Articles Tagged "DIY Before Selling Home"

When you're ready to purchase a home, you might wonder how our real estate agents can make the process as stress-free and simple as possible. Here are a few important ways our team can help you in 2023. 

1. We Can Help You Get the Best Possible Price
   Our real estate agents will discuss your homebuying budget and what traits you want your future home to have. Then, we'll look for Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale that fit your needs and make sure that your offer is reasonable when compared to the home's fair market value. We use data from comparable home sales and current market trends to ensure that you don't overpay for your new home. 

2. We'll Save You Time
   There are a lot of tasks involved with purchasing a home, like looking for potential properties, scheduling open houses, arranging for home inspections, and negotiating with the seller. We can put more hours back into your day by handling or expediting many of these tasks. For example, we can recommend a reputable home inspector so that you don't waste time trying to find someone to inspect your potential home. 

3. We Have Access to Tools to Assist With the Buying Process
   Real estate agents have access to helpful tools, like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS is a valuable resource with lots of information, like notifications about new listings, open houses, and pricing changes. This makes it easier for you to stay updated about potential properties and uncover info that will impact your decision to make an offer on a home. 

4. We Understand the Local Real Estate Market
   Since we've handled a lot of properties in your real estate market, we understand the nuances of the neighborhood or city where you want to purchase a property. This experience and knowledge assist us with finding a property that suits your needs and making a competitive offer.  

5. We Can Help You Evaluate a Potential Home
   A lot of properties look good on the surface, but when you delve into the details, you might discover that the home isn't right for your lifestyle. We know what characteristics you should consider when deciding if a property is meant to be your next home. 

6. We'll Work to Negotiate a Strong Deal
   When you make an offer on a home, the offer includes several details, like the price, closing period, info about what items come with the property, and clauses that can protect you in case the seller receives a stronger offer or the home fails an inspection. We'll make sure that your offer is competitive while fulfilling your needs. If you're struggling to reach a deal with a home seller, we'll do whatever we can to salvage the deal.

If your plans for 2023 involve buying a home, it's important to have the knowledge and experience of one of our real estate agents. Contact us to learn more. 

Barn doors look lovely in country chic homes and even in some cottage-style houses. They work well as closet doors, pantry doors, and even as laundry room doors. While there are plenty of pre-made barn doors for sale, making your own barn door is a fun project — and a great way to personalize your new home! Follow these steps from our real estate agents to make your own barn door.

1. Purchase and Mount the Hardware
   Your barn door will need a track to slide on. Visit a home improvement store, and look for a barn door track in your preferred style. You want it to be at least 4 inches wider than the door opening. Follow the instructions on the package to mount the garage door. Screw it directly into the wall studs for maximum security.
   
   
2. Measure and Cut the Vertical Boards
   To determine the width of your door, measure the door opening and add 4 inches. Measure the height of your door, start at the track, and measure down to the floor. Subtract 1/2 inch so the door has plenty of clearance over the floor.
   
   With these measurements in hand, start cutting your boards down to size. For a simple barn door, it is easiest to use 1 x 6" pine shiplap boards. They are inexpensive and take stain well. If your door width is not a multiple of 6, then you will need to cut one or more boards width-wise. 
   
   
3. Cut the Horizontal Boards
   In addition to your vertical boards, you will need three boards to stretch horizontally across the door. Cut these as long as your door is wide.
   
   
4. Sand Everything
   Once your boards are cut down to length, sand them well. Start with coarse sandpaper, such as 50- or 60-grit. Then, go over the boards again with a fine, 100-grit sandpaper. You can sand the boards as smoothly as you like. Leave them a little rougher for a more rustic look, but be sure there are no patches rough enough to cause splinters.
   
   
5. Assemble Your Door
   Lay your sanded, vertical boards out on the floor, side by side, in the shape of your final door. Then, lay the horizontal boards across them. One horizontal board should go across the top and another across the bottom. The third should stretch across the middle. Measure to make sure it is properly placed. 
   
   Have someone help you hold the boards in place as you drive screws through the horizontal boards, down into the vertical boards.
   
   
6. Stain the Door
   The great thing about making your own barn door is that it can be any color you like. Choose a stain you love. Apply it according to the instructions on the tub or can. Usually, you have to apply the stain, wipe off the excess, and let it dry for a day before handling the project again.
   
   
7. Mount the Hardware
   This is the final step. Once your stained door is dry, mount the sliders to the top of the door. Usually, they will hook over the door, and you'll secure them with a couple of screws.
   
   When the hardware is in place, have a friend or family member help you lift the door and hook the sliders over the wall-mounted hardware. Slide the door from side to side, step back, and admire your good work.

With these instructions, you'll have a DIY barn door to be proud of. If you're still looking for the perfect home for your barn door, contact us. We'll help you find incredible Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale in your style.

Changing up your backsplash is a quick but powerful way to update the look of your kitchen. While there are certainly premium materials available, there are also many inexpensive ways to transform your backsplash. Here are a few simple methods our real estate agents recommend for updating your backsplash.

• Paint Your Backsplash
  Don't have the money for new materials for your backsplash? A can of paint may be your answer. You can paint over the existing backsplash, or if you're particularly crafty, use a stencil and paint to update the tile with a patterned appearance.
  
  
• Use Peel-and-Stick Tile
  If you want the look of tile but don't have the money or the skill set to install tile and grout, you can more easily get the look you want with peel-and-stick tile. It goes on over your existing backsplash, is easy for anyone to install, and can be removed easily, too, if you decide to change your kitchen's look again later on down the road.
  
  
• Achieve a Classic Look with Beadboard
  Beadboard is a fairly inexpensive material that is easy to install yourself and lends itself well to the country kitchen look that is popular in Sarasota homes for sale. Keep it white for a traditional look, or paint it a coordinating color to make it blend in with the rest of your kitchen. You can also vary your look by deciding whether to install it with the grooves vertical, as it is traditionally installed, or horizontal for a more modern look.
  
  
• Use Wooden Boards or Paneling
  If you like the traditional kitchen look that is trending now but don't like the look of beadboard, you can achieve a similar mood with painted wooden paneling. Wooden plank backsplashes have become popular and can even be achieved by mounting vinyl hardwood-look flooring to the wall for an easy-to-clean backsplash.
  
  
• Install Pressed Tin Tiles
  Another popular look in Bradenton homes for sale lately is pressed tin tile backsplashes. You can get real tin ceiling tiles, or there are also stick-on vinyl alternatives that are easier to cut and install. The metallic designs of these tiles make beautiful and interesting backsplashes and a modern twist on a traditional look.
  
  
• Mount Faux Brick
  Exposed brick is always a popular look, and you can achieve the look with the help of faux brick. A faux brick backsplash is trendy and classy, but if you're mounting it in areas that will be prone to grease splatters, look for a surface finish that will be easy to clean.

If you want a new look for your kitchen, your backsplash is a great place to start. It's especially good if you're updating your home to sell it, as the backsplash is an overall small square footage and will give you plenty of bang for your buck. For more suggestions of easy ways to get your home ready to sell, contact us today.

Do you feel overwhelmed at the idea of tackling home improvement projects? If you're like most homeowners, you can just walk through your home and see so many tasks awaiting your elbow grease. If you're thinking of listing your home among Sarasota homes for sale, you may want to get a handle on prioritizing projects.

One of the first steps is to decide how you want to categorize your repairs and renovations. You might jot down categories such as these, and then under each one, list projects that fall under that heading:

• Safety
• Damage prevention
• Cosmetic
• Updating to increase home value

Here are some additional tips for organizing your thoughts and knowing which projects to tackle first.

1. List Projects that Affect the Safety of the Home
   Safety should always come first. Maybe there are electrical problems that threaten the safety of the home's occupants. Do you need to install security lighting and cameras outside the home and replace failing door hardware and locks? Is the HVAC on its last leg, and does it need replacement, or will some repairs get it into good working order? In most of these cases, you will likely need to call an expert, so plan your budget accordingly. 
   
   
2. List Projects that Prevent Damage to the Home
   After you worked on projects causing an immediate safety hazard, look for ones that prevent potential damage. Do rain gutters need repair to save the roofline? Are there severe drafts in winter because of structural problems or because the windows need weatherstripping and caulking? Is the plumbing or roof leaking? Do trees need to be cut back, so they don't damage the roof? Once again, some projects you can likely tackle while others will need an expert. 
   
   
3. Consider Cosmetic Changes
   Once you prioritize the must-dos for safety's sake, assess the cosmetic changes you think you'll need to sell your home, or if you're not going anywhere, to make you feel better. Cracks in the wall? Do the bathrooms need new tile? Could some of the rooms use a new coat of paint? Tackle one room at a time. You'll feel encouraged to move to the next project once you complete the first one on your list. If you're able to do it yourself on some of these, so much the better. 
   
   
4. Consider Projects that Increase Value
   Exercise caution when it comes to initiating renovations to increase home value. Some will do just that, and some won't. Some projects that will add value: bathroom remodels; kitchen renovations; replacing old appliances with matching, energy-efficient models; remodeled attic or basement; adding a deck; boosting curb appeal by cleaning, trimming, and planting some color in the front yard; and increasing energy efficiency by air sealing your home, adding insulation, and installing efficient windows. Projects that won't increase value include luxury upgrades, garage conversions, and swimming pools. Before starting one of these projects, consider whether you plan on being in your current home for a long time. 

Do you need advice on prioritizing your home improvement projects before listing your home among the Bradenton homes for sale? Our real estate agents can help. Contact us today.

If it feels like your home is overrun with stuff or that it never really looks neat and tidy, it's time to add decluttering to your to-do list. Decluttering will make it easier for you to dust and scrub your space, and it'll give your home a more polished appearance. Homes with less stuff in them will also look their best when listed with other Bradenton homes for sale. 

While decluttering is often a difficult, time-consuming task under the best circumstances, decluttering with children adds an extra layer of stress. Check out these tips to make decluttering with kids as effortless as possible.

1. Involve Your Kids in the Decluttering Process
   Ask your children to assist you with decluttering. Not only does this set a positive example for children (and demonstrate that it's okay to get rid of items you used to love), but it will provide you with their input about what items they still play with or what things they no longer use. 

2. Do a Little Bit of Decluttering Each Day
   Life with kids is busy, and children are notorious for having limited attention spans. Instead of trying to tackle one room in a single day, give yourself permission to break the task up into smaller chunks. With regular work, your home will be ready to join the list of Sarasota homes for sale. Make a commitment to spend a certain amount of time (even if it's only 5 or 10 minutes) decluttering your home.

3. Feel Free to Do a Little Decluttering on Your Own
   This tip might seem contradictory, but you should also carve out a little kid-free decluttering time. This will give you a chance to throw away broken or worn out items that your kids might insist on keeping. You can also thin out old art and schoolwork without risking hurting your child's feelings. 

4. Give Every Item a Home
   Once you've decluttered a space, you need to make sure that every remaining item has a home. Ideally, items should be housed with other like items (books with books, craft supplies with craft supplies, building blocks with other building toys). This will make it easier for your children to clean up their messes and keep the space looking its best. Make sure that your children know what goes where in your home. You can accomplish this with labels, or if your child is too young to read, use pictures to show them what belongs in a specific space. 

5. Make Sure the Decluttering is Suitable for Your Lifestyle
   When you're organizing, check that that the organization method is suitable for your family's lifestyle. For example, some families may prefer to organize a closet by type and color of clothing. However, this might not be sufficient for other households. Be sure to ask your child their preferences for organizing and let them have a say in the matter. 

Does your household need more space? Our real estate agents can help! Contact us today. 

Spring cleaning isn't something we all look forward to, but while we're sticking close to home, this is an excellent opportunity to organize and clean house. To make it more manageable, we advise creating a five-day plan, focusing on a section of the house each day. Set some goals, write them down and check them off. Here are some suggestions that you can adapt as needed.

1. Monday -- Clean appliances and cabinets under sinks.
   Let's get some of the most challenging tasks done first. Start by deep cleaning your kitchen appliances until they sparkle, but first remember to check cleaning recommendations for appliance surfaces, particularly stainless steel. Clean out cabinets under bathroom and kitchen sinks, throwing away whatever you no longer use, disposing of any cleaning products according to local regulations. Vacuum the coils under your refrigerator to keep it running efficiently.
2. Tuesday -- Clean closets, cupboards and the pantry.
   This is another task you may be putting off, but don't,  in fact, be merciless. Go through clothes, shoes, toys, household items, and if you haven't worn or used something in a year, it's time to say goodbye to it. If possible, box and save these items to donate them to charity. Throw away out-of-date food in the pantry. Clean shelves and redo shelf paper if you use it. 
3. Wednesday -- Perform outdoor tasks.
   Sweep the sidewalks, porch, and patio. Make your own glass cleaner with 2 cups of water (distilled or filtered is best so it doesn't leave residue), 2 tablespoons vinegar and 10 drops essential oil of choice to cut the vinegar smell) and clean exterior windows and door glass, light fixtures, and patio furniture. Take a look around the HVAC condenser and trim back bushes so the unit can maintain proper airflow. Clear grass, leaves, and weeds away from the base of the unit.
4. Thursday -- Clean interior glass.
   Grab an old t-shirt (they're pretty much lint-free), and continuing your window cleaning from the inside, along with door glass, and mirrors. Work top to bottom, wiping the water away with a squeegee to avoid streaks.
5. Friday – Clean the garage.
   Start by separating everything you absolutely need from items you can, want or should donate, sell or throw away. If you don't have shelving, cabinets or other types of storage units, now is a good time to consider them. Everything needs to have a place to avoid piles of clutter.
6. Saturday – Relax and take the day off.
   Time for a break! If you are thinking of moving, we recommend taking a virtual tour of Bradenton homes for sale and Sarasota homes for sale to see what's available in the area, and of course our real estate agents are happy to help. Contact us today!

Want to sell a spare TV or some old clothes? Just take a picture or two, post them on eBay or Craigslist and wait for the calls to come in. But Bradenton homes for sale require a little more TLC to move quickly and command top price.

If you're a Bradenton homeowner planning to put your house on the market, use these smart tips from our real estate agents to develop a winning game plan.

1. Do Your Homework
   Before you commit, research the local market to make sure it's a good time to sell. Look for data like average sale price and current inventory levels that indicate whether it's a buyers or seller's market. Seasonality is also a factor, so consider which time of year is optimal.
   
   
2. Hire a Real Estate Agent
   No matter how many times you've sold a home, each situation is different. An experienced real estate agent helps you successfully navigate the ins and outs of the home selling process every step of the way.
   
   
3. Ditch the Clutter
   What feels cozy and lived-in to you says messy and careless to buyers. Packed counters, cabinets and closets make a house look smaller and raise questions about ample storage space. Just can't let go? Check out Netflix sensation Marie Kondo and her hugely popular "tidying" method.
   
   
4. De-Personalize 
   When a home is full of family photos and personal items, it's hard for a buyer to shake the feeling of being a visitor. Give them space to envision putting their own stamp on their beautiful new home.
   
   
5. Give Rooms a Face Lift
   Are the walls looking a little shabby? Maybe you fell in love with colors that were trendy in the 90s but they're tired today. Repaint where needed with neutral colors to accommodate the vision of any buyer. If the current paint still looks good, make sure you remove any scuff marks and clean baseboards.
   
   
6. Clear Up the Fix-It List
   Now is the time to take care of loose cabinet knobs, dripping faucets and other minor fix-it jobs that have been piling up. Never assume "no one will notice." While you're at it, why not go the extra mile and freshen up the look with new bathroom, kitchen, door and window hardware?
   
   
7. Add Lighting
   The phrase "too much light" doesn't exist for home buyers. Make sure any burned-out light bulbs are replaced and change any dated-looking lamps or lighting fixtures. Before a showing, open all curtains and blinds and leave a light on in each room.
   
   
8. Take the Smell Test
   Funky odors can detract from the most impeccably maintained home. You may have gone "nose-blind" to pet odors and other smells, so enlist the help of a friend. Don't overlook the tried-and-true effectiveness of baking bread or cookies for an irresistible aroma.
   
   
9. Clean, Clean Some More and Clean Again
   It may seem obvious, but the importance of an immaculate home can't be stressed too much. If your schedule is too tight, it's worth the expense to hire a cleaning service.
   
   
10. Look from the Outside In
    Renovation expert Bob Vila estimates that curb appeal can add as much as 20 percent to your home's value. Can you afford to pass up that kind of return? Be sure the outside of your home makes buyers eager to see what's inside.

Our real estate agents are ready, willing and able to make selling your home as painless and profitable as possible. Contact Wagner Realty to learn more. 

The holidays are filled with fun and excitement, and home buyers are eager to add to that excitement by finding their favorite new home. With the help from one of our real estate agents and these tips, your home selling experience can be a great one.

1. Start Your Marketing Efforts Before Thanksgiving
   If you need a buyer before the end of the year, there's a more limited time frame involved. Extend that timeframe by starting before Thanksgiving. That means more time to coordinate showings, and you can get the attention of buyers before they decide to take a break for the holidays.
   
   
2. Price It Right
   With fewer buyers who are usually more serious, it's even more important to price it right the first time.
   
   
3. You Still Need Curb Appeal
   With sparser foliage, buyers are more likely to notice the need for repairs. Make sure the paint is touched up, bricks are power washed, gutters are clean, and the yard is cleaned up before your home goes up for sale. Always pay attention to safety issues. And if your house looks beautiful when the landscaping is all green and in bloom, leave a strategically placed photo for buyers to see.
    
4. Make Your Home Cozy and Inviting
   A comfortable temperature, a stylized dining room table, and a living room with comfortable looking furniture are all examples of ways your home can look welcoming to a buyer. If it looks inviting, they'll stay a little longer, and it can help them form the emotional connection and positive feelings they'll need to move from looking to buying.
   
   
5. Use Holiday Décor, but Don't Overdo It
   It can make your home look festive and inviting and can help with curb appeal too. But keep it to a minimum. Visitors still need to move around the house so décor shouldn't be in the way or so overdone that it's a turnoff. Avoid anything specifically religious since not everyone celebrates the same holidays.
   
   
6. Use a Video Tour to Attract Buyers
   With busy schedules and inclement weather, shopping plans can change. A video can help connect you with the right buyer under any circumstances. Your home will be the first one they come to when they do go back out.
   
   
7. Be as Flexible as Possible With Showings
   With everyone's extra busy schedules, it's important to be available and flexible when it comes to showings. Good communication with your agent can really help here.
   
   
8. Highlight Winter-Friendly Amenities
   A working fireplace, new roof, updated heating, or attached garage are all features that are greatly appreciated during the winter. If your home has any of these options, make sure to mention them. Also highlight the entertainment areas where future owners can imagine their own holiday gatherings.
   
   
9. Pay Special Attention to Lighting
   With less available natural light and shorter daylight hours, there's a higher chance buyers may be touring your home under less than optimal conditions. Use the brightest light bulbs that are safe for your fixtures and add a lamp or other lighting where necessary.
   
   
10. Keep the Weather-Related Mess to a Minimum
    Buyers expect a clean home, so don't let the weather make it difficult. Provide a place to hang coats, a couple of umbrellas for outdoors and shoe covers or a doormat to help keep the carpet clean.

Selling your home during the holidays isn't impossible and having the right real estate agent can really make the process easier. Contact Wagner Realty today and let us help get your home sold!