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Archives for March 2023

12 Tips To Make Your Move Easier!

March 30, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Although it’s exciting to move into a new house, many people don’t look forward to the actual day of moving. Moving is stressful, no matter if you’re moving across the country or within your locality. These helpful tips from professional movers will make your big day easier.

1. It is important to plan your move in advance. It is common for moving companies to be booked weeks in advance. Don’t delay your move. If you have large or heavy items that you need to move, let the movers know in advance. It is not a good idea for movers to arrive with a truck too small or without enough people to safely move your belongings.

2. You might consider hiring a moving company to pack your belongings. It may be a good investment if you have the budget to hire packers. The majority of packers are efficient and will take the time to secure fragile items. You can expect your Packers to pack your items the day before you move so that you don’t have any extra packing materials until the day you move.

3. Book services. Do not forget to transfer or start services at your new residence. These services could include:

Power

Water

Trash service

Internet/TV/Phone

Gas

Lawn service

Pool service

Monitoring of security system

4. Professional cleaning should be done on your new house. You can arrange for professional cleaning if your seller doesn’t make arrangements to clean the house before you move in.

5. Make sure you have a moving supply bag. You should have items that you will need as you unpack and get settled in your new home.

Toilet paper

Use paper towels

Sponge

All-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner

Shelf liner paper

Scissors

Moving furniture pads

Tape measure

Cordless screwdriver

Hammer

Picture hanging kit

Snacks, water bottles, and pet food

Disposable utensils, plates, cups and cups made of paper

Dish Soap & Hand Soap

 

6. Make Your Bed. Make your bed. Your sheets, blankets and pillows should be packed in clearly marked boxes so that you can easily find them. You’ll be glad that your beds are set up so you can collapse when you get home from moving day.

7. The same goes for bath soap and towels. You can pack your bath towels and soap along with your sheets so that you can get in the shower without needing to search for towels.

8. Plan for your pets. Moving day can be stressful for your pet. Plan for your pet to spend the day with friends or family, a pet sitter or boarding facility until they are ready to be moved into their new home.

9. Say yes to helpers It can be difficult to accept additional help from friends or family if you don’t know what they can do. These are some tasks that you can delegate.

Install shelf liner in your bathroom and kitchen cabinets and drawers

You can arrange your kitchen items later!

You can babysit your children or keep them occupied.

Place towels in the bathrooms and make your bed

Cleanse counters and cabinets

Packing boxes can be broken down

Hang clothes in closets

Organize your tools and equipment in the garage

Order lunch or dinner

10. A Sitter is available for hire. Children with small children will love their new house, yard, and rooms. While they may want to be there, they won’t be interested in moving boxes. You can focus on your work by making arrangements for someone to be there for them. You don’t have to worry about them being lost. A friend, family member or hired sitter can take them around their new environment, help build a fort or organize their toys.

11. You can hire someone to hang your artwork. You might not like to hang your art yourself so you can have a handyman come in and help you. This will save you time and help you get settled. A decorator is a better option than a handyman if you need assistance deciding where to hang portraits or art. A decorator can help you choose the best place to hang your items or guide a handyman.

12. You can check out the old house. You should have filed a change in address form with the postal office before closing. Also, remember to remove all keys and garage doors or gate openers. Make sure that the movers do not take any loose items such as ceiling fan remote controls or other small items that are still with the house. You should also clean out any hidden spaces such as crawl spaces, backyard sheds, crawl areas, and other places where items might be stored. It is always a good idea to have your home cleaned by professionals. If you are able, make a list of local vendors who can help with household services.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: advice, Blog, buying a home, buying homes, home improvement, homeowner tips, homeowners, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, selling a home, tips

Texans Who Have Left The Big City Behind

March 28, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

John Nova Lomax , a writer for our August 2018 issue, explored the migration of younger Texans from the big cities to the small towns in our state. For a variety of reasons, including space and a lower cost of living, as well as to be closer to their families, many are making the move. Below are the stories of a few such Texans I spoke to.

Celine Ord, 36, Radiation Oncologist, Fredericksburg

“We wanted to move back to Texas to be closer to our family and friends. If you’re a Texan, you always come back. Although we had planned to return to Austin, the perfect job opportunity presented itself in Fredericksburg. How could we refuse an opportunity to live in such beautiful town? We were thrilled to be able to bring our baby girl back to Texas after having her.

People are friendly, kind, and welcoming. It is a charming little town with many big-city amenities such as great restaurants, wineries, shops, and other amenities. You can’t beat the absence of traffic. You get to know people here because it is much more simple and less stressful. You feel part of the community and have a strong desire to help it. It brings out the best.

Brent Humphreys 42, Photographer, Taylor

Growing up, my dream was to own a property in the Hill Country. It was the idea of being able travel to your home and relax in nature. My family owned a small property in East Texas, near Mineola, when I was growing up in Dallas. I was inspired by the memories to find open space and land to explore with my kids.

After I moved to Austin I began looking for opportunities in the west. Because it was less populous and there were plans for the 130-mile toll road, I decided to look to the east. Taylor was home to a six-acre midcentury house on six acres. Eileen Gill, my friend and realtor, was the first to call me. We couldn’t believe the asking price. We were quick to mobilize the next morning.

After seeing the house and driving around town, I knew it was my deal. The small-town charm, rich heritage and history, as well as the strong sense of community are all things I love. It’s the calmness and connection you have with your neighbors and the larger community that I love. Taylor is an amazing place for James and me to raise our sons.

Alyson Fox 38, Artist/Designer Spicewood

“About eight years ago, our family bought land in Spicewood and built a home. We had planned to build an addition to our Austin house, but we started to think about other options. We had always wanted to build a house, but we decided to get it done sooner than expected. We were both eager to have more space so we started looking for land ourselves. It all clicked when we found the plot we wanted to purchase. Both of us are happy at home and enjoy socializing, but we also value peace and quiet, so moving outside of Austin seemed right. Both of us felt that we would both gain more than we would lose. I enjoy going on long, quiet walks outside our front door. It’s a great way to see more stars at night and it gives me the ability to be resourceful even when I don’t feel like going to town.

 

Original Blog:  https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/texans-whove-made-small-town-leap/

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Blog, buying a home, erath county, Preferred Properties of Texas, spring, texas land

Hot Outdoor Trends For Spring/Summer

March 24, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

It is never too late to plan and shop for outdoor living spaces of your dreams.

These trends may be worth considering before they sell out.

Even before fall’s cooler nights, backyard fire pits had sold out by the end of last year. They were bought by people who wanted to extend their outdoor time. A fire pit can be purchased now to enjoy your backyard in the spring and into the autumn.

Outdoor kitchens will be very popular this year as people want to do all they can outside. A DIY kitchen is possible for as little as $2,000.

The outdoor kitchen can be outfitted with everything from barbecues to natural gas to charcoal, in addition to cabinets. You can choose from traditional black or vibrant colours, as well as stainless steel in various sizes and shapes that will suit your backyard. You might also consider the “connected barbecue”, which allows you to control the temperature directly from your smartphone.

Last summer, above-ground pools were sold out. Get one for your kids today. You can also find smaller inground pools that are a bit larger than a whirlpool bathtub for adults. These are great for cooling off and sitting down.

You will need a shed to store your pool-related items. Aluminum sheds are great for tools. But if you need a shed that can also double as an office or cabana in the summer, consider wood sheds that have double doors.

Be sure to consider the functionality of furniture as well as its design. Look for furniture with hidden storage or sectionals that incorporate tables into their designs for small spaces. Wide armrests make it easy to place a glass of wine, or an iPad on a comfortable seat. A coffee table can be raised to a comfortable height, so you don’t need additional chairs or a table.

Privacy screens and privacy kits make products that are both functional and beautiful. Privacy is also achieved by garden walls. This vertical trend includes trellises, metal grids and plants grown on them. Vertical garden walls are decorative and save space.

Decorative and edible plants were very popular during the pandemic. To meet the demand, many stores have ordered plenty of seed packets and plants.

There are many options for fountains and waterfalls. You can choose from large, standalone versions or smaller designs that fit on tabletops. The soothing sound of water can drown out any unwanted noises and create a Zen-like atmosphere in the room.

Outdoor lighting is available to help you stay outdoors after dark and create a mood. Outdoor lighting is now possible with the availability of LED lights in a variety of colours, which are popular among teenagers. You can also find adult-friendly versions, which can be used in planters or under the bar counter. You can also find lights on strings and garden lights that will laminate the edges of the path, as well as an umbrella with integrated lighting.

A front porch adds additional outdoor space. You can dress it up by adding curtains to the sides. This will allow you privacy, and also make it suitable for single seating or sectionals.

You can personalize your space by adding style, colour, and accessories. Enjoy it as you see fit.

 

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1041454-hot-outdoor-living-products-for-this-spring

Filed Under: Blog, Home Improvements Tagged With: Blog, erath county, home improvement, home remodel, homeowners, outdoor, outdoor living, Preferred Properties of Texas, real estate, spring, summer

Homeowners Can Benefit Financially and Emotionally by Remodeling Outdoor Features

March 22, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Most Realtors (92%) recommend that sellers improve curb appeal before selling their home. The largest percentage of Realtors (r), suggested that sellers improve the curb appeal of their home before listing it for sale. These were also the most popular projects for which landscape professionals have seen increased demand in the past year. These and other findings are based on a report by the National Association of Realtors and National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Many homeowners have made their backyards their own, creating oases filled with plants, trees, and pools. If the homeowner wants to sell, these outdoor features can be embraced by him or her.

Landscape professionals were most in demand for outdoor projects such as an overall landscape update (61%), maintenance (58%), and a new patio (55%). They saw less demand for a wood deck (15%) or an in-ground swimming pool (25%) as well as tree care (29%).

It is not surprising that most Realtors (r/) and homeowners place high importance on a yard’s curb appeal. Green spaces and healthy outdoor living can improve the quality of life, enhance home value, make communities more attractive, and help people’s mental as well as physical health.

 

Read More On How Improving Curb Appeal Can Benefit You when Selling: https://realtytimes.com/real-industry-news-articles/item/1046660-most-realtors-recommend-improving-curb-appeal-and-homeowners-can-benefit-financially-and-emotionally-by-remodeling-outdoor-features-nar-nalp-report-finds?rtmpage=

Filed Under: Blog, Home Improvements, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, erath county, home improvement, investing, landscaping, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, real estate, selling, selling a home, selling homes, stephenville tx

To-Do List For Selling Your House This Spring

March 17, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

 

Make It Inviting

  • Open blinds or curtains to let the light in
  • Check light bulbs and replace as needed
  • Take down personal photos or items
  • Fix anything that’s broken
  • Give every room a clear purpose

Show It’s Cared For

  • Clean your vents and baseboards
  • Vacuum, mop and sweep floors
  • Declutter throughout
  • Organize countertops, cabinets and closets
  • Touchup any scuffs on the wall

Boost Curb Appeal

  • Power wash outdoor surfaces
  • Clean the windows (inside and out)
  • Tidy up the landscaping
  • freshen up your entry
  • sweep patios, decks and walkways

Connect with one of our real estate agents at Preferred Properties of Texas so you have advice on what you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.

Original Blog:https://www.mountainroserealty.co/blog/checklist-for-selling-your-house-this-spring/

Filed Under: Blog, Homes for Sale, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, erath county, home improvement, Homes for sale Stephenville TX, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, real estate, selling, selling a home, selling homes, spring, stephenville tx, tips

Living In A Show Ready Home

March 14, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Your home looks amazing. You have cleaned, decluttered, cleaned again, and followed professional staging advice. How can you and your family live there without destroying it?

A place for your keys, mail, toothpaste, makeup and other items that often litter the horizontal surfaces of the house are essential. Place a Tupperware or basket in areas where clutter might re-emerge. You can either store the containers in a cabinet, or bring them along with you when you leave the home.

Are you a parent? Pets? You should designate a space that can be used as a normal living room. This is where the children can play with Legos and the cats can use the litter box. The mess will not be spread throughout the house when it’s time to show.

Make your beds. Good towels should be put out. The litter box should be empty. Place the litter boxes in the closet. To bring your property back to its original condition, write down the details every morning.

Our realtors here at Preferred Properties of Texas have experience listing houses for sale, so don’t hesitate to ask us for other suggestions to help your property keep looking its best.

Original Blog: https://www.texasrealestate.com/members/posts/how-to-live-in-a-show-ready-house/

Filed Under: Blog, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, erath county, homeowner tips, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, real estate, selling, selling a home, selling homes, stephenville tx

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