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How to Sell With Pets in the Home

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Dog kissing womanThere are some agents who would suggest letting someone have your pets stay with them while your house is up for sale. Still others feel that their pets are part of their family and wouldn’t be at all happy sending them away. That’s why it’s my belief that with a little planning, you can easily keep all your family in the house during the home selling process. Let’s see how!

Litter box: This is a big issue! Of course, no one wants to see or smell a litter box during house hunting. Thankfully, however, there are some stylish solutions to this dilemma. Be sure to check the Refined Feline for creative ways!

Pet food: Consider keeping a big bucket of cat food in the bathroom. However, for scheduled showings, you may find that storing the bucket of food away in the garage or an out-of-the-way closet may work best.

Toys and Leashes: Keeping a dog leash by the door or hanging a leash on a wall may seem like an easy solution, but may not be the best way to showcase your house. Getting a nice basket or box and storing the doggy and kitty toys and accessories in them will allow you to still leave them out but not in plain sight.

Other Pets

Fish tanks: Pay special attention to keeping the water cystral clean.

Birds: Make sure the area around the cage is free of bird seed and keep the cage clean.

We get used to our pets hair everywhere but when selling your house, make sure to vacuum the fur up regularly. With a little care for your house and pets, you can be on your way to a sale in no time!

Do you have any pet advice to add to this post? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below. And if you have any questions about selling or buying a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!

7 Home Seller Tips For Great Front Yard Curb Appeal

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home seller curb appealIf you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s never too early to plan for great curb appeal. Your front yard, regardless of its size, will play a huge role in your home selling success. It’s critical to create the best possible initial impression for home buyers. If they don’t feel visually welcomed, they’ll never make it to your front door. That’s why I’ve prepared seven tips to help you create great front yard curb appeal.

1. Start with a focal point and plant optimally.

Typically, your front door is your focal point. The last thing you want to do is hide it. If you’re considering large plantings such as trees, think about how they will frame the front door as you approach your house. For two-story houses, foundation plantings should extend at least eight feet out from your house. Be sure that shrubs closest to your house are not taller than the windows, so you don’t block the light coming into your house or the view. Make plant choices for the amount of light that each side of the house gets.

2. Use ground covers.

Let’s face it, grass is high maintenance – watering, fertilizing, weeding, trimming, etc. You should consider using ground covers (plantings that are low to the ground and dense) as a low-maintenance complement – or substitution – to grass. Ground covers allow you to use spring bulbs nicely and hide the dead leaves after the bulbs bloom. In the Southwest deserts, the low-maintenance equivalent to ground covers is xeriscaping. Landscaping with native plants and attractive rocks and stones is not only the green thing to do, but your front yard will be the better for it during the worst drought periods.

3. Accent the driveway.

If you’d like to enhance your asphalt driveway, install a border of Belgian blocks or cement pavers along the edges. This border will give your driveway a more finished and polished look.

4. Create a sweeping entrance.

For straight driveways from street to house, you can soften the front yard lines with a curved planting bed where the driveway meets the front corner of your yard. This will create a pleasing, sweeping effect as you approach the house.

5. Add some color.

Make the most of perennial flowers and shrubs. They come in a variety of colors and hues to match against your home and lawn. Investing in young perennials means these flowers last longer over the years. Perennials that can handle extreme climate conditions is an investment that will pay back well. Add a flowering tree, and you’ve got nice curb appeal and fragrance during springtime bloom!

6. Keep some privacy.

Instead of a solid hedge, consider buffering with shrubs of various heights – this look can be more welcoming. Alternatively, if you have a particularly large front yard that ties to the back, install fencing around the front yard. There’s so many types to ponder, including white picket, latticework, and stonework. Be sure to factor in your soil composition.

7. Think long-term.

Plan around twelve to fifteen years out when planting trees in front of your house. Since they’re considered a permanent fixture of the landscape, avoid planting them too closely. When planting shrubs, think about how they’ll look in three to five years. Once again, avoid potentially blocking windows!

You don’t have to be a professional landscaper to create a front yard attractive to home buyers. With a little planning and a few hours of work, you can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its value!

Do you have any front curb appeal tips you’d like to add? Please leave them in the comments below!

And if you have any questions about home design or about selling or buying a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!

6 Home Upgrading Tips To Spruce Up Your Lifestyle

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home kitchen upgradesHome upgrades can be great ways to give your home a much-needed makeover, gain extra space, make it more comfortable, and more energy-efficient. Not only can you make your home more aesthetically appealing, but you can take comfort in knowing that all your hard work will save you money and pay off for you in the long run. Here are 6 home upgrading tips that have the potential to do just that!

1. Lighting

To give your home a cleaner, updated look, replace old and inefficient light fixtures with bright chandeliers or other more contemporary light fixtures. And while you’re at it, be sure to use CFL or LED light bulbs. Though pricer than incandescents, when you consider how long they last and how energy-efficient they are, you’ll be glad you did. Not only will you save energy and money in the long run, but you’ll keep your house cooler during the hot summer months ahead.

2. Flooring

New flooring can give your home a tremendous lift! As we saw with my post, 7 Simple Steps for Modernizing Your Kitchen, hardwood flooring is still the most popular choice with buyers, but laminate is also a good option, particularly if you’re on a budget. However, hardwood flooring is still the best option to keep your home’s value up since many buyers look for this natural, solid, and durable flooring in homes today.

3. Doors & Windows

Though you might have forgotten as of late, Albuquerque has had its share of cold nights this winter. So make sure your doors and windows are airtight. With windows and doors closed, you can hold a lit stick of incense near window and door frames where drafts might sneak in and watch for smoke movement. Note what areas need caulk, sealant, and weather-stripping. It’s never a bad idea to upgrade to A-rated energy efficient windows, either. Before you start saving on your energy bills, consider windows with a good soundproof rating, too.

4. Porch/Patio

Curb appeal is everything, so if you have a front porch (or even a back patio) that’s looking worn and drabby, it may be worth refreshing it by giving it a fresh coat of paint. I discuss how to efficiently paint your home without breaking your bank in my post, 7 Tips For Saving on Home Painting.

5. En Suite

Tired of family members fighting over the bathroom every morning? An en suite could be the answer. Though some homeowners add an en suite by converting a small bedroom, in order to maximize the resale value, it’s best to try to find the space without losing a bedroom. You may be able to use a small part of your landing or or a larger closet or just a small part of a bedroom. In the end, en suites are a plus for many homebuyers.

6. Conservatory

Saving perhaps the biggest investment for last, building a conservatory can not only be well worth the additional space, but the increased home value as well. Potentially increasing the value of your home by up to five percent, conservatories provide a bright and airy space to relax in. The benefits are only limited by your imagination! Use this extra room for a dining room or even a playroom. They also offer a way to enjoy your garden and feel closer to nature all year round, even in the winter!

Whether you’re going to enjoy these upgrades as a homeowner or looking to increase the value of your property to sell, I find nothing is more satisfying and rewarding than making home improvements!

If you have any home upgrade ideas of your own, please share them in the comments below. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling your next home in metro Albuquerque, contact me today!

5 Tips to Inexpensively Staging Your Home

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You’ve heard me talk about plenty of things that you, the seller, can do to maximize your home’s selling potential. Today, however, I’m going to discuss a must-do for selling your home – staging. Here are my five tips for making the most of staging your home without breaking your bank.

1. Transform a room
If you have a spare room that’s become the catch-all for all your random pieces of furniture, exercise equipment, or boxes, now’s the time to breathe new life into this room. Possibilites include a home office, a guest room, or even a play room. A few inexpensive pieces or items from other parts of the house can make this neglected room shine.

2. Lighten Up
Make sure you have sufficient lightening; aim for 50 watts for every 100 sq. ft. of space. By combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can make a cold space warm and inviting.

3. Three’s Company
Accessorizing can add a nice touch to any room, but make sure to group accessories in a triangle for the most pleasing look.

4. Spa Getaway
Create a relaxing, spa-like experience at home. Candles, baskets, rolled-up towels, and nice soaps create a soothing and relaxing bathroom that any home buyer would love.

5. Dinner is Served
Many dining rooms are often overlooked rooms. When the table is set and the family is gathered, the room really shines. But at other times, it can be bare and cold. Stage the table with a great centerpiece, table runner, or a beautiful table cloth.

By following these five inexpensive staging tips, you can be sure to put buyers in a more responsive mood and perhaps even more dollars in your pocket!

And if you have any questions about selling or buying a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!

5 Ways You Can Increase the Value of Your Property

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You can increase the worth of your property and sell it at a higher cost than you purchased it. Simply put, the ultimate goal of investing in a property is to make a tidy profit. You can certainly make renovations while increasing appeal to potential buyers. The following are five ways you can remodel your property to increase its worth.

1. Paint the Property.

A fresh coat of paint can make a lot of difference in your property. Use neutral colors to revive the old and chipped walls. The property will look fresh, bright, and new. For a professional job, hire a painting contractor. They are trained and experienced and will completely transform your property by just painting it. They will make it more desirable.

2. Revamp the Kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of every home. A nice kitchen will impact the value of your home in a big way. Remodel the kitchen and install a modern design. Remove the old kitchen appliances and replace them with modern ones. Replace the old countertops with something more appealing like granite. A revamped kitchen will give you a good return on your investment.

3. Upscale the Bathroom.

Just like the kitchen, buyers will put a substantial amount of focus on the bathroom. If the bathroom sinks, toilet bowls, the tiles, or any other part of the bathroom is stained, you need to replace those items. For the master bathroom, consider adding a spa bathtub. If possible, you can have a separate toilet room from the bathtub or the shower. Install proper and adequate lighting in the bathroom.

4. Sharpen the Landscape.

With all the inside work, let’s not forget the outside! Plant a few indigenous trees, flowers, and grass. The colorful greenery will make your property beautiful from the outside. You can hire a professional landscaper to help you landscape. After planting trees, flowers and grass, ensure they are well-groomed and watered to keep them looking healthy. This increases the curb appeal of your entire property. The plants improve the air circulation around your property. This will definitely increase the value of your property substantially.

5. Replace Windows and Doors.

Consider replacing windows and doors with contemporary ones. Install well insulated doors and windows as they help reduce the outside noise. Additionally, insulated doors and windows will enable you to cut the cost of energy. Modern windows will improve the aesthetic look of your home and therefore, the value of your property.

These five simple and affordable techniques can definitely help increase the value of your home. Be careful not to spend too much while improving the face of your property. Set a budget and adhere to it. You can always get the help of a property consultant.

Do you have any tips on affordably improving the value of your property? Please leave them in the comments below!

And if you have any questions about home design or about selling or buying a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!

6 Steps to a Successful House Sale

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Home soldPutting your house up for sale can be quite a challenge. However, with some proper planning, selling your house can really be a simple and straightforward process. There are many reasons why people sell their houses – foreclosures, liquidations, divorces, or job relocations. Proper planning helps you sell the house quickly and efficiently without reducing the asking price or stressing out. Be sure to follow my 6 steps below to help ensure a successful house sale!

1. Price the house right.

Putting a house up on the market with an exorbitant price tag is a sure way of keeping potential buyers at bay. Be sure to fix a price that resonates well with the neighborhood, house size, and the amenities found in the house. Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to have a comparative market analysis done. This way, you can reach an informed decision by comparing your price with the listed houses in your immediate neighborhood. After all, a correctly-priced house is better placed to attract the attention of the right kind of buyers!

2. Don’t skimp on the paperwork.

Of course, buyers require all necessary paperwork to be made available for examination before committing to a sale. After all, you, the seller, don’t want to keep scheduling meetings because of missing title deeds and other documents. By having all the necessary paperwork handy, you’ll earn the trust of potential buyers. Relevant paperwork includes:

  • Declaration and any deed restrictions on the house.
  • Utility bills – water, sewer, electricity and tax bills from previous years.
  • A comprehensive list of items excluded or included in the sale.
  • Inspection reports for pests and environmental hazards.
  • Repair history of major appliances and building components.

3. Carry out proper home staging.

Be sure to spruce up the house before showing it off to maximize its appeal to potential buyers. Realtors will attest that home staging significantly reduces the DOM (days on market) of homes for sale. Even things like a well-manicured lawns and properly trimmed bushes will help to strike the proper resonance with potential buyers.

4. Hire a photographer.

A picture is indeed worth a thousand words. Realtors often point out that houses featuring magnificent and alluring photos tend to get snapped up faster than those that don’t. A good professional photographer can bring out some esthetic characteristics of a house that will appeal to potential buyers. So, don’t use your phone’s camera – hire a top-notch photographer who uses different light settings and effects to capture the best features of the house and makes your photos alluring to buyers.

5. Plan open houses carefully.

Buyers often need to create an emotional connection to a house before committing to a sale. Ensure that your schedule is flexible enough to allow you to hold open houses and and private showings. Recording an open house at various times of the day allows you to showcase the house on video on your website for people with hectic work schedules; you can even create a virtual tour of the entire property. It’s no secret that showing off the house when it looks the most resplendent — like when the outdoor planting is particularly colorful or when the sun rays filter through the bedroom windows — is more likely to move people emotionally.

6. Offer incentives.

Sometimes offering an incentive can be just the right motivation needed for borderline buyers. Incentives are a great alternative to cutting down the asking price for a house. Examples include offering a decoration allowance, leaving the splendid Christmas tree and lighting, or including a household item such as an outdoor grill. You can even refer buyers to local suppliers where you got discounts. Any advice you can give to ease the hassle of settling down in a new environment is to your advantage.

By following these 6 steps, you should be off to a better house selling experience and a higher selling price! And if you’ve got questions about selling or buying any type of home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!

6 Tips To Getting Your Home Sold This Winter

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Home Sold ABQDespite Albuquerque’s abundance of sunny weather year-round, we’re not complete strangers to gloomy winter days. Making your home shine in the colder and darker winter days does require a bit more preparation. Here are my 6 tips to help get your home sold by the end of this winter.

1. Price it right the first time. Don’t think that because there’s less competition in the winter, that buyers will pay more than your home is worth. Barring some unusual winter weather blizzard, most listings, on average, receive about four times more visits in their first week than they do a month later. Your price drops later may well go unnoticed.

Have you given serious thought about pricing your home? Sure, you can stop by a few open houses in your neighborhood (with amenities hopefully close to yours). And reading up on some local real estate blogs can be quite helpful (such as this one!).

But when you’re finally ready to list your home, you should find an experienced real estate agent who can help you determine its price. Your agent should do a comprehensive comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine baseline pricing, then adjust for your home’s strengths and weaknesses.

2. Get professional photos. Despite the cold, barren landscaping of winter, good online photos are highly critical to your home’s selling success. High-quality photos will get more views than homes without. I can’t suggest strongly enough the need to hire a professional photographer to take your photos!

3. Keep your home warm, well-lit, and welcoming. Start outside by keeping your walks and driveway clear of ice and snow (yes, we do get some in New Mexico!), leaves, and debris. Keep your heat on, open your curtains, and turn on indoor and outdoor lighting, so people feel invited to come in and stay a while.

4. Clean up and declutter. Around holiday parties and gatherings, it can be difficult to keep your home immaculate. Move winter clothing and gear out of site, and keep up with vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting. Don’t leave holiday decorations up too long. Before listing your home, do a thorough deep cleaning – carpets, floors, kitchen grout, bathroom tiling, and windows.

Nonessentials should be put in self storage or boxed neatly in totes in the garage. Obviously, some furniture should be used to define the living space. In fact, I generally recommend staging for the best showings.

5. Make sure your home is in good condition. Go through each room, making a list of anything that’s damaged but easily fixed, like holes in walls or peeling wallpaper.

You’ll also want to make sure that your home’s infrastructure is intact. Start thinking home inspection now. Check the condition of your roof, electrical system, plumbing, foundation, drainage, and windows.

6. Choose an experienced agent.

An experienced Albuquerque real estate agent will give you sound advice and guide you through the entire home selling process. They’ll know your area, help you understand pricing your home, explain what to expect with negotiations, and handle any unusual issues that may arise. They’ll use every online and traditional marketing tool to get your home noticed, and they’ll be available to answer any questions you or your potential buyers may have.

That’s why if you’re looking to list your Albuquerque area home, you should contact me today!

5 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

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No matter if you’re preparing to sell your home or are finally ready to make some upgrades, it makes the most sense to spend money on home renovation projects that have a good return on investment. By taking on projects that increase the value of your home, a worthwhile home upgrade all but pays for itself once the project is complete. Here are five ways in which you can increase the value of your home.

1. Upgrade the Exterior.

When most people think of increasing the value of their home, they think of interior projects that they can complete. But, the biggest step in increasing the value of any home starts with its exterior. What your home looks like on the outside sets a first impression and also has a huge impact on curbside appeal. A home that looks well taken care of on the outside is likely to show pride of ownership on the inside as well.

In upgrading the exterior of your home, there are many changes you can make. Start with the landscaping. Manicure your lawn by cutting the grass, edging the gardens, planting new flowers for a pop of color, and maybe even adding a fresh layer of mulch for a finished look.

Other outside projects to consider include:
● Adding a fresh coat of paint to shutters, porch, hand-railing, etc.
● Installing a walkway
● Adding a new mailbox

By making upgrades to the outside of your home, you can create a more welcoming and tailored look. This is a must if you’re selling in the near future or if you just want your home to stand out amongst the crowd.

2. Replace Old Windows & Doors.

Old windows and doors are problematic for many reasons. First, windows and doors that have reached their end of lifespan tend to look old. No one likes to see cloudy and discolored glass when looking out of a window or door.

Another reason for replacing old windows and doors is to make your home more energy efficient. Older windows and doors tend to be drafty, which means outside air is constantly being let into your home. This makes it harder for your HVAC unit to maintain the internal temperature which means higher energy usage.

When you replace old windows and doors, you don’t have to worry about drafts, leaks, or unsightly glass. Knowing where to buy replacement windows and doors will help to ensure that you’re buying quality windows that will last for a decade or longer!

3. Remodel the Bathroom.

A total bathroom remodel can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The good news is that you can upgrade the look and feel of a bathroom in your home and get a good return at resale time with a minor bathroom remodeling project.

There are many small changes you can make in a bathroom including adding new lines of caulk, repainting the walls, installing new light fixtures, or laying new flooring. All of these smaller projects together can have a huge impact in bringing your bathroom into modern times.

Other upgrades worth considering include installing a new vanity or refinishing the bathtub to restore its glossy white appearance.

4. Make Kitchen Updates.

Similar to a full bathroom remodel, a complete kitchen update can also be quite expensive. But, by making small changes in the space, you can make it look more modern. Start with the cabinets, especially if your home is old and you’re still using the original ones. If you don’t have thousands to spend on brand new cabinets, refinish and resurface them for less. Finish off with new hardware and voila, you’ve got a great new look!

Other upgrades to make to the kitchen include:
● New flooring
● Stainless steel appliances
● Bold light fixture
● Fresh coat of paint

The kitchen is the heart of any home, so take the needed time and effort to make yours look amazing!

5. Add a New Room.

Does your home have a viable attic? If so, instead of using the space for storing Christmas decorations and random knickknacks, turn it into another bedroom. This not only adds space for a growing family or for guests to sleep, but the extra bedroom will be quite worthwhile if it ever comes time to sell. The more usable space a home offers, the more valuable it is.

With these five home renovation projects, you can greatly increase the value of your home. No matter if you’re looking to sell in the near future or just wanting to upgrade your home while getting a good return on investment, these are projects worth tackling.

If you have tips about increasing home value, be sure to leave them in the comments below. And if you’ve got questions about buying or selling a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!

6 Tips for Finishing Your Basement Before Going to Market

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Do you have an unfinished basement in your home? If so, chances are you’ve wanted to do something more with that room at some point. You have an entire room in your home that you don’t want to spend time in, simply because it isn’t finished yet. By finishing the basement, you can turn it into a spare room, an office, or even just a place to hang out. Here are a few tips for getting started and finally finishing your basement.

1. Replace the Floor

One of the first things you’ll want to think about is replacing the floor. In your unfinished basement you may have a hard, concrete floor, possibly even with cracks in it. Before you do anything else, you’ll want to get a good floor in there. Trying to replace the floor after you’ve done everything else in your basement will be more difficult, so it’s better to get it out of the way now.

To replace your floor, you have a few options. If you want to put new concrete down, you’ll either want to hire someone to do this, or look into getting a concrete form rental. After that you’ll have to think about whether you want to put some hardwood over the concrete, or if you want to lay down some carpet to make the room more comfortable.

2. Add New Walls

Another thing you’ll want to do before you tackle the rest of the room is the walls. In some unfinished basements, there are concrete walls around the edges that don’t look so great. You can cover these up, or divide the basement into multiple rooms by adding in some walls. Adding some drywall is an easy way to remedy this, helping to make your basement look the way you want.

3. Cover the Ceiling

Does your unfinished basement have some pipes or wires running along the ceiling? If so, you probably want to cover these up if you’re going to spend time in the basement. You can add some affordable tiles to the ceiling to cover up some of the insides of your home, but keep in mind this will make the ceiling a little lower in that room. Make sure you’ll still have room to walk around before you start adding things to the ceiling.

4. Regulate the Temperature

With the large projects complete, now you can move onto things that will help make the room more enjoyable. To do this, one of the first things you should consider is the temperature. Basements are often large and drafty, making them colder or more humid than the rest of the home. To regulate the temperature in your basement, you have a few options. If your basement is too cold, consider adding in a wood burning stove or pellet stove to introduce more heat. You can also go with a plug-in electric heater if the room is small enough. In New Mexico, a simple humidifier can also come in handy.

5. Decorate the Room

Your basement is starting to look better, but it isn’t quite done yet. With the major stuff out of the way, now you can focus a little more on the small details. This means decorating the room to suit your style. Paint your new walls, hang up some shelves, add some potted plants – whatever it is you want to do. Empty, colorless drywall will lessen the appeal of the room, and you’ve spent so much time finishing your basement, that you should go that extra step to make things look truly great.

6. Add Some Furniture

Finally, what finished basement would be complete without furniture? Find a nice desk for your office. Order yourself a comfortable couch to watch TV on – along with the TV. You likely have a few ideas in mind for what you want to do with that room, so go out and get the furniture that suits your needs. If you’re working on a budget, try searching some local garage sales or a discount furniture store to get started.

There are a lot of benefits to finishing the basement in your home. Not only does it give you another room to enjoy in your home, but it can also help to improve the value of your home. The best part is that finishing your basement doesn’t have to be difficult, and with a little time and effort, you can do a lot of it yourself.

Do you have any questions or tips about home basement finishing? Please leave them in the comments below. And if you have any questions about selling or buying a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!

6 Tips for a Successful Remodel

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Quite often, I’m asked by homeowners and sellers alike for advice on remodeling. Here are my six best tips for a successful remodel.

1. Start with a realistic budget.

Don’t rush into your project without seriously budgeting for materials, supplies, and tools! Try to be as specific as possible so you know you’ll have the budget to finish the project. Be sure to set a completion date.

2. Stay consistent with your home’s overall style.

Creating a contemporary addition to a classic farmhouse or changing a room that becomes out of sync with the rest of the house is never a sound remodel.

3. Don’t attempt to do everything yourself.

Many people hear the price of a contractor, and try to do the entire project themselves. Price around. Recognizing your limitations may be difficult, but you only have so many skills and so much knowledge.

4. Don’t necessarily hire the lowest bidding contractor.

Going with the lowest bidder may not always be the best choice. Check to see whether your contractor is stable, including being licensed and insured.

5. Consider the effect on your property value.

When considering the importance of projects, be sure to put heavier weight on those that will have a good impact on your home’s resale value.

6. Don’t over-personalize.

In general, avoid making permanent changes that are far from neutral, unless you’re really advertising a particularly valuable niche within your home.

By following these six tips, you’ll be well on your way to a home that will make the most of its value when you do decide to sell! If you have any remodeling tips you’d like to add, feel free to leave them in the comments below. And if you have any questions about selling or buying a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!

Anita Mora, Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker Legacy
8200 Carmel NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
Cell: 505-400-8105
Direct: 505-292-8900
Office: 505-292-8900