Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

News/Blog

HOW TO SELECT A MOVING COMPANY

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – June 16, 2021

HOW TO SELECT A MOVING COMPANY

Finding a reliable and secure moving company can be a daunting task, whether you’re moving 5 miles or 500 miles. With careful research and planning ahead of time, it’s possible to take some of the uncertainty out of the process. Here are some tips to get started.

Do your research. A personal recommendation from a family member or friend for a moving company is a good place to start. Referrals from recent experiences (within a few months) are best. Online research from Angie’s List, Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau are also good sources.

Obtain several estimates. Request written estimates from 3-5 moving companies so you can compare. Look for hidden fees, additional costs for long distance moves or shipping, what type of insurance coverage they offer.

Choose a licensed mover. You can avoid unscrupulous companies by making sure the moving company is licensed by either the Department of Transportation or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Commission.

Your realtor is also a good source for local moving companies and may be able help with specialists for long-distance moves.

POPULAR HOME IMPROVEMENT TRENDS FOR 2021

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – June 9, 2021

POPULAR HOME IMPROVEMENT TRENDS FOR 2021

Home improvement projects are on the rise again in 2021, as homeowners look to completing upgrades that will reflect their lifestyles and demands. Several of the most popular home improvement projects of 2021 are upgrades that won’t break the budget.

Interior painting: Painting one or more of the rooms in your home is a low cost home improvement that can have a great impact as it can change the look of your home and décor immediately. Current trends include creamy neutrals and bold accent walls.

New flooring: Replacing or upgrading your flooring is another popular home improvement project that can be relatively inexpensive and increase the value of your home. Some popular flooring choices include sustainable wood floors, traditional hardwood, and luxury plank vinyl.

Outdoor living spaces: We’re still spending more time at home, and homeowners are updating their outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing. Upgrading decks with low maintenance surfaces and patios that extend your indoor living space are popular projects, as are gardens.

Bathroom upgrades: Bathroom upgrades remain one of the top home improvement projects, from facelifts to complete remodeling. Current trends include spa-like showers and natural materials.

BASEMENTS AND GARAGE STORAGE: SOME PRACTICAL TIPS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – June 2, 2021

BASEMENTS AND GARAGE STORAGE: SOME PRACTICAL TIPS

Basements and garages are versatile options when you need extra storage space, but these large open spaces can quickly become cluttered. If you’re planning to sell your home, it’s a good idea to get basements and garages decluttered and organized before it goes on the market. Even if you’re not selling your home, an organized garage or basement can save you time and stress and provide extra needed space.

Here are some ideas to get started:

Go green: Declutter with sustainability in mind by recycling, upcycling, donating, or giving items away through a Freecycle or similar program.

Start with the obvious: Not sure what to discard or recycle? In the garage, start with broken tools, paint cans, leftover materials from building projects. Basements often house outgrown toys, outdated household items, and paper clutter, which are a good starting point.

Install shelves or other organizing systems: There are many options from simple metal or plastic shelves, systems that house storage bins, shelves or pegboards combined with hooks.

Finally, plan out categories or zones to decide what to store in your newly organized spaces, so you can make the most of your space.

MULTIPLE OFFERS IN A SELLER’S MARKET: HOW TO STAND OUT AS A BUYER

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 26, 2021

MULTIPLE OFFERS IN A SELLER’S MARKET: HOW TO STAND OUT AS A BUYER

Bidding wars and surging house prices are the norm right now in real estate markets coast-to-coast. Anyone looking to buy or sell a house in this market should be prepared for a multiple-offer situation. Here are some ways buyers can differentiate themselves beyond the offer amount itself.

  • Be as financially prepared as possible. Having a mortgage pre-approval in hand is a given. Buyers who can put down a larger percentage of the down payment in cash may be more attractive to sellers.
  • Have few or no contingencies on the sale, such as needing to sell another property before closing. In some cases, buyers are waiving appraisal contingencies, limiting inspection demands and even waiving inspections.
  • Be flexible. If you can accommodate a quick closing, or let the seller stay in their home longer, that may place you in a better position than other buyers.

Working with a real estate agent you trust is also important, so that you can depend on their skills and expertise when it comes to negotiating a deal.

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR KITCHEN WITH THESE MINI-MAKEOVER TIPS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 19, 2021

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR KITCHEN WITH THESE MINI-MAKEOVER TIPS

Ready for a new look in your kitchen, but your budget hasn’t quite caught up? Here are a few quick and easy upgrades that change your look without breaking the bank.

Upgrade cabinet hardware: Replacing outdated cabinet hardware will give your cabinets a fresh new look, whether your style is traditional or trendy.

Paint your kitchen walls: A fresh coat of paint does wonders for any room, and the kitchen is no exception. Bright or creamy whites are always in style, while 2021 color trends include modern grays or timeless blues or greens.

Add new lighting: New lighting can upgrade the look of your kitchen and make it more functional at the same time. Popular choices include vintage-style pendant lights, recessed LED lights, and under cabinet lights.

Replace the backsplash: Transform the entire look of your kitchen with a new backsplash. Paint your existing backsplash or cover it with peel and stick tiles for quick and economical options. Installing new tile, beadboard, or laminate will be more time-consuming.

Finally, for a quick, seasonal change, focus on new window treatments, dishes, and linens.   

CONTAINER GARDENING IDEAS TO BEAUTIFY OUTDOOR SPACES

April 2016 : Alison Miksch – Photogapher / Buffy Hargett Miller – Prop Stylist

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 12, 2021

CONTAINER GARDENING IDEAS TO BEAUTIFY OUTDOOR SPACES

Whether you’re short on time or yard space, container gardening is a quick and versatile way to brighten your outdoor spaces. Container gardens are perfect for plants, flowering plants, herbs, vegetables, berries, and even small trees. The best part of container gardening is flexibility – containers allow you to create a garden on a patio, front porch, deck, balcony, or yards or any size.

Choose plants or flowers for your container garden based on how much sun your space gets. Many herbs, such as rosemary and basil, grow best at least 4 hours of full sun a day. Popular flowering plants that grow well in partial shade include impatiens, begonias, fuchsias, and hydrangeas.

A variety of containers can work for plants, from small terracotta planters to large, galvanized tubs. You can find containers for any budget, from colorful plastic flowerpots to large Victorian urns. Be sure that your container has adequate drainage holes, or your plants will not thrive.

Container gardens can also work during every season. Simply replace your summer annuals with fall plant choices, or even dwarf evergreens for winter.

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