Blog - Page 2 of 2 - Jessica Abegg

9 Kitchen Improvements Under $100

Want to spruce up your kitchen but stuck on a tight budget? Check out this list of improvements you can get started on for under $100. These tips can come in handy when you’re ready to list your home to sell on the market.

1. REFRESH THE SINK:

If your sink is starting to look outdated, find an affordable, yet stylish, replacement. If you have the eye for DIY, you can also purchase some sandpaper and a $4 can of spray paint that is made for metal, and use it to refresh and brighten the color.

2. HANG A NEW LIGHT FIXTURE

A decorative light fixture doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. You can generally find some decent ones that are under $100. Go for a chrome finish or choose the rustic route, whichever suits the current decor in your kitchen. You can also add LED lights under your kitchen cabinets for around $10-$20.

3. PAINT THE CABINETS

With care taken in the prep work, you can refinish the paint on your cabinets. You can generally get a kit for around $75. Refreshing the paint color or the stain can make your kitchen feel brand new.

4. TURN YOUR FRIDGE INTO A CHALKBOARD

Chalkboard finishes are a hot trend, especially on the fridge! They add more functionality by allowing home owners to write grocery lists, menus, and even to-dos. Use painters tape to outline the shape and size you want to use as the chalkboard, then coat it with magnetic primer followed by chalkboard paint.

5. REPLACE OUTLET PLATES

Replace the outdated outlet wall plates for your light switches. You can add some character to it by using bold patterns, bright colors, or elegant textures. If they look faded, yellow, or chipped, they’re a cheap fix to replace.

6. CHANGE HARDWARE

Replacing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets and drawers can provide a drastic change to your kitchen. Not only can you get rid of hideous outdated hardware, but you can add a completely new feel to the theme of your kitchen just by updating the hardware throughout it.

7. EXPAND STORAGE

Have empty wall space? Search your local home stores for cute baskets or storage containers you can use to fill the space. Not only can it add some character to your kitchen, it also adds functionality and more storage options – a feature buyers love if you’re thinking of listing your home.

8. DRESS UP YOUR DECOR

Bring some color to your kitchen. Throw out decor that looks like it belongs in the 90’s, rugs that are falling apart, and anything else that weighs down a fresh look. Add in some new rugs and hand towels that match your personality and the theme you’re trying to achieve. You can also add some plants and decorative pieces for character.

9. CLEAN UP THE CLUTTER

The best cleaning tip I can give my clients is to remove the clutter. Nothing is a bigger eye sore than too many things. It can also mess with the energy in a home. Throw out the things that are taking up too much space. If it’s sentimental, see if you can store it in a new place or store it if you are preparing for a move.

March 15March 15

4 Realtor Myths Exposed

I hope that you are enjoying a wonderful Holiday season with loved ones, and that your stress is minimal. I hope this is a time of respite and reflection on the year behind, and optimistic planning for the year ahead.

I wanted to thank you again for a fabulous year, and tell you that all of your support, your participation on tours, your real estate business, and your generous referrrals of friends and family have meant the moon. And by the way, I am NEVER too busy for your referrals!

Speaking of referrals, I’ve had a number of conversations in recent weeks with folks who have shared some misperceptions when trying to refer friends and family looking to buy or sell in the 2019. I hear these same four misplaced beliefs from time to time, so I wanted to dispel some of the myths, as it can actually be quite detrimental to navigate a real estate transaction solo.

So here they are, the 4 Realtor Myths Exposed….

Myth #1: I have to pay to work with a Realtor.

Actually, you have to pay to buy a house. In the vast majority of cases (and 100% of the work that I do), realtors’ fees are not paid by the buyer, but actually by the seller’s proceeds at closing. Buyers never pay their realtor, and thus they have no risk to engage an expert who will help them to navigate the rapidly changing market. Someone who will protect their money and their best interests.

The amount that both a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent are paid is predetermined by the seller and their agent before the house is even on the market, so it’s not something that effects the buyer in any way.

Myth #2: I will save money on the transaction working without a Realtor/My offer will be more competitive if I don’t have a Realtor.

I hear this one mostly from first time homebuyers, and I want to address this one head on. Trust me, no one likes to save money more than I do, but the truth is it’s more likely that you will lose money not working with a realtor. Here’s why:

Remember we just established that buyer’s agents are only paid from seller’s proceeds, and not at all until the property closes? And remember that that amount was determined long before the house came on the market and a buyer put an offer in?

What happens if you put an offer in without a realtor is typically that the seller’s agent becomes a transaction broker for the deal. A transaction broker is a neutral party that basically oversees the paperwork; they cannot advise you or advocate for you as the buyer. In other words, if you’re paying way too much money, they can’t tell you that. If there’s major issues at inspection or you want to know subjective opinions about resale, they won’t advise you. You’re pretty much on your own.

And that money you thought you were saving the seller? It all goes to the transaction broker (the seller’s agent), because they agreed to pay that amount regardless of how the house was sold. So you stand to lose quite a bit of money and go it alone without someone in your corner.

Myth #3: I don’t need an agent if I’m buying New Construction.

It’s easy to see where this mispercetion comes from….you go to a new build site and there’s a beautiful sales office with sales representatives chomping at the bit to help you get your new house. They have a team of people that oversee the process. So you’re good, right?

Wrong. Because who does that salesperson and that team work for? Here’s a hint: it’s not the buyer.

Everyone there works for the builder, and they’re paid to sell houses, and to get as much profit as possible. Having an agent represent you in a new build is imperative, as there are tons of details and logistics to oversee and you want someone advocating for your best interests every step of the long process.

I’ve worked with a number of clients to buy new builds this year, and I will tell you a lot of issues can arise. And a lot of money can be saved- I recently uncovered $6000 worth of incentives that weren’t advertised just by sitting down with my client and the sales reps. If you’re even wanting to explore buying new, I highly recommend bringing an agent to that first visit.

And here again, the buyer doesn’t pay the agent, the builder does, so there’s no risk to getting a professional opinion.

Myth #4: I don’t need a Realtor if I’m buying with cash.

I’m not really sure where this one comes from, as the way a buyer finances their purchase really doesn’t have much to do with the realtor. Whether you are financing a purchase with a conventional, FHA, VA loan, or with cash, the process of the transactions and the potential pitfalls are exactly the same.

In fact, I think using cash is all the more reason to use a realtor, frankly, as you’re putting forth your own money, not a bank’s. Thus you really want to make sure that you’re getting a good price, that the underlying issues in the home aren’t going to cost you in the future, and that everything goes smoothly.

In addition, cash transaction typically go much faster than lender-financed ones, and so having someone who is in the weeds daily navigate the rapid transaction can be critical.

And once more, a cash buyer isn’t paying for a buyer’s agent any more than a lender-financed buyer. Say it with me everyone: the agent is paid from seller’s proceeds, and paid only when and if the transaction closes.

Hopefully that helps dispel some of those mispercptions, and gives you some insight into how to help friends, family, and yourself to make educated decisions, keep as much money in their pocket, and have smooth real estate experiences.

March 13April 28

7 Easy Tips to Beautify Your Home

There’s no place like home, so why not make home the most beautiful and cozy place you can stay in? Let’s dive into some techniques that can help you showcase the best features of every room in your house. Just a touch of color, texture, and personality can transform your home into something new. Here’s a few tips that aren’t a lot of hassle:

ADD SOME COLOR

Sticking with a neutral scheme can never go wrong, but if you’re feeling like your room is a little drab, don’t be afraid to go with a bold color. You can do an accent wall that compliments the current color scheme or use your furniture or accent pieces to bring a touch of color. Color doesn’t have to mean clutter – you can keep the rest of the room simple and add the dramatic touch with a few elements.

USE SOME MIRRORS

Bringing in some mirrors can add light and room to your space. Using mirrors in staging is known to help the room look like it’s much bigger than it is. Add a few accent mirrors, preferably right across the room from a window, to brighten up your space and keep it from feeling too tight and small.

PLAY WITH ACCESSORIES

We get it, furniture can get expensive, but there is so much you can do with a room by just getting creative with accessories. Get some unique decorative pieces and let your room tell a story through them. Hop down to your closest antique store and grab some pieces that are bold. You can also head into Hobby Lobby or TJ Maxx, where they have beautiful and unique decorative pieces that are incredibly affordable.

ADD SOME GREEN

Nothing gives a space some life like some life, literally. Add some plants to your rooms, lots of green ones that are easy to keep alive, to add a unique touch to the room. You’d be surprised how much a room looks “finished” when you add a beautiful tree to the corner of a room.

EMBRACE THE LIGHT

The natural light, we mean. Don’t block out your windows with heavy drapes or hide them behind furniture. Decorate your room in a way that compliments the windows and brings the natural light in.

ADD TEXTURE

Use fur throws or pillows, use patterns in your fabrics, etc. Don’t be afraid to add unique textures throughout the home. It gives your eyes something to land on as they are looking around the room. You can even use metallics! Don’t over-do it, because then it can get overwhelming. Just get a few textures that complement each other and put them in clever places around your room.

REMOVE CLUTTER

A tip you’ll hear often is that nothing brings the best out in a room better than getting rid of all the clutter and junk. If you have a hard time walking around your room or finding things, it may be time to get a few boxes and start cleaning out the things that don’t really belong.