BlogPosts

The exponential growth of the U.S. housing market began during the pandemic, hitting its peak in July of 2021. Stimulus checks increased household incomes and mortgage rates dropped which resulted in a demand for houses. Indiana was no exception to the rising housing market. Big and small Indiana cities alike are struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing prices and demand. So what does this mean for you? We’ll break it down for you.

What does it mean for a seller?

As a seller, you are in the best position. People are having to pay over the listed price right now to even be considered…the demand for houses is that high. This is great for the seller because you are going to make a lot of money.

What does it mean for a buyer?

As a buyer, on the other hand, you will be in a tough position. This is a seller’s market which means they hold the power and you’ll need to be ready to go to war.

Here are a few tips to remember as you begin to navigate the seller’s market:

1. Be prepared to bid – In today’s market you need to expect to be bidding against many others, so make your first offer your best offer!

2. Be aware that the home may appraise under your bid – The number of homes for sale is so low that they are going over their appraised value. You need to be prepared for your lender not to offer a loan over the appraised price. Make sure you have extra money set aside to cover the difference there.

3. No counter offers – Don’t expect to receive a counter offer or make a counter offer. The buyers will have plenty of great offers to pick from!

4. Make the seller’s experience easier – The buyers may appreciate your willingness to waive the inspection or being flexible with your move-in date.

5. Appeal to the buyer with a letter or video – Not all buyers are solely money-motivated, they may end up connecting to a buyer’s story. You can let them know how important the home is to you by including a hand-written letter in your offer or a video explaining the “why.” Most buyers will want a nice family or couple moving into their home to continue making special memories there.

What does it mean for a happy homeowner?

If you’re happy where you are, our advice is to stay there! Continue building value in your home through curb appeal and indoor projects. Be thankful you have a beautiful, safe home to live in when it’s so hard for many to find one.

Where are you in your real estate journey?

Whether you are ready to sell your home or find your dream house, we are here to help you! Please give us a call today at 574-527-1700 or email us at Kim@homeswarsaw.com so we can help you find a place to call home!

When you first hear “private road” you may be imagining a long driveway with a house at the end. But in reality, a private road is more than just an isolated home or a private driveway. A private road is a road owned by a private person or group of people, it’s not owned publicly by the government.

Living on a private road can seem appealing but there are a few things you should know first.

Pros of living on a private road:

No traffic – Unlike living on a public road, living on a private road means you will never have to deal with any traffic withs cars or pedestrians.

No problems with parking – When you live in a neighborhood, chances are you have to deal with street parking or Homeowner Association (HOA) rules. When you live on a private road, you won’t have to worry about parking or what you can have in your driveway. If you want to park your camper and boat in your driveway or on the road, you can do so!

Privacy – The most appealing part of living on a private road is the privacy it provides. Usually private roads are designed to be far away from the main roads creating a peaceful, private living environment. This means no road noise, just the sounds of nature.

Safety – Safety is also greatly associated with living on a private road. With less people, cars, and access from the main road comes less crime and risk.

Close with neighbors, if applicable – Usually living on a private road means choosing your own neighbors, which can be a great opportunity. If you choose to live on a private road with friends or family, you’ll become even closer with them since you will see them often.

Cons of living on a private road:

You’re responsible for the upkeep – The biggest con of owning a private road means you’re responsible for anything that happens to the road. Since the government doesn’t own it, it’s up to you to provide the upkeep.

Mailbox will still be at the end of the road – The postal service will still deliver mail to your mailbox, but it has to be at the end of the road. You will have to remember to pick up the mail as you enter or exit your driveway or else it will be a long walk.

Complicated directions to home – If you live on a private road, it can be difficult to explain where you live and the GPS applications may not acknowledge your address.

Disagreements if a shared private road – Choosing to share a private road with another person or group of people will inevitably lead to disagreements. These differences can arise over the smallest matters, so it’s important to set your boundaries and rules upfront.

Deal with trespassers – Even though you live on a private road, you may still encounter unwelcome people on your property. Make sure to place “no trespassing” signs around your property and familiarize yourself with trespassing laws.

Will you choose to live on a private road?

Have you been thinking about living on a private road either with yourself or a group of people? We hope this provided some insight about the pros and cons of living on a private road.

Please give us a call today at 574-527-1700 or email us at Kim@homeswarsaw.com if you have any more questions regarding a private road. We’d love to help you in any way we can!

There are many ways to make your home warm and inviting without breaking the bank. We know the word “project” has negative connotations, but a project doesn’t have to be scary. Not all projects are too time-consuming, expensive, or overwhelming. A project can simply be painting a wall or rearranging furniture to transform a space. Let us walk you through a few home improvement projects that will do wonders for your home.

Paint, paint, paint

Perhaps the easiest home improvement project, a fresh coat of paint in any room will instantly bring it back to life. Try brightening a dark room by painting it white or cream, and see how much happier the room feels! On the other hand, if you have a neutral room (gray, tan, beige) consider adding a colorful accent wall or picking a pretty color for the whole room.

Update hardware throughout the house

What do we mean by hardware? Doorknobs, handles, hinges, and curtain rods can be easily switched out and instantly update the look of your home. Unless you have a brand new house, chances are your hardware could use a facelift. Consider changing them to a uniform color, for example all black, silver, or gold for a cohesive, modern look.

Light fixtures

Like the hardware in your home, light fixtures need updating, too, and can immediately take a few decades off a room. Light fixtures tend to be the focal point of populated rooms like the kitchen and dining room, so why not modernize them?

Two words: pressure washer

Pressure washing the outside of your home, be it your driveway, siding, or sidewalks, will make your home look new again. Though buying a pressure washer can be expensive, certain hardware stores have them available to rent for a reasonable price.

Warm lighting

Opt for warm lighting in your home instead of harsh, bright lights to make your space feel comfortable and cozy. Replacing your light bulbs with warm or vintage style bulbs will help as well as making your lighting dimmable with a dimmer switch, smart light bulbs, or a dimmer cord.

Vinyl tiles

If there is a room in your home like a bathroom or laundry room with vinyl flooring, cover it with vinyl tiles. Vinyl tiles are less expensive than real tiles and so much easier to install. These tiles can even be found in the same modern styles as real tiles! If your goal is to eventually take up the existing flooring and replace it with real tiles, this solution allows you to get rid of the eye sore for the time being.

Outdoor spring projects

Since the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time for those outdoor projects you’ve been waiting for! Painting your front door, replacing the outdoor light fixtures, and planting fresh flowers are just a few ways you can improve your outdoor space.

Are you ready to start improving your home?

If you’re like us, this list gave us some ideas for our own houses! Use these ideas as inspiration for your own home improvement projects.

If your home isn’t providing you with what you need, please give us a call today at 574-527-1700 or email us at Kim@homeswarsaw.com. We would love to help you sell your home and move into your dream house!

Spring means flowers blooming, cookouts, and enjoying every aspect of the home, which also means spring cleaning, inside and outside. Just as we prepared for the winter months, there are a number of ways we must also prepare our homes for the spring season.

Cleaning and Airing Out Your Home

In order to get your home ready for spring, it’s important to clean every surface of your home and open your windows to let the fresh air in. Now is a great time to do this before the pollen becomes too thick and finds its way into your home.

Inspecting Shingles

The winter can cause damage to your roof’s shingles, so it’s best to inspect them as it begins to warm up outside. Take a look at your roof from ground level and from a closer perspective if you are able. If you’re not able to get on your roof, it’s a good idea to call a professional to inspect your roof for any damage.

Checking AC Unit

It’s important to clean and service your AC unit before turning on the air conditioning for the warmer months. There are many steps to take in order to effectively clean your AC unit, so be sure to do research before cleaning it yourself. You can always call an AC Repair or Maintenance company near you if you’d like a professional’s touch.

Cleaning Gutters

After the winter, inspecting and cleaning your gutters is imperative. Things to look for when cleaning your gutters: bends, leaks, debris, breaks, or anything else out of the ordinary. You can always hire someone to clean your gutters if you’re unwilling or unable to take the time and necessary steps.

Cleaning Windows

As spring sets in, cleaning both the inside and outside of your windows is a great way to get your home in tip top shape. Cleaning your windows will help improve the air quality inside your home. You should also inspect your windows for any breaks or needed maintenance while cleaning.

Sprucing Up Decor

Moving the furniture around is necessary when spring cleaning, but you may find you like the new placement. A great way to refresh your space and get your home ready for spring is to move the furniture around and find ways to brighten your rooms.

Replacing dark furniture with lighter colors, adding colorful pillows and rugs, or simply adding fresh flowers and plants to a room will make a huge difference. No matter your budget, there is always something you can do to freshen up your space.

Spring cleaning and decluttering is also an easy way to make any room feel bigger and less busy. Minimizing and organizing your home will easily transform your space.

Is your home ready for spring weather?

We hope these tips have helped you as you’re getting your home ready for the spring season.If you are in need of any professional recommendations to help you with these tasks, please let us know! We would love to help you in any way we can.

Thinking about selling your home? Please give us a call today at 574-527-1700 or email us at Kim@homeswarsaw.com.

Snow and ice can cause serious damage when it comes to your home and finances. If you don’t take preventative measures, you will lose money, energy efficiency, and maybe even your house. With a few simple steps, your home will be ready for winter in no time.

Pipes

Protecting your pipes is one of the most important things you can do to prevent snow and ice damage. When water freezes inside your pipes, it can cause them to crack and rupture leading to substantial damage. How do you prevent this from happening? It’s simple. When you see freezing weather on the horizon, be sure to drain water from any outdoor faucets or irrigation systems. Remove any hoses that are still connected to outdoor faucets and place faucet insulators over the faucets.

When it comes to your indoor pipes, always let water drip during freezing weather. The water movement in the indoor pipes will help prevent them from freezing and cracking. You can also open the cabinet doors around the indoor pipes to expose them to warm air. Make sure any pipes in your garage, basement, or attic are protected with insulation.

Gutters

If you’re aware of an approaching winter storm, be sure to remove any debris from your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams which occur when snow and ice melt and then refreeze in your gutters. The ice dams prevent water from draining out of your gutters and cause the water to leak into your home.

Doors and Windows

Sealing your doors and windows can provide better insulation and circulation of heat in your home. This is imperative during those cold, winter nights. A warm house will discourage snow and ice from damaging your home. Caulk and weather stripping are the most cost-effective solutions when it comes to blocking cold air and trapping the warmth.

Roof

During snow and ice storms, it’s important to keep too much snow from building up on your roof. How do you know when your roof is being bogged down by too much snow? You may notice the roof is sagging or you are hearing popping noises if it’s supporting too much weight. When this happens, you should call a roofing company who is equipped to remove the extra snow.

If you notice any unstable tree branches or trees above or close to your roof, it is important to remove those as soon as possible. Snow and ice storms can cause unsteady trees and branches to break and fall resulting in more weight and possible damage to the roof.

Fireplace

Lastly, you’ll need to schedule a fireplace inspection or inspect it yourself before the winter months. This will ensure your fireplace is safe to use and snow and ice storms will not be a threat. Also, make sure to keep the fireplace clean and keep the flue closed when it’s not being used.

Is your home ready for snow and ice?

If you are considering selling your home, please give us a call today at 574-527-1700 or email us at Kim@homeswarsaw.com. We want your family and your home to be protected in the instance of a snow or ice storm. If you don’t feel safe in your home, we will find a home that takes those worries away.

Believe it or not, your front door matters more than you think! It’s the focal point of most homes and it’s what our eyes are drawn to first. Whether it’s friends, family members, or trick-or-treaters, everyone will be greeted at your front door. Your front door adds curb appeal but it also provides security for your family. Though your front door is only a small part of your house, it can make a big impact.

Style

There are many different styles of front doors, so choosing one can be a daunting task. When picking out a front door it’s important to keep in mind:

• • Colors of your current house (Do you want to match the colors for a neutral look or contrast them with a pop of color?)
• • Style of your house (traditional, craftsman, farmhouse, modern, etc.)
• • Pre-existing design elements (glass, wood, brick, etc.)
• • Houses in your neighborhood (Do you want to match the houses around you or stand out with a unique front door?)
• • Width of the doorway (Is your doorway a standard size for one door, double doors, or will it require custom work?)

As you can see, a lot goes into choosing a front door and it can be an overwhelming decision. Give me a call at 574-527-1700 and I will help answer your questions or refer you to a design expert.

Curb Appeal

Your front door is one of the most important factors when it comes to curb appeal. Buyers are put off by front doors that appear old or simply don’t work with the house. One of the easiest things to do before listing your home is replacing the front door. When you replace your front door with a new, well insulated door you are guaranteed to see a return on your investment.

If replacing your front door isn’t in your budget, you can paint your door instead. Painting your front door is a simple way to improve your curb appeal without breaking the bank. For other easy ways to improve your curb appeal, read our article here.

Safety

Along with curb appeal, buyers are also drawn to security. They want to feel safe and secure in their new home. Not only should a security system be in place, but your doors, especially your front door, should provide security. Here are a few ways to make sure your front door is secure:

• • Deadbolt Lock
• • Door Chain
• • High Quality Door Handle
• • Strike Plate
• • Install Peephole
• • Add Glazing

Energy

Old front doors can actually increase your energy bill because they are not made as well as new doors. Older doors don’t possess the innovative insulation materials that newer front doors do. If you have already installed new sealing around your front door and you are still feeling hot or cold air seeping through, it is time to replace your door.

Do you think you have other issues that need to be addressed?

Your front door may not be all that needs replacing. If you are considering selling your home, please give us a call today at 574-527-1700 or email us at Kim@homeswarsaw.com. We would love to answer any questions you have and learn more about what you’re looking for!