Articles Tagged "Home improvement"

We all strive for a fresh, clean-smelling interior, but odors inside the home are difficult to prevent. Many homeowners assume the odors in their homes are simply "an old house smell," but the truth is, all odors have a source or an underlying cause. Most smells are caused by mold or mildew, high levels of humidity, or a lack of ventilation. 

To help your home smell fresh, Our REALTORS® always recommend eliminating the source of the smell first. There are some simple things you can do around the house on a regular basis to keep foul odors at bay. Here are some of our recommendations:

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Our REALTORS® have been busy spending weekends grilling and relaxing on the patio this summer, so we're constantly thinking of new ways to improve our outdoor space. Beautifully maintained landscaping and a comfortable porch or patio can make your outdoor space more relaxing, and it can also make your home more attractive when it comes time to sell. It's definitely worth the investment.

If you're looking for new ways to make your exterior and landscaping shine this summer, here are some great tips:

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Gardening season is finally upon us. As winter finally rolls to an end, our REALTORS®  are already busy gathering gardening supplies and preparing for the warm weather. Creating the perfect spring garden requires a lot of work and preparation, so we often spend the last couple of weeks of cold weather getting everything in order. Things can get busy when planting time comes around, so it never hurts to start early.

To help you get ready for gardening season, here is a quick list of things you can do now to prepare:

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Home renovation projects are a good way to increase your property value and earn a higher ROI when it comes time to sell. Updates and upgrades come in all shapes and sizes and often selecting, organizing, and prioritizing them can be a challenge.

While DIY home improvement projects can save you a lot of money, they can also be complicated and time-consuming. Whether you're looking to finish the basement, replace a roof, or add new flooring, our REALTORS® always recommend bringing a sense of order and organization to your home renovation projects to keep you on track. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

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If an interior redesign is one of your New Year's resolutions, the 2022 colors of the year are a good place to start. Every December, major paint manufacturers select a single color that best represents the current time period. Many of the 2022 colors of the year have a vibrant and playful tone to match the joy and happiness associated with what will hopefully be our final transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our REALTORS® were inspired by some of the beautiful color schemes in these Bronxville homes for sale, which made us begin to think about next year's popular design trends. Here are some of our favorite selections for the 2022 colors of the year.

• Very Peri - Pantone
  This creative color is best described as a vibrant periwinkle. It's warm and friendly but is also full of energy. Very Peri 17-3938 incorporates all the calm and comfort of a traditional blue, yet joy and zest with its subtle violet undertone. It pairs well with a lush green, but can really be combined with any class colors. If you're planning to re-do the kid's rooms this year, Very Peri is a great choice. It's fun and creative, but also very comfortable.
  
  
• Laurel Leaf - Better Homes & Gardens
  Laurel Leaf is a beautiful dusty green shade, which can be used to introduce an element of nature into your interior. With so many people spending much of the last two years outdoors, Laurel Leaf lets you bring the peaceful shades of nature inside your home. The color pairs well with off whites, beiges, or lighter browns. It can create a relaxing atmosphere in your home office or dining room.
  
  
• Art and Craft - Dunn-Edwards
  If you're looking for a rich, sophisticated shade of brown, check out Art and Craft by Dunn-Edwards. This color is peaceful, comfortable, and has just a subtle 1970's vibe. It's almost like a cross between a rich walnut and a chocolate shade. When combined with light neutral colors, it can create a really stylish look for a dining room, living room, or entryway.
  
  
• October Mist - Benjamin Moore
  A soft green with a silver tint, October Mist is a peaceful color that matches the year's nature-centric theme. This color is a beautiful choice for a dining room or bathroom. It's crisp yet calm and can be easily combined with off-whites, beiges, or lighter tones. Or you can combine it with a dark shade to add a sense of depth.
  
  
• Evergreen Fog - Sherwin-Williams
  If you're looking for a darker shade of green, consider Evergreen Fog from Sherwin-Williams. This is an organic, friendly mid-tone green that can really liven up a kitchen, entryway, or bedroom. It's sophisticated and vibrant yet calming at the same time. Evergreen Fog pairs with earthy tones like brown or beige.
  
  
• Olive Spring - PPG
  A soft, organic green with a very subtle gray, Olive Sprig from PPG is a beautiful mid-tone for the office or bathroom. The color itself has a natural vibe and was selected to inspire resiliency and regrowth, two themes that will be very important in 2022. Olive Sprig pairs well with naturally dark tones.

It's always fun to see what colors and design trends emerge each year. If you're looking to revamp a particular room in your house, contact us for some interior design tips!

Interior decorating is a favorite wintertime activity for our REALTORS®, and we've become quite the pros when it comes to sprucing up our mantles. Your fireplace and mantle are the centers and focal points of your entire living room, which is why it's always a good idea to get your decor just right. 

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Bird feeding is a great way to bring nature and beauty to your backyard. Our REALTORS® love setting up feeders right next to a window and watching all the beautiful birds come around.

While bird feeders are popular in the spring and summer, did you know you can keep birds coming into your yard throughout the winter too? Many local birds rely on neighborhood feeders in the wintertime when food is scarce. With the right feeder and right food, it's easy to bring a variety of birds to your yard this winter. Here are some tips:

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The junk drawer can be the most terrifying place in the house, even for the most organized of homeowners. The junk drawer is just as its name would indicate: a place for things that don't have a home but that you don't necessarily want to get rid of. Most junk drawers contain some combination of tools, office supplies, matches, rewards cards, but you truly never know what you're going to find.

Organizing your junk drawer can have real benefits — it can help you eliminate unwanted clutter, easily locate items, and can even help bring you peace of mind. If you're looking to bring order to the chaos of your junk drawer, our REALTORS® have a few tips for how to approach it:

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Electronics and appliances are at the center of our day-to-day home lives, and it can be difficult to function without them. Therefore, protecting them from electrical surges is important. In reality, home power surges occur dozens of times each day, which is why it's so important not to be caught off guard. Our REALTORS® are always stressing the importance of electrical safety, so we thought it'd be a great idea to share some information to help you protect your home and expensive electronics.

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Coming up with unique designs for your family photos is one of the best ways to decorate any living space. Not only does it allow you to see and remember your loved ones, but you can also create some stunning looks with family photo arrangements. The best part is, there are so many different ways to display your photos, so you can truly let your creativity take hold. Our REALTORS® noticed some beautiful family photo arrangements when touring these Bronxville homes for sale, so we thought we'd share some interesting ideas for how to put your pictures on display.

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Minimalist decor has been a trend for quite a while because of its clean lines, simple design, and neutral colors that appeal to almost everyone. Other people appreciate the ultra-organized, clutter-free approach minimalist style entails. For these reasons, minimalist decor is the perfect style to adopt when you're trying to sell your home. It's also good if you've just moved into a new home since you can probably spend less time and money on furniture and decorating. But how do you use minimalist decor in Bronxville homes for sale while still having enough personality and appeal? Our REALTORS® offer these tips to make the most of minimalist decor in your home.

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Upon entering your home, your foyer (also known as an entryway) is one of the first areas that greets guests and your family. Our REALTORS® know that creating an organized, aesthetically appealing space helps initiate a positive first impression. Here are tips to help you transform your foyer.

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Has your bedroom become boring or uninspired? Don't worry because it's easy to turn it around and create a space that feels fresh and inviting. Our REALTORS® love these techniques to get great results on a budget. These strategies are great for those considering selling their home and attracting potential buyers. Here's how you change the look and feel of your current bedroom. 

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When it comes to interior decorating, never underestimate the power of a good rug. When a well-placed rug of the right shape, size, and design is added to a room, it can dramatically impact the space's layout and balance. However, choosing the right rug isn't always an easy process. Furthermore, rugs can be expensive, so you'll want to pick one you can live with for many years.

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A home gym can be a great convenience, allowing you to work out at any time using the equipment of your choice. You'll avoid having to drive to and from a gym and having to wait for equipment. And in this continued time of social distancing, you'll feel safer by working out at home.

Our REALTORS® suggest the following steps to help you decide which type of home gym is right for you:

• Figuring out your budget   
  Before you start planning your home gym, figure out how much you'll have available to spend. Keep in mind that while you may initially want a complete setup that will keep you motivated, you can always add equipment as you go. Don't forget that buying new equipment isn't your only option since some stores sell used equipment, and you can also check Facebook Marketplace, Craiglist, and other sites for used gear. And if you currently pay a monthly fee for a gym membership, you may be able to save that expense if you're happy with your home gym as a substitute.
  
  
• Determining what available space you'll be using 
  The amount of space you have to work with will help determine what kind of home gym you can have. If you have only part of a room, for example, you can utilize equipment like yoga mats or light weights that can easily be stored off to the side, so they're out of the way. This also applies to a jump rope, which can be used instead of a bulky treadmill if you need to get your cardio in. You can also maximize your available space by choosing equipment that can be used for more than one type of exercise.
  
  
• Choosing your equipment   
  Selecting your equipment depends on your budget and the amount of space you have, as well as what you'd like to work on. For example, a treadmill can help you work on cardio if you have enough space for it, and resistance bands can help you work on strength training. And don't forget to add some foam rollers to aid in your recovery.
  
  
• Designing your space 
  In addition to your equipment, you can help transform a space or room into a home gym with some additional bells and whistles. Make sure you have window treatments that provide natural lighting if available and add plenty of artificial lighting. You may also want to add mirrors so you can check your form, and they also have the added benefit of making your space feel bigger. Finally, if you have an entire room to work with, consider covering your regular flooring with gym flooring to give you more of a cushion and to protect your floor from getting slippery.

Contact us at Park Sterling Realty for more information about how a home gym can not only benefit you while you own your Westchester County area home but also when it comes time to sell. We'll know how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Who doesn't love eating outdoors? With an outdoor kitchen, you can spend your summer cooking, eating, and relaxing outside while maximizing your vitamin D intake.  

Not only can outdoor kitchens can make for a great family gathering space, they can significantly increase your overall home value as well. With so many people spending more time at home, it's no wonder outdoor kitchens have become an increasingly popular project in 2020. 

However, building a luxury outdoor kitchen is an expensive home renovation project. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the typical cost of an outdoor kitchen is $13,000, and 22% of homeowners invest in high-end kitchens that cost upwards of $30,000. With such a large investment, it's important to do things right. Our REALTORS® have provided the following tips to help ensure your luxury outdoor kitchen doesn't fall short.

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While sheltering in place, it's important to find activities to help you pass the time. One activity to explore is making some improvements to your home. Whether you plan to call our REALTORS® to sell your property or you're happy in your home, a few projects can overhaul your home's appearance.

It's a misconception that home improvement projects always require a lot of materials with a hefty price tag and multiple trips to the store. Check out a few easy home improvements you can make without leaving the safety of your home. 

1. Declutter Your Spaces
   Most people don't think of decluttering when they envision home improvements, but nearly every space looks better with less stuff. Get rid of anything that you no longer use or that you no longer use. Stow seasonal items that you won't need in the next few months. Still have piles of stuff on your counters? Give them a permanent home, ideally out of sight.

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The Pantone Color of The Year 2020 is Classic Blue; a timeless, calm, and soothing hue that takes its cue from the sky at dusk. Blue is plenty comfortable being a favorite of many people. Classic blue is not only trending, but it has stood the test of time. Some studies show that it's the world's most popular color. In the real estate world, Classic Blue is appearing everywhere from guest baths to kitchen islands to living room walls. So, if you're looking to sell your home in 2020, you may want to embrace the year's cool blue hue to set a relaxing tone and attract more buyers. Our REALTORS® have suggestions for how you can add classic touches to your home.

• Front Door
  The front door is the first thing that will house hunters will see and notice about your home. Classic blue for your front door creates a sense of calm and channels peace. It looks good on a white exterior and is also an ideal shade if you live in a coastal area. The color promises an instant smile from curious buyers.

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The colorful fall foliage can create a picturesque backdrop on your property, but you'll want to include more than nature's beauty in your curb appeal efforts. Improving curb appeal will get the attention of buyers for Bronxville homes for sale and make them want to see all your home has to offer. Our REALTORS® have some suggestions for how you can make a big impact with buyers.

• Clean up the landscape. You'll need to do more than just mow the lawn. Edge the lawn, take care of any brown spots, and trim back dead areas on bushes and trees. Replace summer plants and flowers that are dying or dormant with fall ones so there's still color in the landscape. While fall leaves can provide beautiful color, you don't want the first thought a buyer has to be about all the leaves they'll have to rake. Make sure you keep them raked up so buyers can see the yard and safely access the entrance of your home.

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Families grow and change over time. The house that once met your needs may longer have enough space. When you've outgrown your home, you have two options: build on to your existing house or look at Bronxville homes for sale. Each option gives your family more living space, but which one is best? Here are a few things you should consider when you're deciding whether to add on or move on.

Reasons to Add On to Your House

• You love your home.
  If needing additional space is the only problem with your home, then you're better off adding on to your existing home. Finding another home that checks off everything on your wishlist can be challenging. Why compromise on the location or layout when you already have exactly what you want? Adding on to your home allows you to improve upon everything you already love.

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Utility bills are a top concern for home buyers as they decide which Bronxville homes for sale are best suited for their needs. Moreover, the rising tide of eco-consciousness throughout New York means that home buyers are interested in more than just how much an energy-efficient home can save them each month. Home sellers in Westchester County whose home features eco-friendly design and features have an appeal to buyers that gives them an advantage when the "For Sale" sign goes up in the front yard. 

• Fixtures and Faucets, and Low-Water Landscaping
  While electric and gas usage used to get the most attention from eco-conscious home buyers, an increasing number of buyers are paying considerable attention to how much water a home requires. Installing low-flow fixtures in the bathrooms and kitchens is an inexpensive addition to your home before you place it on the market. In many cases, it takes just a few hours to replace all the fixtures in the house. 

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Staying on top of real estate trends can help you reap real rewards when you decide to put your home on the market. Incorporating technology, a modern color palette, and up-to-date design features on the exterior of your home creates an irresistible curb appeal. This helps your home stand out among the many fantastic Bronxville homes for sale. To help your home rise to the top of home buyers' lists, the following are exterior features that prospective home buyers are willing to pay top dollar to have around their home.

• Exterior Lighting
  Exterior illumination creates an inviting ambiance and friendly atmosphere for evening gatherings. It also creates a strong sense of security. Exterior lighting can be positioned to highlight architectural features, improve visibility on sidewalks and stairs, and illuminate outdoor living areas. At the same time, exterior lights can be used to shed light on windows and doors, thus protecting the home against potential intruders.

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If you're planning on selling your home this year, you're probably already thinking about what you'll do to get ready for buyers. Everyone wants to make the best impression possible, and our REALTORS® often get asked for suggestions. One of the things that always tops everyone's list is paint. Some fresh paint indoors and out can go a long way toward getting your home sold at the price you want.

What Paint Can Do for Your Home

Painting is a necessary first step in staging your home. It lets buyers know you've been taking care of the property and keeping up with maintenance. It's also inexpensive compared to other updates and noticed immediately when you walk into a room. So painting provides a lot of value for your maintenance dollar.

There are some situations where you really have to paint. If you've patched walls, have a mural or themed room, or if there's any writing or residue on the walls, you'll need to make painting a top priority.

Probably the most important reason to paint is that buyers expect it. Other Bronxville homes for sale are going to have fresh paint. If yours doesn't, your home stands out, but not in a good way.

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