Essential Techniques and Resources for Success

5 Tips to Maintain the “Brand New” Look in Your New Home

by David Glenn | Sep 27, 2017 | CRESTICO

Moving into a new home can be a wonderful feeling. Few things can beat looking around and seeing that everything in the house is brand new. However, it’s inevitable that the like-new feeling will fade over time. Luckily, it’s possible to keep your home looking like new for a long time to come. These are a few tips that can help you do just that.

Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned

No matter how careful you might be to try to keep your carpet clean, odors, dirt and more are going to happen. Of course, you can implement a no-shoes policy in your home, and vacuuming your flooring regularly can help. However, even with all of this, your carpet can begin to show signs of wear and tear over time.

If you have it professionally cleaned, however, you can keep it looking great for years. Having it cleaned is a good way to get rid of deep dirt that you can’t remove with your vacuum cleaner. Plus, it can help get rid of odors and can overall make your carpet look and smell like new again.

Different people have to have steam carpet cleaning done with different frequencies. For many, simply having your carpet cleaned once per year is sufficient. If you have kids or pets, however, you may find that having your carpet cleaned more often is a better choice.

Wash Your Windows

It can be easy to forget about chores like washing your windows. However, they can get dirty on both the inside and outside and will start to look older than they are if you don’t take care of them. Even though it can be a big chore, it’s important to clean your windows both on the inside and outside at least once per year. In-between these cleanings, using a little bit of your favorite window cleaner and a paper towel or old piece of newspaper can allow you to get rid of any smudges that you see as they pop up.

Clean Your Walls and Baseboards

It might seem like a really big job to clean your walls and baseboards. However, even if you keep a nice, clean home, walls and baseboards can become dirty. Dust and cobwebs can accumulate, and you might leave fingerprints and smudges on the walls. Once per year, using your favorite all-purpose cleaner, you should clean your walls and baseboards with a clean cloth. If you have trouble reaching the higher areas of your walls, you can use a step ladder or a clean, brand new mop to get the job done.

Clean Your Light Fixtures

Many people never think much about cleaning their light fixtures. However, your brand new light fixtures can begin to look old and dirty if you don’t take care of them. Climbing up on a step ladder and dusting them regularly is a good way to get rid of dust and debris. Periodically, you may need to clean your light fixtures a little more thoroughly in order to make them look good, however. Using glass cleaner or your favorite all-purpose cleaner can be a good solution for getting your light fixtures nice and clean.

Get in the Habit of Picking Up as You Go

One of the things that many people love about a brand new house is the fact that it’s not cluttered with a ton of “stuff” yet and that it’s kept neat and clean. As time goes on, however, it can be easy to get into the habit of putting things in the wrong places or otherwise not cleaning up after yourself. Unfortunately, this can lead to your home becoming a lot messier than you probably would like for it to be.

If you and your family members get in the habit of picking up and cleaning as you go, however, you can save yourself a whole lot of work, can prevent your home from getting out of control and can help ensure that your home is always “company ready.”

As you can see, there are a few steps that you can take that can help you keep your home looking new for many years. If you follow these tips, you can help ensure that your home looks great for a long time to come.

5 Things to Look for When Buying Your First Home

by David Glenn | Sep 25, 2017 | CRESTICO

Congratulations! You’re about to become a homeowner! It’s both an exciting and terrifying time, as you navigate the Real Estate marketing looking for an affordable home that you also love. There are a lot of factors you may know with buying a home and it’s important that you know them before making the big decision. As you take a big step towards home ownership, below are five important things to consider when buying your first home.

1. The Roof

A roof in need of repair should be among the first features to check before settling on a property. Take a look at the roof before even entering the home. What material is it? Some roofing materials last longer than others. Consider the stability of the roof in relation to the environment the house is in. For instance, if the place is windy, then you will need a very sturdy roof. Look at the roofline for deflections. Watch out for damaged or detached shingles that can cause leaks. 2. A House Is An Investment Keep this in mind when you are buying your new home because there could come a time when you may need to sell it. This is where all that maintenance will come in handy. By keeping everything in tip-top shape, the value of your home will also stay in good shape. In addition, when looking at homes, take note of what DIY projects you can do to help increase the value of your home. From installing glass doors in your home to replacing the carpet with wood flooring, you’re options are endless when you treat your house as an investment.

3. Property Taxes

Owners of real property must pay property taxes. In many cases, your mortgage lender will collect this as part of the monthly mortgage payment, otherwise, the homeowner must pay on their own. Also, find out how often the county you are moving to reassesses tax valuations and determine the last time your property was assessed in order to prepare for potential changes.

4. Is Everything Up To Code?

The ASHI Standards of Practice states that home inspectors are required to report on unsafe conditions, but you may also want to have a code inspector look at the property. If anything is out of code, then it’s your responsibility as the new homeowner to fix it. In addition, always do a home inspection. A home inspector has a checklist covering the roof to the basement and everything in between. Having an experienced home inspector can save you headaches in the future, especially if they uncover major structural issues that could make or break the sale. If you don’t mind a “fixer upper”, then this would also give you an idea of the potential work that you have ahead of you. However, if there is more work than either you or the seller can reasonably fix, then you might need to consider another option.

5. Land/Neighborhood

Don’t spend too much time evaluating the house that you disregard the land it is on. Learn the characteristic of that piece of land. Does it have a tendency to flood? If you are planning to get an in-ground pool, a rocky ground will present some limitations. Analyze the fencing and landscaping options that the land offers. Consider the parking space that you will have as well. At the same time, drive around the neighborhood to get a feel for your potential neighbors. Are there more retired couples, families or singles in the area? This is key if you have family—finding out if you live near families with kids around the same age as your own. Do some research online as well to see crime rates, registered sex offenders, etc in the neighborhood. All in all, keep these five tips in mind when on journey towards homeownership.

5 Fun and Simple Ways to Save Money for the Family

by David Glenn | Sep 12, 2017 | CRESTICO

Saving your family money is nowhere near as difficult as many people think, which means you can lower your family’s bills and save a little money in more than one place. Saving is the easy part. It’s figuring out how to do it in your own family’s budget that makes the concept a little more difficult. With these five money saving tips, you’ll be on your way to more savings and a more fulfilling life in no time.

Get Quotes

The first thing you need to do is go over the budget and see where you can save money on your expenses. You can get free insurance quotes for your car as well as your home, you can ask your credit card companies to lower your interest rates, and you can call the cable company and tell them you’re paying too much. Most are happy to lower your bills for you if they suspect you might leave for another company.

Make a Meal Plan

You don’t have to sit down and plan every single meal for every single day of the week, but you should have enough meals on the menu for the entire week. You can eat them any night you want, but pick seven meals you’re going to eat this week and make a list. Now you can go to the store once and buy everything you need rather than a dozen times to pick up that one extra thing you forgot. You’ll end up spending far less the fewer times you go to the store.

Take Some Time

Impulse buys are difficult, but you don’t have to live with regret each time you make a purchase. Is there something you love more than anything, and you really want it? Put it in your online cart and leave it there for 24-hours. If you still can’t stop thinking about it at the end of your 24-hours, it’s for you. If you still aren’t sure you want it or not, don’t buy it. The key here is to really decide you want it. If you do want it, you’ll know at the end of the day. If you don’t, you just saved yourself a lot of money and regret. If you’re worried about regret after making the decision to buy something, perhaps the decision isn’t the right one for you and your family.

Find Local Deals

Did you know you can take your kids out without blowing the budget? It’s easy to spend $100 at the movie theater on just tickets and popcorn for the average family, but you can find a better way to do it. Most movie theaters offer $1 movies for families all summer. Bowling alleys have $1 bowling night, and even skating rinks offer family packages to save money and encourage people to visit. Take advantage of those when they are offered.

Lower Your Utility Bill

One of the biggest wastes of money in most all households is the energy bill. Start shutting the blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep it cool inside and the air from running over-time. Cook outside during the summer to prevent heating up the house. Light a fire instead of turning up the heat. Turn off lights, set timers, and invest in a smart thermostat. The more you save on utilities, the more your family can save elsewhere There are hundreds of ways you can save your money, and it all starts at home. Start paying your credit card balances in full each month to avoid paying interest charges. Start filling up your gas tank rather than putting a little in here and there. Eat at home more often, and be sure to only buy things you need. You can negotiate with just about anyone, and that’s what makes it easier to save on things you need the most for you and your family.

Top Ways to Create The Ultimate Smart Home

by David Glenn | Aug 15, 2017 | CRESTICO

Technology has allowed us to achieve things that were only a dream in the past. Smartphones have changed the way the world works. They have changed the way that every individual lives their life. Connected cars provide unparalleled convenience. They can tell you when your tires need air or your oil needs to be changed. They integrate media in a new and convenient way. Smart homes are the next step in this evolution. A smart house can truly improve quality of life. A smart house can let you control your home from anywhere. This can improve security, add convenience, and save money and energy. Creating a smart house is a fun and involved task. Here are five intelligent ways to make your home a smart home.

First Things First

Before we dive into automation tips we should discuss the best way to integrate the various services into your home. The early days of ‘smart houses’ required a centralized hub within the home. Homeowners control their entire home from this single control center. Current home automation practices are moving away from this. The hub, instead of being in the home, is now on your smartphone. Google has a dedicated hub app that enables you to manage your home network. Apple uses their Apple TV app to manage your smart home.

Now that we know how to manage a smart home, let’s discover all of the amazing things that you can do with an automated home.

Climate Control

The nest smart thermostat has set the standard in home climate control automation. Bestreviews.com calls it “…the best smart thermostat available right now”. The nest smart thermostat allows you to manage your home thermostat from anywhere in the world, as long as you have access to the internet. This system also ‘learns’ your preferences and is able to adjust accordingly. This system accomplishes everything that one could ask for; it saves money and offers unparalleled convenience.

Lighting Control

A correctly automated home relieves you of duties that generations of homeowners could not escape. Automated lights make worrying that you’ve left a light on a thing of the past. Your smart phone, enabled with a hub app, is the only tool you need to turn your lights off from anywhere. If you will be away for an extended time you can keep the lights on a schedule. This may deter any would be intruders.

Security

An automated home can improve your peace of mind when you are home or away. Smart locks and cameras offer security that was once only dreamt about. Integrated cameras allow you to monitor your home from anywhere. There is no need to be scared by a strange noise outside of your home. A camera system and smart phone allow you to see your home from different angles. Furthermore, motion detectors can warn you of silent threats. The Cocoon security system is an exciting and innovative newcomer into the home security arena. This system of cameras uses infrared and low-frequency sound technology to detect intruders. This sophisticated system actually identifies ‘normal’ sounds in a home and alerts you when there is an odd sound.

Entertainment

A smart home knows that its owners need their favorite music. Google and Amazon have released smart home devices that puts the world of entertainment at your fingertips.

Smart home technology is gaining popularity because it is becoming easier than ever. From a single smartphone a homeowner can manage their climate, ensure security, and even turn lights on and off. Companies such as Google, Cocoon, and Apple see the potential of this technology and how it will improve the public’s lives. It is hard to say what unbelievable innovation in waiting for us in the coming years but the potential is only limited by our imagination.

5 Summer Home Renovation Tips that Won’t Break the Budget

by David Glenn | Aug 10, 2017 | CRESTICO

High-impact home renovations don’t have to break the bank. As you use up some vacation days over the summer, consider spending some of your time at home to work on these low-cost, high-impact home renovations. Not only will they freshen up your space, they could also add value to your home.

1. Dresser Makeover

If you want to update your bedroom but don’t want to break the bank, simply give your old dresser a facelift with a new coat of paint and some new hardware. Popular colors for this summer include cobalt blue, sky blue, navy blue, lime, Kelly green, and neutral grays. These colors not only draw attention to the piece, they also mix well with other summer colors like yellow, pink, and white. Unique drawer pulls can be found at hardware stores, antique shops and sometimes even local garage sales. Applying textured wallpaper to drawer fronts is also a creative, affordable way to update your bedroom furniture.

2. Outdoor Overhaul

Have a garden that’s been neglected over the years and could use a little love? Spend some of your weekend sprucing up your garden with some new mulch, low-maintenance shrubs, creative edging, and a welcoming seating area. Install some solar lights to draw attention to the space at night. Consider incorporating planters to add interest to the space. Not only does tending to a garden benefit your home’s exterior appearance, it is also good for your mental and physical health.

3. Brighten Up Your Space

Nothing screams “summer” quite like warm, natural light flooding into your windows. One way to bring more of that light into your home is by installing interior glass doors. There are many ways to incorporate glass doors into your home, such as using them as entryway doors to your sunroom or office, or installing frosted glass doors to your pantry in your kitchen. Glass doors are inviting and promote openness, yet they still help separate spaces when necessary.

4. First Impressions

Surprise your guests with an updated entryway to your home. Start with a new entryway mat that welcomes your guests. From there, hang a lovely wreath on your door. Take advantage of the space with a storage unit that also functions as seating. Get creative with your decor. If you enjoy the natural decor, make your own coat or key hanger. Using a stick or some driftwood, install a few hooks and then hang it on the wall. You could even take it a step further and spray paint your custom coat hanger with metallic or summery colors. If space allows, bring more nature indoors with plant stands.

5. Bathroom Brilliance

Little changes can make a huge difference in your bathroom. Since updating bathrooms can add a lot of value to your home, first determine what updates are needed so you can budget properly. Any issues relating to plumbing, electric, and structure should be taken care of before other updates are made. If you plan on selling soon, determine if your shower, toilet, sink, or floors need updating. If you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, consider making minor changes to freshen up space by painting the walls a neutral color, adding storage to keep the clutter off counters, updating the sink faucet, and purchasing new towels.

Conclusion

The summer is a great time to tackle home renovations. Small improvements can make a huge difference both in the aesthetics and the value of your home. Even with a tight budget, some creativity and a little elbow grease can work wonders for freshening up space.

5 Real Estate Markets That Are Currently Underpriced

by David Glenn | Aug 8, 2017 | CRESTICO

Investing in Real Estate by purchasing your own home can be a great long-term investment option. While buying a home in most markets and planning on owning it for a long period of time is almost always a great option, there are some real estate markets across the country that are now considered undervalued and provide more potential. The following five real estate markets are poised to experience higher than average increases in real estate values over the next 5 to 10 years. Detroit, Michigan One city that has had one of the hardest hit real estate markets over the past two decades has been Detroit. Detroit was one of just a few cities that actually saw value declines during the real estate bubble. While they have had a lot of issues with foreclosures, it appears that the city is rebounding. Detroit is no longer in bankruptcy and has seen a lot of urban revitalization. Part of this has included tearing down vacant homes all over the city and replacing the land with parks and commercial properties. Orlando, Florida Another city has it considered underpriced compared to other cities across the country is Orlando. Orlando was one of the fastest growing cities during the housing bubble. Once the bubble burst, many condo owners saw their property values fall dramatically. The city was further hit by a slowdown in the travel industry during the recent recession. Now that this has recovered, the demand for housing is starting to increase. The median value in the city is still only around $150,000, which makes is very affordable for someone new moving into the area. Chicago, IL While Chicago is best known for being the third-largest city in the country, its real estate market is considered one of the best values today. In 2016, the median price for a home in Chicago grew by about 4% to a median price of $228,000. At the same time, unemployment in Chicago is continuing to reduce and more people are moving back into the city. This is making more and more neighborhoods turn into expensive communities with a lot of local amenities. St George, Utah Another city that is considered to be undervalued are various urban and growing areas of Utah. While Salt Lake City and Park City have continued to have strong real estate markets, many of the best places to live in Utah are now considered to be in other areas of the city. The St. George, Utah area is located in the southwest part of the state and is considered one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. The city has an expanding local economy and still relatively affordable housing prices. In the coming years, St. George is expected to see continued above-average increases in its real estate home prices. New York When most people think of New York City, they think of the glamorous high rises in Manhattan and trendy brownstones in Brooklyn. While the city is full of unique housing projects that are considered the most expensive if the world, the overall city median price is still considered very affordable. Overall, the city of New York City is considered to be undervalued by at least 10%. This is based largely on the fact that the $385,000 median home value is affordable to a large percentage of the population. Furthermore, the city has low occupancy and a lot of outside real estate investors, which are going to continue to increase the demand for housing in the city. In conclusion, buying in owning a home is almost always a better long-term financial option than renting. While owning in most markets is a good idea, there are five real estate markets across the country today that are considered underpriced and offer the most potential upside.

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