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7 Tips to Make Your Kitchen look Stunning

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If you are not thinking for a kitchen revamp you can find some easy and cost-effective methods to get your kitchen both functional and stylish. To start the renovation, then you also must check too, some touches which are organizing and making the area operational and homey. We’re pointing out eight tips you can use to work to your kitchen to create it brighter and more delightful.

Update hardware

Hardware can completely alter the look of a bit of furniture, and you also may do precisely the same for your cabinets. Replace cabinet and drawer pulls to receive yourself a fresh and one of a kind looks that updates your location.

Add Pattern Inside the Cabinets

To bring some personality to your kitchen, go on, and insert wallpaper on the unexpected spots. Again, desktop wallpaper that is removable makes the installation relatively simple, and you also always have the choice to switch it out whenever you want a shift. For those who have a budget and a distaste for that spacious shelving look, think about art or decorating the cabinets. It’s less expensive than buying new ones. Plus, the total look of the whole kitchen impacts of one. Do not wash them with some other colors which can be strange and avert tones primarily.

Use Soft Color Themes

The Shade on the cabinets and walls brightens a space making it seem in turn and spacious wealthy. Light colors echo light and maintain a multitude of objects, for example, dings, scrapes, and dents on your cabinets. A small space leaves it more inviting and shrinks. Use shades on light and kitchen cabinets to expand a space.

Use Suction Hooks in Kitchen

Add a suction hook anywhere you will need an extra spot to store oven mitts, a dish towel, or spatulas. The most useful part is that means it can adjust them as needed, and they’re easy to remove and re position.

Change lighting

Pendants and chandeliers are the accessories adjust the mood of this room, although maybe not merely to brighten your kitchen. Standard lights that arrive from domiciles and rentals are typical uniform. Mix them up and supply an element or a few personalities to the area in your residence.

Hide things for more space

Countertops may suffer from plenty of marks and scratches. Although you have worn countertops usually do not need the budget to find a creative method to pay for their flaws. Insert a component like a board, hide appliances, or apply a new coat of paint. Nothing brings a place than jumble. Keep your counter space clear of devices such as toasters, blenders, and coffee containers. They are simple enough for those who would like to make utilize of them to carry out.

Design Wider Walkways

Paths throughout the kitchen ought to be 36 inches wide. Walk ways within the corner needs to be 42 inches wide for a kitchen and 4-8 inches wide to get a two-cook configuration. If planning Fix kitchen islands and peninsulas appropriately.

Author Bio: With her passion for making interior and exterior attractive in steel buildings of all sorts, Perry is a trusted author, bringing up new ideas in creating unique styled buildings. She has studied ‘Decoration with different Construction and Non-construction materials’ and worked with some leading steel building manufacturers and suppliers.

How to Settle Into a New City in 5 Steps

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Moving to a new city is bittersweet. You have a job to look forward to and a city to explore, but your friends and family are many miles away. It’s exciting and overwhelming all at once, and you can’t wait to start feeling at home in your new town. But first, there’s work to do.

These five steps will take you from a house full of boxes to a place you’re proud to call home.

Don’t put off unpacking

Decorating a new space is one of the best parts of moving. But unpacking box after box of dishes, linens, and office supplies? Not as fun. As tempting as it is to put off unpacking, deal with it while you still have momentum from moving. This is easiest if you labeled your boxes and packed according to priority level — if you’re reading this before moving, take note!

Unpack these high-priority items first:

  • Pots and pans, dishes, and other kitchenwares.
  • Bedding, dish towels, and bath towels.
  • Toiletries and cleaning supplies.
  • Tools.
  • Electronics and chargers.
  • Pet supplies.
  • Clothing.

With the essentials unpacked, you can stop living out of suitcases and subsisting on take-out. But don’t stop yet: With the important stuff in its place, start deciding where to put low-priority items like seasonal decorations and recreational equipment.

Make it your own

On to the fun stuff: arranging and decorating your blank slate of a home. Start with the basics, like placing furniture to create traffic flow and hanging your favorite art. After you’ve gotten to know your home’s quirks, you’ll have a clearer vision for how you’d like to change it, whether buying new furniture, repainting, adding shelves and lighting, or a little bit of everything.

Get to know your neighborhood

Now that you’ve made your new house a home, it’s time to venture outside your four walls and explore the neighborhood. Say hello to neighbors you see (or knock on their doors if you’re feeling brave), scope out the local green spaces, and find the closest coffee shop and grocery store.

If you have kids, include them in the introductions. A new neighborhood is a big, scary place for small kids, but you can ease the transition by venturing outdoors with your children and connecting them with local activities and play groups.

Help pets settle in

It’s not only humans who feel a little nervous in a new town. Your dog or cat is likely to exhibit post-move anxiety too, but you can help pets settle in by maintaining routines and spending extra time with them. Pets may be extra clingy after a move, but with care and attention, they’ll accept the new place as home. Start exploring the neighborhood with your pup right away and look for local dog parks where he can exercise. Once he’s in the park, keep a close eye on him and how he’s interacting with other dogs. If you notice signs of anxiousness or other dogs being aggressive, it may be time to take him home.

Contact these services ASAP

You’re almost done, but first, make these essential connections in your new town:

  1. Your car insurance company: Most states give 30 days to update your car’s registration, but in order to register, you’ll need proof of in-state insurance. If you’re new to the state, familiarize yourself with its minimum coverage requirements, then shop for a policy — obviously, there are a lot of car insurance options, so shop around to find what works for your lifestyle and budget. Depending on where you’re moving from, you may pay less for the same level of coverage.
  2. A primary care physician: Instead of waiting until someone gets sick, find a doctor in your health insurance network, and schedule new patient visits ASAP.
  3. A veterinarian: The same advice applies if your pet needs a doctor. The AVMA explains how to find a new veterinarian.
  4. A babysitter: A good babysitter is worth their weight in gold. Give yourself plenty of time to find a sitter you trust by starting your search now.
  5. A handyman or handywoman: You can count on discovering at least a few minor problems when moving into a new house. Ask your new neighbors for recommendations — it’s a great way to break the ice!

There’s no shortage of things to do when you move to a new town, and it’s not over once you’ve taken these steps. Expect to spend a year settling into the new location before it starts feeling like home. That may sound like a lot of time, but in a new city, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do!

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If you came across this article before you moved, or if you rented first but now ready to buy a home, give Alex Galitsky a call 407-284-1213 and he can help you every step of the way. From getting pre-approved and finding a mortgage with best rates and terms , to finding that perfect home and negotiating a great deal. To Learn more about Alex, visit http://TopOrlandoRealty.com

How to Prepare Your Home for Natural Disasters

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Palm Tree Blowing in the wind

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, over 80% of Americans live in places that were hit by a weather-related disasters. If you’re a homeowner in the greater Orlando area, weather phenomena such as Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and floods could all be damaging to your home and livelihood. As homeowners, it is critical to not only prepare your home, but your family for potential disasters. Don’t know where to start? Consider implementing the below emergency preparedness tips to keep your home and your family safe this year.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes have wreaked havoc up and down the east coast for decades, leaving home owners wondering how they can protect their property. Protecting your home against shocking wind speeds, rain, and storm surges can seem like a daunting task, but with these tips you will be ready for your home to face the storm.

How to Guard Your Home

There are a lot of ways that you can limit the damage that a hurricane can cause. An effective tip is to clear out gutters so that water can move more easily away from your home heavy rain downpours.

Next, it is important to strap down your roof with using hurricane straps to help support the structural integrity of the property. Give your exterior doors an extra boost of protection by having bolt locks at the top and bottom of the door so that extreme winds have a harder time knocking it down.

Protect your home from glass breakage by investing in storm shutters, or if you’re on a budget, you can make your own by cutting plywood in the shape of each window that is five-eighths of an inch thick or more. For the rest of the home, the most important aspect is to make sure the building is up to date and structurally sound.

Floods

Flooding is one of the costliest and common weather disasters in the United States and can happen almost anywhere. These tips will help you to minimize your risk of this natural disaster having serious implications on your home.

How to Guard Your Home

According to the Federal Emergency Agency, just one inch of flood water can cause over $25,000 in damage from mold and destruction. With floods having the ability to cause such expensive damages, it is important to invest in a flood insurance program because most homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover water damages.

Next, it is important to safeguard your electrical outlets and appliances. Switches, plugs, and circuits should be at least a foot above possible flood levels, and appliances should be moved above the ground floor.

It is important to keep your water valves up to date and inspected regularly. If these get backed up with water, it can cause sewage to back up into the house. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes recommends investing in gate valves that have a stronger seal and can be operated by hand to minimize chances of that happening.

Fires

Whether you live near a forest or in a suburban neighborhood, your home could be at risk of an uncontrolled fire. This can leave devastation to homes, but these tips will help keep your family safe.

How to Guard Your Home

According to the Red Cross, it is important to have fire alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Make sure that you test them monthly and replace them every year.

It is also important to remove any fire hazards, such as candles, from common sleep areas. This will decrease your chances of a fire starting in your home.

In the event of a fire, it is most important to have emergency kits in every bedroom in case one starts in the night. This guide outlines how to prepare each bedroom (especially a child’s room) with the necessary equipment. Every bedroom should have flashlights, emergency ladders, blankets, cash, shoes, and any other supplies that you would need when exiting quickly.

The idea of a natural disaster causing destruction to your home can seem hard to grasp at times, but with these tips you can help protect your home against irreversible damage. It is better to prepare now than wish you had later!

5 reasons to list a home for sale this spring

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NEW YORK – March 25, 2019 – Here are five reasons to list a home this spring:

1.Demand is strong
The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing and able to purchase … and are in the market right now! More often than not, in many areas of the country, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy the same home. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

2.There is less competition now
Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply that is needed for a normal housing market. This means that, in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market. Historically, the average number of years a homeowner stayed in his or her home was six, but that number has hovered between nine and 10 years since 2011. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years due to a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move. Many homeowners were reluctant to list their home over the last couple years, for fear that they would not find a home to move in to. That is all changing now as more homes come to market at the higher end. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until this other inventory comes to market before you decide to sell.

3.The process will be quicker
Today’s competitive environment has forced buyers to do all they can to stand out from the crowd, including getting pre-approved for their mortgage financing. This makes the entire selling process much faster and much simpler as buyers know exactly what they can afford before home shopping. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insights Report, the time needed to close a loan is 49 days.

4.There will never be a better time to move up
If your next move will be into a premium or luxury home, now is the time to move up! The inventory of homes for sale at these higher price ranges has forced these markets into a buyer’s market. This means that if you are planning on selling a starter or trade-up home, your home will sell quickly and you’ll be able to find a premium home to call your own! Prices are projected to appreciate by 4.6 percent over the next year according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait.

5.It’s time to move on with your life
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should? Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.

Copyright © 2019 Rockville Centre Herald, Richner Communications Inc. dba Herald Community Newspapers; Rich McQuillan. All rights reserved.

What to do next…

To get a free Home Evaluation, to connect with an experienced and Top Realtor, or to just download a FREE Report titled “How to sell your house for Top Dollar Fast” visit https://toporlandorealty.com/sellers

Buyers Checklist: From Contract to Closing in Florida

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Now that you have a house under contract, or just looking ahead, here is list of things to keep in mind and what typically happens pre-closing.

Immediately Upon Acceptance of the Final Contract:

  • Order a home inspection
    • Consider also ordering wind mitigation report to save money on homeowner’s insurance.
    • Order a Termite Clearance Letter (although no longer required, still recommended)
  • Provide your lender with a copy of the contract and discuss locking in your interest rate (Remember: You will usually have five days from the date of the contract to apply for the mortgage loan, which is why it’s important to be pre-approved before you start looking for a home)

During the Home Inspection:

  • Take any measurements for furniture, window treatments, appliances, etc. that you may need
  • Take any photos of the house, if desired
  • Ask the home inspector any questions you may have concerning the home’s condition or construction

One to Two weeks Following the Effective Date:

  • Reserve a moving truck or schedule a moving service
  • Schedule the closing date with the title company
  • Notify lender to order appraisal

Two Weeks Before Closing Date:

  • Contact insurance company to set up homeowner’s policy to be in effect day of closing
  • Call lender and inquire if additional information is needed
  • Get a change of address package from the post office and begin notification process

One Week Before Closing:

  • Make contact with lender to ensure that closing date is on schedule
  • Get directions to closing attorney’s office (Your agent will usually provide this information)
  • Schedule utility transfers

Three Days Before Closing:

  • Ask lender for final closing disclosure, new law requires that to be available 3 days before consummation, which is a new word for closing.
  • Consider purchasing a Home Warranty and discuss benefits with your real estate agent
  • Request all copies of the paperwork from the title company if you plan to read each one in detail, since there will not be time to read over everything at the closing itself

Day Before Closing:

  • Conduct a walk-through to verify the condition of the house is the same as when placed under contract
  • Be sure to double-check that inspection items have been addressed
  • Get wire sent for closing
  • Review the Closing Settlement to verify that the terms of the contract are correct

Day of Closing:

  • Bring photo ID
  • Bring copy of the wire receipt (recommended)
  • Bring copy of insurance policy (recommended)
  • Bring any additional documents requested by the lender

Celebrate!

Rent Application

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Rental Application Steps

Thank you for your interest in one of our rental properties. We look forward to working with you and making this a pleasant experience for all.

Please follow these 3 easy easy steps in order to submit your application for processing.

Step 1:

Download a 1 page rental application, by clicking below.

doc-icon.jpg  OR pdf-icon.jpg

Step 2:

Fill out a separate application for each 18 years old or older person who will be staying with you, OR co-signing for you. Then submit all applications via fax/email per instructions at the top of the application.

Step 3:

Select correct number of applicants and pay the appropriate application fee via PayPal.

Number of Applicants

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If you application is complete, we can usually let you know very quickly, but we ask that you please allow up to 48 hours for processing.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call, text, or email us.

 

 

Note: Some communities have their own application/registration process, which is separate from our application. If you are approved with us, next step will be to sign a lease and collect deposit. If applicable, the lease will subject to community approval.

 

Tips For Homebuyers: How To Proceed With Home Construction Projects

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Photo via Pixabay by Midascode

 

Buying a new home is a big investment, and it comes with lots to think about. Even a newer home may have things you want to change or correct, and if the idea of renovations or construction puts you off, you’re not alone. These home projects can be costly and time consuming, and if you’re inexperienced in doing home repairs yourself, you may have a lot of questions about what to expect. It’s only natural, but it can be extremely stressful trying to navigate the process and figure out the best way to proceed.

 

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make the entire process go smoothly. From figuring out the best materials to use–and how much they’ll cost–to coming up with a budget and timeline for the job, there are several ways you can make the most of your home project. Think about the best ways to ensure that you’ll be able to get the job done to your satisfaction, which includes hiring a contractor for the big stuff.

 

Keep reading for some great tips on how to proceed with home construction projects.

 

Set a budget

 

One of the most important parts of starting any new home project is setting a budget. This is because starting without a good financial plan will likely lead to overspending and issues with project completion, and you don’t want to find yourself still working on the job a year from now. Do a little homework to find out what a typical budget is for the type of project you’re looking at, and factor in costs for things like hiring a contractor and making surprise repairs that come up along the way.

 

Prepare materials

 

It’s important to do some research on the materials you’ll be using for your home project. Depending on design, some jobs will require a specific type, but it’s a good idea to think about all the factors involved. For instance, if you’ll be building an outdoor structure such as a shed or garage, steel might be the best option due to its relatively low cost and ability to withstand the elements. Whatever your project, weigh your choices carefully before you make a decision on what to use.

 

Figure out the legalities

 

There are lots of things to consider when adding to an existing structure or building a new one, and that includes figuring out all your legal responsibilities. Most cities require permits before you can begin working, and these vary in cost. Inspections are almost always required as well, so do some research to find out what you’ll be responsible for to avoid delays and issues down the road.

 

Think about resale value

 

Few people buy a home and stay in it forever. Therefore, it’s a good idea to think about resale value when it comes to what sorts of changes you’re going to make to the home. For instance, updating or adding a bathroom can be one of the more expensive projects to tackle, but it’s more likely to help you get a bigger sale when you’re ready to put the house on the market. Do some research to find out more about how to get the most resale value out of your home, including what buyers are looking for in your area.

 

Buying a home gives you a lot to think about, and it can be a stressful time if you aren’t careful. Starting with a good plan and making sure you stay organized and on-task will help reduce some of those feelings of stress and anxiety so you can focus on the job.

Quick and Easy Home Staging Tips for Busy Parents 

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Two Single Beds Beside Books Shelf Inside Room

 

Quick and Easy Home Staging Tips for Busy Parents 

 

If you are a busy parent and selling your current home, you already have a lot on your plate. You may not have time for a whole host of home improvement projects, but the right staging can help you sell your home faster and even net you more profit. So use these home staging hacks to get your home ready without spending a lot of time, effort or money: 

 

Declutter Every Room, Including Closets 

 

Clutter has a way of building in our homes over the years. This can be especially true of houses with children and infants. But clutter can be a dealbreaker for potential homebuyers, so you should take some steps to clear your clutter before you begin showing your home. Consult your listing agent to determine how much you need to declutter. Go through your belongings and remove as many toys, books, games, and puzzles. Think about renting a storage space nearby to safely stow away your items for staging. Oftentimes, just getting items out of your house is the best approach to staging. Consider putting extra toys, kitchen appliances that live on countertops and even items from closets and pantries into storage. 


Deep Clean and Maintain a Tidy Home      

 

In addition to decluttering, a deep cleaning is another important step in staging your home. Use a detailed cleaning list to get rid of any dirt or grime that may be lurking around your home. Don’t forget to clean those often-overlooked areas like baseboards, trim and areas under and around your stove and refrigerator. Take extra care when cleaning areas your children play in so that you can be sure to remove any stains, sticky messes or marks on walls. For many busy parents, hiring a professional cleaning service to complete a one-time deep cleaning makes more sense than spending countless hours doing the job alone. Once your home is spotless, you only need to take easy steps to keep it tidy while it is on the market. 

 

Refresh Brightly Colored Children’s Rooms     

 

Bright pinks, yellow and blues are a gorgeous way to add personality to children’s rooms and nurseries. But those bright paint colors can be distracting to people looking at your home. So it’s best to opt for more neutral shades throughout your home, that more buyers will be attracted to. Choose colors that are light and airy and that may even add value to your home. To protect your family, and avoid unsightly odors, use low odor paint and primer. 

 

With the proper steps and some basic supplies, painting your rooms is a simple DIY job anyone can do. Remove all stickers, decals, and shelves from walls, and then wipe them down to remove dust. If you have furniture in your home, use drop cloths to protect items from spills and drops. New paint is a simple way to make your house look new. 

 

Clean Up the Yard and Add Some Potted Plants  

 

Your yard is the first thing people will see when they see your home, so make sure yours is in excellent shape. This is another area where you will want to declutter and clean, to create some curb appeal. Pick up any toys or random items that may be in your yard, both in front and back. Repair any bare or damaged spots in your lawn, and be sure to keep it mowed and edges trimmed. If you do have any flowerbeds, pick up a few bags of fresh mulch to help them look their best.  If new mulch is not in your budget, fluff existing mulch to help it appear a little newer. You can also add some color to your yard and porch with a few potted flowers and plants that are easy to care for. 

 

Staging a home can be hectic for parents. Busy schedules and multiple responsibilities make it hard to complete a multitude of projects around your home. So focus on simple steps to get your home in shape for showings, and spend less time staging your home. 

 

 

Photo Credit: Pexels