Whether you’re buying or selling a home, there’s a number of important tasks to perform from the moment the contract is signed to the day you close (and beyond). It’s a lot to keep track of, and that’s why @properties Christie’s International Real Estate launched Closing Milestones, a digital portal that helps our clients navigate the transaction process with confidence and ease.
There are many benefits to owning a home, including the stability, security, and sense of place it gives individuals and families. Of course, beyond these intangible benefits are the tangible financial advantages homeowners can realize on an annual basis and over time. As tax season approaches, here is a rundown of the main tax benefits of homeownership. Talk with your tax advisor to make sure you’re taking full advantage of these allowances.
Purchasing a home is a major milestone for anyone, let alone a first-time homebuyer. The process is certainly exciting, but it can also be confusing or stressful – and sometimes all of the above. Here are eight tips to ensure your first homebuying experience is successful.
We tend to think of New Year’s resolutions as something that will have a meaningful impact on our minds and bodies. But they can just as easily improve your home and have a positive effect on overall well-being. Decluttering, enhancements, and general maintenance around your space are great ways to head into the year with a new outlook. At @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, we’re all about loving where you live, so we’ve provided some suggestions that will have your home in tip top shape for 2023.
For parents, mid-August and early September mark the glorious return of back-to-school season. It’s also a popular time of year to move, especially for families looking to settle into their new surroundings before that first school bell rings.
While it’s always key to stay organized during a move and beyond, it becomes all the more important when you’re establishing a new routine. So to gain some insight, we talked to home organization experts Cathleen Staley with Simplify and Lindsey Kach with NEAT Method, who shared their thoughts on how to organize to suit the needs of both kids on the go and parents looking to control the chaos.
Edit Down Your Belongings Before You Move
Staley started her business in 2014 with the idea of helping people organize their homes. Little did she know that eight years later, 75 percent of her business would be comprised of moving families.
Prior to selling your home, much of the focus is placed on staging and decluttering the interior. While these things are certainly important, sellers should also keep in mind that the exterior of their property is a potential buyer’s first impression for both in-person and online showings. That means the landscaping, front porch, windows, and even the garage can’t be overlooked. Here are a few tips when it comes to getting your home’s exterior in tip-top shape:
Lawn Maintenance
A well-manicured lawn and trimmed shrubs are imperative before any showing or open house, as anything that is overgrown can indicate that other areas of the house have been neglected. Bushes and greens are meant to enhance your home, not cover it up. Prune any ivy or other greenery that might be creeping over windows or doors. Additionally, flowers are a quick and inexpensive way to brighten up your landscape and convey an inviting feel.
Whether your home sits on a large plot of land or your outdoor space is at a premium, how you dedicate that area can provide a return on investment that goes beyond financial. A well-designed outdoor space can serve as an extension of your home, while proper care of your landscaping will keep it flourishing during spring, summer, and even fall. Here are just a few ways to take advantage of the great outdoors to best suit your needs.
Incorporate a Vegetable Garden
Typically requiring a generous outdoor area, vegetable gardens have gained popularity and are relatively easy to execute. Bear in mind not all vegetables are planted at the same time of year, as some, such as lettuces, prefer the cooler weather of late spring and early summer, while others, like tomatoes, thrive during hot August days. You’ll also want to take into consideration the location, as you’ll need plenty of sun as well as an area that drains well, isn’t too windy, and has nutrient-rich soil.
Whether it’s a dreamy staircase, exquisite design, or unique art, a home’s entryway can make a memorable first impression. So if you’re looking to feel wowed every time you walk through the door, we’ve rounded up a few listings with entryways that are sure to inspire.
Home has taken on a whole new meaning as of late. It has transformed into a haven, a classroom, a workout studio, an office, and everything in between. As we spend more time at home than ever, we’ve learned a thing or two about the four walls around us.
For some of us, the pandemic has reminded us of all the reasons we fell in love with our homes. And for others, it has revealed all the reasons why it may be time to move on. Here’s how COVID-19 has impacted what we want from our homes.
The sweaters, decor and pumpkin coffees are officially out, which can only mean one thing: fall has arrived. From the colorful leaves to the smell of pumpkin spice, we’re taking it all in. Instead of enjoying fall in a handful of ways, we’re on a mission to experience the season with the five senses.
Whether you prefer to enjoy fall in the great outdoors or in the comfort of your home, we have a list of ways you can experience it to the fullest.