Articles Tagged "Home Improvement"

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.

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If you own a Michigan lake house, or you're thinking about buying one, you can experience the beauty of nature right at your doorstep. A lake house with waterfront views, lush landscapes, outdoor activities, and a tranquil lifestyle may just be the perfect place to call home.

Whether you prefer a lake house that's your permanent residence or a weekend retreat, our real estate agents suggest decorating with things that showcase the natural beauty of your surroundings and create all the comforts of home.

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You're ready to start your own garden, but you worry that your lack of a green thumb will hinder your progress before you even get your flowers or vegetables planted.

Fortunately, starting a garden doesn't have to be complex or time-consuming. Our real estate agents know that there are several options ideal for a novice gardener.

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Houseplants can improve the look of your home by adding texture and color while also making its environment cleaner and helping you feel more at ease. But deciding where to put your houseplants can be tricky. In addition to placing them in a spot where they'll receive the right amount of light, you'll want to make sure they don't dominate a space or fade into the background.

Our real estate agents suggest some of the following great places for houseplants:

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If you're like most people, you probably feel like you don't have enough storage space in your home. Things have a funny way of accumulating and filling up empty space. Whether you live in a small cottage or a five-bedroom ranch, our real estate agents have some tips to increase your home's storage.

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When you move into a new home, it's always fun to make it your own. This does not have to mean a total remodel, and it doesn't have to mean spending thousands of dollars, either. There are plenty of smaller home improvement projects that you can tackle on a weekend for a reasonable budget. Our real estate agents are excited to share the following weekend home improvement projects with you.

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Spring is the perfect time to handle all those lawn care tasks on your to-do list. Our real estate agents know that a lush, green lawn also helps your home look inviting to potential buyers. Check out these spring lawn care tips to get your yard looking its best.

1. Clean Up Your Yard
   When your yard has dried out from the latest round of rain or winter precipitation, set aside time to pick up any debris and dead vegetation. Focus on picking up leaves, wayward rocks, and sticks. If you have snow that's refusing to leave, use a shovel to gently spread it out so that it'll melt quicker. 

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Winter weather brings snow and ice to your driveway, along with the challenge of keeping it clear and safe. Unfortunately, some common practices and products can do more harm than good.

Failing to properly maintain your driveway during the winter months can cause it to need repaving on an earlier timetable. And a cracked, damaged driveway not only looks bad but also negatively affects the value of your home. Our real estate agents suggest following these guidelines when you're performing winter driveway maintenance:

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Your HVAC system has worked hard all summer to keep you cool and comfortable. Before you flip that switch and turn on the heat, you might want to give it a little TLC to make sure it serves you well through the winter months. Our real estate agents want to remind you that an annual tune-up is a fairly inexpensive service that can save you thousands over time. In case you've been ignoring them, there are a few telltale signs that say you should get this done sooner rather than later. 

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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. 

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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. 

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If you want to reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill and help your plants grow, composting will help you achieve both these goals. Composting is the process of recycling organic material into fertilizer. 

To start composting, dedicate a shady space near a water source as your compost pile. Then, add green waste (like vegetable and fruit scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds) and brown waste (such as branches and dead leaves).

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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. 

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Whether you're a credentialed chef or a heater of canned soups and maker of grilled cheese sandwiches, you do all this and more in your kitchen. For many of us, it's the busiest room in the house. Thus, it tends over time to collect more unused stuff than other rooms. Every couple of years, go through your kitchen and ruthlessly bid farewell to the things you have never used or use so seldom that they're not worth the space they take up. Once you free up counter and shelf space, you'll find yourself enjoying your kitchen much more. 

Organizing your drawers, cabinets, fridge, and the counter starts with decluttering. Here are some tips to get your decluttering started. 

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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. 

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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.  

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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:

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When you're ready to decorate – or redecorate – your home, you'll need to find the right style of your décor to suit your tastes and also work with your lifestyle. It's often difficult to know exactly what type of style would work best, which can make you procrastinate or buy items without much thought and regretting your purchases later.

Take the time to figure out the right style of décor for your home with the following tips from our real estate agents:

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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What makes a door with a holiday wreath so inviting? Traditionally, circles symbolize inclusion, unity, and wholeness, so a wreath is seen as inviting visitors to share fellowship and good cheer with those inside.

Our real estate agents enjoy creating wreaths that display their individual personality and style. Make your own holiday wreath with these DIY tips! 

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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.

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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.

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Each year, there are approximately 358,000 house fires that cause property damage, injuries, and even death. National Fire Prevention Month is observed every October and serves as a reminder for the actions you can take to prevent a fire in your home. Our real estate agents want to make sure you and your family stay safe and recommend these fire prevention tips. 

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Need to sell your home as quickly as possible? Make sure that you take the time to stage your rooms and various spaces so that they better appeal to potential buyers.

After all, research indicates that staged homes sell 73 percent faster than properties that aren't staged.

To get the maximum benefits from your home staging, it's essential to know what pitfalls to avoid while preparing your home. Here are a few staging mistakes we've seen and how to avoid them. 

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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.
   
   

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Whether you're planning a brand-new garden or want to enhance what you've already got, using native plants used to Michigan's diverse climate can make maintenance more comfortable and save you time and money. Our REALTORS® love it when homeowners take great care of their yards with beautiful landscaping and colorful gardens. There's no doubt that curb appeal adds value to your home, and getting your hands dirty is good for the mind, body, and soul. These seven plants will make your garden an inviting, colorful oasis to enjoy for years to come.

1. Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica)
   This slow-growing tree can reach 30 to 40 feet tall, and provides gorgeous, vivid fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and crimson. Its dark bark and distinctive branching pattern also provide some visual interest in the winter. Squirrels and birds love its tiny, tasty fruit, and the black gum tree easily tolerates wet, clay soils and salt.
2. Common Ninebark (Physocarpos opulifolius)
   This hardy shrub grows 6 to 9 feet tall and can thrive in even the harshest conditions. Super easy to maintain, it grows in shade or sun and many different types of soil conditions. You'll enjoy pink and white flowers in the spring and summer, with red fruit birds love to eat in autumn.

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It's time to sell your home! How do you best showcase the space your unfinished basement has to offer? 

Sorting out your basement and giving it a facelift seems overwhelming. Your goal as a seller is to show buyers how a space could be used. Our REALTORS® can help you freshen up your basement, claim back more square footage, and charm buyers with its many uses. Here are five ways to better use your basement space to appeal to buyers.

1. Add or Brighten Up a Play Space
   What better way to divvy up your basement's square footage than to add an exciting, energetic play area or freshen up the one you have? Get this set up by doing the following. 
   
   • • Define the area with an interlocking foam mat.
     • Use brightly-colored organizers to use up vertical space and keep toys within reach.
     • Hang bold wall art to contrast off-white walls.
     • Add lounge chairs, arcade games, and a T.V. for preteens/teens.
       
       

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Don't wait until your home is on the market to get it in top-notch shape. Instead, ready your home for buyers before you even put it on the market. Get started on this list before adding your home to the inventory of Brighton homes for sale. 

1. Declutter Your Space
   Some homeowners want to wait until they're moving to get rid of unwanted items; instead, declutter every space in your room now so that your home appears clean and organized. Take decluttering a step further and pack away items that you seldom use (like holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, and old mementos) and store them out of view. Buyers will be able to view the details of your home better when furnishings don't hide them. Our real estate agents can examine your home and let you know if further decluttering is necessary. If you've gotten rid of as many items as possible but still need to pack more things away consider renting a storage unit.
2. Scrub Your House from Top to Bottom
   Now that your home is decluttered, it's time to make it gleam from top to bottom. Buyers are more likely to view a clean home as one that's been taken care of. A deep cleaning will also eliminate odors that may have accumulated over the years from spills, pets, and cooking. If you don't feel like you have the time or energy to give your home the cleaning it deserves, outsource the job to a cleaning agency.
3. Complete Minor Repairs
   If there are minor repairs you've been putting off, like fixing light fixtures, replacing broken hardware, or repairing dents and dings in your walls, now is the time to tackle these items. Minor repairs are relatively inexpensive, but they have a significant effect on the overall look of your home. A buyer may also believe that if you've neglected to make small repairs during your time in the home that you've also foregone larger, more expensive repairs. 
4. Stage Your Home
   Staging involves altering the appearance of your home so that it's as appealing to as many buyers as possible. Start by giving your walls and trim a fresh coat of paint. Stick with hues that are fairly neutral, like off-white shades, light gray colors, and beige tones. Then, set up each room so that potential buyers can better envision their lives in your home. Incorporate functional furniture that gives each room a purpose. Add accessories and home decor that brighten the room and make it more appealing.
5. Hide Evidence of Your Pets
   Your pets are beloved members of your family, but they can be a deterrent to some buyers. Buyers may believe that a home with pets is dirtier than a home without pets (even if that's not the case). On days when you have an open house or showing, have a plan in place to remove your pet from your home. Find a pet-friendly space where you can hang out for a couple of hours while buyers are checking out your home.

Have more questions about preparing your home to sell? Contact us today. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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