5 Home Upgrades That Are Worth the Cost

1. Painting

Painting is an easy way to quickly update the ambiance and style of a room. In the transformation below, adding a light color and changing the trim to white drastically brightens the rooms.Likewise, painting the exterior of a home can improve the facade and curb appeal. The painted brick home pictured below gives off more of a modern feel with the new color.

2. Landscaping

We’ve talked about the benefits of landscaping before, as the investment goes a long way in elevating the look of the home. Below, overgrown landscaping blocks this home’s outer beauty, but the curb appeal is drastically increased with new plants that perfectly frame the home and it’s stunning features. The front of your home is the first thing people see, so any landscaping or exterior improvements will be worthwhile.

3. New Windows

New windows can benefit in two ways: a decor boost and better insulation (which can reduce your energy bills!). If you have a room in your home facing drafts, new panes are well worth the investment. Energy efficient windows can eliminate these drafts and save you money. If you’re investing in new windows, don’t forget that they can boost the style of the home too. We love the chic upgrade to the windows in the transformation below.

4. Kitchen Appliances

To be honest, any kitchen remodeling is a great investment. Homeowners consistently see great returns on improvements to their kitchen, from new cabinets to new appliances. Professionals urge a sense of caution though, don’t splurge on high-end appliances for a smaller property as you may not see the return. Similarly, it can be dangerous to mix high-end features with cost-effective features that do not pair well together (i.e. nice new cabinets will pair better with marble than a laminate!)

5. Adding a Deck or Patio

A well done outdoor space such as a deck or patio can be seen as an outdoor extension of the home and add appeal for potential buyers. If a deck is too costly, a simple patio or pergola can still add to the personality of your backyard or outdoor area.

10 Moving Costs You May Not Have Thought About

Trying to add up your moving costs?

When you’re moving, you’re likely thinking about transportation plans, deposits or closing costs, and a plan of action for packing up your personal items. (If you haven’t started planning, check out our 10 Tips for An Easier Move!) However, while you may have a cost in mind for your move, there are some hidden costs that you may not be thinking about. The truth is, moving always costs more than you expect. It is important to prepare for all scenarios when you move, so we’re sharing some hidden moving costs that you may not have factored into your budget.

1. Apartment or Home Searching.

Don’t forget that the home search process has costs too! Whether it is the cost of gas to visit homes or apartments, hotels for overnight visits to your new neighborhood, lunch after some home tours, or application fees, the cost of moving starts before you even start packing! To cut down on your spending while searching, make a game plan for the day. If you are looking at homes or apartments, try to schedule them all for one day if you can. Instead of overnight trips, consider taking day trips on the weekend and schedule time to see prospective homes and explore your new neighborhood.

2. Moving Supplies.

Boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape can add up! There are ways to cut down on these costs here, though:

Reach out to your local grocery stores or bookstores for used boxes.
Search Craigslist or Reddit for boxes and moving supplies from someone who has moved recently.
U-Haul has a customer connect page, where you can search your local area for moving boxes and supplies.
You can also poke around apartment complexes! Many complexes have boxes from residents who have recently moved in, although you may have to look by the dumpster.
If you are using a moving company, boxes may be included or added on for an additional cost. Be sure to ask when making your reservation!
In lieu of bubble wrap, use old newspapers or pages from an old phonebook. You could also wrap some delicates in linens such as dish towels. Just be careful while packing and choose bubble wrap for the items you would hate to have broken!

3. Babysitters and Pet Hotels.

If you are traveling with pets or kids, factor in the cost of babysitters or pet hotels if necessary. If you know that the process of moving or unpacking will take some time and your little ones or fur babies will need attention, it could be worthwhile to splurge on some extra help. If you are looking after your kids or pets, be sure to have snacks, food, water, leashes, and toys readily available!

4. Gas for the Moving Truck.

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of gas, especially if you are renting and driving your own truck! Trucks can expensive to fill and especially expensive if you are traveling a long distance.

5. Tips for Movers or Gifts for Friends that Help You Move.

If you hire movers, gratuity is not included! Most industry professionals agree on 5% for gratuity, however, they recommend factoring in how many items they personally packed and moved, time, and distance when deciding on a tip. If they moved a whole home and traveled for most of the day, consider tipping more than the standard 5%.

If your friends help you move, they may be doing you a favor but it is always nice to show them your appreciation with a small gift. Consider taking them out to dinner, or giving them a gift card to their favorite store. A little token of gratitude can go a long way!

6. New Home Appliances or Accessories.

Many blogs recommend cleaning out your items while packing and we do too! Packing provides a great opportunity to purge what you don’t need and items that will not be useful in your new home. One thing to consider is items that you will need for your new home. For instance, if your current shower has sliding doors but your new shower has a rail, you will need to get a shower curtain and liner. It may also be helpful to get a floor plan and measurements of your new space to ensure that all your furniture will fit in your new space.

7. Food.

When you’re packing up your things and cleaning out your current home, you’re often cleaning out your fridge and pantry. While we commend those individuals who can clean out their fridge and still make meals to enjoy during the moving process, we think it is far easier to budget for some takeout and road stop meals. Of course, you can plan ahead with some snacks and drinks, but who really wants to deal with the fuss of cooking when your whole life is in boxes? To help your budget, take a look at what dining options you’ll have on the road and in your new neighborhood ahead of time.

8. Insurance.

A new place often means new insurance. Start your research early on the cost of a new policy if you can transfer policies. If you’re renting, you may need to increase or reduce your coverage. If you’re new to renters insurance, learn more about cost and coverage here.

9. Utilities.

Utilities can be easy to forget about, but don’t forget to start and stop service! Be mindful that there is sometimes a cost for opening or closing accounts. It could also be helpful to sign up for email notifications and/or e-billing, to make sure that you don’t miss a bill during your move and get stuck with late fees.

10. Exploring Your New Neighborhood!

Once you’re in a new town you’ll want to explore all that it has to offer and meet new people! Factor in some funds for dining out and seeing local attractions. If your budget is tight try looking on social media or local blogs for free events. You can also explore local coffee shops, free museums, or take your dog to the park to meet some locals!

Any hidden or extra moving costs that we missed? Share them with us on Facebook or on Twitter!

Is Your Home to Blame for Winter Allergies?

We usually think of allergies in the spring, where the blooming environment brings tortuous pollen with the warmer weather. But allergies exist throughout all seasons, including the winter. While you don’t have outdoor allergens during the winter, there are several indoor allergens that could be culprits of your sneezing or stuffy nose. Below we’re sharing some common causes of winter allergies and how to tackle them!

Dust Mites

Dust Mites are one of the most common indoor allergens and they generally thrive in humid rooms and in temperatures of 60 to 85 degrees. To avoid excess dust mites, clean, vacuum, and dust regularly! Wash your sheets and linens weekly in hot water to remove any dust mites. If you find that dust is lingering, check out GroomedHome’s awesome dusting hacks for super thorough dusting!

Pets

Pets that shed can add to indoor allergies and further agitate the air quality in your home. Bathe and groom your furry friends regularly and be sure to vacuum often!

Dry Indoor Air

Turning on your heat will create drier air and will dry up your nose and skin! If the dry air is particularly irritating, try adding a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Mold

Indoor mold tends to grow in damp and dark environments (such as basements) and can cause allergies and illness. Treat mold with a cleaner containing bleach and consult a professional for larger patches of mold. BUT it could also be mildew! Check out our post on Mold vs. Mildew and how to eliminate both!

What is a Short Sale?

What is a short sale? A short sale is an alternative to a foreclosure, the legal process where a lender seeks to recover the balance of a loan. In a short sale, the lender and borrower agree on a payoff of less than the balance due on the loan.

Investopedia defines a short sale as: “Any sale of real estate that generates proceeds that are less than the amount owed on the property. A real estate short sale occurs when the lender and borrower decide that selling the property and absorbing a moderate loss is preferable to having the borrower default on the loan. It is therefore an alternative to foreclosure.”

While being an alternative to a foreclosure, there are downsides, such as negative consequences to your credit score. Credit Sesame has laid out the details and pros and cons in the infographic below:

(Image via creditsesame.com).

The 8 Best Ways to Get Your Kitchen Ready for Thanksgiving

Edit: We originally posted this guide for Thanksgiving, but are sharing it again for the winter holidays!

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends and to be grateful for our bounty.

…It can also mean freaking out about how to fit everything in the oven, where to find that missing ingredient and how to get everything on the table on time. Prepare as we may, last minute fiascoes do happen. However, to help prevent extra last minute drama, we’ve prepared a list of the best ways to get your kitchen ready for Thanksgiving.

Make sure you have enough plates and silverware for all of your guests.
In the days prior to Thanksgiving, review your guest list and make sure that you have enough plates and utensils for your guests. Don’t forget to factor in children and any steak knives.

Check your ingredients.
How many times have you said, “Oh, I know I have cinnamon in my pantry” only to find out later that you only have one of the three teaspoons you need. When planning your menu, be sure to thoroughly check the ingredients you own to make sure that you have enough of everything. No one enjoys multiple trips to the grocery store during the holidays.

Clean out your fridge.
If you’re hosting, clean out your fridge prior to the arrival of guests. Make enough space to have sufficient room for dishes relatives may bring, plus room for leftovers, even if you can pawn off the extra pie. Don’t forget to factor in space needed for beverages such as soda and wine. It may be helpful to have a cooler set up for drinks.

Don’t forget the ice!
Speaking of drinks, don’t forget to have enough ice on hand. Check your ice maker or buy extra ice if you are expecting a larger number of guests.

Clean your oven and check your burners.
Before your oven sees turkey, stuffing, vegetables andpie, make sure that you’ve thoroughly cleaned your oven to keep everything sanitary and to avoid having anything burning. However, be sure to clean your oven a few days in advance if you are using a preset self-cleaning cycle. This is due to the high heat during the self-clean that can sometimes trigger issues, particularly with older ovens.
If you have a range, you should wipe it down as well. And don’t forget to check each of your burners a few days prior to the cooking- you may need to use all of them!

Get that duster out!
Make sure you’ve dusted in high places and on windows… just in case your in-laws look.

Have your menu ready and schedule your oven time for each dish.
Have a plan for what needs to go in the oven and when so that there is not as much last minute scrambling. It may also be helpful to consider the pan size of each dish, so that you can best utilize your oven space.

Have a serving plan and a seating plan.
Will guests be in the kitchen and dining room? Will you have guests serve themselves in the kitchen, or will everything be brought to the table? Make a game plan for your serving and seating arrangements ahead of time to avoid last minute scrambling.

Halloween & Wrapping Up October

October is coming to a close this weekend and we are looking forward to a great Halloween. Here in the office we have a cat, two mice , a deer, a fairy godmother, Danny Zuko and the most beautiful little princess.
In addition to our Wilmington weekend Halloween picks, below are some guidelines to being safe on Halloween and while Trick or Treating:

Trick or Treat on blocks with well-lit houses and remain on house porches.
Most safety councils and city officials recommend Trick or Treating from 6pm to 8pm.
Children should travel in groups accompanied by an adult or adults.
Bring treats home before eating them and perform a quick check of your child’s candy before they indulge.
Use flashlights where necessary!
Be mindful when crossing streets.
Homeowners should not have any open flames where it may interfere with a child’s costume (such as on a walkway to the home) or where it may present a potential fire hazard.
Do not leave jack-o-lanterns with an open flame unattended.

If you’re still in need of a pumpkin, head to Wesley Memorial Church to pick one up from their office. Our office gets our pumpkins there every year and the proceeds support their youth group!

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month and at Dianne Perry & Company breast cancer touched our lives in a way we will never forget. In December 2012, our agent (and daughter, sister, and friend!) Amanda Perry was given the report of breast cancer at the age of 27. As a perfectly healthy women in her twenties, she was taken by surprise at finding a lump. Please read her personal journey on her blog and help educate other women of all ages on breast cancer awareness.

It’s never too early to be prepared and support others. Amanda is a brave, compassionate person and her journey has made her a stronger person than ever!

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we invite you to take a moment and perform a self exam. While many of us feel invincible, it is important to begin regular examinations at age 20.

How to perform a self exam: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-self-exam

ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF: if you find a lump, no matter your age, go to the Doctor (don’t put it off) and require them to do an ultrasound or mammogram. If you are young, they will likely believe it to be a common cyst, which it most likely but it is, but it is far better to have peace of mind. It Breast cancer in young women goes untreated it often becomes very aggressive and can spread. Insurance or not, there is funding for these tests.

We hope you have had a wonderful month and we look forward to what November brings!

10 Tips to Make Your Move Easier

Are you moving soon? While I have yet to meet anyone who describes moving as fun, ending up in your dream home or in a great new city always makes the process rewarding. Packing boxes and moving furniture can be tedious, so below are 10 tips to make your move easier!

1. Set a budget for moving!
First, set a budget for your move. Are you going to use movers? If so, remember that you may need to factor in the cost of gas and tips for the movers. Call local companies for a quote so you can get a ballpark idea of the cost. Most companies will have you fill out a list of items and furniture in your home to provide a more accurate quote.If you are looking to just rent a truck, you will also want to call in advance for a quote. Many companies have busy moving weekends and require a reservation. If you wait until the last minute, you may also be quoted a higher rate.Moving can have unexpected costs (like bubble wrap, new home items, and pizza) so set aside funds prior to moving and allow for some flexibility to your budget.

2. Talk with your family or roommates about your moving plan.When you make your reservation, be it for movers or just a truck rental, it is a good idea to try and also plan the following:

The amount of time you will need to take off from work, if applicable.
Who will be driving the truck rental and who will drive your family or personal vehicle.
What route you will take to your new home. Some trucks have to avoid certain roads and/or parkways.
What time you plan to leave and what time you plan to arrive.
How you will transport your furry friends (if you have them).
The amount of time you will need prior to moving and the day of moving. Don’t forget to factor in time for cleaning your rental or home prior to leaving for your new place!

3. If your travel time will take multiple days, purchase a lock for your truck or trucks to keep your personal items secure.

4. If you have to take any furniture apart, put nails and screws into a small plastic bag with a post-it note enclosed inside that notes what item it goes with. It may also be helpful to take photos while de-assembling furniture to remember how to reassemble.

5. Use garbage bags and rubber bands to quickly pack up your closet. Tie your hangers at the top while your clothes are still hanging and then cover with a garbage bag and tie at the top. I used this trick when moving recently and it definitely saved some time when unpacking my closet!

6. Label your boxes! Label what room each box is going t0 and note the contents where you may need to. (I.e. “Kitchen: plates and cups” and “Kitchen: pots and pans”. You will probably want to get your dining ware out first!). Label the sides AND the tops of the boxes so that you can quickly see the what the contents hold from any angle.

7. Create a “First Day” moving box or boxes. Keep this box in your car or right at the end of the truck for quick access. Fill the box (or boxes) with everything you will need for the first 24 hours. This will usually include snacks, paper plates and utensils, towels, shower curtain and bath and hygiene products. You may also want to pack coffee and your coffee maker in these first day boxes, or know where the nearest coffee shop is near your new home! If you have pets, be sure that you have their supplies easily accessible as well.

8. You may want to pack your first day essentials in a clear plastic container so there is no chance of it getting shuffled with the other boxes.

9. Each individual who is moving should also create an overnight bag. This should include a pair or two of clothes, any medications, personal documents and cell phone chargers!

10. Remember to breathe! Moving isn’t easy and takes time! Remember that it will all get done and don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to get everything perfect right away.

Bzzzz… Mosquitoes! Eek!

How to Prevent Mosquitoes After Heavy Rain or A Storm

After all this rain, you may be thinking about repairs you have to make or what to do now that the forecast is clear. You probably aren’t thinking about mosquitoes and that’s understandable. But mosquitoes pose a threat after a storm and there are mosquito warnings in our area. Below, we’re sharing what you need to know and how you can defend yourself from those itchy bites.

Here is what you need to know:

Heavy rains and storm damage will provide attractive breeding sites for species of mosquitoes that remain active until late fall.

Holes left by uprooted trees, tire ruts or soil erosion made by vehicles and heavy equipment fill up quickly with water that can stagnate over days. If the weather stays clear, then many of these temporary water sources should dry up and reduce the likelihood mosquito problems. However, if flooding is widespread, then persistent pockets of stagnant water are more likely to become mosquito breeding grounds

Brunswick County spokeswoman Amanda Hutcheson said samples in the county show mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for West Nile Virus. She said these types of pests are typically drawn more to dogs and horses, but people should take appropriate precaution in the area.

Here is what you can do to reduce mosquitoes after heavy rainfall:

Empty out any objects that have collected water. This could include buckets, tarps, gardening supplies or yard decorations.

Make sure that gutters are free of debris and draining properly.

Fill any holes left from uprooted trees or plants, or from any shifting due to rainfall.

If necessary, treat pools or ponds with an insecticide containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). For more information, consult your maintenance group or a local specialist.

It is best to stay indoors as much as possible after a storm, but if you do need to go outside, be mindful of areas that may have more mosquitoes (such as wooded areas) and wear light colored long sleeves shirts and pants. You can also use a bug repellent containing Deet.