Use Your Space

Square footage in a home is a valuable commodity, and yet it often goes underutilized. I've witnessed this to be the case whether a home is quite spacious or bordering on tiny.

A couple of years ago, I worked with a client in need of home staging services, as she prepared her home for sale. Like many people today, she and her family spent very little time at home, as work, school, and other activities occupied their time. After a thorough review of their home, their lifestyle and needs, it was clear that they didn't use half of the square footage they had. This was, in a way, tragic, as they were paying for twice as much home as they actually needed.

If you're currently considering a home purchase, be realistic about your lifestyle and your needs. Do not pay for space and amenities you really don't need or won't likely use. That money could be better spent pursuing your passions, saving for retirement, or countless other things.

Of course, many of us are trying to use all of our space, but we don't know how to arrange it. Much of residential construction over the last 15 years or so has focused on creating large, open, communal spaces - Great Rooms, as opposed to separate rooms for the kitchen, dining and sitting areas. The lack of interior walls can present challenges for homeowners, with regard to furniture placement, storage options, and noise control - particularly in homes with vaulted or cathedral ceilings. Consider incorporating some design and storage solutions that might be found in a loft, which is commonly a space with very few interior walls.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I've been in some very small homes that really want for closet space, or virtually any form of storage. Homeowners tend to gravitate toward these types of homes when they're first-time buyers or in a period of transition, as the price of the home often reflects its "shortcomings." But these homes could serve as much greater opportunities for building equity, if only their owners would pay a relatively small price for a little creative vision and a really good handyman, which could greatly extend their stay and satisfaction in the home.

There are numerous resources available for those seeking a little inspiration to help make the most of their small spaces. Online sources for HGTV and Better Homes & Gardens offer valuable advice and lots of photos.

Look closely at each of the rooms in your home. Determine what the space needs - what could make it much, much better? Make a wish list for each room, gather photos either online or in home improvement/decor magazines to be used as a visual aid, and then begin contacting insured, professional "handymen" for competing quotes on projects. Work quotes are typically free, though be sure to verify this with each professional. With work quotes in hand, you can begin to decide which projects you'd like to tackle first, according to both your budget and your needs.

The bottom line is simply this: Make the very most of all the space in your home. After all, you're paying for it.

Should you "Pool" your Resources?

For many southern communities throughout the country, a swimming pool in the backyard makes sense. The pool and all its trimmings can be enjoyed year-round. And, in some neighborhoods, it can be difficult to sell a home without one. But travel further north and people begin to ponder the wisdom of adding swimming pools or spas/hot tubs to their properties. Are they a wise investment in colder climates? Well, ask yourself a few questions – and be honest:

1. How many days per week will your pool or spa actually be used?
2. How many months of the year will your pool or spa be eligible for use?
3. Will the benefits of the pool or spa outweigh the time and financial cost of maintenance, added insurance, and safety measures that may be required, such as a gated fence?
4. How much of your yard will be consumed by the pool or spa?
5. How long do you plan to live in your home?
6. How important will it be for you to sell your home quickly when the time comes?

A swimming pool on a property can be a strong deterrent for buyers in Wisconsin, as most do not want to deal with the time and costs associated with maintenance. This is because we have too few months when we can actually enjoy it. And if we get a cold or rainy summer, that narrows the enjoyment window even further, but does not diminish the maintenance window.

Still, if you know you’re going to be in your home for at least 7-10 years, and/or swimming is an important part of your life, then go for it. Be aware of the challenges you might face when you wish to sell, but you should feel comfortable making your home what you want and need it to be.

If much of your yard would be consumed by a pool, then consider installing an above-ground pool, as opposed to an in-ground pool. That way, when you prepare to sell your property, you can even offer buyers the option of removing the pool, if they wish.

Spas are far less of a deterrent for buyers in Wisconsin for this very reason – they can be removed fairly easily. They can also be used throughout much of the year – whether kept inside or out. Safety is of little concern, since many come complete with a cover to keep curious little children out. Plus, they serve the added purpose of easing the ache of sore muscles – which can certainly occur year-round.

If you decide to take the plunge, do plenty of research online first. There is such a variety of styles and amenities available when it comes to pools and spas. Set your budget and stick to it, and, as always, have a plan. Now is the time to dive in if you hope to be splashing around your own backyard this summer. Enjoy!

Backyard Bliss

Here, in Wisconsin, we’ve got colder temperatures for at least 6 months of the year – and I do mean cold. So, when the weather finally warms up, we like to spend as much time outdoors as possible – working, relaxing, entertaining, playing. And that’s why outdoor living space is just as important in colder climates as it is in warmer climates. We pack a whole year’s worth of enjoyment into a handful of fleeting months. And with the current state of our economy, it makes good fiscal sense to invest some vacation money quite literally in our own backyards.

So what does that mean – “outdoor living space?” Well, what began as a simple deck or patio, is taken a bit further. Main living areas that you find inside your home – such as a kitchen, dining area, and living room - are given their own distinct spaces outside. Just as you use design and décor to create a certain ambiance in your home, extend that sense of comfort, beauty, and utility, to your backyard. You’re not just a home owner, you’re a property owner – and that includes your backyard. It, too, is part of your investment, and becomes all the more valuable when you add value to it.

Outdoor living spaces can be simple or elaborate, small or grand, sophisticated or casual. One thing they should never be is boring. With so many options for decks, patios, plants, fencing, privacy screens, pergolas, arbors, gazebos, furnishings, lighting, and more, your backyard can be transformed from boring to blissful.

Now, whenever you consider a home improvement project, keep in mind the range of property values within your neighborhood. You may have elaborate plans, but a modest neighborhood may not allow you to see big returns on your investment when you eventually prepare to sell. If you have questions or concerns about over-improving your property, consult with an experienced real estate agent. We can give you an idea of your property’s current market value, both with and without your planned improvements.

And remember, you don’t have to complete every project for your backyard dreamscape this year. Create your overall plan and take steps to achieve it, one mini-project at a time.

Curb Appeal is Real

You know them when you see them. Driving around any neighborhood, there’s always at least one property that stands out from the others. Perfect lawn, great landscaping, fantastic looking home… You wonder if the inside looks as amazing as the outside. Well, sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t, but the point is that you’re curious about the inside because of the outside. And that could help you attract buyers, when it comes time to sell your home.

So, it’s not just a gimmick. Curb appeal is real. HGTV introduced us to the concept years ago, but people seem slow to catch on. Perhaps we’re too busy to achieve all of our property enhancement goals. Or perhaps we’re intimidated by trying to wrestle Mother Nature in full view of our neighbors. Money is often a factor, but it needn’t be. Much improvement can be made with little financial investment.

As with any home improvement project, it’s best to have a plan. But first, begin by writing down general ideas about how you want your property to appear from the outside.

Would you like to see more lighting?
More flowers, but fewer bushes?
Or different bushes – fewer evergreens?
Do you envision trees in your yard?
Does the exterior of your home need painting?
Perhaps some shutters or flower boxes to add some charm?
What about the front entrance? How can it be more inviting?
New door, new hardware, new lighting, mailbox, or address numbers?
How could you liven up the front walkway?
How does the garage door look?
Could your driveway use some work?

Sure, your list could grow to be very long, but that’s okay. Just pace yourself. You don’t have to do everything at once, and not all of your projects will cost you money.

Pruning trees, trimming bushes, pulling weeds, edging lawns, cleaning up plant beds, raking up remaining leaves – yard clean-up can be a workout, but it’s free and it makes a big difference. If you’re looking to create new plant beds or enhance the ones you have, most communities offer free mulch/wood chips to anyone willing to haul them away. Check with your community’s Public Works Department to see if and when this is available where you live. And check with your community’s sanitation department to see when they will haul away yard waste in your neighborhood. Communities typically offer this service twice a year – in spring and fall.

I always say it’s best to know your limitations. Don’t take on major projects without seeking advice or help from an experienced friend or professional. And don’t start many projects at once, or you could quickly become overwhelmed and lose your enthusiasm. If you don’t have a green thumb, ask your local greenhouse about plants, flowers, and bushes that would be best for your skill set, as well as your yard’s conditions. Is yours a sunny yard, or is there lots of shade? Sandy soil, or is it more like clay?

Also, seek out landscaping elements other than plants, such as wood, brick, stone, or decorative concrete. Pergolas, arbors, gates, and fencing can be beautiful additions to your yard. Landscaping is not just about plants.

If instant gratification is what you need to keep you motivated, you’re in good company. Here are many improvements you can complete in just one day.

So go ahead, get started, and give everyone something to slow down and admire as they drive past your home.

Don’t Ignore Décor

Make no mistake - what makes a house a home is its décor. The paint colors, flooring, lighting, window treatments, and furnishings – collectively, they transform a space, giving it character and life. A house is practical. A home is emotional. That’s why selling a home can be so challenging for a homeowner, and it’s typically how buyers decide to write an offer on a property.

So, buyers – do not spend all of your money on your mortgage. Too often, I’ve seen nice properties overshadowed by their shabby furnishings. Décor is part of the investment you make in buying property – and most of it you get to take with you. Do not underestimate what good décor will do for you when you eventually seek to sell your home.

First-time home buyers, you have a great opportunity to invest in good décor, with the help of the $8000.00 tax credit you may enjoy this year. For a great way to stretch your dollar and purchase some fantastic furniture, seek out consignment shops in your area. The furniture is gently used – often looking brand new – and is substantially less expensive than what you’ll find at new furniture stores. Also check out garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores for unique pieces that might simply need a little clean-up, a small repair, or a fresh coat of paint to bring them back to life. You could literally save yourself thousands of dollars, while infusing your home with great character.

Current homeowners, I know times are tough and money is tight, but there’s much you can do to improve your property – for little to no cost. Decluttering every space in your home will cost you nothing – and now is the best time to tackle that. Clothes, books, movies, games, lamps, furniture, artwork, knick knacks – if you no longer use it, need it, like it, or have space for it, get rid of it. Hold a garage sale to get money for what you can, and then give away the rest. Use the money from your sale to make additional improvements to your property.

Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to make an enormous impact on your home – whether inside or out. And the beauty of paint is that you can always redo it if you have a change of heart about the color – and you won’t break the bank. Many paint manufacturers offer tools on their websites that allow you to experiment with color, so you have an idea of how various colors will look in your own home. Click here and here for examples.

A note of caution: the color you see on your computer monitor/screen may be different from the actual paint swatch at the store. Before making the leap to purchase, collect a variety of paint swatches at the store, and then return to the website on your computer for comparison. (Make sure it’s the same computer, as computer monitors vary too.)

If you’re planning to sell your home soon, complete as many "necessary" projects as you can before listing your property for sale. Take care of any peeling paint, loose stair railings, and any other repairs. Declutter the garage, closets, and rooms; pack up family photos and collectibles so they don’t distract buyers; give walls a fresh coat of paint if you haven’t painted for many years (use neutral tones – preferably warmer tones); thoroughly clean your home, inside and out; and tend to any yard work that could add to your home’s curb appeal. Furniture a little outdated? Consider slipcovers. They’re an inexpensive way to give old furniture a new look – and you can take them with you to your new home.

The more you do to prepare your home for sale, the greater your opportunity to sell sooner than someone who didn’t.

Homeowners, if you’re waiting for inspiration to strike before choosing a project, pick up a few magazines related to home décor, organization, and landscaping. You’ll find an abundance of ideas that will help spur you into action. It’s never too late to improve your home’s décor, and it’s never too soon to get started.

Home Improvement Starts Now

It is now February, and perhaps some of your resolutions for the new year have already begun to wane. I think it’s tougher for those of us who live in colder climates, where winter blues can really take hold, and spring seems to ignore our daily invitations. But it will eventually arrive, as it does each year, and the question is, will you be prepared?

Now is the perfect time to dream, prepare, and plan. Make a list of ALL of the projects you'd like to complete while you own your home. Then, select a few that are reasonable to finish this year. That way, you'll have a list of both long and short-term goals.

Too often I meet homeowners who tell me about the great plans they had for their home when they bought it. Unfortunately, they never got around to them – so, now they’re just going to sell their home as it is, complete with orange laminate countertops and wall-to-wall carpeting in the kitchen. I also meet homeowners who finally decide to complete their list of projects just as they plan to sell their home. They always kick themselves for not tackling the projects sooner, so they could have enjoyed what the next owner surely will. If you simply take the time to plan, you will avoid these homeowner missteps.

When prioritizing projects, be sure to consider the following:

Financial budget
Repairs needed
Degree of difficulty
Time commitment
Resalability

Your financial budget will always dictate what you can ultimately accomplish. When reviewing your project list, take time to research the costs involved with each one. It always pays to shop around and price compare – much of which can be done online. If you think a project will require professional help, now is the time to get competing quotes from a variety of professionals, as this is the slow season for many of them. Work quotes are often only good for 30 days - but you’re just looking to gather ballpark estimates, so you can plan your projects appropriately.

Home repairs generally aren’t glamorous, but they are necessary. If your home is not structurally or mechanically sound, there is little point in making cosmetic changes, as it will be money down the drain. Many repairs are simple fixes. If you’re not handy – and it’s best to admit if you’re not – you likely have a handy friend or family member who would be happy to show you how to make the repairs. If you’re new in town, and friends and family are far away, contact your real estate agent. Your agent will usually be able to refer you to reputable area professionals, from whom you can obtain competing quotes for service.

Determine the degree of difficulty involved in a project. If you’re planning an entire kitchen remodel while you’re living in the home, your plans may also need to include a mock kitchen setup elsewhere in the house or garage. You’re also likely to spend more money on restaurants and take-out during the remodel period, so you’ll want to budget that in as well. Again, decide what elements of a project you may tackle yourself, and at what point you’ll bring in a professional, if need be. Know your limitations. It's always good to learn new skills, but seek advice from professionals when tackling something new. We all like to save money, but certain mistakes could cost you dearly. Also, a more complex project is more likely to unearth the unexpected. So, pad your budget and the timeframe accordingly.

Try to assess the time commitment involved with each project. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in just one afternoon. When scheduling your projects, start by tackling something that can be completed in one day, or one weekend, that will also have great impact. Do not dismiss the motivating reward of instant gratification. Decluttering your home or garage, or adding landscaping to enhance your home's curb appeal, will inspire you to keep going.

It's also important to consider how projects will add value to your home, increasing its resalability. Your home must absolutely work for you, since you own it. But someday you will want to sell it, and it would be nice to see at least a reasonable return on your investment. If your home has characteristics that will appeal to a broader base of buyers, you may be more likely to move on when you want or need to – instead of waiting and waiting for your house to finally sell.

Once you've selected your projects for the year, write them on a calendar that is always visible in your home. If certain projects require several steps, schedule each step on a specific date, so you stay on track. Also, post your list of home improvement goals in a prominent place as a constant reminder. But now is the time to start. Dream, prepare, plan…achieve.