Home Improvement • Selling • April 22, 2023

Small Improvements that have a BIG Impact

by Loren Keim

When it comes to selling a home, small improvements can have a big impact on its value. Whether you’re selling your home in the near future or just want to improve its condition, there are a few simple touches you can make to help it stand out to potential buyers.

Freshen up the walls: Repainting the walls can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of a property. Opt for neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. If the walls are in good condition, painting an accent wall can also add a pop of color and depth to the space.
Update fixtures: Old, dated fixtures can make a house feel tired and uninviting. Swapping out old light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware with modern options can give the space a polished, upgraded look.
Improve curb appeal: The exterior of a home is the first thing potential buyers see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, add fresh mulch to flower beds, and consider adding a few potted plants to the front porch for a welcoming touch.
Clean and declutter: A home that is clean and clutter-free will appear more spacious and appealing to buyers. Clear out any unnecessary belongings and deep clean the entire house to showcase its potential.
Enhance natural light: Natural light can make a space feel larger and more open. Remove heavy drapes and replace them with light-colored, sheer curtains to allow as much light in as possible. Keeping windows sparkling clean can also help maximize natural light.
Upgrade appliances: If your home has older appliances, consider upgrading them to more energy-efficient, modern models. Not only can this improve the look of your kitchen or laundry room, but it can also save the buyer money in the long run. By making a few simple improvements, you can increase the value of your home and appeal to a wider range of potential buyers.

Remember, small touches can make a big difference – and may be the deciding factor for a buyer when choosing between two similar properties.

For more advice, call Century 21 Keim at 800-648-4421 or visit us online at www.C21Keim.com

Buying • Selling • April 22, 2023

Why Homes Sell in the Spring

by Loren Keim

The Spring Homebuying Market: Why Home Sellers Sell

Spring is often considered the prime time for home sellers to put their properties on the market. But why do they choose this particular season? There are several reasons why homeowners opt for spring, ranging from ideal weather conditions to an advantageous market.

One of the biggest reasons for selling a house in the spring is the weather. With longer days and warmer temperatures, properties look more attractive, and buyers are more inclined to explore new listings. Springtime weather means flowers and plants are in bloom, making homes look more beautiful in photos and more appealing to potential buyers. Additionally, mild weather makes it easier to conduct open houses and showcase the exterior of the property.

The timing of the academic calendar year can also impact a seller’s decision to list their home in the spring or summer. Families often look to purchase their new homes in the spring or summer months as they plan to move before the start of the new school year. This provides sellers with a larger group of potential buyers looking to find the perfect home before the school year begins.

Another factor that affects sellers is the overall state of the market. Spring often brings healthy competition, as people start to look for new homes and the market becomes more active.

Additionally, tax refunds can bring extra financial incentives for buyers, providing a boost in purchasing power and a great opportunity for sellers to receive multiple offers. Selling a home in the spring also presents a chance to capitalize on low supply and high demand. Inventory tends to be higher during the summer months, giving prospective buyers more options. Therefore, selling early in the season when inventory is lower can translate to a quicker sale and a better price.

Overall, there are numerous reasons why spring is the ideal time for home sellers to list their properties. From the temperate weather and tax refunds to market activity and low inventory, there are ample opportunities for sellers to make a quick and profitable sale.

If you’re thinking of selling and would like a free market analysis, please contact us at 800-648-4421.

Uncategorized • April 13, 2022

New Technology Promises to Revolutionize Construction

by Loren Keim

There’s no question that technology is making an impact on the construction industry – even though construction is an industry that’s been historically slow to embrace innovation. The reluctance to change and evolve is due to fragmentation in the industry. With so many small firms specializing in different aspects of the construction process, it’s a challenge to adopt seamless processes and adapt to new technologies.

But recent advances that increase the efficiency, flexibility and adaptability of many emerging construction technologies are making them more cost-effective for firms to adopt. Just a few of the new technologies in use today include modular construction (using free-standing, integrated modules that are manufactured off-site and then transported to a site for installation), geospatial technologies (used to visualize, measure and analyze Earth’s features) and wearable technologies (such as head-mounted displays).

There’s more on the horizon. Some emerging technologies in the construction industry include mass timber (an engineered wood product), construction robotics (using robots to build) and autonomous construction vehicles (equipment operated by a computer).

To read a NAIOP report about new construction technologies, click here.

Commercial Real Estate • April 13, 2022

Converting Hotels to Housing

by Loren Keim

Converting Hotels to Housing

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has released new research on the conversion of hotels and motels into housing. While the study was spurred by a 37% drop in hotel occupancy rates driven by the pandemic, the findings have broader implications. Hotel conversions provide a means to simultaneously create renewed profitability and help address the national housing shortage.

Commercial members surveyed

A survey was sent to 75,000 commercial members of the NAR between February and March of 2021. 168 reported being engaged in the sale, leasing, development, property management or appraisal of converted hotels/motels between 2018 and 2020. Of the reported conversions:

79% were for housing.
12% were for homeless shelters, either temporary or permanent.
6% were for healthcare or quarantine facilities.
3% were for retail, industrial, ranch land or other development.

Success stories

The report ends with five case studies detailing acquisition, zoning, renovations and expected final property values. For those interested in engaging in hotel/motel conversions, they’ll find an excellent road map in this report.

By the way

If you’re interested in shopping for hotels or any commercial real estate, please visit us at www.Century21KeimCommercial.com

Buying • April 13, 2022

Home Inspections – What to Expect Next

by Loren Keim

Home Inspection

So you made an offer, it was accepted, and now your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. Oftentimes, agents make your offer contingent on a clean home inspection.

This contingency allows you to renegotiate the price you paid for the home, ask the sellers to cover repairs, or even, in some cases, walk away. Your agent can advise you on the best course of action once the report is filed.

How to Choose an Inspector

Your agent will most likely have a short list of inspectors that they have worked with in the past that they can recommend to you. HGTV recommends that you consider the following 5 areas when choosing the right home inspector for you:

Qualifications – find out what’s included in your inspection and if the age or location of your home may warrant specific certifications or specialties.
Sample Reports – ask for a sample inspection report so you can review how thoroughly they will be inspecting your dream home. The more detailed the report, the better in most cases.
References – do your homework – ask for phone numbers and names of past clients who you can call to ask about their experiences.
Memberships – Not all inspectors belong to a national or state association of home inspectors, and membership in one of these groups should not be the only way to evaluate your choice. Membership in one of these organizations often means that continued training and education are provided.
Errors & Omission Insurance – Find out what the liability of the inspector or inspection company is once the inspection is over. The inspector is only human after all, and it is possible that they might miss something they should have seen.

Ask your inspector if it’s okay for you to tag along during the inspection, that way they can point out anything that should be addressed or fixed.

Don’t be surprised to see your inspector climbing on the roof or crawling around in the attic and on the floors. The job of the inspector is to protect your investment and find any issues with the home, including but not limited to: the roof, plumbing, electrical components, appliances, heating & air conditioning systems, ventilation, windows, the fireplace and chimney, the foundation, and so much more!

Bottom Line

They say ‘ignorance is bliss,’ but not when investing your hard-earned money into a home of your own. Work with a professional who you can trust to give you the most information possible about your new home so that you can make the most educated decision about your purchase.

Home Improvement • April 13, 2022

How to Decorate for Outdoor Entertaining

by Loren Keim

Even though you don’t have a sprawling backyard, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy entertaining outdoors. Make the most of your petite patio and turn it into a pocket-sized paradise. Here are our tips for how to decorate small spaces for outdoor entertaining.

● Arrange furniture the right way: The best way to maximize space is to arrange your furniture around the perimeter of the deck or patio. Think twice before placing a table in the center, and instead give your guests plenty of room to stand or move around.

● Add extra seating with large pillows: Get a few extra spots for guests to sit without taking up too much space by throwing in some large floor pillows. They add an extra element of coziness, plus they’re easy to add or subtract.

● Use color wisely: Color can make all the difference when decorating, especially in such a small space. Keep things fresh and airy by sticking to a monochromatic palette in whites or grays. Or add a bit of fun by using colorful accents in eye-catching patterns.

● Be strategic when choosing furniture: Save space by investing in two-for-one pieces of furniture, such as nesting tables, storage ottomans and benches (which can also be used for seating), and folding tables and chairs.

● Bring on the plants: There may be plenty of foliage outside already, but use it strategically in your entertaining area. Plants are a simple way to liven things up and make your modest space feel like an exotic retreat.

● Hang up lights: Strings of bistro lights can instantly open up a small space. Plus, that warm glow will give things a cozier vibe.

Get ready for a summer full of outdoor entertaining! Decorate for Outdoor Entertaining

Buyer Advice • February 26, 2022

8 Things That Suddenly Change When You Become a Homeowner

by Loren Keim

8 Things That Change When Becoming a Homeowner

Home ownership is a big part of the American Dream. It’s also a rite of passage, and millions of people go into their careers and family lives picturing the day when they can finally own a place of their own. When that day comes, it can be quite an experience. Signing the paperwork and getting the keys to your new place is one of the most exciting feelings in the world.

But it’s what comes after that can feel a bit strange. When you become a homeowner, you not only get to see your name on a deed, you also get to experience some of the things that only other owners get to experience.

Here are eight things that suddenly change when you become a homeowner:

1. You start having conversations about being a homeowner with other homeowners

“Yeah, we redid the kitchen first, but the bathrooms weren’t too bad. I’d like to add a deck but the nursery needs some attention next.”