Selling • April 15, 2024

Seven Steps to Yard Sale Success

by Windermere Staff

Happy heterosexual couple walks away from a yard sale blurred in the background with a lamp in his hands.

As you prepare to sell your house and move to a new one, you may be taking a fresh look at your belongings. You might be wondering how they’ll work in the new home or if you’ll need to upgrade to new ones. If you’re staging your current home and need to declutter, you are probably considering which items you can live without. A yard sale is a great way to get rid of old items, reduce what you have to move with you, and make room for the new. Here are some tips to make your yard sale a success.

Determine What to Sell

A good rule of thumb when deciding what you want to sell is, if you haven’t used it in more than a year, get rid of it. This doesn’t hold true for keepsakes and heirlooms, but if it’s not sparking joy and it’s been in storage for a year or more, add it to the “for sale” pile.

Make It a Neighborhood Event

Consider contacting your neighbors to coordinate having one large neighborhood sale on the same day. This will help attract more buyers. Have each participating household pitch in a few bucks for signage you can post around the area directing people to your sales. When the buyers have left and you’re finished packing up, bring out the grills and make it a block party!

Helpful hint: check your local laws or HOA rules to see if you need permits for a community sale or outdoor party.

Get the Whole Family Involved

If you have kids and they want to sell some of their things, have them help by putting price stickers on their items or, depending on their age, making change when people pay for their purchases. If you aren’t selling children’s items but you have young ones who still want to be involved, help them set up a lemonade stand or host a small bake sale.

Promote on Social Media

Create a Facebook event page and invite all your friends. Tweet about it and create a fun hashtag, then offer a prize to those who repost about your sale. Post a carousel of the images for sale on Instagram. Use Nextdoor or another neighborhood app to invite people you may not know in other neighborhoods. Whatever old knick-knacks you may uncover are sure to be a hit for somebody, and spreading the word of your sale beyond those who are nearby will help them find you.

Offer Multiple Payment Options

Not everyone carries cash these days. If you offer them the ability to pay via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or another peer-to-peer payment platform, you’ll make more sales. You’re also more likely to turn passers-by into buyers, especially if they are walking or on a bicycle and aren’t carrying their wallet.

Be Flexible with Prices

Decide which, if any, big-ticket items you will not haggle over, and then be willing to adjust your prices and leave room for some friendly negotiation for everything else. The idea is to get rid of things—not get rich.

Donate the Leftovers

After your sale is over, do not put the leftovers back in your house, garage, or storage. Immediately box or bag them up and drive them to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other donation center. That way, there is no chance of procrastination, second guessing, or keeping things you do not need.

Design • April 8, 2024

Decorating for a Stress-Free Home

by Windermere Staff

High angle view full size photo of a relaxed woman lying on a comfy couch in grey tones with a yellow pillow.

Your home should be your sanctuary—a place to relax, spend time with loved ones, and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. But with many of us working from home, even partially, the lines between life and work can become blurry. And with other stressors bleeding over into personal time, home can start to feel less like a sanctuary and more like the focal point for life’s anxieties.

If you are looking to reduce stress when you’re home and turn your space back into a place of respite, a few DIY redecorating projects could do the trick.

Lighting

How we light our homes (and when we turn the lights off) can have an enormous impact on our mental health. Natural light from unobstructed windows is ideal for boosting your mood during the day, but if you don’t have many windows or prefer your privacy, lamps that produce warm light can be soothing.

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to manage stress. Once the sun sets, dim the lights in your house and use blackout curtains to achieve full darkness while you sleep. Avoid lightbulbs that claim to mimic daylight unless you are using them for Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter months.

Décor idea: Turn off overhead lighting and invest in lamps with variable or dimmable light settings.

Declutter

Though some homeowners are bucking the trends for simple and opting for a “maximalist” style, clutter stresses many of us out. You can go through your house and get rid of all the items that aren’t sparking joy, or you can invest in attractive storage systems that allow you to hold onto your things while keeping them organized. At the very least, make sure you don’t have “to do” stacks or piles in the bedroom.

Décor idea: Try a flip-top bench in hallways or at the foot of your bed to hide away infrequently used items.

Cozy bedroom with made bed in the center and clean bed side tables on either side. Hanging sconces have are on with warm light, creating a stress-free space.

Example of a clean bedroom with warm lighting and a bench at the foot of the bed. Image Source: AI Generated Image for Inspiration Only

Feng Shui

The ancient art of Feng Shui has been helping people create calm inside their homes for thousands of years. Whether or not you believe that sleeping with the head of your bed on the north wall of the bedroom promotes deeper sleep, it’s hard to argue with other Feng Shui practices. One such principle is bringing nature indoors. This can be accomplished with living plants or even art featuring wilderness landscapes.

Décor idea: Select one wall in your home and devote it to photographs of living plants or natural settings.

Rounded shapes

Though clean lines and order may feel comforting to some, too many right angles can be overly stimulating. Circles and ovals, on the other hand, feel more organic and soothing. While you may not be able to round out the corners or entry ways in your home, you can add round touches with circular ottomans, oval frames for mirrors and art, and spherical elements such as a globe or orbs on a bookshelf.

Décor idea: Consider wallpaper or wall designs the include flowing, organic shapes such as wood grain or florals.

Color

The hues and shades you use in your home can have the biggest impact on your mood. Bright colors can be energizing, and reds are great for stimulating appetites in kitchen and dining rooms. But if you are looking to bring a sense of calm to a room, muted shades of blue and green or earth tones are best. Don’t mistake “muted” for “light” though; deep ocean blues and forest greens can be soothing while still making a statement.

Décor idea: If you’re hesitant to commit to painting a whole room, experiment with calming colors by incorporating throw blankets, pillows, and artwork.

Buying • April 1, 2024

Eco-friendly Upgrades to Consider When Buying a Home

by Windermere Staff

Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your lifetime, which is why it’s important to take a long-term approach when looking at potential properties. In addition to imagining what your living situation will be over the next few decades and how your future home will accommodate it, you may also want to consider the impact you and your household will have on the environment.

Whether you’re buying a fixer-upper, a home that is move-in ready, or something in between, here are some eco-conscious things to consider as you’re shopping for a home.

HVAC Systems

How you heat and cool your home’s interior is one of the biggest contributors to your energy expenditure.

As you look at homes, be sure to look at the furnace, heat pump, or AC unit. Are they up to date or could you replace them with something more efficient? If you have the opportunity, check to see how well insulated the house is. If that’s not an option, be sure to ask during the home inspection to see if there is enough to keep your home warm in winter and keep the heat out during warmer weather.

If you are one of the many would-be homeowners who are considering going solar, look for homes that have a significant area—usually the roof—that faces to the south and isn’t obstructed by trees or taller houses.

Appliances

In most cases, the home you purchase will come with the appliances that are already in it. Do the homes you’re viewing have Energy Star-certified appliances in the kitchen and laundry room? If not, is upgrading to a more energy-efficient oven, refrigerator, washing machine, or dryer in your budget?

. And be sure to look for rebates or tax credits in your city or state that reward these kinds of upgrades.

Windows

It doesn’t matter how efficient your heating and cooling systems are if your windows are letting the air escape through leaks in the seals or old, thin glass. Upgrading to properly sealed dual-paned windows can seem costly, but the savings in energy bills will quickly show an ROI. Tax credits and rebates may apply here as well.

More: Top Things to Consider When Choosing Your Window Style

Roof

If the home you’re making an offer on needs a new roof, you have lots of eco-friendly options to consider. Homes in sunnier climates could see energy savings by installing a “cool” roof that absorbs less heat due to its light or white color. Today’s roofing can be made of reclaimed materials, including recycled shingles, slate, or tile. These may cost a little more, but the peace of mind you get from keeping these things out of landfills is priceless.

If you’ve got a green thumb and want to show it off with the top of your house, a living roof may be right for you. Living roofs rely on native vegetation to both clean the air and insulate the home as well as absorb rainwater. This kind of roof is best for houses with less of an angled profile and that have easy access to the roof for regular maintenance.

Landscaping

The greenest yard isn’t the one with the most luxurious grass; it’s the one that requires the least amount of water and chemicals to maintain. Native plants and xeriscaping are natural choices for low-maintenance outdoor spaces. You can also consider gravel, paving stones, or turf instead of grass and decorate with large rocks or reclaimed wood. Trees that shed their leaves in the fall provide shade in the summer months, habitats for hibernating animals and insects in winter, and mulch for the rest of your yard in the spring.

More: Landscaping Tips that Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Water Heater

We all love a warm shower, of course, but traditional water heaters are one of the least efficient appliances in our homes. Heating up water takes a lot of energy and keeping it at a high temperature takes even more. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand rather than wasting energy to maintain it. In addition to the energy savings, tankless water heaters mean you never run out of hot water—no more frigid showers!

Market News • March 28, 2024

NAR Settlement Statement from Windermere CEO and Co-Presidents

by Windermere Staff

Property Law And House Foreclosure And Bankruptcy

Recent developments in the real estate industry concerning the settlement of a class action lawsuit by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has raised a number of questions, especially as it pertains to agent compensation.

For more than 50 years, Windermere has put integrity and professionalism at the heart of our business, especially during times of change and uncertainty like we’re seeing today. Our agents take their responsibility to their clients very seriously and are committed to guiding them through any changes that may result from the NAR settlement.

There has been a great deal of coverage about NAR in the media, which has led to a tidal wave of misinformation. There is also still a lot that is unknown about how the proposed settlement will affect the home buying and selling process. With that in mind, we felt it was important to provide clarity on two of the proposed changes that will likely have the most impact on home buyers and sellers. NAR’s settlement has not yet been approved by the courts, but if it is, the following two items will go into effect in July 2024.

Buyer Agency Agreements:

Agents representing buyers in every market touched by the settlement agreement across the U.S. will be required to enter into a written agreement with their clients called a Buyer Agency Agreement. These agreements cover critical elements of their working relationship such as the term of the agreement, the exclusivity of the representation, the agreed compensation rate, and the agent’s responsibilities to the buyer. We firmly support the requirement of a Buyer Agency Agreement as an opportunity to provide increased protections for buyers and their agents and to create a more informed real estate environment for all parties involved. It’s worth noting that Buyer Agency Agreements are already required by law in certain states where Windermere operates, including Idaho, Utah, and Washington.

Decoupled Commissions:

The commissions that are paid to a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent will be decoupled, a change that is intended to provide more transparency about how agents on both sides of the transaction are compensated. This means that what was once customary, which was for the seller to pay the entire commission to be divided between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, will now be separated. Under the proposed new rules, the seller will pay the listing agent and the buyer’s agent will be paid by the seller or the buyer—or a combo of the two. That’s not to say that the seller has lost the option to pay the buyer’s agent, and in many cases they may choose to do just that. One example might be when the buyer is using a VA home loan which doesn’t allow them to pay a commission by law, or to help a first-time buyer who lacks funding for the commission cost on top of the down payment and closing costs. It could also be a seller who understands the value that a buyer’s agent brings to the transaction and wants to ensure they are compensated for their work.

As stated earlier, there are still many unknowns about how the NAR settlement will impact the home buying and selling process, but what we do know is Windermere agents are ready to fiercely support their clients’ best interests through these changes, as they’ve always done. We will stand alongside them and continue to use our influence to advocate for a fair, transparent, and equitable real estate experience for all involved.

Thank you,
Geoff Wood
CEO & Co-President
Jill Jacobi Wood
Co-President
OB Jacobi
Co-President

Living • March 25, 2024

Hosting on a Budget

by Windermere Staff

Small group of friends arriving at a party, meeting and greeting host. Two people are hugging and others have their arms open ready for a hug.

There’s nothing better than spending time with family and friends. When we’re sharing memories—or making new ones—we feel close to our loved ones and reaffirm our bonds to each other. If you’re the one hosting a get together though, the expenses of feeding and entertaining everyone can quickly add up.

Whether you’re inviting family over for a holiday celebration, hosting a birthday or graduation party, or just want to hang out with a few friends, we’ve got some tips to keep costs down while ensuring everyone has a good time.

Plan a Potluck

Perhaps the simplest, and most obvious, way to keep food expenses down when hosting is to ask your guests to contribute. Consider splitting up assignments by first letter of last names. For instance, last names starting with A-H bring beverages, I-P bring sides, Q-V bring salads, and W-Z bring desserts. This works well for holiday gatherings, but only use the letter assignment system if you’re not hosting a lot of family members who share the same last name!

Gather for Games

Board games, charades, or Pictionary using an easel are fun for all ages, and no one expects a full meal while you’re playing. Games can create a fun theme for birthday or anniversary parties, too. Provide a few snacks, beverages, and the games themselves and you’re all set.

Make It a Movie Night

With streaming services and inexpensive rentals like Redbox, having friends over to watch a flick is an easy and affordable way to spend time together. Supply the popcorn (and maybe a few of your favorite kinds of candy) and you and your guests are in for an evening of fun for only a few dollars. Movie nights are a fun idea for older kids and teens as well. Whether you want to turn it into a slumber party is up to you!

Bake up Brunch

There are a million ways to use the relatively inexpensive grocery items like eggs, potatoes, and pancake mix to whip up a delicious brunch. Egg casseroles or quiches with fresh veggies are easy to make ahead of time and can expand how many people a few eggs can feed. Hashbrowns or home fries are instant crowd pleasers. And who doesn’t love pancakes?

The best thing about brunch is that you can serve it anytime. Whether your invitation list consists of early risers or sleepy heads, anytime between 9:00 AM and early afternoon is perfectly appropriate.

Shop Your Own Supply

Using what you already have stocked in your fridge and pantry is not only less spendy than a big store run, but it’s also handy if a party comes together at the last minute. Fruit, crackers, and cheese can quickly turn into attractive and tasty appetizers. Any kind of protein, rice, some beans, tortillas, and cheese can turn into a make-your-own taco bar.

More: Charcuterie board inspiration

Scope out the Sales

If you’ve got enough of a head start, planning the food and beverages you’re going to offer at your shindig around weekly or seasonal sales can save a pretty penny. Keep an eye out for grocery store circulars, coupons, and online ads that offer special deals on party favorites like soda, chips, and crackers. Shopping early can also pay off for big holiday meals. For example, many stores sell frozen turkeys weeks before Thanksgiving for a fraction of what you’ll pay for a fresh turkey the week of.

Serve a Signature Cocktail (or Mocktail)

Stocking a bar can easily become your party’s biggest expense, especially if your guests expect premium booze. Instead of purchasing all the bar staples and several varieties of beer and wine, create a signature cocktail (or mocktail) that only calls for a few ingredients and that you can make in advance. Sangrias, mojitos, and margaritas are great in big batches. A simple sorbet punch is a sure winner for the mocktail inclined.

Leave the Music to Us

Setting the tone with music is key to a great time. Windermere Real Estate has several playlists ready-made for your event. Choose one based on the vibe you’re going for from dinner to pool parties.

We hope these ideas help inspire you to host a gathering of your loved ones soon!

Selling • March 18, 2024

10 Costs Associated with Selling Your Home

by Sandy Dodge

Mature middle eastern heterosexual couple discussing the costs of selling their home with their real estate agent.

Selling a home is an exciting time for homeowners. Once you and your household have decided that you’ll hit the market, it’s easy to think solely about the revenue that comes with the sale. However, selling a home comes with its own set of costs. Knowing what these costs are will help you budget throughout the selling process. Here are ten most of the most common costs that come with selling a home.

1. Commission Fees

Of all the expenses that come with the sale of a home, agent commission fees are usually the largest and for good reason. Real estate agents are professionals, wielding their industry knowledge and local expertise to get the job done and save countless hours of work for the homeowner. The commission is split by the agents representing both buyer and seller

2. Pre-sale Home Inspection

Pre-sale home inspections are not mandatory; however, if a seller does not conduct one, it could lead to major costs down the road. The inspection allows the seller to find any issues with the home and properly disclose them to the buyer. If the buyer’s home inspector finds repairs that need to be made, they can ask the seller for a price reduction or require that they be fixed in order for the sale to go through.

3. Home Repairs

There are varying degrees of home repairs that can increase the value of your home. Cosmetic fixes like improving your landscaping will do wonders for your curb appeal. Painting and decluttering help to present the home in the best light for buyers. Larger projects like replacing appliances, roofing, plumbing, and full-scale upgrades are a more significant investment but can increase your home’s value.

4. Staging Costs

During the selling process, it pays to put effort into the presentation of your home. Staging helps buyers to visualize living in the home. Professional stagers will enhance your home’s qualities while minimizing its deficiencies. Their cost will depend on the level of staging your home requires.

5. Utilities

In the interim period between when you move out and the buyers move in, you’ll want to continue paying utilities. Without running water, electricity, and heat, your home could be difficult to show to buyers.

6. Remaining Mortgage

Another cost of selling your home is the remaining loan balance on your mortgage. If you have been steadily paying your mortgage, your home sale will greatly aid in paying back the remaining amount, if not cover it completely.

7. Escrow Fees

In a home sale, there’s always the question: Who handles the cash? That’s where escrow comes in. It’s common for buyers and sellers to split the cost of escrow services. Be mindful of additional costs during escrow such as transfer fees and notary services.

8. Capital Gains Tax

The capital gains tax is assessed by taking the difference between what you paid for your house and what you sold it for. There are common exclusions for the tax, but there are situations where the exclusions may not apply. For example, if the home was not your primary residence, you could end up paying taxes on the whole gain. Talk to your Windermere agent for more information.

9. Property Tax

If your home sale takes place after you’ve paid taxes for the year, you may get a rebate at closing. In this case, the buyer reimburses the seller for the applicable taxes paid. Otherwise, the seller should pay the prorated share of property tax until the sale closes, placing the money in escrow.

10. Moving costs

Finally, the home sale is final, and you’re ready to move. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, moving costs can add up quickly. Moving as many of your items yourself can save money, but for larger, more difficult to transport items, you’ll likely need to incur the cost of hiring professional movers to ensure your items arrive at your new home safely.

These are just some of the costs associated with selling your home. Each home sale is different, and the costs vary accordingly. Knowing what you can expect to spend throughout the selling process will help you budget accordingly. For more information on the costs in the selling process and how to sell your home, connect with an experienced Windermere agent today.

Design • March 11, 2024

Creating Space for a Stress-Free Zone in your Home

by Windermere Staff

White woman reads on a bench by bright windows, a cup of tea is on the stool in the foreground.

The meaning of home has expanded over the years, adding new activities beyond eating and sleeping. For many this means home has more space to work and do hobbies. But as those things expanded, the feeling of relaxation may have dwindled, and for those struggling with the mental health implications of this, creating a space in your home that is dedicated to reducing stress could be the ticket to achieving a sense of peace and calm. Whether you use that space to meditate, exercise, or read, having a place in your home to focus on your mental health can change the way you show up for yourself and the important people in your life.

Empty yoga studio, empty yoga training room interior, yoga equipment, 3d rendering

Image Source: Getty Images Lytvyn

Fitness Corner

If exercise is your chosen route to improved mental health, a small home gym could be right for you. How you set up your fitness space will depend on your preferred form of exercise, as well as your budget.

If your routine requires a treadmill or indoor bicycle, make that the focal point of your space. If yoga, Pilates, or barre is more your speed, you’ll need room to unroll a mat and move freely. Weightlifting or body-weight exercises might necessitate more space and equipment but are both feasible even in a corner of your office or a walk-in closet.

Regardless of how you plan to get your sweat on, use nearby wall space for shelving or hooks to store equipment. This could range from light hand weights and exercise bands to jump ropes and yoga mats. If you need more storage, find furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a cabinet that stores towels can also double as a surface for a small fan and your water bottle.

For extra motivation to spend time in your exercise area, add a little personalization. Wallpaper or bold paint colors not only add visual interest, but they also create a sense of separation from the rest of the room or area. Soothing art and living plants are particularly apt for spaces dedicated to yoga.

Meditation Space

Meditation is a great way to calm the mind, and you don’t need special equipment or a lot of room to do it. Creating your own meditation space can be simple, quick, and doesn’t require a large investment.

Start by finding a place in your house that is as free from distractions as possible. This could be a corner in your bedroom or a section of your backyard or terrace. Ideally the space would be near a window or natural light source.

Where and how you sit can make or break a meditation session. A chair, meditation cushion, or yoga mat that allows you to sit comfortably for several minutes while keeping you alert will do the trick.

If you plan to listen to guided meditations or music, a small Bluetooth speaker can be a good option if you want to avoid using headphones and will have better sound quality than listening from your phone’s speaker.

Though many people prefer to meditate with their eyes fully closed, visual elements can help set a serene scene. Plants, candles, statues, and art can also add a sense of your personality. If clutter stresses you out, keep your decor clean and minimalist. You can include your other senses in your meditations by adding a water feature and burning incense or essential oils.

Image Source: Getty Images JulieAlexK

Reading Nook

If getting lost in a good book is your favorite way to unwind, a reading nook will quickly become your favorite spot at home.

Whether you’ve got a corner or a closet to dedicate to the space, the key to hours of reading enjoyment is the right seating. It’s hard to beat the traditional wingback or club chair, but smaller spaces might call for more creative ideas. Floor cushions, padded benches, bean bag chairs, and hammocks are all options.

Once you’ve got your sitting area situated, lighting comes next. A location near a window that brings in natural light is ideal, but for those who love to read late into the night or who don’t have a window nearby, standing or table lamps and wall sconces will save you from eye strain.

If you’ve got the space, a side table for cocoa, coffee, or tea is a nice addition. It’s also a great area for that mile-high “to be read” pile book lovers are known for. Even better if it’s got a drawer for bookmarks, reading glasses, pens, and notebooks.

For extra coziness, add a throw blanket or shawl and some cushy pillows.

Make these ideas come to life, check out our Pinterest board for inspiration.

Buying • March 4, 2024

What is Wire Fraud and How to Avoid It

by Sandy Dodge

White woman using smartphone to complete a wire transfer for her home purchase. She holds the phone in the foreground which shows a confirmation page that the transfer is complete, and her computer in the background is blurred with a budget on the screen.

A form of cybercrime, wire fraud has led to major losses for homebuyers in recent years. Get to know what it is and what steps you can take to avoid it.

What is wire fraud?

Real estate wire fraud is a scam that targets buyers while making payments during the home buying process. Attackers have taken advantage of the fact that there are several people and entities involved in real estate transactions. Between real estate agents title and escrow companies, mortgage lenders and more, there are many steps, some of which involve sharing financial information and transferring money. This gives ample opportunity for scammers to slip through the cracks somewhere along the line.

The timing of wire fraud is typically during closing using a sophisticated phishing scam. Attackers apply the use of fake emails, phone numbers, or websites, often posing as the buyer’s real estate agent and directing them to allocate funds to a fraudulent account. Because the attacker will have scanned, scrubbed, and lifted your personal information in preparation for the scam, their forms of communication can often look familiar and legitimate.

The mission of the cyberattack is to get your funds into an account the attacker owns. To do this, it is common for them to say that you had previously sent funds incorrectly, that they were never received, that there are new instructions for payment, or that there has been a last-minute change in the closing process. These are all major red flags. It is imperative to take extra caution during the final steps of purchasing a home because transfers, once initiated, are difficult to remedy and can delay your closing process.

How can I avoid wire fraud?

Get to know the closing process: Talk with your Windermere agent ahead of time about what to expect throughout the closing process. Discuss payment options with your lender and ask specifically about instructions for wiring funds. It is safer to share this information over the phone than through email, as scammers could accumulate this information to use against you.

Record contact information: Keep a list of the personnel involved in your closing process. Beyond your real estate agent, keep a record of contacts at your mortgage lender, title company, and attorney’s office. In the event that someone new reaches out to you with a request, confirm their identity with one of your contacts.

Call to confirm: Call to confirm wiring instructions before sending the transaction through. Talk to a trusted representative and ask them to repeat the information to verify its legitimacy. After sending the funds, make same-day follow-up calls to ensure they were received.

Trust your gut: If you receive an iffy email or phone call, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s the perfect time to reach out to your contacts, discuss your hesitancy, and get advice before proceeding.

The threat of wire fraud emphasizes the importance of working closely with everyone involved in the purchase of your home. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank or wire transfer company immediately and request that they issue a recall notice for your wire. Contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and report the activity with as much information as you can gather. For more information about how to protect yourself from wire fraud, visit the National Association of Realtors’ Wire Fraud resources page.

Living • February 26, 2024

Toolbox Essentials for Homeowners

by Windermere Staff

Hands hold a tool above a blurred out toolbox.

For all its perks—stability, tax breaks, building equity—being a homeowner comes with the responsibility of maintaining your home and the occasional repair. Some jobs require a professional, but if you are willing to take on minor repairs or DIY projects, you’ll need the right tools. Whether you’re starting a toolbox from scratch or looking to round out your tool collection, here are the basics every homeowner should have on hand.

Helpful hint: A toolbox filled with all or a few of these items makes a great housewarming, wedding, or graduation present.

Screwdrivers

You don’t need to own a home to know that a screwdriver is a life staple. From replacing batteries in toys to installing shelves on walls, owning a pair of quality screwdrivers—one flathead and one Phillips—is a must. Not many home projects call for extra small screwdrivers but having a set can be handy for fixing eye- and sunglasses.

Hammer

When you think of the word “tool,” a hammer likely comes to mind. Whether that’s because a pounding tool was likely humankind’s first invention or because you need one for nearly any type of handiwork, you’ll be glad you have a traditional claw hammer on hand.

Mallet

Like a hammer but with a rubber or wood surface, a mallet comes in handy when you need to drive wooden dowels or for more delicate projects that require a softer touch. The non-slip surface is also better for holding parts in place or applying pressure than the slippery metal edge of a traditional hammer.

Tape measure

You know the saying, “Measure twice, cut once”? It’s really good advice when it comes to DIY home projects, and a good tape measure makes the measuring part easier. Get one that is at least 25 feet long, with bold, easy-to-read numbers on both sides and that has a locking mechanism.

Utility knife

If all you do with a utility knife is open boxes, you’ll still use it quite frequently (given how often we all get deliveries of home goods these days). But there are tons of other uses for a very sharp item to cut with, including scoring wood or hanging wallpaper.

Wrench

There are a few ways to attach things to each other. Nails and screws have their place, which is why you need a hammer and screwdrivers. But nuts and bolts hold a lot of things together too, and for those you’ll need a wrench. Buying an adjustable one is not only more cost effective but it’ll save space in your toolbox.

Pliers

When you need leverage to tighten or loosen plumbing pipes or bolts, pliers can’t be beat. They can also help you hold things in place as well as bend or shape wire.

Level

When hanging pictures, mounting shelves, or needing to drill multiple holes in a line, you’ll need a level to keep you straight. And, yes, many of us have a level app on our mobile devices, but phones can be clunky and might not be reliable if you have a hard-shell case on your phone. A sturdy level isn’t expensive and can last a lifetime.

Wire cutters

How many of us have dulled a perfectly fine pair of kitchen shears cutting through cables or wires one too many times? (Just us?) Using high-quality wire cutters will not only save your scissors, but it will also ensure a cleaner cut through your wire or cable.

Cordless drill

Though screwdrivers are good for small jobs, a drill is better for screwing into harder surfaces or when the job calls for a lot of holes. Going cordless frees you from the need for extension cords, but spring for the extra battery pack so you always have one fully charged when you need it.

Safety gear

Before you start any home project, make sure you have the right protection for your eyes, ears, hands, and lungs. Safety goggles, ear plugs, heavy-duty gloves, and respirator masks will keep you safe while you’re DIYing.

Nice to haves

Though these items might not be considered essential, you never know when you might need a headlamp or flashlight, hand saw, stud finder, duct tape, or wood glue. You won’t regret keeping them on hand.

Selling • February 19, 2024

Minimize Stress While Selling Your Home

by Meaghan McGlynn

Happy property owners shaking hands with their Windermere Real Estate agent after a deal. Young interracial heterosexual couple handshaking real estate agent over a dining room table.

After years of collecting furniture, plants, and memories, the thought of preparing your home to sell and moving to a new one can be daunting and stir up a lot of emotions. But selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful; here are a few tips to help make it easier.

Involve your agent early

The earlier you involve your Windermere Real Estate agent, the better they can set you up for success. When you reach out to them, they’ll be able to evaluate your home with their expert opinion based on their experience, and determine what needs to be done.

You and your agent will come up with a plan and timeline that works for you. After they do a comparative market analysis, they’ll have a good idea of what it will take to get the best price for your home. They may suggest you move out so the home can be professionally staged and easily accessed by potential buyers, or if that’s not an option, they will provide insights on what you can do yourself so you can live there while it’s on the market.

They may also see opportunities that are easy to implement, like improving the landscaping for curb appeal or minor projects that can increase your home value.

Working with a real estate agent will help move you through the process of selling your home more efficiently. If you don’t already have an agent and would like to be connected to one, click the button below.

Get an inspection & make necessary repairs

Some sellers may be concerned that their property isn’t in the best condition and that this will impact their home’s value. While some repairs may need to be done before putting your home on the market, you might be surprised that you don’t have to fix everything.

By getting a pre-inspection you’ll know what all needs to be done right away and what can wait. Your Windermere agent will be able to help you understand the inspection report and make decisions based on the condition of your home and the current market. Some repairs will be more important than others, things like a new roof or water heater can help new buyers feel more comfortable in their purchase while a trending remodel may interfere with the buyers own plans for the space.

Split up the selling process into approachable pieces

Once you have a vision for everything that you need to do to get your home prepared to sell, it’s a good idea to split the full project into smaller pieces that you can tackle one by one. You’ll want to determine what needs to be done first, like an inspection or small remodel, and what items can be done at the same time, like moving out and staging. If you take this approach, the final preparations will feel less overwhelming.

When you prepare well ahead of time, the actual process of selling will be less overwhelming, and you’ll have the confidence that you’ve done everything you can to make the most of the investment you put into your home.

Then comes packing and moving, but don’t worry, we have some tips to make that easier too, read here.