Posts with tag 'Home Maintenance '

The first day of spring is Tuesday, March 19 – and our REALTORS® are looking forward to it!

At Strano & Associates, we know people have many motivations for buying a home. Some are starting a family, others want to make space for their dogs, but one thing is for sure: Certain things are just more satisfying in your very own home.

Gardening is one of them!

Luckily, these greenhouses will get you off to a wonderful start on spring with gorgeous flowers, trees, and shrubs.

Here are our five favorites:

1. Terry's Landscaping and Garden Center – 6200 New Missouri Avenue, Centreville IL, 62207
   Terry's Landscaping and Garden Center allows you to get landscaping advice from experts with more than 20 years of experience. The perfect way to bring color and the personal touch to Centreville homes for sale, its fully-stocked nursery and garden center includes all your favorite trees, shrubs, roses, annuals, and perennials.

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You've probably seen all the house flipping shows on TV and wondered to yourself what it would take to get started in the flipping game. There are a lot of pieces that need to be in place to successfully flip a house for a profit, but luckily our REALTORS® are here to help. Here's what you need to know before you get started. 

1. Know the Risks
   When done correctly, flipping a house can be an excellent investment. It could also end up costing you thousands if something goes wrong, so it's important to understand the risks. What looks like a great investment property could have hidden defects like a leaky roof or cracked foundation that end up souring the deal, so it's important to do your homework on each property.
2. Understand Your Financing Options
   Because of the risks involved in flipping a house, it's essential to know exactly how you're going to finance the process before starting. While it may not be an option for everyone, it's best to buy houses in cash if possible, because it eliminates the added complications and costs that come with loans and interest while you're trying to flip a property. 

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Improving energy-efficiency within your home will trim a significant sum from your monthly utility bills. It will also enhance the home's curb appeal in an increasingly eco-conscious real estate market. As you think about the things you can do to reduce your energy usage, our real estate agents recommend you pay close attention to the following:

1. Upgrade Your Appliances
   A new washer/dryer, refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher can shave hundreds of dollars from your gas, electric, and water bills each year. More importantly, these upgrades give your home a modern appeal enhancing the home's value in the eyes of prospective buyers.
2. Invest in Insulation
   Adding new insulation with a higher R-value in the attic and crawlspaces can shave hundreds of dollars per year off your heating and cooling bills. Moreover, your investment in insulation pays roughly a 1:1 return in terms of real estate value. 

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Everything tends to look a little gray and dreary in the winter, so if you're selling your home during this season, you'll have to pay particular attention to curb appeal. The weather might be colder, but your home should still look warm and inviting. Winter curb appeal can make your home look more vibrant and inviting when compared to other area homes.

Our real estate agents recommend the following 8 ways to improve your winter curb appeal:

1. Add Color to Your Porch
   If your home has a porch, add a pop of color with a few brightly colored rocking chairs with cozy outdoor cushions and blankets. Even if it's too cold for prospective owners to have a seat, they'll be attracted to a cheery color in cold weather and may imagine themselves relaxing in them when warmer temperatures come.
2. Boost Outdoor Lighting
   Since it gets dark earlier in the winter than during other times of year, some buyers may be viewing your home when it's dark. Add outdoor illumination such as pathway lights on the side of your front door to make your home sparkle while helping keep guests safe.

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