Upgrades to a Pool Deck That Increase Property Value

A pool in your backyard is a shining asset, providing a private oasis for relaxation and entertainment. However, the surrounding pool deck also influences your property’s aesthetic appeal and overall value. 

If you want to make smart home investments, upgrading your pool deck increases property value for long-term financial benefits. Explore the top pool deck improvements that enhance your home’s curb appeal. 

Functional Upgrades

Safety should be a top priority when upgrading your pool deck. Install nonslip surfaces, sturdy railings to prevent accidents, shaded seating areas, and outdoor heaters to enhance comfort. Consider adding a pergola or awnings for extra shade and sun protection. 

Make the walkable areas of the pool deck safer with the right flooring. There are many advantages of epoxy coating for your pool deck, including slip resistance and durability against harsh weather. These functional upgrades improve safety and usability while appealing to potential buyers who prioritize these features. 

Aesthetic Enhancements

A visually appealing pool deck dramatically increases your property’s curb appeal. Integrate lush greenery and strategically placed plants to create a tranquil environment. Incorporate ambient lighting, such as LED lights or torches, to transform your pool area into an inviting evening retreat. 

Don’t forget about stylish accents like colorful tiles or decorative water features. These aesthetic enhancements set your property apart, making it more attractive to prospective buyers.

Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Sustainability is a growing concern for many homeowners. Incorporate eco-friendly upgrades to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Solar-powered lighting reduces electricity bills and provides a modern touch to your pool deck. 

Additionally, consider installing water-saving solutions like a pool cover (which minimizes evaporation) or an efficient filtration system to reduce water usage. These green features reduce utility costs and increase the desirability of your home.

Maintenance Tips

Once you’ve made these valuable upgrades, proper maintenance is your next step for longevity and aesthetic appeal. Regularly clean the pool deck surface to prevent mold and algae buildup. Inspect safety features like railings and nonslip surfaces for wear and tear. 

Reapply sealant every few years to protect the deck materials from weather damage. Maintenance preserves your deck’s function and appearance, making it a worthwhile investment that adds value to your home.

Investing in your pool deck through thoughtful upgrades boosts your property’s attractiveness. Whether it’s functional safety features or enhanced aesthetics, these pool deck upgrades will add value to your home. For help achieving your swimming pool vision, consult a professional to tailor these ideas to your specific needs and preferences so your pool deck remains a beautiful, valuable asset for years.

Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market.

That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of selling on their own.

Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent (see graph below):

And here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling your home is a big deal, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

The selling process requires setting the right price, navigating a growing amount of legal paperwork, and creating a solid strategy to attract buyers. And going it alone often means taking on more than you bargained for.

Let’s look at two big reasons why working with a pro can make all the difference.

1. Getting the Price Right

One of the biggest hurdles when selling a house on your own is figuring out the right price. It’s not as simple as picking a number that sounds good – you need to hit the bullseye. Price your home too high, and buyers may overlook your listing. Price it too low, and you could leave money on the table or even raise red flags about the condition of your home.

Real estate agents are experts in finding the right price for today’s market trends. As Zillow explains:

“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”

With their knowledge of the local market, buyer behavior, and what homes like yours are selling for, an agent will help you make sure you set a price that’s competitive and that’ll draw in buyers. And it’s that perfectly strategic price that’ll set the stage for selling at top dollar.

2. Understanding and Managing the Paperwork

Another part of the process is dealing with a growing stack of paperwork, from disclosure forms to contracts. Each document needs to be completed accurately, and there are legal requirements to follow that can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with them.

This is another area where an agent’s expertise really shines. They’ve handled these documents countless times and know exactly what’s needed to keep everything on track. Your agent will guide you through the paperwork step by step, making sure it’s done right the first time and you understand what you’re signing. With their help, you can avoid unnecessary stress and mistakes that can lead to delays, legal complications, and more.

Bottom Line

Selling your house is a big decision, and having a trusted real estate agent on your side can make all the difference.

Let’s connect so you have a pro to help with everything from pricing your home to managing the details. That way we can take the guesswork out of the process and help you sell with confidence. 

Why This Winter Is the Sweet Spot for Selling

Thinking about selling your house? Here are a few reasons why you may want to do it this season. Buyers looking right now are serious about moving and the number of homes for sale is typically lower this time of year – helping your house stand out. While inventory is higher this year than it’s been in the last few winters, you’ll still be in this year’s sweet spot.

From December to February, the real estate market is at its slowest due to the holidays and the cold weather in many regions. But according to the National Association of REALTORS®, over 11,300 existing homes and 1,600 new homes are sold per day on average from December to February. 

That’s still a lot of houses! The winter months certainly provide a different set of challenges and complexities compared to the peak-selling season of spring and summer, but they do have several benefits. Sellers can take advantage of the less competition in the market during this period, while buyers have more negotiating power as homes stay longer on the market. Here are some things you should know about buying or selling a home in winter so you can take advantage of the season’s unique upsides.

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For Sellers:

You’ve probably heard that winter is a tough time to sell a house. Traditionally, it was. Fewer people were looking to sell in the winter months because in many regions, the weather is not as nice and it’s difficult to improve a home’s curb appeal. 

However, this has become less of an issue due to the widespread use of real estate technology. The seasonality of house sales has become less of a concern since there are home-buying apps and virtual home tours now available. Even if the weather’s cold, buyers can now view the home from their computer or mobile device so they can get a good insight into the property. Online property portals also provide a platform for endless images and videos of a listing. Video messaging apps, such as Skype, Messenger, or FaceTime, also make it easier now for real estate agents to carry out live tours and Q&A sessions regarding the property.

Of course, virtual tours can never replace in-person visits. After all, buying a home is a huge commitment so serious buyers will still want to visit the home at some point. But because of these tools, the winter months are no longer as difficult a time of year to sell a home.

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Staging is a crucial element when selling your home. To specifically appeal to winter buyers, you may need to make small but effective changes to make your home stand out. Here are a few tips to make your home as inviting as possible for a showing:

• Ensure that your home is well-lit. Since a home will appear darker and less appealing in winter, lighting goes a long way to make your home seem welcoming. Bring in as much natural light as you can by pulling all the curtains to the side of the window. To better accommodate viewings after dark, brighten your home’s exterior by having plenty of porch lights, decorative lanterns on walkways, and attractive side lighting to create a warm glow. 

• Make sure the holiday decorations do not overpower the space. If you’re selling around the holiday and have put up decorations, keep it simple. If you’re selling once the holidays are over, carefully consider your displays so your house won’t show wreaths and reindeers in the middle of January.

• Avoid showing a winter wonderland. Snow looks great in photos, but buyers would want to see details of the property, not a blanket of snow. Have photos of your home in clear weather for buyers to see.

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During the busy spring and summer months, many people attend open houses without a clear plan to buy. In winter, though, it’s different. If anyone is looking at your property for sale this time of the year, chances are that person is serious and ready to buy. They’re breaking away from their hectic holiday schedule or spending their time off attending house showings despite the freezing weather. These winter buyers could be working against a deadline, whether it’s a job relocation by the start of the year or an expiring lease on their current home. They may also be trying to snag some tax breaks before the end of the year.

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For Buyers:

This is probably one of the major advantages of buying a home in winter. It’s a great time to see how energy-efficient the home is, especially in parts of the country where winters can be harsh. Savvy buyers are more interested in seeing the property when the weather is at its worst. Because when buying a home in the spring and summer, it might not even cross your mind to evaluate the efficiency of the insulation, windows, fireplace, furnace, and water heater. These are essential considerations, though, especially if you want to cut energy costs during colder months.

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It’s a fact that fewer people put their homes up for sale during the winter, which means a lower inventory. But at the same time, winter can be advantageous to you as a buyer since there is less competition from other prospective buyers. There’s less movement and it’s less busy, making the whole process a little less stressful for you. Moreover, you can have more negotiating power since sellers may be more motivated and willing to accept offers. These motivated sellers might also be willing to offer you off-season discounts and negotiate on all other terms, including the closing date.

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If you close on your home purchase on or before December 31st, you can enjoy some tax deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and interest costs of the loan. If this is one of the reasons you’re aiming to make a move during the holidays, make sure you consult your trusted real estate agent and a tax professional to fully understand and take advantage of the tax benefits associated with homeownership.

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For Buyers and Sellers:

Whether you’re selling or buying a home, having a trusted and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side can make a huge difference in your real estate journey. During peak home-selling seasons, though, their schedules can get crazy. So even the best real estate agents can have a challenging time in providing their undivided attention to dozens of clients. 

With fewer listings on the market in the winter, agents have more time to provide you with personalized support during your house hunting or home selling. They will also have more time to arrange showings, host viewings, assist with market research and pricing, and help you negotiate the best deal for you.

Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

Today’s mortgage rates and home prices may have you second-guessing whether it’s still a good idea to buy a home right now. While market factors are definitely important, there’s also a bigger picture to consider: the long-term benefits of homeownership.

Think of it this way. If you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. That’s because over time, home values usually grow – and that means a homeowner’s net worth does too. Here’s a look at how that can really add up over the years.

Home Price Growth over Time

The map below uses data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to show how much prices have grown over the last five years. Since home prices vary by area, the map is broken out regionally to really showcase larger market trends:

You can see that nationally, home prices increased by over 57% in just five years.

Some regions are slightly above or below that average, but overall, home prices saw a big uptick in a short time. And if you zoom out even more, the benefit of homeownership — and the drastic gains homeowners made over the years — become even more clear (see map below):

The second map shows that, over a roughly 30-year span, home prices appreciated by an average of more than 320% nationally.

So the typical homeowner who bought a house about 30 years ago saw their home triple in value during that time. And that’s a major reason so many homeowners who bought their homes years ago are still happy with their decision today.

Bottom Line

There’s no denying today’s market is complex. But if you’re ready and able to buy right now, let’s connect to talk about how we can still make your move happen. That way you can take advantage of the long-term advantages that come with homeownership, like your ability to build wealth as your home value rises. 

Buying a home is a monumental step, and ensuring that you make a sound investment means paying close attention to the details in the home inspection report. By understanding potential warning signs, you can protect yourself from the need for costly repairs down the road. Continue reading to learn about some of the major red flags to spot in a home inspection report.

Signs of Water Damage or Poor Drainage

Water damage is one of the most common issues reported in home inspections, and it can lead to serious structural and mold problems if left unchecked. Look for markings indicating water stains on ceilings or walls, evidence of leaks around windows or under sinks, and musty smells that could indicate mold growth. Drainage problems can also present hazards; inspect the report for notes on the downspouts and gutters, ensuring they divert water away from the foundation. These signs might require immediate attention or negotiation with the seller to address the issue before closing the deal.

Electrical Issues and Unsafe Wiring

Electrical problems, including outdated wiring and insufficient electrical panels, pose safety risks and can be expensive to repair. Home inspection reports should mention any concerning factors like the presence of knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which are both outdated and can be hazardous. Additionally, watch for signs of DIY electrical work, such as ungrounded outlets or non-compliant wiring. This might indicate that you need a professional electrician’s expertise to bring the property up to code.

Structural Problems and Signs of Foundation Issues

The stability of a home’s structure is crucial for long-term safety and value retention. Red flags to note in the inspection report include cracks in the foundation, uneven floors, or doors and windows that don’t close properly, which could signal underlying foundation issues. Since foundation repair can potentially affect the value of your home, it’s best to bring in a structural engineer to gauge the extent and cost of necessary repairs. It’s essential to address any maintenance needs before completing the purchase to prevent further damage.

Presence of Mold, Asbestos, or Other Health Hazards

Health hazards like mold and asbestos can be detrimental to indoor air quality and your family’s health, making them serious concerns in any inspection report. Mold often accompanies water damage, presenting itself in dark patches on walls or ceilings. The detection of asbestos, however, requires special testing and the material can be costly to remove, so its mention in a report is cause for cautious consideration. Understanding these hazards allows you to plan for remediation and ensures your home environment remains safe.

Spotting any of these red flags in a home inspection report doesn’t necessarily mean you should walk away from the property, but it does mean further investigation is vital. Consider consulting trusted professionals and getting detailed repair estimates to calculate the impact on your budget. Prioritizing these issues ensures you make a wise investment, setting you up for a rewarding homeownership experience. If you’re navigating the home-buying process and uncertain about inspection findings, connect with seasoned real estate agents or inspectors for advice tailored to your situation.

When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down? After several years of rising rates and a lot of bouncing around in 2024, we’re all eager for some relief.

While no one can project where rates will go with complete accuracy or the exact timing, experts offer some insight into what we might see going into next year. Here’s what the latest forecasts show.

Mortgage Rates Are Expected To Ease and Stabilize in 2025

After a lot of volatility and uncertainty, the most updated forecasts suggest rates will start to stabilize over the next year, and should ease a bit compared to where they are right now (see graph below):

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says: 

“While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are expected to stabilize.”

Key Factors That’ll Impact the Future of Mortgage Rates

It’s important to note that the timing and the pace of what happens with mortgage rates is one of the most challenging forecasts to make in the housing market. That’s because these forecasts hinge on a few key factors all lining up. So don’t be fooled, because while rates are expected to come down slightly, they’re going to be a moving target. And the ups and downs of ongoing economic drivers will likely stick around. Here’s a look at just a few of the things that’ll influence where they go from here:

• Inflation: If inflation cools, rates could dip a bit more. On the flip side, if inflation rises or remains stubbornly high, rates may stay elevated longer.

• Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate also plays a significant role in upcoming decisions by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). And while the Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, their actions do reflect what’s happening in the greater economy, which can have an impact.

• Government Policies: With the next administration set to take office in January, fiscal and monetary policies could also affect how financial markets respond and where rates go from here.

Remember, these forecasts are based on the best information available right now. As new economic data comes out, experts will revise their projections accordingly. So, don’t try to time the market based on these forecasts alone.

Instead, the best thing you can do is focus on what you can control right now. Work on improving your credit score, put away any extra cash for your down payment, and automate your savings. All of these things will help you reach your homeownership goals even faster.

And be sure to connect with a trusted agent and a lender, so you always have the latest updates – and an expert opinion on what that means for your move.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to move and want to stay informed about where mortgage rates are heading, let’s connect.