Articles Tagged "For owners"

Houseplants can really brighten up a home. Big and showy or slender and intricate, green-growing things can enhance your interior design. If you're adding your home to the list of Midland homes for sale, you may want to work in some houseplants to bring out the best in your home before you plan for the virtual or in-person tour. As our REALTORS® will tell you, houseplants are helpful not only for their beauty but also for calming our nerves and cleansing the air. 

But homeowners with pets will want to choose houseplants with some care, as many types can be toxic. If you do acquire some species that might make your pet sick, place them where the animal can't reach them. 

To help you choose your plants, here's the lowdown on a number of popular and beautiful species, but ones that also might be sickening to Fido.

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There's no time like the present to settle in and nest in your home. Whether you have a large yard or a small garden, our REALTORS® have come across plenty of fabulous ideas that can breathe a bit of fresh air into your landscape. The following are seven of our favorite weekend projects that you will want to put on your "to-do" list. 

1. Add Shutters and Flower Boxes
   Shutters and flower boxes are easy to attach to your windows and railings. Adding the right shutters can add depth and dimension to your home's appearance, and the flowers that bloom right outside the window are guaranteed to brighten up even the gloomiest days.

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Spending more time at home provides a great opportunity to prepare your home and yard for the onslaught of summer heat. Every piece of your home needs maintenance to work efficiently and look great, especially if you'll soon be adding your home to the list of Midland homes for sale.

Our REALTORS® recommend this list of summer home maintenance tasks to complete while sheltering in place.

• Test House Alarms
  Check your home's carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly. This easy home maintenance task takes less than five minutes to complete. Just push the test button and listen for the alarm. If there's no sound, put in new batteries and test again.

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With many of us seeing the inside of our homes much more of than usual, you might have decided it's time for a little updating. Some of these tasks might be on your mind anyway if you'll be adding your home to the list of Midland homes for sale in the near future. These home improvements are easy to take on even if you're sheltering in place.

• Declutter. Our REALTORS® always suggest sellers start here, but it's a good idea even if you're just trying to get a new look. Decluttering will make the space look neater and more organized. Getting rid of things you no longer need frees up space for other uses and helps you see exactly what you have to work with.

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If your home has a bonus room, you already know the benefits of having extra space. Our REALTORS® love homes with these spaces because it allows buyers extra flexibility that they just can't get with other Midland homes for sale. Even if you're just beginning to think of putting your home on the market, there's no time like the present to define your bonus room.

The following five tips will help you make the most out of your bonus room while also avoiding a few of the most common mistakes. 

1. Consider Potential Buyers
   The first thing you'll want to do is get a clear idea of the type of buyer who is likely to be interested in your home. If your neighborhood is family-oriented, then showcasing your extra room as a children's playroom or a fun game room might be a great idea. However, if you're in a trendy, professional area then buyers may find a well-designed home office or an entertainment space far more appealing.

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Our REALTORS® know a little extra useable space is something that buyers are always looking for. With telecommuting, self-employment, and freelancing all on the rise, turning that extra space into an office is likely to be just the thing to make your home stand out from other Midland homes for sale. Here's how make an eye-catching and functional office space in your home.

• Declutter.
  If you're not quite sure where you could put an office space, the first step would be to do a little decluttering. Once you've cleared out things you don't need, you'll have more room to work with. If you already have a space in mind, decluttering is still a good place to start. And after your office is complete, make a regular appointment with yourself to keep it decluttered.

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The loss of a loved one can unleash a flood of emotions. It can feel as if you are treading water as you wade through thoughts and memories deciding what to do with their property. When you inherit a home, the first thing to know is that you inherit all the rights and responsibilities that go with the property. To help you through the process, our REALTORS® recommend moving forward slowly and methodically to expedite the process and avoid costly mistakes. 

• Take Care of Business
  Your first steps should be to update the homeowner's insurance policy and transfer all the utility accounts into your name. Even if you are planning to sell the home, you want to keep the utilities operational to prevent damage to the property. It is also vital to continue making all mortgage, property tax, and HOA payments.

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