Written by Jennifer Mcguire

As summer winds down, the back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and, let’s face it – anxiety.  You need a game plan to navigate the shift from the laid-back days of summer to the more structured routines necessary for the academic year. With a little planning, you can achieve back-to-school nirvana and lay the groundwork for a successful school year.

1. Establish a Family Calendar

At the core of your organizational system, spend some time creating a calendar system that works for your family. Whether it’s a large, easy-to-read wall calendar or a digital version, take the time to set it up early so you can work through any kinks and acclimate everyone. Use it to track school events, extracurricular activities and family commitments. Once school starts, you can also use the calendar to block out time for homework.

2. Create a Study Space

Designate a quiet, clutter-free area in your home as a dedicated study space. Be sure it has ample lighting and is stocked with all the essentials like pens, notebooks, a calculator and a computer. Invite your child to personalize the space to make it more inviting and conducive to studying.

3. Don’t forget to Start a Morning Routine

Mornings are always crazy, but that first week back can be brutal! Ease the pain by implementing an earlier bedtime a few weeks before school begins. Everyone’s internal clock will get a reset, cutting down on the challenges that come with sleep-deprived students. Encourage your child to prepare as much as possible the night before by laying out clothes and loading a backpack.

4. Gather School Supplies

Start by reviewing the school’s supply list and then check which items you may already have at home. To keep costs down, take advantage of any back-to-school sales. Involve your child in the process to build excitement about the coming new school year.

5. Stay Informed

Regularly check school websites and teacher communications for other updates – especially if you have students at more than one school. Remember to sign up for any teacher communication or text lists to stay informed throughout the school year.

Getting organized for the back-to-school season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can set the stage for success by investing a little time during the final weeks of summer to get organized and gather supplies.

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/rein-in-back-to-school-chaos-5-tips-to-stay-organized/

Written by Jennifer Mcguire

Listing your home in the late summer might sound daunting. But selling a home in August can be a good strategy, as the market is typically active with buyers motivated to move for the new school year or to settle in before the holidays. Make your property stand out with these easy-to-implement strategies.

Leverage the Longer Summer Days

Longer days mean you have more daylight hours to show your home. Daytime showings allow sunlight to flood your rooms to better highlight architectural details, finishes and flooring. In general, natural light makes spaces appear larger, warmer and more inviting.

Keep Up the Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial. You’ll need to be at the top of your outdoor maintenance game. That means grass is always cut, weeds are pulled and shrubs are trimmed. Other essential tasks include power washing the exterior, cleaning windows and touching up paint where needed. Work with your real estate agent to understand the best way to bump up your curb appeal within your budget.

Show Off Your Outdoor Spaces

Maybe you have a spacious deck or a thriving garden. It’s worth spending a little time staging these areas to highlight them as extensions of your living space. Be sure these spaces are clean, inviting and free of weeds or debris. Consider adding some outdoor lighting to create ambiance and emphasize features like walkways, trees or sitting areas.

Add Seasonal Touches

Turn up the summertime charm with a few easy touches both outdoors and indoors. Add late-summer blooming plants like asters and mums near your front door. Place fresh, seasonal flowers around your home to add color and fragrance. Incorporate pillows and throws in late summer colors like deep yellows and oranges. Another appreciated touch: Add a tray of lemonade and glasses to your counter or island for open houses or showings. Lastly, August can get hot and muggy! Keep your air conditioning running at a comfortable temperature so your guests have a distraction-free touring experience.

With a few extra steps, you can capture the magic of summer season and help potential buyers picture themselves relaxing on your deck with a cool drink. Remember these buyers are highly motivated, so make your property the one that shines!

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/late-summer-sales-how-to-grab-buyers-attention-in-august/

Written by Carma Stahnke

In today’s bustling real estate market, ensuring your home outshines the competition is crucial to cinching a quick and profitable sale. These home selling strategies, along with the guidance of a trusted real estate agent, can make all the difference in a competitive landscape.

Enhance Your Curb Appeal

First impressions are not just lasting – they’re everything. A manicured lawn, trimmed trees and well-placed flowers help create a warm and welcoming feel that brings buyers through the door. Small touches like a freshly painted front door, new house numbers, a charming mailbox and inviting lighting can also have a big impact.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Your home tells a story, but now it’s time to let buyers envision their own narratives within its walls. Decluttering not only creates a neutral canvas – it is also key to maximizing space and allowing the home’s features to stand out. By removing all personal items, like picture frames, toys and knick-knacks, buyers can more easily imagine their lives unfolding there while making the interior appealing to a broader audience.

Illuminate the Possibilities

Light has the magical ability to transform spaces, making them appear more open, airy and welcoming. Pull back the curtains, open the blinds and let the natural light flood in. For showings later in the day, ensure that your home is well-lit with ambient, task and accent lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Refresh and Repair

A well-maintained home speaks volumes about the care it has received. Address those small repair jobs you’ve been putting off – fix leaky faucets, replace outdated hardware and give the walls a fresh coat of paint. These details contribute to the overall feeling that your home is ready to embrace new owners without burdening them with a to-do list.

Stage to Sell

Staging is the art of dressing up your home for its market debut and goes beyond simply cleaning and decluttering. Furniture, artwork and accent pieces should showcase the flow of your space without overcrowding it. Your agent can help you stage your home to highlight its strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers.

Highlight Unique Features

Whether it’s a cozy window seat, original hardwood floors or a remodeled kitchen, you want your home’s unique features to be front and center. Highlighting these elements in your listing information and during showings can make your home stand out while creating a memorable impression.

Lean Into Digital Marketing

In today’s digital age, your online listing is your home’s first showing. You should work with an agent who will help you arrange professional photography and virtual tours that engage potential buyers before they even step through the door.

Price it Right

Finally, all your efforts must be complemented by the right asking price. An overpriced home can linger on the market, while one priced competitively can spark interest and even bidding wars. Your real estate agent will help you set a price that’s in line with recent sales while reflecting your home’s value.

Making your property stand out in the market doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavor. With these home selling strategies, you can not only speed up the sale process but also potentially increase your property’s value in the eyes of buyers. Remember, you’re not just selling a house – you’re selling a dream and a future full of possibilities.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/making-your-home-stand-out-strategies-for-a-successful-sale/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

You may be ready to start an exciting adventure in a new home, but what about your pets? Some furry family members may find moving to an unfamiliar place stressful, but there are ways to ease them into it with a little advance planning.

Pet-Friendly Properties

Living harmoniously with pets is a top priority for homeowners. The APPA National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association estimates that 70% of all U.S. households – roughly 90.5 million – owns one or more pets. That’s a remarkable figure that impacts many aspects of the economy, including residential real estate. People love their pets and today’s home buyers are seeking properties that reflect it. For some house hunters, finding a pet-friendly home is as simple as getting a place with a fenced-in yard, hard-surface flooring or space for a litter box. Others, however, are looking for more deluxe amenities for Fido and Fluffy.

The Pampered Pet

Some pet-centric home designs cater to the four-legged family members. Today’s popular custom details include under-cabinet food stations, pet washing facilities, and built-in crates, beds or pet suites. Also sought after are high-tech smart-home features like electronic pet doors and remote-access security cameras that let homeowners keep an eye on their pets when they’re away.

Park, Park, Park!

Location matters to pet owners. A pet-friendly community is a must, and proximity to an off-leash dog park or long nature trail away from busy streets is a bonus. And while parents of young children often make school districts a priority, some pet parents also seek homes close to their veterinarian, boarding facility and doggy daycare.

This Way Home

Show your pets the lay of the land at the new house. Determine where your pets’ toys, bed and water bowl will go, then take them on a home tour to familiarize them with their designated areas. Be sure to examine the home for safety hazards, then let them poke around and discover new scents and favorite spots. Cats may feel more comfortable adjusting to one room at a time, so start them off in a smaller space and let them take their time exploring.

Adjustment periods in a new home are easy when you keep these tips in mind and stick to your pets’ regular feeding and walking routines. They should barely notice the move and continue living their usual happy lives in the comfort of your new home.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/smart-moving-tips-for-homeowners-with-pets/

Written by Gustavo Gonzalez

The following is a guest post written by: Chief of Organized Living & NorthStar Moving Company Co-Founder Laura McHolm

Moving across town? Moving across a state? Which move is considered a “local move?”  This is a common topic of confusion. For most states, local moves are considered moves within the same state. However, there are some states, such as California, where only moves that are less than 100 miles are considered local moves.

I predict your next question is – why do I need to know? It’s because knowing whether your move is classified as a local, long distance or intrastate determines how expensive your move could be.

Once you have determined if your move is local, here are key factors that will determine the cost of your local move:

Factors that affect the price of local moves:

The cost for local moves is mostly based on the number of movers needed, the time it takes to move your belongings and the drive time between your old and new residence. Some other factors that affect price include:

• What is the size of your home?
• How much stuff do you have?
• How many boxes and other packing materials do you need?
• Have you already packed your belongings yourself?
• Can our truck park close to your home?
• Any hard to move items? Grand piano? Stairmaster? Giant penguin statue?
• How much packing and/or unpacking would you like your movers to do for you?

Best money saving tip

The best way to truly save on the cost of your local move is to choose a moving company based on their reputation. Make sure they have provided stellar service to their clients for years.

Laura McHolm is a home organization, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services.   www.northstarmoving.com

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/what-determines-the-cost-of-a-local-move/

written by Michelle Abendschan

Finding your dream home in today’s market needs to go beyond casual searches, checking out a few open houses and hoping for the best. You need a buyer’s agent – a real estate professional focused on your wants and requirements. They can bring a wealth of experience and resources that can be game-changing during your house hunt. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits they offer.

Early Access to Listings

One key benefit of having a buyer’s agent is immediate access to new listings as soon as they’re available. Being among the first to see a property in a competitive market can be crucial. Buyer’s agents leverage their industry intel and skills to ensure you’re always ahead with rapid alerts on newly listed homes.

Neighborhood Insights

Whether you’re brand new in town or a local, a buyer’s agent is your go-to source for the inside scoop on everything from schools to the finer details like HOA costs and zoning considerations. If you’re not from the area, they can give you a crash course on the ideal spots to suit your lifestyle, whether that’s the most family-friendly neighborhoods, the towns with hip eateries and shops nearby, or areas with the easiest commute options. They also often have access to deeper insights that might not be common knowledge, like upcoming issues that could affect your property’s value.

Streamlining Pre-Qualification

Want to show sellers you really mean business? Get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Buyer’s agents have connections with trusted lenders to streamline this process. This action does two big things – it shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear picture of what you can afford. That way, you’re looking at homes within your budget from the start.

Pricing Assistance 

Keeping up with real estate trends, like when prices drop or a house is about to go off the market (that’s what pending status means), is crucial for your home buying strategy. Your agent will keep an eye on all these things, making sure you’re always in the loop. This info is super important because it helps you decide whether to make an offer now or wait it out for a better deal. It’s all about making smart moves at the right time.

Appealing Offers

In a tight buying environment, how you present your offer matters. Buyer’s agents know how to craft offers that grab attention, combining the right terms and conditions to catch the seller’s eye while still looking out for your best interests. They’re pros at locating that sweet spot where the offer meets the seller’s needs but ensures your interests are protected, too.

Comprehensive Services

The journey doesn’t end with finding the perfect home. Your agent can also connect you with all the essential services needed, from home inspections to insurance to moving companies. Each step of the way, they can make sure you have reliable professionals to handle every aspect of your home purchase, easing the transition into your new space.

A savvy buyer’s agent brings all this and more to your real estate experience, transforming the process into a guided journey toward your dream home. With their assistance, even the trickiest markets can offer promising opportunities for buyers ready to make a move.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/a-buyers-agent-can-help-you-find-your-dream-home/

Written by Kimberly Quevedo

Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family in the open air, and hosting an outdoor dinner party is a great way to catch up while enjoying the season. Planning a summer soirée might seem daunting. With a few simple touches and thoughtful food items and activities, your alfresco dinner party can come together with ease – and be a hit with your guests.

Setting Party Vibes

Subtle, strategically placed seating, lanterns, tiki torches or string lights can create a low-key festive arena. Encourage natural progression by creating pathways with your lights. You could flow from an area with cushions or blankets in cozy picnic-style seating to a large table with snacks and drinks. Then, continue the movement to a purposely open space with classic lawn games or activities. With these simple arrangements, you can transform regular yard space into an outdoor party ambiance with little to no fuss.

Simple, Savory Outdoor Food

Now the ambiance has the party vibes flowing, the food can bring in the seasonal flavor and tantalize more than taste. When thinking of outdoor treats, keep to the classic and simple ones that instantly bring the smells of summer. Bruschetta for an appetizer and quintessential grilled, marinated meats, vegetables and seafood for the main course are easy to make and delicious. For dessert, consider berries with whipped cream or a berry parfait for a light, fluffy, effortless option. You could even add a firepit and make s’mores as the evening rolls in.

Outdoor Party Entertainment for All

Complete your party with traditional entertainment that requires minimum setup. Lawn games like bowling, cornhole or badminton are easy to incorporate. For a more relaxed activity, you could set up a small outdoor movie screen. Consider showing a well-known film and encourage commentary with questions, quotes or fun facts along the way.

With a bit of creativity and simple arrangements, your outdoor dinner party can come together with ease and be remembered by friends and family as a remarkable summer get-together.

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/planning-an-unforgettable-outdoor-dinner-party/

written by Jennifer McGuire

Summertime is just around the corner! Whether you’re planning backyard barbecues, lounging in the sun or staying cool indoors, a little proactive summer home preparation can go a long way in ensuring your abode is ready for the season.

Rejuvenate Your Home Exterior

Tackle your outdoor space by giving your patio or deck a good scrub or sweep, clearing any weather debris. Then, look at your furniture and freshen it up by incorporating patio umbrellas to add a touch of shade for when the sun’s heat is too much. Also, don’t forget to give your grill some attention – from checking the ignition, propane tank, charcoal basin or your stock supply, you’ll want to make sure everything is up and running for food, fun and fresh air. Lastly, set the ambiance and add strategically placed lights for evening get-togethers.

Beat the Summer Heat Indoors

As temperatures rise, keeping your home regulated is a top priority. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed ceiling fan – consider installing one in your main living space to circulate air and create a breeze. Additionally, a programmable thermostat can help regulate the temperature indoors. You could also install ceramic or reflective window films, allowing you to enjoy the natural light while reducing heat and harmful UV rays coming into your home. And now is the perfect time to check your air conditioning unit before it gets too hot. Replace filters and thoroughly clean and test the unit to ensure it is in proper working order when you need it most.

Create a Summer-Esque Ambiance  

Embrace the season and nature by adding plants or flowers to your living spaces. From lush greenery to vibrant blooms, summer foliage can add a pop of color and life to your décor. Better yet, the flora can set the tone for a relaxed, chill vibe. While you’re at it, consider adding yellow, blue and green summer hues to your interior design through seasonal pillows, rugs or artwork to uplift the mood of any room.

Repel Seasonal Bugs

Summer pests can quickly become unwelcome guests inside your home. These sneaky critters have a knack for finding their way in, but you can keep them out by sealing any cracks or gaps around doors and windows by caulking or weatherstripping openings. Also, you could invest in some window screens to allow the summer breeze to flow indoors while keeping the bugs out. And for your summer outdoor relaxation or gatherings, citronella candles or torches can help repel mosquitoes and other insects while adding a cozy ambiance.

With some elbow grease and a splash of creativity, you’ll have your home primed for the summer season so you can kick back, invite friends over, crank up the grill and let the good times roll.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/summer-home-prep-made-easy/

Written by Michelle Abendschan

Are you thinking of getting a fresh start in a new home before the back-to-school rush? You’re not alone – and it’s totally doable! With help from a savvy real estate agent, you can navigate the selling and buying process, secure favorable terms and snag the front door keys just in time for the start of the school year. Here’s how to make it happen.

Real Estate Market Considerations

Spring and summer tend to steal the spotlight for buying and selling, and with good reason. Starting your search now offers a broader selection of properties, a big pool of potential buyers and it perfectly aligns with finalizing your move during the summer break. Your real estate agent will be able to break down all the crucial local info for you – available listings, price comparisons, median home costs and how long most properties are on the market.

Evaluate Your Finances

A clear understanding of your financial situation is vital when doing anything in the real estate market. It influences the type and location of your next home and whether you should sell your current home before purchasing another. Another first step is working with a trusted lender to explore your loan options and solidify your budget. Plus, a realistic and accurate assessment of your finances can lower some of that moving stress and help guide your decision-making process.

Start to Organize

Moving can seem daunting, but it can be a relatively smooth process with the right approach. Start by decluttering your current space – sell, donate or dispose of items you no longer need. This will reduce the things you need to pack up while also prepping your home to be listed. As the move gets closer, invest in quality moving supplies like sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and permanent markers for labeling. And if you like making checklists and crossing off to-do’s, this is your time to shine!

List Your Home For Sale

When you’re ready to put your current home up for sale, give it a walk-through and identify any necessary repairs or enhancements needed. With some assistance from your agent, you can access a network of reliable service providers and professionals who can assist with any fixes or improvements outside the scope of a DIY weekend. You should also prepare your home to appeal to a broad range of buyers through updated staging and professional photography to maximize its visibility and attractiveness.

Find Your New Home

Begin your home search by creating a wish list and ranking the key features that you consider must-haves. Check out the listings on coldwellbanker.com and other online sources, and then visit potential homes in person. As you explore different spaces, ask yourself if you can picture your family living there. Does the kitchen have all the counter space you’re looking for? Is there a big backyard for a garden and a play area? Maybe you want a low-maintenance yard and space for hobbies and storing sports equipment. But remember, things can move quickly in the spring and summer, so when you find the one, be prepared to make an offer.

Yes, you can make your move before school starts! It takes some planning and determination, but it’s well worth the effort. Establish your timeline, partner with a local real estate agent, put together a plan and unpack in your new home before the kids start next fall.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/make-your-move-before-school-starts/

Written by Carma Stahnke

Welcome to one of life’s great adventures: buying your first home! This journey is not just about brick and mortar – it’s about creating a sanctuary for new memories, a haven of comfort and the key to your future. These eight steps will help set you on a path for success.

1. Do Your Research

Diving deep into housing market research is a step you simply can’t skip. This preparatory phase involves taking a close look at current market trends, assessing home values in your desired neighborhoods and gauging local supply and demand. Understanding interest rate trends and the economic health of your target area is also important. Remember that knowledge is power – it’s essential to making informed decisions with confidence and clarity.

2. Set Your Budget

When buying your first home, getting a handle on your finances is crucial. It helps you manage your expectations, ease any stress you may be feeling and narrow down your home search. A great starting point is to get a mortgage preapproval – it’s like having a golden ticket to the home buying theater. It tells sellers you mean business and, more importantly, tells you how much you can actually afford.

3. Craft Your Wish List

You’ve probably been dreaming of your first home for a while, and now is the time to map out your “must-haves” versus your “nice-to-haves.” You can start by asking the right questions: How many bedrooms do I really need? Is a home office necessary? Do I want a big yard or is a cozy balcony enough outdoor space? Knowing your non-negotiables will help you steer clear of beautiful distractions that might not fit your lifestyle or budget.

4. Choose Your Location

As the saying goes, it’s all about location. But what does that even mean? It’s more than just a spot on the map. It’s about the community, local schools, commute times and even the home’s future value. To get into a new home that you’ll love, focus down to three neighborhoods while considering their projected market trends in case you ever want to sell.

5. Work With a Real Estate Agent

From local market expertise and financing to legal requirements and negotiation, a good real estate agent can guide you through every step of the home buying process. A specialist in your chosen areas can alert you to available properties as soon as they hit the market, giving you a jump-start on the competition. Many federal and state assistance programs are also available to first-time buyers, essential information your agent can provide for you.

6. Start Viewing Homes

With your wish list in one hand and your preapproval letter in the other, it’s time to check out your options in person. You should attend plenty of open houses and ask your agent to pull back the curtain on any home that sparks your interest. Once you find that perfect property, your real estate agent is your #1 ally, helping you craft an offer that’s enticing to the seller yet protects your interests – especially in competitive markets.

7. Schedule the Home Inspection

This is another important step that your agent can help facilitate. After your offer has been accepted, a thorough property inspection will give you a clear understanding of the home’s condition. If any hidden issues are revealed, your agent can negotiate repairs or adjust the offer before you make your final decision.

8. Close the Deal

As you come down the final stretch, your real estate agent will help you navigate all the paperwork and legal considerations. Make sure you understand your obligations and ask questions if you need clarification. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line, swapped out that preapproval for a mortgage and handed over the down payment, congratulations – you’re a home owner!

Your first home is more than just a piece of real estate; it’s the cozy embrace at the end of a long day, the gathering spot for friends and family and the foundation upon which you’ll build your dreams. Unwrap the joy, embrace the journey and open the door to an exciting future.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/eight-steps-for-buying-your-first-home/