Top Tips for Home Remodeling in Davison, Lapeer, and Beyond
Wow! What a hole!!!
This post is a follow-up to last week wondering whether or not the remodeling boom is over?? Check it out here!
Greetings, my dedicated DIY warriors! It's the Flip Flop Agent here, your trusted Realtor in my favorite tri county area of Genesee, Lapeer and Oakland counties! As we continue to traverse the ebbs and flows of the remodeling boom, I'm often asked, "What are some good tips to consider when remodeling a house?" Well, whether you're sprucing up your home before selling or personalizing your new purchase, I've got some nuggets of wisdom to share.
Plan Ahead: Before diving into your project, have a clear vision of what you want and how much you can spend. A well-considered plan will save you time and keep those unexpected costs in check.
Choose the Right Professionals: Even the best DIY warriors need a little help sometimes! Take your time in researching and selecting professionals. Look for local recommendations, and don't forget to check their credentials and reviews. As the best real estate agent in Davison (and a humble one at that), I have a few great contacts I can recommend.
Keep Resale Value in Mind: If you're buying a home in Grand Blanc or selling a home in Fenton, the upgrades you choose can impact the resale value. Kitchens and bathrooms often yield the best returns, but don't forget about curb appeal.
Don't Neglect the Small Details: The smallest changes often make the biggest difference. Think about fixtures, fittings, and finishings - these can elevate your space from 'just fine' to 'just wow!'.
Consider Your Timeline: Home remodeling is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Set a realistic timeline and be prepared for it to stretch. It's all part of the journey in making a house your home.
Remember, DIY warriors, whether you're buying a home in Oxford, selling a home in Metamora, or anywhere in between, RE/MAX Edge is here to guide you every step of the way. Let's keep those hammers and paint brushes at the ready, folks, and make our homes the best they can be!
Stay tuned for more home remodeling tips and tricks in our next post, where we'll tackle the question, "What part of your house is the most worth remodeling?" Until then, stay inspired, my friends!
The Great Remodeling Pause: Is It Over or Just Catching Its Breath?
Why did we do this???
Hey there! I hate bringing up the past, but you know how we all spent the pandemic in our homes? We quickly discovered that our kitchen cabinets were as outdated as some of our Spotify playlists and that our home office was actually just a corner of our cluttered bedroom? Yeah, we all became ultra-focused on upgrading our homes (because, let's face it, there wasn't much else to do). We took on remodeling and DIY projects in record numbers. If you were anything like me, you were personally responsible for keeping the local hardware store afloat.
But the winds of change are blowing. Our beloved home improvement giants like Mendards, Lowe’s and Home Depot have been posting lower profits, and their sales outlooks for the year are looking as gloomy as my attempt to install trim in my new kitchen addition (sorry Jessica).
The big question on everyone's lips now (or at least the lips of those who have been neck-deep in paint and plaster) is whether this remodeling pause is just a temporary break or if the boom is truly over.
Experts assure us that while homeowners are currently showing less enthusiasm for large-scale remodeling projects, this lull is likely temporary. One reason is that homeowners often remodel before and after moving. With slower home sales this spring, there may be fewer new homeowners making these remodeling changes. Plus, the median price for a home improvement project surged to a whopping $22,000 in 2022, a record high and a 22% jump from 2021. Like the price of groceries and what feels like everything, all this stuff just keeps getting more expensive, doesn't it?
But don't fret, my fellow home improvers. More than half of homeowners still intend to renovate in 2023. There are a few factors that may keep the remodeling sector strong in the long run:
Low inventory: With fewer housing options on the market, many homeowners may feel stuck and wary of today's higher mortgage rates and home prices. As they stay in place, they may desire to upgrade their current home to accommodate their lifestyle and needs for longer than they intended.
Aging homes: As homes age, they often need repairs or updates to maintain their value. Nearly 30% of homeowners updated their plumbing, followed by electrical and home automation upgrades. Homes enter their prime remodeling years when they are between 20 to 29 years old.
Boost value: Sixty-two percent of homeowners say their main motivation for taking on a recent renovation was to increase their home's value.
So, are you still wondering, "What are some good tips to consider when remodeling a house?" or "What part of your house is the most worth remodeling?" Well, stick around as I delve into these and other burning remodeling questions in our future posts.
And don't worry if you're still asking, "In what order should you renovate a house?" or "What is the first thing to do when remodeling?" We've got you covered. Just remember, the remodeling boom might be on pause, but our passion for creating comfortable, aesthetically pleasing living spaces sure isn't. Let's keep those hammers and paint brushes at the ready, folks!
Stay tuned and stay inspired, my DIY warriors!
Understanding Easements: Why Utility Companies Can Access Your Property Without Permission 😱👷
construction: Always needed, never appreciated!
Types of Easements and What They Mean for Property Owners
An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use another person's property for a specific purpose. Easements are granted for a variety of reasons, such as to provide access to public utilities or to allow the construction of a road or highway.
Different Types of Easements
There are several types of easements, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Some of the most common types of easements include:
Express Easements: These are easements that are created by a written agreement between the property owner and the party seeking the easement. Express easements are typically recorded in the property's deed and remain in effect for a specified period of time.
Implied Easements: Implied easements are created when the circumstances of a property suggest that an easement was intended. For example, if a property is divided into two separate parcels and one parcel is landlocked, an implied easement may be created to allow the owner of the landlocked parcel to access the public road through the other parcel.
Prescriptive Easements: A prescriptive easement is created when someone uses another person's property for a specific purpose for an extended period of time without permission. To establish a prescriptive easement, the use must be open, continuous, and uninterrupted for a specific period of time (typically 10 to 20 years).
Easement in Gross: An easement in gross is a type of easement that is granted to a specific person or entity rather than to a specific property. For example, a utility company may be granted an easement in gross to install and maintain power lines.
Utility Easements
Utility companies are often granted easements to access private property for the installation and maintenance of power lines, telephone lines, and other public utilities. Utility easements are typically granted as easements in gross, which means that they are granted to the utility company rather than to a specific property.
While utility easements allow utility companies to access private property, property owners still maintain ownership of the land and may continue to use the land for other purposes. However, property owners must allow the utility company to access the property for the purpose of maintaining and repairing their equipment.
Easements are a complex legal concept that can be difficult to understand. However, understanding the different types of easements and what they mean for property owners is essential to protecting your property rights. If you are unsure about an easement on your property or have questions about your property rights, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney who can help you navigate the legal system.
This is such a complicated subject to navigate, so I would highly recommend speaking with a real estate attorney and/or a survey company to ensure things are done correctly from a legal standpoint. As always, I’m happy to offer my help however I can if you have questions or are in need of a referral!
Spring is here... Get your yard tip top for the goodest 🐶🐶 13/10 recommend!! 🐾🐾
Spring has sprung, and it's the perfect time to start prepping your yard for summer. If you're a pet owner, you're likely considering your furry friend's needs when it comes to creating an outdoor space that's safe and enjoyable. Fortunately, with a little planning and attention to detail, you can create a pet-friendly yard that your dog will love.
First, consider planting non-toxic flowers and plants in your yard. Some popular options include marigolds, sunflowers, and petunias. Be sure to avoid any plants that are known to be harmful to pets. Additionally, choose pet-safe lawn fertilizer and avoid cocoa bean mulch, which is toxic to dogs.
Next, designate a specific area for your pet to use as a potty spot. Using absorbent materials like turf or mulch can help protect your lawn. You can also keep pet-safe products on hand to repair any damage that does occur.
Investing in secure fencing is also essential for your pet's safety and your peace of mind. Consider the height and design of the fence based on your dog's size and tendencies. Not only is a fenced-in yard a safe choice for pets and children, but it can also increase your home's resale value.
Finally, make sure your yard has plenty of shade, especially during warmer months. You can provide shade through trees, umbrellas, or even a dog house. Additionally, invest in yard accessories like an outdoor water bowl, a paw-wipe station, and a potty scoop tool to make care and cleanup easier.
By following these tips, you can create a pet-friendly yard that is both safe and enjoyable for your furry friend. So, are you ready to start creating your dog's dream yard? What do you do in your yard for your four legged friend?