing authorities to get permits for the work they will perform this could mean that they are not properly licensed and would not qualify to get a proper permit for the work. Qualified and reputable contractors will always take the <a href="https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/life/2017/08/25/permits-contractors-responsibility/104938878/" target="_blank">permitting process on themselves</a>.
A Low Quote
If the quote for the work sounds much lower than expected or is considerably lower than other contractors have quoted this is not a sign to hire them. This is often too good to be true. Most contractors will charge around the same price. A lower quote that is trustworthy is not going to be considerably lower.
Not Asking for Your Budget
A great contractor is going to ask you a few questions as well beyond what work you are looking to have done. They will ask you what the budget for the project is. They will want to know how much you are hoping to spend and let you know if they can get the work done within those parameters. They will care about being able to do the work within your affordable means because a great contractor cares about providing a great service to their customer and also wants to ensure you will be able to pay for the work they perform.
If you are looking for a contractor to do work so you can <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/showing-your-home/">get your home ready to sell </a>make sure you do your homework. If you are looking for advice on preparing your home to sell I can help. Contact me any time for the best Columbus home selling strategies and any information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">Columbus real estate. </a>
2023-10-04T15:47:38-07:002023-10-06T18:37:11-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13798Painting the Front Door of Your Columbus Home and Why Its Important<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Painting_the_Front_Door_of_Your_Columbus_Home_and_Why_Its_Important.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Painting the Front Door of Your Columbus Home and Why Its Important" title="Painting the Front Door of Your Columbus Home and Why Its Important" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />It is not often thought about, but the front door of your Columbus home communicates a lot about your home to the people who do not live there. This is because the front door is often the first place people focus when looking at your home. The front door carries a lot of first-impression weight to it.
The front door is one of the first areas of the home that anyone sees as they enter it. It sort of gives a nod to what someone would expect to see once they enter. And when you put your <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/" target="_blank">Columbus home up for sale</a> this is hugely important. A door with a fresh coat of paint in a welcoming color can do a lot to instantly transform your home and make it more inviting.
The front door is definitely the statement piece of your home's front entrance. Painting is a budget-friendly way to give it a makeover and boost your curb appeal. Read on to discover tips for painting your front door and instantly add curb appeal to your Columbus home.
Prepping the Door for Paint
Painting your front door is fairly easy but there are some things that you want to know and some preparation you want want to take to ensure that it is done properly and looks great.
First, you want to pick out the paint color. Making sure that the color works well with the rest of the exterior of your home is crucial. You don't want to pick a color that sticks out like a sore thumb or that clashes or seems unsightly. You can start by picking out some small bottles of paint samples and painting them on portions of your door to discover how they work with the rest of the home.
Once you have a color you want to make sure you gather the proper materials for doing the job correctly this includes primer, your paint, sandpaper, paint scraper, screwdriver, exterior paint brushes or rollers, a paint tray, a dropcloth, painter's tape, and possibly a hammer and a wood file.
Once you have your supplies together you want to remove the door from its hinges by loosening the pins and taking the door off of the frame. When the door is removed you can lay it across sawhorses to create a more convenient work surface. Make sure to remove all the hardware from the door including the doorknob any locks and levers any other hinges and the house numbers if they are on your door.
Now you want to give it a really good cleaning so that the paint will coat evenly and look as amazing as possible. Start by smoothing it out with sandpaper and then clean away any dirt and debris next to make sure the door is completely dry. After the door is ready you can apply painter's tape to areas you don't want paint on such as any windows or trim.
Before applying your brand new paint color you want to make sure you give it a good coat of primer and ensure that it dries. Once your primer is dry you are ready for paint. Make sure to stir it up before applying it to the door and then apply in thin coats and wait for each coat to thoroughly dry before applying the next. When you have done your last coat make sure to pull up the tape when it is slightly wet to prevent peeling. Once the door is dry you are ready to rehang it.
Tips for choosing the right color
When painting your front door you always want to choose a very high-quality exterior paint that can withstand several types of weather. This will last the longest and look the best. It is a good idea to choose a semi-gloss or satin finish as these are more durable and allow you to easily scrub the door.
Latex or oil-based paints are going to hold up the best for your door. If using oil-based paint you want to make sure that you are checking local building codes. And when it comes to color it really is a personal preference but if you are planning to put your home up for sale you might want to consult with your real estate agent. They can help you to <a href="https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/the-dos-and-don-ts-of-choosing-a-front-door-color/" target="_blank">pick a color</a> that will work well with the exterior color of your home but also appeal to most people and a wide variety of styles.
The <a href="https://www.zillowgroup.com/news/best-front-door-color-2022/" target="_blank">color black for front doors</a> has shown to be very popular among homebuyers and brings a dramatic and appealing stylish appearance to a home. But again black might not work with every home style and exterior color so it's always best to get some expert opinion if you are painting in preparation for a home sale.
If you are considering getting your home ready to sell please contact me. I am highly knowledgeable in Columbus real estate and both buying and selling properties. I am happy to help you get your home ready and to help you sell it for the best price possible. Contact me anytime with any inquiries about<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com"> Columbus real estate.</a>
2023-09-26T14:17:42-07:002023-09-29T16:04:19-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13751What Should Columbus Homeowners Set Aside for Home Maintenence Costs?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/What_Should_Columbus_Homeowners_Set_Aside_for_Home_Maintenence_Costs.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="What Should Columbus Homeowners Set Aside for Home Maintenence Costs?" title="What Should Columbus Homeowners Set Aside for Home Maintenence Costs?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When you own your own home in Columbus you are now responsible for all of the maintenance and upkeep. Switching from a rental property to home ownership can catch some new homeowners off-guard with the price of maintenance tasks and upkeep that many homeowners may not have budgeted for when purchasing their homes.
Whether you currently own a home or are <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/" target="_blank">considering buying one in the future</a> it is a good idea to have a strategy for a budget that can help you to afford needed maintenance tasks both routine and larger unexpected emergencies. It is also good to note that the more proactive you are with your home maintenance the higher your likelihood is of preventing larger repair tasks. Having money on hand to be able to care for your home is important. Read on to find some tips that Columbus homeowners can take for setting aside enough money to cover both routine and unforeseen repairs in their homes.
A list of common routine maintenance tasks and their estimated cost
The exact routine maintenance tasks that your Columbus home will require depend upon the specific attributes of the property itself. But to get a general idea of a healthy budgeting strategy for the average Columbus home here is a list of the common maintenance tasks a home could require and what you should expect to pay.
HVAC
The air system in a home needs routine checks and cleaning as well as filter changes. The filter in <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-often-you-should-change-your-air-filter/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90cf4eb97a" target="_blank">the HVAC system filter</a> of any home should be replaced at least four times a year. A home may need more frequent changes if there is something in the atmosphere causing filters to work harder. This could be something like a wildfire or even a shedding pet. Changing a filter is something you can easily do on your own and the cost is between two dollars to $40 depending on the filtration level and the precise filter needed.
Twice a year you also want to have a professional come and <a href="https://www.airomechanical.com/news/3-reasons-to-have-a-professional-check-your-hvac-system/" target="_blank">check out your system</a> to make sure that it is running properly, it is clean, and nothing needs to be replaced or fixed. Having a professional look at your system should happen when there are major shifts in temperature such as summer into fall and winter into spring. Each inspection could cost anywhere from one to $400 or more depending upon if there are repairs needed.
Landscaping
To keep your yard in check it will need regular attention. The most routine is possibly lawnmowing. There is also weeding, tree and bush trimming, fertilizing, and general seasonal cleanup such as leaf raking. The cost of these tasks depends upon whether you will hire someone to do the work for you or do it yourself. There is no blanket figure when it comes to landscaping. It is best to consider the size of the yard that the property is on. Hiring someone to take care of your landscaping costs as little as $30 a month for basic mowing of a small yard to over $300 a month for full-service upkeep.
Gutter Cleaning
It is a good idea to make sure that debris is not collecting in your gutters. A <a href="https://nedstevensli.com/6-problems-caused-by-blocked-gutters/" target="_blank">backed-up gutter can cause several issues </a>especially when it comes to your roofing. You can opt to clean your gutters yourself which is pretty much free unless you need to purchase equipment like a bucket, a sturdy ladder, and a pair of gloves. But it will cost you some time out of your day. If you are unable to clean the gutters on your own it could be around $100 or more per cleaning to hire help.
Carpet/floor cleaning
It is always best to make sure that you are vacuuming or sweeping your floors depending upon the floor surface that you have a couple of times a week. For hard surface floors, you want to try and mop 2 to 4 times a month. But beyond this, you also want to have deep cleaning performed on your floors. This task is always best done by a professional floor cleaner to ensure that too much water and soap are not used. Depending on how many rooms you need to deep clean and the type of deep cleaning this can cost anywhere from $100-$300 per room.
Grout sealing and natural stone cleaning
If you have tiles or natural stone in your home these items need <a href="https://www.coit.com/blog/general-home-cleaning/why-its-important-regularly-clean-natural-stone-surfaces" target="_blank">cleaning and sealing</a> on a regular basis. It is suggested that to keep the surfaces in your home and top shape they should be done once a year. You can rent the equipment to clean and seal grout or natural stone on your own but it is a task that needs a lot of knowledge and attention. If you are willing to learn it can be done. If you would prefer her not to take the time and are hesitant to make a mistake you could also hire someone to do these tasks for you. Depending upon your strategy and how much tile or natural stone you have this could be anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to just over $1000.
There are several tasks that each home is going to need in order to be properly cared for. It is always good to write out a list of tasks you believe your home will need and to research estimates on each task. But if you are trying to get a general idea without the ability to retain fine details it is always good to put aside some money each month for routine and unexpected maintenance of your home.
Some experts would advise that you put aside a percentage of your home's overall worth. Other experts would say that if you are putting anywhere between $400 and $1000 a month depending on home size into a savings account, it should be good coverage for routine maintenance.
It is always a great game plan when <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com" target="_blank">purchasing a Columbus home</a> to have the cost of routine maintenance and repairs on your mind as part of your home budget. If you are currently looking for a home in Columbus I am happy to help. I am highly knowledgeable in Columbus real estate and I'm dedicated to finding you a home you love with in your affordable budget.2023-09-20T13:29:02-07:002023-09-23T13:17:05-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13686What is the Quiet Luxury Trend and Bringing it to Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/What_is_the_Quiet_Luxury_Trend_and_Bringing_it_to_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="What is the Quiet Luxury Trend and Bringing it to Your Columbus Home" title="What is the Quiet Luxury Trend and Bringing it to Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Just as with fashion/clothing home decor goes through many different trends of what is popular and desirable. Just in the last few years, we have seen varying different trends like having a jungle of house plants or cottage core taking a nod to building a home full of those cozy surroundings you might find at grandma's house. Currently, the latest home decoration trend actually takes its cues from where fashion has gone with a focus on a simple approach using high-quality items that will stand the test of time. This trend is called the quiet luxury trend.
Professionals working in the home interior design realm say that quiet luxury started to take off in the spring of 2023. They attribute much of the trend to the popularity <a href="https://www.hbo.com/succession" target="_blank">of the HBO show Succession</a>. The fashion choices of the main characters specifically the Royal family have gained popularity. Looking over popular Internet search engine activity there was a strong increase in searching out items in real life inspired by the characters of the show, especially <a href="https://succession.fandom.com/wiki/Siobhan_Roy" target="_blank">the Shiv Roy character.</a>
Bringing the quiet luxury trend to your Columbus home
If you are looking for ways to bring this newest of home Decour trends to your home in Columbus here are 10 tips for doing so
Take minimalism up a notch with subtle details
There are many simple high-quality fixtures that you can bring into your home to start the quiet luxury trend in your space. What truly makes it luxurious is not only the quality of the product but subtle details that can make your simple yet high-quality products tell an interesting style story. For example, laying high-quality tiles<a href="https://www.cravingsomecreativity.com/herringbone-pattern-tile-layout-tips/" target="_blank"> in a herringbone pattern</a> instead of in straight lines.
Texture is a great subtle detail
Sometimes <a href="https://thearchspace.com/textures-of-materials/" target="_blank">the texture of a material</a> can land to making something feel timeless and luxurious. Items like a couple of velvet throw pillows on the sofa help to bring your comfy setting up a notch while still communicating that it is a welcoming and plush area to relax. A wool area rug gives a feeling of quality and luxury without overtaking a room.
Neutrals
So many colors have been popular in the last couple of years. Neutrals are really the essence of the word quiet. Taking that calm and minimalist approach with high quality is done easily with a neutral color palette. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/design-with-neutral-colors" target="_blank">Neutrals work with each other </a>and every other color in the wheel quite well and that is why they are called neutrals. They help to calm the eye and give a sense of completion and continuity that pretty much encompasses the whole quiet aspect of quiet luxury. Popular neutrals for the quiet luxury trend are warm tones such as beige and cappuccino that are complemented by pops of muted colors like sage green and blue.
Choose high-performance core pieces
The main fixtures in your room decor should be of the highest quality and something that you love and that you are pretty sure you'll love for many years to come. This is one of the main attributes of the quiet luxury trend. Not only is this better for the longevity and useful life of the items in your room it is also a very environmentally friendly approach to decorating as you will need to purchase less through the years. Instead of replacing items frequently, you have a high-quality luxurious feeling item that can work with any design changes and switchups you may make through the years.
Think of form and function together
Focus on the ability to use high-end luxury items that will last with everyday use. For example, you don't want to purchase bone china for your young family's everyday mealtime use. Serving dinner to your middle school son on an $800 plate that you would cringe at the thought of a chip or it being dropped every day is not a great method for using quality items in your home. Go ahead and purchase those fancy dishes but also make sure you have a set of high-quality dishes that can stand up to heavy and frequent use (and by persons that may not necessarily be focused on being careful). Another example: don't choose a silk or satin upholstery for your entertainment room sofa. It is incredibly difficult to get popcorn butter out of those fabrics after movie night. Choose high-quality fabrics in colors/ textures/ and subtle details you love that will also function well for daily life.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/">purchasing a home in Columbus</a> that you can make your own with your favorite design aesthetic please contact me anytime. I'm here to help you <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com" target="_blank">find available Columbus real estate </a>within your budget that meets your search criteria.2023-09-13T12:39:52-07:002023-09-15T21:02:19-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13634Budget Friendly Ways to Make a Room Feel Larger in Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Budget_Friendly_Ways_to_Make_a_Room_Feel_Larger_in_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Budget Friendly Ways to Make a Room Feel Larger in Your Columbus Home" title="Budget Friendly Ways to Make a Room Feel Larger in Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When it comes to homeownership in Columbus and anywhere for that matter it is not uncommon for homeowners to feel like they need more space. If you feel like you have a small space in your Columbus home there are some design tricks you can use to make your room look and feel bigger. These are also great decorating ideas if you are <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/" target="_blank">selling your Columbus home</a> to help maximize your space and showcase your home in its best light for potential Columbus buyers.
Budget-friendly ways to make small spaces look bigger in your Columbus home
Having all the same flooring
It can be tempting to pick out different flooring for different rooms but sticking with one uniform flooring choice throughout the entire home will help the eye to see one large continuous space instead of several broken up smaller areas.
A really great way to do this is with hardwood or luxury vinyl plank flooring. Not only does it make the space feel bigger to have one continuous line for the flooring it also helps to give it an elevated and luxurious feel. High-quality flooring is also a <a href="https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-flooring-increases-home-value/" target="_blank">great selling feature</a> in a Columbus home. New flooring may not be the most budget-friendly but it is a great return on investment so we thought we would include it. Now on to some more budget-friendly tips.
The lighter the better
<a href="https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/project-ideas-inspiration/interiors/make-small-room-look-bigger-brighter" target="_blank">Choosing light and bright colors</a> is a great optical illusion of more space. Darker colors will make a room seem smaller or cavelike and lighter ones will help the room to feel bright and spacious. Not only do light colors feel more spacious they also help to bounce around light in the room which also creates a feeling of more space to the eye.
Lots of lighting
Expanding on the last idea making sure that you<a href="https://www.thespruce.com/designer-approved-rules-for-lighting-a-room-5198847" target="_blank"> have plenty of light </a>both natural and man-made will help to feel like the room is much larger than it is. Make sure to have plenty of overhead light as well as let the natural light flow in through the windows. If you do not have electrical overhead lighting installed consider doing so. You can also make great use of lamps and other types of plug-in lighting to help bring more brightness into the room.
Stick with one or just a few colors
Having fewer colors will keep a visual flow and just like with the flooring trick will create the illusion of longer lines and more space. Painting each room a different color creates those smaller defined spaces for the eye and will create a feeling and thought of restricted amounts of space in the home. Sticking with one uniform paint color that is light and bright is the best way to create space where there is little.
Try clear furnishing
Using clear furnishings helps to keep the eye moving and lines long in the room. Finding items like acrylic chairs or glass tables will <a href="https://interiordesignbasics.com/5-designer-tips-to-create-sensational-sight-lines-in-your-home/" target="_blank">help site lines seem longer</a> and create a visual illusion of more space in the room. Using furniture that also has exposed legs that allow you to have a slight line of the floor underneath also helps to create openness and more visible floor space which makes a room feel larger.
The right size furniture
Making sure that the furniture you purchase is the right size for the room goes a long way to helping your home to feel rightly decorated and not like you have stuffed furniture you stole from climbing up the beanstalk into your home. If you have a smaller living room don't go for that 16-seat L-shaped sofa just because you can still technically get it into the room. You don't want your couch to take up all of the foot space in the room no matter how comfortable it is. Instead, find a high-quality three-seat sofa that will not overpower your square footage in the room.
Some people see smaller spaces as a negative aspect, but they can be beneficial in many different ways. For example, smaller homes are less money for Columbus buyers. A smaller space requires less upkeep and cleaning requirements. It also costs less to furnish and makes it truly look luxurious and upscale. There are many ways that you can create an amazing and relaxing home even if your square footage is less.
For more information on purchasing a Columbus home please contact me. I am dedicated to helping my clients <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com" target="_blank">find a Columbus home</a> they will love within their affordable purchase budget.
2023-09-06T12:29:00-07:002023-09-08T21:51:48-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13475Back to School Home Organizing Tips for Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Back_to_School_Home_Organizing_Tips_for_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Back to School Home Organizing Tips for Your Columbus Home" title="Back to School Home Organizing Tips for Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />As summer days become fewer back to school is right around the corner in Columbus. This means a new daily routine for young families in Columbus. From waking up earlier and immediately setting sights on getting everyone out the door to returning back home after busy days full of learning and extracurricular activities our life can quickly become hectic and 10 times busier than it was.
With some organization and preparedness to help days run more smoothly back to school doesn't have to be a stressful time of trying to play catch-up to a new routine. Here are some ways you can organize your Columbus home to help make returning to school less frenzied.
Find a routine that works
Having a regimented schedule for your school days can help keep everyone on track and on the same page. When everyone in the family knows what to expect from how the day will work it can help to keep things from getting out of control and taking longer than they need to. It could be something as simple as talking out an order of tasks and when they will get accomplished and making sure everything gets done. For example, setting out tomorrow's clothes the night before so there is no stress of picking out the perfect outfit when you only have 10 minutes to get dressed.
Make a checklist
Once you have a routine down, <a href="https://thesavvysparrow.com/ready-for-school-checklist/" target="_blank">consider making a visible checklist</a> for each of your children and even yourself. Having a checklist can remind everybody of their personal responsibilities and the order of tasks. Not only can it remind everyone of what they need to be doing and what is yet to be done and how long they have to do it, but it can also help everyone feel a sense of accomplishment by crossing off accomplished tasks.
There's something so satisfying about accomplishing something and <a href="https://blog.trello.com/the-psychology-of-checklists-why-setting-small-goals-motivates-us-to-accomplish-bigger-things" target="_blank">visually crossing it off of a list</a>. It can help you to feel motivated and ready to attack the rest of the day when you have crossed things off your list and in a timely manner. Who doesn't want to start their day off on a good and happy note?
Set up a workstation
At some point, each of your kids will probably have some homework or a project to work on at home. <a href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/kids-home-work-space/" target="_blank">Setting up a workstation</a> so they can successfully focus on their work helps to set up for success and maybe even in them a better grade.
Setting up a designated space for homework with needed supplies can help your kid to concentrate and get into a routine of getting their work accomplished. Make sure to get kids in the habit of cleaning up the area when their work is finished. If you have more than one child you can even give them each their own basket or bin with their needed school supplies labeled with their name.
Clean out closets and Declutter rooms
Going back to school is a great time to do an overhaul on your child's closet as you purchase new clothes for the upcoming school year. It can also be a good time to get rid of anything in their room that they don't need. Cluttered spaces make it hard to concentrate and can have us feeling overwhelmed and stressed by seeing tasks we need to accomplish that we can't get to.
Go ahead and <a href="https://organizedhome.com/back-to-school/06-organize-kids-rooms" target="_blank">accomplish those tasks </a>now and feel much lighter and ready to take on the new year. It is also exciting to have plenty of space for new items like clothing. Now is a great time to <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/kids-closet-organizers-ideas-pictures" target="_blank">set up that clothing organization system</a> you've always wanted to put in your kid's closet. You could even set aside some space for them to lay out their clothes for the next morning or the entire week to help them quickly and successfully get dressed in the morning.
Put together a drop zone
After a long day of activities, your family will naturally want to drop their items right inside the door when they get home. While this is fine it can create a pile of unwanted clutter near the door and even a tripping hazard. Instead <a href="https://organizingmoms.com/drop-zone-organizing-ideas/" target="_blank">set up an area where your family can drop their things </a>when they arrive home in an organized manner. This could be a coat rack and a bench with baskets underneath for them to hang up jackets in bags as well as put shoes away.
Consider a command center
Now that the activities have picked up tenfold it can be hard to keep track of everything you need to do. You can keep track of all this inside of your smartphone but it is also <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/smart-family-command-center-ideas-5194689" target="_blank">good to have a place </a>where everybody in the family can see what is going on easily every day. A spot in the kitchen is a great area to place a Family calendar that communicates what everyone is doing during the month. Not only will it help everyone to clearly see what is going on at all times it can help you to remember as you write out the calendar what is coming up and help you be two steps ahead of the scheduling game instead of playing catch-up.
Put a reward system in place
Having new organization strategies and a new routine can feel hard to accomplish especially for younger children. <a href="https://www.verywellfamily.com/free-and-low-cost-reward-ideas-for-kids-1094890" target="_blank">Putting a reward system in place</a> to motivate kids and get them excited about doing new tasks is a great way to help them feel less intimidated and more enthusiastic about a new routine. You could even set a reward system up for yourself as well why not get in on the fun?
The more you plan ahead for busy and jampacked schedules the more smoothly they can run. Being prepared for busy times is a great way to help take an element of stress out of being on the go most of the day. And when everyone is on the same page of how things are working it helps even more.
If you are <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">interested in Columbus area real estate</a> please contact me. I am here to help you find a home in Columbus you will love with all of the attributes you are looking for to help you live a smoother daily life with your busy schedule.2023-08-09T18:14:32-07:002023-08-10T13:10:10-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13300Create a Backyard Space at Your Columbus Home with These Fire Pit Ideas<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Create_a_Backyard_Space_at_Your_Columbus_Home_with_These_Fire_Pit_Ideas.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Create a Backyard Space at Your Columbus Home with These Fire Pit Ideas" title="Create a Backyard Space at Your Columbus Home with These Fire Pit Ideas" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Backyard spaces that allow a homeowner to enjoy their own private outdoor space are more and more desirable for Columbus homeowners. A backyard is a perfect location to get some fresh air in a comfortable extra living space that you have adjusted to fit your needs. It can also be the perfect place to entertain guests on a warm summer night.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy a backyard is with a firepit. A firepit gives an added element of fun. warmth, and activity in your yard that can draw you and your guests out back or keep you there longer into the night. If you have been thinking about adding a fire pit to your Columbus yard you may be wondering where you should start or what design you should use.
Here are Some Great Tips for Creating a Fire Pit at Your Columbus Home
Bring the Rustic Camprgroujnd Feel to Your Yard
If you are looking to create something simple and rustic, something that brings actual campground feels to your yard. Or if you are looking for a very budget-friendly way to incorporate a fire pit in your yard recreating a simple firepit like the one you would see at an actual campsite is a great idea. All you need to do is cover a large enough space to build a fire with a bit of extra room with something like gravel and then make a circle with larger stones to define the fire pit.
You want to make sure there is plenty of space for this type of fire pit. It is best placed far from flammable structures and with plenty of room should any sparks fly from the fire while burning.
Purchase a Portable Fire Bowl
If you are a homeowner that likes to change things up frequently or just can't decide where you would like to put a fire feature in your yard, a portable fire bowl is always a great choice. It can also be a useful choice if your yard is on the smaller side and you need the space for other uses from time to time. <a href="https://outlandliving.com/blogs/news/fire-bowls" target="_blank">A portable fire bowl can</a> easily be stored out of the way.
Choose a Fun and Charming Chiminea
A <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/best-chimineas-4799639" target="_blank">firepit that is a chiminea </a>can be a fun way to add interest to your yard with a unique sculptural piece. It can also help you to keep more control of the flame in your backyard. If you live in a fairly windy location the chiminea can also keep the fire from going out. Another added bonus is it directs the smoke up and away instead of out and into your clothes and hair. It is good to note that clay chimineas can be more fragile and prone to damage in harsh weather.
A Pit Duge Into the Ground
Some homeowners choose to dig the firepit below ground level. It can add visual interest as well as an element of safety. <a href="https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/how-to-build-an-in-ground-fire-pit" target="_blank">Building an in-ground firepit starts</a> with digging a large enough hole and then creating a fireproof wall with a ring installed in the hole and walls built up of fire-rated bricks or concrete blocks. The dug-in design helps to more easily contain the fire.
Bring in Some Comfy Seats
A firepit is fun and creates light and a heat source when nights get dark and the temps cool as the sun goes down. But the fun of hanging around the fire can easily fade when the seating is less than comfortable. Encourage people to hang out for a while and have a conversation with some comfy seats.
Bring in Extra Lights
Make it easier to hold a conversation and see the faces of the people you are keeping company with by bringing in some extra lighting. It will also bring an extra element of safety when the fire is put out and you need to venture back inside the house. Using string lights or lanterns is a great low-cost way to bring some more visibility to the area.
No matter what you choose for your firepit design at your Columbus home, making your outdoor spaces more usable and desirable adds value to your home and can act as a double bonus when you decide to sell.
If you are looking to <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">buy or sell a home in Columbus</a> please contact me any time. I am highly knowledgeable in all Columbus real estate and my main focus is finding my clients a Columbus home they will love.
2023-07-26T14:15:04-07:002023-07-30T20:03:51-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:13207Great Ideas to Decorate a Small Front Porch on a Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Great_Ideas_to_Decorate_a_Small_Front_Porch_on_a_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Great Ideas to Decorate a Small Front Porch on a Columbus Home" title="Great Ideas to Decorate a Small Front Porch on a Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Outdoor areas that allow homeowners to utilize their outdoor spaces comfortably in the privacy of their own yards have become more and more desirable among Columbus homeowners and homebuyers.
But if you have a smaller front porch it may be difficult or feel overwhelming to decide how to decorate it so that it can be utilized to enjoy the outdoor space around your home. Having a smaller space may create some challenges but there are some great things you can do to create curb appeal at your home on your small front porch as well as make it a place that you love to hang out.
Great tips to decorate your small front porch
Furniture size
While the largest of outdoor furniture seems to be cushy and comfortable you want to make sure that you are not overcrowding your front porch with furniture that is way too big. Making sure you <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-scale-furniture-261895" target="_blank">have the right scale of furniture for your space</a> is crucial. Picking furniture that is too large will make the space feel overcrowded and also draw attention to the fact that the space is minimal. Some areas may only be capable of holding a smaller set of folding chairs and tables. This allows a homeowner to sit and enjoy the space but also keeps the area from looking like it is overcrowded and keeps it more desirable to use.
Try painting the front door
Giving the front door a fresh coat of paint in a color that nicely complements the rest of the exterior will bring a lot of interest and design appeal to your front porch area. Some research has shown that the <a href="https://www.realsimple.com/front-door-colors-boost-home-value-6743564" target="_blank">color of a front door is so important</a> it can't even bring more money on a home sale the <a href="https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/front-door-color-that-adds-value-to-a-house" target="_blank">current popular door color for 2023 is black.</a> There have been a few articles written stating that a black front door can increase the offer received on a home for sale.
You don't have to choose black. The best idea is to choose a color that nicely works with the exterior of your home and also helps to set an overall style tone for your home.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting has become more desirable with Columbus homebuyers in the past few years. <a href="https://www.parklandparrot.com/blog/the-most-desirable-outdoor-features-for-2023-home-buyers/" target="_blank">Outdoor lighting is so popular </a>that is actually one of the most sought-after attributes of a home as the popularity of outdoor spaces and their useability has grown. It is always a good idea to make sure you have plenty of lighting I only to be able to utilize the space but also to help retain an element of safety and security. If you only have one source of light consider adding a few more lights to make sure everything is highly visible and that a great ambiance is created for using the space when it gets dark. More lighting also helps to make a space feel bigger and more spacious.
Think vertical
Since your front porch is small at your Columbus home the horizontal/floor space is limited. <a href="https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/line-in-interior-design" target="_blank">Using your vertical space can help to draw the eye up</a> and give the optical illusion that there is more space. Don't just think about the ground and what chairs and planters you can put on it also consider the vertical space around your porch and how you can utilize and decorate it to help draw the eye up.
Having outdoor space is a plus for any Columbus homeowner. It is also a great way to help <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/">get your Columbus home sold</a> if you are staging it. Staging outdoor areas helps a potential Columbus homebuyer to see the best parts of a home for sale. Highlighting outdoor spaces is always a great idea.
If you are looking to buy or sell a Columbus home contact me. I am highly knowledgeable in <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">Columbus real estate </a>and I am here to help my clients have as seamless of a real estate experience as possible.
2023-07-19T17:26:27-07:002023-07-21T19:37:06-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:12983Energy Efficient Ways to Keep Your Home Cool in Columbus This Summer<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Energy-Efficient_Ways_to_Keep_Your_Home_Cool_in_Columbus_This_Summer.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Energy Efficient Ways to Keep Your Home Cool in Columbus This Summer" title="Energy Efficient Ways to Keep Your Home Cool in Columbus This Summer" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Some days in Columbus the weather can hit high temperatures that make staying indoors miserable but staying outside can be miserable as well. The first thought of many Columbus homeowners is to resort to cranking up the AC and making the inside of their home as comfortable as possible to beat the heat. But this can also come with a very significant increase in your energy bill but there are some options to help you keep your Columbus home cool without relying heavily on your air-conditioning.
More cost-effective alternatives to air conditioning systems
Using a ductless or mini split air conditioner
If you do not already have air-conditioning and are considering installing it you may want to consider a <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/mechanical-systems/is-ductless-heating-and-cooling-right-for-you" target="_blank">ductless system or a mini-split system</a>. These systems do not require tearing into walls to put ductwork into place like a traditional air conditioner. They include a condenser unit outside the home very similar to regular air conditioning but the unit is much smaller. This condenser is then connected to smaller units that power individual rooms attached to the wall. This is a much less invasive approach to installing a cooling system and it requires less to run it as well.
Installing an Attic fan
An attic fan can be a very cost-effective way to install a cooling system in your Columbus home. <a href="https://www.wholehousefan.com/blogs/wholehousefans/home-attic-fan-is-it-a-good-choice-for-your-home" target="_blank">An attic fan is a great air conditioning alternative</a> in locations where the weather does not get overwhelmingly hot. The attic fan works by circulating air and pushing stuffy warm air out of the household at the highest point of the home because heat rises. It also helps to provide a consistent breeze within your home and with the right vents a fan can reverse to pull in cooler air through the home when your windows are open pushing the hot stuffy air out of the attic vents.
A swamp cooler or evaporated cooler
This type of cooling system works great in a dry climate. It is a system that has a fan and a water-soaked sponge or pad that blows air from the fan across the pad as the pad helps to cool the air distributed by the fan into the rest of the home. This system is best used when windows are cracked open just a bit to release hot air in the home.
A geothermal system
A geothermal system helps to regulate the temperature within a home using the more stable temperatures produced underneath the earth's crust. There are many different geothermal systems that you can choose from to install in your home but they all function on the same concept. A <a href="https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21014980/geothermal-heat-pump-how-it-works" target="_blank">geothermal system uses liquid flowing through buried tubes </a>exchanging heat from your home to the ground and can also do the opposite during times of cold weather. These systems are more energy efficient than a traditional HVAC system and can use anywhere from 50% to 25% less electricity than traditional HVAC systems. It does however require quite a bit of work to get the system installed in your home.
Boosting your air conditioning with ceiling fans
If you already have a traditional air conditioning system that works fairly well and you want to be able to rely on it less then considering the installation of a few ceiling fans in your home can be a great idea. Ceiling fans can cost as little as a couple of hundred dollars and can help to boost the effectiveness of your air conditioning so that it does not have to be set at a super low temperature or work quite as hard. Ceiling fans help to distribute the air in a room in the same way that any traditional plug-in fan does but it has a much larger blade and can help move the air around more effectively than a traditional fan. When used together with your air conditioner it can help to boost the cooling effects but save some energy on your air conditioner working so hard.
There are many great ways that you can save money on cooling your home on super hot summer days in Columbus. If you are hoping to <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">buy or sell a home in Columbus</a> right now please contact me. I am here to make your home ownership process as stress-free as possible.2023-06-22T18:36:12-07:002023-06-24T19:25:03-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:12918Alternatives to Traditional Lawns for Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Alternatives_to_Traditional_Lawns_for_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Alternatives to Traditional Lawns for Your Columbus Home" title="Alternatives to Traditional Lawns for Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />More and more Columbus homeowners and new Columbus homebuyers are looking for alternatives to the traditional grass lawn. The biggest appealing factor of alternative landscaping at a home is that it requires less maintenance and attention than the upkeep of grass.
Some other reasons homeowners are searching for grass lawn alternatives are that it can be friendly to the planet and their pocketbook as well with a lesser demand for watering and constant need for the application of other products like Weed and Feed to keep landscaping thriving and healthy.
Good Reasons to Choose Grass Lawn Alternatives
Information <a href="https://www.unh.edu" target="_blank">from the University of New Hampshire </a>shows that choosing alternative plants instead of grass can be great for homes that have a nice sunny lot. You can also make them work at any house including homes with pets and kids that need the yard to run and play. According <a href="https://www.almanac.com/gardening/growing-guides" target="_blank">to the Old Farmer's Almanac </a>grass can be a water hog and the healthiest of lines require fertilizer and chemical use to keep them looking amazing.
Lawn alternatives can make good use of native plants that are extremely easy to grow and can have your landscaping looking amazing with very little to no effort at all. What's even better is that a property full of native plants is much more eco-friendly. Some homeowners who have already gone the alternative landscaping route have seen a huge drop in their water usage which is a much lesser impact on the planet and also their pocket.
Here Are Some Great Tips for Lawn Alternatives at Your Columbus Home
Plants that Make Great Lawn Alternatives
Moss
When you have a lawn moss is often seen as that unwanted nuisance growing in between your grass. But what about paying attention to the moss exclusively? Moss is an alternative ground cover to grass and clover that can thrive and look lush and green in the right environment. It is a great low-maintenance ground cover that traps moisture and helps to fight erosion. Another plus side to moss is that it does not require trimming like grass and is perfectly capable of being walked on. If you have a yard that doesn't get a lot of sunlight then moss can be a perfect lawn alternative.
Native plants
<a href="https://www.audubon.org/content/why-native-plants-matter" target="_blank">Plants that naturally grow in the wild</a> in the location you live are probably the easiest to take care of. They almost need no attention at all to thrive and bring a lush and aesthetically pleasing environment to your land. In addition, they can provide food and a habitat for local wildlife.
Companion planting
If you are not a fan of using harsh chemicals on your garden plants that could not only wipe out harmful and annoying pests attacking your plants but also good native wildlife and insects then <a href="https://www.propertyinsantacruz.com/blog/controlling-unwanted-garden-insects-naturally-with-companion-planting/" target="_blank">companion planting is a good alternative </a>landscaping plan. This is the practice of planting items that are susceptible to pests next to other plants that help to naturally deter pests. Such as planting aphid-repelling basil near your rose bushes.
Adding more trees
Bringing more trees to your landscape can help to supply a carbon filter as well as retain stormwater and give cooling shade to the area. When planted strategically some trees can even provide more shade for your house and keep it cooler which will in turn help you to save money on cooling your home during the summer.
Use different ground covers that work well together
The worry with using some ground covers for homeowners is that some forms of ground cover can feel invasive and begin to take over the whole territory. Choosing the right ground covers will help you to keep your plants in the place where you expect them to be and not choke out other neighboring plants. It can also bring contrast, texture, and visual interest to your landscape. Some great crown covers that <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/lambs-ears-uses-how-to-care-and-control-2132610" target="_blank">stay in place are lambs ear,</a> blue fescue, black-eyed Susans, pussytoes, creeping rosemary, creeping thyme, and sedums.
Green methods that can keep alternative landscaping thriving
Go for a sustainable irrigation system
The great green way to water your landscaping that requires little to no money and drastically reduces your water usage is by <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/beginners-guide-to-rainwater-harvesting-5089884" target="_blank">installing a rainwater harvesting system</a>. Before you do this however you need to make sure that you are within zoning laws for your area to be able to do so. It sounds funny to need permission to collect water coming out of the sky but some areas require it.
Use organic plant foods
Helping the plants in your landscaping to thrive may require a little extra help from you. The nice thing is that you don't have to use harmful chemicals to keep the soil healthy and your plants happy. There <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/best-organic-fertilizers-5078293" target="_blank">are many organic fertilizers </a>out there available for homeowners to promote strong growth of their landscaping at their home and can't even help to prevent plant diseases.
Consider composting
<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/tips-for-starting-a-composting-system-at-your-columbus-home/">Composting is another little-to-no-cost way</a> to feed your plants nutrients and keep them thriving. It can be as simple as grabbing some kitchen scraps and yard waste and getting them into a pile in an unused small spot in your yard. This drastically reduces the need to purchase other items to feed the plants in your landscape.
Taking care of the landscaping around your home is important to help your home retain its value and curb appeal well also providing a space that is somewhere people want to hang out and enjoy. The nice thing is taking care of the yard around your Columbus home doesn't have to be extremely complicated or expensive.
For more information on living in Columbus including <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">available Columbus area real estate </a>please contact us anytime.
2023-06-14T13:13:30-07:002023-06-17T21:56:31-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:12852Tips for Painting the Bathroom in Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Tips_for_Painting_the_Bathroom_in_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Tips for Painting the Bathroom in Your Columbus Home" title="Tips for Painting the Bathroom in Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Painting your home is one of the easiest ways to give a room a quick makeover it makes it feel brand new and fresh. This is one of the reasons that it is suggested <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/">Columbus homesellers consider</a> a fresh coat of paint when they are getting their home ready to sell. One of the most focused areas in a home is the bathroom and painting a bathroom can help it to look its best. But since there is a high moisture environment in bathroom air the painting technique is a bit different from other rooms in your home.
Here are some helpful tips for painting the bathroom in your Columbus home
Choosing the right paint
The color you choose to paint your bathroom is important and probably the funnest part of the process. It is especially important if you are painting your Columbus bathroom to get your home ready to sell. But beyond the color is the actual formulation of the paint itself.
Because there are high moisture levels in a bathroom and the walls come in direct contact with things like steam from a hot shower it is important to choose a paint that is made for this environment. The best type of paint to choose for a bathroom is satin or a semi-gloss these help to resist moisture as compared to other paints like a flat finish paint.
There are some considerations to take when choosing a color due to the high moisture levels as well. What many homeowners are unaware of is that choosing darker colors can make the paint susceptible to what is called pigmentation runs in the paint where the steam breaks down the color and leaves streaks on the walls. These streaks are easily visible the darker the paint color is.
Prepping the walls
To get the best finish result possible you want to prepare your walls for the paint instead of just taking everything off of them and putting the paint up. Make sure to inspect walls for any imperfections like holes or cracks or even minor dents. You want to fill these in and repair them before painting especially with a satin or semi-gloss finish. These finishes will easily highlight the flaws in the wall finish that were not taken care of.
Additionally, you want to make sure that the walls are clean and ready to receive paint for the best adhesion to the wall. A wall that is dusty can keep the paint from properly adhering and drying on the wall surface. In a bathroom, it is a good idea to wipe the walls down <a href="https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning/22221192/trisodium-phosphate" target="_blank">with a trisodium phosphate cleaner </a>that will also help to decrease your walls. This is a technique used by professional painters. If you are not wanting to use this chemical you can also make do with a warm wash rag and mild soap to remove anything from basic dirt to mold and mildew.
If you do have mold and mildew you want to make sure that you clean and then also apply something that is going to kill the mold and mildew to prevent further growth. Some painters choose to use a primer that has bacteria-killing properties added in <a href="https://www.kilz.com" target="_blank">like the primer brand Killz.</a>
When you are ready to paint start from the top down
After you have pulled everything from the walls including switch plates and light covers, and have covered everything you do not want paint on, and have cleaned the surfaces, it is time to get the color on the walls. When you're painting you want to start from the top of the wall and move toward the floor. This helps to prevent any pesky and unwanted paint drips from drying on the wall as you move down you can smooth out the drips and any splatters.
The best tool to use in the bathroom for painting is a roller in the major areas and a paint tray. To get into the corners of the walls <a href="https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-cut-in-paint/" target="_blank">you can cut in </a>with a simple paintbrush. As you are painting you want to make sure that the area is well ventilated. If your bathroom does not have any windows make sure to keep the door open and run the exhaust fan.
Make sure the paint is dried and cured
The paint will be dry to the touch after just a few hours. At this point, it is a good time to apply a second coat. The second coat will then be dry to the touch in another couple of hours. But before returning everything to your bathroom you want to <a href="https://www.burnettpainting.com/2014/10/28/how-long-does-it-take-for-paint-to-dry-cure/" target="_blank">give the paint time to completely cure</a>. This means that the paint is not only dry on the surface to the touch but dry all the way through to the wall so that should anything briskly rub against the surface the paint will stay in place.
Painting is always a great low-cost way to give your home a new lock and make it feel fresh and brand new. It is one of the more budget-friendly ways to prepare your home to look best when you list it for sale.
If you are looking for help selling your Columbus area home contact us anytime. We are highly knowledgeable in <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">all Columbus area real estate </a>and make it our main priority to find every client we serve the best Columbus home for them.2023-06-07T11:35:15-07:002023-06-10T12:21:23-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:12577Tips for Starting a Composting System at Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Tips_for_Starting_a_Composting_System_at_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="Tips for Starting a Composting System at Your Columbus Home" title="Tips for Starting a Composting System at Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Many Columbus homeowners are looking for ways to live more frugal and sustainable lifestyles. Not just for the ability to save some money but to live with a lesser impact on the planet and to provide as healthy a living atmosphere as possible in their home.
One way that Columbus homeowners are finding to live more sustainably and benefit from items they already have that would otherwise get tossed out is composting. Having a personal compost pile at your home is beneficial for many reasons and has gained the interest of several Columbus homeowners.
Here are some tips for setting up a composting system at your Columbus home
What is composting?
Composting helps to reduce landfill waste by reusing the waste your household produces and turning it into an additive for the soil in your own garden. It is a great way to reduce food waste from your home and keep it out of landfills while also saving money on healthy nutrients for the soil in your garden. Having a great outdoor landscape not only beautifies your home but can also help to boost the value of your property.
But the action of composting is not as easily done as just throwing your food scraps into a pile in your backyard. It takes some knowledge, science, and maybe a little bit of art as well. There are some scraps that you don't want to include in your composting pile.
The most beneficial scraps to include in your compost
There are some items that are amazing for compost piles and others that are better left to the actual garbage. The most ideal food scraps that can give you the most beneficial home compost include egg shells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, fruit peelings, teabags, and even shredded paper. You don't want to compost animal products like meat and dairy. Processed food scraps, oils, and grease are also not a great idea for your compost pile. You also want to steer clear of any weeds or diseased plants to prevent spreading unwanted items through your garden.
Starting your home compost system
You don't need a bunch of fancy equipment to get your composting system started. You can start a compost pile at your Columbus home with items like an empty corner of your yard and some other household materials you may already have hanging out at home.
A successful compost system at your home needs four basic elements this includes water, oxygen, materials rich with nitrogen, and carbon-rich materials. The carbon will provide energy for decomposition this can include items like leaves, straw, or wood chips. Nitrogen will provide proteins and enzymes to help break down and allow decomposition to happen this can include items like grass clippings and vegetable scraps. Oxygen is needed for microorganisms in your scraps to do the work needed to turn items from scrap to compost. And water will help to keep everything moist and allow it to break down more easily and quickly. You want to make sure there's a balanced mix of these four components for a successful compost pile.
You can make it as simple as forming a pile in an empty space in your yard where you don't mind the ground underneath not being utilized or <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/compost-bins-and-how-they-work-2131027" target="_blank">you can get specialized bins </a>where you form piles in different stages of composition. Many people like to keep a scrap bowl or a bucket or even have an extra waste bin on hand in the kitchen to collect food scraps. It is best to have something that you plan to empty at the end of every day or every other day to keep items from decomposing inside the kitchen.
It is good to note that you want to make sure you can give the proper attention to your pile by stirring it every couple of days with a gardening fork <a href="https://farmfitliving.com/best-brown-material-for-great-compost/" target="_blank">and adding brown matter </a>to make sure that things are decomposing well. You don't want to end up with a moldy mess or something that attracts unwanted wildlife to your yard. You also want to make sure that you are within your neighborhood zoning rules or HOA rules for keeping a compost pile.
How to use your compost
A successful pile of compost will turn into a crumbly pile of dirt-like material. It is best used <a href="https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/how-to-use/adding-compost/" target="_blank">when added to soil in your gardens and planters </a>around your yard. It helps to boost the nutrients within your soil to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Compost can also help to attract beneficial organisms and can reduce the need to use pesticides and fertilizer according to <a href="https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home" target="_blank">information from the Environmental Protection Agency.</a> It is also shown to help reduce the potential of soil erosion.
You can add compost to your flower and vegetable gardens as well as windowboxes and container gardens. You can incorporate it into tree beds or mix it with potting soil for indoor plants. You can also spread it on top of the soil on your lawn.
Compost is good as both a soil amendment and can be used as a mulch. To use it to amend your soil mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost to the top 6 to 9 inches of the soil. To use it as a mulch loosen up the top 2 to 3 inches of your soil and drop a 3-inch layer of compost on the surface make sure to keep your mulch away from plants at the stem and at the trunk of trees. You want to give them a few inches of room from your mulch.
Taking care of your home through more sustainable practices can save you money and has the added benefit of keeping your property maintained and <a href="https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-ways-your-yard-can-help-raise-your-property-value-460490" target="_blank">even improving the value of your property.</a>
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">buying or selling homes in the Columbus area </a>please contact us anytime.2023-05-02T16:56:04-07:002023-05-12T16:08:19-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:12439The Process of Property Tax Assessment and When to Appeal It<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/The_Process_of_Property_Tax_Assessment_and_When_to_Appeal_It-2.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="The Process of Property Tax Assessment and When to Appeal It" title="The Process of Property Tax Assessment and When to Appeal It" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Columbus area homeowners and many <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/01/upshot/pandemic-housing-market-wealth.html" target="_blank">homeowners across the entire country benefited from considerable home value increases</a> over the last three years for homeowners that have been in their homes for that long or longer. National real estate data numbers show that the median home price in the United States for 2022 was $386,300. This is a 10.21% increase year over year for home value.
This is great news as far as equity is concerned but it <a href="https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/mortgages/articles/home-values-soared-in-2020-but-so-did-property-taxes/" target="_blank">may not be the best news when considering that an increase in property value also means an increase in property taxes</a>. The average property tax increase for America was found to be around 18% in the past five years. This is from data gathered from the home <a href="https://housemethod.com/about/" target="_blank">research company House Method</a>. This can be a significant housing cost increase for some American and Columbus homeowners but there is a way to get some relief with it through a tax assessment appeal. A 2020 <a href="https://www.ntu.org/foundation/" target="_blank">report from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation </a>reported that only 5% of American homeowners ask for an appeal.
The basics of a property tax assessment
Property taxes are a significant source of income for a majority of local governments. Those property taxes are used to pay for helpful community finances but they can put a crunch on a Columbus homeowner's budget. This payment can be a large portion of housing expenses for homeowners that have been in their homes for a significant amount of time.
Property tax assessment is performed to determine the property value of homes within local governments' boundaries. The assessment is performed by the government assessor who will use the professional assessment to calculate the amount of property taxes owed by each property owner. Most property taxes are paid annually though some locations will have a different payment schedule. They are paid on a county level.
Factors that influence a home's tax assessment and required tax payment
The taxable value of the property
A property's tax value is set by deducting any exemptions from the assessed value of the property and then multiplying the result of the deductions by the millage rate in the area.
The appraised value
The appraised value of your home is also referred to as the fair market value of the property. This is determined through a professional appraisal that looks at current real estate market factors of your area as well as requires an in-person physical look of your home.
A properties assessed value
This value is used only for tax purposes and it can be different from the professional appraisal. <a href="https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/assessed-value" target="_blank">The assessed value is usually only gathered after a property valuation</a> from government officials. Things that would trigger this include a change in ownership or significant renovations/remodeling done to the property.
The value of a Columbus property has the largest impact on the calculation for the required property tax payment. Some local municipalities will take a property tax assessment every year and others opt to do it more periodically up to every three years. In some areas, properties may be scheduled at different times to undergo a tax assessment.
The assessed value of a Columbus home is then multiplied by the number of mills levied for the property tax rate in the area. <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/millrate.asp" target="_blank">A millage rate is the use of a </a>mill that is equal to 1000th of a dollar. So this is one dollar for every $1000 of assessed value on a Columbus property.
What you can do if you feel your property taxes are too high
In America, all <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/appeal-property-tax-assessment/" target="_blank">homeowners have the right to contest a property tax assessment</a> and ask for a formal reassessment. This is called a property tax assessment appeal. Each local municipality will have its own procedure for going through an assessment appeal. You want to <a href="https://bta.ohio.gov" target="_blank">contact your local government officials to ask them how you can get an appeal started</a> in your area. You want to make sure that you know the deadline to challenge your assessment as some local governments only give homeowners a few weeks after receiving one. If you file an appeal and it is refused and you feel like it was unjustly refused you can make a case to the appeals board.
Some homeowners may feel like they do not have a leg to stand on when it comes to their property taxes but is always well worth doing your homework to ensure you are not overpaying your tax bill.
For more <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com" target="_blank">information on buying or selling homes in Columbus </a>and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.2023-04-13T12:12:02-07:002023-04-16T14:44:58-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:12314Is it Time for a New Roof on Your Columbus Home?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Is_it_Time_for_a_New_Roof_on_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Is it Time for a New Roof on Your Columbus Home?" title="Is it Time for a New Roof on Your Columbus Home?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Replacing a roof is one of the largest costs of homeownership that a Columbus homeowner will face. The condition of a home's roof is vitally important to not only the roof itself but many other areas of the home. A roof that is in disrepair can impact several other parts of the home and cause issues beyond just the cost of replacing the roof. This is why it is important for Columbus homeowners to make sure they are giving their roofs the proper care and maintenance.
How do you determine if you need a roof replacement?
As with anything in the home, the roof is not going to last forever. It stands up to wear and tear just like the flooring in your home, or the HVAC system. It is always best to make sure you are <a href="https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/tools/roof-maintenance" target="_blank">keeping up with routine maintenance on your roof</a>. Sometimes even with routine maintenance needed repairs can go unnoticed and cause bigger problems or they may simply get overlooked because routine maintenance is not performed.
Some signs that can help a Columbus homeowner know that it's time to replace the entire roof include the age of the roof itself, damaged shingles, bald spots, the growth of vegetation, sagging areas, and leaks.
The first and biggest determining factor of needing an entire roof replacement is age. Depending upon the materials and the maintenance of the roof age is a big determining factor in needing to replace the roofing. Most often <a href="https://roofonline.com/roof-management/how-long-does-a-roof-last/" target="_blank">roofing that is about 20 years old should be inspected for its need of replacement</a>. The best way to determine is with a certified home inspector. They can also help to look over the entire roof for the other issues mentioned above to determine if the entire roof needs replaced or just a portion.
How much will it cost to replace your home's roof?
The cost to replace a roof on a Columbus home varies by the size of the roof itself, the materials being used, and the urgency as well as if there are any other issues like sagging that need to be addressed. In general, a roof replacement can cost anywhere between $5700 and $12,400. In some cases, it could cost more.
The majority of the cost to replace the roof is labor and materials. If <a href="https://homeinspectioninsider.com/which-roof-pitch-is-best-styles-slopes-pitch/" target="_blank">the roof of the home has a steeper pitch/slope</a> this is risky for the roofing company to get up there and it will cost additional money to make sure the proper safety equipment is used.
Should homeowners try to replace the roof on their own to save money?
Replacing the roofing on your home on your own could save a significant amount of money but it is not a task that is recommended that homeowners do by themselves. Yes, it could save up to 60% in the cost of the replacement but there are many safety precautions that need to be considered. And unless you have skills in home repair and maintenance already you want to make sure you know what you are doing to get the job done correctly. Not installing a roof properly can lead to many other major costly repairs in your Columbus home.
For more information about <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">buying and selling real estate in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.2023-03-29T10:50:59-07:002023-04-01T12:46:05-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:12121Tax Deductions Home Owners Can Utilize in 2023 When Filing a 2022 Tax Return<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Tax_Deductions_Home_Owners_Can_Utilize_in_2023_When_Filing_a_2022_Tax_Return.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="tax deductions homeowners can utilize in 2023" title="tax deductions homeowners can utilize in 2023" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Owning a home and all of the costs associated with it is one of the largest expenses in daily life. But there are some tax breaks that <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/">make owning a home a little more affordable</a>. Here are some of the tax breaks Colombus homeowners can utilize in 2023 when filing their tax returns for the year 2022.
Tax Breaks for Columbus Homeowners
Deducting Mortgage Interest
This is probably the largest and most beneficial tax break for a majority of Columbus homeowners. At the beginning of the year, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1098.pdf" target="_blank">every homeowner paying a mortgage should receive a Form 1098 </a>(in the month of January). This form gives the borrower information like the amount of money paid in interest in total on the loan for the last year. This is an important number. It is the one you can stick into Schedule A or Form 1040. If you purchased a home in 2022 make sure that the form is including all interest paid from the exact date of closing the sale of the home through the end of that particular month. You might not have made a full monthly payment but interest was paid. You can find that amount on the settlement sheet of your purchase paperwork. This is deductible and should be added to your deduction amount if the lender does not include it on the 1098.
Homeowners are able to deduct interest on up to $750,000 of debt or up to $375,000 when filing as a married person filing separately when the taxpayer files by itemizing their return. This can be deducted from loans used to purchase, build, or "substantially" improve the borrower's primary home or a single secondary home. If the mortgage is from before the year 2018 interest on loans up to $ 1 million can be deducted.
Mortgage interest credit
There is also a mortgage interest tax credit available for homeowners with a lower income that <a href="https://themortgagereports.com/89054/mortgage-credit-certificate-guide">have been issued a qualified mortgage credit certificate from the state or local government</a>. This is issued to help subsidize the purchase of a primary home for homeowners with a lower income. His credit amount can range anywhere from 10 to 50% of mortgage interest that was paid during the previous year. The homeowner can find the exact percentage listed on the credit certificate. It is good to know that this credit is limited to $2000 when the rate is listed higher than 20%.
For a homeowner to claim this credit they need to complete form 8396 and attach it to form 1040 this credit also needs to be reported and its amount on schedule three in 1040. It is good to make sure that you are aware of the restrictions and special rules for this credit if you plan to use it. For example, if you plan to use this credit that will reduce your mortgage interest deduction that you are able to claim. If you have questions about the rules for this credit it is best to talk with a tax professional.
Energy saving improvements
There has been much talk of the federal government trying to encourage Americans to look for renewable energy sources. Because of this, there are some energy-saving improvement credits that homeowners can take advantage of. You can utilize a tax credit if you have installed certain energy-efficient items in your home.
When filing your taxes paid in 2022 Columbus homeowners that have installed green items can write off up to $500 if they have installed energy-efficient insulation, doors, roofing, heating or air conditioning systems, wood stoves, water heaters, etc. For energy-efficient windows, homeowners can benefit by writing off up to $200. And it is good to check into the details of the exact amount you can write off for each energy-efficient item you have installed in your home if you have done so. It is good to take the credit now as it will change soon.
Electric vehicle charging
Some homeowners are unaware that they have the ability to benefit from a tax credit when electric vehicle charging equipment has been installed in their homes. There is a federal tax credit for electric vehicle chargers up to 30% on the cost of qualifying equipment up to $1000. This credit can be calculated in form 8911 and claimed on schedule three of the 1040.
Home improvements for medical needs
If you needed to make any modifications to your home due to medical needs then you may be able to deduct the expenses from doing so. This can include the need to make doorways wider, install handrails, and lower cabinets, install a lift or elevator, add ramps, or even change out door knobs. Anything done to change something within your home to make it more useful for someone with physical difficulty. You can deduct the cost of making the upgrades as well as any upkeep or operation costs. It is good to know that these are only eligible if they are actual medical necessities and not eligible if they are improvements made for aging in place.
Medical expenses will only meet the deduction eligibility if they exceed 7.5% of the homeowner's adjusted gross income. This deduction is also reduced by any increase in the value of the property. This means that if the improvement increases the value of the property it will decrease your eligible amount for a deduction.
These are just a few of the most beneficial homeowner deductions available. It is a smart idea to talk over all of the tax deductions worth claiming on your return with a trusted tax professional.
For <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">more information on Columbus area real estate</a> please contact us anytime.
2023-03-08T12:31:33-07:002023-03-10T20:56:14-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:11988Simple Ways to Keep Your Columbus Home Secure<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Simple_Ways_to_Keep_Your_Columbus_Home_Secure.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Simple Ways to Keep Your Columbus Home Secure" title="Simple Ways to Keep Your Columbus Home Secure" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />For Americans, one of the most important aspects or assets in our life is our home and everything that is residing within it. Feeling safe within our most treasured asset our homes is high on top of priority lists for many of us. The ability to go home and feel safe and secure is an important one to Columbus homeowners and everyone else in the country.
When you <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/">purchase a home in Columbus,</a> it comes with some basic security measures such as locking windows and doors and exterior lights that help make it more difficult for someone that doesn't belong inside the home to get it. But if for some reason an unwelcome visitor does try to make their way in, there are some additional simple measures thqt Columbus homeowners can take.
Simple ways Columbus homeowners can boost the security of their homes
Placing security bars in windows and sliding doors
It is always a smart idea to check windows periodically to ensure that they are all locked. This is especially helpful in the warmer months when it may be possible for someone in the home to open the window. In addition to having the locks properly in place on your windows, you want to place a security bar within the frame of the window and even in a sliding door for added protection.
Extra measures on basement windows
Often homes are accessed through a basement window as they are easy to reach. Many times these basement windows are also hidden by items like landscaping making it easier to access in broad daylight. It is a good idea to make sure that landscaping is clear and trimmed near windows so that it does not become an easy hiding spot for unwanted guests. To secure basement windows even further than making sure they are locked or that there is a bar within them you can opt for sturdier windows that are harder to break out or enter.
Don't give burglars any help
Burglars especially those that have done it before know how to make the home work for them in accomplishing their task. Make sure that items like tools and ladders that could help a burglar access your home are locked up and stored away. Additionally, you want to try and keep items like luggage and bags out of sight because they can use these to load up more items and carry them out quickly and easily. Don't store car keys out in the open where they are easy to find because it can mean any extra way of getting into your car and quickly running off with the items inside your home and your car as well.
Consider smart devices
<a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-locks" target="_blank">Smart devices like smart locks</a> and home security systems are a great way to help detour burglars from entering your home. When someone sees that they are already on camera they will quickly move on to their next victim. Being on camera is a quick and easy means of proof should they be caught.
Trust in neighbors if possible or hire house sitters
If you are going to be gone for a significant amount of time it is a good idea to have someone come in and check on your home to help make it look like it is occupied and that there is not enough time to access the home and go through it. Even if it is just asking a family member to come over a couple of times while you are away this can be extremely helpful in making the home look like it has not been abandoned for a long time.
If you feel you can trust your neighbors it can also be a good idea to let them know when you are taking a trip and ask them to look out for your home. If you live in a colder climate it is a good idea to make sure your mail is picked up and items like your walkway are shoveled from snow to make it look like the home is not empty.
Be aware of when your mail packages will arrive
Sitting packages on a doorstep are a homing beacon for theft. If you know that you will have packages delivered try to make arrangements to get the packages off of the front doorstep as quickly as possible. You could even do something like <a href="https://us.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GVZLTK8D4EBS4QJA" target="_blank">have your packages sent to an Amazon locker </a>or mailbox locker instead of your front door. It is also a good idea to remove all address labels from your cardboard boxes and keep the recycled cardboard out of sight.
Consider a garage door upgrade
If your garage door is older you may want to make sure that it is secure as it is one of the most interesting points of entry. A great feature for garage doors <a href="https://www.geniecompany.com/smart-garage-door-openers" target="_blank">is a Wi-Fi-connected opener </a>that will alert you every time your garage door has been opened. If you opt for Amazon garage delivery you can get a conversion kit that will give you a notification every time you are receiving a delivery from Amazon to ensure security with your packages.
For more <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">information on real estate in Columbus Ohio </a>including available real estate and help selling your Columbus home please contact us any time.
2023-02-22T15:56:35-07:002023-02-24T18:34:03-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:11680How to Make the Hygge Decor Trend Work in Your Columbus Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/How_to_Make_the_Hygge_Decor_Trend_Work_in_Your_Columbus_Home.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="How to Make the Hygge Decor Trend Work in Your Columbus Home" title="How to Make the Hygge Decor Trend Work in Your Columbus Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Hygge is a growing trend in the home decor world for the last couple of years and it does not seem likely to fade in the near future. More and more homeowners are looking to incorporate this trend into their homes. If you are a Colombus homeowner wondering how you can fit the Hygge trend into your home decor here is some helpful information and tips on bringing Hygge to your home decor.
What is Hygge Anyway?
Hygge, pronounced hoog-uh, is a term from the Danish culture. It is not so much a defined decor style as <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Scandinavia" target="_blank">it is a popular concept in Scandinavian Europe</a> that describes a sense of design aesthetic reaching all over the world, including in Columbus.
Hygge (hoog-uh) is often most easily explained as creating a cozy that brings feelings of comfort and joy in a moment. Hygge in its original concept can be anything that brings these feelings like an activity, an outfit, a description of how something felt in the moment or used to describe how a room in your home feels. Some call it a way of describing a system of contentment.
How to Bring Hygge to Your Columbus Home
Lighting
The right lighting can do wonders for a room. Lighting can set an overall tone and mood to an atmosphere. Soft lighting can bring in a better mood and make a room feel more comfortable as opposed to stark bright blue or white lighting. Bringing in light so that you can comfortably read a book or play a game can bring a sense of hygge. An easy way to produce this warmer feel in your lighting is to use lamps that have LED bulbs with a lower Kelvin.
Another a great way to bring a warm soft glow to the room as opposed to stark bright LED overhead lights is to use candles. You can add an extra level of comfort with scents that are warm and comforting like vanilla.
Fire Features
If you have a fireplace in your space this is a great way to create a comforting cozy atmosphere in your space. The best fireplace is, of course, a natural wood-burning one but even a gas-burning or electric one can bring in a waqrm glow to a space. If you have a fireplace there are also some great easy-to-install manufactured electric fireplaces that you can purchase and simply place in a room next to an electrical outlet.
Rugs
If you already have carpet or you have hard surface floors a rug can bring an extra level of softness and cozy feelings to any room. Removing shoes and enjoying a soft rug can help you get comfortable in a room quite easily. There's just something about a rug that reads instantly cozy.
Items that tell a story
One of the most essential ways to create warm and cozy feelings in your home is to surround yourself with things that are important to you. Bringing in items that remind you of stuff and tell a story to you can help you to feel more connected to your space. This can be a souvenir you picked up from a trip, a picture of you in one of your favorite spaces or with your favorite people, or even a fun special flea market find that you picked up at a great deal that has a past with previous owners.
Creating a scent scape
Previously mentioned above was scented candles. Often smells will bring good feelings instantly. Creating a scent scape in your space can invoke a great mood. You want to make sure that you are not bringing in an unpleasant smell as that will do the opposite. You can bring in any scent that you love or you could go all out and find a scent of something that brings back memories of your favorite things like the soap your grandma used to use.
There is reason the concept of hygge in home decor is so popular and has stuck around for a few years now. Who doesn't want to feel warm and cozy especially when they are enjoying their own home?
For more <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">information on real estate in Columbus</a> please contact us anytime.
2023-01-31T10:07:04-07:002023-01-31T19:21:13-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:11554Columbus Homeowners: Don't Ignore the Fifth Wall in Your Rooms, Decorate Them<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Columbus_Homeowners_Dont_Ignore_the_Fifth_Wall_in_Your_Rooms_Decorate_Them.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Columbus Homeowners: Dont' Ignore the Fifith Wall in Your Rooms, Decorate Them" title="Columbus Homeowners: Dont' Ignore the Fifith Wall in Your Rooms, Decorate Them" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When you <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/buyers/">purchase a brand new home in Columbus</a> you are probably excited to decorate and make the home all of your own. What many homeowners overlook is that every room has five walls, not four. The ceiling is the fifth wall and it is in most cases the largest. Making sure not to ignore the ceiling can bring a lot of style impact into a space.
Decorating the ceiling in your Columbus home may be all a room needs to bring it up to date. Giving some attention to a ceiling instead of leaving it to light fixtures and white paint is actually a current design trend. It could also be something that helps a Columbus homeowner add interest to their space when getting ready to sell their home.
Tips for decorating a fifth wall in your Columbus home
Consider color
Often we are told to stay neutral neutral neutral with our paint colors. But a current trend is adding just a splash of interesting bold color to the ceiling of your room. There's something about putting that color on the ceiling that makes it not feel overwhelming but stylish. Just as the bold pop of a focal wall had its moment now ceilings are getting their focal wall moment.
Bring in some architectural interest with molding
One of the easiest ways to make a space feel more luxurious is to add some architectural interest to your ceiling with some molding. Crown moldings as well as soffits or installations around a very decorative light fixture can help to add interest and art-like luxury to a room. You can save on costs by looking for medallions that are recycled from old homes or made of wood or plastic composite. Circles, floral designs, and other decorative scrawling are very popular for ceiling treatments. A coffered ceiling does a lot for adding luxury to a space like an office or a living room.
Consider metallics
A very easy way to <a href="https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ceilings/21018492/all-about-tin-ceilings" target="_blank">add some striking interest to a ceiling is to look at vintage pressed tin.</a> The metal ceiling gives a vintage vibe without being overly vintage. That could even bring a modern interest to a space that has minimalistic and clean lines throughout the rest of the room. There are many ways to add metallic elements to your ceiling you could even look for metallic paint. It could be as simple as finding fun roof tiles as well.
When it comes to designing a home with the most interest taking some time to think about the ceiling is a great idea. This brings a sense of luxury into a space instantly and gives a sense that the room was expertly executed in design.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">buying or selling a home in Columbus</a> please contact us anytime.2023-01-18T12:28:46-07:002023-01-18T14:24:53-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:11495The Importance of Painting Your Columbus Home Correctly<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/The_Importance_of_Painting_Your_Columbus_Home_Correctly.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="The Importance of Painting Your Columbus Home Correctly" title="The Importance of Painting Your Columbus Home Correctly" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When it comes to painting your home many Columbus homeowners and homeowners all over the planet think that it is as simple as buying a brush and transferring the paint from the bucket to the wall. But there is more to painting than just applying it to the surface. It is important for homeowners to properly paint with the correct technique so that they do not end up with a less-than-satisfactory result.
This is especially important if you are <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/" target="_blank">preparing your Columbus home to be ready for sale</a>. Research has shown that a fresh coat of paint can work wonders to prep your home and showcase it in its best light, but if it is done improperly it will be more of a turn-off than seen as an added benefit.
Here are the proper steps for painting your Columbus home
Having the right tools and material
When you are getting ready to paint you want to make sure that you are purchasing the right type of paint for the area of your home that you are painting as well as the proper tools to get the job done. You do not want to purchase the cheapest paint possible to save a couple of extra dollars. The best paint will not only last longer but will adhere better to the proper surface. For example, you do not want to purchase a flat finish paint that is not scrubbable for an area like a family kitchen. You also do not want to make the mistake of purchasing interior paint that comes at a lower price point for an exterior paint job. Interior paint is not made to withstand direct contact with whether elements and will not be a good choice for the outside of your home.
Make sure to prep the area
People often in a hurry well neglect to go through the preparation steps to get the surface ready for taking on a new coat of paint. You want to make sure that the paint is going to adhere to the surface and dry properly so that it looks fresh and amazing and not take a chance at it taking forever to dry and not drying with the desired result.
Depending on the condition of the surface of your painting you may need to sand or scrape if the paint is flaking away. You want to make sure that you wash the surface you are painting if it is a re-application of paint. If the surface is brand new construction you may not need the cleaning step. For the exterior of a home, this means that you want to pressure wash your surface being careful not to wash too vigorously and damage the surface of the wood siding.
If you have areas with large holes or dents you want to repair these as well to create a smooth even surface for your paint. You want your freshly painted surface to look brand new not like it was lipstick slapped on a pig.
It is always best to go with more than one coat
Depending on the color that is already on the surface you choose to paint and what color you plan to freshen it up with you may need to use a primer. Some people opt to just put paint on but <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/necessary-to-prime-before-painting-1821154" target="_blank">primer is always a great step </a>to ensure that your final paint color comes out the actual color on the paint chip that you picked up and fell in love with. Sometimes a tinted primer using a bit of the color of the final paint can help to get the best final result for your color.
It may be worth it to hire the pros
While painting is not rocket science, it can be very beneficial to hire a professional. Professionals do this for a living and as such know exactly the type of paint, the proper tools, and the right techniques to get the job done the way it needs to be. Painting can be done yourself but it may not turn out the best it can and it is also time-consuming. In some cases, you may be better off investing in the cost of paying a professional to get the job done for you. Especially if it is the exterior of the home which lends to the curb appeal of the property and has hard-to-reach spaces and areas.
When hiring a professional make sure to get several bids and ask plenty of questions to ensure that you will end up with the paint color you are hoping for and the end result that you want without paying an arm and a leg. Ask for examples of finished work and if it is possible to see any of their work in person. This will help you to get a feel for the actual contractor.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">preparing your Columbus home for sale </a>please contact us anytime.
2023-01-10T15:06:32-07:002023-01-12T19:57:28-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:11426Good New Year Resolutions for Columbus Homeowners<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Good_New_Year_Resolutions_for_Columbus_Homeowners.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Good New Year Resolutions for Columbus Homeowners" title="Good New Year Resolutions for Columbus Homeowners" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />The biggest investment that a majority of Columbus Ohio residents will make is the purchase of a home. Our homes are important. They keep us warm and safe, they provide space for us to re-energize and do all the things we love. They provide space for us to keep all of the things we need and love.
Taking great care of your Columbus area home is important. It is a great idea to create goals in the new year and one of the best kinds is a goal to help you take the best care of your largest investment, your home.
Here are Some Great New Year Resolutions to Make for Columbus Homeowners
Create a Savings Plan to Fund Maintenance, Repairs, and Updates
Owning a home comes with many costs far beyond paying the mortgage, utilities, and property taxes. Homes require general routine maintenance to keep them functioning properly. There is also the matter that <a href="https://www.republicfinance.com/blog/most-common-home-repair-emergencies" target="_blank">every home at some point will run into an unexpected emergency repair</a> of some kind. Then there is the need to update things as they age and get worn out or look old and tired.
Creating a savings account where you put money in little by little to afford the extra costs of owning a home is a great way to feel more confident about home ownership. It is advised that homeowners have between 1 and 3 percent of their home's current value saved in cash for these items.
Make a Maintenance Calendar
Every home should have all of the functioning systems and items within it proactively maintained on a routine basis throughout the year to help prevent emergency repairs as much as possible. The best way to be aware that something in the home should be checked out and maintained is to <a href="https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/home-maintenance-checklist/" target="_blank">create a maintenance schedule/calendar</a>. This can include items like cleaning the gutters, checking the heating system, caulking the windows, cleaning the windows, checking the crawlspace and attic, etc.
Take a Good Look at Your Home
To help you <a href="https://homerepairninja.com/what-home-repairs-should-i-start-with-first/" target="_blank">determine where you should start with your maintenance calendar </a>it is a good idea to walk through your property and assess it. If you have the ability you may even hire a professional handyman to walk through and give you an assessment of what needs some attention around your home. If you are doing the assessment on your own put on the fresh eyes and scrutinizing mindset of a homebuyer. Pretend you are walking through the home again for the first time with the intent to purchase it. What sticks out to you? What are you curious about and want to know if it is working in its best condition?
For more information on owning a home in Columbus including <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">available real estate in Columbus </a>please contact us any time. 2023-01-04T13:16:19-07:002023-01-04T20:09:43-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:11088Storage Tips To Help Maintain Food FreshnessIt’s easy to throw food straight into the fridge once you get home from the store. Foods left at room temperature may also call for special consideration. For example, onions and potatoes should be kept away from direct sunlight. Another tip is to refrain from putting room temp items — such as bananas, oranges, limes and grapefruit — inside sealed plastic bags. Instead, these should be stored in perforated bags to let them “breathe” and allow the ethylene gas they release to be dispersed. Follow these tips and others like them to help get the most out what you buy and reduce food waste.
Graphic created by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htm">The Container Store</a>. Contact Vision Realty for all <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/columbus-real-estate/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Columbus real estate</a> and <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/dayton/homes-for-sale/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Dayton Ohio Real Estate</a>. 2022-12-05T07:26:31-07:002022-12-05T07:29:14-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:11086Keep An Eye Out For These Warning Signs Of Home DamageOwning a home is a wonderful experience, but it certainly comes with challenges. One such challenge is handling emergency repairs when they pop up. Accounting for roughly 51.4% of annual home repair costs, these unanticipated renovations can add up quickly if the problem was left for too long and the damage spread. While some unexpected restorations may seem to come out of nowhere, there could have been warning signs along the way.
Below are a few subtle indications of damage that homeowners should keep an eye on before they lead to potentially major concerns. For examples of home damage warning signs, please see the accompanying resource.
Graphic created by <a target="_blank" href="https://guidedsolutions.com/">Guided Solutions</a>. Contact Vision Realty for all <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/columbus-real-estate/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Columbus real estate</a> and <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/dayton/homes-for-sale/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Dayton Ohio Real Estate</a>.
2022-12-05T07:15:38-07:002022-12-05T07:17:43-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:11041Tips for Making a Home Warm and Cozy in the Winter<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Tips_for_Making_a_Home_Warm_and_Cozy_in_the_Winter.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="Tips for Making a Home Warm and Cozy in the Winter" title="Tips for Making a Home Warm and Cozy in the Winter" style="margin: 11px; float: right;" />There is nothing quite like returning to the warmth of your home after a long day in the winter when you live in a colder climate like here in Columbus. There is something so inviting, relaxing, and soothing about getting cozy in your own home on a chilly night.
Here Are Some Tips to Make Your Home Feel Warm and Cozy in Winter
Winter Bedding
Get a more relaxing sleep with comfortable and warm bedding meant for chillier nights. Create a cozy hotel-style feel by layering blankets and comforters. Having a top sheet, quilt, and comforter will allow you to adjust to the temperature and the amount of extra warmth needed.
Flannel sheets can also help to keep a bed warmer by allowing body heat to stay with you in the bed. There is something to be said about comfortable sheets. The more comfortable you are the better your sleep.
Lighting Makes a Difference
Daylight is in a much lower supply during the winter. Bringing in warmer shades of lighting inside the home can help to combat what feels like a dreary dark and cold outside. Candles are also a way to bring in a warm and comforting glow.
Invest in Several Blankets for all the Rooms
Throw blankets are an easy way to get a bit warmer when chilly instead of turning up the thermostat. They can also bring in color and texture to a space. Drape them over a chair or the couch, pile them in a basket or lay them at the end of a bed.
Make Sure the Heating System is Tuned Up and Ready to Go
Your heating system is going to be working harder this time of year. it is always a good idea to keep up on the maintenance with a <a href="https://www.hvacsoftware.com/blog/hvac-tune-up-checklist/" target="_blank">tune-up</a> right before winter and another one before summer when the cooling system needs to be used. The best way to make sure your system is working but not working harder than it should be is with routine care.
Window Coverings Help Too
Since it gets dark earlier there is not much of a need to keep the window coverings open. Investing in quality coverings can act as an extra layer of insulation that will keep the heat inside your home instead of finding a way out through the windows. Thick curtains in a cozy material are a great choice.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">purchasing a home in Columbus </a>or surrounding areas please contact us any time. 2022-11-29T16:12:58-07:002022-12-02T20:45:58-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:10917Maintaining a Brick Home with Tuckpointing<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Maintaining_a_Brick_Home_with_Tuckpointing.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Maintaining a Brick Home with Tuckpointing" title="Maintaining a Brick Home with Tuckpointing" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Brick homes and homes that have brick elements like a chimney, wall, or outside decorative details can last for a very long time. In fact, when cared for properly brick homes can well outlast several generations of homeowners.
Bricks are not completely indestructible, however. They are susceptible to moisture and other damage brought on by the weather. There are some things a homeowner can do to maintain their brick home or brick details. One method is tuckpointing.
What is Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is a process of removing and repairing tired or worn mortar joints in between bricks. Most often mortar joints become worn out with structural stress and constant exposure to harsh conditions.
Tuckpointing not only brings a more pleasing look to the mortar joints between the brick it also helps to bring back some structural integrity to a brick structure. It can prevent walls from becoming weak and restore a better seal for repelling moisture.
When Should Someone Do Tuckpointing?
The method of tuckpointing works best as preventive maintenance. There are some signs to look out for that will tell you when it is a good time to do tuckpointing. These signs include cracked, broken, or missing areas of mortar. if the bricks themselves are cracked or crumbling this deserves immediate attention.
When the mortar is used properly it will not need to be replaced for about 30 years depending upon the weather and exposure to elements. Water absorbed by brick and mortar causes expansion.
Is Tuckpointing a DIY Job?
Some tuckpointing projects can be fairly simple and managed by any homeowner with a little bit of learning. Make sure to look up <a href="https://www.bobvila.com/articles/tuckpointing/" target="_blank">how to tuckpoint properly</a> to discover the proper tools and techniques needed for the job. Often it can be pretty straightforward and done just as easily as other routine maintenance around the home.
When You Need Professional Help
Some tuckpointing jobs may be larger than the everyday person should handle. Such as in the case of a complete brick needing repair, especially if the brick is on an exterior wall of the home.
When hiring professional help make sure to ask specific questions about a contractor or mason's experience with tuckpointing. Also, ask them about their ability and method of matching the new mortar color to the existing one. You do not want two different colors of mortar.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">real estate in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us any time.
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<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/should-you-use-peel-and-stick-tile-to-save-money-on-renovations/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Should You Use Peel and Stick Tile to Save Money on Renovations?</a>
2022-11-15T16:09:00-07:002022-11-17T15:17:38-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:10852Easy Ways to Organize Your Home Closets<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Easy_Ways_to_Organize_Your_Home_Closets.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="Easy Ways to Organize Your Home Closets" title="Easy Ways to Organize Your Home Closets" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Keeping a closet tidy and neat can seem like a never-ending job. It may be that you need more storage space, but if you have nowhere to extend your closets to you are subject to making the space you have work for you.
With a great <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/sb0/closet-systems-c1833181.html" target="_blank">organizational system</a>, you may realize you actually have more space than you thought. Here are some easy ways to get your closet organized and have it working better for you.
Declutter
The first step to making sure your closet is organized and working for you is to get rid of anything that is not used and just taking up space that is valuable. If you are organizing a clothing closet for example it is a good idea to consider tossing out anything that you have not worn in the last couple of months depending upon the weather season you are in.
Decide what your closet really needs out of an organization system
It's fun to watch professional organizers on tv go through a closet and make it look amazing and functional, but trying to put those exact plans into your space may not be what you need.
You want to make sure that you are making your closet work for your specific needs. In some closets, this may mean more shelving, and in others, it may mean more space for hanging items up.
Sort items by type
The most organized of closets have a place for everything and everything in its place. The easiest way to do this is to keep the same type of items together in a section of the closet. This makes it easy to find what you are looking for when you need it by just going to the specific section of the closet for that item.
Maximize every square inch
Are you using every bit of space possible in your closet? Often this will be open spaces above or below your hanging clothes. If there is a shelf above your hanging rack see if more organization could be set on that shelf to utilize the empty space often left at the top of the wall. For example, you may be able to put in some extra bins to create more than one shelf and be able to store more items.
Add Lighting
A dark closet is hard to navigate and makes it very tempting to just throw things in haphazardly. A well-lit closet where you can see how everything functions and where everything belongs encourages you to put things back in their proper place and keep them organized.
Organized closets are a huge attraction to homebuyers
If you are hoping to sell your home one of the ways you can spruce up your home and make it more attractive when buyers come to look at it is with organized closet space. While it may not add $10,000 to an offer made on your home it can give you that winning edge over comparable homes in your area. A closet that is well organized helps to communicate that the home has plenty of storage and will help make the buyer's life that much easier. It is a great extra detail that helps add interest to your home
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">selling a home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.2022-11-09T17:30:39-07:002022-11-12T12:42:41-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:10782Save Money on a Kitchen Renovation by Giving Your Cabinets a Facelift<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Save_Money_on_a_Kitchen_Renovation_by_Giving_Your_Cabinets_a_Facelift.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Save Money on a Kitchen Renovation by Giving Your Cabinets a Facelift" title="Save Money on a Kitchen Renovation by Giving Your Cabinets a Facelift" style="margin: 11px; float: right;" />As buying a home gets more expensive more homeowners are considering the option of remodeling their existing home. But remodeling can be pricey as well. <a href="https://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/how-sq-ft-calculated/" target="_blank">Knowing the square footage</a> of a room like a kitchen can give you a rough estimate of the cost involved in a whole house renovation. But a complete overhaul of a kitchen may not be in many homeowners' budgets but there are some ways that you can give your kitchen a facelift without breaking the bank. One of the largest expenses in a kitchen remodel is replacing the cabinets, but what if you don't have to?
Here are some ways to make over your kitchen cabinets without replacing them
Reface the cabinets
Simply <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/cabinet-refacing-demystified-1822044" target="_blank">refacing cabinets</a> can give them an entirely new look and feel without tearing out the entire old cabinet structure. Refacing cabinets is simply removing the front like the doors or the drawer fronts and either replacing them completely or giving them a new look.
This can be done with paint, stain, veneer, or even placing items like laminate or peel-and-stick materials to the front. If your cabinets are in relatively good shape this is a much more cost-friendly option.
Simply paint them a new color
It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to bring cabinets back to life. It can take some time to sand down and prep for new paint as well as go through the actual painting process but once you are done you'll feel like you have a whole new kitchen.
More: <a href="https://aainstallllc.com/projects/peel-backsplash/" target="_blank">The Pros and Cons of Peel and Stick Backsplash</a>
Add new hardware
If you have a classic and simple set of cabinets that is in good shape sometimes all they need is a refresh with new drawer pulls and cabinet knobs. If you have cabinets without these items adding these may give them a brand-new luxe look you never realized.
Give the inside a refresh
If you are in your kitchen often you are constantly looking at the insides of the cabinets and they are just as important as the outer portion. There are several great ways that you can give the inside of the cabinets a makeover to help them work more efficiently and look better. You can do things such as adding organizational racks or dividers in drawers as well as getting the inside a fresh coat of paint or placing some fresh shelf paper.
When it comes to remodeling giving attention to your kitchen is always a smart choice as it can not only help you feel better about your home it can help add some value to it if you decide to sell one day.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">real estate in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.
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2022-11-02T18:23:05-07:002022-11-07T11:10:28-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:10680Helpful Tips to Retain A Higher Home Value<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Helpful_Tips_to_Retain_A_Higher_Home_Value.jpg" width="440" height="369" alt="Helpful Tips to Retain A Higher Home Value" title="Helpful Tips to Retain A Higher Home Value" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />The value of your home matters especially when it is time to sell and in situations where your net wealth is determined. Some homeowners are currently concerned that their homes may have the potential to lose value with the recent gamut of real estate headlines.
It is always good to have a reliable general idea of what your home value is. There are also some things you can do to help your home retain a higher value in any real estate market.
Factors that contribute to property value
The fair market value of a home is the price someone would be willing to pay at that specific point in time. The appraised value is something different from the market value and is considered a snapshot of a home's value at that specific moment.
Almost every detail about a property can help to contribute to its overall value and there are some areas that play a heavier contribution than others. For in-depth information on the value of your home and what factors into it, you can look at this <a href="https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/the-guide-to-understanding-your-home-value" target="_blank">guide to understanding home value</a>.
Some of the largest contributing factors to calculating home value include the condition of the home both inside and out, the size of the home especially compared to others in the neighborhood, any design features that make it more appealing or less desirable, and its location.
Should homeowners be concerned with their home losing value?
It is a valid concern to wonder if your home will lose value over the next year or so as you read through real estate headlines. After seeing two years of large and quick home value increases the market is beginning to slow down. Currently, homes are seeing a slight increase in days on market and a slight cool down in the pace of market value increase.
The main thing to remember is to make sure you are coming at what is happening in the real estate market with the right perspective. There are things that are slowing down but this does not mean that things are worse or more concerning right now. And the ultimate best way to get a handle on what is happening locally that will impact your home's value is to talk to a trusted local real estate agent.
Things homeowners can do to help a home retain top value
While home value is definitely driven by the current <a href="https://www.fortunebuilders.com/real-estate-map/" target="_blank">real estate market conditions</a> and the location of a home there are several things you can do as a homeowner to help your home retain its best possible property value in any market.
Keep kitchens and bathrooms current
When it comes to selling a home the rooms that are most anticipated and scrutinized are the bathrooms and the kitchen. When those rooms are out of date or poorly maintained it can cause buyers to move on to the next property very quickly. Making sure these areas of your home are in good working condition and not tired or outdated will have a huge impact on home value.
Curb appeal
Any product's packaging is an important selling factor for the item. In the same way, the outside look of a home is like the packaging of a product. When a home looks well-kept and clean and up-to-date on the outside it becomes more desirable when it is time to sell. Homes that are more desirable sell at the top end of market value as research has shown time and time again. Make sure that your exterior paint is fresh and that your landscaping is well taken care of. How your home looks compared to the rest of the homes on your street is also important.
Stay on top of the major systems
The major functioning systems of a home structure that help it to be a livable and safe place to be are hugely important to its value. These are items like a heating and cooling system, electrical, and plumbing. Taking care of these systems may not be fun or glamorous as far as other areas of homeownership but making sure that these items are well-maintained is key to retaining much of your home's value.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">real estate in Columbus Ohio</a> including your property's current fair market value and the items that impact it please contact us anytime.
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2022-10-25T09:34:32-07:002022-10-26T11:08:30-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:10550Tips for Incorporating the Vintage Design Trend in Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Tips_for_Incorporating_the_Vintage_Design_Trend_in_Your_Home.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Tips for Incorporating the Vintage Design Trend in Your Home" title="Tips for Incorporating the Vintage Design Trend in Your Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When it comes to home decor and design trends they come and go. Much like fashion they are cyclical and come back around over time. Currently, we are seeing a resurgence in the trendiness of vintage items for home decor.
There are some classic and useful design trends that will always be in style, such as an open floor plan or a bright white kitchen. But currently what is topping the house design trend list is an appreciation for things that were once loved from a bygone era.
What was once old is now trending again
The term antique is most often used to describe items that are over 100 years old. In the design world, the term vintage is used in a much looser way to describe something that may be used or older with a shorter trend lifecycle. Some designers say that it is most often a term used to describe design elements third are about 40 years old.
During the pandemic, we saw many supply chain issues and some believe that this has driven the trend toward vintage furnishings and decor within homes. Not only is the trend fun to revive things that are nostalgic or once felt comforting it is also good for the environment to upcycle something and use it in a new and unique way. It also adds more interest to a home with the ability to find something you won't find in somebody else's.
Tips for adding vintage decor to your home
Start with simple and small elements
You don't have to go all out and start scouring secondhand stores to completely make over everything in your home. You can bring some cool and interesting vintage elements into your home with smaller pieces.
These pieces can be something as simple as a picture frame that has some design interest carved into it. You could also opt to hang up a vintage mirror as mirrors are always useful in any room to help make them feel bigger and reflect light back into space. Something as simple as taking a doorknob or some cabinet hardware and switching it out for something more intricate that you found at a salvage yard is a great way to go as well.
Find ways to highlight a home's vintage architectural elements
Some older homes have vintage charm built right into them that you could showcase and benefit from. Maybe you have something like casement windows or herringbone floors. Both of these items were popular in the 70s and have now made a resurgence. You may have some old design elements that are now cool again that you could restore back to life and make your home feel current and at the peak of current trends.
Keep in mind home resale value
Lately incorporating vintage elements in your design efforts to stage your home and get it ready for sale has shown promising and appealing to buyers. You want to make sure that your home however does not look like an old garage sale. You want to create a look but not make it into a theme. Just incorporating some vintage items that are highly trendy can help to make a home feel current and desirable to buyers walking through.
This can be something as simple as using a wall in a powder room as a focal accent with a large print "grandma" "<a href="https://www.thespruce.com/cottagecore-design-style-5095952" target="_blank">cottage core</a>" wallpaper. Or something even more simple. like bringing in a velvet sofa in the living room.
For more information on buying or <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">selling a home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.
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2022-10-11T16:14:00-07:002022-10-11T17:58:45-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:10455Smart Primary Bedroom Renovations for Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Smart_Primary_Bedroom_Renovations_for_Your_Home.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Smart Primary Bedroom Renovations for Your Home" title="Smart Primary Bedroom Renovations for Your Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Though the primary bedroom is a major focus of almost everyone when they go to purchase a home it is often the last place a homeowner considers renovating when updating and making improvements.
Making just a few smart changes to your primary bedroom whether they be small improvements or a large redesign can take an average everyday bedroom and turn it into a place to recharge and rest which will not only impact the usefulness of your home but the quality of a homeowner's daily life.
A primary bedroom should be a place that truly serves the homeowner. One that can help them to unwind at the end of a long busy day and rejuvenate in preparation for the next. Not only will this have the home better serving the homeowner it could bring you more money if you decide to sell in the future.
Here are some smart primary bedroom renovations to make in your home
The en suite
A large number of homes have primary bedrooms with an attached private bathroom. But there are still many older homes or homes with smaller square footage that do not have a private en suite area dedicated for the use of the occupants of the primary bedroom.
If your primary bedroom does not have an en suite it is well worth making this large investment to create one. Having a private bathroom attached to your bedroom with a spa-like feel makes the space feel even more relaxing and special. It also greatly increases the value of the home as several home buyers will forgo purchasing a home that does not have a primary bedroom with an attached private bathroom. And when it comes to this private bathroom the more spa-like the better.
The closet
Creating more closet space in the form of a walk-in closet or just simply inserting a closet organization system will go a long way to make your room function and work for you. The most desirable of primary bedrooms have a walk-in closet with a bit of room for dressing. Having plenty of space in the closet allows for decluttering which we can all agree helps the bedroom to feel more relaxed.
Just make sure you are not taking square footage out of your bedroom that would make the space feel cramped just to fit in a walk-in closet. If you do not have the ability to create a walk-in closet at least creating a smart organizational system within the closet is a great idea to have your closet work for you instead of feeling chaotic and stressed by shoving in all the clutter.
Energy-efficient items
When it comes to the bedroom we don't often think of using energy-efficient construction items. But it is on the forefront of more people's minds especially when it comes to the private bathroom. There are many great items that can be used that are constructed from sustainable materials. This can include flooring made out of cork or bamboo as well as tiles made from recycled glass. And of course, there are always energy-efficient windows.
Don't forget the ceiling
Ceilings are a huge surface space that many people often don't spend much time thinking about. Creating a big design element in the ceiling can bring a bedroom from an ordinary space to an extraordinary and luxurious space. Simply adding some faux wood beams or an updated art-like lighting fixture will do the trick.
Bring some texture to the walls
Paneling in all different kinds is making a comeback. Not only does it add some visual interest it gives a feeling of luxury to a space. An added bonus to installing <a href="https://foyr.com/learn/best-wall-paneling-ideas/" target="_blank">decorative paneling</a> to a wall can be an added level of noise control which is very beneficial in a bedroom where you just want some quiet.
Considering color
Re-painting a room can make it feel like a completely different space with a different overall style and mood. You could choose a calming color like pale blue, gray or green which is very popular right now. Or you could choose the option of a darker color that creates more intimacy in the space and helps to make the room darker at night giving help to deeper sleep. The nice thing about paint is it does not cost a ton of money and can be easily changed out if needed when it is time to sell.
For more information on buying or <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">selling a home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.
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2022-10-04T06:36:00-07:002022-10-10T07:56:15-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:10175Great Flooring Ideas for Your Home that Aren't Hardwood<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Great_Flooring_Ideas_for_Your_Home_that_Arent_Hardwood.jpg" width="440" height="369" alt="Great Flooring Ideas for Your Home that Aren't Hardwood" title="Great Flooring Ideas for Your Home that Aren't Hardwood" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Choosing new flooring for your home is no small feat. This is one of the largest finishes within your home. Not only is it one of the largest but it needs to be one of the sturdiest as it is underfoot and takes a good beating. You want it to last for years as well as look great and provide comfort and style within your home for many years to come.
Tips for Picking New Flooring for Your House
Time and time again and if you watch any home makeover show out there you have probably heard that hardwood is the best type of flooring. But what if you are just not into hardwood? Or maybe you don't want to invest in the cost of hardwood? According to many design professionals, if you're hoping to find flooring that is reliable and sturdy but not hardwood you want to make sure you are finding something you will be able to live with and love for the long haul.
Replacing your flooring with any type of material even if it is on the more budget-friendly end is still a costly experience and as such you do not want to have to do it again in a couple of years. Make sure you are considering the longevity of the flooring product you are choosing and that it is something that you really will enjoy looking at for many years to come.
Luxury Vinyl
If you would like the look of natural hardwood but are not able to pay the costs, choosing a <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/plank-vinyl-for-self-install-floor-covering-1821633" target="_blank">luxury vinyl plank</a> is a very popular alternative option. There are some very high-quality vinyl flooring products out there that are even waterproof which gives it a much bigger bonus over its hardwood counterpart. Another plus of choosing luxury vinyl planks is that it comes in many different finishes. Some very high-end luxury vinyl flooring is hard to tell the difference from actual hardwood.
Ceramic Tiles
Tile is a great alternative to any type of flooring as it can also last a very long time. When a tile floor is installed properly and cared for with the right maintenance it can last anywhere from 75 to 100 years which is about the same as a hardwood floor for just a fraction of the cost. What is nice is there are some ceramic tiles that are made to look like wood flooring. When it comes to the options with ceramic tile floors it is almost endless with the color and pattern choices as well as the shape of the tile.
One thing to remember is that tile does come with grout lines and grout lines need to be maintained. Grout lines should be cleaned properly and will need deep cleaning as well as re-sealing periodically depending upon the use of the floor.
Cork Flooring
Cork has grown in popularity for floor coverings in the last few years. It is a good hard surface floor alternative made from the bark of trees that are harvested in a sustainable way to be more environmentally friendly. It can't be more costly than other hardwood alternatives but can create a very comfortable surface to walk across as well as a green flooring alternative option.
Cork flooring is easy to maintain but is also a soft material that does not have the same lifespan as ceramic tile.
No matter the flooring type you choose it is good to remember the purpose of the room it will be going into. You want the flooring in your room to make sense for the usage of the room. For example, you would not put a floor that has trouble with large amounts of water in a kitchen or a bathroom. You also don't want slippery surface flooring in areas like a stairway.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">purchasing a home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.
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2022-09-06T08:15:00-07:002022-09-06T14:22:33-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:10124Tips for Setting Up a Home Office<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Tips_for_Setting_Up_a_Home_Office.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Tips for Setting Up a Home Office" title="Tips for Setting Up a Home Office" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Even before the pandemic more and more Americans began to do some form of <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-telecommuting-2062113" target="_blank">telecommuting</a> work. Since the pandemic caused us to stay inside our homes for various amounts of time, almost all workers across the country became telecommuters.
There are still several more Americans working from home either full or part-time since the giant shift in office operations to give some distancing began. Many American workers are finding a home office space more valuable than they did before.
Here are Some Tips to Set Up an Office In Your Home
Adjusting Your Office Space for Videoconferencing
As more people shifted to working from home since 2020 video conferencing became a daily thing. Most people use the platform <a href="https://pwa.zoom.us/wc/" target="_blank">Zoom</a> to be able to communicate with their workers while safely distancing. With the memory of conducting zoom for pretty much everything came plenty of hilarious moments shared through viral videos on social media of uh-oh moments happening in the background.
A need for a quiet space that allowed uninterrupted time with a professional background quickly became very important. And today this is one of the first things considered when designing a home office for a majority of telecommuters.
Many temporary office spaces and shared rooms with housemates quickly became inefficient when meeting to conduct a business call. To set up an office so that it is ready to go for any zoom meeting planned or unplanned consider picking a plain wall to bring a simple background that is not distracting and will not have you worried about what your coworkers or customers are thinking.
Updating technology in your home
Working from home now also requires much more dependence on technology. Working constantly and maybe even from several different devices at once means having up-to-date devices and a strong Internet connection with a good speed to help you to be able to complete the tasks ahead of you. In addition you want to make sure that your screen is large enough to be able to look at for several hours and be able to access all of the windows and apps you need to at the same time.
Upgrading Furniture
When people first started working from home they made a temporary quick set up in an area like a corner of the kitchen table. While this worked for the first couple of weeks it can be increasingly difficult to work from a sturdier dining room chair and table than from an actual desk and comfortable desk chair. You want to make sure that you have furniture that can help you to want to be in your workspace for the time that your work requires.
Make sure there's plenty of light
To set up a workspace for success you want to make sure you have plenty of light either natural or through light fixtures. Of course the best light is always natural. Having an office with a window is a great asset not just for the natural light but to help you feel like you are not shut into a cave.
For some people being able to be in natural light and large windows help to energize them and elevate their mood. Getting a good dose of sunshine helps a lot of people to stay motivated and happier throughout their work day.
Separate your office from non-working areas
It is important to keep your place of work separate from other nonworking places in your home. Many people settle for using their laptop anywhere in the house to be able to get their work done. But if you work full-time from home it is a great idea to be able to have a space where you keep work separate from the rest of your home life. If you do not have enough space to make your office a complete separate room at least separating it into a corner or nook and setting up items like room dividers can help you to continue to maintain that separation between work and other home life.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com" target="_blank">purchasing a home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.
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2022-08-31T18:46:00-07:002022-09-01T19:50:32-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:9997Smart Home Renovation Plans During a Recession<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Smart_Home_Renovation_Plans_During_a_Recession.jpg" width="440" height="369" alt="Smart Home Renovation Plans During a Recession" title="Smart Home Renovation Plans During a Recession" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />With an increase in prices across several markets, some homeowners thinking of renovating their homes are wondering if now is a good time to do so and if renovations are a good use of money.
Is Right Now a Good Time to Renovate a Home?
The answer is yes it can still be a good time to invest in home improvements. You want to make sure that the improvements you place your money in will be cohesive with whether you plan to stay in your home for a few years or hope to sell it in the near future. You want to make your home work for your current needs but also pick projects that can add value to your home if you plan to sell.
Home renovations that can add value without costing an arm and a leg
Typically when we think of home renovations that can add the largest amount of value to your home our mind turns to the kitchen and bathrooms. These are areas that can increase home value and desirability for buyers but they can cost quite a bit. There are some smaller projects that can bring a big payoff to your home as well.
In <a href="https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2022/" target="_blank">Remodeling Magazine's 2022 Cost versus Value Report</a>, they shared a list of projects with the best return on investment. Replacing your garage door was at the top of the list. Also at the top of the list is a secure steel front entry door.
If you are undergoing renovations in hopes to sell your home quickly and for the highest price focusing on curb appeal is a great way to bring added value to the home without spending a large sum of money. This can include items like painting the front door an inviting color and adding new colorful plants next to the door or simply replacing your house numbers and porch light to make things more welcoming.
Other improvements you can make to your home to attract potential buyers without spending a large sum of money can include painting the walls a bright white, removing carpeting and refinishing hard surface floors underneath, updating bathroom fixtures like the faucets, updating lighting fixtures, and re-grouting the bathroom.
Small upgrades can make a big impact
It may not seem like tiny improvements in a space can make a difference when selling your home but it can actually go a long way. Just updating cabinet and drawer pulls in the kitchen can actually do quite a bit. It makes the area feel like it has been taken care of and freshened up and this speaks volumes to a potential buyer.
Making Home Improvements in a Slower Economy
There are certainly ups and downs in the economy as time rolls on. What numbers have shown is that home renovations continue through it all. Some homeowners may decide to scale back on their projects during leaner times, but projects continue.
Prices have increased significantly over the last few years for materials and labor, but there are still ways to make improvements to your home without overspending while still adding significant value. Sometimes the simple things can actually make a huge impact.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">purchasing a home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us any time.
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2022-08-23T08:44:00-07:002022-08-23T19:25:16-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:9773Air Conditioning Alternatives for the Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Air_Conditioning_Alternatives_for_the_Home.jpg" width="440" height="369" alt="Air Conditioning Alternatives for the Home" title="Air Conditioning Alternatives for the Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Summer can get miserable at the height of the season. It can make the air inside our homes increasingly uncomfortable to live in. This is why many homeowners ask themselves if they should consider purchasing some sort of air conditioning system. Of course, the most comfortable would be to install a <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/central-air-conditioning" target="_blank">centralized air conditioner</a> but in some homes, this is not always the best and most cost-effective option.
How central air conditioning works
With central air conditioning through a traditional HVAC system, most people recognize a large box unit that sits somewhere on the exterior of a home. This unit transfers hot air from inside a home to the outside while also cooling air with refrigerant and releasing it through vents into each room.
A central air conditioning system’s efficiency depends upon its age and if the system receives regularly scheduled maintenance and air filter changes. Air conditioners cost homeowners a collective $29 billion per year in upkeep according to the department of energy.
Other types of air conditioning units
Ductless air conditioning
Installing ductwork between walls is not always an option in some homes. The less invasive way to bring an air conditioning unit into a home is with a ductless system. It can also be called a mini split system. This type of system includes a condenser unit outside the home similar to refrigerated air conditioning but much smaller. Connected to the condenser are small units that run in each room attached to the wall.
The advantage of a ductless conditioner is that it gives you the ability to adjust the temperature room by room. The downside is that the more rooms you need to cool the more it will cost because each room needs its own unit.
Window Unit air conditioner
The window unit is the most recognized alternative to a traditional central air conditioner in a home. This type of air conditioner cools one single room. The advantage of a portable window air conditioning unit is that it can be a fast and effective way to cool a room. Once the unit is purchased all you need is a window and an electrical outlet.
The downside to a window unit is whether it is installed in a window or you are able to let it sit on the floor these units must release exhaust outside to keep the inhabitants of the home safe. This is why most people prop their units up in the window. If you do not have a window and an exhaust hose needs to be positioned in the opening of the window which is not always easy or convenient.
Swamp Cooler
Is also called an evaporative cooler. It is most often used in dry climates. This system uses a fan and a water-soaked sponge or a pad as air is blown by the fan through the pad allowing the water-cooled air to blow into the room. This still requires you to crack a window to allow hot air to escape as cool air comes in. The advantage of the system is that it is small and uses just a little water and is much less of an impact on energy bills.
The disadvantage to this system is that it is only effective in areas where humidity is low as often the system is installed on the roof of a home. The more humid the air the less effective this system is going to be.
Attic fan
This is very similar to a swamp cooler but it avoids humidity limitation and is great when the weather is warm but not overly hot. This works by circulating air and pushing stuffy warm air out of the house and providing a consistent breeze inside the home. If you have proper attic vents the fan can be reversed to pull in cooler air through the home when windows are open and expel the hot air out of the vents.
In areas where it does not get insanely warm, this can be huge cost savings as compared to running an air conditioner. The downside is that without a cooling agent the fan will not be incredibly helpful when temperatures are above 80°.
Simple household fan
This is probably one of the simplest and cheapest alternatives to having an air conditioning system. A fan works by plugging it in and increasing air circulation throughout the room. The advantage of a simple fan is that it is cheap and can be found in pretty much any store. Fans that sit low to the ground and that tilt upward may be the most effective for pushing cold air around the room as cold air tends to stay at lower points.
The disadvantage is that a fan does not technically take warm air and make it colder. In more humid climates a mister or evaporative cooling fan may seem helpful but they only make a room more humid.
For information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/">available homes in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.
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2022-07-29T09:10:00-07:002022-08-03T16:08:56-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:9771What is a Broker Price Opinion?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/What_is_a_Broker_Price_Opinion.jpg" width="440" height="369" alt="What is a Broker Price Opinion?" title="What is a Broker Price Opinion?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />A broker price opinion is a way of assessing a home’s current value. In some cases when a homeowner is looking to cancel private mortgage insurance a broker price opinion can be very useful. If a homeowner is behind on mortgage payments the lender might request a broker price opinion without informing the homeowner. A lender could also use this tool in the case of foreclosure or other hardship situations.
The details of a broker price opinion
This is an estimate of a home’s potential sale price given by a real estate professional. A broker bases their price assessment on a few different details of the property including its condition, current features, age, and other contributing outside factors such as the neighborhood and current local market conditions. They might also use comps also known as comparable sales of properties in the area.
The two types of broker price opinion
To come to a price opinion conclusion brokers may use a couple of different methods. One method is an external or drive-by BPO. This is when a real estate professional comes to the property and looks at it from the outside and bases their opinion on the home’s exterior and basic data, they find available through public property records and the multiple listing service.
Another method of coming by a broker’s price opinion is the internal or full BPO. This is a more detailed and thorough evaluation taking into account both the interior and exterior of the home. The broker gains access to the physical inside of the home and takes pictures as well as observes in person any damage or neglect or recent changes to the property.
When are broker price opinions used?
A BPO is used most often by a mortgage lender. A lender typically uses a BPO when a borrower is behind on their payments for a property. They will ask a real estate professional to give a BPO to get an idea of the property’s value in comparison to the outstanding balance on the current mortgage. This helps the lender to determine the best path forward in receiving monies owed.
A lender might also order a BPO when a homeowner has applied for a home equity line of credit or a loan modification.
Homeowners or consumers can request a BPO as well. Most often it is used to help settle issues like divorce or <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/sellers/selling-home/">selling a family member’s estate</a> to help determine what a property could be sold for. It is also used in the case of helping to cancel private mortgage insurance by receiving a professional assessment of the home’s value to prove the insurance no longer needs to be carried.
How is a broker price opinion different from an appraisal?
Both a broker price opinion and an appraisal are a strategy for obtaining a home’s current value but they are quite different. One of the most significant differences in the cost to have each performed. A professional appraisal can cost anywhere from $300-$450 whereas a broker price opinion may cost about half of that. Appraisals also take longer as compared to a broker price opinion.
Appraisals cost more because they require a longer time for an official appraiser to conduct their assessment of a property. A professional appraiser will assess many more aspects of a home to give a more detailed insight into the fair market value of a property.
For more information on purchasing or <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/">selling a home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.
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2022-07-29T08:56:00-07:002022-07-29T12:07:39-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:9718Investing Wisely: Backyard Renovations & UpgradesOne upgrade a homeowner might love for themselves but may not pay off is an outdoor kitchen. While rising in popularity in some areas, creating a backyard galley to dine alfresco with the family comes at a cost. HomeAdvisor reports a starting price around $2,700 but can add up to $16,000. Whether this fun and functional addition is worth the investment depends on if the total value is justified by your expenditures.
Making the space your own can be an enjoyable adventure worth undertaking. However, before jumping in on the DIY home improvement game, be sure to research the best strategies to boost your home’s value. For more examples of costly backyard mistakes, please see the accompanying resource.
Graphic created by <a target="_blank" href="https://pooltroopers.com/">Pool Troopers</a>.2022-07-25T08:35:00-07:002022-07-25T10:36:41-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:9419Is a Home Generator a Good Investment?If you have ever been through a significant power outage you may know the value of having a generator. A loss of power for an extended amount of time can cause some unfortunate things to happen within the home.
If you are wondering if it would be wise to invest in a generator that could power your home in the event of another significant outage here are some things to consider:<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/house_generator.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="If you are wondering if it would be wise to invest in a generator that could power your home in the event of another significant outage here are some things to consider" title="If you are wondering if it would be wise to invest in a generator that could power your home in the event of another significant outage here are some things to consider" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Types of Home Generators
Generators fall into four main categories.
Portable Power Stations
These can also be called solar generators they are power stations that draw energy from cells that collect solar power through the sun. This type of generator is powered by a battery.
Portable generator
Is the most standard and commonly used generator for various different power needs including powering a home during an outage. This type of generator runs on gasoline like the stuff you put in your car, diesel, or natural gas. It is important to be careful with this type of generator as it can emit harmful fumes and accidents may occur if it is set up too close to the home.
Inverter generator
Instead of relying on gas this type of generator uses an alternating current to produce electricity. This is then inverted to a direct current and inverted back again to an alternating current. This generator is considered to have a lesser impact on the environment and is much quieter as compared to a gas-powered portable generator.
Home Standby generator
This is the top-level cost option for generators but automatically kicks in as soon as the power goes out. It is the most convenient and easy to use when the power is down in your home.
The general cost of home generators
A generator can range anywhere from $200-$20,000 depending on the model and type you purchase. The average cost to purchase and have a generator installed (meaning hooked up into a system ready to power your home when the main grid goes out) could cost anywhere from $10,000-$20,000. Some experts say that the cost mostly depends on the wattage output you will need for your home. To give an example a typical three-bedroom home with an average electrical system might be able to run with a 6000 W generator.
How to decide on which generator to purchase
There is a large expanse in the price range for generators and as such, it may feel overwhelming to choose one that is right for your home without blowing your budget. The first question you want to ask is what you would like to power when the electricity goes out for an extended period of time.
It is best to have a professional help you decide upon what system will power what you are hoping to power during an outage and how to hook it up to your home. You never want to create a system for your home to hook into a backup generator on your own. You always want a licensed electrician to help you install your generator system because you do not want it to lead to larger issues such as a home fire.
For more information on <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">purchasing a home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.
More Tips for Homeowners
<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/radiant-heating-why-consider-it/">Radiant Heating: Why Consider It?</a>
<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/gift-ideas-for-the-new-homeowner/">Gift Ideas for the New Homeowner</a>
<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/4-common-home-plumbing-problems/">4 Common Home Plumbing Problems</a>
<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/is-upfront-cost-worth-energy-savings-for-solar-panels/">Is Upfront Cost Worth Energy Savings for Solar Panels?</a>
<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/ways-to-save-energy-in-your-home-and-lower-utility-bills/">Ways to Save Energy in Your Home and Lower Utility Bills</a>
<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/should-you-use-peel-and-stick-tile-to-save-money-on-renovations/">Should You Use Peel and Stick Tile to Save Money on Renovations?</a>
<a href="https://mylenderjackie.com/loan-programs/getting-out-of-a-ygrene/" target="_blank">Are You Having Trouble Getting Out of a Ygrene or HERO Program?</a>
2022-06-16T04:37:00-07:002022-06-21T06:44:21-07:00Donald Paynetag:visionrealty.com,2012-09-20:9286Radiant Heating: Why Consider It?Radiant heat may seem like an extravagant luxury to some, but it can be one of the most energy-efficient heat sources in a home. Some of the newest radiant heat products can save homeowners anywhere from 5 percent to 30 percent on monthly heating costs. It is also shown to provide a healthier environment inside the home according to the U.S. Department of Energy.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1427/image/Radiant_Heating_Why_Consider_It.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="Radiant Heating Why Consider It" title="Radiant Heating Why Consider It" style="margin: 11px; float: right;" />
If you are considering if radiant heat is worth the larger investment to install here are some things to consider.
How Radiant Heat Works
There are several different types of heating elements that provide radiant heat. Radiant heat is simply the transfer of heat from a hot surface. Radiant heat comes in the form of a fireplace, cooktops, and electric heaters. Perhaps the most commonly thought of radiant heat source is heated floors.
There are now more than just flooring systems that provide heating sources as you can now choose to install panels in your wall or ceilings in your home. The most common radiant heat floor systems release heat into the room and the heat is absorbed by objects inside the home. The floor has a gentle warmth to the touch feeling and it provides a sort of quiet and comforting mood throughout the home. The nice thing about radiant floor heat is that temperatures stay more steady and consistent within the home.
There are three different types of radiant heating systems provided by different sources including electric, hydronic, and air. Electric systems use electric coils tucked into panels most often in smaller areas and not often used as a means of universal heat for the home. Hydronic systems use boilers to heat water that is pumped through tubing underneath the heated surface this is the most energy-efficient radiant system and is often used as the main heat source. Air systems use forced air but are considered the least energy efficient.
The perks of radiant heating
Electric forms of radiant heat can be inexpensive to install.
There’s no loud noise with radiant heating systems such as with forced air units.
Radiant systems provide more consistent and uniform heating for the entire home
Since air is not blown around air quality within the home is better
Hydronic radiant heating systems or some of the most energy-efficient systems for heating homes
More: <a href="https://www.pilchuckheating.com/5-top-ways-to-save-on-your-heating-bill/" target="_blank">5 Ways to Save on Your Heating Bill</a>
A few drawbacks to radiant heat
Radiant heat is more expensive to install than other heating systems
If you are not currently remodeling your home it can require major work to install this system especially if you are planning to put it in your floor
The installation time is a little bit longer as compared to other systems
Can take some of the height out of a room by raising the floors
Will radiant heat impact the resale value of your home?
The impact of radiant heating systems on the fair market value of a home is hard to quantify. In general, the percentage of return on investment is pretty small. It can really depend upon the area and type of home that you have. In some property types, radiant heating could be looked at as more desirable. If your heating system has helped to save money on your energy bills this could be a bigger selling point, however. Energy efficiency has always been a big seller in homes.
For more information on purchasing a <a href="https://www.visionrealty.com">home in Columbus</a> and surrounding areas please contact us anytime.2022-06-05T02:43:00-07:002022-06-06T05:46:27-07:00Donald Payne