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Spring will be upon us before we know it. As most of you know, Judy Niemeyer is a name that is recognized as an agent who knows the market in Fairhope, Montrose, Daphne, Spanish Fort and of course Point Clear. Locals call this area, the Eastern Shore of Alabama. My real estate career began in 1979, and oh how our homes have changed since then. Gold and green were the main colors back in 1979 and wallpaper was big. Wallpaper is coming back and I thought I would never say that. White is big and neutral is the new game in town. Accessories are being used to add the warmth.
If you are ready to make a change in your home, you may ask “Where should I start?” Most people like to start in the kitchen and Judy says YES!!!. Step back and give your kitchen a critical eye. Start pulling up suggestions either from internet sites such as Pinterest or Houzz, magazines, or even open houses in newer neighborhoods. If you need an outside eye, consult a kitchen designer but first think of budget. Get a notebook and start making a plan!
Appliances always show age, especially stoves. If you’ve had yours for years, go out and buy a new one. This is one of least expensive changes in a kitchen and makes an easy and immediate impact. Stainless has been popular for many years and still seems to be in style. Gas stoves are very popular and are favored by people who love to cook. Cabinet depth refrigerators certainly enhance the look of a kitchen, but they are usually more expensive.
Cabinets designs are simpler than they used to be. Shaker or slab doors are currently in style and present a clean and sleek look. In most cases, just replacing doors and adding hidden hinges will make a tremendous difference. Paint instead of stain is currently more common. Pull-outs shelves and Lazy Susan corners are a great way of utilizing your storage space if you are getting all new cabinets. Keep your kitchen color scheme as neutral as possible. Color can be added by using art and accessories.
Simple lines are fashionable. Lighting needs to flow. Quartz on countertops is used more today instead of granite or marble due to its versatility and resilience. Some people add depth to the countertop to create an additional dining space. Choose a simple backsplash but also keep it neutral. You do not want the updates to go out of style. I love a separated farm sink. If you replace the countertops, then choose a neat sink.
It can be tough to choose hardware that compliments your overall design. If your cabinet design is simple, stick with a simple pull. When choosing a faucet, consider spout height, pull down vs conventional, single vs. multiple handles and finish. Single handles are much more convenient to use as you can control with one hand. I recommend buying one that is easy to maintain. Pay for quality but easy maintenance.
Take your breakfast area and make it happy with comfortable chairs. This is a great gathering spot in a kitchen.
Updated kitchens bring a wow to a home. Have fun with the updates but remember start with a budget.
If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a different step in the process from a home inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Here’s the breakdown of each one and why they’re both important when buying a home.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:
“A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised! An appraiser will observe the property, analyze the data, and report their findings to their client. For the typical home purchase transaction, the lender usually orders the appraisal to assist in the lender’s decision to provide funds for a mortgage.”
When you apply for a mortgage, an unbiased appraisal (which is required by the lender) is the best way to confirm the value of the home based on the sale price. Regardless of what you’re willing to pay for a house, if you’ll be using a mortgage to fund your purchase, the appraisal will help make sure the bank doesn’t loan you more than what the home is worth.
This is especially critical in today’s sellers’ market where low inventory is driving an increase in bidding wars, which can push home prices upward. When sellers are in a strong position like this, they tend to believe they can set whatever price they want for their house under the assumption that competing buyers will be willing to pay more.
However, the lender will only allow the buyer to borrow based on the value of the home. This is what helps keep home prices in check. If there’s ever any confusion or discrepancy between the appraisal and the sale price, your trusted real estate professional will help you navigate any additional negotiations in the buying process.
Here’s the key difference between an appraisal and an inspection. MSN explains:
“In simplest terms, a home appraisal determines the value of a home, while a home inspection determines the condition of a home.”
The home inspection is a way to determine the current state, safety, and condition of the home before you finalize the sale. If anything is questionable in the inspection process – like the age of the roof, the state of the HVAC system, or just about anything else – you as a buyer have the option to discuss and negotiate any potential issues or repairs with the seller before the transaction is final. Your real estate agent is a key expert to help you through this part of the process.
The appraisal and the inspection are critical steps when buying a home, and you don’t need to manage them by yourself. Let’s connect today so you have the expert guidance you need to navigate through the entire homebuying process.