New Year, New Home

A New Year is a great time to make a fresh start! There is already excitement in the air for changes and improvements. So why not make some with your home? Starting the year off with either looking for a new home or doing some things to your current home to make it feel like new will leave you feeling refreshed and excited.

Get Ready to Find Your New Home

If you've been thinking that it's time to start looking for a new home or your first home, this is a great time to do it!

Start getting ready for the process by finding a lender to work with. We recommend setting up a in person meeting to really have an in depth conversation about budget and numbers. You lender should be able to give you an idea of what you can afford based off your budget and what you qualify for.

From there, your Realtor can help you start the search! Hit the market early before the full rush of the Spring market and start getting an idea of what you're looking for. You'll be ready to go before other buyers are in the competition!

Remember if you're unsure about moving in the winter months, you won't necessarily move into your new home right away. Generally, you have about 30-60 days from the time you make an offer on a home until closing. This means that you'll likely be moving in the Spring as opposed to the dead of winter. Much better, right?

New Home Feel

Are you feeling like you aren't ready for a move? Or you want to start getting your home feeling like new to get it ready to sell? Here are some tips to help freshen up your current home for the beginning of the year:

1. Change up the Decorations: This really is as simple as rearranging the current items that you have. Whether it's just moving things around on the shelf or trying some things in a new room, it'll make the space feel refreshed and you'll appreciate the items you've grown used to in their new spots.

   If you still have holiday decorations up, this is also a great time to go through things that you can get rid of if you feel cluttered. Donate some of your old decorations and go get a few small pieces that will make you appreciate your space again!

2. Freshen Up Paint: It's still cold outside, so what a great activity for staying indoors! Take advantage of all the indoor time and put some fresh paint on your walls. This is always a great idea of you plan on selling as well as the clean, fresh walls will appeal to buyers significantly!

   Freshening up your walls can give you an opportunity to rearrange artwork as well. Try that photograph collage on a different wall, or move that painting to a new room to really pop with that new color!

3. New Hardware or Lighting: Simple adding new door knobs or handles to kitchen cabinets or bathrooms can make a big difference. This is especially true if you just took the opportunity to freshly paint your cabinetry!

   Adding new lights in the home will help. New lamp shades or fixtures in your living spaces can really create a new oasis in the home.

4. Bring Some Life In: Winter is cold and snowy. It can really make us long for the green of summer. Bring some of that nature feel into your home with a new plant. You can still buy a hearty Christmas plant that will bloom in the winter. Otherwise, try a small herb garden that can be tended to in the winter. It'll add some color to your kitchen and provide you with some home grown herbs for your favorite meals! Not to mention, many other standard house plants help filter your air naturally, giving you outdoor fresh air in your home.

   If you want something really low maintenance, try some succulents. These cutie pies are perfect for any space in your home and are generally pretty self sufficient. Yes, that means its okay if you forget to water them occasionally, but they will need water eventually!

5. Try a Diffuser: We love candles and incense, but if you haven't tried a diffuser, you should. Diffusers use essential oils and mist to create various scents in your home. Certain scents are known to energize you or relax you. We think this is a great idea to take your favorite living spaces to the next level. Create the environment you want with your favorite scents.

There are so many great things that you can do to help spruce up your home! If you really want to do a total makeover, or need help getting ready to sell, ask your Realtor for a Stager's information. Stager's use interior design experience to help you get your home ready for sale and can give you some great tips on how to really make your home shine.

If you are interested in buying or selling in 2018, let us know. We would love to help make it the best experience possible for you!