Coldwell Banker American Homes Blog
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26
Wise up to the benefits of a smart home
(BPT) - Smart homes make life easier and more convenient. Who wouldn't love being able to control lighting, entertainment and temperature from their couch — or from anywhere for that matter? Whether you're at work or on vacation, smart devices alert you to what's going on at home and help you stay connected and protected.
"Since inventing the world's first residential smoke alarm, First Alert has been at the forefront of advancement in home safety technology," says Tom Russo, president of First Alert. "Our Onelink portfolio of smart products goes beyond traditional perceptions of safety products and ushers in a new era of interconnectivity between a home's comfort level and people's safety and lifestyle preferences."
According to the experts at First Alert, the following are just a few of the many benefits of giving your home...
25
Curb Appeal: Tips to Polish Up Paint
In life and in real estate, first impressions matter. Before placing your home on the market, it's worth taking a look at the paint on the outside, which may have been impacted by elements from the past winter.
"If you've been huddled inside for the past few months, you may not be aware of the price your exterior paint has paid keeping winter weather at bay," says Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the paint Quality Institute. "Freeze-thaw cycles, rain, sleet and snow can cause paint to fail quickly, especially if you didn't use top-quality paint to begin with."
Zimmer suggests starting by inspecting for flaking or peeling paint on the exterior siding and trim. If the compromised paint is confined to a small area, a touch-up may be all that's needed.
Begin any touch-up project by scraping off loose paint, then sanding the edges smooth, Zimmer explains. Next, prime any areas where bare wood is visible, and then apply a...
22
How Valuable Is a New Front Door?
Some home improvement projects are bankable for the seller—some, unfortunately, are a bust.
A new front door, according to ContractorQuotes.us, is one of the projects that can yield a high return on investment. A steel door, specifically, costs an average of $1,230 to install, but may increase the home's value by $1,252—a 101.8 percent return.
A fiberglass door, too, may boost a home's value, by over $2,000 ($2,107, to be exact), while costing an average of $2,926—a 72 percent recoup for the seller.
If you're planning to replace your front door, keep in mind that some doors require maintenance. Be sure to clarify these requirements before purchasing, ContractorQuotes.us advises.
Remember, also, that the least expensive product is not necessarily worth the savings. The front door is likely the first feature buyers will notice when visiting the home.
It may be tempting to select a style you like personally, but, Contrac...
20
Mortgage Rates This Year Dive to Lowest Point Yet
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) has plummeted to its lowest point yet this year, according to Freddie Mac's most recent report, reaching a three-year low overall at an average of 3.57 percent, with an average 0.5 point.
"Disappointing April employment data once again kept a lid on Treasury yields, which have struggled to stay above 1.8 percent since late March," Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sean Becketti explains. "As a result, the 30-year mortgage rate fell four basis points to 3.57 percent, a new low for 2016 and the lowest mark in three years. Prospective homebuyers will continue to take advantage of a falling rate environment that has seen mortgage rates drop in 14 of the previous 19 w...
15
The 3 Ds of Staging
(BPT)—Staging your home ensures a speedy, profitable sale—if the senses are considered. Prospective buyers interpret a potential home through all of their receptors, and that includes senses like sight and smell.
To stage to this effect, remember the three Ds:
Deep-Clean the Selling Points
Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes—but they must be immaculate to do so. In the kitchen, clean inside appliances that are staying put: the dishwasher, oven and refrigerator. Replace the filter in the range hood, if you have one, and polish windowpanes to a sparkling finish. In the bathrooms, de-scale glass shower doors and showerheads and scrub the grout. Clean metal drain grates, and add in a few drops of sweet-smelling essential oils to maintain a "freshly-cleaned" aroma.
Deter Odors
Most households have their own unique scent, likely indistinguishable to the seller, but potenti...