What is Clutter Anyway?

Getting rid of clutter is simply “tidying up.” Try it now — go into your kitchen and put away anything that doesn’t belong on the countertops or kitchen island. Usually this involves spotting an abandoned drinking glass and popping it into the dishwasher. Spoiler alert – don’t be surprised if the person whose glass you just “tidied” is looking for it an hour later. “What happened to my glass?” Let it be known that you are “tidying up.”

Here are our 3 simple tips to avoid clutter and start “tidying up” your space:

Designate a “drop spot” by your entry door for keys, wallet, purse, and glasses. The drop spot does not need to be a conspicuous entry way table, it can be a hook for your keys and purse and narrow surface for glasses and a wallet, like a side table or floating shelf.

Sort and take care of mail, delivery boxes, and groceries as soon as they are delivered. Have a box cutter available to break down your boxes and recycle them. Throw away/recycle junk mail. Put away all groceries right away.

Scan your living space right before you retire for the evening. Go through your rooms and put away anything that doesn’t belong. This may involve hanging up your clothes rather than draping them on your Peloton. Or, you may need to gather all of your snacks from the living room and return them to the snack closet or snack drawer.

If you need more tips, or want us to help you declutter your living spaces, get in touch!

Do I Need a Coffee Bar?

Do you need a coffee bar? The short answer is “yes!” One of the coolest things about being a Realtor is that we see how people are setting up their homes. Recently we have been tracking a trend to include a dedicated space in kitchens or adjacent eat-in spaces for coffee bars. Since 74% of people looking to remodel their kitchens have coffee bars on their “wish list” we’re digging deeper into the coffee bar obsession.

Classic movies of the 1950s often featured cocktail stations or bar carts. Check out the bar cart in The Seven Year Itch (1955) with Marilyn Monroe and a homemade martini. Flash forward to today where everyone is looking to recreate their favorite drive-through coffee brew whether it is a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte or a Dunkin Cereal and Milk Latte. The home coffee craze, whether iced or hot, has lead to the coffee station trend.

Coffee not your thing? How about a smoothie bar, hot chocolate bar, or energy drink bar? So many possibilities to explore once you delve into this trend. Whether it’s a dedicated section of your kitchen countertop or a separate built-in area, all of our buyer clients appreciate the option to skip the drive-through and concoct a brew at home.

Whatever you choose for your beverages we highly recommend setting aside an area dedicated to your favorite drinks. If you’re looking for design ideas for your current kitchen or searching for a dedicated coffee bar in your next place, get in touch. We’d love to help make your at-home beverage dreams a reality.

Let’s Take it Outdoors: What is ‘Curb Appeal’ Anyway?

Curb appeal is the feeling that people get when they drive past your house. Is the landscaping maintained or overgrown? Is the front door faded or vibrant? Is the driveway smooth or full of potholes? The exterior presentation of your property sets the tone for the buyer experience when you are selling your home.

It’s important to have “drive-by” curb appeal when your house is on the market, which is common knowledge. However, many sellers are surprised when we show them that the concept of curb appeal applies to the whole exterior presentation of the property.

Recently I met with a seller who wanted to get her house ready for sale. I drove by the property, and it looked neat, tidy, and well-maintained from the “curb” view. A closer look at the exterior, however, revealed many exterior flaws that would be fatal if I was a buyer.

Here are the three things that need repair prior to getting your house on the market:

1. Rot on garage door trim. This is very common. If the wood can’t be salvaged, then the trim needs to be replaced.

2. Sinking front steps and walkway. This, too, is very common. Over time, concrete front steps sink into the ground and the paved walkways can shift.

3. Garage door damage. It’s not surprising that some people have backed into their garage door when it’s still closed leaving a dent. Also, it’s common to have a broken window (hockey puck or baseball).

In these examples, the curb appeal of the house extends all the way to the front door for buyers. Driving up to the house and then walking to the front door sets the tone for the interior of the house. If the first impression is that the exterior of the house has been neglected, then the interior of the house will be scrutinized for any signs of deferred maintenance as well.

If you’ve been thinking about selling and want to get your house on the market, contact us to get started and we will ensure your exterior is in tip top shape to attract buyers from the first drive-by.

6 Types of Flooring to Consider for Your Home

lotus-design-n-print-Ae-KSk1yM_A-unsplashPaint can transform a space, but flooring is a key design element that is just as visually impactful. The flooring you choose can set the stage for your space, making it feel modern, cozy, or rustic – whatever look you are going for. There are many components to consider when choosing the type flooring, from aesthetics to price, durability, and upkeep. So how do you choose?

Here are 6 popular flooring materials, along with the pros and cons for each:

Hardwood – Hardwood flooring is timeless and has been a long-time favorite due to its beauty, warmth, and durability. If the material gets damaged or scratched it can be sanded and refinished multiple times and can last for decades. Wood flooring tends to be the most expensive and it’s best to avoid installing in ‘wet’ environments like a bathroom or basement.

Engineered Wood – A thin veneer of real wood is bonded to layers of structural plywood to create engineered wood flooring. Just as durable as hardwood, easier to install, and slightly easier on the wallet, engineered wood floors are a great alternative to hardwood and will achieve the same look. The biggest con – the thinner top layer can’t take as much refinishing so it requires more looking after.

Vinyl – The fastest growing category of flooring, vinyl ranges from inexpensive sheets and adhesive tiles to luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that imitates natural wood planks and tiles. Vinyl is easy to install, budget-friendly, and waterproof – making it a great option for bathrooms and basements. The material is durable, but once it starts to show wear or is damaged, it cannot be refinished, only replaced.

Laminate – Dense fiberboard is topped with a photo of the actual material and a layer of laminate to protect the surface. An affordable option, laminate is offered in wide range of colors and styles to suit your aesthetic and is DIY-friendly, eliminating the cost of installation. The material is susceptible to moisture damage and cannot be refinished, only replaced. Laminate can offer a high-end look, but the repetition of pattern tends to give away its ‘fakeness.’

Tile – Available in countless colors, shapes, and styles, tile is the perfect choice to add some character to a space. Tile is durable, waterproof, and low-maintenance, but can be difficult to install and cold on the feet.

Carpet – Soft underfoot, carpet is the most comfortable flooring material and also offers noise reduction and thermal insulating qualities. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, as well as synthetic and natural fibers that vary significantly in price and quality. Carpet holds dirt and dust and will eventually wear and need replacing.

If you are thinking of updating your space with new flooring, consider your budget, home aesthetic, and goals as a homeowner. Need a second opinion? Contact us to see what will get you the biggest bang for your buck when selling your home.

Photo Ready: 3 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Bedroom for a Refresh

adam-winger-nclN_J0UtJ8-unsplashSometimes even real estate professionals need help organizing. When I decided to refresh my bedroom space the first thing I did was call Jennie for her expertise. Jennie has helped many of our clients reset and reconfigure their living spaces. Because my attempts to reorganize and reconfigure my bedroom continue to frustrate me, I hired Jennie myself to solve my organizational issues.

After our virtual consultation Jennie outlined three essential tasks to complete:

1. Buy quality hangers. Jennie suggested the Amazon Basics Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Clothes Hangers – their slim profile helps to maximize closet space. Replacing the hangers offers the perfect opportunity to sort through all clothing choosing what to keep, donate, and trash. Once we were ready to rehang the clothing I was keeping, we implemented a color-coded system that added order to my closet so I can easily pull and put outfits together.

2. Remove unnecessary furniture. Bookcases, tables, chairs, and any furniture that is not directly necessary in the room was removed. After relocating a bookcase, chair, and small table the room was surprisingly more spacious.

3. Purchase a new bedspread or comforter. This was my favorite task, of course! It’s amazing the impact new bedding will make on your space. After poring over many color combinations and fabrics I settled on a cotton quilt with matching shams. This elevated the bedroom “look” as the bed is in the center of the room.

From the hangers to the bedding the photo ready refresh was a success. While I was just looking to get organized, a photo ready refresh is perfect for prepping your home for sale. If you are thinking about listing or just want a fresh, new space for the New Year, check out Jennie’s organizing business, Home Organized, to see how she can help you!

Should I Paint My Ceiling?

pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich-5641421If you want to get the highest price for your house when it’s time to sell, then you need a professional to assess your property’s condition. Buyers scrutinize your house and property from top to bottom. One question that sellers often ask is, “Should I paint?” And, as you can imagine, the answer is specific to each situation. There is one painting job that you should book right away, however.

“Yes, paint your ceiling!” In your everyday routine at your house, you most likely avoid looking up at your ceiling. If you’re like most people, you have a busy, hectic life and don’t spend a lot of time gazing up at your ceiling. Odds are that at one time or another, in one room or another, your ceiling fell victim to a water leak. Whether it’s an overflowing bathtub or a roof leak, many houses have been repaired but these problem areas have not been repainted .

While it may be a minor blemish on your ceiling it is magnified in the eyes of the buyer who is already planning on making minor or major changes to your house. So, go ahead and book your painter or get the supplies to do it yourself. If you are curious about other things that should be addressed prior to opening your house up to potential buyers, contact us to learn about our Prep for Success Program that streamlines your home selling experience.

3 Solutions to Your Messy Garage

Organized Garage 2 copyHow many times have you tried to organize your garage? Our garages are filled with tools, flower pots, outdoor equipment, and random items that don’t fit in the house. Before you know it your garage is a defacto storage unit. What is the solution? We met with Kerri Salls, owner of Inspired Closets in Williston, Vermont for her top 3 garage organization tips.

1. Overhead Storage – Isolate items that are rectangular in shape and put them on an overhead rack or shelves. This is a good solution for items that you do not need every day. Use storage totes for holiday decorations (don’t forget to label the tote for seasonal retrieval). Other items that can be stored “above” include suitcases, coolers, pet kennels, and other totes.

2. Floor Storage – According to Kerri, “If it has wheels, it belongs on the floor.” Once you get items up and out of the way in overhead storage it becomes easier to accommodate your snowblower, lawn mower, and lawn fertilizer cart.

3. Recreation Equipment Storage – Canoes, kayaks, bikes, skis, etc. have their own unique storage solutions. When storing these items keep in mind how frequently you use these items and the ease of access.

If you are ready to tackle your garage and convert it from a storage unit to a place to park your vehicle, then it’s time to get some professional help. We recommend Inspired Closets for all of your garage inspo as their showroom will motivate you to organize all of your stuff! Their design experts will work with you to customize the best organization solution to fit your needs.

Should I Put Up Wallpaper or Paint?

CorduroyPine1To be perfectly honest, we do not see many houses with wallpaper. In the 1970s wallpaper donned many kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. In the 1990s wallpaper borders were popular in living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Today, however, with the influence of HGTV and other media, neutral pallets dominate the general decorating “vibe.”

From this month’s HGTV magazine that featured a plethora of “paint” choices to our visit to our local interior design studio, Corduroy + Pine, we are leaning toward the return of wallpaper and bold, bright colors to refresh spaces.

Yes, you are thinking, “What happens when I go to sell my house?” Unfortunately many decorating decisions are based on what the “future buyer” will want when they tour your house. In fact, trends change often and it is hard to predict what will be “in or out” as far as decorating when it’s time for you to sell. That is why, most of the time, people choose to live in a neutral environment. Why not add some color or “pop” to your living space?

Most people who crave color or adding some personal style to their houses start small when transitioning away from neutrals. According to Elizabeth Dececco, lead stylist at Corduroy + Pine Interiors, “I have many requests for wallpaper for the first floor half bath.” This is a good place to dip your toe into the wallpaper trend. If you are thinking about wallpaper for a foyer, rear entry, or bedroom, it is best to consult an interior designer to avoid missteps.

If you are thinking about adding color, wallpaper, or texture to your house give us a call and we will point you in the right direction. Remember, it’s also best to consult a professional when it comes to selling your house as we will set you up for success if you are thinking about redecorating or refreshing your space.

5 Upgrades That Buyers Love

HGTV Smart Home 2022 in Wilmington, NC

HGTV Smart Home 2022 in Wilmington, NC

If you follow our blogs you know that Carolyn works with buyers and sellers in the Northwestern Vermont market. Buyers are “wowed” by certain features that may surprise you.

Here are our top 5 upgrades that buyers love:

  1. Trex or other types of composite decking – Previously this type of decking was a luxury item but now, due to the rising costs of pressure treated lumber, many houses are opting for composite decking. No more staining!
  2. Gas fireplace inserts – Nothing beats the smell of wood burning in a fireplace on a crisp Vermont evening, but the wood, ash, and family allergies sometimes puts a damper on this scene. Today’s updated inserts and realistic flames impress most buyers. No more chopping wood!
  3. Freshly sealed driveways – Vermont driveways take a beating. Snow, salt, sun, and the inevitable fading and cracking. A freshly sealed driveway upgrades your curb appeal instantly.
  4. Smart thermostats – Buyers love this energy efficient feature that you can control from anywhere with your phone, and helps reduce heating and cooling costs.
  5. Solar panels – Buyers get excited when they see solar panels for an alternative energy source. More people are driving electric vehicles in Vermont and they want to add charging stations to the system.

If you’ve been thinking about selling and want more information on any of these “wow” factor features, reach out! We will help you with everything – from the beginning to closing the deal.

4 Updates to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

sidekix-media-UDDULE_eIBY-unsplashWe all want to get the biggest bang for our buck, especially when it comes to our biggest investment – our home. So how do you get the best price possible when you’re ready to sell? You don’t have to go crazy with expensive renovations, a few small and simple updates can make a big impact.

Here are 4 updates to get your home ready to sell:

Declutter. This one is free! This should be the first step in prepping your home for sale. Take down the family photos and knick knacks and pack them away. If you have a room that feels particularly ‘full,’ edit the furniture – store the excess pieces neatly in the basement, garage, or rent a storage unit.

Fresh paint. A new coat of paint does wonders for any room – and it’s one of the most affordable options to update your home. Stick with neutral colors so that buyers can picture themselves living there.

New lighting. Old (usually brass) lighting fixtures will really date a space. Refresh your home with simple lighting in nickel, black, or even a neutral wood finish. When buyers see these fixtures modernized, it makes them feel the whole house has been updated.

Update hardware. Similar to the lighting – old fashioned brass or porcelain knobs and drawer pulls will make a room look dated. Freshen you kitchen or bathrooms with modern hardware in a black finish or metal finish that matches other elements in the room.

Preparing your home to sell is easier with an experienced professional in your corner. To learn more about getting your home ready to sell, or to start looking for a new property, we can help! Contact The Weaver Team today 😉