SkyFive Properties Blog

Looking to sell a house fast?

Staging might help you get the best bids and maximize your profit. In this article, we will show you how to stage a home to make the most out of the sale.

Staging 101

Staging involves arranging furniture and decorations to make a house look as attractive as it can be to potential buyers. Staging includes tidying up, renting furniture, painting the rooms, and decorating the property inside and out.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 77% of sellers say staging made it easier to find a favorable deal. Moreover, about 50% of all buyer’s agents believe staging affects the buyer’s view of a property.

Decluttering Your Home

Before you stage your home, you have to get rid of all the clutter and clean the rooms. Remove all personal items hire furniture removalists to remove heavy items. When it comes to furniture, you should aim to remove about half of your stuff to give your house that light and breezy feel.

Remember that potential buyers will want to look into each room and open closets. It’s best if you also decluttered every storage space and make it as attractive as it can be. You can always put your clutter in boxes and have the movers take them out of the house.

Cleaning Before Staging

The next step is to clean your house as thoroughly as you can. Lingering smells, black mold, and other issues can kill the perceived value of your home. You may also consider getting a professional cleaning service for this task.

How to Stage a Home for Max Impact

If you want to stage your home like a professional realtor, you will have to focus on lighting and strategic positioning of furniture.

No buyer likes to walk through an empty house, so you do need to have some furniture in. However, you should prioritize the rooms that buyers will be most interested in. Start with the living room, followed by the master bedroom and the kitchen.

If you don’t have enough furniture to stage your house, or if your furniture is not presentable enough, don’t panic. You can always rent furniture from a home stager. These professionals can supply you with pretty much any kind of furniture you need to complete your staging.

Final Touches

Finally, you have to make sure that the outside of your house is as presentable as the inside. You may have to do some of all of the following:

• Clean the windows
• Mow the lawn
• Remove fallen leaves
• Paint your fence
• Place potted plants
• Add a welcome mat

Remember that tiny details can leave a lasting impression, so stage your house accordingly.

Maximize Your Real Estate Negotiating Power

Now that you know how to stage a home, it is time to get serious about market intelligence to get the best price for your house. Here at Sky Five Properties, we aim to be your perfect partner when it comes to expanding your real estate empire.

Contact us today to team up with Florida’s premier commercial and residential real estate firm, specializing in all types of real estate acquisitions and endeavors.

Custom home builders spend more time on their project than production home builders. Because of that, they often work on less than ten home a year.

If you’re thinking of hiring a builder to build your dream home, it’s best to take your time to find the best one in your area. Next, are some suggestion for how to find a home builder that’s right for you.

Make a List of Builders

Create a list of potential builders that can build the type of house you want. You can contact your local Home Builder’s Association for a contact list.

Also, look in the real estate section of the newspaper. The articles and ad will show you which builders are working in your area as well as the types of homes they are building.

Take note of those building home within your budget. Another great way of finding a home builder is to ask realtors and friends for recommendations.

Start Asking Questions

Once you have a list, it’s time to contact them. Ask questions — lots of them. Also, ask homeowners for their reviews as well.

While price is important, you can’t choose a builder by that alone. Often, the builder with the lowest price per square foot lacks something that you may find necessary.

As you interview potential home builders, get the answers to all the questions you have. Never hold back on asking a question. Even what seems like an unimportant question can yield insight.

Your goal is to build the perfect home so there won’t be any need for renovations down the line.

Find a Builder in Your Area

If you live in the area in which you want to build, visit homes and subdivisions where the builder has homes. Be sure to drive through on a Saturday morning.

You may see homeowners working outside. Introduce yourself as a prospective home buyer and ask questions about the home builder. See what they have to say.

Usually, you will get a candid response. Homeowners are often happy to share both the positive and negative experiences with the builder. Take some notes so you can refer to them later when narrowing your choices.

How to Find a Home Builder of Quality

Home shows and builder-sponsored open houses are prime opportunities to look at homes. Home show houses and model homes are often furnished, giving you a good idea of how you could use the space.

Even if they are unfurnished, looking at new homes is beneficial.

See the quality of the work for yourself. Pay attention to the details. Look at the quality of the construction. How do the carpeting, cabinets, and trim work look?

Even take a look at the paint. The last thing you want to see are areas where the builder cut corners on craftsmanship or materials.

If you’re in the Lake Hartwell, Georgia or surrounding areas, be sure to check out Currahee Home Builders. They are an example of a builder who takes pride in tending to the finer details of custom home building.

Time to Choose a Home Builder

With these tips on how to find a home builder, there’s no reason to wait. If you’re ready to build your dream home, then it’s time to begin the search for a builder.

If you are looking for a property or builder in Florida, please give us a call at (305) 357-0635.

Did you know that having a well-landscaped home can increase the value of your home by 5.5 percent to 12.7 percent depending on what is done? If you are planning to sell, you take steps to improve the inside of your home, doing the same for the outside is important, too.

However, getting this well-landscaped look is easier said than done.

If you are like many people, you may not have the time or ability to handle a large landscaping project on your own. If this is the case, it makes sense to hire quality landscape contractors.

However, again, this can be challenging. There are more than a few options in the local area, so it’s a good idea to know what to look for when it is time to hire landscape contractors.

Ask for Recommendations

One of the first things a person should do when searching for landscaping contractors is to ask for recommendations from people they know. Friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors can be great sources of information.

Chances are if you hear the same company mentioned several times, such as Cherry Oak Landscaping, it’s a good sign you have found a quality company. While this is true, don’t base your decision on a recommendation alone.

Do Research On the Recommended Options

Once you have found a list of several landscapers in the area, you need to take some time to learn more about the companies being considered.

For example, how long has the landscaper been doing this type of work? Do they have a good BBB rating? What is their physical address?

All of these questions can help you determine which landscaping company to hire.

Get Estimates

It’s a good idea to ask for estimates from each of the companies being considered. Make sure that the company is willing to put the estimate in writing, and detail line by line what they are going to do, the materials they plan to use, labor costs, and other factors that will impact the cost of the job.

It’s a good idea to get three to four estimates and compare them to determine which landscaper offers the most value.

Find Out About Ongoing Maintenance

There are some landscaping contractors who handle large projects for renovating an outside space, and that’s it. When the work is done, there are few landscaping companies that offer ongoing maintenance.

This means when the work is done, it’s up to you to keep things maintained. Not everyone wants this huge responsibility, as there is no such thing as a low-maintenance landscape.

As a result, it’s a good idea to find out if ongoing maintenance is provided by the company being considered.

Finding the Right Landscape Contractors: Now You Know

If you are ready to reap all the benefits offered by hiring the right landscape contractors, then it is a good idea to find the right person for the job. The tips here can help you make a great decision.

If you benefited from the information here, then be sure to check out some of our other blogs. For example, how to find the right kitchen designer.

Mauritius is a nation which is situated in the Indian ocean, and it is a place which is hugely popular with tourists from all over the world. If you are looking for a new holiday destination for this summer and you aren’t sure where to go, Mauritius could be the ideal place for you, and here’s why…

Try amazing water sports

If you are the kind of person who loves to be active on your holiday and try new things, Mauritius can offer the ideal playground for you this summer. All over this island nation there are opportunities for you to try some fun watersports, and you will never get bored throughout your stay. Fancy diving into shipwrecks which are hundreds of years old? Sure! Or would you prefer jet skiing over the sea with your family? Go for it! You’ll be able to find activite in every single corner of the island so you can try new things and enjoy some great experiences.

See dolphins

Dolphins might just be some of the most amazing animals on the planet, and if you want to see them first hand you had better get looking for a villa for sale in mauritius and move here immediately! Thanks to the hot climate in Mauritius, it is a dolphin hot spot and you’ll find many opportunities to see these stunning creatures in action. If you can wake up just before sunrise and head out to the open ocean, you’ll be able to watch the sunrise alongside dolphins and it will be an experience you never forget.

Visit Chamarel

If natural wonders are your thing, there is no better place for you to come during your stay than the village of Chamarel. The beauty of this village is something you will have to see to believe because the earth is literally made up of a rainbow! There are 7 different coloured sands which cover the landscape and it will feel as if you have stepped into a child’s sand pit. There are some great photo opportunities to be had and your instagram feed will look immense after a trip here!

The Grand Bassin

During the summer days there is no better place to cool off than this stunning lake, and what makes it so unique is the fact that the lake itself sits inside a volcano crater. But don’t worry, the volcano has been extinct for many years and won’t suddenly erupt! This lake is also the source of some local legends and it is said that to dive into the lake during the Shivratri festival will bring you success and fortune. The lake also has a statue of Lord Shiva which stands at an impressive 108 feet and is the second tallest statue in the world.

Visit Port Louis

If you enjoy experiencing some true history and culture, one of the best places in Mauritius for you to come and visit has to be Port Louis. This city is the capital of the island and is full to the brim with French architecture and history. During your exploration of the area you’ll be able to enjoy some amazing restaurants, unique galleries and plenty of activities!

Are you looking to remodel your kitchen?

Smart move! A kitchen remodel not only adds value to your home but also makes your cooking enjoyable. Considering that the average person spends about 37 minutes cooking every day, you want a space that’s inviting and up-to-date.

However, you have a decision to make. Do you want to DIY your kitchen remodel or bring in a kitchen designer to help?

In this article, we’re telling you who kitchen designers are and why hiring one is the better decision.

Let’s get into it!

What Do Kitchen Designers Do?

Kitchen designers typically have an educational background in interior design and most hold certifications from the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

Their work involves designing residential and commercial kitchens from scratch or redesigning existing ones. They decide on a range of elements, including kitchen cabinetry and shelving, flooring, appliances, and counters. Ultimately, these designers aim to help create kitchens that are unique, functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Read this informative article by Zesta Kitchens to gain deeper insight into the role of kitchen designers.

Why Do You Need to Hire a Kitchen Designer?

Cost of service is probably one of the primary reason most project owners don’t bring in professional kitchen designers.

However, the benefits of hiring one outweigh the costs. Here are some of these benefits:

Get a Custom Kitchen

You know that feeling when a new friend invites you over to their house and once you get there the first thing you realize is the kitchen looks almost like yours? Sucks, right?

If you’re building a new house or looking to remodel your current kitchen, hiring a kitchen designer is the only guarantee you’ve of getting a kitchen you’ll certainly never see anywhere else. These professionals are the masters of custom design. They’ll mesh their ideas with yours and the result will be a stunningly-unique kitchen.

Save Money

You’re probably wondering “Hiring kitchen designers cost top dollar. How does that amount to saving money?”

Well, hear us out.

Unless you’ve got plenty of kitchen design and building experience, it’s unlikely that you’ll get it right on your own. You’ll probably make errors that’ll lead to expensive structural adjustments to the kitchen. In the end, you’ll spend more money trying to fix the issues.

But with a kitchen designer on your project team, you can count out mistakes. Everything will go according to plan and you’ll stay on budget.

Save Time

Did you know kitchen planning is the lengthiest process in any residential construction project? On average, it takes about 7 months!

Do you have this much time on your hands? You’re probably a working professional or a busy parent or juggling both tasks.

If you want to save time, your best chance is hiring an experienced kitchen designer. They’ll use their experience to draw a custom design for you in record time, ensuring kitchen planning doesn’t delay the entire project.

Get Professional Help When Designing Your Kitchen

Whether you want an indoor or outdoor kitchen, we’ve demonstrated that hiring a kitchen designer is a smart decision.

Sure, their services don’t come on the cheap, but once your kitchen is ready and looking drop-dead gorgeous, you’ll realize that their services are worth the money!

Need more home improvement advice? Explore our blog.

The average American moves about 11 times in their life. But moving isn’t a cheap or stress-free process.

It can take weeks or even months just to sell your home. If you’re in a hurry to sell it fast, though, remodeling it can help. Of course, you’ll only want to spend money on the projects that will give you a nice return on investment by allowing you to increase the price of your home.

It can be tricky to determine if the remodeling cost vs value of a project is worth it. Luckily, there are a few tried and true tips you can follow.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover the best remodel tips that will increase your home’s value and help it fly off the market.

Focus on Appearance

Take a second to think about why you bought your current house. Were you immediately impressed the second you walked through the door? Were the main rooms done to your taste?

The truth is that most homeowners purchase based on appearance. Of course, if there are serious problems, like a leaking roof or crumbling foundation, these will quickly turn potential buyers away. But when you’re doing a renovation, focus on improving the appearance of your home rather than, say, replacing your water heater.

You want buyers to be wowed with your home and fall in love with it. Plus, replacing the water heater can seem a lot less daunting than having to undergo a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Clean

Alright, so cleaning may not seem like it counts as a remodel. But it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Stained carpets, dull hardwood floors, dirty grout, and caulking that’s falling apart can all make your home appear dirty and outdated. But instead of paying big bucks to replace all this, you may be able to salvage it with a little elbow grease.

Shampoo your carpets, clean hardwood and tile floors, clean grout, and re-caulk your bathroom. You’d be surprised just how much nicer and newer your home looks.

Paint

Over time, the beautiful color of your walls has probably faded, and you may not even notice how bad it’s gotten. A fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference, and it’s easy to DIY.

However, choosing the wrong paint color can be a huge turn off to buyers. Stick with neutral colors like beige or light grey. These colors appeal to most people’s taste and help them view your home as a blank slate where they can build their lives.

Start with the Bathroom

The kitchen and bathrooms are the most important rooms in the home. If your bathroom is looking completely outdated, consider a full renovation.

While the price may be a bit daunting, you can get more than the remodel costs back when selling your home.

If your home only has one bathroom, consider adding a second bathroom or at least a half bath. This will increase the value of your home and give you a larger pool of potential buyers as having just one bathroom can be a deal breaker for many families.

Replace Countertops

It’s no secret that the kitchen is an important room. But if your kitchen is outdated, you may not have the cash to completely redo it.

Luckily, you can make a huge impact by getting new countertops. Granite and quartz are great options to go with as they’ll give your kitchen that luxury feel without costing as much as marble. This company has tons of options to choose from to help you get started.

Give Your Cabinets a Facelift

Along with countertops, cabinets also have a huge impact on both your kitchen and your bathrooms. However, they can be quite costly to replace.

If your cabinets are still standing sturdy, but look a bit outdated, don’t spend the money to replace them. Instead, give them a facelift by painting or refacing them and changing out the handles.

Although a bathroom remodel is a great way to increase the value of your home, many people can avoid the full renovation and still get more money for their home. If your tub or shower, toilet, and flooring are in good shape, consider replacing cheap or outdated countertops, giving your cabinets a facelift, recaulking, painting, and cleaning grout. This can make your bathroom appear much newer without having to buy new fixtures or flooring.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

Even the most gorgeous houses can have problems selling if they lack curb appeal.

Since the exterior is typically the first picture on an online home listing, many buyers may not even look through the rest of the images if your home has poor curb appeal. They’ll also be less likely to stop in during open houses or ask their realtor about your property if they drive by and see the “for sale” sign.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can increase your curb appeal. Consider painting your front door and replacing your garage door. Choosing black, grey, or blue for your front door is the best way to attract potential buyers and further increase your home’s value.

You should also cut your grass and trim overgrown bushes. If you have flowers, make sure they are low-maintenance and properly weeded. Hanging planters of colorful flowers on your porch can make your entryway pop and seem more inviting, thus, increasing the number of potential buyers.

The Best Remodeling Cost vs Value

You want to ensure the renovations you undertake will help sell your home faster and for a higher price. Just follow this guide to the best projects with a great remodeling cost vs value.

Are you still looking for your dream home? Then check out our property listings in beautiful and sunny Florida.

Buying rental properties can be an excellent way to see a return on your real estate investments.

According to forecasts, the US vacation industry could be worth 2.6 trillion dollars by 2027.

If you want your piece of the profits, buying vacation rental properties could get your foot in the door.

As the saying goes, ”location is everything”. Here’s a snapshot of the best places to buy a vacation home if you want to win at the rental property game.

Choosing the Best Places to Buy a Vacation Home

Apart from location, there are a few things you should take into account when considering your options for buying a vacation home.

The major ones are:

• Accessibility for your family and friends
• Annual occupancy rates for rentals
• Costs involved in managing the property
• The average rental that you can charge per day
• The tax implications of owning a second home

Before you consider buying a place, spend a few nights there to get a feel for it.

Scope out any nearby activities that future clients might enjoy. Talk to other owners in the area about their experiences in the vacation rental arena.

If you think you’re up to the challenges, these are the places you should consider shopping for a vacation property.

1. South Florida

You can’t go wrong with a seaside destination for your vacation property. No matter where it is in the world.

As an example, the Australian Gold Coast is hot property right now, with 45,000 new investors in the area. View here for more about the appeal of coastal villas.

Closer to home, Florida is a top destination for family seaside vacations. It’s also a lucrative investment if you want to rent out your space when you’re not using it.

Last year, the Sunshine State welcomed 126.1 million visitors to its shores, most of these from within the United States.

It makes sense that buying a beach house or condo in Florida could mean a handsome return on your investment. Not to mention many unforgettable vacations of your own.

Some of the most desirable areas for rentals in Florida include Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, and Fischer Island.

2. Napa, California

California wine country is hot property among vacationers.

People love to spend time enjoying rural hospitality and enjoying scenic countryside explorations. Naturally, sipping on fine wines is another undeniable attraction in Napa.

While the initial purchase price of your home may be high, you can command a rental rate to match in this neck of the woods.

The average nightly rental in the Napa Valley can be as high as $573 per night during peak periods.

If you can live with having a country retreat for your vacations, Napa could be a good option for you.

3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

As a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a firm favorite among families and adventure seekers.

Historically, property prices have always been surprisingly affordable in this area and occupancy rates are high, year round.

Every year, guests book approximately 54% of the available room nights in Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg is a good investment if you want a year-round destination for your family to enjoy, as well as a steady income when you’re not in residence.

4. Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Another seaside gold mine for investors, Myrtle Beach is an attractive option for investors due to its low real estate prices.

Miles of beaches and a host of family-friendly attractions make Myrtle Beach a favorite for vacationing families.

While it may not be hopping year-round, the peak times in Myrtle Beach are predictable and reliable.

This can be an advantage if you want to use your home yourself in the quiet months or rent it out to acquaintances during these times.

5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Every year during the summer break, the population of Cape Cod triples with an influx of vacationers.

The beaches, fresh seafood, sports activities, museums, and galleries are all big drawcards in this classic seaside holiday destination.

It may be a short peak season, but it’s a lucrative one. With accommodation at a premium during these months, some homeowners make up to $50,000 a year from their Cape Cod vacation properties.

In the winter time, the town returns to its sleep self and you’ll have to adjust your rates and your expectations accordingly.

6. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah abounds with a southern charm that attracts visitors year round. As a historic destination, this touristy town overflows with attractions.

Gorgeous architecture, opportunities for fireside ghost stories and interesting museums are everywhere.

It also has a fair share of trendy boutiques, swish restaurants serving the freshest seafood, and the chance to sip cocktails at leisure come sunset.

Tybee Island with its gorgeous beaches, gentle seas and festivities is only a short drive away.

All these factors combine to make Savannah a top choice for vacationers as well as astute vacation property owners.

You can look forward to an average rental of $200 per day and 59% occupancy if you buy a 3-bedroom vacation home in Savannah.

7. Killington, Vermont

This small mountain town could very well be the next big thing in vacation destinations.

The rapid growth of Airbnb offerings in this town shows increased interest in the area as a top ski destination for vacationers.

In the summertime, walking, hiking, and biking in the surrounding forests are popular activities.

The town overflows with year-round activities and amusements, from thrilling Skye car rides to scenic and leisurely gondola trips up the mountain.

With property prices hovering at the low end of the range, it may be worth taking a gamble on the impending boom in this attractive area.

8. Corpus Cristi, Texas

The long warm season extending from the first days of spring until late in the fall makes Corpus Cristi a popular place for a seaside break.

This is the one place where waterfront properties remain within the reach of first-time homeowners, at an average of $220,000.

Rental occupancies are booming here and property owners can expect to earn up to $75,000 annually from a 3 bedroom vacation home or condo.

Make Good Property Choices

Real estate is always one of the most expensive things you can buy.

It makes sense that you need expert advice when you’re considering buying a vacation home.

Browse through our portfolio of properties located in some of the best places to buy a vacation home or reach out for expert advice from our team of professionals.

Given that the average person moves more than 10 times in their life, it’s likely that even if you’ve found a great house, you may want to move later on. During those 10 moves, you’ll also need to find someone to help you and knowing how to pick a real estate agent is essential. Finding the wrong agent will cost you time and money whether you’re buying or selling a property.

Here are four things to look for when you’re in search of an agent to help you.

1. Find Someone Local

When you’re in search of a real estate agent, you need to find a realtor who knows more than you do when it comes to the local market. Whether you’re new to the area or you’re a lifelong resident, the job of a good realtor is to find out information that you don’t know or don’t have access to. Someone who is local to your region is going to be better than someone who works nationally or impersonally.

Have a meeting and gauge their knowledge of what’s good in your neighborhood. Share your ideas and be open to the kind of feedback they can offer. If they’re telling you that your idea of what’s hot in the market isn’t quite right, they should be able to tell you why.

If they’re going to push an emerging market on you, find out why. If they’re just doing it because they have a stake there or they have something to gain, it should be pretty clear to you.

Local realtors have inside knowledge, know what kind of industries are starting to emerge, and can tell you what to look out for. They should have knowledge that’s more robust than what a casual visitor might have or what you’d find in the daily paper.

2. Talk to Recent Clients

The most reputable agents will be proud to share a list of their recent clients and to offer you information about listings they’ve successfully sold. However, if you’re going to reach out to former clients, you need to know which questions to ask them.

If you’re buying a place, ask former clients what the asking price was when they decided on the home and then what the sales price ended up being. This lets you know how good your realtor is at negotiating and how they can help you to get a better deal.

If you’re trying to sell a property, look for properties where the details were similar to what you’re selling. If the price, location, and amenities were similar, ask how long the home was on the market before and after the realtor got ahold of it. You should also be working with someone who knows how to sell the kind of property you have, so this is a good litmus test.

3. Check the Credentials

Another thing that a talented and professional realtor will be happy to share is their current licensing and certifications. It takes years to be a great realtor and many of them take additional classes or certifications to understand how to work with a variety of properties.

Your realtor should be willing to share this inform station with you and proud to answer any questions you have about their experience. Their experience and accomplishments are powerful selling points when you’re seeking someone to work with.

You can also look for disciplinary actions against your realtor. Every regulatory body checks up on the people they certify and license. There are complaints lodged against the worst realtors around and reviews from the Better Business Bureau ensure that you don’t work with them.

Ask the realtor if they’ve been given any special awards for their work. All the time, realtors are given professional accolades that certify them as realtor of the year or as a realtor who is good at what they do.

4. Check Out What They’ve Got On The Market

A realtor or an agent’s current listings are going to tell you a lot about how they market properties and how hard they work to sell them. A realtor committed to helping their clients is going to offer a lot of details with photos that get you excited about the property. If you can look at a realtor’s listings online before you talk to them, you can get an unfiltered view into how they work

If a realtor or an agent has a website, it should have lots of up to date information about properties that are currently on the market. If you notice that the agent doesn’t update their listings very often, you can expect that the realtor you’re trying to work with is going to forget about you. Letting your property sit on the market for months without updating the listing or trying to reel in any buyers is toxic for your asking price.

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so make sure the photos that they’re using are professionally taken and not stretched or scaled. If everything looks oddly stretched out or pixelated, then your agent doesn’t care enough about details and presentation to help your listing to sell.

Take note if your agent’s website appears to be inundated with listings. This can be a good thing but it can also mean that it’ll take forever for them to get back to you when you need help.

Use Your Gut on How to Pick a Real Estate Agent

When you’re navigating how to pick a real estate agent who works for you, use your instincts to guide your decisionmaking. You’ll find it’s much easier to work with someone who you feel comfortable with than someone who just has good reviews.

Before you start your search, check out our guide to the most common struggles that every buyer and seller faces.

There has been some chatter about American kitchens getting “Ubered out of existence” in the coming years. The thought is that the majority of Americans might start ordering their meals almost every day as opposed to using their kitchens to prepare them.

This might sound absurd at first. But consider this: About 90 percent of Americans admit that they don’t enjoy cooking. That could go a long way towards contributing to the downfall of the kitchen.

For now, though, Americans still want and need kitchens. And if you don’t like yours, it’s well worth it to do a kitchen remodel in your home. Kitchen remodels can increase the value of your home and make your entire house more functional when they’re designed the right way.

Here are 10 tips to keep in mind before tackling a kitchen remodel project.

1. Create a Budget

Before you commit to doing a kitchen remodel, it’s important to crunch the numbers and come up with a budget to see how much you can afford to spend on it.

On average, Americans spend just over $23,000 remodeling their kitchens. But you could spend well over $50,000 on a kitchen without blinking. It’s why creating a budget is so essential.

Once your budget is in place, you can proceed to plan out your remodeling project. But until then, you shouldn’t fall in love with any ideas you might have for your new kitchen space.

2. Think About What You Want

After you’ve come up with a budget for your kitchen remodel, the next order of business will be to generate a list of the things you want in your new kitchen. Your list might look something like this:

• New white cabinets
• New granite countertops
• New hardwood flooring
• New lighting
• New sink
• New appliances
• New kitchen island

Do what you can to maintain some semblance of control over your remodeling job by painting a clear picture of what you want. It’ll help things stay on track once you get started.

3. Choose the Best Layout

The layout of your new kitchen is going to be the most important part of it. The layout will, if everything goes according to plan, make your kitchen more functional for you and your family.

There are lots of different kitchen layout options. They include:

• One-wall
• Galley
• L-shape
• Horseshoe
• Peninsula
• And more

Which of these layouts is going to work best for your specific home? Think long and hard about it before settling on your favorite.

4. Hire the Right Kitchen Remodeler

If you work in the construction industry, you might be able to remodel your kitchen on your own to save a little money. But if you don’t, you’ll want to call on a professional kitchen remodeler for assistance.

Look for someone who has plenty of experience in the industry. They should offer the services you need as well as fair and affordable prices. You should also hire someone who comes highly recommended by others.

With the right kitchen remodeler in your corner, you’ll be able to bring your kitchen dreams to life and avoid blowing your budget. This page can tell you more about how valuable hiring a reputable remodeler can be.

5. Pick the Ideal Time

There is almost no time that’s right for a kitchen remodel. You’re going to be inconvenienced by it in some way.

But if you have a summer home that you go to a lot during June, July, and August or a winter vacation that you take every February, those might be the best times for your kitchen remodel to take place.

You’re obviously not going to be able to use your kitchen when it’s being remodeled. So attempt to find a time that will limit the inconvenience to you.

6. Make Cabinets and Countertops a Priority

You might not be able to afford all the high-end features you want for your kitchen. But if possible, you should always make your cabinets and your countertops a priority.

Even if you can’t afford to spend a fortune in other areas of the kitchen, put some money into buying and installing high-quality cabinets and countertops. They’ll give you the most bang for your buck and make the biggest impact on the appearance of your new kitchen.

7. Pay Close Attention to Lighting

After you put a bunch of money into doing a kitchen remodel, you’re going to want to show it off to all your guests! Make sure they can see the work you’ve done by installing the best possible lighting in the space.

From pendant lighting to recessed lighting, there are great lighting options available that’ll put a spotlight on your kitchen’s new features.

8. Give Yourself Space

Do you have a kitchen that’s on the smaller side? Try to increase the square footage in it if you can.

There are some simple steps you can take to maximize space in a small kitchen and make it feel larger.

9. Prepare for Problems

No matter how carefully you plan your kitchen remodeling project, there are going to be bumps in the road along the way. Your contractor will discover something that needs to be fixed that you weren’t expecting or a different countertop than the one you ordered will end up at your home.

Prepare to roll with the punches. Remodeling and renovation jobs almost always take a little longer than people think they will.

10. Avoid Adding Anything Too Crazy

One of your main goals when remodeling your kitchen should be to increase your home’s value. But you’re not going to do this if you choose crazy cabinets or countertops that have too much personality.

Stick with the basics when it comes to picking out things for your kitchen. You’ll get a much better return on your investment this way.

Start Your Kitchen Remodel Today

Doing a kitchen remodel will make your home look and feel different than it does now. You’ll be surprised by how it’ll change the way that everything functions.

You’ll also be surprised by how much value it adds to your home. You could see your property value skyrocket once your remodeling project is finished.

Check out our blog to see some of the other renovations that can be done to bring your home’s value up.

Most people don’t spend time thinking about floods. The truth is though, they cause hundreds of deaths every year. They are also responsible for ruining millions of homes.

Even if don’t live somewhere that’s considered “flood-prone”, you never know when heavy rains can lead to a flash incident that could leave you liable for thousands of dollars worth of property repairs.

Avoiding falling victim to the aftermath of flooding is why flood insurance is so important. The added expense insurance represents to policyholders however, may be more than some are prepared to deal with.

To make sure that flood insurance costs don’t break your bank account, below, we go over practical steps and considerations that will help you find the best policy at the best price.

Understand What You Can Afford When Considering Your Mortgage

Most people look at their home’s monthly mortgage and its required insurance as one expense. According to financial experts, that expense should not exceed 30% of your monthly household income.

If you’re finding that your mortgage expenses without insurance factored in already exceed 30% of your income, you may want to consider bringing down your mortgage costs by refinancing your home with a different lender or switching your mortgage term from 15-years to 30-years (if applicable).

If your mortgage comes in under 30% of your monthly income, find out how much wiggle room you have for insurance. For example, let’s sat you spend $1100 per month on your mortgage and that number represents 25% of your household income. You’d have about $220.00 a month (an additional 5% of your income) to comfortably budget for flood insurance.

Start Shopping

Once you have an idea of what you can afford when it comes to flood insurance costs, it’s time to find a policy. There are a couple of places that you can start your search.

Locally

Many cities have local insurers that will sell you flood insurance policies. This is particularly true in areas that are flood-prone.

Take a moment to see what’s available to you in your vicinity to get a feel for what you should expect to pay.

Online

You can learn more about and purchase flood insurance 100% online. This is an effective insurance buying strategy whether you live in a mountain state like Colorado or a waterfront state like Louisiana.

Always Vet Policies and Providers Before Doing Business

It’s important to note that not all insurance providers are created equal. We’ve heard a number of horror stories where people have purchased flood insurance policies from less than reputable agencies only to find that their coverage was not there for them when they needed it.

Furthermore, even if you budget enough for flood insurance costs to buy from a known provider, it’s important to not assume that the particular policy you’re getting is comprehensive.

Many insurers offer different tiers of flood insurance that cover to different degrees. If your coverage is comprehensive, you’ll pay more monthly but can claim more for damages. If your coverage has gaps, you’ll pay less monthly.

All of that to say that you need to know exactly what you’re getting into before finalizing your coverage.

On Average, How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

This is one of the most common questions that we get because insurance shoppers want to know if the prices they’re finding are reasonable. The problem is, there is no singular average when it comes to flood insurance policies.

Flood insurance costs range wildly depending on where you live and how liable that area is to flood. Our advice is to engage multiple insurers that do business in your state. By comparison, you’ll be able to deduce what constitutes a good deal and a bad one.

How Can You Bring Down the Cost of Flood Insurance?

After you’ve budgeted and shopped around for policies in your area, you may be finding that solid flood protection is outside of what you can comfortably afford.

To potentially bring down your premiums, consider migrating your living area and important property to a higher floor.

If you have bedrooms, utilities, and valuables below ground-level in your house (in a basement for instance) insurers will charge more because anything below ground level stands a higher chance of incurring flood damage.

If migrating your living space upwards doesn’t bring down your policy’s costs, there’s always the option of moving to a less flood-prone area.

Moving is never something people want to be forced into. Unfortunately, choosing to live in a flood-prone area without good insurance is the worst decision you can make.

Floods may seem like an impossibility. You never know though when you’re suddenly going to be one of the millions of people that lose everything to one.

Wrapping Up How to Budget for Flood Insurance Costs with Your Mortgage

Considering how much you’re paying towards your mortgage and using that number to determine how much you can spend on flood insurance costs is a cumbersome but necessary process.

You’ll want to make sure that you protect your family and your belongings by picking up a policy that is as comprehensive as your budget will allow. Only then can you rest easy knowing that you’ll be able to pick up the pieces if a flood should strike.

Are you looking to upgrade your existing home locally? Do you want out of a flood plain? If so, our team at Sky Five Properties has you covered.

Check out our extensive inventory of homes, condos and more today!