Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Buying and Selling

  • How to Start a Successful Home Search

    A new home is a chance to bring fresh energy into your life. Searching for your next home can be an exciting journey, especially with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate app and website that combine the convenience of technology with professional insight into your desired neighborhood or community. Read on to find out how the home search process just got easier. 

    Budget and paperwork 

    The website and app will show you great homes within your budget, but first you need to determine your budget. A home is a major investment and budget is a concern that should be openly addressed. A financial advisor can help you see the numbers clearly and plan accordingly. Pick a realistic number and stick to it so your real estate agent can show you homes that fit within your budget. Do not miss out on the opportunity to own your dream home because you were declined for a mortgage loan. The best way to avoid this scenario is to get pre-approved once you have determined your budget.  

    Wants and needs 

    When starting your home search, prioritize your wants and needs. While pine herringbone floors or a designer patio can feel like an emotional need, the truth is life would be manageable without them. Kick off your search by choosing your desired property type, then move on to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You have a range of square footage and lot sizes at your fingertips. All you have to do is select the features that appeal the most to you. Decide what matters to you, and change your mind if needed. 

    Taps and clicks  

    Our latest technology can help with your successful home search. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has a mobile app to help you narrow your search and get easy access to local affiliated agents. This convenient experience allows you to find and save homes with the characteristics you want; search by the number of bedrooms, desired neighborhood and so much more, from anywhere in the world! To locate your dream home faster, a global positioning system allows you to draw a customized search area directly on the map, enabling you to explore homes as well as see traffic information as a means to preview your commute. To further narrow your options, you also have access to data on school districts and neighborhoods.  

    Personal touch 

    The app is a stellar way to personalize your home search. Not only do you have many homes at your fingertips, you have unlimited access to local affiliated agents. Armed with your preferences and budget, agents can jump into the home-buying process seamlessly when you are ready.  This saves you time and gives your new agent an opportunity to research listings before you even meet and deliver exactly what you want. You can even jump from device to device anywhere in the world.  

    Plan to use the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate app and website to make your house hunting journey a success.  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc1apqE4nhA

  • How to Boost Curb Appeal in the Winter

    Winter elements present a challenge for curb appeal. Unless it’s within the first hours after a fresh blanket of twinkling snow has fallen, cold weather can leave properties barren and debris-ridden. While you won’t be able to get blooms growing in your garden, there are some things you can do to boost your curb appeal this season.

     

    Keep pathways clear

    From the driveway to the front door, the sidewalk to the garage, and areas surrounding the back yard, all pathways should be clear of snow, ice and debris. Cleared pathways also make a home appear cleaner and more well-kept than properties that haven’t seen a shovel. Picking up snow will ensure prospective homebuyers can safely navigate the home and back yard. Always have a shovel on hand and use it before any showing.

    Keep the winter equipment hidden

    Leaving a shovel on the front porch allows homeowners to easily clear a pathway. No matter how practical it is to keep the winter equipment and tools handy, keep these items hidden when trying to increase curb appeal. This is especially true if the items are taking up space on the front porch or can be seen from the road.

    Forbid the snow fort

    If you have little ones in the home, it can be hard to keep them from building a snow fort. While most people will smile at the idea of a child’s creativity, it could prevent interested parties from seeing the home as a blank canvas for their family. Keep the front lawn clear of snow forts and snowmen. The same rule should also be applied to holiday decorations. While an inflatable Santa Claus may seem like a great way to bring attention to your home, it can be more of a distraction than anything else.

     Keep the exterior lights bright

    Potential homebuyers often drive past homes for sale to check them out prior to investing their time at a showing. If the exterior lights aren’t on, they will drive right by without thinking twice. It is important that the outdoor lighting shines brightly and is in working condition at all times. One flickering bulb or dimmed light can make a home appear unkempt.

     

    Make your home appealing this winter with these tips for stellar curb appeal.

     

  • 5 Tips for a Hassle-free Home Purchase

    You will often hear how exciting it is to buy a home, but it’s rarely discussed that the entire experience can sometimes feel overwhelming; you’re making a large investment up front for the down payment, with a lifetime commitment attached. However, buying a home is a fantastic step, and when you’re prepared, it can be exciting and fruitful. The good news is that an experienced real estate agent will inform and advise you as you go through the process. There are also many additional tips you can take in advance to further ensure a hassle-free home purchase.

    5 Tips for a Hassle-free Home Purchase - bhgrelife.com1. Determine Your Wants and Needs

    Before you start looking at homes for sale, you need to determine your wants and needs. Start a list and carefully assess the kind of home you’re interested in, features it must have, and additional amenities that you could live without if the budget calls for cutting. Be as specific as you can so you can find homes for sale that meet your particular requirements.

  • How to Downsize Your Home

    It’s not unusual to downsize to a smaller home at one point or another; a smaller home is something that many people look forward to and take advantage of as they get older.

    You may be wondering if it’s time for you to start downsizing and start a new chapter in a smaller space. Whether you’re an empty nester looking for fewer maintenance requirements or simply interested in a smaller space, there is one thing that is inevitable: You will have to get rid of some of your stuff. This is somewhat bittersweet, but you get a chance to go through all of your belongings and determine what truly needs to make the trip to your new destination in life. Follow these tips to make the downsizing process significantly easier.

    How to Downsize Your Home - bhgrelife.comList it or Leave it

    The first step to downsizing is to make a list of the things you absolutely need. Items that don’t make the cut shouldn’t come to your new house. It’s important to do this at least three months prior to the move to ensure you have an ample amount of time to go through your items and think about whether or not you need them.

  • The Emoji Guide to Buying a Home

    Tips for Buying a Home Emoji

    When it comes to buying a home, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Did you correctly guess these top emoji tips? Feel free to let us know in the comments, and share how many you guessed correctly! For more tips on buying and selling, visit us here.

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  • Buying a Florida Vacation Home

    Florida has long been one of the most popular states to buy a vacation home. With 1,200 miles of coastline, over 660 miles of beach, and year round temperatures that appeal to snowbirds from the north, Florida is an obvious choice for a vacation home. The question then becomes where to purchase your Florida vacation home. Florida is far more diverse than many people realize, meaning that there is bound to be a perfect vacation home for you somewhere in Florida.

    Before you commit to buying a home in Florida, there are some things you should consider first. Can you afford the cost and the upkeep of a second home? One way to ease the financial burden of buying a home in Florida is to rent the home out when you are not using it. Florida vacation homes are typically easy to rent out if you choose a popular vacation spot that attracts a lot of visitors.  Retaining the services of a qualified management company makes it even easier to rent out your vacation home.  Another thing you need to consider is how easy it is to get to your chosen vacation spot. For example, direct flights from most major cities fly in and out of Orlando and Miami all day long. Getting to Key West, on the other hand, might take considerably longer. Some cities worth considering include the following:

    Jacksonville, Florida

    Located in northern Florida on the Atlantic coast, Jacksonville sits just 25 miles from the Georgia state line. With a population of over 1 million year around residents, Jacksonville is Florida’s largest city. Although the winters will be a bit colder in Jacksonville than they are in Miami, you can also get a lot more bang for your buck in Jacksonville. If you are looking for all the perks of a big city that is on the ocean without spending a fortune, then Jacksonville may be your best bet.

    The Keys

    The Florida Keys start just south of Miami and extend southwest until you reach the infamous Key West. The Keys are what separate the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Separated into the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys, you will find a variety of very different cultures among the cities located along the Keys. Key West is very much a tourist destination. If you want paradise then Key West is your best bet; however, paradise comes at a high price. Florida vacation homes in Key West are some of the most expensive in the state because of the limited space. In addition, you run the risk of your home being damaged, or even destroyed, by a hurricane given the location and how exposed it is on Key West.

    Palm Beach, Florida

    There is only one word to describe Palm Beach – Luxury. If your budget allows, a vacation home in Palm Beach will likely have you running into celebrities in no time. Shopping, dining and entertainment options in Palm Beach are all nothing short of five star. However, the area is known for being geared to the older set. If you have young children, this might not be the spot for you.

    Tampa Bay Area

    The Tampa Bay Area consists of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, which all form a triangle about half way up the gulf coast of Florida. Tampa is the largest of the three cities with a year-round population of just over 335,000. Located on the southern tip of a peninsula that separates Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg has a permanent population of close to 250,00. Just north of St. Petersburg on the coast lies Clearwater with a population of approximately 100,000. Between the three cities, you are bound to find a vacation home that meets your budget and your needs. Another benefit to purchasing a vacation home in the Tampa Bay Area is its proximity to Orlando and all of the family related activities located there, including Disney World.

    When thinking about buying a second home, it is never a bad idea to turn to a professional real estate agent for advice regarding what type of property and how much property you can afford.  A Florida real estate agent who is experienced in servicing the area can also be a beneficial resource for those interested in buying a Florida vacation home.

  • Buying a Chicago Home in the Lakewood Balmoral Area

    For anyone who is looking to buy a home in Chicago, the Lakewood Balmoral area is a must see. Lakewood Balmoral is located in the Edgewater community area of Chicago within walking distance of the shores of Lake Michigan. Covering just 63 acres, this quaint neighborhood is defined by Magnolia Avenue to the east, Wayne Avenue to the west, Foster Avenue to the south, and Bryn Mawr Avenue to the north and was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Chicago homes for sale within Lakewood Balmoral include a variety of styles that reflect the tradition and elegance of days gone by.

    Lakewood Balmoral was originally intended as a middle class option for those who are looking to buy a home in Chicago. Middle class families who could not afford the larger lakefront mansions that are located less than half a mile to the east were drawn to the Lakewood Balmoral area. Over time, the majority of those mansions to the east were converted to high rises; however, the more moderately priced alternative homes found in the Lakewood Balmoral area have survived the test of time and are now highly sought after properties. As of 2012, the average price for a home in the Lakewood Balmoral area is about $615,000.

    The Lakewood Balmoral neighborhood will transport you back about 100 years with its tree lined streets, traditional lampposts, and homes that appear virtually as they did in the early 1900s. Of course, most of these homes have been modernized, remodeled, and thoroughly updated on the inside but they appear just as they did when they were built over 100 years ago on the outside. One of the attractions for many buyers is the variation of styles found in Lakewood Balmoral. Unlike newer developments where the homes all follow the same basic design, Chicago homes for sale within the Lakewood Balmoral area are as distinct and individual as their original owners were.

    For families with young children, the Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies offers K-8 graders an enriched curriculum. Although there are no expressways close to Lakewood Balmoral, the CTA Red Line does service the area with various stops throughout the neighborhood. Also within the Lakewood Balmoral neighborhood can be found an eclectic mix of coffee shops, retro eateries, and small specialty markets that add to the historic feel of the area. A kid friendly park, known as Bromann Park, offers families and children a place to play and gather within the neighborhood.

    If tranquility, tradition, and charm are at the top of your list of “must-haves” in your search for Chicago homes for sale then take a tour of Lakewood Balmoral. To ensure a smooth home buying experience, it might be a good idea to turn to an experienced Chicago real estate agent who is familiar with the area. Having a real estate professional guide you through the process of buying a home can definitely make all the difference.

  • Family Friendly Communities with Southern Hospitality

    Those who are thinking about settling down in one of the many available homes in Houston will find plenty of reasons to make the move into this southern metropolis. As the fourth largest city in the country, Houston offers tons of attractions, including numerous museums, parks, gardens and more. Houston is also known for being a sprawling city with a variety of different neighborhoods, making it a challenge for new homebuyers to find the right place to live. However, you can simplify your search by specifically looking for a home in Houston that is located within a family friendly neighborhood.  Here are a few options to help you narrow down your search:

    The Woodlands

    The Woodlands, a thoughtfully planned community located north of Houston, is known for its beautiful homes set among lush forestry, parks, lakes and nature trails. While the area provides close access to all the excitement of Downtown Houston, the community itself is pleasantly peaceful and has, within its own borders, plenty of activities for families to enjoy. With a focus on creating a strong sense of community, the area is home to several public schools and private schools, shopping centers, YMCAs, a recreation center, playgrounds, and more. The Woodlands features a range of home styles with different types of architecture, including lofts, brown stones, traditional single-family homes and private luxury estates.

    Houston Heights

    Situated in northwest Houston, Houston Heights (or “The Heights”) is within close reach of the downtown area. This charming area is home to many tree-lined streets with older estates, giving it more of a small-town feel compared to many other areas of Houston. Additionally, homebuyers will find a strong sense of community in The Heights, making it a great place to raise a family. You will also notice that there are several public schools here, along with two charter schools and three private schools – including the innovative Houston Outdoor Learning Academy. Another feature of The Heights that makes it ideal for those looking for a family-friendly place to live is its community events that are fun for all ages. One of the most popular events in The Heights is probably Lights in the Heights, a holiday street party with breathtaking holiday light displays, live musical acts and a variety of holiday cookies. Homebuyers who are looking through Houston real estate listings in this area can expect to find elegant historic homes, a strong sense of community and a variety of hip, laid back shopping and eating venues.

    River Oaks

    Just southwest of downtown Houston, River Oaks is one of the most desirable areas to buy a home, and it is also recognized as one of the best places in Houston to raise a family. The neighborhood houses some of the best private and public schools in the city, including River Oaks Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School, St. John’s School and St. Anne Catholic School. The area also has plenty of activities for children of all ages, including several parks with playgrounds. The River Oaks Park is a favorite location for children, as it offers a summer enrichment program that provides a variety of sports and other activities for youngsters. For older family members, River Oaks also has high-end shopping venues as well as a popular art-house theatre that shows independent films.

    Families who are searching for homes in Houston can find plenty of options whether they’re looking for an upscale neighborhood near downtown, a charming area with a small-town feel, or a home nestled among acres of greenery. If you’re looking for the best family friendly area, consider purchasing a house in any one of these communities: River Oaks, The Woodlands, or The Heights.

  • Living Large With Tiny Boston Condos

    Not everyone in Boston is looking for an enormous mansion on a multi-acre lot. Some of the hottest types of Boston real estate are actually small condos, which can be as small as 300 square feet in size. These tiny Boston condos give homeowners the option of moving into the more desirable areas within the city without having to break the bank. If you’re looking for Boston real estate and are considering buying a smaller unit, take a look at the following tips on how you can create a beautiful, livable home with a limited amount of space.

    Create a Floor Plan in Advance
    Planning out your home decor is one of the most important steps in creating a functional living area especially for smaller spaces. If you go the route of buying a couch or a bed that appeals to your sense of style without considering its size, you are likely to end up with a piece of furniture that’s much too large for the amount of space you have to work with.

    Not only will you need to think about whether a new furniture piece will actually fit in your prospective home, you’ll also want to make sure it works with other furniture pieces as well. The best way to do this is by obtaining or creating a floor plan of your home and making note of the measurements for the furniture pieces you’re considering, ensuring that there’s still plenty of space even after you fill your home with furniture. A home decorating tool by Better Homes and Gardens allows you to do just that! You can use this tool to create a floor plan of your home and arrange your future furniture pieces however you want before you even start shopping.

    Use Color and Light to Your Advantage
    Certain visual elements can open up your home and make it appear much more spacious. An easy way to create this visual effect in a small home is by painting and decorating with lighter colors. You can also use window dressings that allow plenty of light to come into your home and give it a larger appearance.

    Establish a De-cluttering Routine
    Clutter can ruin the ambience of any home regardless of its size, and it can make a small space nearly unlivable. Once your home is decorated, create a regular routine for clearing away any of the excess clutter that may have built up. Make it a habit of donating or throwing out items you no longer use. If you find that you are accumulating more items than you can put away, look into creative storage solutions like hanging wall shelves or purchasing furniture pieces with storage compartments.

    Where to find Small Home in Boston
    Small homes shouldn’t be overlooked. They can definitely be a great solution for buyers who want a prime location as well as affordability when searching for a home in Boston.  There are plenty of small Boston condos that give more homeowners the ability to enjoy the perks of property ownership in desirable areas. Micro-condos also give many first time homebuyers the opportunity to purchase property that they may not have otherwise been able to afford.

    A popular example of a micro-condo is a unit located on 141 Arlington Street, which contains a modest 330 sq. ft. of space, which includes one bedroom and one bathroom. This property valued to be a little less than $300,000. A similar unit on 8 Brimmer St in the Beacon Hill area is at about 360 sq. ft.

    Purchasing a small home can be a great decision for people who are looking to own Boston real estate but who may not be able to afford a traditional house. With the right decoration and planning, these tiny Boston condos can be inviting, efficient and comfortable.

  • Buy a Home in Charlestown and Immerse Yourself in U.S. History

    If you are in the market in search of historic homes for sale in Boston, Massachusetts; it does not get any more historic than the Charlestown neighborhood. Charlestown is the oldest neighborhood in Boston having been planned out as far back as the year 1629. Located on a peninsula north of the Charles River and across from what is now downtown Boston, Charlestown was originally a separate town from Boston. Charlestown was also the first capital of the Massachusetts Bay colony, and officially became part of Boston in 1874 when it was annexed. This city has always maintained a very strong Irish-American population. Along with being the oldest neighborhood in Boston, Charlestown is also home to numerous historical landmarks such as the U. S. S. Constitution, the Navy Yard, and the Bunker Hill Monument.

    Those who are looking for homes in Boston will find an interesting mix in the Charlestown area. Historic Boston Row homes listed on the National Registry of Historic Places can be found in the Charlestown area along with a selection of modern, completely-renovated condominiums. For those who are not familiar with Boston architecture, the row homes that Boston is so famous for tend to be attached single-family homes that are narrow and multilevel. Most Boston row homes have beautiful brick façades with many also retaining the historic character of the home by including wrought iron accents. Although you can find modern condominiums in the Charlestown area that are the result of commercial space that has been converted to loft-style condominiums, the majority of the homes for sale in Boston that are located in the Charlestown area will be historic row homes. Finding a detached single-family home in Charlestown is almost impossible.

    Both Charlestown’s proximity to downtown Boston and its historic nature mean that homes for sale in Boston located in Charlestown tend to bring premium prices. As of August 2013, you can expect to pay between $500,000 and $1 million for two bedroom two bath homes in Boston that are located in the the Charlestown area. Keep in mind that many of the homes for sale in Boston that are located in Charlestown are historic homes and as such are subject to numerous rules and regulations that a potential buyer should be aware of prior to making an offer on the home. Often, for instance, when a home is officially registered as a historic landmark, the owner cannot make changes to the home that would take away from the original character of the property. This frequently means that any renovation you wish to make to the home must first to be approved by the city and then must be done using original materials so that the home retains its original character. This also means that a renovation to a Charlestown row home will be more expensive than its counterpart in another area. Be sure to consult with your real estate agent prior to making an offer on a home that is a historic landmark of Charlestown. You might want to be sure that you understand what that means from the perspective of a homeowner prior to purchasing a home that is a designated landmark.

    Of course if you are up to the challenge, there is nothing like living in a piece of American history.