Home and Property Real Estate Ltd.

Planning to buy a home?

It’s time to focus on boosting your credit score. A higher score means lower interest rates and opens up a wider range of mortgage options.

Below are 5 tips for getting your credit score mortgage-ready!

1. Pay Your Bills on Time
Set up automatic payments to ensure you won't forget to pay

2. Reduce Your Credit Card Balances
Aim to keep your total utilization below 30% of your available credit

3. Avoid Opening New Credit Accounts
Too many new enquiries can temporarily lower your credit score

4. Don't Close Old Credit Cards
The length of your credit history also plays a role in your score

5. Check Your Credit Report for Errors
Dispute any inaccuracies you find to ensure your score is correct

We’re all looking for a better night’s sleep — and these tips for a restful sleeping environment can make a big difference.

1. Choose soothing hues.

Neutral tones or soft shades of blue, green and pink create a sense of calm.

2. Invest in high-quality bedding

Seek out natural materials for maximizing comfort and temperature regulation.

3. Consider your lighting

Coose cozy, warm bulbs for bedside lamps and reading lights.

4. Install blackout curtains

A totally dark room can significantly improve sleep quality.

5. Bring the outdoors in

Potted plants or hanging baskets add a touch of natural serenity.

Considering buying a home but feeling overwhelmed by financing options?

Here are four factors to consider when choosing a mortgage:

1. Credit Score:
This three-digit number can significantly impact your interest rate and the types of loans you qualify for.

2. Income & Expenses:
Lenders want to ensure your income will comfortably cover your mortgage payments and other debt obligations.

3. Down Payment:
The amount you put down will affect your loan options, monthly payments, and need for mortgage insurance.

4. Lifestyle & Risk Tolerance:
Your term length and interest rate type (fixed or variable) should align with your financial goals and comfort level.

For additional information and trusted referrals to help you choose the right mortgage for your specific situation, please reach out!

NEW LISTING!
3 Beds + sunroom & deck overlooking greenspace
38 Riverside Drive W, Elmira (MLS®)

Landscape lighting can make your home safer — and more beautiful!

Here are our top tips for planning and installing outdoor lights:

1. For your safety, choose low-voltage or solar-powered lights if you plan to DIY.

2. Bury any wire at least 6 inches below ground to avoid accidental cuts.

3. Make sure all entry points and pathways are well-lit.

4. Add indirect lighting around your patio and yard to create a cozy atmosphere.

5. Use a programmable timer or motion sensor to turn the lights off and on automatically.

And if you would prefer to hire a professional, reach out for a referral!

These days, it’s easy to order everything you need online. But there’s a lot to be said for shopping locally instead.

Here’s why we love to support local businesses:

✅ Invest in your community.

More of the money you spend with small businesses stays in the local economy.

✅ Support local jobs.

Small businesses are often great places to work and offer unique opportunities for employees.

✅ Preserve local character.

Independent shops make your area unique and can be a draw for visitors and new residents.

✅ Get better customer service.

Small businesses often form long-term relationships with their customers.

✅ Protect the environment.

Buying what you need in person cuts back on carbon emissions from shipping.

Enjoy all the benefits of your community!

Bathroom upgrades are well known for bringing a good return on investment (ROI).

Here are 4 ideas for a mini bathroom makeover that are a quick and easy way to refresh your space.

1. Swap out outdated hardware for contemporary alternatives.

2. Update faucets and showerheads for a spa-like feel.

3. Replace old mirror and light fixtures with modern versions.

4. Refinish cabinets for a fresh and clean aesthetic.

Reach out anytime for more ideas on how to maintain or increase your home's value over time!

Looking for the simplest projects to boost your home's value?

To get you started, here are 7 improvements that you can complete in a weekend:

🚪 Paint your front door a classic shade of black or mid-tone brown.

🛠️ Upgrade dated hardware and lighting for a modern look.

🛁 Refresh your bathroom with new fixtures and a clean, modern aesthetic.

🎨 Give your kitchen cabinets a makeover with a fresh coat of paint.

🏡 Enhance your curb appeal with simple landscaping updates.

✨ Refinish worn wood floors for a like-new look.

🧼 Clean or replace grimy grout in your bathroom and kitchen.

Are myths or outdated assumptions holding you back from a successful home sale?

Here are the 3 thinking traps we see sellers fall into — and ways to move past them.

Thinking Trap #1: I should set a high price so there is room to negotiate.

Reality: Overpricing your home can deter buyers and slow down the sales process. Pricing strategically is what drives serious offers.

Thinking Trap #2: I should wait for a better market to list my home.

Reality: The right time to sell your home is when you are ready to move. No one can accurately predict what the market will do.

Thinking Trap #3: I need to renovate my house before I sell to get a good price.

Reality: While some upgrades can pay off, not all will offer a solid return on your investment.

Let us guide you through all the steps of a successful sale!

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of selling your home?

Fortunately, technology can help you streamline the process!

Here are 3 tools that can help busy Home Sellers:

1. Cloud document storage

Save digital copies of documents like tax returns, titles, and more with tools like Google Drive or iCloud to ensure you have everything accessible for a speedy sale.

2. Resale Websites

Sell unwanted furniture and home items easily on sites like Facebook or Craigslist, and try Poshmark and eBay for clothing and decor.

3. Home Renovation Apps

Apps like Houzz and TaskRabbit to help manage any repairs or upgrades you plan to tackle before listing.

We are your all-in-one resource for sellers - reach out to us anytime for support!

After years of record-low housing inventory, active listings are on the rise—which is great news if you’re hoping to buy a home.

Here are some factors to be aware of going forward:

🏘️ The spring market showed a noticeable jump in listings.

🏘️ More sellers are predicted to list as interest rates decline.

🏘️ Even with more inventory, demand is still expected to exceed supply.

Your REALTOR® can help you navigate through the ups and downs in any market!

It's June already!

Looking for an update on the real estate market?

Nearly halfway through 2024, here’s what buyers and sellers need to know:

📉 Mortgage rate cuts are expected soon

🧑 Demand is forecast to rise as rates fall

💰 Home prices will continue to increase

🏘️ Inventory is predicted to remain tight nationwide

Reach out anytime for a detailed update in your specific market!

Are you relocating to a new area? A few simple steps to prepare can make all the difference on move-in day.

For example, it’s much easier to clean or remodel your home before all your belongings have been moved in. If possible, schedule contractors to paint or install new flooring ahead of time so you can enjoy a truly fresh start.

Other steps, such as changing your address, need time to implement. Submit your request to the postal service and other relevant parties well in advance so all your important bills, notices, and deliveries make it to your new doorstep.

Are your floors in need of a refresh?

Here are some of the trends for 2024 according to Houzz.

1. LIGHTER WOOD TONES. Shades of blonde are at the top this year, for hardwood, vinyl plank and porcelain.

2. BETTER WOOD MATERIALS. The materials are more eco-friendly and the visuals have been enhanced.

3. IMPROVED FAUX STONE. These low maintenance choices range from marble-look porcelain to imitation onyx vinyl.

Location, Location, Location!

One of the most important parts of the home search process is identifying your target location.

Here are some questions that might help you hone in on an area that works for you and your family.

1. Commute - How long will it take to get to school or work, etc.? Is there public transportation?

2. Schools - Will the academic options in the area meet your family's needs?

3. Cost of Living. - Does your budget align with the cost of living in your desired area?

4. Safety. What are the local crime statistics? Are there street lights and other safety features?

5. Amenities. What retail and recreation options are nearby?

Do you know when you might need your real estate agent to pull sales data from similar homes for a property? (aka comparables or “comps”)?

Here are a few scenarios:

🏡 You’re preparing to sell.
We can help you set an ideal list price based, in part, on what homes like yours have sold for in the recent past.

🏡 You’re thinking about buying.
We’ll use comps to assess whether or not a home’s asking price is reasonable and help you come up with a data-driven offer.

🏡 You’re taking out a home equity loan.
Comparables can help you estimate your home’s value — and if an appraisal comes in low, you can use comps to contest it.

Need some comparable sales data for your property? Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Have you noticed your home insurance premiums climbing over the past few years?

Here are some reasons why.

1. Natural Disasters
As weather and climate-related events become more common, carriers are struggling to deal with the influx of claims.

2. Worker Shortages
In many regions, skilled construction workers are in short supply, making repairs more expensive.

3. Supply Chain Issues
Ongoing disruptions, as well as general inflation, have increased the cost of many building materials.

4. Insurance Fraud
Fraud is a growing problem, and those costs are passed on to policyholders through increased rates.

Getting the coverage you need without overpaying can be a tricky balance - so it's important to consult with a knowledgeable insurance professional.

We can provide some strategies for saving on your premiums or a referral.

As real estate professionals, we know what can go wrong with a home purchase. 🙈

So, here are 3 things we would never do when buying a home:

❌ Hold out for a “unicorn” property.
We decide what features matter most and focus on those.

❌ Go with the first mortgage quote.
We’ve seen how much terms and closing costs can vary, so we’ll always shop for the best deal.

❌ Let emotions drive our decisions.
We know how beneficial it is to stay rational and reasonable when negotiating a transaction.

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifth, we’re here to provide expert advice and help you avoid pitfalls!

As real estate professionals, we know what works (and what doesn’t).

So here are 3 things we would never do when selling our own homes:

❌ Skip the prep work.
We understand that buyers want a well-maintained, clean, and clutter-free home and that anything less won't fare as well on the market.

❌ Fail to keep our property available and show-ready.
We know that when a home isn’t available for a buyer to tour, many will quickly move on to the next option.

❌ Set an asking price that’s too high.
We recognize that pricing a home properly from the start is the best way to achieve a timely and profitable sale.

Reach out anytime for more tips!

Whether you're thinking of selling or just want to boost your curb appeal for your own enjoyment this spring, follow these 4 steps!

1. REFRESH WORN WALKWAYS
Wash away grime, repair cracks and pull weeds.

2. BRIGHTEN YOUR EXTERIOR
Replace dated light fixtures and add additional lumination as needed.

3. SPRUCE UP YOUR LANDSCAPING
Even a few containers of flowers can make a big difference.

4. REPAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR
Reach out for help choosing the best hue to attract buyers.

And if you’re wondering what your home could sell for in the current market, reach out for a free property value assessment.

According to insurance experts, home insurance premiums are already up over 7% since last year and are likely to climb further still. 😧

But, you can save on rates if you’re strategic. Here are our top tips:

1. Shop Around
We recommend that you review at least three estimates while taking into account any differences in the policy terms.

2. Increase Your Deductible
According to Ratehub, raising your deductible from $500 to $5,000, for example, could save you an estimated 15% each year.

3. Make Strategic Home Improvements
Some projects—like updating your electrical system—can reduce your rates by making your home safer or less prone to damage.

4. Bundle Multiple Types of Insurance
Eg, home and auto - and also possibly adding in RV, boat, jewelry, and life insurance too.

5. Ask About Available Discounts
Such as non-smoker, first-time homebuyer, “mature” homeowner, or certain group memberships (eg. college or unions)

6. Avoid Making Small Claims
Many insurers offer discounted rates when you go a certain number of years without filing a claim, and filing multiple claims often results in big increases

Getting the coverage you need for financial security without overpaying can be a tricky balance so it's important to consult with a with a knowledgeable insurance professional.