Things are different these days when it comes to the length of time that one lives in a home. It used to be that you’d save up for your first home and settle in for decades until it was time to downsize. Today, many people are starting out in a condo, then trading up to a single family and potentially going to different neighborhoods as they upgrade their lifestyle. If you are one of these individuals who finds yourself moving frequently, here are some helpful pointers to keep things easy.

Furniture

Furniture is something we all need but sure can add up in cost. When you purchase your necessary items keep things simple and start with the basics. Avoid buying items that are too big, too pricey or may not be necessary in your next home. Keeping things simple will ensure better chances that everything will fit at your next residence should some rooms be smaller. You will want to avoid having to sell things as furniture doesn’t tend to hold a great resale value.

Keep Moving Boxes

Moving boxes can add up when you are talking about needing enough to move a whole house. Each time you move you can break them down very carefully so that they are folded neatly to store but can also be reused. Stow these away under beds or in places like attics where they won’t get ruined.

Packing Materials

Similar to boxes, packing materials can really be expensive. Bubble wrap in particular while it is necessary for your breakable items gets pricey but you can always use alternative packing. Consider using your towels, blankets or even clothing instead. Hold onto some newspapers as well for another wrapping option.

Don’t Waste Time

Packing always takes longer than you anticipate so don’t wait until the last minute. As soon as you know you are moving start packing your secondary items. For example, starting in the kitchen pack away your top shelf items that you don’t use everyday. Perhaps this may be your China or appliances you rarely use. Leave only what you need everyday for packing last. Do this same method with your clothing. Pack away seasonal clothing that you aren’t using first. When you get close to moving day, pack a small suitcase for what you may need right away.

Movers

If you find good movers you may want to hire them again. There are only so many times you can get your friends to help and buy them pizza, so if you find good professionals then treat them well. Offer them water, lunch and tip them well for their good service. 

When the time comes to select the right insurance company it can be overwhelming with where to begin. Anyone who has watched TV has seen all of the ads for companies like Geico, State Farm, Progressive and more. The number of companies and ads should be an indication of how big of a business insurance is. So how do you go about finding the company that is best for you? Here are some tips on how you can pick the right one. 

Shop by price

The best thing to do is to find three different companies and solicit some quotes. What is most important is to pay attention to the amount of coverage that each one offers in their quotes. One provider may have a cheaper quote due to less covered on their policy so make sure you are comparing apples to apples. If you don’t want to do this on your own, you could always enlist the assistance from an insurance agent.

Check for customer service quality

Price isn’t the only thing that matters with whom you hire. If you have to cash in on your insurance with a claim you want to make sure you have them on your side so do your homework and check online reviews, interview family, friends and neighbors or even your agent to see who has had top quality experiences. Find out who has a track record of responding quickly and paying claims promptly as that can help lessen a stressful situation.

Other factors to consider

Other than price and great service, check to see what other kinds of insurance these companies provide. You may want to leave your options open for other types of insurance where not all companies offer everything. For example, you can oftentimes get a bundled discount if you have the same company write both a home and an auto policy all rolled in together. 

Residual concerns

Each insurance company will be licensed and regulated by your state. For any questions or concerns that you have about any company, you also have this office or division as a resource for answers or more information.

Regardless of a market of high demand and low inventory, buyers can still be picky about which homes to visit that are appealing enough. Your home’s front yard is what will set the stage and tone of whether a buyer’s interest is piqued enough to want to see the rest of the property. An attractive but also well kept home will be inviting and increase your chances of selling. Make sure your home’s exterior gets the attention it deserves with these 5 tips.

Front Door

Your front door does so much. It is the first thing all visitors see, it can set the stage for what kind of design will be found inside and it’s condition can also be representative of the rest of the home. Updating your front door to a sleek, high impact door with modern hardware is sure to elicit some good interest. 

Garage Door

Garage doors tend to be large and especially in many areas of smaller lots in urban locations in Fort Lauderdale, they can often be front facing. Give this major architectural element of your home the attention it deserves and upgrade to a sophisticated design that makes a statement that is proper for your home. 

Colors

Colors can really make or break a home. Especially when selling, choosing neutral colors that appeal to the masses is important as not everyone can see past paint. Additionally, while your interior and exterior colors don’t have to match each other, they should have some continuity so a common theme carries throughout. 

Landscaping

This one is huge especially for our South Florida location. Landscaping here is year round with homeowners enjoying the outdoors nearly all year. Professional landscaping can add up but there are many things you can do on your own even with some simple maintenance. Keeping your greenery trimmed and beds free of weeds and freshly mulched goes a long way as a start.

Lighting

Your home’s lighting also can set a warm or even exciting tone. First, make sure your home is well lit for safety and security purposes. Then, supplemental lighting can be added to decorate with interest as well as have spotlights on dramatic features. You don’t always have to hire a professional for this either. There are some great solar options that work very well that you can install yourself. 

Prior to this year there was a different set of criteria or features that buyers were looking for in their next home. Perhaps it was limited to things like certain countertops or a den with an oversized flat-screen TV and surround sound. This year has been a slight game changer for what people are looking for. Welcome, the Zoom room. A Zoom room is a dedicated space in your home that you can comfortably video conference for work, school or connect with family in alternate locations. This area should be comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and separate enough from any other home occupants or noises that may interfere with online meetings. Some sellers these days are even marketing their homes as having this dedicated space. Here are some tips on how to create this space in your home. 

Locate the area

First, locate a perfect spot within your home. Things to keep in mind include an area that Wi-Fi is strong so that your video is not compromised. Next, make sure it is in an area that is quiet from the main part of the home. Ideas may include a guest room, nook in a bedroom or dining room. Folding room dividers can also be helpful if you find it difficult to section off an area.

Declutter

Regardless of whether you are going to video chat with a boss, coworker, client or even a family member it is good to keep things in order and tidy. Make sure your room is free of any clutter that may be viewed by the camera. 

Create a background

Your background is one of the most important factors in creating your Zoom room. An ideal background is professional or “office-like” perhaps with a bookshelf and some art. While it is nice to inject some personal things that make it customized to you, it is wise to also keep things neutral and not distracting. 

Lighting

There is definitely the right amount of lighting for the camera. Too dim or too bright can be problematic so try to benefit from the natural light from a nearby window. Supplemental task lighting should be kept at a slight distance to avoid unwanted glare. 

Seating

While not many people will be seeing your chair, it is key to have the right one. Meetings can be long so you will want to be comfortable. Additionally, the right height is helpful. You don’t want to be too high or too low where you have to crane your neck to look up. Chairs with wheels are also helpful so you can slide quietly as you may need to reach for a file or the like. 

This year with all that has come about with the pandemic we could all appreciate adding some comfort in our lives. The best place to start with this is right at home as winter fast approaches. We have already seen some seasonal temperatures here in South Florida so it is a great time to make some additions to what you have that makes your house a “home.” Here are a few great ideas.

CBD-Infused Blanket

Perhaps a groundbreaking idea, these types of blankets can be great for those evenings when you snuggle up on the couch with your favorite movie. Not only are these soft and comfortable, but the CBD beads used in their construction transfer small amounts of CBD to the skin.

Silk Pillowcases

For years silk pillowcases have been popular for their comfort but perhaps overlooked for other benefits. Avoid skin blemishes and maintain less frizzy hair while you get your beauty sleep. Select a color or pattern that compliments your bedding scheme. 

The Comfy Sack

Think larger, more comfortable and accommodating beanbag. These are great where they can function like an additional chair, daybed or love seat. They are available in a variety of sizes and colors with a removable cover for washing. If your pets are allowed, they will be big fans as well!

Florida King Bed

Move over California King, here comes the Florida King! These measure 7.5 feet long and 9 feet wide making them larger than both standard and California king size beds. For any family whose pets or kids insist on a corner of the bed, this can be a great solution. These often come in packages that include the mattress, frame and sheets together.

Wedge Pillow

For anyone who likes to lounge on the couch or on the bed the wedge pillow can offer some great support. Keep your circulation as it should be for your back and neck the next time you watch TV or read your favorite book. These are made of memory foam which will take the shape of your body for support. They can even help control snoring! 

Updating your kitchen can be a smart way to increase your home’s worth. In fact, Remodeling Magazine named a minor kitchen renovation one of the best projects to take on this year — and upgrading your countertops is a good place to start. 

The right countertop can add aesthetic and resale value to your home and improve your space’s functionality. 

Which of these five materials do you like best?

Quartz: These countertops are low maintenance and nonporous, meaning they won’t soak up moisture or hold bacteria. Quartz is also quite popular and may attract more buyers to your home when it comes time to sell.

Soapstone: This rare material is trending among home designers. Its unique aesthetic can add effortless style to your space, but it’ll come with a hefty price tag.

Granite: A classic style, granite offers a great look, as well as a scratch- and heat-resistant surface. It’s one of the more expensive countertops, and it needs regular resealing to stay in top condition.

Solid Surface: These countertops are a mixture of manmade materials and resins, making them easy to keep clean. Solid surface comes in all sorts of colors and tends to resemble granite — minus the high cost.

Eco-Friendly: Upcycled wood and recycled glass are two options in this category. The cost will depend on where you source your materials, but you’ll be minimizing your environmental footprint and getting a one-of-a-kind countertop in the process.

Simple cosmetic changes to your kitchen can make a big difference. Get in touch today for more tips on upping the resale value of your home.