Give Your Home A Facelift: Tips For Choosing Home Interior Paint Colors

Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), ASP, GRI, e-PRO

The right interior paint colors can transform the entire appearance of your home. The interior colors of your home significantly influence the home’s atmosphere and, thereby, influence the moods of people in the home.

The colors you select also unify architectural elements, flooring, room décor, and furnishings. When considering giving your home a facelift, color selection can be an intimidating task. Your home is a space where you spend most of your time, so you will want to select shades that are enjoyable and soothing. Working with your professional painting contractor and keeping these pointers in mind, your home will appear more stylish and inviting than ever before.

When selecting paint for the interior rooms in your home, your color choices are limitless if you are starting with empty spaces. However, you will need to choose paint colors that compliment your current flooring, furniture, upholstery, and window coverings in an existing home. Interior wall paint should be quiet, yet not monotonous; paint colors should enhance the home’s mood, not disrupt it.
Architectural features also play an integral part in the choice of a room’s paint color. For example, is the room spacious with a vaulted ceiling and good lighting, or is it small, with little natural light? Most major paint brands offer helpful guides and palettes of all the hot new colors for this year and next. You are only limited by your imagination.
Room paint colors like forest green, eggplant, chocolate, or navy may look great in a magazine or on a color chip and work in a large room with plenty of sunlight. But use the same color in a small space with dim lighting, and you are guaranteed to find the room depressing and avoid spending time there.
Colors should balance with the size of the room. If the room is small, choose a light color like a pale blue, soft tan, or white. For large rooms, gold, yellow, blue, blue-grey, delicate green, or slate work well. Warm shades of earth colors such as gold, yellow, fern green, and tan provide a warm feeling. Blues and grays can make a smaller room appear more spacious while setting a calm and cooling atmosphere.
Lighter paint colors, including a wide range of white, neutrals, and pastels, make a room look larger. To further enhance the illusion of space, interior decorators suggest incorporating light-colored furnishings and décor accents.
It’s best to avoid trendy colors. Trendy colors are just that – trendy; these colors may start to feel outdated within even a few months. When you get your color scheme right, your rooms will illuminate timelessly. Do you need a bit of inspiration in the bedroom? House Beautiful presents 27 of the best bedroom color schemes to fit any decorating preference or lifestyle.
The right colors not only set the mood of the room, but color also provides personality. The secret is knowing which interior paint colors are suitable for your home and how well they integrate with the other room elements. Instead of opting for bland and boring, why not take the time to research paint possibilities? Let the artist within you express himself or herself; the walls of your home are your canvas.
Red, teal or purple, may not be the best choice if you wish to aim for a calming and relaxing atmosphere. However, since they are energetic colors, they can make a bold statement as an accent wall or trim color.
What will the room be used for? Purpose determines color choices in that light, and neutral colors create a quiet and serene mood while stronger color create an energy-charged space conducive to physical activity. A simple color choice can change a room from stuffy and formal to warm and inviting.
If you enjoy changing your home’s color scheme often, paint the interior walls a neutral shade. Whenever you are in the mood for a “change of scene,” simply redo your space with the incorporation of brightly colored rugs, pillow covers, sofa covers, draperies, or bedding. When the mood to redecorate strikes again, just “mix and match” the accessories to create a whole new look.

Final Paint Choices

Before making a final decision regarding paint colors, it is wise to observe how three closely related shades look throughout the day. Remember, a paint color will look up to two shades darker when dry. Natural light significantly impacts how the color will appear on your wall. You may be surprised how a color appears in full sunlight.

You can’t make the best color choice by looking at a color chip. Paint a 2-foot-by-2-foot area to imagine how it will look painted on the entire wall. After the paint has dried completely, view in all lights. It is best to consider the color for a few days, as it may appear quite different on a dark, gray day versus a sunny morning.

After selecting colors, you will need to choose a flat, washable surface or a satin or glossy finish. Satin and glossy finishes have proven to be more durable and washable than matte finishes.
The finish of the paint affects how light is reflected in the room. If you are painting a home theater room, light colors create more ambient light, while glossy paint will reflect your screen’s glow. These choices can lead to a lowered perception of contrast, making images appear less distinct and crisp. Flat finish paint minimizes reflection. You may want to consider painting the ceiling and the wall behind the screen a medium to dark tone. Your choice of theater room paint colors reflects your taste. Keeping in mind that it is a well-used, functional room, the paint color choice can significantly impact the success of the room. Carefully chosen accents enhance the space without detracting attention from the screen.
Apply primer before you paint, so the old color does not affect the new one.

The American Coatings Association provides a helpful guide to explain interior house paint complexities and answer user questions.

10 Home Inspection Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), ASP, GRI, e-PRO

Hiring the right home inspection service will help you determine any significant defects with a property before deciding to buy.

As a first-time homeowner, you mustn’t buy a home without having it inspected first. A home inspector will help you determine if repairs need to be made on a home and what they might cost. In addition, a home inspection could sway your decision on whether to buy the property or not.

You have a big decision to make as a first-time buyer. If you want to make sure that the home you wish to purchase is structurally sound and is without any major defects, a home inspection is the first step.

Ask for Referrals

Finding the right home inspector can be a challenge because you don’t want the findings to be incomplete. Start by asking friends and family members for assistance. If you want to make sure that you hire someone that qualified, you can look for a home inspector that is affiliated with any of the following organizations:

National Association of Home Inspectors
National Institute of Building Inspectors
American Society of Home Inspectors
International Society of Certified Home Inspectors

Choose an Experienced Inspector

Too many first-time homebuyers make the mistake of choosing a home inspector based on the cost rather than the inspector’s experience. You must choose someone who has the expertise to look for the problems that other inspectors might miss. “The least expensive person is often the person with the least experience, ability, and technical savvy,” says Aaron Flook, owner of Pittsburgh-based A.M. Inspection Services LLC. “If you want a referral from your real estate agent, ask for two or three different names, then interview each one to determine who you feel most comfortable with.”

Let the Inspector Know about Your Concerns

Home inspectors aren’t mind readers. Therefore, if you have specific concerns about potential problem areas in the home, let the inspector know to investigate these concerns first. A home inspector can then place more emphasis on these areas and diagnose the problem. If a problem isn’t obvious and you haven’t given your home inspector a clue, there is a risk that the issue could be overlooked.

Expect an Objective Report

If you are worried about whether a report will be accurate, the home inspector will not be paid to try to get you to buy the home. Therefore, there is a greater chance that the home inspector will be neutral and thorough in his assessment of your home’s condition. By choosing a qualified home inspector, you can ensure that your home inspection report will incorporate all of the defects in your home.

Watch Out for Common Problems

Take note of the most common home inspection defect: moisture problems. Moisture build-up resulting from faulty drainage systems is the top cause of significant problems, such as mold, dry rot, and eventually structural damage. These problems can be very costly to fix.

To avoid dealing with these problems on your own, you must ensure that your home inspector thoroughly investigates the home’s moisture conditions. The inspector may even include an air quality test to determine if there are mold spores in the air in your home.

Inspect New Construction

Just because a property is new does not mean that there won’t be any problems. You should have a home inspector thoroughly inspect a home before you decide to buy. A home inspection on new construction may reveal structural issues, unfinished work, and faulty appliances. Don’t make the assumption that everything will be in place just because the property is new.

Understand the Limitations

Home inspectors are hired to look for problems that might affect the structural integrity of the home. They also look for defects in the interior and exterior of the home. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) offers a page on Standards of Practice that will outline exactly what you should expect from a home inspection.

Hire a Specialist

Home inspectors are not required to look into every potential problem with a home. If your concerns fall outside of the issues that home inspectors must look into, you may want to call a specialist instead. Some of these concerns include:

pest control problems
lead paid
asbestos
radon gas
mold

These are significant issues that could also render a home unlivable. A specialist will also be able to guide you in getting estimates on repairs for these issues.

Follow Up on Inspector Recommendations

Hiring a qualified home inspector that can discover the issues within a home is a good start. However, it is only the beginning. As a homeowner, you need to make sure that you follow up on the recommendations that have been made by the inspector. Inspectors make recommendations because they believe that the problems may grow to become significant issues if not addressed. The inspector is not merely making a recommendation so that you’ll have to spend money on repairs.

Get Accurate Estimates Before Closing

By looking into the problem before the closing occurs, you can discover precisely how much it will cost to make repairs by getting several estimates. If you simply wait until after closing, likely, you may not find out just how big of a problem the issue is until it’s too late.

As a first-time homeowner, working with a qualified home inspector can save you time and money. It will also ensure that you are going into a home purchase with a clear idea of what you are buying.

Environmental Features

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Seven Things First-Time Historic Home Buyers Need to Know

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), e-PRO, GRI, ASP

Historic homes are full of mystery and culture – owning one can be a great way to connect with both the past and the future of your community. Older homes are both charming and intriguing, but you must be sure to know the unique responsibilities that come with owning a historic home before you sign the mortgage papers, so you don’t end up with more than you bargained for.

Perhaps it started when you walked home from school. You would always slow down your pace as you passed the older Victorian home with its gabled roof and inviting wrap-around porch. Or maybe you were always fascinated by stories of days gone by, and now take day-trips to historic sites near your town. Whatever brought you to this point, it was a powerful force in your life, and your heart is now set on buying your own historic home.

Even if this is not your first home purchase, historic homes can have their own specific challenges for first-time historic home buyers. If you know what to expect in advance, your home-buying process will be smoother and more satisfying.

Is It Registered?

As a rule, a “historic home” must meet three criteria: (1) it must be of a certain age, generally, 50 years or older; (2) it must be in close to original condition, with defining architectural features still intact; and (3) it must have historical architectural significance or be associated with a significant historical event. Many owners of established historic homes have it registered with The National Register of Historic Places. If the property you are interested in is not registered, do some research and make sure it meets all three criteria.

Find a Home Inspector Who Specializes in Historic Homes

Once you find your home, you must find a qualified home inspector. Older homes are much more complicated to inspect, and it takes a special kind of expertise. Many home inspectors who specialize in historic homes are members of the Historic Building Inspectors Association. This association demands that all member inspectors be well qualified to evaluate and report structural and mechanical aspects in historic buildings. Their members understand landmark preservation standards and practices; you can read more about this group and find a registered home inspector at http://www.inspecthistoric.org.

Find Out about the Electrical System

Older homes can be a true joy, except when they need costly updates. One area that many older homes need updating in is in their electrical system. It should not be totally unexpected if the home inspector tells you that all the old wiring needs to be replaced. Sometimes the fuse box is not large enough to accommodate all of your modern necessities, such as computers and televisions. To correct these problems, you will need to hire a licensed electrician who understands and can integrate older and newer electric systems. Of course, he also must be an expert on your town’s local electrical codes. At the time of purchase, known electrical deficiencies can be incorporated into your price negotiations.

Be Prepared to Love It or Leave It

Many local historic home associations place strict restrictions on what kind of upgrades can be done on their registered homes. Generally, repairs can be made to the home’s elements, but structures cannot be added to or replaced. So, adding a back porch or additional square footage most likely will not be allowed. If items like windows or roofs need repair, you will need to replace them with similar building materials – this can be both time consuming and costly, so make sure you go in with your eyes wide open as to the responsibilities that will be on your shoulders once you purchase the home.

Get Price Estimates on Contracting Work

Most likely, if the home has not had a new owner in some time, there will be upgrades you will initially need to put into motion to meet specific building codes. Or, there may be other updates you will want to make immediately, such as fixing a leak in a slate roof (a fairly common issue in older houses). Get price estimates from contractors experienced with historic homes and make sure you know these costs before you make your offer or end your attorney review period. Going back to the example given previously, a slate roof on a historic home is much more costly to repair than fixing an asphalt shingle roof on a modern home. Avoid surprises by doing your homework.

For a Moment, Think about Reselling

Wait a minute … you’re in home buying mode. Why this talk about reselling? The fact is: Historic homes may be more challenging to sell. Unless you live in an area that people flock to because of the historic homes, you may find that your home is less in demand. This can mean that it may take you longer to sell the house or that you could risk a price reduction if you need to sell in a hurry. Home resale value is always something you should give some thought to when purchasing. Generally, a home is one of the largest purchases an individual or couple will ever make, and it is vital to consider all aspects of your home purchase. Historic homes are incredible to own, but each one is truly a labor of love.

And Now for Some Great News …

If you qualify, your state and/or local governments – as well as the federal government – may offer tax incentives to help you preserve or restore your historic home. These incentives may take the form of tax credits or lower interest loans and are certainly worthwhile for you to check out.

Now that you are aware of some of the things to look for when purchasing an old home, it is time to go ahead with the fun part! Viewing a historic home as a potential buyer is a great experience; it’s almost like studying a piece of history and local culture and deciding if you want to be part of its future – a tremendous opportunity for anyone with a passion for history or love for old homes.

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season

Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why selling your house now, or keeping it on the market this season, is the best choice you can make. This year, buyers want to purchase homes for the holidays, and your house might be the perfect match.

Here are seven great reasons not to wait to sell your house this holiday season:

1. Buyers are active now. Mortgage rates are historically low, providing motivation for those who are ready to get more for their money over the life of their home loan.
2. Purchasers who look for homes during the holidays are serious ones, and they’re ready to buy.
3. You can restrict the showings in your house to days and times that are most convenient for you, or even select virtual options. You’ll remain in control, especially in today’s sellers’ market.
4. Homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers.
5. Today, there’s minimal competition for you as a seller. There just aren’t enough houses on the market to satisfy buyer demand, meaning sellers are in the driver’s seat. Over the past year, inventory has declined to record lows, making it the opportune time to sell your house (See graph below):

6. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Buyers who have been searching throughout the fall and have been running into more and more bidding wars are still on the lookout. Your home may be the answer.
7. This season is the sweet spot for sellers, and the number of listings will increase after the holidays. In many parts of the country, more new construction will also be available for sale in 2021, which will lessen the demand for your house next year.

Bottom Line

More than ever, this may be the year it makes the most sense to list your house during the holiday season. Let’s connect today to determine if selling now is your best move.

To Fence or Not to Fence

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), ASP, GRI, e-PRO

Before you add a fence to your property, know the guidelines to follow so you increase your property value, and don’t run the risk of decreasing it!

If you are thinking about erecting a fence on your property, be sure that the fence you choose adds to your property’s curb appeal and value – selecting the wrong fence for your home can have just the opposite effect. Follow these guidelines, and you won’t go wrong when choosing the best fence for your home.

In 1914, Robert Frost wrote in a poem, “Good fences make good neighbors.” He then said, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” Although a metaphor in “Mending Wall,” it illustrates the different views on erecting fences and begs the question of whether or not putting up a fence remains an essential issue for many homeowners today. Fences can add value, privacy, and security. But is building a fence always the best answer? How will it affect the value of your home?

Why Build A Fence?

The main reasons a homeowner may choose to build a fence are:

Privacy. Homeowners may have a patio they want to make private. Or, they may live on a busy road and want to feel their house is somewhat secluded.
To improve curb appeal. A well-maintained fence that matches your home’s architectural style will enhance the curb appeal of your home.
To fence-in a pool on the property. Some municipalities make it mandatory that a pool is fully fenced-in. This is done to keep small children and animals safe and to keep unauthorized people away. Most home insurance companies will also demand that a pool is fully fenced-in before they will offer homeowner’s insurance.
Security. Many parents feel safer if their young children are protected by a fence. Children can play and inadvertently run into the street or be watched or approached by a stranger. A fence will help keep away unwanted visitors and make home residents feel more secure.
Pets. Dog lovers want the best for their pets and will go to great lengths to make them happy and keep them safe. A fence can keep them out of harm’s way and safely enclosed in pet-specific areas of the yard.

Not All Fences Are Created Equal

If you decide to install or fix an existing fence, be aware that the value added will depend on several factors. They are:

the material the fence is made of;
the aesthetic appeal of the fence;
how well the fence blends with the home’s architectural style;
the current condition of the fence;
the age of the fence;
the ability of the contractor. (The posts must be secure in the ground, and the fence cannot be leaning or have parts that are not level.);
how well the fence fits in with the neighborhood’s character.

How Fences Affect Property Value

It is imperative for top home value that fences are well maintained and have not fallen into disrepair. A fence is like a person’s calling card. It is the first thing that someone will notice about the property, and your home only has one time to make a first impression.

A poorly maintained or downright ugly fence will only detract from the property’s street appeal and lower its value. You can be sure that potential homebuyers will be mentally envisioning having an unsightly fence torn down shortly after closing. Whatever they think that cost will be will undoubtedly be deducted from their initial offering price. So if you are planning on putting your home on the market, and your fence is unsightly or in general disrepair, either tear the fence down or fix it.

However, a well-maintained fence that enhances the property and fits in with the neighborhood will surely add to its value.

Don’t Add The Wrong Fence

If you are thinking of adding a fence to your property, you should know a couple of things before you proceed. You do not want to fence-in your property just to make your home stand out. If no other homes in the area have a fence, you do not want yours to be known as “the house with the fence.” There are definitely better ways to boost your curb appeal.

If a neighborhood or association encourages homeowners to fence in their property, you should probably go ahead and comply if you are putting your house on the market soon. Without a fence, prospective buyers will wonder if you have been skimping on home investments and may worry about what else in the home is sub-par. Also, prospective buyers may think that as new owners, they will need to install a fence, resulting in a lower offer.

Be sure that the new fence compliments the architecture of your home. Meet with a fencing contractor to see which styles he recommends. Having the wrong fence style can detract from your home’s curb appeal and reduce your home value. This is especially true of affluent neighborhoods or in communities that follow specific home aesthetics. A home with the wrong fence can be compared to an outfit being matched with the wrong pair of shoes. It just doesn’t work!

Keep your fence in line with other fences in the neighborhood. For example, if all the neighborhood fences are white picket fences, don’t make yours an elaborate, tall metal fence; it will be jarring to the eye and make your home stand out negatively.

Personal Taste Matters

Finally, as in Robert Frost’s poem, thoughts about fences are a personal matter. A fence around a home may represent warmth, security, and privacy; you can envision children and pets gleefully playing on a sunny Sunday afternoon. However, other people may see a fence and wonder, “Hmmm. Is there a reason this home needs a fence? Is there a high crime rate, or bad neighbors?”

When it comes to fencing, the smart real estate guidelines are simple: If your home has a fence, keep it well maintained; if it is an eyesore, tear it down. If you want to add a fence, add one that fits the house’s architecture and neighborhood. If you don’t have a fence, don’t feel you need to add one just to increase property value. After all, the buyer may not like fences. However, a good-looking fence that is well suited to your home’s architecture and neighborhood will likely add to the value of your home and not detract from it, so if you want a fence to enhance your current home or lifestyle, go for it!

Showing Your Home on Short Notice — Organization’s the Trick

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), e-PRO, GRI, ASP

When you’re selling your home, keeping it ready to show at a moment’s notice can sometimes make a significant difference. In a perfect world, prospective buyers will always have time to schedule showings in advance — but exceptions do occur. That’s why experienced sellers know how to juggle living a normal life while keeping their place ‘show-ready’ by leaning into a few organizational tricks. They really aren’t all that difficult (but do take a commitment to stay organized). When you follow them, it makes showing your home in town a snap!

Keep Supplies at the Ready

The easiest way to stay on top of messes is to nail them when they start. Stock up on wipes and ready-to-use supplies (think pre-soaked wipes and erasers instead of rags, sprays, and mops) — and stash them in critical locations around the house. You can even keep them in plain sight between showings: it reminds you to wipe down surfaces after each use without making it a major project. Regular quick wipe-downs will keep your home shiny and inviting — even when showing you’re {Your Region} home comes as a last-minute surprise.

Simplify Storage

Place a few attractive bins and storage ottomans strategically in rooms prone to clutter (playrooms, bedrooms, and dens). Encourage everyone to make a habit of throwing odds and ends into them before the end of the day and removing things only as needed. Showing your home on a dime becomes a no-brainer when the clutter lives out of sight.

Start Packing

If you haven’t already started packing, get going early. Pack up everything you don’t regularly use — like those shelves of books you haven’t touched in years. And deal with the off-season wardrobe: when you’re actively showing your home in the spring or summer, those fall and winter items should be headed into storage, and vice versa.

Make Small Adjustments

This idea is optional — but it really works! Encourage everyone to remove their shoes at the front door. Place a decorative mat at the entrance (and include a coat rack if the weather calls for it). This temporary house rule works to get everyone in on the act and subtly helps keep them conscious that showing your home is partly everyone’s responsibility. It’s also a reminder to keep packages and bags from building up near those doorways.

When showing your home is part of a well-planned and systematic project, just a few of these relatively minor adjustments can keep you and your family cool and collected — and make even last-minute showings a breeze. My clients make the rules for the minimum heads-up time for scheduling a showing, and I stick to it. But when they can create an environment when the odd last-minute showing is a no-stress possibility, it does seem to have a way of increasing the odds that the latest showing … becomes the last!

Durability, Appearance, and Visual Appeal Determine Exterior House Paint Choices

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), e-PRO, GRI, ASP

The visual curb appeal and overall appearance of a home are essential to every homeowner and neighborhood. No one wants to be that house down the block with sun-faded colors, peeling paint, or “ugly” paint colors you were stuck with when you purchased the property. If you are over “ugly” and planning a painting project soon, a consultation with your painting contractor and a bit of time now spent on color selection and preferred paint brand will help guarantee an exterior paint job that refreshes and updates the home’s appearance, enhances visual appeal and increase the value of the property.

So whether it’s the first painting of a newly constructed home or repainting to remedy a tired tint or sun-bleached trim, choosing the best house paint for durability, appearance, and visual appeal can seem a daunting task. It’s critical to use the best quality of paint your budget will allow. Quality products have proven durability, retain their tone and brilliance, and withstand the blazing sun and winter’s cold.

The most popular exterior house paint colors include a diverse palette of traditional light shaded wall paintings and dark shaded trim. White, beige, and cream were the most used colors for walls, with slate gray and deep blue the most popular trim colors. Southern Living offers a helpful style and color guide to help you get started in picking just the right colors for your look.

If you are racked with indecision as you pursue color swatches, there is a reason. The human eye can distinguish more than 7 million unique shades of color. If you are painting your home to prepare it for sale, it is wise to stick with popular neutral colors to appeal to the most significant number of potential buyers.

However, when you pick out colors for the home that is to be your family’s domicile for decades, you are only limited by your imagination and personal color preferences.

With that said, selecting the “wrong” exterior paint colors is a whole lot easier than choosing the right ones. Many home builders and homeowners decide on a whim without much thought given to the long-term consequences, opting for universally appealing neutral tones that end up looking bland and boring.
Before Selecting Exterior House Colors, Determine The “Look” You Want To Achieve
Before embarking on a painting project, it is crucial to know how you would like to look when the painting job is complete.

Are you seeking a soft, subdued look or a bold and dramatic statement? Your home’s exterior colors are an integral part of the first impression family, friends, guests, and potential buyers experience when first seeing your home. You want to make that first impression a great one.

The majority of paint stores and paint contractor’s showroom have software that can show you how different color schemes appear when applied to your home.

With an app downloadable to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you can “paint” your house online. Using a clear photo or photos of your home uploaded to your computer, you can designate the areas to apply your color preference. It’s fun, quick, and easy to see how your home would appear if trimmed in shades of sunshine yellow, forest green, or fire-engine red.

It’s important to remember that all the exterior house paint colors you consider should complement and blend with the roof’s color. Earthy colors blend best with wood shingle and composition roofs, while Spanish terra cotta red tile roofs call for another color approach.

Consider the colors already present in your home’s natural setting and the direction your house faces. If your home faces north, colors will appear cooler. Applied to homes with a southern exposure, paint colors look warmer because of greater UV light.

Keep in mind that house paint colors look different as the seasons change. What seemed like a bright and cheerful blue in the bright sun-wash of summer may appear drab and dull on dark winter days. Remodelista.com helps you sort through all the different shades of gray with a review of architects’ top picks.

You may wish to choose a color combination that complements the natural landscape features, established colors on neighboring homes, or other permanent features visible when viewing your property from a distance. When choosing exterior house paint colors, it is also wise to keep in mind the region in which you live. The attractive combination of hot pink, aquamarine, and oyster white that looked so nice on the cottage you rented on the beach in Florida could look like an “eye-sore” in an upscale urban Vancouver townhouse.

If you live in the woods with lots of evergreen trees in your landscape, choosing natural earth tones of forest green, chocolate, butternut, eggplant plum, and brick red will help your property merge seamlessly with its surrounding, adding a sense of seclusion and privacy.

If your home’s vista includes the spectacular fall foliage for which the Midwest is famous, a bright and cheerful trim color that complements the signature oak tree that dominates your front yard is an excellent choice. Selecting trim colors for your home is much like choosing make-up. You want to use colors and tones to enhance your home’s best features and play down the flaws.

Choosing Exterior Paint Products and Colors

If you select paint for a smaller home, it’s a wise choice to choose a light color that will make your property look a bit larger. Light-colored paint also presents a cleaner and fresher appearance. Take a good look at the surrounding environment and choose a base color that complements and blends with it. Contrasting or variations in the shade of the base color will emphasize shutters, window trim, and roof molding. Avoid using black as a trim color. Black is the paint color that fades the fastest and soon looks dull, gray, and unappealing. Also, high gloss paints with excessive sheen have a tendency to look “cheap” and are best avoided.

When selecting a house paint color palette for trim and accent of your home’s exterior, you will need to choose at least two or three possible colors. First, select the primary field color and select colors for window trim and rooflines and possibly a third or fourth color choice for shutters and main entrance doors.

If you are working with a color palette, paint chips, or color swatches, be sure to compare samples against a pure white background in natural light. Samples selected at the paint store under fluorescent light will look different in natural light.

When choosing a reputable painting contractor, select an established contractor with local references. Depend on your contractor’s recommendations regarding the type and brand of paint for your project — a local contractor’s knowledge of what works on exterior surfaces with your region’s climate challenges.
Paint is best applied when temperatures are above freezing, so relax. You have all winter to dream about possible color combinations and painting contractors to make your home’s exterior appeal to the neighborhood’s envy.

4 First-Time Homeowner Repair Tips

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, e-PRO, ASP

Homeowners often need to make adjustments to a home after settlement. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to seek out the best deals to complete your home renovation project.

When you decide to make repairs on your home as a first-time homeowner, you may need to do some research to understand what is involved in the process. Many homeowners undertake small DIY projects. However, larger home renovation projects may require a qualified company’s assistance to meet local regulations.

Like most first-time homeowners, you probably don’t want to continue living in a home exactly as it was purchased. You want to add your own personal touch to your home. If you have just bought a new home and are considering making repairs, figuring out a plan is the first step.

Home renovation projects can be as simple as hiring a handyman. Other projects may require that you have obtained permits, insurance, and are working with licensed contractors.

Planning

As you get ready to take on your home repair project, it is a good idea to start with a plan. A comprehensive plan for completing your renovation should include the following:

determining your needs for your home
developing a budget
searching and interviewing home contractors
obtaining permits
vetting and hiring a home contractor

By mapping out each step of the process, you can ensure that all of the necessary steps have been taken to guarantee your project’s success. It is an excellent idea to do plenty of research as you approach each stage to have a thorough understanding of what you will be getting into.

Regarding a budget, homeowners should make sure that they have incorporated the cost of the current project and maintenance costs for the year. Dennis G. Stearns, a financial planner in Greensboro, N.C., “estimates that owners of a newer home that do some work for themselves but contract major work out to others will pay 3.6 percent of the original purchase price annually for maintenance and 4.5 percent if it’s an older home.” according to an article by Ron Lieber of The New York Times.

Hiring a Contractor

If you plan on a significant renovation of your home, you may need to obtain permits to do the work. Otherwise, you may face hefty fines if you don’t get the proper permits before starting work. Many home improvement projects require that you obtain permission from the city or county. The work must meet code requirements and must also be done by a licensed professional. By contacting local, licensed home contractors, you can find out whether your job requires a permit.

You should also ensure that you get proof of the contractor’s license and check if the contractor has sufficient liability insurance to cover any issues. In many cases, you could potentially be held liable for damages if something goes wrong or the contractor gets hurt on your property.

“Having a license and insurance demonstrates a contractor’s credibility and knowledge,” says Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, co-owner of Associates in Building & Design Ltd., in Fort Collins, Colo., and chairman of the NAHB Remodelers Council. “The license shows that contractors have taken an exam and proved they know building codes and processes. A license minimizes the risk to homeowners of getting ripped off,” he says.

Asking for several estimates before deciding on a single home contractor can give you a better idea of the cost range for a project of your size. You should also ask for multiple estimates to compare the services offered by each home contractor to see which company can provide the most value.

DIY Projects

DIY projects are popular with first-time homeowners. However, there is a risk that you can end up taking on more than you can handle. Make sure that you have done the research before getting started to have a good understanding of the total cost to complete the project, the required materials, and how long it will take to complete the job.

You should also make sure that you actually have the skills to get the job done because some jobs may require you to hire a contractor. Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts or skip out on obtaining permits if needed. If you are unsure if your project is actually a DIY project, calling a few local home contractors can help clarify things.

Prioritize

While it may be your goal to dive in and do everything at once, it is crucial to prioritize the most important projects to complete first. The most important projects that should be done on your home are the ones that are likely to incur additional costs if they are not taking care of immediately. These projects can include:

updating old appliances
fixing cracks, leaks, and other damage
electrical and plumbing repairs

By prioritizing your projects, you can come up with a solution that works within your budget. You also want to make sure that you don’t forget about scheduling routine maintenance when making repairs on your home.

As a first-time homeowner, it may be challenging to determine the right course of action to initiate a home repair job. However, if you plan in advance and make sure that you do the research to understand what is required before you get started, you can avoid unnecessary headaches.

It is also vital that you ask family and friends for recommendations. Finding a contractor via a referral can help to ensure that you pick the right person for the job the first time.

Want to Sell Your House? Think Like Real Estate Agents Do.

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, ASP, e-PRO

Because real estate agents see everything in the market, we have a pretty good idea about why some houses sell (and why others sit on the market for years). Whether as a buyer or seller, anyone planning to enter the real estate market can benefit from some of the tactics and factors that real estate agents keep in mind when as they go about the business of making home sales happen.

When Speed Matters …

When the overriding goal is a quick sale, leading with a price slightly lower than what comparables suggest is the surest tactic. When a home is priced at only a fraction below market value, real estate agents know it will draw much more attention than higher-priced neighbors. Most sellers have a built-in resistance to the very idea — often because they aren’t aware of how a home loses fair value as it sits on the market. Pricing a home slightly lower right out of the gate can mean minimizing the likelihood of a lengthy DOM (“days on market”) — and the possibility of a disappointing final sale price.

Preapproval: It’s Not Final Approval

Most real estate agents have seen this more than once: A buyer is preapproved for a mortgage begins and then runs up credit cards in preparation for the move into their new home. Because lenders often re-examine a homebuyer’s credit during the closing proceedings, the result can be a higher than the initially quoted interest rate or even an outright mortgage rejection. In other words, it’s wise for buyers to continue to spend frugally until the keys are in hand after settlement!

It’s a Long Process

Real estate agents know that selling a house takes a finite amount of time, beginning with preparation, through marketing, then paperwork, then finally, closing … and that’s not counting any unexpected turns-of-events that sometimes just happen. Whether you are buying or selling, it pays to be mentally and emotionally prepared to remain as flexible as possible with all the other ongoing events in your life until the transaction is a done deal.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home shortly, there’s every reason to start preparing as early as possible. Contact me for an initial consultation — we can set up a timeline that will be the first step in keeping you well informed from start to finish!