Advice & About

Factors To Consider Before Installing An Inground Pool

July 12, 2022 by

If you want to enjoy some healthy exercise, beat the heat, or keep the kids entertained, adding an in-ground pool to your home might be a great option. Pools are popular upgrades for many homeowners, and it is easy to understand their appeal. When you have a pool at your home, you can host pool parties, swim whenever you like, and give up your expensive membership at the local swim club. But before you tear up the back yard and start pouring the concrete, you need to do some careful thinking. Pool ownership is a big decision with a lot of factors to consider long-term. Here are some key things to think about before adding an inground pool to your home.

Insurance Can Be Expensive: Swimming pools may be fun, but they can also be dangerous. Drowning is always a possibility wherever water is present, and pool owners need to take special precautions to keep their family members and neighborhood children safe.

Even if you follow all the local rules and regulations, fence your pool, and stay vigilant, your homeowner’s insurance policy will likely incur additional fees. Make sure you get a quote from your insurance company before installing your inground pool so there are no surprises later.

Routine Maintenance Adds Additional Expense: It is easy to dream of swimming in crystal clear waters, but that sparkling water comes at a cost. Keeping an inground pool ready for swimming is not cheap, and many new pool owners are unprepared for the expense.

From the cost of the chemicals and routine water testing to the cost of replacing torn liners and covers, pool ownership can put a serious dent in your wallet. Before you start digging, you need to be aware of and prepared for these high maintenance costs.

A Pool Could Decrease the Value of Your Home: Many people think that adding an inground pool will make their home more valuable, but the opposite could be true. In many parts of the country, having an inground pool actually decreases the value of the property, and that is definitely something to think about.

If you think you might sell your house down the line, it is important to do your homework before adding an inground pool. Talk to local real estate agents, research recent home sales, and try to get a feel for the impact a pool has on local property values. If homes with pools are routinely selling for higher prices, you may be able to justify the cost. If property values are decreased by that water-filled hole in the ground, you might want to hang onto your swim club membership a little longer.

It can be tempting to upgrade your home with an inground pool, especially if you love to swim, but make sure you educate yourself before taking the plunge. Pool ownership can be a costly endeavor, and the more you know, the easier it will be to make a wise decision.

Considerations for a “Retirement-Ready” Home

June 10, 2022 by

According to the Census Bureau, there are about 52 million people who are 65 or older, and this number is only expected to grow. We are fortunate to live in an era of medical and technological improvements, which have helped us to live longer! While some senior citizens will inevitably transition into some form of assisted-living situation, many will opt to “age in place” in their own homes as long as possible. Instead of researching nursing homes, they will seek out homes that offer them the ability to stay independent. What are some of the features they should be looking for in order to improve their quality of life and facilitate their goal to remain at home?

Location, location, location: As with any real estate search, location is key. This includes proximity to family members, medical providers, hospitals, and grocery stores. Think about your interests and hobbies as well. For example, if you like to hike or cycle, does the area have a good system of trails and paths? If you don’t tolerate cold weather, is the climate mild? Does the area provide venues if you enjoy attending concerts, shows, and sporting events? Will you be fully retired or perhaps seeking part-time or even full-time work? Visualize how you plan to spend time and what activities will improve your quality of life.
Financial considerations: It usually makes sense to move to an area with a lower cost of living and less expensive housing. It pays to take into account other factors too, such as taxes, homeowner association fees, and insurance. Plan ahead! What will your retirement income be? Will you need to supplement it with a job? It pays to consult with a financial or estate planner.
Specific architectural features: Many home builders now incorporate “retirement-ready” features into the construction of new homes. These include wider doorways, one-level living, “paddle” style levers instead of traditional door knobs, handrails and grips in the bathroom, walk-in bathtubs, non slip flooring, hard-wired alarms, security systems, and enclosed garages, just to name a few. If a home health aide or other assistance is needed at some point, does the house have a bedroom and bathroom that could be dedicated to live-in help?
Community amenities: Many neighborhoods have homeowner associations, or HOAs. The fees for these often include the upkeep of lawns and common areas, and they may provide a clubhouse, workout room or gym, swimming pool, and social activities. HOA fees can get expensive, so you need to balance the cost with the benefits you receive.
Opportunities for socialization: Studies of “Blue Zones,” geographical areas where people live unusually long and productive lives, tout the importance of social connection and a feeling of usefulness and contribution to the community. It is worthwhile to check out volunteer opportunities and other avenues for making social contacts.

With a plan in mind and a blueprint for the kind of life they intend to lead, senior citizens of today and tomorrow can chart a new course in independent, lifestyle-based living.

Gardening in Small Spaces

May 10, 2022 by RE/MAX Results

Gardening in Small Spaces

The only thing better than summer vegetables is knowing that you’ve grown them yourself. You don’t have to miss out just because you have a small space. There are plenty of plants you can grow on your windowsill or on your patio. If you follow these tips, you’ll have enough success to share with friends.

Grow up, not out – Potted plants can take up a lot of space, and that’s not ideal when you’re working in a small area. Thankfully, clever gardeners around the world have come up with a practical solution – vertical gardening. Utilize the wall rather than the ground space, and you’ll double or triple your garden’s space.

Choose smaller varieties of plants – You know that corn stalks wouldn’t grow in a tiny vase, and you should apply this line of thinking to choosing the varieties of foods that you grow in containers. From peas to peppers and tomatoes to cucumbers, some dwarf and bush varieties were created especially to grow in small spaces.

Think outside of the container – Having a productive patio garden doesn’t have to be expensive. With any quick look around your home, you should be able to find a suitable container without spending a penny. Things like old buckets and laundry baskets are perfect for plants such as potatoes and strawberries.

Use the right soil – Since your container plants won’t be able to source nutrients from the ground, choosing the right soil is vital to your garden’s success. Experts recommend a mix of quality potting soil and peat, but creating your own compost is even more fun.

Too much sun can be detrimental – Even if you are growing sun-loving plants like tomatoes, container plants come with a different set of rules. Because of the reduced surface area, the roots of a container plant can overheat easily. Given that certain containers absorb more heat than others, it’s a good idea to make sure your plants are getting just the right amount of light. Too much light can be harmful.

Monitor water levels carefully – Just as easily as your plants can dry out from too much heat, they can also suffer from too much moisture. Overwatering your plants – or planting them in containers with poor drainage – can cause the root system to rot. Keep a careful eye on your plant’s specific needs, and make sure they have adequate drainage holes.

Fertilize according to plant needs – As a general rule of thumb, container gardens should be fertilized once every couple of weeks. However, certain plants require more frequent feeding while they are in the fruiting stage. Do a little research about your plants and tailor their fertilization schedule as they need it.

Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean that you can’t have a decent-sized harvest. With a little thought, a little inventiveness, and a little dedication, you’ll be making summer dishes with your own homegrown food.

How to Compare Homes in Different Metro Areas

April 11, 2022 by

The cost of buying a new house is more than just the listing price. In fact, it is unlikely you will know the true cost of buying a home until you’ve lived in it for a certain period of time. This is one factor that makes it difficult to compare houses that are located in different metro areas. If you focus on the list price only, you may fail to notice the other cost implications of choosing a particular house. How can you compare houses located in different metro areas to get a better idea of how much value you are actually getting for your money?

What Is the Rest of the Neighborhood Like?

One of the most accurate measures of the real value of a house is the neighborhood in which it is located. You may find two similarly priced houses in different neighborhoods, but are these houses the norm or the exception? If you spend a fortune on a home in the wrong neighborhood, you may not be able to sell it for a profit later on. This is why you should consider the cost of similar properties in the same neighborhood or whether it is the only property of its kind in the area.

Will Life in a Particular Metro Area Come with Greater Expenses?

In the beginning, buying property in a low-cost metro area may seem like a good way to pay less and still get a good home. However, if the neighborhood has security issues, for example, living there can be more expensive. Your home and car insurance rates will likely be higher due to the increased likelihood of theft or vandalism. You may also have other additional costs such as higher transportation, private school, taxes, or food costs. In the long run, the money you save by choosing a particular neighborhood could end up being money spent on unforeseen living expenses. That’s why it is important to evaluate the differing costs in each metro area.

Commuting Distance

Another important factor is your commuting situation. Will you be driving a longer distance to work or perhaps using public transportation? Commuting can cost you a lot of money in fuel expenses, car insurance costs, and transportation fares. A long commute can also have a negative impact on your career and home life. A great house with a longer commute may end up being a bad deal.

Access to Amenities

When you need to go shopping or walk your dog, having certain amenities close-by will be very convenient. Many homeowners pay extra for this access. If you need easy access to a school, a park, or any other amenity, you should consider which of the two properties offers what you want when you’re looking at homes for sale.

As you can see, comparing homes in two places is not as simple as just comparing the sticker value. It’s wise to consult a real estate agent in each area who can help you get acquainted with the pros and cons of each property you are considering. This will help you make a well-rounded and thoughtful decision.

Freshen Up Your Home With Spring Maintenance Tasks

March 11, 2022 by RE/MAX Results

Freshen Up Your Home With Spring Maintenance Tasks

After a long cold winter, the first signs of spring are finally arriving. You have seen those first bulbs peeking their heads above the snow, and you may have even seen a robin scouring the frozen ground for worms.

The warmth of spring is right around the corner, and now is the time to get your home ready for the better weather ahead. If you want your old home to look and feel new again, here are 10 spring maintenance tasks you can complete now.

Schedule a chimney sweeping: There is nothing like the warmth of a roaring fire when it’s cold outside, but the ash residue could be silently building up in the chimney. Now is the time to call a chimney sweep so your future fires will be warmer and safer.
Replace your furnace filters: Your furnace has been working overtime all winter long, and the filters are likely clogged with dirt and debris. Replacing those dirty filters now can increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and lower your future utility bills.
Create an emergency kit for summer power outages: Winter may be ending, but spring and summer storms can still bring the threat of power outages. If you have an emergency kit with extra food and water, spare batteries, and other essentials, now is the time to replenish it. If you do not yet have an emergency power outage kit, now is the time to build one.
Upgrade your outdoor hand and power tools: Remember the broken tine on that rake or the lawn mower that never starts? Now is the time to upgrade that equipment, and you can find some real bargains this time of year.
Check and clean the hose on your dryer: You have been doing a lot of laundry during the cold winter months, but when was the last time you checked your dryer hose? The dryer hose can become clogged with lint and other debris, creating a risk of fire and driving down the efficiency of the appliance.
Weatherproof your windows and doors: If your energy costs have spiked over the winter, the cold weather may not be the only culprit. Weatherproofing your windows and doors can help you save money both now and during the summer cooling season.
Consider upgrading your water heater: A tankless water heater can reduce your energy costs, and now is the perfect time to install one. You can find some great deals on tankless water heaters in the late winter months, and installers are often less busy at this time of year.
Check your gutters: Your gutters really took a beating with all that ice and snow, so show them a little love with a thorough inspection. If Santa gave you a drone for Christmas, get it out and do a flyover – this is a great way to spot clogs, breaks, and defects that are not visible from the ground.
Inspect the insulation on your pipes: Hopefully, you prepared for winter power outages and cold weather by insulating your pipes. Now is the perfect time to inspect and repair that insulation. A little bit of maintenance now can prevent a huge repair bill later.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Having multiple smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home is essential for your safety, but when was the last time you tested them? Now is the time to check those life saving devices and make sure they are working the way they should.

With spring just around the corner, it has never been more important to get your home in shape. The simple maintenance tasks outlined above can give your old home a new lease on life this spring, so grab your tools and get going.

Boost Your Decluttering Motivation

February 2, 2022 by

Boost Your Decluttering Motivation

Do you feel in control of the clutter in your home or does your clutter have control of you? The problem with clutter is that it will taunt you, calling out demands every time you walk past it. It reminds you there is one more task yet to take care of and puts unnecessary pressure on you. Clutter can steal your sense of calm.

Does that happen to you? If so, perhaps it’s time to develop a new habit that will set you on your way to conquering clutter.

Why Declutter?

Ten people might give you 10 different reasons for decluttering their homes. Some like to keep up with what’s current, which means parting with the old in favor of new and modern. Another will tell you they fear leaving too much for their children to manage after they pass. Most will admit that living with less clutter just feels better all around. And, there is some truth to that. Having extra space in closets, cleared countertops, and a place to put every item you own can bring a sense of calm organization. On the other hand, items left lying around unattended can have the opposite effect. Because your home is an extension of you, how it looks and its efficiency or inefficiency can affect your mood and how well you process life.

Nevertheless, life doles out losses and triumphs, forced changes, and setbacks for most. Don’t get discouraged if you feel a tad behind in your home organization. For example, the family with the college student who moves back home with all their gear knows the chaos that comes with having to rehome several items until the child leaves again. The son or daughter who inherits mom or dad’s belongings after they have passed away or downsized knows well the emotional price tag that comes with dividing up the inherited possessions brought into their home.

Develop a Decluttering Mindset

So, how do you get motivated to declutter your home? You start with developing a decluttering mindset. You can practice and grow that mindset by dealing first with the items that come into your home on a regular basis. Doing so will help you learn to make quick decisions and to get into the habit of putting items where they belong sooner rather than later. When you get that process down, you will feel rewarded by the less cluttered look and the satisfying feeling that results.

Deal with Clutter as It Arrives

The secret habit to get into that will help boost your decluttering process is so easy, all you need is a nudge to get started. You see, every homeowner has the same challenge. All deal with this same basic type of clutter. What is it? You might call it spontaneous clutter. Spontaneous clutter includes things that come into your home often by mail or shopping. Spontaneous clutter includes parcel delivery boxes, plastic shopping bags, junk mail, received greeting cards, children’s school notes, party decor, and the like.

Yes, a cardboard box may look like a good box to be reused, but you can’t keep every box you receive. Plastic shopping bags are handy to line trash bins or litter boxes, but chances are you’ll have more than you need. Most can be put into recycling. Deciding it’s better to let them go is a good mindset to have.

Deal with Temporary Storage Habits

It can be tempting to put spontaneous clutter somewhere temporarily, planning to deal with it later. This is where most get into trouble, though. Too often, later becomes never. You forget why you kept certain things, and your motivation to deal with them fizzles out. Soon enough, your home looks messy, and you can’t find what you need. Often, these “someday” piles shout condemning thoughts and dole out unnecessary pressure.

Here are a few tips to help you deal with spontaneous clutter:
Have a recycling box with easy access for junk mail. How often do you really use those coupons anyhow?
Create a mental system that first includes being a good decision-maker. Create rules for what you will do with challenging items.
Decide not to leave things on hotspots (countertops, in the garage, etc.) even if you think it will be temporary. If a holding spot is needed, create a system for it.

Create Storage

Sometimes there is a reason to keep certain items like tax receipts, medical papers, school permission slips, and so on. In these cases, choose a location for them to be stored – a storage tray, shallow drawer, file folder, or binder.

As nice as greeting cards or magazines are, you can’t keep everything if you hope to stay organized. Recognize that the giving and receiving of greeting cards was the important part. Try not to become sentimentally attached to them. Cherish the memory of the friend or relative who gave it to you and let it go. If you must, keep special cards in a box or photo album. Enjoy magazines but have a deadline in mind for how long they’re allowed to stay. Unsubscribe to ones you never read.

Practice the Decluttering Habit

Your home should be your haven – a place of peace, comfort, and restoration. It makes sense to tend to your home on a regular basis as you might weed a garden. Get into the practice of weeding out clutter as soon as it arrives. Once you’ve established that habit, you can dive into bigger decluttering projects around your home.

Feeling in control of your clutter will have terrific payoffs both in the appearance of your home and in your ability to locate items as necessary. Once you have developed good habits in dealing with what comes into your home regularly, you will find it easier to make decisions on other types of clutter. In no time, you’ll enjoy the enhanced peace and calm that a clutter-free home brings.