There are many home features buyers want in a home. An updated kitchen ranks high on a home buyer’s priority list. 

While an updated kitchen can drive up your home’s selling price, a major kitchen overhaul can cost a fortune. Most sellers are hesitant to remodel the kitchen because they’re worried that they might not recoup their investment. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a huge sum of money to spruce up the kitchen and make it desirable to prospective buyers. 

Make home buyers fall in love with your kitchen with these easy tips. 

Keep it clean 

Buyers are more sensitive than mothers-in-law when it comes to cleanliness. Before putting your home on the market, clean your kitchen from top to bottom. This means cleaning the windows, inside the cabinets, inside the fridge, the stovetop, countertop, sink and taps, as well as the floor. Deep cleaning may be a chore, but it’s worth the effort. 

Fresh paint

Give your kitchen a fresh coat of paint. Make sure, though, that the color you choose complements with the color of your cabinets and counters. 

If your cabinets are in good shape, there is no need to spend a lot of money on new ones. Freshen up and modernize those cabinets by applying a fresh coat of paint and replacing old hardware. This will dramatically enhance your kitchen space. 

Be aware of odors

Nothing turns off a buyer faster than a dirty kitchen and foul odors. Litter boxes, pet odors and cooking smells lingering in your home can really turn buyers off. You may be immune to the smell, but potential buyers are going to notice. 

Empty all trashcans and move them out of sight. Remove oil and grime regularly from objects near the kitchen stove. Also, make sure there is good air circulation in your kitchen. Don’t risk losing buyers because of kitchen odors. 

Declutter the counters

Buyers love lots of countertop space in the kitchen. Show off your countertop and keep it clean and organized. 

Before showing your home to prospective buyers, be sure to clear off the countertop. Appliances such as blender, toaster, microwave and other items should be put away in a cabinet. 

Keep the windows clean and clear

A bright, cheery room looks bigger and more inviting. Open up all the windows to let as much natural light in. Fabrics absorb odor more than any other material. Clean window treatments and curtains regularly. 

Water is one of the most important substances on earth. In fact, all life forms are dependent on it. But with all it’s life-giving benefits, water can also be very destructive. 

Water damage can be devastating. It can cause damage to your personal belongings, on your property, and may even lead to mold problems. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners find themselves experiencing water damage. 

Here are some of the most common causes of residential water damage, along with some tips on how to prevent it. 

Natural disasters 

Hurricanes, sudden storms and flash floods are the most common causes of water damage. While we have no control over natural disasters, there are some things you can do to minimize its effect. 

If you live in flood-prone areas, we suggest that you seal walls in the basement with waterproofing compounds. Also, construct barriers like floodwalls, beams, and levees to stop water from entering your home. 

Faulty appliances 

No matter how well you maintain and take care of your appliances, they will break down eventually. Dishwashers, water heaters, refrigerators, and washing machines deteriorate over time. Their hoses can weaken and their pipes rust and crack. They are most likely to leak, wreak havoc and overflow. That said, it is best to keep an eye on older appliances, replace worn parts, and maintain them. 

Burst or leaking pipes

Pipes leak or burst over time due to clogs in the line or changes in temperature. Unfortunately, most people don’t give their pipes much thought until something goes wrong. 

Know where the main water supply is so you can easily turn it off in cases of emergency. This will prevent water from flowing through the pipes; hence, preventing further damage. Do this before calling for professional help. 

Clogged gutters and downspouts 

Gutters are designed to direct water away from your home. When it is clogged with leaves and other debris, water builds up in your gutter. Eventually, it may damage your roof and cause roof leaks. Worse, the gutter may separate from the roof and water may start pouring down your home. 

Keeping the gutters clean is of great importance. A lot of homeowners don’t like this task, but this is crucial for the safety and security of your home. 

Water damage is a serious and expensive problem to deal with. In most cases, it starts from a very simple problem like a water leak. Since it usually happens out of sight, most homeowners aren’t even aware of it until it’s too late. When left unaddressed, water damage can lead to more serious problems like mold growth and structural problems.

To prevent further problems, we listed down some of the most common problems that may indicate the presence of water damage. Here are some of them. 

Water stains 

If you notice some water stains on the wall, then this is a sign that water has travelled down the wall. This is often caused by a roof leak, leak from an upstairs bathroom or a leaky pipe. Get to the root of the problem and make necessary repairs to prevent further damage. 

Unusually high water bill 

If your water bill has increased significantly for no apparent reason, this can mean that water is being expelled somewhere. Keep an eye on your water usage and estimate how much your water company would usually charge. If your bill doesn’t match with your water usage, odds are your house is bleeding water. 

Musty odor 

Just because you don’t see mold, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Mold has its own smell. If you notice a musty odor in certain areas in your home, this suggests the presence of mold. The smell will usually be the strongest in areas where water damage has occurred. 

Rotting wood 

If you find wooden beams, wooden furniture or any type of wood that is beginning to rot, then you need to check for moisture problems or water damage.  Be on the lookout for any signs of soft or crumbly wood. 

Wood rot can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Remember, wood rot can spread wide and far, so be sure to have it repaired as soon as you discover it. 

Rust 

This is another sign you need to watch out for. Check the bathroom fixtures, pipes under the sink and the water heaters for rusting. Although this doesn’t necessarily indicate the presence of water damage, it is something worth noticing. This can be sign that something sinister is afoot. 

Most people grew up in a house with a basement that is dark, dank, and unfinished. A lot of homeowners have toyed with the idea of finishing their basement at some point, but didn’t push through with it. Most people grew up in a house with a basement that is dark, dank, and unfinished. A lot of homeowners have toyed with the idea of finishing their basement at some point, but didn’t push through with it. 

A finished basement can be a great addition to any home. Not only will it increase the value of your home, you can also enjoy the extra living space. There are some things, however, that you need to know before getting started on this project. Here are some of them. 

You may need a permit

Most states will require you to acquire a permit before you get started on the renovation, so we suggest that you check with your town or municipality first before you get started with this project. If you fail to acquire the needed permit, you are likely to face some fines, delay in construction or legal action. 

Be on the lookout for moisture problems 

Basements are notorious for having moisture problems. Since most homeowners don’t spend much time in the basement, many of them aren’t even aware of the problem. To prevent water damage in the future, make sure that the problem is identified and rectified before renovations take place. Sometimes, moisture problems occur even if there is no sign of leak or standing water. 

Set aside an extra 10-15% 

Your contractor may have given you an estimate, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the final cost. During the remodelling process, you may come across some problems such as termites, wood decaying or faulty wiring that may cause you to blow your budget. The last thing you want is to run out of money halfway through the project. 

Make sure that you set aside an extra 10-15% of your budget for any unforeseen issues that may crop up. 

Figure out the layout 

An unfinished basement is like a blank canvas. You have the freedom to decide how you’re going to use the space. You may create a bedroom, a bathroom, and a small kitchen if you intend to use it as a rental apartment. You can also opt for an open space if you want to use it as a leisure or entertainment room. Keep in mind, though, that the water heater and the furnace cannot be moved, so you need to work around these areas. 

If you are looking to make the most money for your home, you need to tackle some issues before listing your home for sale. Leaving repairs for a buyer is not a smart thing to do. Not only will buyers negotiate for a lower price, you may also have a hard time selling your home.

Here are 4 home fixes you must complete before selling your home.

Improve curb appeal 

If you want to sell your home fast and for top dollar, make sure that the property looks good on the outside.

Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see. Often, homebuyers will make a decision about whether or not they are interested in the house by just looking at it from the outside. They are less likely to be interested to see what’s on the inside if the exterior looks messy, unkempt, and disorganized.

Power spray your home’s exterior, repaint the front door and mailbox, plant some flowering plants, and keep the lawn mowed. These are just some of the things you can do to make your home more appealing and inviting.

Paint walls and ceilings 

If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive way to refresh the look of your home, consider painting the walls and ceilings.

Red, pink or blue are great colors, but not everyone will love it. Paint the walls a neutral color to make your house more appealing to the greatest pool of prospective buyers. They need to be able to envision themselves in that house. Potential buyers may have a hard time doing so, especially if they can’t get past the red master bedroom.

Kitchen improvements 

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the house. Today, homeowners don’t just use it for preparing meals. Many of them would use the kitchen to entertain their guests and bond with their family. If you have the budget for a renovation, the kitchen would be a great place to start. 

A spacious kitchen with huge counter space would be much appreciated by potential buyers. Some would even be willing to pay more for a kitchen with updated appliances.

Flooring fixes 

The flooring is one of the first things prospective buyers notice when they enter the house. An old, dingy, and smelly carpet is sure to put off buyers.

Most homes come with wood flooring. Before putting your home on the market, we suggest that you get rid of that old carpet and get that wood floor refinished. Hardwood floor is one of the features buyers are looking for in a home. Not only will it give off a classic and elegant vibe to your home, it will also add value to your property.

It’s hard not to be seduced by the charm and character of older homes. This is probably the reason why some people opt for a fixer upper. You’ll be able to purchase an old house with a great character and get it for way below market price. Isn’t that amazing? But sometimes, buying a fixer upper may entail a lot of work, which equates to thousands and thousands of dollars.

If you are considering buying a fixer upper, then this article is for you. Here are 3 things to consider when buying an older house.

Can you afford it?

A fixer upper may be a great way to get into a larger home without having to spend a huge sum of money. If the house is located in a great location, then that’s a bonus. But what people fail to realize is that fixer upper houses tend to be a money pit.

Before you make an offer, we suggest that you get the contractor into the house and do a walk-through. Ask for an estimate as to how much it would cost you to make the house liveable. This way, you can decide if it’s really worth your time and money.

Are you willing to give up your weekends?

Considering the amount of renovations these types of houses require, you may need to sacrifice your weekends and tackle the jobs during your free time.

In some cases, you may even need to live out of a suitcase and move from room to room until everything is done. Attempting a remodelling project may take longer than you think.

Have it inspected

Houses that need a complete makeover can cost more money and headache than buyers realize. Have the property inspected to prevent some serious stress and headaches down the road. Home inspectors will point out some issues that you may not have seen before. It is important that you know what you’re getting into before committing to buy the property.

Molds are extremely toxic substances. They are a serious concern for your health. Everyone is potentially at risk of mold exposure, regardless of your gender, age, socioeconomic status or geographic region. Children and infants, in particular, are more susceptible to mold exposure. 

All molds

Is Hidden Mold at Home Making You Sick?

have the potential to cause ill health. In fact, it can cause respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, skin rashes and a multitude of other problems. The vast majority of people who are suffering from respiratory problems are not even aware that the problem was due to mold exposure. Even worse, doctors do not often see the correlation, making the treatment difficult. 

Homes often provide many opportunities for mold spores to grow. Aside from the basement, kitchen and bathroom, there can be many hidden sources of mold in your home. This is especially true if you have leaks on your roof or plumbing problems. In this case, mold may start to grow under the carpet, behind the walls and other areas. But what’s interesting is that mold spores may even be hiding in surprising places such as your pillows or Christmas tree. One study revealed that mold spores are released into a room 14 days after a Christmas tree has been put up.  

Are you feeling sick but can’t exactly pinpoint the cause? 

Mold exposure can cause short-term symptoms such as running nose, headache, coughing, watery eyes, and skin rash. 

If you’ve been struggling with these symptoms , but it tends to improve when you leave the house, there’s a good chance that mold infestation could be what’s impacting your health. 

The best way to tell if it’s mold-related is to spend a few nights away from the house to see how you feel. 

How to prevent mold

Molds are everywhere. They proliferate anywhere moisture exists. The key to preventing mold growth is by controlling moisture. Wet floors and carpets, standing water, condensation in bathrooms and windows are just some of the most common causes. 

Even if the water problem happened a long time ago, mold can still grow in your home if the cause of the problem hasn’t been addressed. They hitchhike into your home as water enters through cracks in foundations and walls. Fix leaks and dry the area immediately since mold usually starts to grow within 24 hours. 

Find a reputable pro if you already have mold in your home. Molds are very difficult to destroy. They can even shed substances that causes coughing, sneezing and asthma attacks. Find an experienced company and address the problem before it gets worse. 

You’ve bought your tickets, planned your itinerary and packed your suitcases. Everything is set and everyone is excited. But coming home from a memorable trip and learning that a pipe leaked or burst while you’re gone can be downright devastating.

Whether you’re leaving for a long weekend or a month-long getaway, proper preparation can help prevent coming home to a disaster. Here’s how to prevent plumbing disasters while on vacation.

Test your sump pump

Sump pump helps keep water out of your basement. If a major storm comes while you’re gone and your sump pump fails, you could come home to a flooded basement. 

It’s a good idea to test your sump pump before you leave. Dump water down the sump pit and make sure that it’s in proper working condition.

Check for leaks

Even a small leak can turn into a large problem if left unattended. Inspect the water heater for cracks and rust. If that water tank leaks, you’d better catch it quick. Inspect the hoses, making sure that there are no leaks or kinks. Also, check all the pipes under the sink as this may also be a source of undetected leak. If you do find something, be sure to address the problem as soon as possible. 

Turn off main water valve

Locate your main water shut off valve. If you don’t know where it is, look for you water meter. It should be located nearby. Turning off the main water valve cuts off water to the house. This is your best protection against catastrophic water damage. 

Ask a friend to help

Ask a neighbor, a friend or a relative to check on your home periodically while you’re away just to make sure everything is in order. It may be a good idea to give this person a key to the house. Also, make sure that he or she knows where the main water valve is located in case a pipe bursts or leaks. 

Curb appeal comes naturally to many homes during the summer, when the sun is shining brightly and gardens are in bloom. But during the winter, when the ground is covered in snow and everything else has withered, maintaining curb appeal can prove to be a challenge. The problem is that curb appeal is essential when you’re selling your home.

How do you combat this trend when you’re trying to sell your home during the winter? Here are some things you can do to spruce up the exterior of your home in the dreary winter months.

Keep the driveways, pathways, and walkways clear

With snow comes ice, and with ice comes slipping. Keep your driveways, pathways, and walkways clear of ice and snow to ensure that potential buyers or guests can make it into your home without getting injured.

Before you spend time and money improving the looks of your home, focus on safety first. There is no sense in sprucing up your home if people are afraid to walk along the sidewalk.

Outdoor lighting

The days are shorter during the winter time. In most cases, it gets dark even before people get home. Most buyers decide to drive by houses they’re interested in after office hours. If your home looks dark and uninviting, this creates a negative impression among potential buyers.

Outdoor lighting doesn’t just brighten a winter landscape, it also enhances property safety and security. Garage scones and walkway lights will guide guests to your front door.  You may also wrap holiday lights around trees, fountains, and birdbaths to make your home attractive at night.

Fresh paint 

A fresh coat of paint brings vibrancy to the exterior of your home, making it look warm and pleasant during the cold winter month. This is one of the best ways to revitalize the look and feel of your home. It is also a good idea to paint your fence or front door with bold color to brighten the facade and make your home look more inviting.

Tidy lawn

Just because the grass is no longer green, doesn’t mean that you should slack off on curb appeal. Your home’s exterior beauty doesn’t have to fade along with the summer season.

Curb appeal is important year-round. You want your grounds to stay looking neat in winter and show potential buyers that your home has been well cared for. Clear dead leaves off of your lawn and plant some seasonal plants and flowers to keep your yards stunning during the dreary winter months.

Winter is a great time to move. Since most people are out on vacation or busy with holiday get-togethers, you can get great deal with moving companies. However, moving house during the winter is not without challenges. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can make the moving process even more difficult.

Here are 4 smart tips to make your winter move easier.

Keep an eye on the weather 

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Even if the sun has been shining all week long, a blizzard may suddenly pop up just as you’re pulling away in your car.

Check weather reports from time to time and make sure to follow it up until the moving day. Keep tabs on the weather until the movers arrive so you get the latest updates. Anticipate any weather challenges and adapt to them.

Keep the heat on

You might be tempted to have your utilities disconnected prior to moving day, but please resist the urge to do so. On moving day, you’ll be opening and closing the door many times as the movers carry your boxes. This will send cold air into your home. Without the heat, everybody will feel cold and uncomfortable. You’ll want to keep the heat on on moving day.

Protect your belongings 

Some items are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures. Electronics and other cold-sensitive items should be kept indoors for as long as possible and should be transported in a heated vehicle to avoid damage. 

Objects that are made of wood should be insulated during a move. These items can warp when exposed to freezing temperatures. Books and other documents will also need additional care. Place them in waterproof bins and make sure that they are sealed tight before they get loaded onto the moving truck.

Clear snow 

We understand that you have a lot on your plate right now, but make sure that you shovel snow prior to moving day. 

Snow and ice can be slippery. Clear the snow to prevent anyone from getting hurt. You may also spread rock salt on the ground to slow down the re-icing process. If snow is falling, we suggest that you mix calcium chloride with the rock salt. This will make snow and ice melt faster.