Being in real estate for as long as I have been, I have heard (and personally experienced) some interesting neighborhood stories. Sometimes, you can’t help but wonder if you are secretly being filmed for the next hit reality TV show. In order to make sure you are not the star of this show, here are ten questions you can ask yourself when considering if you would fall into the category of being a good neighbor. 1. When a new neighbor moves in, do I introduce myself? We have all been known to investigate through our blinds from time to time, but it will save a lot of speculation if we just say hello! 2. When I see a neighbor outside of my home, do I make an effort to smile and wave? Please do not be the neighbor that gets spotted dashing into the house from the mailbox, faster than an Olympian going for the gold, hoping nobody actually saw you. They most likely did. 3. When there is a neighborhood activity or event, do I participate? Yes, this is not what we want to do on our Saturday, but when you need them to buy girl scout cookies from your little one to meet quota, you will be glad you participated. Nobody is saying you have to participate in all of the events (loophole)! 4. Am I respecting the noise level? I think this one is self-explanatory. Do not be that person that is motivated at 1 in the morning to use a tile saw in the garage or be known for their epic Friday night parties. 5. Am I utilizing too much street parking? Nobody wants to come home after a long day at work and figure out how they are going to squeeze into their own driveway. Respect the space and never be afraid to communicate with your neighbor if you need to use additional space for a bit. It will be better than a towed car from a fed up neighbor! 6. Is my curb appeal helping or hurting the overall look of the block? Do you want to be known as that house? Invest some time in your home by making sure you can see your front door and know the color of the paint. Keeping your landscaping under control makes a big difference too! 7. If my neighbor need to borrow something, do I let them or pretend I do not have it? Just remember, what goes around comes around. What if you need to borrow something? Also, do you really think they won’t notice you on that 10 foot ladder you said you did not have. 8. Do I actually keep an eye on my neighbor’s house when they are out of town? You cannot be their personal home security system, but if something seems off, do not ignore it. You want your neighbor to return the favor next time you are out of town, right? 9. If I hear about a crime spree or a different trash pick-up schedule, do I share my knowledge with my neighbors? Enjoy fitting two weeks of trash in your trash can, because the next time the schedule changes, they too will not share information with you. Look out for each other and practice the golden rule! 10. Do I show gratitude for the good neighbors I do have? When the holidays come around, take a small gift or card to them. Even saying thank you will show appreciate and recognition for how lucky you are to have good neighbors. So are you a good neighbor? Contact Francie Dennis, REALTOR® with HomeSmart, today! *This is not meant as solicitation if you are already working with a broker. Each office is independently owned and operated. *
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You have made the decision to sell your home. Now, let's make sure you have your best foot forward for showings! Use these 20 tips below to help you head in the right direction. 1. Clean Your Home- Dust and Vacuum All Visible Areas 2. Deodorize Your Home- Use Air Fresheners, Clean Up After Pets, and Keep Trash Cans Empty 3. Make Selling Points Focal Points- Fireplaces, Granite Countertops, New Appliances, etc. 4. Take Responsibility for Your Curb Appeal- New Welcome Mat, Sweep Sidewalk, Path Lighting, etc. 5. Set Up Your Patio- Chair Cushions, Lighting, Throw Pillows, and Umbrellas 6. Reduce Clothing and Items in Closet- This Reduces Bulk, Appearing More Spacious 7. Set Kitchen or Dining Room Table- Make It Appear as If You Are Ready to Invite Them to Dinner 8. Make Sure All Rooms Have an Identity- A Combined Guest Room/Office Needs to Be Divided 9. Show a Use for All Areas- This Gives Buyers an Idea On How to Use Awkward Spaces 10. Make Sure All of the Beds Are Made- It Is the Main Focus in The Bedroom and You Can Easily Spruce It Up with a Luxury Comforter 11. Do Not Strip the Home of Fixtures- If You Are Taking Fixtures with You, Do It Before Potential Buyers View Your Home, and Replace Them 12. Minimize and Rearrange the Furniture- Large Pieces Make the Room Look Smaller and Busier 13. Invite the Light In- Open Up Curtains, Skylights, and Shutters 14. Check All Lightbulb and Make Sure They Work- Lightbulbs Will Help Add Light 15. Analyze Your Paint Color- Fresh Neutral Paint is Ideal 16. Remove Personal Pictures- New Buyers Should Picture Themselves in The Home 17. Put Away Personal Belongings- Hide Prescriptions, Jewelry, Collections, or Anything of Value 18. Maintain Your Landscaping- Groom Trees, Mow the Lawn, and Trim Shrubs 19. Finish Any Unfinished Projects- Some Buyers May Not Be as Excited to Know They Already Have a Project to Do Once They Move In 20. Remove Anything That Can Be Viewed as Controversial- Deer Heads, Guns, Political Signs, etc. If you have any questions or would like a list of professionals that can stage your home for you, I would be happy to help. Contact me today! *This is not meant as solicitation if you are already working with a broker. Each office is independently owned and operated. *
A home inspector will give you a general idea of potential concerns or current problems with your future home. If the home inspector sees something, they will recommend someone who specializes in this field to give you a more in depth evaluation. Below are a few specialists that may be recommended or whom you could call on your own! 1. Arborist: Inspects the health of your plants and trees, evaluating the overall condition of your landscaping 2. Structural Engineer: Inspects the integrity of the foundation 3. Toxic Substance Inspector: Inspects the home for asbestos, lead, radon, carbon monoxide, and mold (not all inspectors may specialize in all) 4. HVAC Specialist: Inspects heating and cooling 5. Septic Inspector: Inspects the integrity of the septic tank (Only required if you have a septic tank) 6. Termite and Pest Inspector: Inspects for and performs preventative treatment against wood destroying organisms and/or pest 7. Pool and Spa Inspector: Inspects the pool and/or spa 8. Plumber: Inspects the plumbing and water systems 9. Chimney Inspector: Inspects the fireplace and chimney 10. Electrician: Inspects the electrical system of the home 11. Surveyor: Inspects and verifies the boundaries, size of lot, and any easements and encroachments 12. Irrigation Specialists: Inspects the integrity of the irrigation system 13. Water Quality Inspector: Inspects the integrity of the water (Typically performed if there is a well on the property) Contact Francie Dennis, REALTOR® with HomeSmart, to help you build your team today! *This is not meant as solicitation if you are already working with a broker. Each office is independently owned and operated. *
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AuthorFrancia Dennis Archives
September 2017
CategoriesEach brokerage is independently owned and operated. This is not meant as solicitation if you are already working with a broker.
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