Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial investments people will make in a life. The stress of that fact alone can be a burden on any relationship when you are buying a home together.

Programs on networks like HGTV are always showing the happy couples who are buying their dream home, but what they don't show is the arguing and disagreements that are likely going on behind the scenes. Before you and your significant other find yourself at opposite ends of the home buying process, take a moment to review these helpful tips on keeping your relationship strong and sane.

1. Discuss your expectations

This seems simple enough, but you might be surprised with the differences you discover once you start discussing what you want in a home. Before you meet with a Realtor or start looking at houses online, have a conversation about your expectations. Some common topics to discuss would be how long you would like to live there, if you want a fixer-upper vs. a move-in ready home, location preferences and of course your budget. Your expectations might evolve as you begin house hunting, but it is necessary to have this talk from the get-go.

2. Know that it's okay to back down

Chances are neither of you are going to completely get what you want. While it's great to make compromises, sometimes you might just have to back down. If an agreement can't be made, you will sit in gridlock not making any progress toward reaching your dream.

It can be beneficial to put yourself in your significant others shoes and try to understand why they have a disagreeing viewpoint. For example, if you found a home you like that is 15 miles from your children's school, but your significant other is who takes the kids to school every morning, you should be understanding as to why they wouldn't want to live that far away. Be prepared to accept "no" as an answer.

3. Rely on a third-party expert

One of the many benefits of using a trusted Realtor is that they are a bipartisan voice of reason, but they can also provide a much-needed reality check. Maybe what you're looking for is rare to find in your price range, or certain amenities aren't realistic for your location. Instead of arguing with your significant other about these things, turn to your Realtor for advice.

Having a Realtor by your side when the disagreements within your relationship start to heat up can be a great asset for navigating through these decisions. Don't always expect your Realtor to take your side, but do expect them to give an honest, educated answer.

4. Remember that you're in this together

Throughout the home buying process, you might have disagreements, you might have arguments and you might even feel like you will never find the perfect home. No matter what, always remember that you are in this together. In order to find the home that best fits your needs, you will need to communicate, ask each other questions, comprise when necessary and have a trusted Realtor by your side. Talk, listen and turn this into an experience that will allow you to grow together.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Owning a home for the very first time is an exciting accomplishment, but it's also a learning experience. Yo've just moved in, and now you need to figure out how to actually maintain the integrity of your home. As the seasons change, so will your maintenance needs. Keep reading to learn about the five common home maintenance fails you might be making throughout your first year of homeownership.

1. Letting the grass get too long

If you like in a community with an HOA, there are probably strict rules about keeping your grass short. If you don't keep your yard well-maintained, you could face possible fines, which should motivate you to get the mower out. However, for those of you who don't have to follow the rules of HOA, it can be easy to let your grass get a little too wild.

Aside from the eyesore overgrown grass creates, it also makes for the perfect hiding places for ordents and other critters. this might not be a big deal to some people, but once a family of mice gets comfortable in your lawn, their next vacation getaway is in your living room when the cold hits. So do yourself a favor and don't "wait until next week" to cut the grass.

2. Forgetting to clean the gutters

As a new homeowner, cleaning the gutters might be the last thing on your mind. I know you have so many other home maintenance chores to complete, but gutters clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris can be a nightmare in the cooler months.

If your gutters cannot provide proper drainage for melting snow or increased rainfall, the water can end up leaking into your ome instead. If you're comfortable with using a ladder, cleaning your gutters can easily be done yourself. You can also call a professional to get the job done if heights aren't really your thing.

3. Not trimming back trees

Was the tree planted too close to the home, or was the home built too close to the tree? At this point, I'm not really sure it matters. What does matter is that you are keeping the tree trimmed back and healthy.

Limbs and branches close to or touching your house can cause some serious damage, and the phone call to your insurance company will not be fun after a storm rolls through. Trim back any branches or limbs so they are at least 6 feet away from your home, and if the tree seems to be dying, you should consider getting it removed all together.

4. Ignoring the moss growing on the house

Moss = Moisture. Frankly, neither is good for your home. If you see any moss growing on your roof or siding, you'll want to remvoe it as soon as possible. The longer you let the moss grow, the more moisture it will retain, causing mold and water damage.

5. Leaving the leaves

When I was younger, I never understood why we have to rake up all of the pretty leaves just to send them away in trash bags designed like jack-o-lanterns. It jsut seemed to be a lot of work for no reason.

Well, as I got older, I also got wiser(ish). As most functioning adults should know by now, if you don't remove the leaves it will suffocate your grass. Although the grass is already on its deathbed for the fall season, the roots underground are still alove and well. If you want your beautiful lawn to grow back in the spring, you'll need to get rid of the leaves first.

Looking for more advice about managing your home? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

How much you can afford for a mortgage depends on many factors including how much money you have to put down, what type of loan you can get, how much your closing costs are and consideration of other expenses you need to cover.

Here's a few quick ways to estimate...

• How much can you borrow? Most lenders want your housing expenses (mortgage, plus taxes and insurance) to remain under 28% of your gross income. Calculate 28% of your gross monthly income to see what amount you have each month for this.
• How much cash do you have for a down payment? Wit ha conventional mortgage a buyer typically pays 20% of the purchase price up front. Most lenders will also let you put 10% down if you pay private mortgage insurance. Other types of loan programs may be available that allow for reduced down payment percentages. FHA loans can get down payments below 3%.
• How much cost do you have for closing? You will need cash at closing (unless you have negotiated with the seller to pay your fees.) The cash you will need at closing is typically 2-3% of the total purchase price.

Money for Taxes and Insurance. It is also important to factor in how much taxes and insurance will cost for a given property. Typically your lender will add these amounts into your monthly payment.

Money for Additional Expenses. Keep in mind that you may need to reserve some money for repairs, remodeling, decorating, moving expenses, or life's emergency fund.

Traditionally, the real estate market tends to slow down during the winter months. As we all know though, 2020 is far from a traditional year and it looks like the housing market will continue to thrive through the season!

Mortgage rates and housing inventory are both considerably low, which creates a competitive seller's market with pent up buyer's demand. This combination makes for a fast-paced market no matter what season it is. Keep reading to find out how to prep your home to sell this winter.

 Make your home move-in ready

Houses are being snatched off the market quickly, and your home might not sell as fast as the others will if it is not move-in ready. A potential buyer does not want to think about having to make renovations or remodeling in the middle of winter. Completing certain renovations yourself will still generate a return on investment and get your home sold fast.

Create a cozy atmosphere

Prepare for home showings by lighting your fireplace, having fresh baked goods on display, playing some soft music in the background and serving hot cocoa or cider to your guests. Creating a warm, cozy feeling in your home will make potential buyers feel thankful for stepping out of the winter tundra and into their dream home.

 Less is more with holiday decor

I think it is safe to say that if you are planning to sell your home this winter, maybe skip out on the over-the-top light display and do not set up the entire winter village that takes up your entire dining room. You can still decorate for the season, but keep it simple and clean. The goal is to create a space that buyers can envision being their own.

Lighting is everything

Dark winters can make a home feel drab and depressing, but if you have adequate lighting, it can change the entire mood. If you are showing your home in the daytime, make sure to pull back the curtains and let the natural light shine in your home. With your days getting shorter, it is crucial to take advantage of the natural light while we still can. If you are showing your home in the evening, make sure that your interior and exterior lights are bright and working properly.

 Seasonal listing photos

Listing photos can make or break a home that is on the market. Potential buyers will look at your listing photos before deciding if your home is even worth going to look at in-person. Unfortunately, photos of your home in the winter might not be appealing. Homes buried in snow or homes with a brown lawn do not stick out to a buyer. If you are able to, add some high quality photos of your home's exterior in the summer or spring to your listing. This allows buyers to see what they have to look forward to in the warmer months and can attract more attention to your listing.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Not to be a dramatic, but winter is coming. We've had a relatively warm fall so far in the South, but it's time to winterize your home before the first frost sets in.

1. Check doors and windows for leaks

When the cool breeze starts to make its way through the cracks in your home, it can cause moisture to build up and can do some serious damage. It is always a good idea to seal any cracks or leaks that you may have on your window frames, door frames, trim and siding. .Your heat bill will also thank you for doing this!

2. Clean the fireplace and chimney

Ensuring that your fireplace and chimney are clear of any unwanted debris and creosote build up is the best way to prevent a potential house fire. You can always clean a chimney yourself if you are comfortable with doing so, but it is suggested to hire a professional if it hasn't been cleaned in a couple of years.

3. Check your furnace

Is there anything worse than waking up to a freezing cold home in December because your furnace decided to kick the bucket in the middle of the night? I didn't think so.

In hopes of preventing this from happening, you should change your furnace filter and vacuum up any dust and debris around the furnace. It can't hurt to also have an HVAC professional come do a "tune-up" to check the fan belts, pulleys and furnace bearings.

4. Clear out the gutters

Gutters clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris can be a nightmare in the cooler months. If your gutters cannot provide proper drainage for melting snow or increased rainfall, the water can end up leaking into your home instead.

If you're comfortable with using a ladder, cleaning your gutters can easily be done yourself. You can also call a professional to get the job done if heights aren't really your thing.

5. Remove and drain garden hoses

This is a simple task, but can be easily forgotten. Disconnecting your garden hoses for winter will prevent any remaining water from backing up into your home and freezing. When that water freezes, it will expand and. can cause your pipes to crack. Some homeowners will even turn off any valves on water supply lines that lead to exterior faucets.

6. Drain irrigation system

Similar to the situation with your hoses, draining your sprinkler system can prevent damage caused by freezing pipes. If you can, turn off the water to the system from your main valve and open the values to remove any remaining water. If you are unable to do so yourself, you can also hire an irrigation experts to clear the system with compressed air.

7. Switch your ceiling fans to "reverse"

How long did it take you to learn that you can actually change the direction that your ceiling fan spins? Flipping that strange little switch on the side of t he fan will make it spin the opposite way. Because heat rises, reversing the direction of your ceiling fan can actually help circulate the warm air back into the lower living space.

Looking for more advice about managing your home? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

VA loans have amazing benefits for veterans.

Rightfully so, our nation's heroes deserve easy access to financing a brand new home.

One of the benefits of being approved for a VA loan is the lack of a down payment requirement.

Veterans do not have to make a down payment, which is great since a lot of people struggle with saving up for a new home.

However, are there benefits to making a down payment?

Should veterans ever consider this option?

Any veteran that wants to lower their funding fee can make a down payment.

This is simply a one-time fee used to lower the cost that U.S. taxpayers have to make to fujnd the VA loan program.

By not making a down payment, the funding fee is rolled into the mortgage.

By making a down payment, you can take care of the funding dee and shorten the term of your mortgage.

This means you can build equity faster and pay your home off quicker.

For first-time homebuyers, the funding fee is usually up to 2.3% of the tota home price.

For subsequent homebuyers, the funding fee can soar to 3.5%!

Now, there is a way for the funding fee to be waived.

That depends on the veteran's disability percentage.

You can find this info on the Certificate of Eligibility you receive from applying for a VA loan.

To properly assess your options and determine whether it'd be best for you to make a down payment or not, you should speak to one of our loan officers.

It doesn't take long for our homes to become unorganized. Every time you pin another takeout menu to the fridge, throw an old sweater in the back of a closet, or put a half-dead marker back in a drawer, you are just acquiring more and more clutter. Here are 5 easy tasks you can complete in no time to keep your home feeling fresh and organized.

 1. Clean out junk drawer

You'd be lying to yourself if you think this doesn't need to be taken care of. We all have that one, or maybe even two (oops), drawers in our home that we just keep throwing random things into. Take ten minutes to toss out the broken phone chargers, ink-less pens, old appliance manuals and anything else that has served its time in the junk drawer.

To keep the drawer clean, place small baskets inside. This will create a designated spot to put something, or might even decide that the item doesn't need to be put in there at all.

 2. Purge closets and drawers

As the seasons change, so fo your wardrobes. Each time we head into a new season, it is a great opportunity to go through your clothes and figure out what you can throw out or donate. If you havedn't worn something in a year, get ride of it! Reorganizing your closets and dressers will have you feeling brand new.

 3. Toss expired makeup and beauty products

If you're guilty of hoarding makeup and other beauty products, start by throwing out anything that has expired. You'll be surprised with how many of your products are dated and are no longer safe to use.

After you have gone through your products, organize them in a way that doesn't require them to be spread across your bathroom vanity. Install shelves, use a door-hanging organizer or set up baskets to kep your beauty supplies in order.

 4. Ditch the junk mail

Old bills, takeout menus and expired coupons tend to build up overtime and can easily be forgotten. Although they might be out-of-mind, these things aren't always out-of-sight. To clear up space on your counter tops and refrigerator door, recycle any old pieces of mail that you've been saving over the months.

 5. Clear out pantry

Do you have bags of stale cereal or old snacks hiding in the back of your cupboards? The first step to cleaning out your pantry is to throw out any expired or stale food. If you have foods that are still safe and edible, but they just do not fit your appetite anymore, you can always donate them to your local food bank. After that, you can organize your remaining items and restock your pantry with fresh foods.

Looking for more advice about managing your home? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Millions of homeowners share their house with dogs, cats, reptiles, fish, hamsters, birds and many other types of or world's finest creatures. We all love our pets dearly, but when it comes to selling your home, it is best to keep pet exposure to a minimum. Here are five things that you should do it you are a pet-owner who is ready to put their home on the market:

1. Relocate pets during showings

If you are not at your home during showings, then there is no reason for your pets to be their either. I know it is hard to believe, but some people might not love your animals as much as you do.

The easiest way tp allow a buyer to focus on the beauty of your home is by eliminating any distractions, and pets happen to be one of those distractions. You don't want a buyer to open a closet and be surprised by a cat sleeping on the shelves, or walk into the garage only to be met by the shocking jump of a 100lb dog. Take your pets away with you during home showings, or if you are personally staying for the showing, ask a trusted friend or family member to watch them at their house.

2. Repair any damages caused by pets

Although we love our fur babies, they can be a nusiance to the integrity of our homes. Some of the most common damages caused by pets include scratched doors, punctured window screens, tethered carpets, shredded furniture legs and scratched hardwood floors.

Before showing your home to potential buyers, make sure to repair any damages that you can. The last thing a buyer wants to do is spend their money fixing problems caused by your pet.

3. Eliminate odors

Bad odors can drive potential buyers right out of the door, and pets tend to leave behind different smells. The most common pet odor that lingers in a home is, you guessed it, urine.

Pets have accidents. Unfortunately, if those accidents are not properly taken care of by the seller, a buyer will not want to figure out how to get rid of the smell themselves. As a seller, you might  have to consider replacing or getting carpets/flooring professionally cleaned, washing walls and even changing any air filters in your home to try to eliminate any unsavory smells.

4. Hide pet supplies and accessories

ut away any litters boxes, food bowls, toys, tanks, cages, and other pet supplies before showing your home. If a buyer sees remnants of a pet, they might start to wonder if the animals have caused any damage to the home. It can also be difficult for a buyer to imagine the home as their own if personal pet belongings are on display.

5. Clean any stains and pet hair

Deep cleaning your home is standard before any showing, but if you have pets, you will want to double check that you have removed any pet stains or hair.

A couch covered in dog hair can easily ruin a clean, staged home. Pet dander can also cause serious allergies, and the last thing a buyer wants is to have a reaction while walking through your home.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Buying a home is exciting, nerve-wracking and even chaotic at times. If you are a first-time home-buyer, it can be difficult to know here to start with this process. To make life a littler easier for you, here are six things you will want to do before starting your house-hunting journey:

1. Have your paperwork ready

Before you start your home search, you will want to get all of your paperwork in order for your mortgage lender. Some documents that you will need include bank statements, tax returns, pay-stubs and leasing information if you currently rent. If you already have a lender in mind who you would like to use, check with them prior to meeting to ensure that you will have everything you need. If you have your paperwork readily available, it will make the process go a bit smoother.

2. Check your credit score

Your credit score plays a huge part in getting a loan. If you score is on the lower end, you'll want to take the appropriate actions to increase it. This will not happen overnight, so knowing your score ahead of time can save you last-minute stress. Do not let a bad credit score keep you away from your dream home!

3. Get pre-approved

When you go to a mortgage lender, they will fully assess your income, assets, debts, credit score, etc., and if you fit the criteria, they will issue you a letter for pre-approval. This is really important, especially in today's fast paced market.

When you are pre-approved, sellers know that you are serious about buying and have the means to do so. That extra security can help push the deal along and you will hopefully score your dream home over the buyer that didn't get pre-approved.

4. Make a home wish list

What have you always wanted in a home? Is there a certain number of bedrooms you'll need, or a minimum square footage? Write down any requirements and deal breakers for the home you are looking for.

You can share this list with your Realtor, and together you can find what fits your needs and what does not. As you search for different homes, you might find that the list will change, but it is always a great place to start.

5. Research neighborhoods

Whether you are moving out-of-state or just moving to the next town over, you are going to want to do some research about your potential new location. Before committing to a home, you'll want to know what that neighborhood has to offer. School ratings, crime statistics, affordability and amenity options are just a few things to look into before committing to a certain neighborhood.

6. Find a Realtor that fits your needs

Trying to buy a home without using a trusted Realtor can be risky, especially if you are a first-time buyer. A Realtor will be able to guide you through this process and help you every step of the way. You may want to consider interviewing a few different Realtors to figure out which one will be the right fit for you.

Looking for more advice about managing your home? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Time

The real estate process requires a lot of work on both a buyer and seller's end, but the best part about having a Realtor is that they will do most of that work for you.

If you are already working full-time, will you be able to put together an open house, find potential buyers, stage your house, etc. when you get back at 5:00p.m.? Save yourself the time of doing market research, advertising your home, negotiating contracts and other necessary work by hiring a Realtor.

Money

Okay, I know what you're thinking: You still have to pay a Realtor, right? Yes, you do. Usually a Realtor will get paid 6 percent of what your home sells for. This might seem like a lot of money at first, but it will cost you a lot more money if you decide to do things on your own and end up making mistakes along the way.

The biggest mistake sellers make when they do not use a Realtor, is listing their home at the wrong price. If you list too low, you're obviously losing money that you could've easily earned if you had a Realtor to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis. If you price your home too high, it could potentially sit on the market for longer than you expected, which means you're still paying that hefty mortgage each month.

Energy

We've already talked about how time-consuming selling a home can be, but even if you happen to have the time, will you have the energy?

Realtors spend a lot of time and energy into marketing your home. They might run advertisements across multiple social media platforms, target specific buyers who you do not know follow up with leads, make and receive numerous calls, texts and emails a day, and much more. Before you decide not to use a Realtor, think about if you are ready to put all of your energy towards selling your home.

Sanity

Selling a home can be a stressful experience. One of the easiest ways to ease the selling stress, is by choosing a trusted Realtor to work with. Having an expert by your side to ask questions, communicate with buyers, handle multiple offers and ultimately guide you through this process will certainly ease you mind. Let them worry about selling your home so you do not have to.

Looking for more advice about managing your home? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman

If you are a first-time home-buyer, real estate jargon can be overwhelming. New terms are constantly being thrown around by agents, banks and other parties involved in the process. It is important to have an understanding of real estate terminology to ensure that you are remaining informed and making the best decisions possible. You should always feel comfortable enough with your real estate agent to ask them to clarify any terms for you. Here are 10 terms that will be helpful to know before entering the home-buying process.

Appraisal - The valuation of property based on the estimate of an authorized person (Appraiser). Banks typically require an appraisal of a property before issuing a loan.

Closing Costs - A variety of fees and expenses associated with the closing of a real estate transaction. These could potentially include attorney fees, appraisal fees, credit report fees, etc. Closing costs can be negotiated between the buyer and seller.

Contingencies - Specific requirements that must be met before closing on a property. A contingency could be that a buyer has to sell their current home first, or that the seller must provide a complete home inspection.

Deed - A legal document signed by the buyer and seller of a property, transferring the ownership rights to the buyer.

Down Payment - A percentage of the sales price paid directly to the seller. It is advised to put a 20 percent down payment on a home to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, according to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), the average down payment for first-time home-buyers was only 6 percent in 2019.

Earnest Money - A specific form of security deposit made to the seller. It is often known as the "good faith" deposit and proves to the seller that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home.

Loan Estimate - A three-page document provided by the lender that explains all of the information in regards to the loan applied for. The form includes the estimated interest rate, monthly payment, estimated costs of taxes and insurance, etc. Its purpose is to help a buyer have a better understanding of the loan, and allows them to compare it to other loans they have applied for.

Mortgage - A loan provided by a bank or mortgage lender to help buyers finance the purchase of a home. When a buyer takes out a mortgage, they are agreeing to repay the borrowed money plus interest. The home will be used as collateral.

REALTOR - a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). REALTORS are held at a higher ethical standard than regular real estate agents are and must adhere to a Code of Ethics.

Title Company - Title companies generally review titles to make sure there are not problems, issue title insurance policies and facilitate closings.

Now that you have a better understanding of these terms, you can have more confidence during your home search! Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Not sure what to do with that empty room in your house? Have no fear; there are plenty of ways to transform that room into a useful space. Every other room in your house already serves a purpose, so before you decide what to do with your bonus room, think about what you and your family will benefit from the most. What purpose do you want that room to serve? Here are some of the coolest ways to turn that drab space into something fabulous.

1. Classroom

If you kids will be doing virtual schooling this year, now is the perfect time to turn your bonus room into their own classroom. Not only will it give your children a sense of normalcy, but it will be super fun to decorate as well. The key to making your own classroom is to use plenty of storage and keep things organized. Shop around for a desk, add some cubbies, put up some educational posters and voila, you have a classroom!

2. Home office

Your kids are not the only ones who need their own work space. Having a designated room for your home office will make the best work-from-home experience. There are plenty of ways to spruce up your home office, but you ultimately want to create a place where you can focus and be productive.

3. Home Gym

Don't want to pay for a gym membership or weekly studio classes? Make your bonus room a space for getting healthy. You do not have to spend a ton of money on equipment if you search around sell/swap pages and take advantage of store sales. Having this space can be great for those who do not have the time to travel to a gym or attend long workout classes.

4. Home Theater

Create a cozy space for your family to watch movies together. Mount a large flat screen TV, or even use a classic projector to screen your favorite films. Throw in a couple of reclining chairs, beanbag chairs for the kids, a popcorn machine and you are all set! With a countless number of streaming services at our fingertips, and the perfect setup at home, you might never have to go to the real movie theater again.

5. Pet Room

Do you love your furry or scaly friends and think they deserve a room of their own? Well, you are not the only one. Many people have transformed their bonus rooms into the perfect place for pets. Set up beds, cages, toys and other pet accessories to make your pets feel even more at home and to keep that pet clutter out of your other rooms.

6. Game Room

Set up your pool or foosball table, get out the gaming consoles, and turn your bonus room into the ultimate gaming space! You can purchase organizers for all of your board games, and find a card table to play on. This will be the perfect room for your friends and family to enjoy.

Looking for more advice about managing your home? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

What are the benefits of renting versus buying?

The decision to continue renting or to buy can be a confusing one. Some people continue renting because of the perceived flexibility of moving almost as soon as you decide. Although moving before a lease is up can cost you money, some continue renting because they don't enjoy yard work and don't want the responsibility that goes with home ownership.

Here are some things to consider when choosing between renting and buying:

• Do you want to spend several years in a house and in a neighborhood?
• Do you enjoy lawn and garden work?
• Do you need flexibility to move suddenly to care for family or other reasons?
• Do you want to keep your assets accessible in the bank, or do you want to invest long-term in a home?
• Is personalizing your surroundings through paint or other cosmetic changes important to you?

Maybe the strongest reason for buying a home is the financial security you build as you pay your mortgage. There are short term and long-term tax advantages to home ownership. The mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax deductible, which allows you to subtract part of your housing-related expenses from your taxable income, which could reduce your tax bill.

Other reasons to buy a home:

1. Its a good investment. Investors say overwhelmingly that real estate can typically be a safer and better investment than stocks and bonds!
2. Tax savings. Mortgage interest and property taxes are tax-deductible, making tax savings one of the biggest benefits of home ownership. This means that you could possibly pay less tax or you get a bigger tax return.
3. Improvements add value. Unlike rental improvements, when you paint, make additions, or improvements to your home it increases in value.
4. Buying builds equity. Buying a home is good use of your money. As you make payments over time, the equity increases. When renting, you get no return for your money. Once the money is spent, it's gone.
5. Low interest rates. While interest rates are slowly going up, the nation is still experiencing record low rates which allows buyers to buy more house for their. money at lower monthly payments.
6. Capital appreciation. Unlike buying a car, or renting... homes (when taken care of) usually appreciate in value.
7. More Space. If you've always wanted that extra room for an office or weight room... here's your chance. Renters typically live in smaller spaces... home buyers have more square footage for their money.
8. The "owned" home is your castle. You control the decor. You can paint and decorate as you like. You can add to the size of your home and make improvements. You will not have to face rent increases.

By Katie Wainman | August 18, 2020

When a home is in foreclosure, it means that the bank that lent the initial mortgage now owns the home. A home can be in foreclosure for a few different reasons, such as the owner being unable to make mortgage payments or maintenance issues that are too expensive to repair and make a home unlivable. For buyers, it is important ot become familiar with the foreclosure process, as it can differ quite a bit from purchasing a regular home. Here is what you need to know about foreclosures:

Pricing:

Foreclosures are generally listed at a lower price than other homes for sale in an area. This is what often brings the appeal to buyers and. can be a big advantage for people who are in need of a cheaper home. However, you need to keep in mind that the cost of renovations can add up quickly. Just because it is listed at a lower price, does not necessarily mean that it will be cheaper for you in the long run.

Renovations:

It is common that a foreclosed home has experienced neglect. It might have been vacant for years for the previous owner might not have treated it well. Banks are not going to fix up a foreclosed home, so it is up to the buyer to invest their time, money and energy into renovations.

If you have the capacity to do this, you could potentially turn a foreclosed home into your dream home! However, renovations can be hard to handle. Some foreclosures will require a complete do-over, including requiring the electric, installing a new water heater and exterminating mold. Each home is different, but you will want to consider if major renovations are something you can afford and if you can handle the stress that comes with it.

Buying from the Bank vs. Auction:

When you buy a foreclosed home directly from the bank, you might have an opportunity to negotiate, but the bank will ultimately sell the home on its own terms. On the plus side, the bank will usually handle any evictions and obtain a clean title for you. As mentioned earlier, the home will probably be sold as-is, but you should be able to have an appraisal and inspections done before your purchase.

When purchasing a foreclosed home from an auction, the transaction is usually cash-only with no mortgage involved. This can be great if you are looking for a quick purchase, but you should be mindful that you would not be able to have an inspection or appraisal done prior to the auction.

Real Estate Agent:

If you think that buying a foreclosed home is the right move for you, you will want to find a real estate agent who specializes in foreclosures. Banks will work with Real Estate Owned (REO) agents who in turn work with regular agents to handle these transactions. Many banks will not even work with a buyer who does not have agent representation. Working with an agent who has experience with foreclosures is important because they will be able to help you negotiate, order the proper instructions, help make an offer and much more.

Buying a foreclosed home certainly is not for everyone, but it could be the right move for you. Start by searching for foreclosed properties in your area and visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks. 

By Katie Wainman | August 4, 2020

It is no secret that we are currently living in uneasy times. 2020 keeps placing hurdles in front of us and it can be hard to keep up. Despite these obstacles, we have learned that the real estate market is still going strong. Inventory is low, but the demand for housing is high, meaning that it is actually a great time to sell!
Although it is a sellers market, we understand that selling a home can come with an abundance of unwanted stress. Navigating the real estate world can be tricky, but you do not have to do it alone and the reward often outweighs the hardships. Here are four ways you can easily manage the pesky burdens that come with selling a home.

1. Choose the right agent

This might seem obvious, but it is important to note. Your listing agent will be your trusted source for information and will guide you through this process. You do not want to put your home on the market and realize that your agent is not as helpful as you thought they would be.

Conducting interviews with prospective agents can be a great opportunity to ask the hard-hitting questions and figure out your compatibility. You can also search for agent testimonials, or ask your agent directly for past references that you can contact. By taking the time to find the right agents, you will already be cutting down your future stress level.

2. Mentally prepare for mishaps

Before you put your home on the market, it can be a good idea to accept that not everything will go exactly as planned. Hopefully, there will not be any major obstacles on the yellow brick real estate road, but do not beat yourself up if something does go wrong. Maybe your home is not going to sell as soon as you thought it would, or a last-minute showing has to happen that you did not have on your schedule. The best you can do is to give yourself some wiggle room when it comes to your home selling plans.

3. Establish a system for easy showings

It is important to stage and clean your home to prepare for open houses and private showings. A "photo shoot ready" home is definitely not easy to maintain if you are still living there.

To make these preparations a little easier on yourself, keep some decorative storage units in your home that you can quickly hide personal items in before a showing. Make sure that you also have an assortment of easy-to-use cleaning supplies, such as wipes and dusters, for quick touch-ups of your home's surfaces. Overall, it is best to build the habit of not letting messes accumulate in your home. Do what you can to avoid going into panic mode when you learn that a potential buyer will be coming over the next morning.

4. Take a break

Selling a house is a big deal, but you should not let it consume all of your time. Again, let your trusted agent do some of the worrying for you.

It is completely okay to take a break from the constant, staging and meetings with inspectors. Have a movie night, go to your favorite restaurant or take a weekend trip with the family. Taking a break can give you a fresh mind and put you back on the right track to selling. Your mental and physical health should always be your top priority.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | July 29, 2020

It has been about six months since thousands of people around the world had to vacate their offices to start working form home. At this point, it is still unknown when many people will be able to go back to work, or if they will be working from home permanently. This means that the makeshift home office you created in the first month of quarantine might be ready for an upgrade. If you are going to be working from home indefinitely, you might as well be comfortable and try to make the best of your situation. Here are some tips to make your home office the best it can be!

1. Surround yourself with things you love

This might seem silly to some, but it is still so important. We are going through trying times and any type of positivity is welcome. Even though the rest of your home is already filled with things you love, you do not want to neglect your new office space. Set up an knock-knacks that you might have had in your regular office, including pictures, plants, motivational quotes and artwork. Your home office does not have to be boring or out-of-touch.

2. Splurge for an office chair and desk

In the beginning of quarantine, it was not worth it for many people to spend money on an actual desk and ergonomic office chair. Why spend the money if you will be back in the office soon? Well, that does not seem to be the case anymore. Hunching over your kitchen island is probably not comfortable or realistic for productivity. Of course, budgets may be tight and the space available in your home might be tighter, but purchasing comfortable office equipment is a good investment for your overall health.

3. Create storage and stay organized

It is time to accept that you cannot continue to scatter your work throughout your house. Take the time to assess what kind of space you have to work with and do not be afraid to get creative! Creating office storage can be as simple as having a pencil organizer on your desk, or it can mean converting your empty living room trunk into a filing cabinet. It is important to keep your home office organized to ensure that you still have some separation of your work like and home life.

4. Purchase noise canceling headphones

It is time to accept that you cannot continue to scatter your work throughout your house. Take the time to assess what kind of space you have to work with and do not be afraid to get creative! Creating office storage can be as simple as having a pencil organizer on your desk, or it can mean converting your empty living room trunk into a filing cabinet. It is important to keep your home office organized to ensure that you still have some separation of your work like and home life.

5. Get a laptop stand

If you are working on a laptop, consider saving yourself a trip to the chiropractor by purchasing a stand. Leaning over a laptop for long periods of time is not ideal. If you have your laptop situated at eye-level, your neck will certainly thank you for it!

6. Add more lighting

If you have the ability to do so, set up your office in a space that has natural lighting. Natural light can be great for your mental health and can keep you in positive spirits during the log, work-from-home-days. If you do not have that option, make sure to add a desk lamp or other light sources in your office. The light from your computer screen can cause serious eyestrain if you are in a dim-lit room.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | July 14, 2020

When you put your home on the market, you are preparing yourself for a new phase of life. This means it is time to pack up your personal belongings and create an environment that is welcoming to potential buyers.

When people think of staging a home, they often think about what needs to be added to it. However, sometimes it is more important to think about what needs to be taken away. No buyer wants to step into a home and not be able to imagine it being their own. Here are five things that have to go before you show your home:

1. Displayed Collectibles

Collections can be really cool and maybe people love to see your. vinyl records or coin display when you have a dinner party. Nevertheless, when you are showing your home to sell, potential buyers do not want to feel as if they are imposing on your space. Aside from that, collectibles can also be a distraction to buyers. Do you want a buyer to be looking at the beautiful high ceilings, or do you want them to be looking at the collection of action figures?

2. Family Portraits

Nothing can block a potential buyer from envisioning a home as their own than walking in and seeing someone elses' family on the walls. We understand it can be emotionally difficult to take family photos down, but it is necessary if you want your home to sell.

3. Religious and Political Decor

These items are usually fine to have on display in your own home, but this is not going to be your home anymore. People from all walks-of-life are going to be stepping into this house to consider buying it. Do not let a sale fall through because you kept a political banner staked in the front lawn.

4. Personal Items

Trophies, refrigerator magnets, diplomas and pretty much everything else that scream, "I live here", should be packed away. Again, you are moving on to a new chapter in life. These items no longer have a need to be on display in the house.

5. Pets

This one really hurts us to say, but you should find other arrangements for your pets during home showing. Somehow, not everyone loves your fur babies or reptile friends, and they can actually be unappealing to buyers. Not only should your pet not be at the showing, but you should also hide any evidence of having a pet. This includes litter boxes, food bowls, toys, tanks, cages, etc. If a buyer sees remnants of a pet, they might start to wonder if any damage has been caused to the home because of the animal.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | July 8, 2020

Are you nervous that your bedroom is too small to enjoy? Have no fear! There are plenty of simple tricks to make your tiny bedroom appear spacious. When arranging your small bedroom, think about comfort, functionality and organization. Here are some tips for making the most out of your bedroom:

Keep it Light

The wall colors you should choose can vary depending on your natural light situation. Using light, neutral colored wall paint is the standard fr brightening a small space. However, if there happens to be a great deal of natural light shining into the room , some people do opt for deep colors instead to create a chic mood. Either way, you want to avoid using a lighting/color combo that will ultimately make the room appear smaller.

Use Mounted Lamps

Table and floor lamps can be a burden in a small bedroom. By getting lighting fixtures that mount to your walls or ceilings, you will open up the room and create more floor and tabletop space.

Ditch the Clutter

Even the largest bedrooms in the world can seem small if they are filled with unnecessary clutter. When you already have a small room, you really want to keep it clean and simple. Ditch any furniture pieces that add no value to the room, do not overdo the decor and, overall, keep your room clean.

Add Height

You may not be able to make your space appear wider, but you can always give the illusion of height. Some tricks to add height to your bedroom include hanging long drapes close to the ceiling, having a tall narrow dresser, or painting your ceiling a vibrant color to draw the eye upward.

Create Storage

Having storage is one of the most important factors in a tiny room. One of the best ways to create storage is by having multi-purpose furniture. For example, an ottoman at the end of the bed can double as storage and a seating area. Beds with built-in storage underneath are also great for keeping seasonal clothes or other items that tend to crowd your closet. You might have to get creative when thinking about storage, but it will be worth it!

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | June 23, 2020

If you are thinking about buying a home, going to open houses is a great way to get a feel for the local real estate market. For many first-time home-buyers, finding open houses can seem like an unwanted stress. In reality, the process is actually pretty easy! Take a look at these four simple ways to find open houses near you.

1. Browse the web

Technology has been a saving grace for the real estate industry. In today's ago you can easily search for open houses on any major real estate website, including our own here at Crye-Leike. By visiting http://bit.ly/Crye-LeikeExecutiveRealty-OpenHouses, you can search our currently available open houses and apply filters to fit your home-search requirements.

2. Social Media

Using social media can be a great way to find open houses in your area. For example, if you are an Instagram or Facebook and search #openhouse followed by the city you are looking to move to, you will find hundreds of posts from real estate agents with open houses in that area. It is also a good idea to browse individual real estate agents' social media pages. Many agents will post listings, open houses, just sold homes and much more on their social media.

3. Take a stroll through the neighborhood

If you are not super interested in searching through social media or websites, you can always try finding open houses the good ole' fashion way - by driving through a neighborhood and keeping an eye out for that "open house" sign. This works best if you have your heart set on a specific neighborhood already. If you do not seem to find any open houses, but you see that a home is for sale, then you can use the tips above to find out if there will be an open house in the near future.

4. Rely on your agent

If you are serious about house hunting, hopefully you have already chosen a trusted Realtor to help you. Let them do their job and find open houses for you! The agent you choose should be considered an "expert" in the neighborhood you are looking at. This means they will be able to find compatible open houses and avoid ones that will be a waste of your time. You definitely do not have to go through this process alone.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Kati Wainman | June 16, 2020

Although many of us aren't exactly "hoarders", we do tend to collect piles of unnecessary items throughout our lives. If you're trying to sell your home, an important first step is to get rid of the clutter. Not only will this help in the efforts of staging your home, but it will ease your moving experience as well. Here are some areas in your home that you'll want to de-clutter:

Bookshelves and end tables

As you'll probably notice, this article is going to highlight the importance of simplicity. Our bookshelves, end tables, mantles and other common surfaces of the home can become cluttered with decorations and knick-knacks. Now is a good time to clear off some of those items and decided if they are pieces you will want to keep. If you're moving into a new home, you might want to start fresh! For staging purposes, even if you do want to keep some of these things, you should pack them up and keep the amount of items on display to a minimum.

Furniture

For showing purposes, minimal furniture is best. You do not want your living spaces to be completely empty, but you als odo not want to pack them with unnecessary furniture either. Creating an atmosphere where potential buyers can understand how a space can be utilized, without hindering their own vision for the space, is so important when selling your home.

Counter-Tops

Do you really need the waffle maker, toaster, instant pot, air fryer, mixer and coffee maker on display in your kitchen? It's time to either find some cabinet space to keep these neatly out of sight, or simply pack them up and get them ready to move to your new home. If you're only ever used that fondue maker twice since it was gifted to you five years ago, it might even be time to get rid of it completely.

You can keep a couple of essential appliances on the counters for staging, such as the toaster and coffee maker, but the less you have your your counter-tops, the bigger it will look. If you feel like that space is too empty, consider putting out a nice fruit bowl or a simple piece of decor, instead of an appliance.

Walls

Yes, our walls become cluttered too. You might not even realize your walls are clutter, but potential buyers will. To get your home ready to sell, you'll want to take down your family photos and, depending on how many hangings you have on the walls, some of your artwork or decor as well. You don't want your walls to be blank, but having your family portraits on display all over the house will not make a potential buyer feel like it could be their home either. Again, simplicity is key, so decluttering your walls can really help your home sell!

Closets

Closets, aka the places in a house where we store all of our junk, also need to be cleaned out in order for your house to sell. If you are unable to clean out your closets completely before showing your home, you at least need to organize them. This is a prime opportunity to go through your storage and figure out what can be kept, sold or donated before you make the big move.

Tip: If you haven't used something within the last year, you probably arent' ever going to use it. It's time to part ways with your unnecessary clutter.

Cabinets and Drawers

Similar to your closets, you'll want to completely clear our your drawers and cabinets (think kitchen and bathrooms), or at least get them neatly organized. Junk drawers and medicine cabinets tend to hold unwanted items for year - purge them! Messy storage areas make it hard for potential buyer to imagine utilizing that space themselves, which could in-turn deter them from purchasing the home.

At the end of the day, de-cluttering your home can fell like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Even if you aren't looking to sell right away, clearing out these areas of your home can give you a fresh start.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | June 10, 2020

Summer is here, which means it is the perfect time to spruce up your home decor for the season! If even the thought of decorating intimidates you, don't worry; there is no need to be a professional interior designer to pull off these easy tricks.

1. White Basics

Updating your wall color or furniture to a crisp white is more welcoming to natural light - a summer favorite. You can add different hues of cream colors to complement the white and create a clean, fresh look for the season.

2. Bright Accent Colors

Adding pops of color throughout your home can get you in the mood for summer. Bright colors can be incorporated in place settings, pillows, decorative dishes, artwork and much more. A good starting point is to contrast the colors you already have - lighten your light colors and darken your dark colors

3. Airy Window Treatments

It is time to lose those heavy drapes you have around your home and swap them with something light and airy. Brightly hued, lightweight curtains are perfect for creating a comfortable summer space.

4. Freshly Picked Flowers

Believe it or not, flowers are not only meant for special occasions. It is now the perfect time of year to display fresh cut flowers in your home. Bonus points if you can cut them from your own garden!

5. Art Swap

When revamping your home for summer, think about replacing some of the artwork with colorful pieces, especially if you have dark walls. Swapping your artwork throughout the year to match the season si a great way to keep your home looking fresh and fun.

6. Summer Scents

We sometimes forget that. candles and plug-ins are not just for the winter. Although scents like "gingerbread cookie" and "cinnamon apple" are fantastic for that time of year, you do not necessarily want to use them during the summer. Scents with flower or beach vibes are best. It is also a prime opportunity to open up your windows and let Mother Nature air out your home - especially if you just cut the grass!

7. Set Up Outside Hangout Area

Whether it be your back deck, a patio or even your front porch, setting up a space where you can relax outside is ideal. There are endless options for setting up your outdoor space. First, figure out how to best utilize the space you have. Think about what kind of furniture can fit in the space and do not be afraid to get creative! Throw down an outdoor rug, set up a seating area (or even a hammock or maximum relaxation) and hang up some lights to make your outdoor space as comfortable as possible, day or night.

For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.

By Katie Wainman | June 2, 2020

A bad odor can run you right out of your potential dream home. Not only are certain smells extremely unpleasant, but they are often hard to remove from a house. While you are searching for your next home, be sure to put your nose to work as well. If you are participating in a virtual tour thanks to COVID-19, be sure to remind your trusted Realtor® to be your nose for you! Here are four odors that buyers should be weary of:

1. Pet Odors

The most common pet odor lingers in a home is, you guess it, urine. Pets have accidents. Unfortunately if those accidents are not properly taken care of by the homeowner, it can be costly for a buyer to fix. Often times, a buyer will have to replace carpets/flooring and was the walls ti try to remove any pet odors. Even then, buying an air filter might be necessary.

If you are touring a home that has an obvious pet odor, it is definitely something your are going to want to discuss with the homeowner before you put in an offer.

2. Mold/Mildew

Even if you are walking into a beautiful multi-million dollar listing, if you notice an overwhelming scent of mold or mildew, it can ruin the entire experience. Not only is the smell displeasing, but it can also be harmful to your health.

Houses that smell of mold most likely have an ongoing moisture problem. If you notice the scent of mold, it is important to have an indoor environmental specialist come and test the house for mold and mildew, and the entire house should be checked for leaks as well.

3. Sulfur

If you have never had the experience of walking into a home that smells like sulfur, then you are luck/ 'Rotton eggs' is not a candle scent for a reason.

Removing the smell of sulfur can go beyond just replacing the carpets or putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls. In most cases, the water in the house causes the small of sulfur. This means that every time you turn on the faucet or start the shower, that smell will resurface.

If you absolutely fall in love with a home, but there is a smell of sulfur, then you are going to want to consider the cost of re-doing the plumbing and possibly digging into your yard to fix the problem, before putting in an offer.

4. Lingering Cigarette Smells

Thankfully, we are not longer in an age where you can light up a cigarette on an airplane or in a restaurant, but there are people who still smoke in their homes. Cigarette odors tend to linger and can become trapped in the floors, walls, ceilings and furniture of a house. It can be one of the hardest scents to get ride of, but it should not necessarily defer you from purchasing the house.

Before making a decision, assess what you might need to do to rid of the smell. It could just be minor fixes, such as replacing the drapes, putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls and shampooing the carpets. However, if the home has an HVAC system exposed to smoke consistently for years, you might have to pay professionals to clean out the air ducts and replace certain parts of the HVAC system to eliminate the odor.

5. Always ask questions!

If you notice any of these smells in a house, it is important to have a conversation with the homeowner or listing agent to have a better understanding of the situation. If you can only do a virtual tour of the home for safety reasons, make sure your Realtor is being diligent and using their nose knowledge to help you. Looking for odor causing signs such as litter boxes, ash trays or ceiling/wall/carpet stains can help ensure that you do not buy a smell home.

Need more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | May 26, 2020

Have your ever been to a friend's house and you have to give a little extra oomph to open a door ,or the light switches flip backwards? If you are just a guest, it does not really matter. However, if you are selling that house, then those quirks might be a turnoff to a potential buyer.

Buyers do not necessarily want to walk into a house to find out that there are a number of small repairs that need to be made. It can give off the impression that a seller did not want to take care of this home, or that they let minor fixes go ignored for too long. Small problems tend to lead to bigger problems, so as a seller it is important to make an minor repairs you can to avoid scaring off buyers. Here are some of the most common quirks that should be fixed if you plan to put your home on the market:

1. Backward hot and cold water faucets

Is there anything more annoying than this? Not only can it show that there might have been some failed DIY work going on in the house, but it also could make a buyer starter to wonder what other faulty issues are in the home. Before putting your home on the market, think about calling up a plumber to look into this.

2. Stuck doors

The front door of a home should be as welcoming as possible, so i can be a bit embarrassing if someone has to put a little muscle into opening it. A potential buyer will be instantly putt-off if they experience issues with the functionality of the front door. Stuck doors can be a nuisance, but a quick call to contractor can help fix those sticky frames!

3. Propped up windows

It is not very appealing to walk into a house to see a window propped open with a 2x4, and a potential buyer does not want to be tasked with the obvious needed repair. Even if you try to hide it by simply keeping the windows closed, a buyer who conducts a thorough home search will likely try and open windows to check their functionality anyway.

In most cases, fixing a window that will not stay up can be surprisingly easy. Hop online to watch fix-it tutorials (if you are confident in your DIY skills), or call a professional to see what needs fixing. Either way, it should be taken care of before you list your home.

4. Dragging backyard gate

A beautiful backyard can be ruined by the noise and poor appearance of a dragging gate. Usually a dragging gate can be reinforced with new brackets and bolts to help keep it sturdy. It might take a little bit of work to figure how to replace your gate, but it will be worth it in the end.

5. Wobbly ceiling fan

If a potential buyer is diligent during the home showing, they are going to test any fans in the house to make sure they are working properly. It can feel a bit scary walking into a room feeling like the fan is about to fly off the ceiling. This could be a minor fix, meaning that the fan just needs to be tightened, or you might have to replace it completely. Fixing a fan could make a difference in the sale of your home!

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | May 26, 2020

Have you ever been to a friend's house and you have to give a little extra oomph to open a door, or the light flip backwards? If you are just a guest, it does not really matter. However ,if you are selling that house, then those quirks might be a turnoff to a potential buyer.

Buyers do not necessarily want to walk into a house to find out that there are a number of small repairs that need to be made. It can give off the impression that a seller did not take good care of the home, or that they let minor fixes go ignored for too long. Small problems tend to lead to bigger problems, so as a seller it is important to make any minor repairs you can avoid scaring off buyers. Here are some of the most common quirks that should be fixed if you plan to put your home on the market:

1. Backward hot and cold water faucets

Is there anything more annoying than this? Not only can it show that there might have been some failed DIY work going on in the house, but it also could make a buyer start to wonder what other faulty issues are in the home. Before putting your home on the market, think about calling up a plumber to look into this.

2. Stuck Doors

The front door of a home should be as welcoming as possible, so it can be a bit embarrassing if someone has to put a little muscle into opening it. A potential buyer will be instantly putt-off if they experience issues with the functionality of the front door. Stuck doors can be a nuisance, but a quick call to a contractor can help fix those sticky frames!

3. Propped up windows

It is not very appealing to walk into a house to see a window propped open with a 2x4, and a potential buyer does not want to be tasked with that obvious needed repair. Even if you try to hide it by simply keeping the windows closed, a buyer who conducts a thorough home search will likely try and open windows to check their functionality anyway.

In most cases, fixing a window that will not stay up can be surprisingly easy. Hop online to watch a fix-it tutorial (if you are confident in your DIY skills), or call a professional to see what needs fixing. Either way, it should be taken care of before you list your home.

4. Dragging backyard gate

A beautiful backyard can be ruined by the noise and poor appearance of a dragging gate. usually a dragging gate can be reinforced with new brackets and bolts to help keep it sturdy. It might take a little bit of work to figure how to replace your gate, but it will be worth it in the end.

5. Wobbly ceiling fan

If a potential buyer is diligent during the home showing, they are going to test any fans in the house to make sure they are working properly. It can feel a bit scary walking into a room feeling like the fan is about to fly off the ceiling. This could be a minor fix, meaning that the fan just needs to be tightened, or you might have to replace it completely. Fixing a fan could make a difference in the sale of your home!

Need more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | May 11, 2020

For the time being, open house are a no-go and in-person showings have become limited. However, this does not mean that home buying and selling has stopped! The real estate industry has quickly found ways to adapt to this new "norm" to keep clients safe during the buying or selling process.

Technology has opened up a world of opportunities for real estate professionals, but non of that matters if our clients are not reaping those benefits. Here is how you can receive maximum value during your virtual house hunting experience:

Look closely at listing photos and descriptions

Looking through photos of a home online obviously does not have the same affect as viewing a home in-person, but it is a great place to start when narrowing down your options. Unfortunately, pictures can be deceiving, so it is beneficial to have an understanding of what to look for in listing photos. Some red flags include:

• No interior photos - This might just mean that the owners have not had photos taken yet, or it could mean that the inside of the home is not picture-worthy.
• Shades or blinds are closed - Generally, a homeowner would want the blinds open to provide natural light. If the blinds are closed, it is possible that they are hiding a bad view.
• Listing description uses key words such as "cozy", "vintage" and "needs TLC" - These words can easily translate to small, dated and needs more work than you are willing to put in.

If you have any concerns with the listing photos or description, it is best to have your Realtor® address any questions with the listing agent before you make a decision about wanting to see the home.

Get a detailed virtual tour

Instead of in-person showing, many agents are now offering to do virtual home tours instead. This is great because it provides you the opportunity to do a "walk-through" without putting yourself or your family in harms way with COVID-19.

Most virtual tours occur by an agent walking through the home while video chatting with the potential buyer. Any good agent will be thorough during the tour, but as the potential buyer, it is up to you to ask detailed questions about the home. Have your agent show you minor details of a home, such as any final additions from a renovation, moldings, cabinet handles, etc. The more details you can see on your virtual tour, the better your experience will be.

While you are on the virtual tour, it is also a good idea to have a printed layout of the house available with you. While your agent is walking through, you will be able to follow along and have a better feel for the space and set-up of the home.

Research the neighborhood online

A neighborhood can make or break your potential dream home. Before you make a life-changing decision, hop online and do some research about the neighborhood that you are thinking about moving to. Affordability, safety and amenities are just a few things you need to know about before choosing your next place to live.

You can look at online maps to see the aerial and street views of your neighborhood, along with what kind of access you have to shops, restaurants and other daily services. You can get a breakdown of Mid-South neighborhood demographics, restaurants, school ratings, market trends and more here.

If can also be beneficial to take a drive through the neighborhood, it is is accessible. You will be able to learn more about the road conditions, the quality of other homes in the area, and the general cleanliness just by taking a drive.

For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.

From the Community Mortgage Blog

What are the basic building blocks of a pre-approval?

• Credit Score
• Job Status/History
• Debt to Income Ratio
• Current Assets

Debt to Income is one of those components that is ever-changing depending on debts paid off, new credit lines, property tax rates, and... Homeowner's Insurance... YES, you read that correctly.

So why Homeowner's Insurance counted? It is one of those payments homeowners are required to pay at a certain frequency, just like property taxes and monthly mortgage payments.

So you could see why deciding on the appropriate coverage and payment early in the mortgage process is so important.

John Baertels & Jason Savage of the Community Mortgage Atoka Team have a great explanation in this quick video below.

By Katie Wainman | April 28, 2020

Being stuck at home during quarantine is the perfect opportunity to get ahead on your spring cleaning. It might not be the most fun way to occupy this new-found free time, but if you're planning to sell your home, cleaning is a must.

A clean home is a major component in the home staging process. Here are some things you need to clean to get your home ready for spring selling:

Appliances

Great, grimy appliances are not something a potential home-buyer wants to see. Make sure to deep clean your refrigerator, oven, microwave and any other appliances that you may have in your kitchen. It might be a bit of a pain, but pulling our your appliances and cleaning under/behind them is also important.

If you're running low on cleaning supplies, distilled white vinegar mixed with warm water acts as a great disinfectant and cuts through tough grease on kitchen appliances.

Counter-tops

Aside from wiping down counter-tops as you regularly would, you can also polish them, depending on what kind of material your counter-tops are. You should also consider de-cluttering your counter-tops of some smaller appliances.

You might think that your air fryer, instant pot, mixer and juicer are all necessities for your counter-top, but a potential buyer will just see those as clutter. Clearing out cabinet space to put some of these smaller appliances away will leaver your counter-tops looking more spacious.

Sink

Sometimes we can go "nose blind" to smells in our home, meaning that we get use to certain smells. However, a new person stepping into your home will immediately smell that strange odor coming from your kitchen sink.

Even it you don't think it smells, if can't hurt to freshen up your sink. One of the most common cures for smelly sink is to dump a cup of baking soda the drain, then dump down a half cup of distilled white vinegar. Let it fizz up and sit for about 20 minutes and then pour hot water down the drain to rinse it out. For a quicker fix, you can also take citrus rinds and put them through your garbage disposal to create a fresh, clean scent.

Windows

Windows open up your house to the beautiful spring world, so it's important to keep them looking pristine if your home is on the market. Not only do you need to clean the inside of the windows, but you'll need to clean the outside as well.

Before wiping them down with a cleaner, outside windows might have to be rinsed off with a hose first to remove any dirt or debris that may be built up. You should also remove the screens and wipe off any dirt or dust, and don't forget about cleaning off those pesky windowsills.

Ceilings

Did you think dust bunnies only liked that spot under your couch? Turns out they love your ceilings even more! Now is the perfect time to open up your windows, get out the extended duster, and dust off your ceiling fans, light fixtures and moldings. This can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home by brightening those fixtures again.

Walls

Washing the walls isn't an old urban legend - people actually do this! Washing your walls with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner will remove any stains, grime or marks that you might have forgotten were even there. Before wiping an entire wall, it is best to try it out on a small portion, just to make sure you aren't going to ruin the paint.

There are obviously plenty of other spaces that can be cleaned that aren't listed here. However, these surfaces alone cal already make a huge difference in the appearance of your home. During these times, you may not have as many people looking at your home in-person, but virtual tours have become the next best thing in the real estate would, and people can still spot a dirty house through the camera screen!

For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.

Price it right, right from the start.

Your property will generate the most attention and showings in the first weeks it's on the market. For the best results, you should list it at a realistic price right from the beginning. If your price is too high relative to the competition, then right buyers will not even look at an otherwise attractive property - particularly during the critical stage of initial market exposure.

Proper Pricing is Important

• Faster Sale
• Less Inconvenience
• Attracts "Cleaner" Financing
• Attracts Higher Offers
• Means More Money to Sellers
• Avoids Being "Shopworn"
• Better Response from Advertising and Sign Inquiries
• Increased Sales Associate Response
• Exposure to More Prospects

Learn the value of your property:

Setting the right price before you list is critical to getting the most for your property and selling it quickly. Having a professional with experience in your neighborhood prepare a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) gives you the facts and insights to set the right price.

By Katie Wainman | April 14, 2020

On a normal day, in a normal world, selling a home can be a hassle. On top of that, now you have to factor in that the world seems to have been turned upside down. The question isn't simply if you can sell your home during COVID-19; After all, t he U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deemed real estate and essential service, although local laws may differ. Rather, the question is, can you sell your home safely?

The answer is yes. Thanks to technology and the adaptability of real estate brokerages and agents, selling a home can be done safely during this strange time and here's how:

Virtual Consultations

Phone calls and video chats have been a life-saver for families and friends during these past couple of months. It is the only safe way to have interaction with others. Thankfully, that applies for the real estate industry as well. Any questions, comments or concerns that you have can still be communicated with your Realtor by using the right technology!

Virtual Showings

The implementation of virtual showing has been one of the biggest changes to the industry. Realtors® have discovered ways to show houses to potential buyers without the buyer stepping foot inside the home and risking contamination.

A virtual showing may be a video chat (via Zoom, Face-time, etc.) with a buyer, where the seller or the Realtor walks through the home while on the call. It might also be a pre-recorded video or a series of 3-D photos that buyers can look at.

Virtual showings can prevent unnecessary traffic into the home and even weed out unrealistic buyers before they request an in-person showing.

Minimal-Contact Inspections and Appraisals

Inspections and appraisals would normally require face-to-face contact, but now these can also be done with minimal-to-no contact with the homeowners.

Depending on what lenders are allowing, many appraisers are going to homes and taking photos from the sidewalk or car. They then use special software, algorithms and data to determine a proper estimate for the home's value.

Inspectors are also being encouraged to go through the home by themselves, while wearing proper safety gear to complete an inspection. Detailed reports can then be delivered and reviewed digitally.

Safety Precautions Taken by Realtors

Although virtual showings have been an asset, unfortunately they cannot completely replace the experience of a buyer viewing your home in-person. In cases where the buyer wants to physically see the home (most likely after they already had a virtual tour and are serious about buying the home), Realtors® have extended their services to ensure that safety procedures are being utilized.

Many Realtors® have put together "showing-kits", consisting of sanitizer, wipes, shoe covers, masks, etc., to provide to potential buyers. Sellers are also advised to sanitize any common surfaces, such as counter-tops and handles, to leave the lights on, and to leave open cabinets and closet doors so that the buyer will not have to touch those themselves.

Remote Closings

Closings used to consist of the buyer, seller and both of their Realtors® and attorneys sitting around a table ready to sign all of the necessary documents. Now, it is required that only the buyer and seller be involved. Some companies are allowing buyers and sellers to come into the office at different times to sign. They would then verbally confirm their signatures with a notary, while following social distancing guidelines. In other circumstances, companies will bring the documents out to the buyer and seller's vehicles to sign instead.

Selling is not only possible, but it is possible to sell safely. The advice given above may differ depending on location and company policies, so it is important to check with your local government to know what is "essential" and to virtually keep in touch with your Realtor® to ensure that all safety guidelines can be met.

For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.

By Katie Wainman | April 7, 2020

Staying healthy is the number one priority across the country, including within the real estate industry. Many people are concerned that now is not the right time to buy or sell a home, but in reality, Realtors are making strides to ensure that the real estate process can continue in the safest way possible.

If you are currently on the hunt for your dream home, here are a few precautions you can take to make showing a safer process.

Drive Separately to Showings

Before COVID-19, it was common for Realtors and clients to ride together to look at houses. Now, it is more appropriate to drive separately, avoiding close contact with one another. Car surfaces can be full of germs if not properly sanitized, so it is best to avoid being another person's vehicle during this time.

Designate One Person to Touch Doorknobs, Using A Sanitizing Wipe

Prior to entering the home, designate one person to open any doors throughout the house. The less contact people have with handles, the better. It would be best if that person used a sanitizing wipe or cloth to touch any handles.

Sanitize Hands Before and After Entering the Home

It is important that you use hand sanitizer or wipes before entering the home, as well as after.

Avoid Touching Common Home Surfaces

Any other time, you might feel the need to run a hand across those new counter tops, or open up all of the cabinets and closets to see what kind of space you could have. However, during this time, it is best to avoid touching any common home surfaces. If light switches, cabinet handles or closet handles need to be touched, the person who is designated to open the doors should be the only on to touch these surfaces with a sanitizing wipe as well.

Take Any Used Wipes, Gloves, Shoe Covers, etc. with you when you Leave

Do not leave any personal protective equipment, such as gloves, wipes, masks or shoe covers, behind. Take them with you and properly dispose of them

Do Not Visit Property if you or Someone in your Home are Showing Symptoms of COVID-19

If you or a person that you have recently been in contact with are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you should follow quarantine guidelines. This might throw a wrench in your home search, but it does not have to bring it to a halt. - Contact your Realtor or visit www.RealEstateInBowlingGreen.com for more information about virtual showings.

For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.

By Katie Wainman

When buying a home, it can be tempting to do so without using a real estate agent. You think, "Can they be trusted?", or "If i can do it on my own, why not?". However, going into the home-buying arena on your own can present many risks that can damage your bank account, your change at a dream home and your future investments. Keep reading to learn more about the risks of buying a home without using a real estate agent.

Overpaying for a Home

Unless you are extremely knowledgeable about market trends and home appraisals, you are probably going to overpay on a home if you don't have a real estate agent guiding you. Oftentimes, homes that are For Sale By Owner (FSBO) are overpriced to begin with. Sellers can easily overestimate the value of their home, and if you aren't aware of that, you'll end up paying more for a home than the actual value.

Lack of Neighborhood Knowledge

Many agents specialize in specific neighborhoods or communities. Because of this, they usually know the ins-and-outs of that area more than the people who actually live there! They're knowledgeable about what other properties in the area are selling at, how a home's value may increase or decrease in the future, school ratings, safety and much more.

If you're looking into buying a home in a neighborhood that you know nothing about, an agent would be a great asset to have. After all, you're not just purchasing a home, but you're making an investment for your future.

Misunderstanding of Laws, Regulations and Contracts

The real estate industry is full of various laws and regulations that can vary by state, city, and county. Without an agent, you won't have someone to be there with you every step of the way to explain the process to you and make sure everything is legal. Nobody wants to be blindsided by a seller who wasn't abiding by the laws, and you certainly don't want to be the one breaking the laws yourself.

There are also going to be mountains of contracts and other paperwork to go through. Real estate jargon can be confusing and it is good to have a trusted agent to explain any terms to you. It is also important to make sure that all deadlines are being met and paperwork is being filled out correctly. If you make mistakes during this step, it can cause serious, expensive issues down the road.

Inspection Issues

Buyers agents are well-versed when it comes to inspections. They understand which inspections are necessary, which inspections are not, and which inspectors to choose to get the job done. If you try to do this on your own, you may end up purchasing a house with serious problems, or spending too much money on unreasonable inspection requests.

Overpaying on Closing Costs

Closing costs can already be a bit confusing and present last-minute fees you didn't realize you'd have to pay. You don't want to end up footing the bill for all closing costs just because you didin't know any better. If you are represented by an agent, they will be able to break down and explain what the closing costs will be, and they can negotiate with the seller what costs you will cover and what costs the seller will cover.

To avoid these risks, it is best to find a trusted real estate agent. As long as you do proper research and interview prospective agents, you'll find the right fit for you! For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit  https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.

Spring is finally here! We made it through another winter, but this means that you have some cleaning and repairing to do if you want to sell your home.

Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of your property, specifically when it is up for sale. Traditionally, the better your curb appeal, the more likely it is that your home will sell.

Spring also happens to be one of the busiest selling periods in the industry. The weather is warmer, flowers are in bloom and people are trying to settle into new homes before the fall. If you're getting ready to sell this spring, here are some tips on how to boost your curb appeal after a long winter!

Rake the lawn and trim back trees
At this point, your lawn is probably looking pretty sickly. Now is the time to get your lawn back up to spring standards. Rake and pick up any leaves, sticks and debris that may have collected during the colder months. Clearing these out will leave a fresh space for that green grass to start growing back.

Your trees and bushes are also going to need attention. Cut back any dead branches and trim up any areas that have gotten carried away in their growth. A clean, trim yard will give new life to your home!

Replace dead plants and shrubs
Take some time to freshen up your garden beds and shrubbery. Because you're selling, you don't want to plant any high-maintenance plants, but you want to have some fresh spring flowers to welcome potential buyers. Weed the gardens, remove any dead plants, and plant new, brightly colored flowers.

Clean gutters
There is one thing that always comes with spring - rain. Make sure that you clear out your gutters of any debris and make any necessary repairs. Not only does this look nicer, but it will also allow all that rain to flow through with no issues.

Wash home's exterior
When spring arrives, car washes fill up with people getting all of the mud, leftover salt stains and last remnants of winter off of their vehicles. Why wouldn't we do the same thing to our homes?

A good pressure wash to the exterior of your home can really spruce the place up. If you don't have the proper equipment, or are unsure of how to use the equipment, consider reaching out to a local company to do the job instead.

Clean up driveway and walkway
There can be a lot of different things you have to do to your driveway, depending on what type of driveway you have and if you experience the repercussions of snow. For example, if you have a gravel driveway and you had to have it plowed because of snow, you might have to replace some of the gravel that got swept away, or clean up gravel that got pushed into your yard. Asphalt driveways might need to be resurfaced after damage caused by extreme freezing and thawing throughout the winter.

Driveway and walkway repairs are more likely for homes in northern regions, but if you live in an area that has a mild winter, hopefully you just need to pick up debris and pressure wash.

Camouflage Eyesores
Get out the lawn decorations and start covering up some of those eye-sores that you have to have in your yard. These can include utility boxes, meters and grates. If you can do something to make them look nicer, or just hide them completely, this will make your yard look more appealing.

You did it; you finally sold your house! Life is a breeze, and you can sit back, relax and enjoy the roses. There is just one little issue - you need to pack up your entire life and leave.

Whether you have had to do it ten times or never before, moving out can be one of the most stressful things about selling a home. Keep readying to find out how you can survive the hassle of moving.

Remember, lists can be a life-saver

It can be a great idea ot create a checklist to help keep you on track during your move. There are many variables to moving; it can be hard to remember what needs to be done, and when things need to be done. Check with your Realtor® to see if they have a list available for you. If not, you can find pre-made moving checklists on websites such as Pinterest, or take the time to make one yourself. You checklist should include a time-line for when you should start packing, changing your address, changing over utilities, cleaning, etc.

Choose a moving style

Will you be able to handle the workload on your own? Do you have the means of transportation for a move? You will need to have a plan for how you will move out of your house. You can hire a moving company, rent your own moving trucks/trailers, or do all of it on your own. Think about what you can handle yourself, and what you can afford for outside help if needed.

Gather supplies

Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, box cutters, labels and markers are some of the supplies your are going to want for your move. If possible, try to collect some of these items overtime. If you are an online shopaholic, save boxes and packing supplies from what you have ordered! You can also post on social media that you are in need of boxes and other items, or visit local shops that may have free boxes available. Having supplies ready for packing will save you from last-minute trips to the store during your move.

Have a plan for kids and pets

Prior to your move-out day, have a plan in place for your children and pets. You do not want to worry about what your kids and pets are getting into while you are running around the house. It might be a good idea to drop your kids and pets off with a loving friend or family member for the day.

If you do not have that option, then try to find safe ways your kids can participate in move-out day. You will also want to dig out the old per carriers and get your pet accustomed to being in the car, especially if you have a long ride to the new home. It will ease the stress for the day if they are not anxious during the car ride.

Do a walk-through

You are going to want to do a walk-through more than once during your move-out time. Before you begin to pack, go into each room and really get an idea of what is ahead of you. When you have made some progress, go through again to assess the situation - you are getting closer to freedom, I promise! Most importantly, do one final walk-through to ensure that you are not leaving anything behind. You would not leave a hotel room without checking in the closet and under the bed first for stray items, right? Do the same thing with the house - check all of the rooms, closets, pantries, cupboards, etc.

Purge!!!

The infamous purge can be a terrifying experience to come face-to-face with years of built-up clutter. However, once you have come to terms with that, it really is the best feeling in the world to rid your likfe of unnecessary possessions. When you start to organize and pack-up the rooms in your home, you will find there are tons of items you do not need. Take the time to sort these things. You can donate some of your belongings, host a yard sale to make a quick buck for the move, or just throw out what is unusable. Get rid of the clutter before you move on to the next chapter in your life.

Pack and overnight bag

Before you pack up absolutely everything, make sure to leave out a few items to take with you to your new home. Having an overnight bag with essentials such as a couple changes of clothes, toiletries and electronics will save you the grief of rummaging through boxes that you have already packed away. Make sure to do the same for your children and pets!

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Even if you are not currently buying or selling, we are here for you. We help with everything related to your home and keep you current on the real estate market.

Keep Up with the Real Estate Market

• What price is my neighbor asking?
• How's the Market?
• Subscribe to Email Updates of Properties for Sale Near You
• Follow Crye-Leike Executive Realty on Facebook

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• Property Management Services
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Help Friends & Family

Anywhere in the world your friends and family live or move, we can help them find a trusted local expert. Our relocation service are free to you. Just let us know where they are moving and we will do the rest.

Learn and Dream

• Vacation Spots & 2nd Homes
• Articles on Real Estate Topics
• Explore Your City

How Can We Help?

Please let us know how we can help. Questions about property value, or how remodeling projects will impact your home's value? Interested to find out how much a property sold for or what the market is doing in your area? Shopping around on insurance prices or looking for a qualified vendor to do work at your place? These are just a few of the types of questions we can help with.

By Katie Wainman | March 17, 2020


Moving into a new home does not have to feel like the end of the world. You already went through the stress of moving out of your hold house, so do not let the move-in process get the best of you! Here are some tips to help guide you through this journey and get you on track to enjoying your dream home.

Set Up Utilities

Some people are able to set up their water, gas, and electricity prior to moving. However, if you were not able to do so, this should be the first thing on your to-do list. Turns out, life is a lot easier when your utilities are turned and working!

Once the main utilities are in order, you'll want to consider getting other utilities set up, such as your phone, cable, and internet. If you can, try to research and schedule these services in advance, as it may take a couple of weeks for a provider to get to your home.

Unpack Essentials

If you've read our Moving Guide, you'll know that you should pack an overnight bag before clearing our your old house. This allows you to have quick access to essentials, such as a change of clothes and toiletries, without having to rummage through random boxes.

When you're finally getting situated, you can start to unpack some of the important boxes first. Kitchen and bathroom boxes are great starting points for unpacking. From there, continuing to unpack room-by-room can make for an easier, more organized process.

Get To Know Your Home

This is your place now! Walk around and get to know every room in the house, without forgetting about the front and back yards. Hopefully you do not find an serious damage, but even if you do, at least you found it now and not five months after moving in. The quicker you become familar with this new house, the quicker you can make it your home.

Locate Fuse Box & Water Valve

If the power suddenly goes out, you do not want to be stuck in the dark not knowing where your circuit breaker box is located. When you move in, find the location of teh box and your main water valve. Take a few minutes to inspect that both are working properly and are in good condition.

Your circuit breaker box should receive proper labels for the fuse controls, and you can see if the water valve is working properly any running water after the valve has been turned off.

Change Locks

Moving into a new home or neighborhood can be a bit intimidating. Make sure you are doing everything possible to make yourself and your family feel sake during this new transition.

To ensure that nobody else has access to your home, you'll want to get al lof the locks changed on doors that lead outside. Additionally, if your new home has an existing alarm system, you will want to contact the company to discuss how to properly use the system and the options of upgrading.

Connect Major Appliances

If you are bringing your appliances with you during the move, you'll want to get them into the house and connected sooner rather than later. Living in a homw without appliances can feel unsettling and be a hassle.

If you are unsure of how to hook up appliances yourself, consider hiring a professional or asking a knowledgeable friend for help. The most finicky appliance can surprisingly be the refrigerator. It is recommended that you let a refrigerator sit up straight for at least three hours before trying to hook it up, as this will allow the escaped oil to return to the compressor.

Deep Clean

Moving into a home will undoubtedly leave you with dirt, dust and grime everywhere. Now is your chance to deep clean the house. Shampoo the carpets, mop the floors, wash the windows, dust any surfaces, etc. If your budget allows, you might even want to consider hiring a professional cleaning company to do this task while you continue to focus on the move-in. A clean home makes for a fresh start!

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Throughout Crye-Leike's footprint there are several exciting vacation destinations. Whether you want to relax at the beach, hike a mountain, fish in a river, or go boating on a lake, we have areas you'll love.

Search for your vacation home, 2nd home, vacation rental, condo, cabin or land.

Here's a few destinations to consider.

• Florida's Gulf Coast

• Pickwick Lake in Tennessee

• Greer's Ferry / Heber Springs, Arkansas

• San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Gatlinburg, TN

• • Hot Springs, Arkansas

For years, there have been myths in the real estate industry that seem to be sticking around until the end of time. Do not be fooled by some of these common myths when selling your home.

1.You can solely rely on online home value estimates to price your home

Busted: Online home value estimates, such as the one provided by Crye-Leike Executive Realty, can be a great tool to get an idea of how to price your home. However, it is important to discuss the selling price with your Realtor. Your Realtor should be able to provide you with a competitive market analysis and be able to estimate how any upgrades to your home will affect the price.

2. If you get an offer too quickly, your asking price is too low

Busted: When a buyer puts in an offer quicker than expected, sometimes sellers start to question if their asking price is too low. Just because someone has jumped at the opportunity to buy your home, does not mean that your home is actually worth more money. In some situations, there has been a buyer diligently searching in your area for months without finding a home that they actually liked until you put yours on the market.

3. The outside of your home is not as important as the inside

Busted: The exterior of your home, otherwise known as your "curb appeal", is just as important as the inside! If potential buyers were to drive buy and the grass is overgrown, the siding is falling off and there is junk in the yard, they might not even consider going inside. The outside of your home should be well kept to attract buyers inside.

4. Major renovations will have a better return on investment

Busted: Major renovations such as kitchen and bathroom overhauls are expensive and do not increase the value of the home enough to see a large return on investment. Instead, it is best to make smaller changes. You could replace cabinet handles, the showerhead, the mirrors or the paint colors. Inexpensive, smaller projects can still make an impact on the home's appearance without you having to do a complete renovation.

5. You should wait until spring or summer to sell

Busted: Although statistically more homes tend to sell in the warmer months, people still buy houses year-round. Any season is a good season to sell, as long as you keep up with changing marketing tactics throughout the year. For example, if you are ready to sell in the winter, make sure you are keeping up with that necessary winter "curb appeal" by clearing the snow. If you know in the summer that you are going to sell in the winter, go ahead and get photos of the home. Potential buyers will then know what it will look like without the winter affects.

By Katie Wainman | March 2, 2020

The Home Owner's Association (HOA) is an organization that manages neighborhoods and living communities by enforcing specific rules, overseeing amenities and maintaining the grounds. Living in a community with an HOA has its benefits and downfalls, and each HOA will differ. It is important to assess the pros and cons of the HOA that is managing the property you are interested in.

Pros:

1. Less responsibility
Living in an HOA managed community means that you will have to pay monthly fees. However, these fees will often go to routine maintenance that you no longer have to worry about, such as snow removal and landscaping.

2. Recreational amenities:
Many neighborhoods managed by an HOA have amenities that are exclusive to that community. Pools, tennis courts, gyms, etc. are just a few of the perks that can be found in a neighborhood with an HOA. The best part is, you don't have to worry about the up-keep!

3. Creates a sense of community:
HOA's often encourage or host neighborhood events throughout the year. This can be especially great if youre new to town and looking to meet the neighbors.

4. Annoying neighbor? Let your HOA handle it
In most cases, the HOA will handle discrepancies with neighbors. If you're not comfortable with addressing an issue that you're having directly with a neighbor, the HOA might be able to help you out. However, keep in mind that the HOA can only step in if the issue involves breaking one of the community rules. Any legal issues will still have to go through the local police department.

Cons:

1. Can be expensive
Again, to be a part of a community with an HOA, you must pay monthly fees. These fees can vary greatly depending on where you live. This is something you will want to think about before moving. Can you afford the monthly fee, and are the amenities or upkeep of the neighborhood worth those fees?

2. Rules and restrictions
One of the most common restrictions of living under a HOA is that you cannot make cosmetic changes to the exterior of your home. This might mean that you cannot paint the home, put up fencing, or plant specific trees or bushes. You will lose some creative freedom when you choose a neighborhood with an HOA. There are also usually rules regarding parking, noise, hosting events, etc. It is important to have an understanding of all rules and restrictions before choosing to live there.

3. Possibility of poor management
Unfortunately, not every HOA is run perfectly. Some might fail at community upkeep, not enforce the rules, or not handle the distribution of funds well. This can be a huge risk for the homeowner, and should be investigated prior to moving in. Consider asking some of the neighbors what they think about the HOA, or ask the HOA committee directly about any issues.

4. Possible foreclosure
Although this varies by state, the HOA can have the right to foreclose on your home if you do not keep up with the monthly payments. It is supposed to be a last resort method, but it is definitely something you will want to consider before choosing to live there.

By Katie Wainman | February 25, 2020

Choosing a person to sell your home is like choosing a person to fill the job at work, but more important. You want to pick someone who is reliable, trustworthy and can get the job done! In order to find the right fit, you will want to interview any agent that you are thinking of using. Generally, it is suggested to interview 2-3 agents before making your choice. Here are some common questions that you should ask in order to make an informed decision:

Are they a real estate agent or a REALTOR®?

A real estate agent is someone who has completed a certain amount of training hours necessary to get his or her license. A REALTOR® is someone who has received his or her license and became a member of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). REALTORS are required to adhere to NAR's code of ethics and have access to market data, transaction management services and other benefits. Whether they are a real estate agent or a REALTOR, you will want to ensure that they are a good fit for you.

How many years have they been in real estate?

Of course, every agent has to start somewhere, but it is ultimately your choice if you want to work with an agent who is new to the industry compared to an agent with five plus years experience.

Is real estate a full-time or part-time job for them?

Many hardworking agents only work in real estate part-time. This is completely fine, but if you are in need of immediate, consistent contact throughout the workday, a full-time agent is probably the best choice for you. You never want to feel like a last priority.

How many homes did they sell last year and what was the average sale price?

You will want to work with an agent who has experience selling homes in your price range. If you have a luxury multi-million dollar home, you most likely would not choose an agent who generally sells homes for $100K because of the differences in experience. It also could be a red flag if an agent has not sold very many houses. This is something you would definitely want to find out the reasoning for.

Do they have experience selling in your neighborhood?

If an agent has experience selling other homes in your neighborhood, that can mean they are knowledgeable about the market and trends in that area. It might be best to choose someone who is familiar with your neighborhood, rather than someone who has never even heard of it.

What is their involvement in this process, and what would they delegate to a member of their team?

Not all agents are in this business alone; many have assistants or work on a real estate team. Before committing to them, it is beneficial to ask what their duties are during this process. Will they be taking the lead on this sale, or are they going to pass it along to a team member instead? It is not a bad thing that an agent delegates, but you will want to know how the process works either way.

How will they decide on a listing price?

If your potential agent cannot thoroughly explain the process of how the price of a home is decided, then they are not the agent for you. You do not want your agent pulling the sale price from the sky. An agent should be making an informed decision based off research, market statistics, a comparative market analysis (CMA), etc.

Can they explain the marketing plan they would put in place to sell your home?

Marketing is such an important piece in selling a home. you are going to want to choose an agent who has a clear plan of how they will market your home to sell. Can they create a virtual tour of the home? Will they be hosting an open house event? Do they have the means to take visually appealing photos of the home? Are they going to run ads in the local paper or do they have a social media page where they can run ads or create posts? These are all marketing tactics to consider asking your agent about.

What will communication consist of?

You do not want to get lost in the mix of your agent's busy workload. Agents should be keeping you in the loop no matter what, but if you are someone who prefers organized, prompt communication, then you will want to ensure that your agent can provide that. Do they prefer calls, texts, emails or all? Do not let miss-communication or lack of communication be an issue.

Can they provide you with past references?

Any good agent should be able to provide you with client references that you can contact to inquire more about working with the agent. You can also look up agent reviews and testimonials online. A list of Crye-Leike Executive Realty agents with further information can be found here.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | February 18, 2020

House hunting. can be extremely overwhelming, and you do not want to invest in a home that will have major problems down the road. It is important that as a potential buyer, you are looking beyond the initial wow factor, and keeping an eye out for red flags. Professional home inspections can be a life saver, but when you have multiple houses to view, it is helpful to narrow down your decision by looking for the following yourself:

1. A faulty foundation

Nobody wants to move into a home that is actually falling apart. Be aware of any major cracks in the foundation. Cracks can usually be found in the basement of the home and are a sign of serious structural damage. You can also examine the door frames. If the frames are not square or have difficulty closing, it could mean the structure has shifted in some way.

2. Ceiling and wall stains

Stains on the walls or ceilings are not just an unattractive quality in a home, but they can indicate that there is or was a serious issue. It is important for a potential buyer to investigate the cause of the stains with the seller. It could be water damage from a leak that has since been repaired, or it could still be an ongoing issue that will cost you thousands of dollars in the future.

3. Random paint patches

Visible stains are an obvious issue, but you also need to look for cover-ups. If you happen to see a patch of new paint on the wall or ceiling, it is best to inquire about that. Realtors often suggest to sellers to repaint their walls to provide a new look, so it should be concerning if only one wall was painted or a patch of new paint exists. It could mean that the seller is trying to hide something.

4. Bugs and pests

Termites, mice, roaches and other creepy crawlies do not make for ideal roommates. While touring a home, your might be able to indicate if there is a pest issue yourself, considering a separate inspection for this is highly recommended as well. Pests can cause serious damages to a home, and you do not want to be responsible for the bill later in life.

5. Mold

Mold can be extremely damaging to your health. If you are walking through the house and there is a clear mold issue, this is something you will want to take into consideration. Basements, attics and bathrooms are prime areas for mold to grow. You can remedy mold, but it will be costly. You can also hire a company to perform a mold test, or have an inspector come in and help discover any mold issues.

The bottom line is, always check for red flags before making the costly commitment to a house. If you found your dream home, an inspection from a professional can save you a lot of hassle in the future.

Need more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks

By Katie Wainman | February 10, 2020

When selling a home, it is very common to wonder about which renovations, if any, you need to make in order for your home to stand out from the rest. Ideally, to have a Return on Investment (ROI), it is best to stick to small. changes that will not cost you a fortune, but will still increase the value of your home. Before making any serious changes, it is always best to talk to your Realtor® and/or contractor to discuss what is worth doing.

Check out these renovations you can make to your home that could have a decent ROI.

1. Painting the walls

   • An important thing to keep in mind when selling your home is that not everyone is going to like your style - this could include your current color scheme. Repainting the walls in your house can provide a fresh, clean look that is attractive to buyers. It is recommended to paint the walls neutral colors such as white or light grays. These provide a clean pallet for a potential buyer to work with, and are easy colors to cover up in the future.

2. Upgrading the front door

   • The front door of your home is the first thing that people see when they enter a home, and the last thing they see when they leave. A fresh coat of paint or a new door entirely can really vamp up the home.

3. Bathroom and kitchen 'remodels'

   • I use the word 'remodel' very lightly here. It will most likely not be worth it to do a complete remodel on these rooms. Instead, remember that little changes can go a long way. Upgrading faucets, changing cabinet handles, re-caulking the bathtub, installing a new shower head, or replacing the vanity are all changes that can freshen the look of a room, Upgrading appliances or counter-tops can also be beneficial, but it is best to discuss this with your Realtor® first to see if it would be worth it. You might not see a ROI with luxurious upgrades.

4. Replacing or cleaning the floors

   • If your home is already blessed with hardwood floors, it is a great idea to steam and polish them to make them look new. Installing hardwood floors is costly, but if you can afford it, you will most likely have a better ROI. However, also consider alternatives to this cost, such as installing new carpets instead.

5. Increasing your curb appeal

   • Remember when I mentioned the front door is important? Well so it the rest of the outside of your home. Trim the bushed and trees, fertilize the lawn, pressure wash or replace your siding, etc. Cleaning up outside will increase your home's curb appeal, but remember to keep it small .Do not try to install a swimming pool thinking that you will have a better ROI, because you most likely will not.

Need more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

By Katie Wainman | Januray 20, 2020

Thinking about packing up and moving away? Before you close your eyes and spin the globe to pick your next neighborhood, take a second to think about what you want and need in a community.

Affordability

it is no secret that the cost of living varies in neighborhood all across the nation. Gas can be 30 cents cheaper in a town 7 miles away from the one you're in. If you already know how much you can afford for a new home, then you can figure out what neighborhoods you can afford as well. Think about the cost in certain neighborhoods of daily necessities such as groceries and gas, but also speak to your Realtor® about long-term budget influences, such as taxes and property values.

Safety

The neighborhood that you choose could be where you stay forever. It is so important to do research into the safety of the community prior to purchasing a house there. If you can, go visit the neighborhood. Some red flags can include numerous houses for sale, poorly maintained properties and uninviting restaurants and shops. Also, make sure to look into the crime statistics in that area. Many statistics can be looked up online, but you can even call the local police department to as questions if necessary.

Schools

Don't keep scrolling at this part because you don't have children. Kids or no kids, the school systems in your potential neighborhood can affect you. Obviously if you have children, you will want to look into the schools that are offered in the district you would lie to move to.Consider private versus public school systems, and research the ratings of the schools. Even if you don't have children, the quality of schools in your neighborhood can directly affect the cost of your home. In short, the better the school systems, the higher value the homes in that neighborhood will have.

Amenities

Imagine that you finally bought your dream house, you move in, and then you realize that there is absolutely nothing to do in your area. If that's exactly what you wanted, great! If that happens to be your worst nightmare, you should have researched the amenities in your area prior to moving. Options of restaurants, bars, parks, museums, libraries, etc., can change a community. If you at least know what that areas has to offer, you can then choose to be in the middle of it all, on the outskirts, or as far away as possible.

For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.

By Katie Wainman | January 13, 2020

Note quite sure why or how to stage your home to sell? The purpose of staging your home is to get it showroom ready. Buyers want to feel like they are stepping into their dream home, and it is up to the seller to create that. Here are some tips to keep in mind when staging your home.

1. Budget

Before you jump into staging your house, be conscious about what you can afford. There can be costs to staging, some greater than others. Storage space for your belongings, furniture rentals, landscaping improvements and cleaning services are some of the costs to consider before you begin to stage your home. Think about ways you could cut costs if needed, and what services you could do yourself before hiring someone to do it for you.

2. Put Yourself in the Buyer's Shoes

Sometimes it. can be hard to accept the reality that a stranger isn't going to like how you keep your home. The reason for staging your home is to make a buyer feel like they could live there. It might be difficult to look past it being your home, but you need to visualize it through a buyer's point of view. It is not longer about how you want you home to look or feel like, but how they would want it to look and feel.

3. Use Your Realtor®

You don't have to deal with the stress of staging a home on your own. When you're looking for a Realtor® that you want to use, be sure to ask them what types of staging experience they have. Many Realtors® will offer their services and expertise to you so you don't have to go through it on your own.

4. Less is More

You might not realize it at first, but your home is full of things that a potential buyer probably doesn't want to see. De-cluttering your home doesn't mean pulling the classic "I'll shove everything into the closet" trick. Potential buyers are going to want to see storage spaces, including closets, pantries and the garage. De-cluttering might mean you have to rent a storage space, or find a loving friend that will let you store your stuff at their house for a bit. Either way, it will be worth it.

5. Clean Until Pristine

Once you've removed your belongings from the house, it's time to clean. Scrub the tiles, steam the carpets and drapes, wipe down the cabinets, clear the vents, etc. Anything that you can clean should get cleaned. If you don't have the time to do it yourself, consider hiring a cleaning service or asking friends and family for help.

6. Furniture and Decor

What you need to do about your furniture and decor can vary depending on your situation. If you have already moved into a new house with your furniture, or your furniture isn't "new" looking, you'll want to consider renting furniture to fill the space. If your budget allows, you can rent furniture for each room, but most people opt for the common spaces, including the living room, dining room and master bedroom. Take down your family portraits, and put up some generic wall hangings instead.

7. Turn Non-Functioning Into Functioning

A lot of people are guilty of having one room that doesn't really serve a purpose in their home. Maybe it was supposed to be an office or workout room, but it ended up being another storage space? Now is your chance to turn the room that doesn't have a function, into a room that a potential buyer will definitely want.

8. Don't Forget Your Curb Appeal

Many people get so concerned with making the inside of their homes look perfect, they end up forgetting about the outside! Now it the time to dig out your old pressure washer, clean out the gutters, and if you're never hired a landscaper, you might want to consider doing that too. A front and backyard that is clean, properly landscaped, and looks like an enjoyable space will really appeal to your buyer.

9. Sense of Smell

The scent of your home is extremely important, but since you are so used to it, you might be "nose blind". A buyer doesn't want to walk in to the smell of bleach and chemicals from your cleaning supplies. They also don't want to smell your garbage, odors from pets, sweaty shoes or smoke residue. Smells often affect a person's mood and emotions, so you want a positive smell in your home. You can light candles, use scented plug-ins or even bake a batch of cookies before someone comes to see your home. Whichever method you choose, remember to not get carried away, and only use one scent throughout the house.

10. Lighting Matters

Dark, dreary spaces aren't ideal for a home. To ensure that your home is well-lit, do a walk through at different times throughout the day. The natural light might be great, but if a buyer is coming over in the evening, you might notice that your lighting isn't supportive enough. It. can be beneficial to change your light bulbs and add lighting in places where it is lacking. your decor can also have an impact on your lighting. Try using light-colored bedding, drapes and rugs, and also think about adding a mirror or two to help reflect the light in certain rooms. Again, don't forget about the outside of your home either! Exterior lighting can be welcoming and make a buyer feel like they are in a safer environment.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!

Bowling Green, KY - Crye-Leike Executive Realty Welcomes Melissa Ellis to its Bowling Green, KY branch office.

Melissa Ellis is new agent with Crye-Leike Executive Realty and is eager to help families with the biggest investement of their lives! She has grown up around the Bowling Green area and even attended Western Kentucky University.

Melisa has had an arrange of careers over the years, ranging from an Inventory Supervisor to a Urology Associate. Over the last 12 years, Melissa and her family have lived in four different states (North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, & South Dakota). In October of 2018, she and her family decided to make the move back to their hometown.

Upon their final move, Melissa's husband jokingly suggested that she become a real estate agent since they have juggled buying and selling their 4-5 homes over the years. After careful consideration, she jumped on the opportunity and in January of 2019 she began taking classes, which she quickly completed in June 2019.

Melissa is more than ready to help families that were once like her, unsure of what to do or where to being when buying or selling a home. She hopes to bring her own experiences to the table and guide families in the direction of their forever home!

Let Melissa be there to make your home buying or selling process stress free!

Contact Melissa at (615)448-7589 or email: Melissa.Ellis@Crye-Leike.com today!

Nashville, TN: Crye-Leike Real Estate Services has teamed up with Youth Villages of Middle Tennessee to support the Backpack Heroes Program for the 19^th consecutive year. This year, Crye-Leike broke its record, donating 494 backpacks full of school supplies to Youth Villages.

Youth Villages is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families live successfully through home-based counseling, therapeutic foster care, adoption services, residential treatment, community-based programs and crisis and prevention services.

Chris Crye, the late son of Crye-Leike CEO and Co-founder Harold Crye, was an avid supporter of Youth Villages. In his memory, the agents and employees of Crye-Leike carry on a tradition of caring for kids who deserve every opportunity to learn and succeed.

"We're proud to have supported Youth Villages in their Backpack Heroes drive for so many years now," said Mr. Crye. "The support from our agents never ceases to amaze me. This year we broke another record and collected 494 backpacks. We don't ask our offices to beat the previous year's record. It just comes naturally from their hearts. I'm very proud of what it's become."

Crye-Leike Principal Broker and Administrative Manager for Middle Tennessee Jason Murphy has organized the Crye-Leike offices' participation in the Backpack Heroes Program year-after-year. Once all of the backpacks are collected, Youth Villages comes to the Crye-Leike Brentwood office with students to pick up the supplies.

"To see the excitement on the students' faces when they see the backpacks and pick out their very own is a special moment to witness," said Mr. Murphy. "The generosity comes from Crye-Leike associates and staff from all across Middle TN - from Dickson to Lebanon, Columbia to Clarksville and everywhere in between."

*Information provided by www.Crye-Leike.com.

Bowling Green, KY. - Crye-Leike Executive Realty

Huge congratulations to both Mihreta Heldic and Hank Wilson on being our 'Million In A Month' Sales Leaders for July of 2019.

Bowling Green, KY. - Crye-Leike Executive Realty

Huge congratulations to Angela Young, Stacy Carter, Gabby Springs, Joe & Barbara Wade, John Hembree, Katherine Tucker, Klay Kelley, Mike Burchett, and Steve Davis on being our Sales Leaders for July of 2019.

Bowling Green, KY - Crye-Leike Executive Realty Welcomes Zack Puckett to its Bowling Green, KY branch office.

Zack Puckett is a Bowling Green native. As a kid, he spent most of his time at the Warren County Inline Hockey League, where he now coaches middle school aged kids.

Zack is a University of Kentucky (UK) Alumni who graduated with a BBA in Finance. While at UK, he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and held the Social Coordinator and Recruitment Chair 2 years running. Quickly after graduating UK, he obtained a job as a Loan Support Officer at the First Southern National Bank.

Now Zack is switching gears and teaming up with his Father, who has 15+ years of Real Estate experience in the Bowling Green area. This will give Zack an advantage to better serve his clients. He looks forward to helping families achieve their dreams, whether buying or selling!

Contact Zack at (270) 779-2372 or email: Zack.Puckett@Crye-Leike.com today!