Blog Archives - Preferred Properties of Texas Home & Ranch Properties Stephenville

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

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.

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/

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/

Consider A Few Things Before Buying Something AS-IS

March 9, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

You might come across listings that advertise a property as-is if you are looking for a new house. It’s an option for sellers who want to sell quickly.

The homes are often less expensive than comparable properties for buyers.

There are many benefits to buying a home in its current condition, especially in this competitive housing market. However, it is important to fully understand the implications.

Sellers list their house as-is and will not make repairs or modifications before they close on the property. Sellers cannot guarantee that everything will be in good condition or working order. A Seller’s Disclosure is not required.

It’s your responsibility to repair any problems that you find after you purchase a property advertised as “as-is”.

A seller selling as-is must still meet minimum disclosure standards in each state and federal. These standards will inform you about lead paint conditions.

A home being listed as-is does not necessarily mean that it is inoperable. A home can still be listed as-is, even if it has minor or major problems.

This could happen when a seller is in financial distress or if they are in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for contractors to complete even minor cosmetic work.

It’s possible that the home is no longer livable in its current condition. Your lender might not be happy with you making the necessary repairs.

Certain livability requirements are required for many types of loans. These minimum property requirements are also known as MPRs. These MPRs will be assessed by appraisers.

Conventional loans are not guaranteed or insured by the federal government. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and many other conventional loans conform to these criteria. Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac homes can be bought if they have minor problems. The house must be safe and any structural problems should be normal wear and tear.

You might still be eligible for a conforming loan for as-is property if you have plumbing leaks, interior damage, or missing light fixtures.

The MPRs for government-backed loans like VA loans are more stringent than other types.

An inspection is required if you are interested in purchasing a home as it stands. An inspector will help you to understand the problems and let you know how much it might cost to fix them.

A inspection is not required for an appraisal.

A lender will usually require an appraisal to determine the property’s value. You might choose to have a home inspection.

Sellers can refuse to inspect a property as-is. This is a red flag.

A home being sold “as-is” does not necessarily mean that it is complete. A seller could list a property as is but refer to only certain parts. Broken pools and sheds are often partial features that can be added as-is.

Ask the seller what they mean by “as-is.”

You don’t have to waive your right for disclosures when buying an “as-is” home. You must be aware that the sellers are bound by federal and state regulations regarding disclosures about any issues in the house.

Each state has its own disclosure laws. Some states, for example, have water damage disclosure regulations.

You may be able sue a seller if they fail to inform you about a problem in your state.

Lead paint is the only federal disclosure requirement. The seller must disclose if the home was built prior to 1978.

If you are considering buying a home as is, a good agent can help. An agent who is knowledgeable about disclosure laws can help you understand what the implications are for buying as-is.

These can make you more confident about your purchase decision, or help you decide when it’s best to not buy.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/buyersadvice/item/1044463-what-does-as-is-mean-for-buyers?rtmpage=

What To Do When Moving Into A New House

March 6, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Change the locks if you don’t know who has access to your home. This will ensure that you are the only one who has access to your home. You can either install new deadbolts yourself or hire a locksmith. For labor, locksmiths charge typically $50-100 per lock if you supply the locks. The type of lock you select will affect the cost of installation.

This should be done by your home inspector before you close the deal, but it’s never a bad idea to double-check.

Watch out for running toilets and drippy faucets. Check your water heater to see if there are any signs of a leak.

Here’s an interesting trick: Make sure to check your water meter between the start and end of any two-hour period in which you have no water being used in your home. You may have a leak if the reading is not consistent.

This should be done before you move in any furniture. Your new home will look great! A professional carpet cleaner can be hired. Before giving you an estimate, they will measure the length of your carpet. They’ll charge you a flat fee between $100 and $150 if the area falls below their minimum.

Renting steam cleaners for $35-$50 is possible. For stubborn stains, you’ll likely need detergent. This can cost $15-25.

This is a must-have before you start to move in your bathroom and dishes, especially if the house was vacant. It is not unusual for pests and mice to enter a house quickly. You should wipe the area clean, using a non-toxic cleaner. If necessary, replace any contact paper.

Pest control is worth the investment. You can do a lot to eliminate pests yourself, but hiring a professional to help you will cost you between $150 and $300. Monthly visits will run you $40-$70 each, and quarterly visits cost $100-$300.

If you are going to be away from home or have a plumbing emergency, you will need to know how to shut off the main water valve. Locate the valve, which could be located inside or outside of your home. Turn the knob until the valve turns off. Turn on any faucet in your house to test it; water should not come out.

Original Blog: https://www.houselogic.com/buy/moving-in/things-to-do-when-moving-into-a-new-house/?site_ref=mosaic