Angela DeBlois' Real Estate Blog

Hottest Bathroom Trends for Any Budget

A bathroom remodel is one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake as a homeowner. When well-planned, it can improve your home’s aesthetics while adding convenience. And it usually offers a significant return when it comes time to sell.
Remodels don’t have to break the bank, either. With just a few hundred dollars and a little elbow grease, you can make a remarkable impact to your space — both in value and style.
Not sure where to start on your bathroom remodel? Here are some of today’s hottest trends:
Bold Metal Fixtures
Budget: Low
Forget those old handles, faucets and drawer pulls that blend in. Today’s designers are making these small details stand out. Think bold brass, matte black or even rose gold.
Modern Wallpaper
Budget: Low
Wallpaper is back — especially intricately illustrated designs and bright, bold patterns. It’s low-cost, easy to DIY and makes an immediate impression.
Smart Tech
Budget: Low to Medium
Savvy consumers are using smart tech in their powder rooms for a touch of luxury. Some of the most popular features include autofilling bathtubs, voice-activated mirrors and sound systems, and LED-enhanced showerheads.
Exposed Concrete
Budget: Medium
Concrete floors, walls, counters and sinks are popular with celebrity designers and new homebuilders. They offer a minimalistic, contemporary look that goes with any color palette.
Freestanding Tubs
Budget: Medium to High
Freestanding tubs may date to the Roman Empire, but they’re making a stylish comeback. Tuck one into a corner or under a skylight to create a beautiful focal point to relax in.
If you’re interested in remodeling your home or if you want to learn more about the latest trends and how your home compares, get in touch for a local market report.

4 Things to Put on Your Moving Checklist

Moving can be hectic. With dozens of to-dos, a tight timeline and a growing pile of boxes, it’s easy to get frazzled and let things fall through the cracks. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Get organized now by making a checklist to work from. Set deadlines for the most critical tasks like hiring movers, renting a storage unit and turning on your new utilities. Aside from packing up room by room, make sure your list has these often forgotten items, too:
Forward Your Mail: The post office makes it very easy to ensure your mail gets routed to the right place, at least for the first year after your move. Just head to a local branch or go online to update your address with the date you’ll be moving, and your mail will automatically forward.
Measure and Decide: Take a measuring tape to your new home and jot down the measurements of each wall and nook. What furniture and decor will fit in your new space? What won’t? It’s better to make decisions about what to donate or sell before moving day.
Refill Prescriptions: It may take a bit to get your prescriptions forwarded to a new pharmacy and even longer for you to find the time to pick them up. If possible, get your prescriptions refilled ahead of time from your current pharmacy.
Back Up Your Electronics: Back up your computer and phone to the cloud, and make sure you’ve uploaded all your photos and documents somewhere safe. In the event something happens to your devices during the move, a backup will get you up and running faster.
Are you ready to make a move? Whether you’re considering selling your current home or thinking of finding a new one, get in touch today for help and resources to guide you through the process.

Should you skip the starter house?

Gone are the days when a three-bedroom, two-bath starter home was the norm for first-time homebuyers. Today, many buyers are skipping that stage altogether and going straight for their dream homes. They’re buying bigger, more expensive properties with upgraded features, and they plan to live there for the long haul.
Not sure which type of property you should look for? Here are a few things to consider:
Why are you buying?
Are you mainly looking for a way to lower your monthly living expenses, or do you want a place to raise your kids and put down roots? Do you want this to be your only purchase, or are you willing to go through the process again in a few years?
What’s your budget?
Can you buy your dream home with what you can currently afford, or would that stretch your budget too far? It’s crucial to consider how much you’ll need to save for a down payment and how large of a loan you can qualify for. Your credit score and the expected interest rate will also play a factor.
How long do you plan to stay?
Do you plan to be in the area for a long time or is there a chance you’ll need to move for your career, family or another reason down the line?
Is the market favorable?
What is the current housing inventory, and will you be competing with other buyers? Favorable market conditions mean you’ll get more house for your money, making it an ideal time to purchase a forever home.
Get in touch today if you’re ready to buy a new home. If you’re unsure about a starter home or forever home for your family, we can discuss what options are available to meet your needs and long-term goals.

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