3 Things You Can Do As a Homeowner Now to Make Your Future Sale More Successful

I often talk to clients about micro-markets when it comes to real estate. Within one region or city, there often are smaller markets that have their own trends and dynamics. As a case in point, the DC condo market is currently friendlier to buyers, while we’re still seeing lack of inventory and escalation with detached homes in Chevy Chase and similar communities.

However, this isn’t a post on the ever-changing market (reach out for the latest on that, as always), rather it is about something equally important and that you can control. Regardless of the micro-market, there are several key things you can do as a homeowner to put you on the best footing when it is time to sell your home. While there are many more, my three top tips for savvy future sellers are:

1. Maintain Your Systems, Keep Your Records: Even if systems are older, they don’t have to be a barrier to buyers. Everything from your water heater to your HVAC has an estimated life and, while the actual lifespan can vary greatly, your stacking the odds in your favor for a longer lifei with regular servicing. So, sign up for the annual or biannual maintenance plan, change those filters and keep a digital or physical folder with manuals and records for easy reference when you’re ready to sell. And, if you think age of one more systems may still be a distraction, you can always opt to purchase a home warranty before you list that will transfer to the buyer and offer them peace of mind.

2. Keep Up With Cleaning: Habits matter…especially cleaning ones. As a real estate agent, I have seen the most meticulously maintained homes and ones that, while disgusting, make you feel less guilty about skipping a week of vacuuming at home. Make it your norm, beyond general housekeeping, to do a seasonal deep clean inside AND outside — emptying cabinets, scrubbing baseboards and trim, power washing and more. And, to really save money, please maintain the countertops in your kitchen and bathrooms (resealing and polishing granite 1-2 times per year, for example) and scrub that grout and strip and re-caulk bathrooms at the first signs of peeling and/or mold.

3. Consult the Pros Before Major Updates: If you know selling is on the horizon (especially in the next 1-5 years), reach out to a trusted design and real estate professional (it me) to get guidance on any and all of your plans. Some things are easier to change without much time or expense before listing (e.g., paint or a light fixture), but kitchens, baths and removing/adding walls to change spaces can easily open you up to more buyers (or turn them away). Also, don’t wait to invest in your home until it’s time to sell if it’s in your budget and it would enrich your home life now! And, just like maintenance, keep those records of expenditures so we can use them to market your home!

So, how would you rate yourself on these three areas? Real estate is powerful because its something you find daily utility in and that builds personal wealth at the same time…pour into it to maximize your enjoyment and equity today and beyond!

Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC, an interior decorator and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Five Ways to Add Value to Your Life & Home While Social Distancing

Changing a Light Fixture and Painting a Door Can Change the Feel of a Space (Photo: Beth Caldwell Photography)

Times are undoubtedly strange and, as we all practice social distancing and try to maintain our sanity, why not take on a project or two that will help you enjoy your space more…and maybe add some value to your home?

Here are a few ideas of things big and small you do as you take a break from working remotely, homeschooling kids and/or binging on online content:

1. Get on the Kondo Train: There’s no time like being stuck in your home to do an audit of how much stuff you have — that you use AND that you don’t. Whether you are a fan of KonMari and Marie Kondo or just want to do some spring cleaning and purging your own way, set aside time to go through your closets, cabinets and drawers. You’d be surprised how many batteries you actually have and may discovery you have more strainers than you could ever use in your kitchen.
   

2. Embrace Your Inner Cinderella: In the interest of sanitization and general cleanliness, take time to tackle the not-as-regular tasks — from washing your baseboards to emptying kitchen cabinets and drawers to remove crumbs and dust. To make things manageable, create a list of these tasks and schedule time to tackle one every few days.
   

3. Become a Caulking Master: Have you noticed caulk pulling away around the bathtub or gaps between your countertop and backsplash in the kitchen? This is one task we almost always attend to before listing a home — because it prevents water penetrating areas it shouldn’t and it makes bathrooms and kitchens show better. You’ll find plenty of YouTube tutorials on this DIY project or just check out this easy step-by-step article. Having done this myself, I will say you’ll get better with practice…so what better time to learn?
   

4. Update Small Fixtures & Finishes: From changing the knobs and pulls on dressers or cabinets to replacing a bathroom mirror, vanity light or hardware (see above and below), there are so many simple projects you can take on that will help you add style and value to your spaces with minimal effort.
   

5. Change Your Palette or Wall Art: While it may feel like the walls are closing in on you, instead of ignoring them, focus on them! Perhaps you’ve been thinking about updating the wall color in your bedroom or adding wallpaper to an accent wall or powder room…I say, go for it! If that’s a bit too much, go through those old photos (digital and not) and consider adding a picture ledge or new gallery wall with treasured photos placed in new frames.

Upgrading Your Bathroom Hardware Is Easy

You may find that working on one or more of these projects is a welcome distraction and therapeutic during these uncertain times, and that the end result will boost your mood and more for months and years to come. Finally, please put you and your household's health first. If your chosen task requires supplies from the hardware store or otherwise, consider ordering online and following best practices when handling packages once received.

And, as always, if you are looking for specific ideas for your home, I’m available for virtual consultations…just reach out!

Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC, an interior decorator and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia. 

Gird Your Loins! Getting Your Home Ready for Winter

via GIPHY

With the first hard freeze in the DC area expected this weekend, I think we can officially say we're in fall and on our way to winter. In addition to all the fun seasonal decor inside and outside (future blog post, I promise), there are lots of things you should do to prepare your home - whether a condo, townhouse or detached home - for the colder months. 

Source: Wikimedia

Here are a few tips (although there are many more) which are hopefully helpful to newer homeowners (congrats!) and veterans alike:

1. Have your HVAC serviced and replace your filter(s). Many service providers offer maintenance plans, as well, that can save you money on regular maintenance and even put you in a priority position should you have an issue and need service quickly to restore heat.
   

2. On a windy day, close your windows and inspect them for air leaks. Windows - both the type and the quality of the seal - can make a huge difference in how your home retains heat. Seal any gaps and, if you have been thinking about upgrading to more energy efficient windows or installing storm windows (or doors), you may still have time if you hurry.
   

3. Install weather stripping on the sides or bottoms of any leaky doors. Just like windows, doors can make a huge difference in your energy efficiency. Weather stripping is an easy and inexpensive project for any homeowner...regardless of experience level.
   

4. Winterize your water lines. Water and the cold can spell bad news, so make sure any garden hoses are drained and stowed away neatly. And don't forget to turn off exterior water spigots. Once you've turned off the valve, you'll also want to go outside and turn on the exterior spigot until the water stops flowing.
   

5. Insulate any exposed pipes. If you have any plumbing that is exposed to the elements, take time to insulate them and minimize the chance that they freeze or burst, leading to dreaded and costly water damage.
   

6. Inspect your roof and replace any damaged or missing roof shingles. The rain, ice and snow can be brutal on your roof, so take time now to ensure it's ready to handle what mother nature may dish out.
   

7. Make sure gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and debris. You may have to hold off on this, since we're still losing leaves, but it's a right of fall!
   

8. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint or sealer on your deck. The winter is tough on us and our houses, so consider adding a new layer of protection to your beloved deck.
   

9. Tend to your fireplace and chimney. If you are lucky enough to have a working fireplace (wood-burning or gas), make sure to have it serviced by a professional so it's ready for winter enjoyment (and Santa, too).
   

10. Have your list of trusted service providers (and backups) ready. Even with preventative steps and maintenance, you may still run into an issue. Be prepared by gathering the contact information for HVAC, plumbing, roofing and other services professionals in one place (on paper or digitally). Also make sure to have more than one option for each, in case you need faster service and are dealing with a high-demand time.

Finally, if you need a recommendation for a local professional who can help you with any of your home needs, please don't hesitate to reach out! 

Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia.