Coldwell Banker American Homes Blog
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9
The Dos and Don'ts of Winter Home Selling
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. According to the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), it's critical to put your best foot forward when putting your home on the market.
The NAMB outlines these dos and don'ts for preparing your home for sale.
Do:
Consider curb appeal. "Curb appeal is a huge draw for buyers," says Don Frommeyer, CEO, NAMB. "If you live in a cold state, consider creating a winter planter with cold-weather plants like winter berry holly or noble fir. At the very least, invest in a new doormat and keep the driveway clear of ice and snow. Warm lights glowing in the window will also be welcoming."
Invest in upd...
6
Make Spring Cleaning a Family Affair
Spring cleaning your home can be overwhelming without help. If you're a parent, enlist your children with these creative (and fun!) ways to clean, courtesy of Debra Johnson, home cleaning expert for Merry Maids.
• Host a Fashion Show
Go through closets and play dress up with the kids. Put away the show-stopping outfits and make piles of items that no longer fit to donate or discard.
• Skate Over Dust
Remove furniture and rugs from hardwood surfaces in your home and have your kids slide over the floor with microfiber cloths wrapped around their feet (supervision required). Have a trash bag on hand to collect dust afterwards.
• Celebrate Christmas in Spring
Help children sort through toys and games that are no longer being used for donations. Bonus...
5
Mortgage Rates Reverse Course, Move Lower
According to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey, mortgage rates unwound a recent increase last week, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate pulling back to 3.90 percent. The 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.29 discount and origination points.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage dropped to 3.15 percent while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage settled at 4.07 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were down also, with the 5-year ARM falling to 3.22 percent and the 7-year ARM sinking to 3.44 percent.
Mortgage rates moved lower last week after indications that maybe the Federal Reserve isn't going to raise interest rates as soon as markets had thought. The minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee's January meeting sho...
2
Reducing Energy Consumption in Cold Weather
Furnaces have been operating overtime in order to combat frigid weather, which likely has led to an increase in heating bills. By taking some simple steps, homeowners can reduce their costs without sacrificing warmth.
- Open the blinds on the south side of your home during sunny days, but keep the blinds closed on cloudy days and at night.
- Use a programmable thermostat and set it to 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and 65 degrees when sleeping or away.
- Turn off non-essential lights, appliances, electronics and other equipment.
- Postpone, whenever possible, using electric appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and cooking equipment during on-peak or mid-peak price periods.
- Check to see that weather stripping around your doors, fireplace dampers and attic...
25
Telltale Signs You're Ready to Move
Moving to a new home can be life-changing. The reasons for a move vary: you may have a growing family, you might be empty-nesting, or you may just need of a change of pace. But how do you know you're really ready to move? Watch for these classic signs:
You've thought through the details. You've worked out the logistics – where you want to live, when you want to move, what kind of home you want – and feel confident about your decision.
Your family situation is changing. Shifting family dynamics may mean it's time to either move-up or downsize. If your household spatial needs are changing, re-evaluate your current residence to determine whether it's time for a new chapter.
You did your homework. Investing in a new home is not to be taken lightly. You've taken steps to...