Blog - Leagan Realty

Increase Your Home’s Value By Handling Minor Repairs

February 15, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

Increase Your Home's Value By Handling Minor Repairs A house is an investment, and it is important to treat it as such. Homeowners must capitalize on the value of their homes when they go to sell them. One of the best ways to do so is to handle minor repairs before listing the house. Minor repairs do not take that long, so homeowners don’t have to worry about delaying their timeline. Furthermore, they are not that expensive to fix, but they can have a significant impact on the value of the home. Why is this the case?

Repair Broken Items in Rooms

Even though broken items in certain rooms might not be a big deal, they can send the wrong message to a prospective buyer. For example, if there is a door that doesn’t latch well, try to repair it. If there is a drawer that doesn’t close properly, fix this issue. If homeowners see that there are no broken items, they will immediately realize the house has been well taken care of.

Ger Rid of Annoying Noises

Annoying noises can be incredibly distracting as someone walks through a house in which they might be interested. If there are creaky stairs, try to figure out where this is coming from. If the ceiling fan rattles, try to tighten it. Annoying noises can detract from the value of the house by distracting potential buyers.

Fix Any Leaks in the Home

Small drips and leagues can have a significant impact on the value of a home. If someone believes they are a sign of bigger plumbing issues, they might not make an offer. Inspect all faucets, toilets, and outdoor spigots to make sure they work properly. If anything is dripping, try to fix it before listing the house.

Maximize the Home’s Value

Ultimately, the biggest reason why minor repairs can make a big difference is that they can drive up the amount of money someone is willing to pay for a home. A lot of people steer away from houses that require repairs because they don’t know if something more serious is lurking underneath. When homeowners address minor repairs, they increase their chances of making a positive first impression on a buyer. This can make the difference between someone walking away and someone making an offer.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 14, 2022

February 14, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - February 14, 2022 Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation and the University of Michigan’s preliminary February reporting on consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

Inflation Rises as Fed Considers Raising Key Rate

The government’s Consumer Price Index for January reported that month-to-month inflation rose by 0.60 percent as compared to an expected increase of 0.40 percent which was based on December’s month-to-month increase of 0.50 percent. Year-over-year inflation rose to a rate of 7.50 percent, which was the highest inflation rate in 40 years. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, also rose 0.60 percent in January from December’s reading of 5.50 percent.

Analysts said that the Federal Reserve will likely raise its key federal funds rate range to help slow inflation, but drastic dips in the inflation rate aren’t expected. While the Fed predicted inflation to ease in a statement made last December, inflation has only increased. The Fed’s strategy of raising interest rates would ease high consumer demand and help slow rapidly rising prices for housing, goods, and services.

Mortgage Rates Rise, Jobless Claims and Consumer Sentiment Fall

Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates last week as the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by 14 basis points to 3.69 percent. The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by 16 basis points to 2.93 percent. Rates for 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 2.80 percent and nine basis points higher. Discount points averaged 0.80 percent for fixed-rate mortgages and 0.30 percent for 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages.

223,000 new jobless claims were filed last week as compared to the prior week’s reading of 239,000 first-time claims filed. No information for continuing jobless claims was released last week.

The University of Michigan reported a preliminary index reading of 61.7 for January’s Consumer Sentiment Index. This was the lowest consumer sentiment reading in ten years and was attributed to consumer concerns over rising inflation.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes readings from the National Association of Home Builders on housing market conditions, Commerce Department readings on building permits issued, and housing starts. Data on sales of pre-owned homes will be released along with weekly reporting on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

A Guide To Helping A Dog Adjust To A New Home

February 11, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

A Guide To Helping A Dog Adjust To A New Home Most people treat their dogs as members of the family. Just as moving can be difficult for children, moving can be a challenge for dogs as well. Dogs develop an attachment to their homes, and they can have a hard time adjusting to a new place. Fortunately, there are a few steps that homeowners can take to make the moving process easier for everyone involved, including dogs.

Let The Dog Get Familiar With The Moving Supplies

A lot of dog owners have found that it is easier to take a dog to the vet if he or she can acclimate to the carrier. The same is true with the moving process. Dogs have a difficult time understanding what is happening when the family moves. Consider giving your dog an opportunity to become accustomed to the packing and moving supplies. That way, they will be comfortable in the car on the way to their new home.

Allow Dogs Alone Time In The New Home

Moving is stressful for everyone, including dogs. Dogs will need a bit of time on their own in their new home. Give dogs the freedom to explore. When they find a corner they like, let them stay there and decompress. Eventually, dogs will get more comfortable in the new environment, and they will resume their normal behaviors.

Stick To A Regular Schedule

Even though the home is changing, not everything has to change. For example, try to keep dogs on their regular schedules. If dogs tend to go out and use the bathroom at a certain time, stick to that time. If dogs go for a walk at a certain time of day, stick to that schedule as well. By keeping other environmental factors consistent, dogs will have an easier time adjusting to the home.

Keep A Consistent Environment

Dogs have already experienced a lot of changes by moving to a new home. It is important to keep the new environment as consistent as possible. Even though some changes will be expected as boxes are unpacked, try to keep the home looking as normal as possible. The faster things get into their new places, the easier it will be for dogs to adjust. By following these tips, it is possible for homeowners to make their dogs as comfortable as possible with the moving process.

3 Reasons You Might Decide to Retire to a Tiny Home – and Why You’ll Love It!

February 10, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

3 Reasons You Might Decide to Retire to a Tiny Home - and Why You'll Love It Many people romanticize the idea of paying off their home mortgage early so they can enjoy their home in retirement, but when it comes to the later years of life, a big house can actually be too much to handle. If you’ve started to consider a smaller home and are wondering why it might be a good decision for you and yours, here are a few things you may want to consider.

It’s Much Easier To Maintain

It is often the idea of the palatial estate with a pool that homeowners get excited about, but when it comes to reality, the larger the home, the harder it is going to be to take care of and maintain. If you don’t have a maid or a butler, a smaller home will enable you to spend a lot more of your free time doing things that you love instead of being bound to a house that is full of repairs and maintenance that needs to be completed.

Save On The Big Home Bills

One of the worries associated with getting older is having the ability to maintain your lifestyle in old age, and a smaller home can actually alleviate many of the high costs that go along with having an oversized home. A smaller home will not only minimize your insurance and taxes, it can also positively impact the amount you pay each month for heating and electricity, so you’ll notice the savings right off the bat.

The Freedom Of A Downsized Lifestyle

One of the best things about downsizing to a smaller home is the huge sense of responsibility that can be left in the dust. Instead of being held back by all of the stuff required to fill a big house, a small home means there is less to worry about. This may mean you’ll have the option to go on longer vacations or can even relocate to a hot climate for the summer months, and you’ll only need someone to come by and water the plants every once in a while!

There are plenty of people that decide to downsize later in life since it can actually be a great way to save money and have a lot more freedom. If you’re considering your smaller home options and are curious about what’s available on the market, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information.

Maintain A Home’s Value With These Helpful Home Maintenance Tips

February 9, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

Maintain A Home's Value With These Helpful Home Maintenance Tips A home is an investment, so it is important to treat it as such. The best time to capitalize on a home’s value is when it is sold. Therefore, it is important to take care of it with some simple home maintenance tips. There is a common misconception that if something is working well, it does not need to be fixed; however, it is always better to prevent problems from happening than to fix them after they have appeared. The average homeowner should spend between one and four percent of a home’s value per year to keep it in excellent condition. There are several key home maintenance tips that homeowners need to keep in mind.

Paint The Interior And Exterior

There is never a second chance to make a first impression, and a home’s paint job will be responsible for a significant portion of that first impression. A fresh coat of paint can make a home look like new. At the same time, it is usually better to hire a professional to paint the house to make sure it looks as great as possible.

Clean The Gutters And Roof

Many homeowners forget about the roof of the house because it is difficult to see the entirety of the roof from the ground. On the other hand, a damaged roof can lead to expensive repairs, particularly if the roof begins to leak. Therefore, homeowners need to clean the gutters and roof regularly. That way, water has an easier time running down the roof, through the gutters, and away from the house. This can prevent serious problems from happening.

Stay Up To Date On HVAC Maintenance

Homeowners should service the furnace and ductwork regularly. It can be expensive to replace an HVAC unit, and routine maintenance is critical for making sure it lasts as long as possible. Furthermore, an efficient, working, maintained HVAC unit can be an attractive asset to a potential buyer. Service the HVAC unit at least once per year.

Take Care Of The House

These are a few of the most important home maintenance tips that homeowners should keep in mind. They can go a long way toward preserving the value of a house.

What To Know Before Investing In A New Property

February 8, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

What To Know Before Investing In A New Property Anyone looking to diversify their investments should consider investing in real estate. Because the value of property generally increases over time, this is a great way to use money to make money. Even though purchasing a house may provide a greater return than leaving that money in a savings account, purchasing property is still a major decision. Everyone has to take their time to evaluate each option carefully before purchasing an investment property.

The Time Required

Owning an investment property is not easy, and it requires a significant amount of time. Potential real estate investors need to evaluate the local market carefully, comparing any potential mortgage payment to the rental income afforded by that property. Landlords also have to identify long-term residents to generate a passive stream of income that will cover expenses related to the property.

The Budget

It is also critical to think about all the expenses that come with owning an investment property. Property owners need to make sure they have enough income to cover not only the mortgage payment but also real estate taxes and homeowners’ insurance. Keep in mind that real estate taxes may be higher for an investment property when compared to a primary residence. Real estate investors should also make sure they have cash aside to cover any emergency repairs.

The Location

The location will play a significant role in driving any potential return on that investment. Ideally, the property should be located near attractive employment opportunities, major roads, and other amenities such as shopping and restaurants. The most important factor in the value of a property is its location, and this is just as true with investment properties as it is with anything else. A property in a good location will likely appreciate more quickly.

Choose The Right Property For Real Estate Investing

There are numerous factors that everyone should evaluate carefully before deciding to purchase property. While real estate investing can provide a significant return, it also comes with a lot of expenses and responsibilities. Everyone has to make sure they have the time and money to properly manage an investment property. If so, investing in real estate could be a great way to diversify assets and build wealth.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 7, 2022

February 7, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - February 7, 2022

Last week’s economic reports included readings on construction spending and labor-related reports on jobs and the national unemployment rate. Weekly data on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published.

Residential Con

The Commerce Department reported overall construction spending rose by 1.30 percent in January, which was the largest increase since April of last year. Private residential construction spending fell by 0.30 percent in January; this was the sixth consecutive month for declining private-sector residential construction spending.

Construction Spending Falls in January

Analysts cited costly building materials, fewer available options for prospective buyers, and higher mortgage rates as factors contributing to less construction spending. Homebuying traditionally slows during the winter months.

Mortgage Rates Little Changed, Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported little change in average mortgage rates last week as the rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages remained unchanged at 3.55 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 2.77 percent and three basis points lower than for the previous week. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages rose one basis point to 2.71 percent on average. Discount points averaged 0.80 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, 0.70 percent for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, and 0.30 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Initial jobless claims were lower last week with 238,000 first-time claims filed as compared to the prior week’s reading of 261,000 first-time claims filed. Analysts predicted 245,000 new claims would be filed. Continuing jobless claims were also lower with 1.63 million ongoing claims filed as compared to the prior week’s reading of 1.67 million continuing jobless claims filed.

Labor Reports Show Slower Jobs Growth, Unemployment Rate Ticks Up

ADP Payrolls reported 301,000 fewer private-sector jobs open in January as compared to 776,000 private-sector jobs available in December. Analysts expected 200,000 private-sector job openings in January. The government’s Non-Farm Payrolls report showed 467,000 jobs added in January as compared to the expected reading of 150,000 jobs added and December’s reading of 510,000 public and private-sector jobs added. Hiring in December was higher than expected as analysts predicted less hiring due to the ongoing spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19.

The national unemployment rate rose to 4.00 percent in January as compared to December’s reading of 3.90 percent. Analysts predicted national unemployment to hold steady at 3.90 percent.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on inflation and consumer sentiment along with weekly data on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

Where To Squeeze A Home Office In Your Home

February 4, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

Where To Squeeze In A Home Office In Your Home If you have started working from home, whether you are a freelancer or running a business, having a home office in your home is very important.

It is a place where you can separate your home life and work, so that you can get “in the zone” and concentrate on the important work tasks that you need to complete. But where should you place your home office?

If you have a spare bedroom in your home, the answer is easy – but what if you don’t have this extra space? Is it possible to squeeze a home office into an already full home? Of course it is, you just have to think outside of the box. Here are some ideas:

Convert Your Attic

If you have an attic in your home, why not use that space for a quiet and private home office? It will be separate from your home and free from any distractions. If your attic is unfinished, converting it into living space can be a good investment that will improve the value of your home.

Work At Your Breakfast Nook

Perhaps your kitchen has a breakfast nook, but your family always ends up eating at the dining table and doesn’t really use it much? If this is the case, you could create a small and compact office space where you can work – while being close to the coffee maker in the kitchen!

Find An Unused Corner

Perhaps there is a corner of your bedroom or living room that you aren’t really using for much? Why not turn it into a home office? All you need is a small desk and a chair to create a workspace. If you want to separate it from the rest of the room, you can use stylish room dividers.

Go Underground

Have you ever thought of using your basement for your home office? There is probably a corner down there that you could use for office space. To combat the lack of natural light, you can use a SAD lamp that offers the same wavelengths as sunlight.

These are just a few ideas of where you could place your home office, even if all of the rooms in your home are in use. As long as you can find a quiet corner somewhere, you can create your ultimate working space.

For more tips and information, contact your trusted real estate professional today.

An Overview Of Electronic And Smart Locks

February 3, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

A An Overview Of Electronic And Smart Locks lmost everyone has been locked out of their home before. If you do not have a hidden key or someone else with a key, it can be stressful to wait for a locksmith to come and open the door. Fortunately, there are ways homeowners can address this issue, and one of the options is to get a smart lock or an electronic lock instead.

How Smart Locks And Electronic Locks Work

Every smart lock is different; however, they have a few themes. Basic electronic locks have a combination that someone has to enter before the door unlocks. Other electronic locks use fingerprints, RFID, or Bluetooth recognition to allow someone to enter. Many smart locks also allow the owner to give out digital keys that allow friends, children, and other people to come and go. The combinations are stored and act as a digital log of who has entered the home.

The Benefits Of Using Smart Locks And Electronic Locks

There are a number of benefits that come with using smart and electronic locks for homes. First, homeowners never have to worry about getting locked out of the house, as they don’t have to worry about losing manual keys. Second, homeowners can keep track of people, including their children, as they come and go. Finally, smart locks do not necessarily have to be rekeyed or replaced. Homeowners can change the combination when they feel it is nessesary..

Choosing The Right Electronic Lock

Even though smart locks and electronic locks have a variety of benefits, it is important for homeowners to think carefully about which option is best for them. Homeowners need to make sure whatever lock they choose is compatible with their phone. They also need to select locks that have security measures in place that prevent people from cracking the code or getting through the keypad. Finally, take a look at how many combinations the lock can handle. Sometimes, homeowners like to assign people specific codes so they know exactly who is coming and going. Some locks can even be customized so that certain combinations only work on certain days. This can be helpful if there is a maid or tutor who comes from time to time.

7 Quick And Inexpensive Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

February 2, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

7 Quick And Inexpensive Ways You Can Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal

We have all heard the saying, “You never get a second chance for a first impression?”

If you are selling your home, it is important to appreciate the significance a first impression has on your potential buyer.

When buyers drive up to your property and take their first look at your home, they will instantly be forming ideas about your house and how it might fit for their family.

When you are trying to entice a buyer to make an offer on your house, you must consider the curb appeal – how your house looks from the outside, or while standing on the curb – of your home for sale.

In fact, some surveys show that curb appeal can affect a buyer’s decision even more than price or square footage.

Below are seven simple and inexpensive things you can do to improve your home’s curb appeal.

Plant a few shrubs or decorative flowers in the front yard to bring color to your lawn.
Is your front door looking a little worse for wear? Give it a fresh coat of paint or replace it with a new one.
Keep your grass well watered so it appears green and lush.
Remove anything your pet leaves lying around, such as bones, chew toys or droppings.
Take a look at your gutters. If they look damaged or are hanging loose from the roof, be sure to have them repaired before showing the house.
Clean up your flowerbeds by removing weeds and trimming overgrown plants.
Add a bench, a garden ornament or a couple of beautiful pots to make your front yard more attractive.

These are just a few ways you can improve the curb appeal of your home for sale and make a great first impression on buyers.

A good next step for preparing your home for sale is inviting a trusted, licensed real estate professional to your home for a preview.

An agent’s experience in the real estate market can help you plan your strategy to get top-dollar for your home and help you improve the curb appeal at the same time.