Posts in category 'Homeownership'

Our REALTORS® have seen many home trends come and go over the years, but one thing that always appeals to prospective buyers and new homeowners is extra space for leisure activities.

Having a recreation space in the basement is an excellent option for kids and adults alike. Recreational activities help banish stress, promote relaxation, allow for some quality family time, and help keep the kids busy. Not only will your family enjoy using it, but it can increase the value of your home. If you have unfinished or unused space in your basement, here are some ideas to make the most of it.

• Declutter first
  Always start here. You'll get a better idea of the size and be able to envision the possibilities. If you're currently using it for storage, you may have to relocate some of those items.

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Our REALTORS® are seeing more homeowners enjoy the benefits of a backyard fire pit.  Gathering around a warm fire with your family is an excellent way to spend an evening. When using a fire pit, safety should always be your priority. 

Backyard Fire Pit Safety

Whether you already own a fire pit or getting ready to install one, precautionary measures are necessary for your safety.  

• Permanent or Portable: When installing a fire pit, you must choose the best option for your backyard. You can easily customize a permanent fire pit to match the rest of your landscape theme. Installing a permanent fire pit ensures you are following all the safety measures with each use. Generally, steel or cast iron, a portable fire pit, is convenient for moving from one location to another. The downside is continuously checking your surroundings to ensure a proper area for using the fire pit.

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Has your family run out of words for Scrabble? Maybe you've binged everything in your Netflix queue. Our REALTORS® understand the difficulty of finding new and entertaining ways to pass the time at your home on Long Island.

Creating a time capsule is an absorbing and rewarding activity that pays dividends now and later. Use these helpful suggestions to start a creative project involving the whole family.

1. Make It Personal
   Traditional time capsules tend to focus on historical context, with documents and artifacts that objectively depict events of the time. While such items can certainly be part of your time capsule, the primary purpose is to relate each family member's personal experience during the COVID-19 quarantine.

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While a vacation or retreat are excellent ways to de-stress and reconnect with your family, sometimes it's not possible to get away. Ensure that your time at home is at pleasant as possible by turning your home into a sanctuary. Our REALTORS® also find that peaceful properties are attractive to potential homebuyers. Check out a few simple tricks to make your home your own personal sanctuary.

1. Use Music to Add Ambiance
   Add ambiance to your home in minutes with music. A catchy tune can quickly lift your mood or give you a surge of energy. Make it as convenient as possible to turn your music on and off by using your home assistant to control your playlist.

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Practicing social distancing presents the perfect opportunity for a clean and happy home by tackling home maintenance projects. While prepping your home for summer can be tedious, our REALTORS® know that it helps you take back control of your home and give yourself the chance to beat the heat.

Check these summer home maintenance to-dos off your list to keep your home in prime working condition.

• Wash Windows and Screens
  One obvious sign of a neglected home is dirty and ripped screens and windows. Start by vacuuming window screens that have dust and a small amount of dirt. You want to use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Then scrub each one with some dish soap and brush to remove lingering debris. You can then set them outside to dry before putting them back in place. Then, get some type of window cleaning solution to tackle the window from the inside out. Clean windows can make a huge difference with the amount of light that passes through them.

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