Written by: Michelle Abendschan

With 2024 on the horizon, many homeowners are seeking ways to enhance their property and increase its value. Whether you plan to sell your home in the new year or simply want to update its style and livability for yourself, strategic home improvement projects can make a significant impact.

Spruce Up the Exterior

First impressions matter – a well-maintained exterior can greatly enhance curb appeal. Start by giving your home a fresh coat of paint, if needed, to refresh its appearance. Also, consider updating or repairing your siding, replacing old windows and adding attractive landscaping to create eye-catching charm in the neighborhood.

Upgrade the Kitchen

The kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home, and it can have a significant impact on your house’s worth and your comfort. Think about upgrading key features such as countertops, cabinetry and flooring. If your budget allows, replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can also be a major selling point and save you money in the long run. Additionally, new wall paint, updated light fixtures and a stylish backsplash will create a space where you can enjoy preparing meals and entertaining friends.

Enhance the Bathroom

Bathrooms are another crucial area for home improvements that can influence value. Start by updating fixtures, like faucets, showerheads and towel racks, to create a sleek and cohesive look throughout the space. Consider replacing worn-out tiles or regrouting existing ones to refresh walls and floors. Several DIY cosmetic updates can also produce a big splash and make your bathroom shine.

Create an Outdoor Oasis

Today, many homeowners are valuing outdoor spaces more than ever, and that probably won’t change. Creating a functional and appealing outdoor area can significantly enhance your home’s charm. You might want to build a deck or patio to entertain and host outdoor meals and get-togethers. But why stop there? Add in comfortable seating, install outdoor lighting and consider investing in professional landscaping for an extra living space in the summer months or year-round, depending on your climate.

Make Smart Upgrades

In our eco-conscious society, energy-efficient homes are highly sought after – so consider making earth-friendly upgrades to your property. Replace old windows with double or triple-pane glass windows, add insulation to prevent heat loss and install green appliances. Solar panels can also be a fantastic investment. These improvements decrease energy consumption and appeal to homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact.

The upcoming new year presents an excellent opportunity to invest in home improvement projects that can boost your property’s value and make your home more comfortable and cost-efficient for years to come.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-home-improvement-projects-that-will-pay-off-in-2024/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

As temperatures drop, the kitchen spotlight turns to a humble and versatile ingredient – the pumpkin. Delve into the delicious world of pumpkin-infused dishes that celebrate both flavor and creativity with comforting classics and innovative creations. Most of these pumpkin recipes call for canned pumpkin, but if you feel like making your own puree, look for sugar or pie pumpkins at the store – leave the large jack-o’-lantern types for carving.

One Bowl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin and chocolate are a perfect match, as demonstrated in this take on muffins from The Kitchn blog. Warm pumpkin pie spices combine with semi-sweet chocolate chips for the perfect afternoon snack or brunch side. Take care not to overmix the batter before pouring it into the muffin cups – this, along with the pumpkin puree, helps keep the muffins moist. Plus, the scent as these beauties bake will make your home smell better than a pumpkin spice latte.

Pumpkin Lasagna with Ricotta and Swiss Chard

When you crave something baked and cheesy, look no further than Food & Wine magazine’s unique take on a classic comfort dish. Instead of the traditional tomato sauce, a pumpkin cream sauce ties everything together and complements the tender swiss chard and creamy ricotta cheese layers. Want to plan ahead? This lasagna can also be made ahead of time and stored overnight in the refrigerator. It’s meat-free, too, making it a great company dish for vegetarian friends and family.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Start your morning with a taste of autumn’s finest – a fluffy stack of flavorful pancakes. This breakfast favorite from King Arthur Baking Company combines the seasonal flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg and the ease of canned pumpkin puree. They are fantastic with maple syrup or whipped cream, or why not both? Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch or seeking a quick weekday treat, these pancakes are a delicious invitation to savor the comforts of the season.

Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Thyme

This savory soup, also from Food & Wine, calls for roasting and pureeing a fresh three-pound pumpkin, but you could also substitute the same amount of butternut or acorn squash to mix things up a bit. While prepping your pumpkin or squash, save the seeds, and roast them for a delightfully crunchy topping. The garlic, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne pepper add just the right touch of herb, heat and pumpkin spice warmth to this earthy and smoky pumpkin soup.

Best, Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

What fall pumpkin recipe list would be complete without a pumpkin pie? This classic recipe from Country Living magazine promises big rewards from a manageable culinary effort. Use either store-bought or homemade pie dough and canned pumpkin. While fresh pumpkin is fantastic in some recipes, it can sometimes be stringy after roasted, which is not ideal when your goal is a velvety pumpkin pie filling. So, for this recipe, it’s recommended to stick to the canned puree. The burnt sugar brulée topping is a true showstopper and well worth the investment in a small kitchen torch. But even if you leave that detail off, this is still a pumpkin pie you’ll make year after year for your holiday table.

Whether you’re already a pumpkin fan or merely pumpkin-curious, these recipes give you a solid start to filling your home with fall’s comforting spices and flavors.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/irresistible-pumpkin-recipes-for-a-flavorful-fall/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

With s’more season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to transform your outdoor space into a captivating oasis. Large or small, wood-burning or propane, a fire pit can make any gathering an enchanting evening soiree. To help you choose the best fire pit for your needs, here are five of today’s most popular options.

Classic Stone

If you are picturing large get-togethers with family and friends, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, a traditional stone fire pit may be the optimal pick. These wood-burning structures are typically permanent and designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape. Size, style and material choices allow you to customize the fire pit to your unique vision. Most home improvement stores also offer a wide variety of kits, complete with everything required to create a warm and wonderful gathering spot.

Fire Pit Tables

Offering a cozy vibe, modern flair and convenient functionality, fire pit tables elevate your outdoor sanctuary to an unparalleled level of sophistication. You’ll find the ideal fit for your patio with design elements like colored glass beads, stone fire beds and even water features. A beautiful centerpiece for any party, fire tables provide guests with a place to put their drinks and snacks. If you go with a fire table that runs on propane, you can easily adjust the temperature for comfort.

Barbecue Fire Pits

Also called fire pit grills, these range in style from simple, flat cooking surfaces to multi-tiered options for the master backyard chef. Stainless steel models tend to be the most popular because they’re both durable and quick to clean. If you plan to use it in a relatively small area, you may want to consider a smokeless model. The Pit Boss Smokeless Fire Pit, for example, uses hardwood pellets, so it burns clean while giving off plenty of heat.

Portable Fire Pits

Perfect for camping, trips to the beach or impromptu backyard parties, a portable option is a lightweight, low-maintenance way to enhance any al fresco experience. In addition to providing warmth, some portable fire pits even allow for grilling. When selecting the right model for you, keep assembly, size and weight in mind. You should be able to just grab it and head out on your next adventure.

Fire Bowls

Whether ceramic, metal or glass, these mini fire pits can bring panache and ambiance to any indoor or outdoor area. Designs, materials and sizes are virtually limitless, so you can easily turn up the heat while complementing your décor. You can also think about DIY fire bowl projects, a fun and creative way to get that one-of-a-kind look.

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, nothing sets the tone like an open flame under the stars. You can create magic in even the smallest of spaces with the right fire pit. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines before choosing the best option for you.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/create-sparks-with-these-5-fire-pit-options/

written by Jennifer McGuire

While spring and summer are traditionally considered prime real estate seasons, the advantages of selling a home in the fall are often underestimated. Here are five compelling reasons why autumn might be the best time to list your property and make a big change.

Reduced Market Competition

Unlike the bustling real estate seasons, the fall landscape typically experiences less competition. With fewer properties vying for attention, your house could stand out more prominently, attracting serious buyers actively looking to make a purchase. This reduced competition can lead to a quicker sales process and even multiple offers. Active buyers in the fall can also be more motivated – their sense of urgency could work to your advantage.

Accelerated Transactions

With this cyclical lull, you’ll find a unique advantage in expediting your closing process. Mortgage lenders, attorneys, home inspectors and appraisers with reduced workloads can focus on ensuring your transaction glides along seamlessly. These factors often mean a swift and efficient closure, alleviating stress and providing a harmonious experience for all parties involved.

Favorable Timing

Aside from striking a balance between summer’s energetic buzz and winter’s slower pace, this period also offers a sweet spot for buyers who want to settle into their new homes before the holiday festivities kick in. Potential buyers can be eager to start the new year in a new home. By listing your house in the fall, you align with the natural rhythm of many people’s schedules, increasing the likelihood of attracting committed buyers.

Optimized for Comfort

In the cooler months, you can lean into your home’s cozy and inviting aspects in a way that might not work as well in summer. In addition to all-season staging tips, fall is a great time to make a fireplace the focal point of a room and style your interior to emphasize warmth and coziness. And no matter when you decide to sell your home, a fresh coat of paint is always a good idea, but in the coming months, consider a rich chestnut glow on an accent wall or a neutral cream with warm undertones.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

After the heat of summer, cooler weather can also provide a vibrant backdrop for showcasing your home’s curb appeal. Along with thoughtful staging inside, optimize the exterior for maximum interest. Seasonal landscaping and tasteful decor in moderation, such as pumpkins or an autumn-inspired wreath, can further accentuate your home’s charm and help potential buyers envision themselves living there. It’s also beneficial to run through a fall maintenance checklist for any updates needed before your house hits the market.

Yes, it’s true – the fall season presents many home selling advantages! From seasonal curb appeal to motivated buyers, this time of year offers unique opportunities for a highly successful transaction as you prepare for your new adventure.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-advantages-of-selling-your-home-in-the-fall/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

As the days grow shorter, it’s time to bring fall’s warm and inviting hues into your home. Embrace the season’s vibrant colors to create a cozy atmosphere that celebrates autumn’s magic and reflects your tastes. But don’t be scared – adding an autumn look doesn’t mean completely overhauling your home’s interior design! Here are five simple and creative ways to incorporate fall decorations this year.

Cozy Throws and Textiles

Stylishly transition your home from summer to fall by updating your living room and bedroom with new throw pillows, blankets and bedding. For a lush pop of fall color, choose heavier fabrics in rich, deep colors like burgundy, mustard, chocolate and rust. Mix patterns with solids and velvets with flannel and fake furs for a chic, boho look.

 Candles and Diffusers

Don’t just change what you see around your home, but also what you smell. Light cinnamon- and vanilla-scented candles and tea lights on a rainy evening for some seasonal aromatherapy. For flame-free options, look to essential oils, incense and reed diffusers to add a festive pumpkin chai or autumn plum scent to the air.

Warm Lighting

Is it time to swap out some of your lighting? Create additional coziness with soft, warm-toned lighting for an effortless autumn glow. Warm white twinkle lights, fairy lights or a string of Edison bulbs can also add a fun and festive touch, inside or out.

Fall Artwork and Accessories

Display decorative items like ceramic vases, pottery and glassware in Earth tones of deep greens, oranges, and browns. To incorporate a bit of fall and stay up on the newest trends, add some stylish and quirky mushroom décor to your space. These accessories can quickly transform the ambiance of any room and create a fall-inspired aesthetic.

Rich and Colorful Table Linens

Autumn is also the season to bring colorful plaids, checkered prints and velvet-trimmed accessories to your dining room. Indulge in layered linens, different textures and an eye-catching mix of dark and light colors. Try blending a deep forest green tablecloth with a taupe velvet runner and moss-colored linen napkins. Play with colors and fabrics will bring depth and interest to your table this fall.

These easy fall decorating tips and accent ideas will create a warm and inviting atmosphere to welcome friends and family this season!

Originally found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-tips-for-adding-fall-accents-to-your-home/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

Have you been dreaming of selling your home, buying a new one and moving in before the holidays? This scenario is actually fairly common and totally doable. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through the process, negotiate the best terms and get you into a new home – all in time to celebrate with family and friends. Here’s how you can get started.

Understand the Market

Although spring and summer are considered peak buying and selling season, you can still snag a great deal during fall and winter months – if you have a good handle on your local market. Your agent is an invaluable resource for information on current inventory, comparable properties, average home prices and median days on the market. Once you know where you stand, you can weigh the options and make smart decisions.

Prepare Your Home for Listing

Now is the time to do a careful review of your property and determine if any repairs or upgrades are needed. Your agent can provide a list of trusted vendors, tradespeople and contractors to take care of larger tasks while staging your house for broad buyer appeal, arranging professional photography and marketing your home for maximum exposure.

Get Ready to Move

To further prepare your home for the market, you want to start decluttering and depersonalizing by boxing up items for donation or storage. You can make this process manageable by targeting one room at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be one step closer to the big move.

Evaluate Your Finances

Taking a realistic look at your financial situation is crucial to determining the size and location of the home you want to purchase and if you need to sell your current home before buying. Your agent can connect you with a reputable lender who will walk you through the available loan options. Having a good understanding of your finances will also ease any stress you may be feeling.

Find Your New Home

To help narrow down the search, create a wish list, prioritize your “must-haves” and check out homes for sale on coldwellbanker.com or in person with your agent. While viewing properties, imagine living there. Is the dining space large enough for Thanksgiving dinner? Do you have somewhere to hang your stockings? How will your holiday lights look to neighbors passing by? If you feel that emotional connection, you know you’ve found the one.

So, is it possible to buy and sell before the holidays? The answer is yes. By working closely with a skilled real estate professional, you can set a timeline, plan out your strategy and ring in the new year in your new home.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/you-could-be-in-a-new-home-for-the-holidays/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

In today’s competitive real estate market, you may wonder if it’s better to rent a place or buy a home. Purchasing a residence can provide more privacy and future investment potential, while renting allows for more flexibility and less maintenance. Both options have a myriad of pros and cons, but it ultimately will depend on your financial situation, lifestyle needs and long-term goals. Here are a few factors to consider.

Costs and Maintenance

When you rent a home, you typically pay a flat monthly rental fee plus utilities and insurance, and any repairs or maintenance are the landlord’s responsibility. However, when it comes time to renew your lease, you may find that your monthly rent goes up. When purchasing a home, your monthly mortgage payment remains constant and there’s always the option of refinancing if interest rates drop. Of course, you will also be responsible for your own maintenance and repairs.

Building Wealth

When you own your own home, you build appreciation and equity as the value of your property increases over time. In recent years as property values have appreciated across the country, owning a home has proven to be a smart investment. When you rent, your monthly housing costs go straight to the landlord.

Customization

For renters, landlords often have specific rules about the surrounding property and limit things like growing gardens, decorations, painting interiors and more. But when you own, it’s yours to do what you like. While your HOA may have some restrictions on exteriors, you are generally free to customize your property to suit your personal style. You can also add amenities and make upgrades like new appliances, light fixtures, flooring and other features that can increase its value and your future financial prosperity.

Flexibility

Rental agreements often span a year or go from month to month, which allows you to make quicker adjustments for lifestyle changes or new job opportunities. However, when it’s time to renew your lease, there is no guarantee that the property will continue to be available. When you own a home, adapting your living situation is a process and involves finding a buyer, as well as the transfer of taxes, title insurance and other legal documents. However, it will give you the stability needed to build long-term success.

In many markets, it’s cheaper in the long run to own a home than to rent, as rent prices have risen steeply across the country. Contact your local Coldwell Banker affiliated agent to help you determine if purchasing a home is the right option.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/should-you-buy-or-rent-a-home/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

If you are considering selling your home, there are several things you can do now to make the best first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time to declutter, deep clean and make simple repairs will show buyers that your house and property are well-maintained and ready for a new owner.

Increase Curb Appeal

A clean and attractive exterior is crucial, as it creates a positive first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your home. Spruce up your outdoor space by removing overhanging tree limbs and branches, applying a fresh coat of exterior paint, mowing the lawn, adding plants or flowerpots, power washing, painting patio and deck areas and repairing or replacing damaged screens and doors.

Take Care of the Obvious

While grooming your outside space, you’ll need to address any glaring concerns. Check and fix loose or damaged roof shingles, bricks, wood and trim. Clean out septic systems to ensure your property is in top working condition. With these projects completed, you’ll also reduce maintenance stress while your home is listed.

Make the Interior Shine

Create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere by cleaning, decluttering and organizing your home, which shows buyers that there’s plenty of space. Freshen up your indoor areas by painting walls, removing outdated rugs or furniture, polishing kitchen appliances and deep cleaning hardwood floors, sinks, tiles and showers.

Remove the Clutter

You’ll also want to check that any clutter is cleared by organizing closets with shelves and storage bins, storing everyday items like paper and toys in cabinets and closets, and removing personal items like picture frames and your kid’s tee-ball trophies. While you’re thoughtfully arranging, you could take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of any paperwork that is no longer needed while gathering documents potential buyers may need to review in in a handy folder. These papers could include HOA information, appliance manuals, warranty information, records of repairs (especially if it involved electrical, plumbing or contractor issues) and the survey of your property.

By increasing the outdoor appeal, creating a warm, appealing indoor space and gathering all the information upfront before listing your home for sale, you’ll be well on your way to smooth, stress-free transaction – and seal the deal with a great first impression.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/first-impressions-matter-get-your-home-market-ready/

Written by: Jennifer McGuire

You may not know it, but there are proper methods to watering your plants that involve more than just pouring water on top. Plant size, soil type, weather, sun exposure and time of year all factor into how much water is needed. Timing and frequency are also important, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So how do you effectively manage your dampening strategy? Consider:

• Watering in the Morning – Water can penetrate the soil where the plant’s roots can reach, absorbing and drying in the cooler hours of the day. Watering during other times of the day could cause you to boil the roots, sunburn the leaves or grow mold spores and rot.
• Increasing Drainage – Excessive moisture around the root zone can lead to stagnant water and root rot, according to Deep Green Permaculture. To prevent this add a coarser material to the bottom of the pot to vary the potting medium and water retention.
• Soaking Deeply – Dampen the soil at least eight inches below the surface so the roots are encouraged to grow deeper and are not sitting too close to the surface.
• Optimizing Your Soil – Clearing out rocks and debris, loosening the soil and adding organic matter can affect how your plants absorb water. Adjust your planting strategy based on the soil type and how you apply compost.

Since there are so many different aspects of an effective watering system, there are also many opportunities for blunders. Here are a few common missteps to avoid:

 Watering Too Frequently – Adding too much could kill your plants because it drowns them and cuts off the oxygen. Each plant is different, but you could look out for yellow, wilted or dropped leaves, brown spots, mushy stems and molding soil to understand if your plant is being overwatered.

• Using a Sprinkler – Plants absorb most of their water through the soil, and sprinklers tend to moisten the top foliage.
• Relying on Rain – There isn’t always enough rainfall for plants to thrive, so don’t count on it to keep them alive. You should test your soil for the amounts of water and adjust your watering methods as your plants need it.

There are also regional variations and differing needs of specific plants, so check with your local gardening center for more information. Paying attention to your plant’s moisture and developing a watering strategy will have your garden flourishing in a wonderful world of green in no time.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-wonderful-world-of-green-tips-for-hydrating-plants/

Written by Tiffany Aller

When the end of summer approaches, your outside spaces may be screaming for special attention. Yard maintenance can seem like a hassle when you just want to sit and savor the backyard oasis you’ve enjoyed all summer for just a little bit longer. But to draw out your enjoyment through the fall and even into winter, the time to perform important maintenance is now. Here are five must-do projects to tackle now for your DFW home, before summer’s just a distant memory.

Pool Clean Up

Whether you have a permanent pool or one that gets put up and down each year, it’s going to need some end-of-summer maintenance. Begin by checking out any of the pool’s mechanical components. If wear and tear is evident, it’s better to address now than to wait while further issues may arise from sitting too long over the winter. Once your mechanical parts are addressed, you’ll next want to carefully clean both the outside and inside of your pool, or any pool surroundings you may have. Number three on your pool yard maintenance must-do list is addressing structural issues cleaning may have revealed. Finally, tear down and carefully stow non-permanent pools, or cover your permanent pool and ensure your water and filter systems are set to run below certain temperatures so your pool doesn’t experience freezing and cracking.

Seasonal Landscaping

While your perennial plants may still be blooming or are patiently hibernating to come back up next year, your spring and summer season annuals may be fading quickly. To keep your yard looking tidy through the fall, consider some of these beautiful annuals that come out to play as the weather starts to cool.

• Mums
• Sage
• Pansies
• Blue Fescue
• Ornamental Cabbage

Store Toys

Whether or not you have children, you probably have toys in your yard — special lanterns used during the summer, movable misters, decorative tchotchkes, or actual toys and sports equipment. Cleaning them up as part of your end-of-summer yard maintenance means more than tossing them in a bin or bag until next year. First determine which are actually still in good enough condition to last until next summer — some summer fun items are really only meant for one season of use, like non-refillable tiki torches. Next, drain, clean, polish, or otherwise spruce up your equipment before it is stored — leaving things covered with grime may lead to wintertime erosion. Finally, store according to each item’s needs. Whether that includes wrapping the item carefully in paper or bubble wrap and placing it in a temperature controlled area, or simply putting it aside safely until it’s needed again.

Pavers and Patios and Paths, Oh My!

The bricks and concrete pieces that comprise your outside gathering and walking areas may have gotten tons of use this summer, leading to cracked pieces, missing pavers, and disintegrating paths. The time to fix is now, before the temperatures fall off and make maintenance miserable. If a company has installed these areas, check to see if your warranty may cover issues that are beyond normal wear and tear. If not, big box retailers may have great end-of-summer yard maintenance sales that allow you to fix up your space to enjoy through the fall and into next summer.

Get Ready for Fall

Falling temps don’t have to mean your outdoor time has to end. Your last end-of-summer yard maintenance project is a fun one preparing a fire pit or fireplace to use through the cooler weather. Whether you simply install a bought fixture or roll up your sleeves and build your own, you’ll be setting up your yard for a whole other season of fun.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-end-of-summer-yard-maintenance-must-dos/