Articles Tagged "For Homeowners"

A backyard swimming pool adds not only entertainment opportunities and memories to your life but also a potential selling feature to your outdoor spaces. Adding luxury features to boost the pool's appeal can add even more value. Here are a few features our real estate agents know you'll enjoy having at your pool.

Click Here to Read More...

Are you considering purchasing or selling a home in the Livingston County area? Achieving your goals starts with a solid understanding of the latest local real estate trends, and our team keeps a constant eye on the data to help you make informed decisions. Our real estate agents have the latest data in our November monthly market activity report for Livingston County.

Click Here to Read More...

Moving into a new home is always exciting. But moving involves more than just adapting to a new house. You'll also be in a new neighborhood, and it's important to take the time and get to know that community. The following are fun and easy ways to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

Click Here to Read More...

Our real estate agents know that moving creates exciting lifestyle changes, but it also presents challenges for relocation. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, planning and organizing your move will make things much easier.

Click Here to Read More...

Thinking of selling your home? If so, you should look into upgrading some of your outdoor spaces. While you may not be able to afford all the upgrades you'd like to do, you can choose a select few and increase your return on investment. Here are some expert suggestions from our real estate agents that will help you improve your home's value. 

Click Here to Read More...

If you're planning on taking a trip that isn't pet-friendly, you'll need to make arrangements for your furry family members. One option is to hire a pet sitter. A pet sitter can care for your pets in a home-based environment where they're likely to be comfortable.

Our real estate agents suggest asking the following questions when choosing your pet sitter. You should also request an in-person meeting to see how the pet sitter interacts with your pets. 

Click Here to Read More...

Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or simply gathering information to decide what to do next, a thorough understanding of the latest trends in your local real estate market is key to achieving your goals. The latest trends in Livingston County show that buyers and sellers have been busy this spring, with significant year-over-year and month-over-month increases in market activity. Our real estate agents are here to help you make informed decisions, and we've got all of the latest details on Livingston County real estate in our June 2021 Market Activity report.

Click Here to Read More...

A fireplace is one of the most popular features in a home. At Griffith Realty, buyers consistently ask our real estate agents to show them homes with a beautiful stone or brick fireplace that creates a cozy atmosphere in the home.

Buying or selling a home with a fireplace, or adding a fireplace to your existing home has big payoffs and many advantages. Here's what you need to consider before adding one. 

Click Here to Read More...

If you own a lake house, you want to ensure that it creates a welcoming atmosphere for your next gathering or vacation. Our real estate agents know that it only takes a few small changes to transform the look of your space.

Already dreaming about spending time at your lake home this summer? With how many lakes we have in Livingston County, you certainly aren't the only one! Here are a few additions you can add to your lake home that your whole family will enjoy. 

Click Here to Read More...

Enjoy a cinema experience from the comfort of your home. Advances in technology mean that this luxurious option is now available to nearly everyone, even those on a limited budget. If a fantastic new home theater is on your wish list, our real estate agents will be delighted to help you find the perfect venue in the Brighton area. Once you find it, here's how to turn your vision into a reality.  

Click Here to Read More...

Warm weather, outdoor flowers, and lawn care routines might be months away, but the key to maximizing your summer landscaping is planning well ahead of time. Our real estate agents always recommend getting ahead start on your summer landscaping plans, as great yards take a lot of legwork. While you're considering your 2021 landscaping budget, it's a great time to plan exactly how you're going to beautify your outdoor living space this year. Below are five 2021 landscaping trends that you should start thinking about now:

Click Here to Read More...

At Griffith Realty, our real estate agents are always working hard to support the success of our clients.

A big part of that commitment is staying engaged with every detail of how our local market is changing. By identifying trends, we help you reach your real estate goals here in Livingston County.

Click Here to Read More...

It's a New Year, and for many men and women, it's an opportunity to reconsider their real estate goals. Our real estate agents completely understand why you may have paused your listing plans in 2020. The sudden disruption of the year, coupled with uncertainty for the immediate future, created a valid reason why it may not have been the right time to buy or sell a home. We want all of our potential clients to know that we prioritize your comfort and confidence above all else.

Click Here to Read More...

If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that a home office can go anywhere if you believe hard enough. With so many people working from home now, our real estate agents have seen some pretty clever ways of incorporating home offices into everyday living spaces. Here are 5 creative tips to consider.

Click Here to Read More...

Baseboards aren't usually what makes or breaks a house sale but chipped or scuffed baseboards make the whole home look slightly more weathered. Just like the walls that are perched above them, some cleaning and a fresh coat of paint can make them look brand new. All it takes is some time and elbow grease. Applying new caulk can help seal out drafts and take your DIY project from humble to stylish. Our real estate agents know that a well cared for home is one where the less obvious parts are shown as much attention as the showpieces. Give some attention to the baseboards in your home with these simple tricks. 

Click Here to Read More...

As the holiday season lights up our lives, you may think buying or selling a home is the last thing on someone's mind. While our real estate agents understand that most individuals are quite busy during this time of the year, we want all of our potential clients to know that we're working around the clock to make their real estate goals come true. In fact, we've helped many men and women add buying or selling a new home to their holiday checklist. Have you been wondering whether or not you should wait until 2021 to follow through on your real estate plans? 

Click Here to Read More...

As we inch closer to winter, families, professionals, and investors are warming up to the idea of purchasing or selling real estate. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty understand that adapting to our new normal may involve buying or selling your home. If you're interested in moving forward with your real estate goals in Livingston County, you're not alone.

Click Here to Read More...

As we move into the colder months, our attention often turns from outdoor home improvements to indoor DIY projects. A fresh coat of paint is more than a way to freshen up a room, it's something to pass the long winter days. Chances are, you won't want to stop at just one room! 

Our real estate agents have learned a thing or two about painting in our many years of buying and selling homes, and we'll gladly pass that knowledge on to you. Keep these pro painting tricks in mind when you're ready to add some color to your living space.

Click Here to Read More...

As the leaves change, so too are the lifestyle needs of many families throughout Livingston County. The home has become a schoolhouse for students, an office for professionals, and so much more of the center of our everyday lives. It's no surprise that families, couples, and single individuals are all strongly considering buying or selling a home to meet their evolving lifestyle needs. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty are aware that you may be more interested in buying or selling your home now that you know the full demands of your day-to-day lifestyle. If you're currently considering your real estate goals, it's important to know that many other buyers and sellers are debating the same thoughts.

Current Market Activity in Livingston County

Click Here to Read More...

Fall is here, and that means it soon will be time to winterize your lake home. Taking the time to make sure your lake house is closed up correctly can help you avoid costly mistakes and make things a lot easier when you return in the spring. Our REALTORS® provide some tips for keeping your lake house in good shape in the winter, and year-round.

Click Here to Read More...

Fall offers so many opportunities to celebrate the change of seasons by changing things around in our homes. Subtle or striking, these changes are easily achieved by bringing fall outdoor colors and accents inside your home. Start at the porch and the front door, and work your way through the home. Our REALTORS® recommend making these seasonal decor changes, not only to get you in the mood for fall fun but also to attract attention if you're planning to sell your home.

Click Here to Read More...

So you made an offer on the home of your dreams, and the seller accepted. The last thing you want to do is prolong the closing. Your mortgage is contingent on you maintaining the same financial profile throughout the closing period, and any abrupt changes may lead to problems or delays. Our real estate agents made a list of the five things you shouldn't do during the closing process.

Click Here to Read More...

As the sun begins to set on summer, there are many women and men who have grappled with the question of whether or not now is the right time to buy or sell a home in Livingston County. For many families, traditional summer vacations were traded for backyard staycations and creative at-home summer camps. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty understand that this summer has highlighted the need for specific features throughout your home, including dedicated office space, more exterior entertaining space, and separate transitional areas for your whole family to utilize. Thankfully, the market activity around Livingston County continues to be very accommodating to both buyers and sellers.

Click Here to Read More...

If you're planning to list your home for sale, you want it to look spacious and roomy, whether in a virtual or an in-person tour. But even when your rooms are of average size, they can look smaller if the home is dark, or if you have too many things crammed inside. Fortunately, our real estate agents can recommend several ways to stage your home, so it looks spacious and roomy!

Have a look at seven easy ways you can make your home appear more spacious.

Click Here to Read More...

As we continue to move towards our "new normal", one of the seemingly larger obstacles many homeowners face is whether or not now is the right time to buy or sell real estate in Livingston County. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty understand that this life-changing decision is only made more difficult with the increasingly uncertain times we're living in. While we may not know when much of our normalcy will return in our day-to-day lives, we can assure you that the real estate industry has adapted to the "new normal" and is offering unique opportunities for buyers and sellers throughout Livingston County to achieve their real estate goals.

Click Here to Read More...

Everyone who has ever bought or sold a home has opinions about the real estate market, which can make it hard to separate fact from fiction. Some of the most common tips that you'll hear about the real estate market are based on myths, and some of those myths have had impressive staying power across generations. Our real estate agents are here to set the record straight, with 5 myths that you shouldn't believe about the real estate market.

Click Here to Read More...

Home improvement projects can make your home more attractive and livable while also increasing its value when you're ready to sell. 

Our real estate agents have helped many families sell their homes in the Livingston County area and know the value of a good home improvement project. The following home improvement projects can increase your home's value and increase your chances of appealing to buyers in a tough market. 

1. Deck addition 
   Adding a deck to the exterior of your home increases your outdoor living space, which has become an increasingly popular home attribute. The right size depends on the size of your house and yard, and you can add as many or as few bells and whistles as you like. The price tag for a new deck can vary widely, with extras like built-in seating and multiple stairs raising the cost.
   
   

Click Here to Read More...

Are you looking for some activities to get you through the long winter months? Winter is the perfect time to spruce up your home with improvements that add efficiency and value. Get started with this to-do list, including features most sought-after in Brighton homes for sale.

1. Prep the Yard
   A well-maintained yard draws more attention from buyers, but healthy greenery doesn't just magically appear in the spring. Put down a layer of fertilizer on grass, trees, and shrubs to keep them nourished during the winter until warm temperatures return.
   
   
2. Retrofit Fireplace Doors
   A crackling fire looks beautiful, but an open fireplace is a heat drain. Folding glass doors keep heat from escaping up the chimney when the fireplace is not in use while adding a clean, contemporary look.
   
   
3. Add "Smart" Technology
   High-tech innovations make it easier than ever to manage your home cost-effectively. Programmable thermostats can cut energy costs by approximately $180 a year per Energy Star, while smart water meters help conserve water usage and detect problems.

   Click Here to Read More...

Are you looking forward to listing your home in the spring? Take advantage of the time off during the holidays and enhance your home before you sell. Our real estate agents believe snowy weather is the best time to tackle painting projects. Did you know that something as simple as painting can increase the value of Brighton homes for sale? Here are four ways painting can help:

1. Exterior paint can boost your curb appeal and increase the price of your home.
2. Neutral colors throughout the home like white, beige, tan, and brown are the most popular colors for prospective buyers.
3. Similarly, contrasting and complementary colors used in moderation can transform its appearance.
4. Painting, whether indoor or outdoor, is a low-cost improvement that yields high-impact results, a perfect enhancement for sellers on a tight budget.

Here are a few painting projects you can complete to improve the look and value of your home.

• Freshen Up the Space With Fresh Paint
  At a minimum, you should consider putting a fresh coat of paint throughout the rooms your home. Even if you choose not to change the color, a fresh coat will breathe new life into the space. This will touch-up and conceal any nicks, scratches, or blemishes and make the entire room feel cleaner.

  Click Here to Read More...

Being able to move into your new place before selling your old house may seem like a big advantage. But while it might make the process easier for your family, selling a vacant house often comes with some unique challenges. Empty houses tend to take longer to sell and go for a lower price than occupied Brighton homes for sale. Our REALTORS® have compiled these six tips that will help you sell your vacant home.

Click Here to Read More...

Many buyers seeking out Brighton homes for sale dream of spending the rest of their lives in the home they choose. This dream often includes paying off the mortgage as soon as possible and living a debt-free life. While it's a noble goal, you might be surprised to learn that paying off your home early isn't always the best financial move. 

Our REALTORS® offer a few important things to consider as you weigh the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage ahead of schedule.

Click Here to Read More...

While the cold and wind of the winter season may make spring seem distant, it really is right around the corner. What that means for you if you are a new area homeowner – or are shopping Brighton homes for sale – is that springtime home maintenance chores are also right around the corner. So what should a new homeowner know about getting things in good shape this spring? Our REALTORS® have created this spring maintenance checklist to help you get a handle on just how to take good care of your home.

1. Inspect your roof – A good set of binoculars can spare you the trouble of climbing out on the roof for this job. Look for telltale signs of trouble that might signal the need for a professional roof inspection, such as shingles that have slid out of place, missing shingles or ones that have popped up, making your roof vulnerable to leaks.

   Click Here to Read More...

There's nothing quite like lugging your gear to the slopes for a day of winter fun, and this year you can enjoy all of your favorite winter sports close to home in one location. Mt. Brighton Ski Area, located in Brighton, is the area's top destination for skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of cold-weather fun.

Whether you're an experienced veteran of the slopes or you're learning the ropes for the first time, everyone can have a great time visiting the mountain. Our REALTORS® have all the key info on what to expect from a legendary day of skiing, snowboarding, or spectating at the Mt. Brighton Ski Area.

Click Here to Read More...

Whether you're in the market for Brighton homes for sale or Howell homes for sale, you've got the right allies in your corner with Griffith Realty. Our REALTORS® will go the extra mile to help you find what you're looking for in our Livingston County, MI area.

Many people interested in Livingston County want to know more about its amenities, and we're always happy to oblige. One area where Livingston stands out is its world-class healthcare. Healthcare makes a difference in the quality of life here in Livingston.

Four excellent healthcare organizations serve our residents. Let's find out a little more about them right now:

1. IHA - 524 Byron Road, Howell, MI 48843
   IHA Family & Internal Medicine is one of the largest multi-specialty medical groups in the state. It has been around the Howell area since 1996. Growing rapidly in recent years, it now has 200 staff and providers. The medical team currently covers 19 specialties. A new 12,000-square foot facility will bring a wide range of new services, including even better diagnostic imaging and emergency care.
   
   

Click Here to Read More...

As you finalize your Christmas gift list, don't forget your new homeowner friends. If they're like many homebuyers, they've spent a lot of time and energy finding the perfect home among beautiful Brighton homes for sale. 

As your friends prepare for their first Christmas in their new home, they deserve a nice gift to celebrate their success. Our REALTORS® did the research and compiled a list of great gift ideas for new homeowners. You can find them in your local stores or order them online to save time.  

• Keyless door lock
  When you give your friends a keyless door lock, they can install it themselves, save locksmith re-keying costs, and never have to worry about door keys again. You'll find an assortment of keyless locks at your local hardware store or visit GoKeyless for simple push-button keypad combination locks, digital keypad locks or connected smart locks.
  
  

Click Here to Read More...

Christmas is right around the corner, and if you're settling into your new Brighton home, one thing is for sure – a new home deserves a great Christmas tree. Sure, you could dust off that bold artificial tree that you've been stowing away for years, but why do that when there are so many great places to cut your own real tree?

A Christmas tree is a classic family holiday tradition, and it's not just about hanging up tinsel and lights. For many families, the experience of heading out to pick out and cut your own tree is still very much a treasured annual event. If you're on the hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree in the Brighton, MI area, our REALTORS® are here to share some of their favorite local spots where you can cut your own.

1. Waldock Tree Farm - 3090 Dutcher Rd, Howell, MI
   For many, the Christmas tree of choice is the fir tree, and Waldock Tree Farm offers four distinct varieties: Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, and Korean Fir (and for all you Blue Spruce devotees, they have a few of those, too). Waldock Tree Farm also has a knowledgeable staff who can help you pick out the perfect tree for your house. Plus, they serve some great donuts, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa!
   
   

Click Here to Read More...

With our peaceful riverside boardwalk, historic landmarks, and thriving business districts it's no wonder that buyers are consistently seeking Brighton homes for sale. However, like any city or town, security and safety are still concerns for any homeowner--especially with the holiday season coming upon us.

Are you sure your home is secure? Our REALTORS® know that the safety and security of your property are important to you, and that's why we've devised this list of ways to keep burglars away during the holidays. Read along to protect yourself and your valuables this holiday season.

1. Lock Your Doors and Windows
   Properly securing your home during the holiday season is the best way to protect your home and your valuables. Lock your doors, windows, garage, and shed, and consider investing in deadbolts for any main entrances to your home. Also, don't leave spare keys outside. If you must have a spare, consider leaving one with a trusted neighbor or at a nearby friend's house instead.

   Click Here to Read More...