Platform
Handy Scam
Undertaking a home renovation is stressful, even with the best contractors. Unfortunately, not all are trustworthy and many homeowners are scammed.
Verify
Verify the contractor’s license, insurance and at least three references. Make sure you ask for the contractor’s license number upfront. With this information, you can verify the license with your state. Also, ask for at least three references. Even a scammer may have had a couple projects go well in the past, so getting many references reduces the likelihood you’re dealing with one.
Ensure
Ensure the contractor is an active member of a reputable industry organization. Vendors who are part of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and/or the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) must undergo a certain level of scrutiny to join, plus they pledge to uphold a code of ethics. This also demonstrates a level of commitment to their business and the industry as a whole.
Check
Check the contractor’s reputation online. Even if you check a contractor out online, don’t be satisfied with a quick Google search. Make sure you look for news articles, read reviews and ask neighbors on sites like Nextdoor.com. Also, search the name of the company, the address, the owner and any other employees you meet.
Mistakes You Don't Even Know You're Making
Using Glass Cleaner on Mirrors
Spraying can lead to a “black edge,” when liquid seeps beneath the reflective backing and stains your mirror. Instead, use a lint-free microfiber cloth dampened with warm water.
Using the Wrong Caulk
There are as many caulks as there are glues, and you wouldn’t use a glue stick to fix broken pottery, according to HouseLogic. Similarly, you wouldn’t use silicone caulk on bricks because it’s made for non-porous surfaces. Check online or at a home improvement store to ensure you’re using the right caulk.
Over-mulching
Mulch 3 is great for your home, but don’t pile it on too thick. No more than 3 inches should do the trick. Otherwise, you may prevent water from reaching roots and suffocating plants.
Piling Firewood Against Your Exterior Wood
Firewood against the exterior wall of a house is an invitation for termites. Stack your wood at least 20 feet from your home.
The Pre-listing List
There’s a lot that needs to be done when you sell your home, from repairs to cleaning to staging. Before you talk to a REALTOR® and prep for your first open house, do these three things on your own and set yourself up for a successful sale.
1. Research Your Home Online
Most buyers start their home search online, so know that information about your home is already out there before you officially list it. Google your home and see what comes up, what it looks like, and if it has an estimated value. Now is the time to fix any errors. You can contest estimated values you see on your home on sites like Zillow.
2. List Every Repair and Improvement You Made
(no matter how small).
Walk through your house and write down everything you can think of. Did you buy a new fridge? Install a new hot water heater? Rebuild your deck? Replace the roof? You also want to list any problems you have addressed, and then talk to a professional about what and how to disclose.
3. Note the Obvious Flaws
Maybe there’s a ding in the wall from moving a piece of furniture. Or perhaps your landscaping needs a major refresh. Note the obvious, fixable problems that could affect the sale of your home in order to have an idea of what you’ll need to do to get it market-ready. This information will also be helpful when speaking with a qualified REALTOR®.
Tales from the Twins
Happy Holidays! This last month had been packed full. We both completed our finals and finished up the quarter/semester. Now it's officially winter break! My aunt, mom, and Kenzie flew to Vegas for a Carrie Underwood concert, so I drove from Cedar City to Vegas and spent the day with them. Then for Christmas, I flew home and saw my family and friends. We spent time doing some of my favorite traditions, including going to my mom's annual client appreciation event at the Garland Movie Theater and watching Elf. She also had a special guest, Santa, come and take pictures with everyone. It was so fun! Find out how you can get invited to her next exclusive client appreciation event by sending the SpokaneHouseHunter team a message on any of their social medias.
~ Carson (& Kenzie)
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