Knowing What to Expect When Buying Your First Condo

In recent years, condos have become more popular than ever. It’s estimated that more than 5 million families in the United States live in condos or co-ops.  If you’re just thinking about getting your first condo, you’re probably excited. However, there are a few things you should know before moving in.

What’s Exactly a Condo?

As you probably know, the phrase condo is short for condominiums. The word is used to describe a single unit within an apartment-style building. As a condo owner, you share some of the common areas of the property. In most condos, you can find organized communities of people who share amenities with their neighbors, such as children’s playgrounds, gyms, pools, dog-walking parks, and other public spaces.

Who Manages a Condo?

If you’re a condo owner, how much work do you need to do? What are some of your responsibilities? The shared areas won’t be kept in order on their own. Usually, shared areas around condos are managed by the condo association. As an owner, you’re mainly responsible for your unit. However, as soon as you buy a condo, you become a member of the association. You’ll probably have to pay a fee every month to cover the upkeep expenses.

Checklist for First-time Condo Owners

Is that everything you need to know? You just need to pay a monthly fee and you’re all good? Not exactly. There are some precautions every condo owner should take before they get all of their stuff in their new place. Here’s what you need to do:

Make Sure To Get to Know the Area 

The first thing you need to do is to learn the whereabouts of your condo and see what’s its relation to the surrounding area. What’s more, you should see which cabinet is close to which cabinet, where can you keep your clothes, and other things like that.

Get a Condo Insurance Policy

If you’ve bought a new condo, you should get an insurance policy. This place is your new home. As such, you need to protect it at all costs. You should also cover your liability for any injury sustained on the property.

Recognize a Need for Inspection

Never make a large purchase like this without making sure that everything is in perfect shape. That will help you save a lot of money down the line on repairs. If you know any recent condo owners, ask them to refer you to an experienced home inspector.

Become Familiar With Your Neighbors

Last but not least, you should probably spend some time greeting your neighbors before you even move in. You can spend a few days exploring the area in which you’ll be living in. The sooner you become a part of the community, the better.

You’ll Be Ready to Move in Before You Know It!

Living in a condo is best suited for people who don’t have enough time for upkeep or those who want to make use of shared amenities. Basically anyone - including single homeowners and families - can benefit from the condo lifestyle. Just follow the checklist we laid out above, and you’ll be able to enjoy all of the benefits stress-free lifestyle in your condominium.

Best Produce, Herbs, and Flowers For Growing In Washington, DC

Nearly $48 billion – that’s just how much Americans spend on gardening every year. For many people in the United States, growing vegetables once spring arrives is a big deal. As a matter of fact, 8 out of 10 households in the country participate in some kind of gardening activity.

Are you a newcomer to gardening and live in the DC area? If so, this post is tailor-made just for you.

Every state in the country has different weather conditions, but Washington generally has mild summers and winters – that allows gardeners to plant all year round. Below are some of the most popular produce, herbs, and flowers for growing in Washington, DC.

Basil

You can find many people selling sweet and Thai basil in DC markets. That’s because basil is pretty easy to grow. Just give it enough water and sun, and it should grow without problems. If you want the opportunity to make pesto for several occasions, you should purchase a couple of basil plants.

Mint

Mint grows very well too. You can just plant some mint in a few pots and leave it be. It’s so it doesn’t need too much cultivation to grow. It’s great for tea, so you can plant it in spring, and have it ready for the fall and winter. 

Tomatoes

Spring temperatures aren’t predictable. That’s why tomatoes perform best when planted as young plants. A tomato flower won’t pollinate during the summer when the temperatures are high. It will do so in early August and it will set and ripen new fruit until well into October.  

Peppers

Just as tomatoes, peppers should be planted as young plants, and placed in a spot where they could bathe in sunlight for multiple hours. Although peppers like heat, you should keep them watered during long dry spells to encourage growth.

Peony

When it comes to peony, most seasoned gardeners will tell you that you should simply buy an established peony plant, put it in a pot, and place it in a sun-filled area in your home. It may take a few months to blossom, but you don’t need to give it much attention in the meantime.

Clematis

Until fairly recently, only a small number of clematis cultivars were readily available in the US. Due to that scarcity, clematis has become quite popular. You can plant clematis any time you want, just be aware that blooms may recede in the summer. No worries, though; they’ll return in autumn.

Start Growing Your Produce, Herbs, or Flowers Today

When looking for gardening advice, keep in mind that every region has different planting times, based on their weather. Washington, DC is no different. A helpful resource is Almanac’s Best Planting Dates, an online calendar that shows you all of the frosting dates in your region. Enter your ZIP code, look up the dates, and plan out your planting schedule. Good luck, gardeners!

What is Home Staging? Understanding The Benefits & The Basics

Thinking about staging your home yourself or hiring a professional home staging service? Staging has a lot of great benefits, so in this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the process and how it works.

A client’s living room staged by the Catalyst Group in Washington, DC.

What Is Home Staging And How Does It Work?

As the name suggests, home staging involves redecorating your home to make it look more appealing, and showcase its best assets. There are a lot of ways you can do this, including:

• Removing old and worn-out furniture and replacing it with rental furniture

• Cleaning up the home and removing day-to-day items like pet equipment, kid’s toys, etc.

• Replacing family photographs with more generic photos

• Adding more lamps and lights to brighten darker rooms

• Painting bright walls in more neutral colors

• Organizing storage spaces and removing most items from attics, closets, basements, etc.

While “home staging” usually refers to redecorating the interior of a home, the exterior can be staged to an extent too, by doing things like repainting doors and siding, mulching flower beds and planting flowers, trimming bushes, and doing other minor yard work and home maintenance tasks.

You can handle home staging on your own, but lots of people choose to hire professional home stagers, who use their years of expertise to quickly improve your home before tours, photographs, and more.

The Benefits of Home Staging

 Home staging can be a lot of work, or if you hire a professional, it can be expensive. Why is it worth it? Here are a few reasons:

1. Bring out the best in your home – You can make your home look its best – emphasizing its best aspects and improving things that may otherwise turn buyers off from purchasing your property.

1. Sell your home faster – Professionally-staged homes sell much faster – up to 73% faster compared to non-staged homes, on average. If you need a quick sale, staging may be the way to go.
   

2. Sell your property for a higher price – This is the primary reason why people stage their homes. A more appealing property means that people are willing to offer more money during the sales process. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, about 41% of sellers saw an increase in value of 1-10% compared to what the home would have sold for if it wasn’t staged. 

Consider Home Staging If You Want A Faster Sale & A Higher Price For Your Property  

Depending on your situation, home staging may or may not be a great investment. If you live in a “hot” property market where homes are selling above asking price already, staging may not be worth it.

But if homes are selling more slowly and for lower prices in your area, staging your home can boost its appeal, bring in more buyers, and get you a better price. And that’s always a good thing. So think about your own personal situation, and consider whether or not home staging is a good idea for you.

Area Rug Sizing – Considerations When Choosing A Rug For Your Home

One of the best things about hard floor materials like wood, stone, and tile is that you can always add some softness and warmth with an area rug. But sizing an area rug for your home can be more difficult than you may think. So, how can you find the right rug for your home? Find out now.

1. Think About Your Budget

First, consider your budget. Smaller rugs like 5x8 rectangular rugs can be pretty affordable, but larger 9x12 rugs may be more than twice as expensive. As a rule, smaller is better if you’re on a tight budget and are working with a smaller room.

Area rugs can also vary quite a bit in quality. We recommend avoiding the cheapest rugs you can find. These are often hard to clean, pick up stains and dirt easily, and may even begin to fall apart after just a year or two, requiring you to buy another rug. Investing in quality is worth it when it comes to area rugs. 

2. Consider The Size Of The Room

The size of the room should also affect your area rug sizing. Counter-intuitively, it’s often better to buy a larger rug for smaller rooms – since a small rug can simply make the room look smaller than it really is.

So grab your tape measure, and measure your room. You want to keep at least 18 inches of bare floor between the edges of the rug and the walls. This ensures the rug covers up plenty of space, but leaves a gap to accentuate the flooring material. Going right up to the wall tends to make the area rug look a bit strange – not quite like a carpet, but not quite like a rug.

3. Choose The Right Rug For The Type Of Room

Area rugs are usually placed in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms. For living rooms, there are three common layouts, and any of them may be right for you.

1. A small rug, such as a 4x6 rug, that the coffee table rests on

2. A medium-sized rug, such as a 5x8 rug, that allows the front legs of all the furniture to rest on the rug

3. A large rug, such as a 9x12 rug or larger, that allows all the legs of the furniture rest on the rug

In the dining room, your goal should be to buy a rug that is large enough to rest underneath the table and all of your chairs. The rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond all sides of the table.

In bedrooms, most people opt for a large 9x12 rug that goes underneath the bed as well as storage benches and nightstands. However, another option is to buy a 5x8 rug, and to place it horizontally near the foot of the bed.

Consider These Factors When Sizing An Area Rug

Area rug sizing can be difficult, but just remember a few rules of thumb. Buy a high-quality rug, make sure you keep at least 18 inches between the rug and the wall, and always consider the size and type of room where you're putting the rug. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to find the right rug for your home.

Baby-Proofing Your Home – Top Tips & Steps to Protect Your Baby

If you’re a new parent, you may be wondering how you can protect your baby once they start to crawl and walk. Without proper baby proofing, they end up bumping into things, pulling open drawers, and getting into all sorts of trouble and danger. So we’re here with a few simple steps you can take to keep your little one safe.

1. Invest In Some Baby Gates For Off-Limits Areas 🛑

Baby gates are plastic gates that can be placed in front of stairwells, off-limits rooms like the dining room, or any other room where you don’t want your child to wander unattended. By keeping your children away from these areas completely, you can avoid injuries and accidents.

2. Buy Some Cabinet & Drawer Locks 🔒

There are a lot of different styles of cabinet and drawer locks out there, but they all serve the same basic purpose. They prevent kids from opening drawers and cabinet doors without supervision.

These are particularly important for the kitchen, where you may have sharp kitchen tools, heavy pots and pans, and other items that could injure a toddler or young child. Make sure you lock up all of your ground-level cabinets and drawers to keep your little one safe.

3. Keep Cleaning Products Out Of Reach ☣️

Keeping cleaning products under the sink or near the ground in laundry or utility areas is not a good idea with small kids. They could easily get into them and spill or ingest them. The best thing to do is to get a shelving unit or find a high-up cabinet where you can stash these potentially-hazardous products out of reach of your little ones.

4. Add Corner Guards To Sharp Furniture Corners 🪑

Furniture with sharp edges can lead to cuts and head injuries, so if you have tables, chairs, or other furniture with sharp edges, we recommend buying adhesive corner guards. You can stick these soft rubber guards to the edge of the furniture, and they will cushion the corner to protect your child if they run into the furniture.

You may also want to completely get rid of glass furniture, such as glass coffee tables. Glass may be chic and modern, but could break and pose serious risks to your baby.

5. Cover Up Unused Electrical Outlets  🔌

Any power outlet that’s not in use should be protected with a power outlet cover, which prevents curious kids from sticking fingers or any other objects into the outlet, and can prevent them from a painful or potentially lethal shock.  

Keep Your Little One Safe With These Tips 👶

You can’t protect your baby from everything, but with these tips and products, you’ll be able to eliminate most sources of danger for babies – even toddlers, too. So take a look around the house and make sure your child has the protection they need!

New Year Resolutions – Suggestions For Self-Improvement In The New Year

Having trouble coming up with a New Year’s resolution? Read on to see a few suggestions that you can use to improve yourself in 2021 – and beyond!

1. Start Exercising More 💪

Did you know that simply walking 30 minutes a day can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and help you live longer? It’s true! So make it a priority to exercise more this year; whether you take a walk every day, or get involved in hobbies like running, weight training, or swimming – you’ll contribute to your body’s overall physical health.

2. Eat Right & Take Care Of Your Body 🍎

This is one of the most common New Year Resolutions, but it’s a good one. It’s a good idea to try to reduce the amount of processed food you eat, cut down on sugary drinks and snacks, and eat a diet of healthy dairy, whole grains, lean meat, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. Cut Down On Alcohol & Quit Smoking 🚭

If you tend to drink a bit more than you should, the New Year is a perfect time to reduce your alcohol intake. This will have great health benefits like mental clarity, better sleep, weight loss, and feeling the ‘detox’ sensation, in addition to achieving a set goal.

Quitting smoking and tobacco use is also a great resolution, and will help you improve your overall health and well-being significantly.

4. Get Your Personal Finances On Track 💸

2021 can be the year when you learn more about personal finance, build a budget, and start working toward long-term goals like buying a house, paying for your child’s college education, or retiring early. This simple guide from NerdWallet is a good place to get started.

5. Spend More Time With Loved Ones ❤️

Prioritizing spending time with your partner, kids, family members, and friends is a great New Year resolution. Sharing meals, experiences, and special occasions with those close to you is always rewarding, so make this a priority in 2021!

6. Cook More Instead Of Ordering Take-Out 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

Learning to cook is really rewarding, and can help you eat healthier and save money, too. So in 2021, make it a goal to learn to cook and cook more often! To get started, you can try out meal kit services, like Blue Apron or HelloFresh, which include all the ingredients you need and simple step-by-step cooking instructions. 

7. Get Better Sleep 😴

Healthy adults should get at least 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep per night. If you don’t get enough sleep, you can suffer from issues like stress, lethargy, weight gain, and it may even reduce the effectiveness of your immune system. Not sure where to start? This guide from the Sleep Foundation can help you create a healthy “sleep environment” and get the rest you need.

Try These New Year’s Resolutions For A New You In 2021! 🎉

Hopefully, at least one or two of these resolutions has been inspirational – and if you’re feeling up to it, you can try all of them! Building new habits is hard, but it’s worthwhile, and the New Year is a perfect time to get started.

6 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter weather is on its way, so here are 6 useful tips to help prepare for your home for the lower temperatures to come.

Winter storms caused $2.1 billion in insured losses in 2019 (Insurance Information Institute. In order to prevent costly damage, we’ve put together a list of 10 ways you can prepare your home for the colder weather to come.

1. Insulate Indoor Pipes

   Pipe insulation keeps the water in your plumbing system from turning to ice and expanding, which is why it goes a long way in preventing unexpected costs.

   You can install insulation around any exposed copper or PVC water pipe, and is fairly inexpensive (as little as 50 cents per linear foot).

2. Service Your Furnace and Chimney

   Be sure to service your fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Furnace flues can become blocked by soot, which can cause poisonous carbon monoxide fumes to blow back and enter your living space.

3. Insulate Your Attic or Crawl Space

   Once temperatures begin to drop, you’ll want to keep your home warm while also maintaining a low heating bill.

   By adding insulation to your attic or crawlspace, you will get the best of both worlds. It’s a project that you can complete in one weekend that will result in more energy savings each year.

4. Clean and Inspect Gutters

   Prevent the buildup of water in your gutters by inspecting and cleaning them regularly.

   Clogged gutters with water buildup can freeze once temperatures drop, leading to improper drainage of snow, rain, and everything in between.

   The only tools you’ll need for this project are gloves, a ladder, and a garden hose. You can use a hand tool or your hands to remove debris depending on your preference.

5. Repair Patios and Pavers

   A loose, uneven patio or paving stone will get worse due to winter’s cycles of freezing and thawing.

   If you notice shifted patio or paving stones, have a mason or landscaping service reset the stones to prevent further shifting caused by freezing and thawing.

6. Secure Outdoor Water Sources

   Drain and store garden hoses and sprinklers before the first frost to minimize the chances of them freezing and bursting.

   For hose bibs, shut off the water-supply valve inside your house or basement that feeds the line, then open the outdoor spigot (any water trapped inside will drain out). If you simply shut off the spigot itself, trapped water can freeze and cause a burst pipe inside.

Good luck and happy holidays!

– The Catalyst Group

Should You List Your Home During the Holidays?

According to American Lifestyle, whether you’re big on Halloween parties, planning the perfect Thanksgiving feast, or focusing on the December holiday season, if you’re also planning to sell your home, you may be contemplating holding off until January. After all, nobody buys houses this time of year, do they? In 2020, the answer may very well be “Yes, they do.”

The COVID-delayed spring market and pent-up buyer demand, along with low inventory in the spring and summer selling season and record-low interest rates, means that for many buyers the search for the perfect home is ongoing. If you were thinking of waiting until 2021 to sell your home, you might want to consider moving your plans up and listing your home during the fall and winter months to take advantage of strong buyer demand.

Advantages of Listing a Home During the Holidays

There are plenty of good reasons to list your home during the holiday season, including the following:

• You’re likely to find more motivated buyers during this time of year. If they still haven’t found the home they want—or they have a sudden need to relocate—holiday buyers may be more willing to make decisions quickly. In addition, they may be eager to get moved in for their own holiday celebrations, making them easier to negotiate with.

• Many of this year’s buyers have been disappointed by multiple offers on previous properties due to the summer’s low inventory. They may be willing to move fast and make an offer before someone else does.

• The increasing use of virtual tours makes this the best possible time to sell a home with minimal inconvenience. You’ll also cast a wider net when your real estate agent shares your home’s virtual tour on a dedicated website or as an enhanced feature on the MLS.

• This is a slower time of year for real estate agents as well, so your agent will have more time to focus on your listing. Talk to your agent about ways to get the widest possible audience for your home and its features.

• Let’s face it, you’re already cleaning and decorating your home for the holiday season. What better time to show it?

Challenges of Listing a Home During the Holidays

Of course, listing a home this time of year may bring some drawbacks, including the following:

• If you are entertaining during the holidays, you’ll want to communicate with your agent about days and times when tours will not be available. They are likely offering virtual tours as a convenient alternative for interested buyers and their agents.

• If you are traveling during the holidays, you’ll need to ensure that you are available for negotiations and pertinent questions as needed, and that your agent can come in and prepare the home for showing as required.

• If time is of the essence, it may be difficult to schedule home inspections, appraisals, and closings during the holiday season. Talk to your agent and ensure that he or she has a plan in place to move the transaction forward in the event that you go under contract during the holidays.

Making a Holiday Listing More Appealing

Want to get your home show-ready while also enjoying the holidays with your family and friends? It’s easier than you think. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Lighten up on decorations

While you’ll want to enjoy the season, don’t feel the need to cover every possible surface in holiday decor. It’s important for buyers to be able to see the space and get a sense of how it works during the non-holiday months of the year. Go for a more minimalist, decluttered holiday look that enhances, rather than hides, the home.

Focus on outdoor spaces

Even though it’s winter, don’t neglect your outdoor spaces. Keep paths and surfaces clear of leaves and new-fallen snow. Optimize outdoor lighting so that buyers can see well, even when it gets dark early. Create a cozy seating area on the terrace with candles, a firepit, and a basket of blankets.

Warm up the space

Speaking of cozy, take advantage of the season to enhance the indoors as well. Greet potential buyers with the scent of something baking in the oven and a plate of holiday cookies on the counter. Light pumpkin or evergreen scented candles and start a fire in the fireplace. Make visitors feel welcome and right at home.

Take photos before you decorate

Just in case your home doesn’t sell before December 25, it’s a good idea to take listing photos before you decorate. You don’t want buyers looking at photos with holiday decorations in mid-January. It will make the listing feel stale, even if it’s only been up for a couple of weeks.

Right-price your home for a faster sale

If you’re motivated to sell, this is not the time to test the market and hold out for a higher-than-average sale price. Talk to your agent about comparable properties in your area, and ensure that you price your home correctly at the beginning of the process for maximum market impact.

A real estate agent or broker has the market insights, professional network, and buyer pool you need to get your home sold any time of year. Talk to them about your timeline and your financial requirements and they’ll help craft a plan that makes sense for you.

How To Build a Smarter Buyer Wish List

According to American Lifestyle, there are so many things to think about when deciding to begin a home search. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want stairs or are you hoping to have everything on one level? Of course, there’s the all-important question of flooring, countertops, and light fixtures. But what else should you be thinking about—and how can you build a smarter wish list that really adds value?

What does your wish list look like?

When you start perusing listings online, you’re probably spending most of your time looking at aesthetics—paint color, finishes, fixtures, and other “shiny objects” In addition, you’re probably thinking about convenience—a second home office, a fenced backyard, and space for a playroom.

It’s natural to think about those personal preferences when choosing a home, but a smarter wish list takes into account those “behind the wall” items that can either add value or cost you big money. In addition, you’ll want to consider whether your favorite wish list items will be worth the cost when and if you decide to sell the home in the years ahead.

Create a value-added wish list

Think beyond paint color and home-style when creating your wish list, and include the following elements in your calculations of the “perfect” home.

Great neighborhood

There’s a reason that the mantra for real estate professionals is “location, location, location.” The same home in two different neighborhoods can fetch two wildly different prices. It’s important to make sure that you understand the impact of a neighborhood on your enjoyment of the home.

One piece of advice that you may have heard is, “Buy the smallest home in the best neighborhood you can afford.” While you may be yearning for a fourth bedroom or a huge bonus room, it may be worth it to choose a smaller home if the neighborhood is ideal. In addition, you may want to consider an up-and-coming market rather than one that’s already filled with amenities. Owning a home in a newly desirable neighborhood may mean big appreciation over the next few years.

Market-appropriate extras

Do you have any unusual features on your wish list? Maybe you’re longing for a pool or extensive exterior spaces like an outdoor kitchen or oversized deck. Maybe you’re thinking of adding a large addition or a guest house once you close on your ideal property. Those are all great ideas, but will they fit the market you’ll be living in?

It’s important to make sure that any improvements you plan or unusual features you require are in keeping with other homes in your neighborhood. Otherwise, you could find yourself trying to sell a home that is so unusual, outsized, or downright odd that you’ll turn off potential buyers and lose money on the sale.

Maintenance savers

We know everybody’s focused on granite countertops and hardwood floors, but it’s a good idea to think about all of those less flashy elements that add value to your home. A new roof can cost you thousands of dollars, so if you have to choose between the ugly kitchen counters with a new roof or the gorgeous granite with an old one, take the new roof.

In addition, look for easy-care outdoor hardscapes and exterior materials to save on maintenance costs, especially if you live in an area where you experience a lot of rain or snow. By focusing on elements that are heartier and easier to maintain, you’ll save time and money year after year—more than enough money, in fact, to pay for some of those fancy wish list items.

Updated systems

Similarly, new appliances, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems save you money on maintenance, replacement, and the cost to operate. Just make sure that the homeowners have all of the paperwork so that you know when the systems were installed and that they are the right size and quality for the space. If in doubt, talk to your home inspector for additional information and insights.

What improvements can you make yourself?

What items are worth overlooking in order to add your own value to the home? Here are some wish list items you can cross off in favor of making your own easy fixes after closing.

Perfect Landscaping

What is one of the lowest cost, highest-return investments you can make in improving your home’s value? According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), tree care offers 100 percent return on investment, and adding mature trees is a low-cost way to boost your home’s value. In fact, a great lawn and an upgraded exterior door are among the most cost-effective, highest ROI improvements you can make.

Paint Color

You’ve seen those HGTV home buyers complain about the paint color and rolled your eyes, right? If you find a house that has great bones but a terrible paint job, get excited! You can quickly improve the home’s aesthetics and value with new paint. And the best part? You can pick out the colors yourself so that it’s exactly what you want.

Finishes and Fixtures

Outdated light fixtures, mismatched switch plates, and old-fashioned faucets—they’re a definite turnoff. However, if the home has been well-maintained otherwise, these easy-to-swap features give you the opportunity to add big value at a low cost. Take a weekend and switch up everything or make the changes a little at a time. Whichever works for your budget and timeline, you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment and a hefty return on investment.

Your wish list is just that—yours. It’s up to you to decide what matters most to you and your family. But if you’re looking to make budget-friendly decisions, it’s important to look past the bright and shiny to the solid and secure.

Upgrade Your Home for Little Money

For many, the thought of home improvements can bring about worry. Between costly and lengthy projects, updates can often seem like they’re not worth the hassle. But not to fear! These relatively easy home upgrades are cost effective and can also increase the overall value of your home—a definite win-win! - Courtesy of American Lifestyle

Paint the kitchen cabinets
New cabinets are costly. But a few coats of paint can transform both your cabinets and the kitchen itself for less than half of the cost. Simply remove the doors and hardware, sand, and paint a color of your choice.

Replace hardware
Weathered cabinet handles can drastically age your home. Swap out the hardware in the kitchen and bathroom for modern knobs and handles. Your local hardware store will have a variety to select from.

Update light switch plates
Did you know that you can replace a light switch plate for less than one dollar? You can even take it one step further by painting them the same color as your walls.

Add moldings to walls
As long as you have the proper tools, DIY molding is relatively simple. Two popular types, crown molding and panel molding, will each give your house an elegant ambience.

Give the outside of your home a face-lift and increase curb appeal
A pop of color can take the outside of your house from drab to fab. Easy do-it-yourself projects like repainting your front door, adding new shutters, and planting bright flowers in window boxes can add a welcoming effect. Updates like adding trim to flower beds, modernizing outdoor light fixtures, and repainting your mailbox will not only be easy on the eyes, but will also increase the overall curb appeal.

Revamp indoor light fixtures
Instead of spending your money on a brand new fixture, consider giving your current one a makeover. Transform the fixture cover either by adding a fresh layer of high-heat paint or replacing the glass.

Repaint walls with neutral colors
A neutral palette—think cream, gray, or tan—can act as a blank canvas for brightly colored accents like throw pillows.

Frame your bathroom mirror
Does your bathroom have a plain plate-glass mirror? Adding decorative baseboard trim around it can make a world of difference.

Hang curtains high and wide
Help a small window out! Hanging drapes high and wide will give the illusion of a larger window, along with making the room feel more spacious.

Add visible storage
Is there anything better than extra storage without having to open either a door or cabinet? Floating shelves are both a simple and aesthetically pleasing solution.

Give your air grilles a fresh look
Since a return air vent is a necessity, why not make it look its best? Consider painting older grilles to keep them looking like new.

5 Ways to Bring the Outside In

As many states approach the one-month mark of social distancing
and stay at home orders in place, getting outside is even more enjoyable than
ever. The square footage of your home has suddenly become even more valuable as
we find ourselves restricted to interior or private exterior spaces the majority
of the day. If your home does not contain private exterior space, then you
might be finding yourself craving the outdoors even more. Spring is a great
time to enjoy the outdoors as we watch gardens bloom, trees turn green, and
grass grow up around our ankles. In the time period where we can’t fully enjoy
this, but crave the season’s changes, finding ways to bring the outdoors in is
key. Below we discuss several simple things that you can find your own way to
bring the outside inside.

Fresh Flower Arrangements

If you find yourself craving the spring blossoms, the best
way to see that day to day is with fresh flowers on your dining table. Swing by
the flower section of the grocery store during your necessary food shopping run
and select your favorite seasonable blooms. Taking the time to arrange them will
help you enjoy the flowers more and the finished product will cheer you up for
days to come. If creating your own arrangement is out of your skillset or timeframe,
consider ordering an arrangement from your local florist. We suggest searching online
for your local florist and confirming if they are still delivering. Avoid ordering
through the large online services, since they tend to charge the small florist
hefty commissions for their network.

Order a House Plant

If you’re looking for a more permanent expression of nature on the indoors, consider
a house plant. Your local grocery store of florist might be able to provide
these, but if you can’t support the local business there are great online
services that can ship these to your homes. Check out Bloomscape for a great selection
of house plants in a variety of price ranges. They even have a great selection
of pet-friendly house plants, in case you are concerned the Fido might want a
snack.

Start an Indoor Herb or Tea Garden

Your local hardware store is likely to be considered essential for supplies and many
have stocked up on a variety of planting supplies, planters, and seeds. Stop in
to see what their selection looks like. We suggest picking herbs that you are likely
to use in your daily recipes. What’s the point of growing a beautiful indoor
herb garden, if you don’t get to enjoy in too? If herbs aren’t your thing, but
you are a tea drinker, try an Herbal Tea Garden Starter Kit from Garden Republic. This is another great way to make your indoor gardening both fun and practical.

Create an Indoor Water Garden

You might be used to walking through garden stores or parks and enjoying water
features and ponds. You can bring that beauty of the outside to your kitchen or
living room with an indoor water garden. They can be made in all shapes and sizes.
The supplies you need can be found at your local pet store too. So take a look
at this video and see if an indoor water garden is for you. It’s a really fun activity to
consider during your stay at home time and it will brighten up you home even
after you can enjoy the outdoors again.

Install a Window Mounted Bird Feeder
One of the best parts of spring is hearing the birds return
and chirping all over town. It might be hard to truly enjoy their return to the
trees, if you can’t spend too much time outside. So, consider installing a window
mounted bird feeder to bring your feathered friends closer. We like this feeder
recommended on Amazon. Consider selecting the appropriate birdseed mix for your
local species. If you’d like to support local, you could check out the options
at your local hardware store too.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Whether you choose to
try these out or just take more walks outside, we hope you stay safe. We’d love
to know if any of these tips work out for you. Please tag us in social media,
so we can share in your success.

What to Know When Buying New Construction

When searching for homes in the Washington, DC area, you
have many options for the type of home you’d like, including its’ age. Many
homebuyers find new construction homes or condos to be appealing for many
reasons; there are no projects to be done, the finishes are likely designer
selected, and the systems are all new. Just with anything in real estate, be
prepared. There are some key elements to new construction that, if planned for,
will make your home buying experience go smoothly. We want to discuss these so
that you are prepared for what to expect, both during the purchase and after
settlement.

Read the Contract

Traditionally, real estate agents use a standardized
contract that has been recommended for use by the local Realtors association.
In Washington DC and Montgomery County, MD, that would be the forms provided by
the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors. When purchasing a new
construction single family home, you are likely to see this standardized
contract. Your real estate agent should be well-versed in this contract, but
it’s important for you to review, as well. If you have a selected a new
construction condominium, you will likely see a different contract that has
been drafted specifically for the condominium that you are purchasing. Read
through this contract thoroughly. These contracts tend to favor the developer
of the condominium and leave certain standard provisions out. Ask you agent to
ensure appropriate clauses are added to ensure your protection as a buyer.

Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

Many buyers of new construction are tempted to skip the home
inspection. There are significant downsides in opting to waive this. Unlike
buying a re-sale home where the owner has been living in the property and uses
the systems daily, new construction has never been used. If there is a leak in
a pipe, improperly connected wire, or other defect of installation, you won’t
discover this until after you move in. Permit inspections often won’t catch
these minor details and, in some cases, these items are not covered under a
warranty. Conduct your own inspection to ensure the work is quality and that
minor details are addressed before you move in.

Check the Permit History

This is a rather easy step, but crucial to ensure that you don’t get stuck with problems
down the road. While less frequent now, there was a time period where some
inexperienced developers were completing construction and selling homes prior
to getting final permit inspections. The final inspection of permits is an
important process to ensure that the quality of work was reviewed by the city
to ensure code compliance. The District of Columbia has a great online system
to verify the permit history of any property. It can take some time for the
system to be updated with inspection documents, so if the final inspection is
not recorded in the system, ask the developer to provide a copy.

Register Your Appliance Warranties

Once you’ve settled and are new homeowners, it is important to take a final few
steps to ensure a great ownership experience. While developers provide a
limited warranty on the construction, your appliance warranties are provided by
the manufacturer. You should record the model, serial numbers, and manufacturer
of each and go to the manufacturer’s website to register the respective
warranties. Major manufacturers, like Samsung and GE, have cellphone
applications that you can simply scan the barcode the appliance and register
the warranty.

Check the Developer’s Bond with DCRA

Every new construction condominium project is required to have a bond posted with the
District of Columbia to ensure the provisions of the warranty are funded. This
warranty lasts for two years and individual owners or a condominium association
may file warranty claims against this bond. The filing of the bond with the
Department of Community and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) can often be overlooked
by developers, so it is important to ensure the bond was posted. You can check
this by contacting DCRA or having the attorney for the condominium association
confirm this separately. If you find yourself in need of filling a claim
against the bond, DCRA has put an instructional guide together that can be
found here.

Conduct the Condominium Transition Study

Once the condominium association has taken over from the
developer, it is important to conduct a transition study. A transition study is
like a home inspection for the entire building. During your purchase process,
you likely had a home inspection of your condominium, but that didn’t include
the overall building. The purpose of a transition study is to evaluate
construction and identify construction defects while warranties are still
enforceable. You’ll want to complete this as soon as possible, so that you can
submit any warranty claims to the developer before the two-year period expires.

It might seem like a lot, but following these steps will
make sure that have a great home buying experience and protect yourself from
potential new construction downfalls. Your new home is meant to make memories,
not headaches. If you have more questions or are unsure if new construction is
right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. You can email us at CatalysGroup@Compass.com.

4 Fall Cleaning Must -Dos for Homeowners →

Spring may be the time for an annual cleaning marathon, but tackling some specific maintenance and cleaning chores in the fall ensures your home is in ideal condition before cooler weather arrives. This time of year is the best time to put your summer things away and pull out your cooler weather pieces, from flannel sheets and down comforters to pumpkins, gourds and fall decor. Each of the items below will help you prep your home for fall; these won't take much time to accomplish, but you'll feel revitalized and ready to welcome the new season when you are done.

Fall Cleaning Checklist for Homeowners

Prep your HVAC System: According to experts at House Beautiful, one of the most important tasks you have in fall is to ready your heating system. Change the filters, dust around vents and if you have any concerns, schedule an inspection with a local contractor. Discovering a small problem now could prevent costly repairs later -- and those new filters will improve your home's efficiency and air quality, too.

Say Goodbye to Summer: Most of us accumulate quite a few accessories and decorative items each season. Identify any that are left over from the spring holidays -- that red, white and blue wreath and the pastel pillows can make a reappearance next year. Pack all items safely away and label the box so you can retrieve them when the warm weather returns. Rotate out dishes and kitchenware as needed -- and any appliances that are for summer use should head to the back of the cabinets.

Ready the Roof: Check your roof and gutters for debris like leaves, acorns and pine needles. If you can safely do so, remove these. Cleaning your roof and gutters now will prevent problems later; water could be trapped in the gutter and freeze, causing a variety of problems, from leaks to roof damage. A quick visual check can help you determine if there is a buildup of debris on your roof; if you spot any visible damage, it is time to get help -- even a single missing shingle can impact the integrity of your roof and damage your home.

Check Batteries: It takes just moments, but the most important thing you can do to prepare your home for fall is to test and refresh your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. This is also the time to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and make sure it is still ready to use.

By the time you've completed these tasks, your home will be ready for the fun part -- breaking out the fall decor and accessories and getting ready to welcome the season.

SELLING OFF-MARKET: IS IT A GOOD IDEA FOR ME?

Selling off-market is becoming a new buzz term for the DC Real Estate industry. Many Real Estate agents are urging sellers to consider off-market sales or private listings. Is this a good idea for the seller or is it a strategy being promoted to reduce competition or yield higher commissions for Real Estate agents? Whether a seller is downsizing, upgrading, relocating, or just moving across the street, each scenario holds unique constrains for the seller, some logistical and some emotional. Choosing the best selling strategy is key for a home owner because choosing the wrong plan can cost the seller thousands. 

Off-Market Sales

Selling a house off-market means that the seller has chosen to accept an offer without the home being listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) used by Real Estate agents. This may mean they have engaged an agent and that agent found a buyer without listing the property in MLS or the seller and buyer have come to terms without advertising the property for sale. Either method of off-market sales involves either limited market competition or no market competition. Competition in the marketplace is what drives price. When supply (in this case the house for sale) remains constant, but demand (in this case the number of buyers) increases, price goes up. The simple economics of the situation would say that the more buyers interested, the greater the price will rise. This is what causes “bidding wars” or “price escalation”. If not enough buyers know about the property, then they can’t express their interest, therefore artificially restricting demand. This is the main reason why selling off-market is not a good idea. It does not allow the property to reach it’s full market value. 

An off-market sale can be beneficial when a seller is seeking specific or unique contract terms. If a seller is less price sensitive, but is very sensitive to other terms of the contract, then an off-market sale might be ideal. Some sellers need extra time to prepare to move, find a new home, clear out family memories, etc. Other sellers might be looking to sell a property as part of a group of properties being sold and need flexibility from a buyer. When these terms are crucial for a seller, off-market buyers can provide these, but usually want an advantageous sales price to afford flexibility in terms to the seller. 

Private Listings

A private, or pocket, listing are terms used to describe an agreement that a seller signs allowing a Real Estate agent to market the property without using MLS, but still entitles the listing agent to a commission. Since this usually leads to an off-market sale, it has the same downsides for a below market sales price. In addition to this downside, the seller may not even save on commission costs. Most listing agreements include a stated total commission. For this example, we will say 6%. That same agreement will state that a portion, for this example, we will say 3% is provide to the buyer’s agent, but only if a buyer’s agent is present. If one agent represents the seller and the buyer is unrepresented, then the seller’s agent receives the full 6% commission. This yield’s a listing agent twice the commission for a nominal increase in the level of work. If this is the case for a private listing agreement, then the seller restricted the sales price potential and didn’t reduce his or her selling costs, therefor costing the seller thousands on the sale. 

There are some scenarios where a private listing agreement is best suited for a seller. In addition to the benefits of an off-market sale, a private listing can be helpful for properties that are difficult to show or for properties with high-profile sellers. Private listings have long been common for celebrities and high-profile sellers that didn’t or couldn’t announce publicly that they intend to sell their home. Also, homes with elderly residents or residents with medical conditions, may benefit from private listings so that the showing restrictions don’t cause the listing’s days on market to give buyers pause.

In our opinion, an off-market sale and a private listing are best to be avoided, since a seller is in a greater negotiating position when demand is at it’s greatest. The more demand is restricted, the greater price is affected. While the biggest benefit of off-market sales is contract terms, this can sometimes be negotiated to the seller’s advantage when multiple buyers have made offers. Every situation is different, so consult a Real Estate agent that you trust and be upfront about the most important goals of your sale to see what strategy is best for you.    

5 REASONS TO CHOOSE A MODULAR WALL CLOSET OVER A WALK-IN CLOSET

Many homeowners consider the walk-in closet to be a desirable home feature. And, understandably so – after all, we’re talking about a custom-built room where you can store your belongings and keep your house tidy and organized. But, since we like playing the devil’s advocate, we want to encourage you to consider other options for your wardrobe. A modular wall closet, for example, can be a smarter choice for your home than a walk-in closet.

Do you find it hard to believe? Well, let us count the ways!

It Is Custom Built to Fit Your Home

Unlike an odd, out of place wardrobe or a walk-in closet that takes up an entire room in your home, you can design a modular wall closet to fit a convenient area of the house perfectly. For instance, if you have an odd space that is hard to use at its full potential, such as the space under the staircase or a part of the hallway that has an irregular shape, a built-in custom closet can be the perfect solution.

It Is Organized to Fit Your Needs

After laying out its design and decoding how much space it will occupy, it’s time to decide how to organize the interior. A walk-in closet can become cramped if you add a lot of modules. A wall closet, on the other hand, allows you to move easily from one section to another. Use rods, boxes, shelves and expandable organizers for your collection of clothes, shoes, and accessories.

It Saves Space That Would’ve Been Used Unnecessarily

Compared to a walk-in closet, a wall-built one is highly practical. Unless you have a huge house, walk-in closets become awkward spaces that are not big enough to allow free, ample movement. If we were to be honest, you can perform the same activities that you would in a walk-in closet in your bedroom, but more comfortably. You can have a wall closet with mirrored doors that gives you everything a walk-in closet will, and more.

Your Clothes Are Better Protected

Most of the times, a walk-in closet is a tiny, dark room with Improper ventilation. The lack of adaptability can lead to improper storage of your belongings. Humidity can build up and attract various pests. Not to mention, it’s a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. In comparison, a modular closet is easier to clean than a walk-in one, and you can easily get the air circulating by opening all the doors and airing up the room. That way you can ensure that your clothes are always fresh.

It Blends in the Room’s Design Perfectly

A modular wall closet is not only practical, but it can add beauty to the room. It seamlessly blends with the shape of the room, and it is highly customizable. You can use various wood types, colors and patterns, and different materials for the doors. Mirrored doors will make the room look bigger and brighter than it is. It also adds to the overall comfort of your home, as it can allow you the luxury of a bigger bathroom and a spacious interior in general.

If this list didn’t convince you to modify your current closet into a wall closet, at least you now know the multiple advantages that this storage solution has. The best part is that you can easily adapt this idea to other parts of your home and enjoy its efficiency.

IDENTIFYING YOUR PERFECT NEIGHBORHOOD

Like all major cities in America, Washington, DC is divided up into neighborhoods. Some have clearly defined boundaries and others tend to blend into the neighborhoods around them. Many first-time home buyers in DC find it difficult to purchase in the same area that they rent. Rising prices, limited inventory, and development are all causing home buyers to consider a new home in a new hood. My approach to purchasing based on neighborhood is a bit more generic. Rather than creating a list of neighborhoods to shop in, I work with clients to identify a list of traits that they would like in a neighborhood. Using that list, we can explore new areas of DC that have all of those traits, but the price points might be better on the bank account. 

Take a moment to write-down your list of 5 traits a neighborhood must have to fit your needs. Let’s take a look at 5 common traits most buyers look for, but may not know about in less popular neighborhoods. 

Walking Distance to Restaurants

Petworth (800 Block of Upshur St NW)

If you are new to the city, or have never ventured north of Columbia Heights, you might not be aware of the great selection of restaurants on the 800 block of Upshur St NW. Welcoming you at the corner of Upshur St and Georgia Ave is Slim’s Diner, a wonderful family restaurant and diner serving breakfast and lunch. I highly recommend the Patty Mel. It’s delicious. Continuing down the block you will find Himitsu, Petworth Citizen, Hank’s Cocktail Bar, Timber Pizza, Ruta del Vino, and more. If you finish dinner in time, you can even grab a sweet treat at Lullabelle’s Sweet Shop to bring on your walk home. Given it’s location in Petworth, almost any home is only about a 10-20 minute walk away.

Walking Distance to a Good Coffee Shop

Woodridge (Zeke’s Coffee of DC)

While this great local coffee brand can now be found downtown, the original DC coffee shop is on the 2300 block of Rhode Island Ave NE. On either side of Rhode Island Ave NE you can find sizable homes for very affordable prices. Zeke’s is a family-owned business and was founded in Baltimore, MD, but has quickly become a recognized name amongst coffee fanatics. If you love the sound of this place, but end up in another neighborhood, they offer a DC Coffee Club that can be delivered to your home. 

Must Have a Dog Park Nearby

Kingman Park (Kingsman Field Dog Park)

Quietly tucked away next to Kingsman Field at 13th and D St NE is a cute little dog park. While prices in Kingman Park has risen in the past few years, the neighboring area of Rosedale is still reasonably priced and is a short walk to the dog park. As you learn to make new friends in your new hood, so should your four-legged friend. 

Must Have a Grocery Store or Market

Benning (Safeway)

The area of NE that has easy access to grocery and still affordable house prices is Benning. It is an area between the Minnesota Ave and Benning Rd Metro stations. 

Ivy City (Mom’s Organic Market)

Tucked into the Hecht Warehouse redevelopment is Mom’s Organic Market. This is easily accessible to both Ivy City Residents and Trinidad residents. 

Near a Gym or Fitness Center

Ivy City (Planet Fitness)

Located around the backside of the Hecht Warehouse redevelopment is a brand-new Planet Fitness location. Easy street parking and garage parking are available, but this gym would also be walking distance for Ivy City or Trinidad residents. 

Michigan Park (Turkey Thicket Rec Center)

Located just outside of the hot neighborhood of Brookland DC, Michigan Park is home to Turkey Thicket Rec Center. It has numerous amenities, including a fitness center and indoor pool. Running tracks outside and the school playground next door make for a great source of exercise for anyone in the family. The fees for membership are very low and, in some cases, free. You can find out what your membership cost would be on the DC Parks and Recreation website.  

PREPARING TO SELL

Selling your home doesn′t just mean hiring a realtor to stick a sign out front. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time.

Repair. Just because you’ve gotten used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in the radiators doesn’t mean a buyer will too. If you have hardwood floors that need refinishing, be sure to get it done—hardwood is a huge selling point. Buyers like to snoop around, so be sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as well. Finally, don’t forget to address any issues with the exterior—fences, shingles, sidewalks, etc. After all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never get to see the inside.

Neutralize. You want buyers to see themselves in your home. If your living room has lime green shag, wood-paneled walls, and all your collectibles and personal photographs, this will be much harder for them to do. Try replacing any bold color choices in your floors and walls with something more neutral—beiges, tans, and whites. Repainting and reflooring will make everything look fresh and new, and help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities.

Stage. Once your house is clean and updated, it’s time to play dress up. Home stagers can add small details and décor touches that will bring out the possibilities in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors, throw rugs and pillows, flowers, decorative soaps and towels, patio furniture. Home staging can be particularly useful if your home is especially old or if the exterior looks dated. Think of it as a little mascara and rouge—if it’s done right, you notice the beauty, not the makeup.