Tag Archive for: Home Improvement

Put A Little Spring In Your Step And Spruce It Up

With increasing inventory coming on the market, buyers are continuing to offer top dollar but are looking for properties in good condition with a “fresh” look. Even in this brisk market, it’s worth it to take the time to prepare your home. We have so many examples that demonstrate when you go the extra mile, you can list at a higher market price and ultimately achieve a higher sale price and in many cases multiple offers. Here are some simple ways to brighten your home for spring whether you’re considering selling or not.

1. Declutter! This is a terrific opportunity to get rid of items you’re no longer using or enjoying. If you’re not ready to part with many of your things, consider a temporary storage unit.

2. Deep clean! Set aside a significant amount of time or hire a pro, then keep it clean until you close so it’s in great shape for showings. Don’t forget often neglected areas, like heating vents, lightswitch plates, outlet covers, trim, doorframes, grout and caulking.

3. Shine! One thing you absolutely must spring clean if you’re planning on selling your home is the windows, including screens and sills that can look really dingy after a long winter. When your windows sparkle, they’ll let in that gorgeous natural spring sunlight which makes every part of your home look more beautiful.

4. Repair! Patch holes in the walls, replace broken appliances, change burnt out light bulbs.

5. Paint! Many homeowners are surprised by how a new coat of neutral paint can refresh their home. We’re happy to recommend paint colors that will enhance the beauty of your home.

6. Freshen up! Take advantage of the warmer spring temperatures and open your windows as much as possible to help air out your home. This can help remove any odors from paint, cleaning products and/or pets.

7. Boost curb appeal! The first impression is most important and, so consider improving outdoor light fixtures, replacing the mailbox, arranging patio furniture and/or sprucing up the landscaping. Even a few pots of colorful flowers can make a huge difference in welcoming potential buyers. Plants and shrubs could be looking a little overgrown by this time of year, so spend a little time sprucing things up. Especially if you’re planning to list your home for sale, don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. Invest in professional landscapers, or head to Ridgefield Hardware which has plenty of tools and products to choose from.

If you’re thinking about selling, connect with us today at karla.murtaugh@compass.com or 203-856-5534. Happy Spring!

Embrace The Green!

St. Patrick’s Day is next week! And while you’re getting your green on and planning for this fun holiday, don’t forget to exercise your green thumb. Plants and shrubs could be looking a little overgrown by this time of year, so spend a little time sprucing things up.

Especially if you’re planning to list your home for sale, don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. Sasha at Greenway Landscaping is a great resource if you’d like to invest in an expert opinion on how to cut back your plants. Or head to Ridgefield Hardware which has plenty of chemical-free products to choose from.

If you prefer a more natural approach to your lawn, you may enjoy this terrific piece in 068 Magazine about the “Pollinator Pathway”: https://068magazine.com/068-feature-benefits-of-a-natural-back-yard-march-april/

In this article, Sarah Breznen, Director of Education at the Woodcock Nature Center, stresses the importance of researching specific native plants. “The pollinator pathway is a great resource, and I would always urge everyone to go on there because they have a list of plants, what habitat they’re good for, when they bloom, what host species use them,” says Breznen. “So, they can kind of pick what would be most beneficial for their backyard.”

David McCarthy, Executive Director of the Wilton Land Conservation Trust, is another supporter of chemical-free yards. “An organic lawn is something that’s more sustainable over the long term,” explains McCarthy. “When you introduce things like pesticides, herbicides, and you’re spreading those around you are basically creating a dead zone.”

Also, don’t forget to clean your gutters out after the winter! Clogged gutters can be a major cause of spring flooding in homes, and it’s imperative to keep your basement dry.

Enjoy celebrating the return of the sun with some green beer and green lawns! Wishing everyone a very happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Getting Ready To Sell? Consider Donating to ReStore

It’s a fabulous time to think about listing your home for sale, and many of our clients have started cleaning out their homes to prepare. Most people need to get rid of some furniture before listing to make space for staging. Particularly if you’ll be downsizing, you may not need all of your furniture once you move to a new home, and we wanted to be sure you knew about the ReStore benefitting Habitat for Humanity.

With several locations in Connecticut, ReStore is a home and hardware retail thrift store open to the public selling new and gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials. The ReStore provides an environmentally and socially responsible way to keep good, reusable articles out of the waste stream while providing funding for Habitat’s community improvement work. Sales from the ReStore benefit Habitat for Humanity’s housing programs and their mission to provide decent, affordable homes!

Here is a list of items they accept and sell at the store:
• Appliances (for example: refrigerators, stoves/ovens, washers/dryers, small household appliances)
• Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets
• Furniture (for example: sofas, dining sets, dressers, mirrors, bedroom sets)
• Lighting & Plumbing Fixtures
• Building Materials (for example: windows and doors, lumber and trim, tiles, flooring)
• Home Décor Items

ReStore picks up donations throughout Fairfield County. To schedule a pickup, email donate@restorecfc.org with your name, address, phone number and items to be donated. Or you can call (203) 383-4358 and leave a message. Keep in mind there is generally a two-week lead time from when you make the request. You can also follow the Danbury Store on Instagram at danburyrestore.

What to Consider When Upsizing or Downsizing

As we discussed in our recent Q3 Market Report, the market is still very busy although we are seeing the “panic” situation of late 2020 receding a little. Homes that are in good condition and priced correctly are still seeing lots of interest, but it is not as frenzied as in previous months.

Our days on market and months of inventory continue at record lows and are a matter of concern given the number of buyers still looking to make the move to the suburbs. With in- office work returning, high crime in many urban areas, and stubbornly low interest rates, it behooves sellers looking to move to jump into the market.

Taking all of this into consideration, many people are currently thinking about upsizing or downsizing. Many families’ needs have changed and their current homes no longer serve their lifestyle appropriately. But figuring out the perfect size home for your family can be difficult. Often, we don’t know exactly how we’ll use a space until we’re in it (and then it could be too late!).

If you’re considering either upsizing or downsizing, we recommend you contemplate the following:

  • Think about your current home. Are there rooms you never use? Are there rooms that are packed to bursting? Do you have enough storage space? Are you bumping into family members when trying to get out the door at night or make dinner at night?
  • Think about the future. Do you have young kids who will only occupy more space as they grow? Or do you have kids who are about to leave the nest and free up a certain amount of square footage?
  • Think about your lifestyle. Do you wish you had more space to entertain and have overnight guests? You might want to upsize. Are you spending more time away from home and don’t want the maintenance that goes along with a larger home? You might be ready to downsize.
  • Think about your budget. Is a smaller mortgage payment one reason you’d like to downsize? Or has your financial outlook improved enough to take on more of a mortgage in exchange for the lifestyle that will go along with it?

As we move into the traditionally slower holiday season, prices are still up but we hope for a more balanced market as we head into 2022. So, if you have been reevaluating your lifestyle and think that making a move would be good for you, now is the time! We offer a complimentary market analysis and would be happy to provide you with a concrete analysis of what your home is worth. For buyers, our expertise in negotiating in a strong seller’s market means you will get unparalleled representation in a competitive marketplace. Contact us today at 203-856-5534 or karla@karlamurtaugh.com.

Antique Homes Are Amazing, But Do Your Homework

There are some beautiful antique homes in our area, and these can be some of our favorites to help clients buy and sell. The unique charm of older homes can be just the character your family is looking for, and there is nothing cookie-cutter about these properties! They are often located in well-established neighborhoods with mature landscaping.

Older homes can have amazing character traits and historical features that most new homes simply do not have, like huge wood-burning fireplaces, beautiful wood trim and moldings, and ceilings with rustic wood beams that can be harder to find in newer, more modern homes.

There can be some challenges however, and we created this list to help prepare you if you’re thinking of purchasing an antique home. Be sure to consider the following:

  • Enlist the help of a top realtor like us who has decades of experience in this area. We know what red flags to look for, and how to negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal especially when it comes to replacement expenses.
  • Most older homes contain items that eventually need to be replaced. Some examples with considerable price tags may include roofing, furnace, water heater, decks, windows and fencing. It is important to find out the age of each of these items when you’re considering an older property. Structural issues, older plumbing and outdated electrical may also need to be addressed depending on the age of the home.
  • Antique homes in the northeast especially can require updated weatherstripping and insulation to ensure you’re not wasting money on an unnecessarily high energy bill. Speaking of bills, it can be more costly to insure an older home than a modern home so you may want to check with your homeowners insurance company.
  • Depending on the needs of your family, the floor plan in an older home might require some renovation and remodeling. Smaller rooms might need to be opened up to create a more open floor plan and additional bathrooms might be needed if you have a larger family or frequent houseguests.
  • You may want to find out if there are any historical societies or neighborhood restrictions on remodeling. Some older homes and neighborhoods have restrictions in terms of the type and style of remodeling that can be done.

    • Fortunately, our team loves antique homes and would be honored to help you find yours, even if it means resolving some of these issues! Reach out to us today.

    How To Prep Your Home For Cooler Weather

    Fall is finally here, and whether you’ve just purchased your first home or are a veteran owner, you might be surprised at the quantity of odd jobs you should complete this time of year.

    1. Our recent experience with Hurricane Ida left some homeowners dealing with waterproofing issues. There are some basic steps to help prevent water penetration into your home such as cleaning out gutters so leaves don’t accumulate and the water is allowed to run freely. Checking that window wells are free of debris and the land slopes away from the house around the basement area also helps prevent penetration from melting snow. If persistent seepage of water occurs in the basement of the home, it is wise is to contact a specialist and see if the installation of a sump pump or water proofing would solve the issue.

    2. Landscaping is a huge job in the fall between leaf cleanup and prepping your plants for winter. Leaving leaves on the lawn can cause damage to the grass, so make sure to clear and/or mulch leaves. Moving them into a forested area also helps the native fauna overwinter. Some plants also benefit from being wrapped in burlap to protect from them frost. Hurricane Ida also made it clear how important it is to take down trees and large branches so they don’t fall during a storm. Contact an arborist to evaluate trees that require trimming, cableing or removal to keep your home safe.

    3. Now is a great time to paint the interior or exterior of your home thanks to mild temperatures and less humidity. This will reduce wear and tear on the clapboard or shingles. Take some time to caulk and seal around all exterior doors and window frames, including in your basement and garage. If you look for gaps where pipes or wiring enters your home and caulk those as well, you can cut down on the heat escaping from those openings. It may also prevent water, insects and maybe even mice from entering.

    4. It is wise to have your heating system, firebox and chimney professionally serviced sooner rather than later to ensure safe and reliable heat during the cooler months. With regular maintenance, you will also be extending the lives of these key appliances.

    We hope you enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage in our area this season and feel free to contact us if you need a place to start for vendors for these services!

    How To Prep Your Home To SELL

    With fall coming, it’s a fabulous time to list your home! If you’ve been on the fence about selling, we understand. It’s been a tumultuous eighteen months. But the real estate market shows no signs of slowing, and if you’d like to capitalize on this exciting market and earn a fabulous price for your home, we’d love to help.

    Here are a few great first steps to get you started:

    1. Declutter! This is a terrific opportunity to get rid of items you’re no longer using or enjoying. If you’re not ready to part with many of your things, consider a temporary storage unit.

    2. Deep clean! Set aside a significant amount of time or hire a pro, then keep it clean until you close so it’s in great shape for showings.

    3. Repair! Patch holes in the walls, replace broken appliances, change burnt out light bulbs.

    4. Paint! Many homeowners are surprised by how a new coat of neutral paint can refresh their home. We’re happy to recommend paint colors that will enhance the beauty of your home.

    5. Boost curb appeal! The first impression is most important, so consider improving outdoor light fixtures, replacing the mailbox, arranging patio furniture and/or sprucing up the landscaping. Even a few pots of colorful flowers can make a huge difference in welcoming potential buyers.

    In addition, research shows a staged home generally sells faster and for more money. The real estate market is highly competitive and staging will give you a leg up on the competition. When a potential buyer enters your home, you want to provide a backdrop for them to experience the home — a place where they can see how rooms function and how the home ‘feels’. Most importantly, staging lets you get an objective opinion as seen through a buyer’s eyes – it’s not a reflection on your personal style or taste, but about getting you the most bang for your buck and top dollar on your sale.

    For everything you need to know about selling your home, check out our Seller’s Guide. At Karla Murtaugh Homes, our team is committed to ensuring that each and every transaction is handled in the most effective manner possible, and with the trust and integrity you deserve.

    Be sure to reach out to us today for your complimentary consultation. We’ll walk you through every step!

    Mother Always Said “Eat Your Vegetables”… But How About Growing Them Too?

    With so many of us taking advantage of extra time at home last summer, as well as this summer to upgrade our outdoor living spaces, it’s only natural that those of us with green thumbs may have turned to a more sustainable way of obtaining our veggies!

    If you are one of the industrious individuals who is trying out this kind of gardening, mother nature has certainly helped out with all the July showers of late. If you haven’t planted much yet this season, don’t fret. There’s still time to plant a variety of vegetables to harvest this fall, which will be here before we know it.

    To get a great fall harvest, mid to late summer is the time to start sowing your fall garden plants if you’re looking to bring the fresh veggies to your table by the time the cool weather arrives. Crops like broccoli, green beans, beets, and radishes can be sown in late summer for a fall harvest. Time to maturity will vary by crop, so check seed packs or tags in seedling containers and plan backward to come up with a planting date.

    If you have a small gardening space, start thinking about how to create space for your fall garden by figuring out which of your spring and summer crops will finish first; when summer crops are ready to take out, be prepared with fall crops to replace them.

    Check out HGTV.com for more suggestions.

    Top Outdoor Living Trends, According to Google

    Summer is here! Even as the world reopens, homeowners and home buyers are putting more weight on outdoor spaces to enjoy at home. So, what’s trending in outdoor spaces? Living Spaces, a furniture retailer, recently spotlighted Google trends data to showcase what is seeing the highest uptick in interest as homeowners spruce up the outdoors.

    Indoor-outdoor spaces: “Cozy, private, and shaded space outdoors” is trending—all through comfy couches, ambient lighting, and multifunctional, weather-resistant furniture, according to Daniela Lopez, a Living Spaces designer. Indoor-outdoor spaces have posted one of the largest increases for 2021, jumping about 156% over the last year, according to Google searches.

    Backyard play sets: The kids are getting their own private spaces outside too, including backyard play sets, tree houses, and even giant sidewalk checkers games or outdoor reading nooks. The Google Trends report shows backyard play sets have risen about 7% over the past year.

    Gardening: Container gardening is gaining popularity, which has increased spots all around outdoor space for pots of flowers or fruits or vegetables. Edible gardens have seen a 20% increase in searches over the past year and sustainable gardens a 9% increase.

    Backyard basketball court: Sports and hobbies have gained popularity in the pandemic and half-court basketball courts don’t have to take up a ton of space. Google Trends notes “backyard basketball court” has seen a 42% interest over the past year.

    Front porch: The front porch has become an extension of the indoor space and a place during the pandemic for drive-up parties or socially distanced gatherings, Lopez notes.

    Hot tubs: In creating an entertainment getaway, hot tubs have grown in popularity too. Hot tub searches are up 4.11% over the past year.

    View more outdoor trends, according to Google, at LivingSpaces.com.