10 Issues Commonly Found During Home Inspections

October 12, 2022/in Education /by Cara Chatellier

In 2020, home inspections started to be waived frequently to make buyers’ offers look enticing. The market is still hot, but home inspections are becoming more common during the fall 2022 market. There is a lot that goes into the process of buying and selling a home. Although not required, a home inspection is one of the most transparent ways to unearth your potential new home before you sign on the dotted line for the final time.

Here are some of the most common issues found during the home inspection process.

But first, what is a home inspection?

In simplest terms, a home inspection is a thorough examination of the current condition and safety of a home. It is conducted by a licensed home inspector and reviews areas such as:

Heating system
Central air conditioning system
Interior plumbing
All electrical
The roof and attic space
Visible insulation
Interior areas such as walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors
The home’s foundation and other structural components
The basement

What does a home inspection help with?

As buyers, home inspections are great ways to get to know the bones of your potential home, ask sellers to fix any significant and costly problems before purchase, and negotiate the terms of your offer to meet your financial needs while getting the house back in order.

As sellers, home inspections are a great way to gauge the overall condition of your home, get a better understanding of your home’s value, and work with your realtor and buyers to discuss options for fixing any major issues with terms that work for both of you.

What are the 10 most common issues found during a home inspection?

1. A faulty foundation

The most common signs of this issue include sticking windows or doors, cracks in the wall, especially above the doorway, sloping floors, or visible cracks in the exterior base of the home. One of the most costly issues to fix, an update to the foundation could cost upwards of $10,000.

2. An old roof

The life expectancy of most roofs is anywhere from 15 to 20 years. During the inspection, roof issues are often noted when there are loose or crooked shingles, leaks in the ceiling, or any loose flashing. Roof repair or replacement can cost between $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

3. Plumbing issues

Faulty plumbing can be noticed in things such as leaky pipes, backed-up sewage systems, or improperly functioning water heaters. The cost to repair plumbing depends on the location and severity of the issue.

4. Mold

Mold, especially hidden, can be highly detrimental to the overall health of a real estate property. Mold is caused by moisture, which in most cases indicates a leak somewhere in the home. The cost to mitigate mold depends on the severity of its spread.

5. Electrical issues

Poor wiring or other electrical hazards are frequent issues found during the home inspection process. The most common wiring issues are missing junction boxes, reverse polarity, and damaged receptacles. However, repair and replacement costs are relatively low compared to other reported home inspection issues unless the wiring problem is extensive and requires a complete home replacement.

6. Heating failures

Problems like a blocked chimney, faulty furnace, or non-working controls are enormous issues that home inspectors often encounter. Failed heating systems can cost a lot to replace, especially when your home requires a new furnace. Generally speaking, fixing common heating problems is between $5,000 to $8,000.

7. Structural damage

A common issue in older homes, structural damage can refer to various problems. The most frequent sagging floor joists, rafters, and door headers. Depending on the severity of the issue, the cost could range from minor to major. Review your report in detail to better understand exactly what structural issues are at play.

8. Pest infestations

The ever-so-devious pests come up often on home inspection reports. From rodents to termites, pests can cause serious problems in a home, especially when left untreated. The cost of pest removal depends on how much area the pests have destroyed and exactly what is needed to remove them.

9. Drainage Trouble

Surface grading around the exterior of a home can cause severe drainage issues. Extensive drainage issues can lead to mold and mildew growth, a leaky basement, or foundational issues if not tended to properly. The cost to fix surface grading is based mainly on the size of the area.

10. General cosmetic issues

Often seen by the naked eye, cosmetic issues are not something that most would think to see on a home inspection report. However, as a seller, it is vital to take care of cosmetic issues to show the buyer and inspector that you care for the property at all levels. Lack thereof could signal other issues to be found below the surface.

If you’re in the market for a new home or hoping to sell your home this year, it is important to consider all the factors that go into a home inspection. To learn more about the home inspection process or begin the home buying or selling process, contact us today.

How to Gain and Use Home Equity

August 23, 2022/in Education, Housing, Loans & Mortgage /by Cara Chatellier

The North Shore real estate market is still incredibly hot! The high values of homes in this current seller’s market mean that those who already own them have probably seen a large increase in equity due to high appraisal values. Working with an experienced Realtor who is knowledgeable about the market is critical- here is how to gain and get the most out of your home equity.

How to Build Home Equity

The first way to build home equity is through a down payment on a house. The larger a down payment you spend on a house, the more equity you will immediately possess. Your equity continues to grow as you make mortgage payments, so be sure to pay them on time. If you have the means to pay more than the minimum monthly mortgage payment, you will build equity faster.

Home equity grows with the value of your home, so staying in the same place for multiple years will likely increase the chances of your home’s value going up. Though it isn’t possible to predict the housing market with complete certainty, home values always trend upwards over time. Another way to increase the value of a house you own is with home improvements. Obviously, improvements that increase square footage will bring more value to your home, but so do smaller projects like finishing a basement or adding a walkway. Be sure to research what home improvements will add value to your home, and consider using money borrowed against your home equity to fund such projects. If money borrowed on home equity is used for capital improvements, the interest is tax-deductible.

How to Borrow Against your Home Equity

Home equity is considered an asset and a part of your net worth, but it is not a liquid asset. To use your home equity to leverage more funds, you will have to look into the different ways to borrow against it.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan, also referred to as a second mortgage, is a lump sum borrowed against your home equity, separate from your original mortgage. Unlike business or student loans, you can use a home equity loan for a large variety of purposes. They also have lower interest rates than credit cards due to the fact that your home is being used as collateral in the transaction. Taking a lump sum is a good option for those who are prone to overspending, as you cannot impulsively take out more than the agreed-upon amount.

Home-Equity Lines of Credit

Home-equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, are a common way of borrowing against your home equity. HELOCs are growing increasingly popular with homeowners who are not interested in refinancing their homes due to current high interest rates. They work similarly to credit cards in the sense that the homeowner can borrow up to a certain amount of money and pay off the balance. This method of borrowing is considered better than lines of credit or personal loans, as they are far cheaper. HELOCs offer a revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow as much or as little as you like, making them different from the lump sum received in a home equity loan.

How to Use Funds Borrowed Against Home Equity

Borrowing against your home equity can help you pay off debts at lower rates. Many people choose to use home-equity lines of credit for large debts, higher education, or another property! Perhaps the most common use of a HELOC is for funding home improvements or additions. Using money borrowed against your home equity to improve or add to the home is a great idea, both for your own personal use of the space and for increased home value if you are looking to sell in the future. If you are looking to use your current home equity to help you invest in another property, contact me today to get started!

Simple Tips and Tricks to Reorganize Your Garage

June 16, 2022/in Organization, Resources, Uncategorized /by Cara Chatellier

This may seem like a no-brainer, but a garage was made to house our cars. It’s surprising then that only about 75% of people who own 2-car garages use them for cars. In fact, most people use it as a storage space, especially if they do not have a basement or attic.

A recent survey by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that 50% of homeowners said the garage was the most unorganized area in their home.

While it feels all too easy to pile up extra boxes filled with off-season decor against the garage walls or store your kids’ old toys in there until you can make it to the donation center, garages fill up quickly, leaving little room for parking, and even less space for organization.

Like most of us, you’ve probably found yourself digging through boxes in the garage in search of Christmas decorations or have tried to sort through garage clutter as part of your spring cleaning regimen. It can quickly become frustrating when you can’t find what you’re looking for.

The good news is that with a little bit of organization, your garage can turn into a space you can use effectively all year long- car parking included.

Let’s explore some of my favorite ways to organize your garage.

First, clean out the garage.

Before you begin to filter through ideas on precisely what to do with your garage space, rummage through the clutter and clean it all out, especially if you’ve been living in your home for a while.

Depending on how large and filled your garage is, consider setting aside a half to a full day to clean it out. It may be best to set aside an entire weekend to declutter and reorganize in one shot.

Invite family and friends to help. Go through every box and bin and toss anything you don’t need. Set aside what you’ll keep outside the garage if possible so that you can start organizing against an empty and clean slate.

If you have a lot in there, make three piles of keep, toss, and donate so that you know exactly where everything should go when you’re done cleaning it out.

After you have three piles, break down your keep piles into specific categories such as sporting goods, decorations, and gardening tools. Then, store them in appropriately labeled bins for easy access once they’re ready to go back into the garage or another part of your home.

To stay on top of safety, avoid storing the following items in your garage:

Propane
Paint
Paper
Pet food

Create a garage floorplan.

Before or after you’ve had a chance to fully clean out your garage, it’s a good rule of thumb to devise a cohesive and organized floorplan to base your garage storage on.

It’s important to note that most garage-organizing manufacturers provide free layout plans when purchasing their storage items. Consider using this service to determine exactly where everything will go.

Consider these important ideas when creating your floor plan:

Store all like items together in the same bins and/or area for easy access.
Label all bins.
Organize the interior of bins as you remove and add items.
Store larger, bulkier items in corners away from where you’ll park your car.
Move frequently used items closer to the garage door.
Stow seasonal items in places that are harder to reach and out of the way.

Keep items off the floor.

Whenever possible, store things off of the garage floor. The floor should be as clutter-free as possible. Install wall organizers, work benches, and floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets to house all of your items instead of just placing the bins directly on the floor.

Take advantage of overhead space.

There is certainly a lot of overhead space in most garages that doesn’t get enough use by many. Take advantage of this space by installing overhead shelving to store items such as ladders, sports gear, and other flat yet bulky items.

After placement, ensure that there is enough space between the storage unit, items, and roof of your car to prevent any accidental damage.

Secure your space.

Garages are essentially another room in your home. The scary part is that this area that makes up 10% to 15% of your home is not nearly as secure as the rest of your home.

As you’re reorganizing your space, consider upping the security of it by:

Investing in door and window locks
Sealing the threshold
Using a smart garage door opener
Closing your garage door whenever it is not in use by you

Add the garage to your monthly cleaning plan.

As with any area of the home, the garage should be cleaned and maintained regularly. Although not necessarily a space to tidy up daily or weekly, it is a good idea to add it to your monthly cleaning checklist.

Something as simple as monthly maintenance can go a long way.

When cleaning, consider:

Sweeping and hosing down the floors
Reorganizing the tools and equipment
Throwing away or donating any unwanted items
Checking the perimeter for insects or other pests and using a natural pesticide to keep them away

Is a garage on your must-have list?

Whether you’re in the market for garage organization tips or hoping to add a garage to your dream home in the near future, we can help. As industry experts, we do our best to stay on top of the latest trends in home organization and the home purchasing market.

Contact us today to learn more or start the process of getting the home of your dreams with the garage to boot. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect house for you- garage included.

Christmas tree with decorations and presents

Holiday Decorating Trends 2021

November 11, 2021/in Organization /by Cara Chatellier

With Halloween and Daylight Savings Time in the rearview mirror and Thanksgiving fast approaching on our heels, there is one thing on everyone’s mind this time of year: the holidays are here, and it’s time to decorate our home. Leaving somber and distant feelings of the 2020 holiday season in the past, 2021 is very much about going all out with decorating your home this year.

Whether you’re hoping to add new staple holiday decorations to the exterior of your home or want to outfit the interior with a cozy and modern vibe that exudes warmth and togetherness, the holiday decorating trends of 2021 is sure to meet the mark. Be the talk of the neighborhood with a home that exudes holiday spirit.

Here are my top 5 favorite holiday decorating trends of the year.

1. Bright colors

Red and green are thought of as the staple colors of the holiday season year in and year out. Although still popular for those looking to follow a traditional route, this year is all about bright colors. Whether an ode to the celebration of coming together after 2020 or a way to uniquely celebrate the holiday with a personalized twist, bright colors are all the rage.

The spectrum for following this trend differs widely based on each person’s ideal decorative scheme, but there are still ways to keep the traditional cozy feel and add pops of color. Consider switching out your holiday tree ornaments with ones that are bright in hue.

Other ways to bring in a more striking color palette are to change up the design on your Christmas cards, add pops of color to your seasonal wreaths, or opt for the colorful lights on your home or tree instead of the standard white ones.

2. Organic and simplistic accessories

Another big trend for the holiday season is simplistic, organic, clean lives. As the holiday season approaches, many fill their homes from top to bottom with seasonal pieces. This trend is about turning the tables on the traditional overly decorated home. One trend within this design scheme is opting for a tree that is slim, slender, and not too large, so it doesn’t take over the space that you place it in. Other toned-down decor ideas include more delicate home accents and wall hangings, simple greenery, and more muted hues such as greens, blues, and browns. This style is all about providing a sense of peace and calm in your home amid the chaos that the holidays can bring. This choice is the perfect design option for those looking to outfit their home for the season without feeling overwhelmed by the seasonal decor.

3. Retro tree trimmings

Nothing says nostalgia quite like retro tree trimmings. From wrapped beading to timeless ornaments, outfitting your tree with blasts from the past is completely in season this year. What seems to be most popular this year is glass ornaments that give off the vibes of the 1950s and 1960s. From simple nutcrackers to timeless Santas, nothing is off the table when choosing old-school decorations this year. The best way to find them? Ask your family members if they have any passed down to them, visit yard sales or buy online. Even if they weren’t technically created years ago, you are sure to find retro designs on the market.

4. Soft, white lighting

When it comes to the holidays or winter in general, the goal is to exude a cozy and warm atmosphere. One way to accomplish this is by filling your home with soft white lighting. Add strings of white lights throughout your living spaces and around your tree to set the mood for a calming ambiance, especially during the long evening hours. Decorate the exterior of your home with simple white lights that trace the shape of your space.

5. Oversized ornaments

If you love to decorate the exterior of your home but aren’t a fan of the gigantic blow-up inflatables, a great alternative is to add a few oversized ornaments to your space. Yes, we know that inflatables are a great option when you have a home filled with children who shriek at the sight of anything Santa, but we know that they don’t match everyone’s holiday aesthetic. Including one or two large ornament figures by your entrance or on your front porch will give off holiday vibes without feeling too over-the-top. In addition, the options for oversized ornaments often come in neutral colors that can add holiday cheer to your space without making it feel tacky.

If you’ve just moved into your new dream home or celebrating your 20th holiday season in your current home, decorating for the season is so magical every year, especially if you’re in Massachusetts or New England. The holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of year. Whether you choose to celebrate traditionally or want to decorate your home in one of the popular 2021 trends, there is one thing for sure: a holiday celebrated with the ones you love is the greatest gift of all.

My Top 5 Kitchen Redesign Ideas

April 21, 2021/in Community, Housing, Organization /by Cara Chatellier

It has long been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a place where you eat, drink, share conversations and make memories together as a family. It is a place where friends and family come to gather for special occasions and holidays. It is a place where you try out new recipes and indulge in a big glass of wine after a long day. The kitchen is one of the most important (and most used) spaces in your home.

Whether you’re looking for a change, ready for an upgrade, or preparing your home for sale, redesigning your kitchen is always a good option. From big changes like new cabinets and countertops to smaller, more subtle, but equally beautiful options like a refreshed backsplash or new hardware, kitchen makeovers can be a wonderful way to increase equity in your home while also boosting the aesthetics of your space.

Here are my top 5 ways to refresh your kitchen this season.

1. Replace or refinish kitchen cabinets.

The majority of your kitchen space is showcased by your walls of cabinetry which can be a beautiful focal point of the room. If you have never replaced or refinished your cabinets, now may be the perfect time to dive headfirst into this home improvement idea. If your current kitchen has darker wood cabinets and you’d love to make the space light and airy, consider updating them to a white finish. This clean look brightens up a room and instantly makes it feel larger. Another big factor when it comes to cabinetry is overall layout. Are you happy with the way your kitchen layout works now? If not, consider replacing the entirety of your upper cabinets to a layout that you find easier for your specific needs.

Some other cabinet refresh ideas include:

Adding a wine rack into or under your cabinets.
Replacing the hardware on your existing cabinets to give it a fresh look.
Sanding down your existing cabinets and refinishing them with a different stain to give it a weathered or worn look. Think farmhouse style.
Adding under cabinet lighting.
Complimenting your current cabinets with a fresh new backsplash that matches your kitchen design.

2. Upgrade your appliances.

Nothing says fresh and clean like brand-new appliances. The things that make us happy as adults sure can seem funny sometimes, right? But, in all seriousness, new appliances instantly upgrade your kitchen space. If you’ve had the same white or black appliances forever, consider moving on to stainless steel. This is especially important if you’re in the market to sell your home. New and fresh appliances increase the value of your kitchen space exponentially. Another thing to consider when replacing your appliances is refrigerator size and layout. Do you like the double doors or the double doors with the drawer fridge at the bottom? How about the extra large fridge with a peek-a-boo glass door? There are so many options so go out there and explore new appliances to touch, see and feel which options work best for you. This may also be a great time to update your range from electric to gas, or vice versa. It will take a bit of extra legwork when it comes to needing an electrician to replace the lines, but choose what makes you happiest cooking at your stovetop.

3. Add a kitchen island for extra seating and prep space.

Have you always yearned for island vibes? The kitchen kind, that is. Updating your kitchen may include space for a new island or a refreshed version of the one you currently have. Islands are great spots to add extra seating and eating space while allowing more countertop space for more elbow room while prepping and cooking your meals. If you have the space available to you in your kitchen, give a kitchen island the green light. Match the countertop to the rest of your kitchen’s countertops and consider adding things like a wine fridge, a small prep sink and more storage space in the form of cabinets and drawers. Make sure to include outlets on both sides of your island, allowing it to be used as a functional eat and work space.

4. Add a focal wall.

No matter the room, focal walls are always a “yes” from me. Adding personalized touches to your space is essential to turning a house into a home.

A kitchen focal wall can include things like:

A pop of color that accents your current wall color
A colorful wallpaper that compliments your existing style
Floating shelves to house your best dishes
A photo collage of all things food
A coffee bar and mug rack
A wine rack
Kitchen decor

5. Don’t forget the lighting.

Lighting is everything. It can set the mood and tone for an entire room. Lighting is especially important in rooms that are highly trafficked within your home. Replace outdated light fixtures with fresh new options to create a fresh ambiance in your space. Recessed lighting is another great choice for kitchens as it allows the room to be evenly lit throughout the space. Consider opting for dimmable lighting so you can set the mood based on the company you are having. Other great lighting options include under cabinet lighting and motion activated baseboard lighting.

When it comes to kitchen redesigns, no project, big or small, will feel lost. Kitchen updates are a valuable way to upgrade the heart of your home for years to come. If you’re in the market to list your home, but unsure what upgrades your kitchen needs, let me help. I would love to walk you through the design process for an overall better, and more profitable selling experience.

10 Easy Ways to Update Your Home During Your Staycation

July 13, 2019/in Community, For Sale, Housing /by Maura Allard

Taking a staycation this summer? No judgment here. We all want time at home to relax, Netflix and chill and above all, get to those projects we’ve been pushing off. For instance, painting the shutters? Organizing the garage, perhaps? We hear you.

Here are 10 easy things that you can do around the house to make the most of your time off, relieve that beast of burden lingering over you and therefore, adding some value to your home.

Here’s what to do on your staycation:

Change your fixtures. For instance, new light fixtures, electrical outlets, and covers. The addition of crown molding can make a huge difference.
Hang art. White space is great, however, adding a small piece here or there bridging the gap between your cabinets and ceiling or even a stand-alone easel on your counter can make your kitchen stand out.
Add new curtains. Often overlooked, however the staple of how a room feels.
Add new shelves. More shelving = more storage. Above all, more storage allows for MORE space to display more decorative substance.
Try your green thumb. Houseplants brighten your home and help purify the air. For instance, If your thumb is more black than green, check out Good Housekeeping’s list of plants that are almost impossible to kill.
1. Fiddleleaf Fig
2. Asparagus Fern
3. Chinese Evergreen

6. Paint a room. Inexpensive, relatively easy, and will completely change the feel of your room. Want to keep the project small? Paint an accent wall in a bold color like coral, hunter green, or misty blue.

7. Add under-cabinet lights. Additional lighting will improve the ambiance of your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom

8. Paint your front door. The door sets the tone for the rest of your house. Choose a good exterior enamel; blue or red draws the most attention, however, be sure to choose a palette that matches the tone of your home. In addition, tan and gray tend to be more classic.

9. Paint your ceiling or ceiling fan. Paint is a trend and should be your main focus. Rule of thumb? Above all, color from above can really make a room pop!

10. Add decorative shutters. You can build your own or buy premade shutters to frame your windows and stand out from the crowd.

In conclusion, no matter how you spend your vacation, I hope you have a great summer! If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, I’d love to hear from you.