Uncategorized

Weekend warriors unite. You know the open secret: home improvements dont have to cost a fortune or take an eternity to have a big impact. If youre on the hunt for your next project, look no further.

Paint Your Front Door

A boring front door should be a thing of the past. Not only does a bold color breath some life into your front yard, it can actually have a significant impact on your homes value. Zillow reports that painting your front door charcoal grey or black not only has a big impact on your homes aesthetic, but homes with this easy touch up sold for as much as $6,271 more than expected. Talk about a return on investment!

Replace Hardware

Whether you are talking about door handles or cupboard pulls and knobs, changing out the hardware in your home can have a remarkable impact. Swap bland hardware for a sleek modern options, or go eclectic by using found or unexpected objects to make knobs for your drawers and cabinetry. Agates, for instance, can be made into drawer pulls for a unique and luxurious feel.

Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Nothing has the same bang for your buck as a fresh coat of modern-looking paint. If youve already tackled your walls, consider painting your kitchen cabinets. Tuxedo cabinets are rising to the top of the trend charts and can add value to your home. These two-tone kitchen cabinets consist of floor cabinets that are one color or shade and the upper wall cabinets that are another. True to its name, this trend started with a black and white pairing, but jewel tones with grays or creams have begun taking the stage. Either can be great modern options.

Power Wash Problem Areas

Proof that the projects with the most impact dont have to be costly, all this project requires is a power washer, a little elbow grease and a lot of patience. Tackle any areas of grime and grunge with a good power washing to make your home look like new again. Dont feel like investing in your own power washer? Borrow from a friend or neighbor, or rent from your local hardware store.

Simple touch-ups that can be completed in a weekend can still pack a punch when it comes to your homes aesthetic or value. Time to get started!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Your home is your haven, and its style can say a lot about your personality. One feature can even hint at your traits when guests arrive”the door knobs!

According to Weiser, a security solutions provider, the following knob finishes can be indicative of your personality as a homeowner:

Bright Brass. Ideal for those with a sense of humor, bright brass knobs may be found in a home with colors that spark the imagination and promote positivity. The person with an affinity for this style may be a fan of pop music, chain restaurants and trips to Vegas.

Iron Black. Ideal for those whod prefer to be a fly on the wall, iron black knobs may be found in a home with understated decor. The person who chooses this style may be a fan of traveling to faraway countries and ethnic cuisine.

Satin Stainless Steel. Ideal for someone who likes a clean, modern aesthetic, satin stainless steel knobs may be found in an open-concept home with lots of windows. The person gravitating toward this style may be a fan of alternative music, jeans, the beach and sushi.

Rustic Pewter. Ideal for someone with a business sensibility, rustic pewter knobs may be found in suburban homes. The person opting for this style may be a fan of classic rock, sporting events, cheeseburgers and national parks.

Venetian Bronze. Ideal for someone who leans toward nostalgia, Venetian bronze knobs may be found in homes with a cream and rose color palette and Victorian decor. The person selecting this style may be a fan of classical music, designer clothes and fine dining.

Which style best reflects your personality? Does your personality match the knobs in your home? Feel free to knock on my door any time for your real estate needs!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Carbon monoxide poison is a silent danger that claims over 400 lives in the U.S. annually, as well as over 20,000 visits to the emergency room, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To keep your family safe, know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning:

Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Fatigue

“Safety is our top priority at DTE Energy, and we urge residents to be particularly alert to carbon monoxide danger during the fall and winter heating season. It’s when CO exposure most frequently occurs,” says Brad Burcz, senior safety and health engineer, DTE Energy. “One of the best defenses against CO poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide alarm near all sleeping areas in your home. If dangerous levels of CO are detected, an audible alarm will alert you.”

DTE offers the following tips to prevent CO poisoning in homes and businesses:

For businesses, install carbon monoxide alarms in main areas away from vents and appliances or equipment that produce smoke or steam.
Replace batteries in CO alarms annually.
If a CO alarm is activated, or the presence of carbon monoxide is suspected, immediately get out of the house or building into fresh air, and if necessary, seek medical attention.
Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are operating and venting properly.
Get an annual furnace inspection by a licensed professional.
Check yearly to verify flues, vents and chimneys are connected, in good condition and clear of debris.

Like this update? As your local real estate professional, I can provide more great tips like this and answer any real estate information questions you may have. Contact me today!

Source: dteenergy.com

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre going to start each day on the right foot, you need a master suite with a suitable dressing area. This is especially true when you have an overflowing wardrobe or simply like to take your time getting ready before you leave the house. Whether you have a spacious walk-in closet or a designated dressing room, here are a few tips to add a touch of luxury when picking out your outfit.

Motorized Closet System
No one enjoys digging through piles and piles of clothes each morning, only to have to re-fold them later. A motorized closet system will spare you that headache by allowing you to sift through your wardrobe with the touch of a button. These days, hanging rods and shoe wracks can even be integrated with a smart home system and controlled via your mobile device, making the start of your day that much easier.

Secure Your Valuables
Its no secret that closets and dressing areas are a popular place to store expensive items, like jewelry, watches and handbags. Installing a biometric safe that requires your fingerprint to unlock will keep your valuables safe and deliver you the ultimate piece of mind. Plus, theyre easy enough for you to open when you need to without having to worry about keys or combinations.

Add a Steamer
If you want to skip having to constantly iron or go to the dry cleaners, then a steam cleaner might be your new best friend. You can have clean and freshly pressed clothes in a few minutes and can even control todays cutting-edge systems over your smartphone, the LG Styler.

Smart Mirror
For those who are multi-taskers, a smart mirror will make a great addition to your dressing area. In addition to showing your reflection while putting together the perfect outfit, a smart mirror can also help you get caught up on the news, check your emails or make sure that youre dressed appropriately for the days weather.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Scams no longer take place solely on email and by phone. Billions of people worldwide use social media, which unfortunately provides the perfect grouping of unsuspecting victims for scammers. While many post on social media daily, the majority of users have difficulty spotting scams before theyve been compromised”and within the real estate space, users can lose out on more than just data, risking not only their safety, but their belongings and money, as well.

Heres what consumers should look out for on social media:

Fake Listings and Rentals
Theres a reason for the saying, Its too good to be true. Oftentimes, consumers see a rental or listing for an incredible, low price. While the photos may look great on Facebook and Instagram, this should be the biggest indicator that the property may not be legitimate. Where renters or buyers have to be most wary is communicating with the agent or owner who posted the listing. If there are any requests to wire funds up front, or for sensitive information such as Social Security numbers before even seeing the property, consumers should walk away and report the incident to the police.

This is where working with a vetted real estate agent comes in handy. Agents can help consumers determine if a listing is legitimate or if it appears to be a scam. Additionally, agents work with other licensed agents who are listing rentals or properties for sale, ensuring transactions and all involved parties are valid and safe. By working with unvetted online leads, consumers put themselves at risk.

Scammers Impersonating Real Estate Agents
This can go both ways. With social media, it can be difficult to vet an individual. Anyone can go online and say he or she is a real estate agent. Social media users today need to be savvy when hiring someone. Here are some red flags to look for when people claim to be real estate agents on social media:

No formal business page
A lack of online reviews
No link to a website with their license number
No references to real estate on their social media pages
An unwillingness to meet in person

In essence, consumers should never meet someone in person without first identifying who theyre speaking with. Furthermore, money should never change hands before a property viewing and until legitimate contracts are involved.

Most real estate agents use social media these days to stay in contact with past clients and reach new ones. Unfortunately, there are also some real estate scammers looking to take advantage of people online. Before working with someone found on social media, consumers should do research to ensure a person or company is legitimate.

Published with permission from RISMedia.