real-estate Archives - Cotier Properties

Welcome Home! Make Overnight House Guests Feel Welcome

December 30, 2019December 31, 2019 by josephonlinevateam

Having extra company provides a nice break from the humdrum of daily life. However, ensuring that your guests feel welcome can be hectic at times. But with a little hospitality, a welcoming persona, and a couple extra touches, they will feel right at home.

All in the details. Being a good host is all about adding details that make your visitors more comfortable while staying at your house.

Pick up a few of their favorite magazines, and have a selection of novels stored on a bookshelf for them to choose from.
Know they love certain television shows? DVR them! There’s nothing better than having the latest episodes available at all times.
Fresh flowers on the nightstand or in the bathroom will brighten up the room and create a cozy ambience.

Share house secrets. Guests don’t know the ins and outs of your home. Provide important information so they feel less intrusive during their stay.

Give them the mother of all manuals. Include items like the alarm code, thermostat directions, TV remote guide, and Wi-Fi credentials.
Have a set of spare keys made so your visitors can come and go as they please. Take it one step further and attach the keys to a customized key chain.

Supply the necessities. Think like a hotel. Visitors will enjoy having their own amenities, snacks, and fresh linens.

Leave a welcome basket on their beds. Stock it with useful items such as shampoo, mouthwash, a toothbrush, crackers, and a bottle of water.
Hang fresh towels in the bathroom. Be sure to let them know where the extra set of sheets and pillows are kept.

Consider the next morning. Make sure that your guests are both refueled and refreshed in the a.m.

You can never go wrong with a variety of pastries and fresh fruit in the morning. Always be sure to stock up on their preferred types of caffeine, either tea or coffee.
Offer to see if they have any laundry that needs to be done. Check to see if their bathroom needs to be restocked with fresh towels and toiletries.

Put these tips to use when your next guest comes knocking on your door!

How to Keep a Home Looking Like New

December 19, 2019 by josephonlinevateam

If you’re home feels lived in and worn, then it may be time to implement some of these tips, which are sure to make your home feel like brand new again.

Deep clean the kitchen

A sparkling, shining kitchen is a great place to start if you want to take your home from drab to fab. It’s usually an area can goes through the most wear and tear, which can easily show on appliances, floors, and countertops. Enjoy your kitchen again by giving it the care it deserves.

Wash down windows

Sure, you clean the obvious surfaces throughout your home on a semi-weekly basis—tabletops, mantles, bathroom counters—but it’s those often overlooked spots where the grime can really add up, the windows especially. Give your windows some love by using glass cleaner to get rid of any marks or smudges.

Consider a decor switch-up

The most obvious solution to making your home feel new? Switching up your decor choices. You could make little adjustments in various rooms, or you could really go all out in one specific area. Anything from a color palette change to putting different accent pieces on display can elevate your space to brand-new status.

Don’t forget the exterior

Take a good look at your yard … what kind of shape is it in? It may be winter, but you can still make it look presentable. If you’d rather wait until later months to make any changes (especially if you live in colder climates), at least make note of the areas that need some extra TLC.

Invest in certain areas

How are the bathroom towels holding up? What about baking sheets, cutlery, small appliances, lampshades, and the like? Check these particular items (and similar ones) to see if any are in need of fixing, or simply replacing. Keeping things like this in good condition is one way to ensure a spotless home that always feels like new.

Your home should be a place to relax in at the end of a long day. Keep this advice in mind for when it’s starting to feel anything but.

Create Memories with the Perfect Housewarming Party

December 9, 2019December 17, 2019 by josephonlinevateam

Moving into a new house is more than exciting. You may even want to scream your excitement from the rooftop. Although that’s an option, throwing a housewarming party is slightly more practical. Not only does a housewarming party provide you with the opportunity to show off your new space, but also to share in that joy with your family and friends.

Extend the invite. When it comes to a housewarming shindig, regular party etiquette can be thrown to the wayside. Instead of keeping the guest list to just close friends and family members, extend the invite to neighbors and friends of friends. Inviting new people will help broaden your circle of friends, helping you feel right at home. However, be mindful of the season. If you’re hosting a party during the summer, your backyard can work well for the extra space needed for a large guest list. During the winter, you may want to reconsider extending the invite due to space constraints.

Create a theme. When it comes to determining the theme, it doesn’t have to be elaborate. In fact, a simple theme can make planning the menus and decorations so much easier than not having one at all. Consider coupling your housewarming party with a holiday. For instance, if you go with a Labor Day theme you can use patriotic decorations and serve delicious barbecue fare. Or create a winter wonderland with festive snow-and-ice themed treats.

Skip the grand tour. Of course your guests will want to see your new space! Instead of giving one large grand tour, aim for individual house tours to people as you meet them. This will allow you to have a one-on-one chat with everyone. Often, the hardest part of hosting is making sure that you mingle with all guests—individual tours help to eliminate this issue.

Offer bite-sized appetizers. Who doesn’t love finger foods? To keep the vibe of the party more casual, skip a sit-down dinner and offer a variety of appetizers. Displaying the finger foods on a few tables throughout your home or on the kitchen island will encourage mingling. Be sure to label each food so guests with allergies will be able to identify what they can safely consume.

Display a guestbook. Set up a vibrant guestbook and place it by the front door. Be sure to ask your guests to sign it and add their contact information. Typically, a few guests will go above and beyond and provide new homeowner and neighborhood tips. Not only will a guestbook act as a tangible memory keeper, it will help you put a name to a face.

This summer, create a memorable housewarming party, but don’t forget to stop and enjoy the fresh start that comes with your new home.

Natural Solutions for a Dehumidified Home

December 3, 2019December 10, 2019 by josephonlinevateam

In most parts of the US, summer is an extremely humid season. Aside from making our hair frizzy, high levels of humidity can actually be hazardous to our health—not to mention the condition of our homes—causing problems with mold, mildew, and allergies.

If you’re experiencing extreme humidity levels in your home, here are a few simple solutions to help you combat it.

Keep air flowing. Stagnant air is one of the most uncomfortable feelings, and can make getting a good night’s rest near impossible. Ensure the air in your home is moving by using fans to circulate it, or turning your central air conditioner to its dry setting to remove dampness.

Purchase a dehumidifier (or make one). Dehumidifiers are specially designed to remove excess moisture from the air. Depending on what type you purchase, you can also remove other toxins and impurities, too. If you don’t want to splurge, though, you can make your own DIY dehumidifier by drilling holes in the bottom of a large bucket, placing inside another bucket, and filling the inside with rock salt or unscented cat litter. Change the litter two to three times per month.

Avoid introducing unnecessary moisture. Taking long showers or running the washing machine frequently will bring a lot of added moisture into the air. On particularly humid days, try hanging clothes outside to dry, and keeping showers quick. If your home is more humid because of a leak, it’s a good idea to run a dehumidifier even after the leak is cleaned up, too.

Open the windows. If it’s less humid outside than it is inside your home, improve ventilation by keeping your windows open. Natural air flow will help alleviate some of the damp air, and circulate new air throughout the house.

Don’t over-water house plants. Having an abundance of plants in your home can create a tropical-like environment. After watering, be sure there is no stagnant water at the bottom or on top of the plants, and if possible, move some of the plants outdoors temporarily.

Autumn Cleaning Checklist

November 20, 2019November 27, 2019 by josephonlinevateam

After a long summer, the crisp fall air is the perfect invitation you need to deep-clean your house. From the kitchen pantry to the patio, this checklist will help prepare your house for the colder weather that’s to come.

Kitchen

Clean behind large appliances.
Defrost and clear out freezer.
Purge the pantry of spoiled foods.
Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.
Sanitize the inside of the oven.
Sweep and wash floors.

Living Room

Dust all surfaces, including the blinds.
Shampoo the carpets and furniture upholstery.
Have the fireplace and chimney swept.
Clean the windows.

Bedrooms

Change the batteries in the smoke detectors.
Shampoo the carpets.
Dust the light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Pack away all seasonal clothing.
Clean the windows.

Laundry Room

Clean the inside of the washer.
Dispose of old cleaning chemicals.
Sweep, and mop the floor.

Outdoors

Wash window exteriors.
Clean and cover the outdoor furniture and grill.
Clear out the gutters and downspouts.
Drain and pack away the hose

The Top 5 Ways to Effectively Stage Your Home in Winter

November 18, 2019November 19, 2019 by josephonlinevateam

Depending on where you live, winter can give your home a dreary effect, especially when trying to sell. Instead, aim to wow potential buyers as they peruse through your home with staging tips that will take your space from drab to fab.

Set the scene. While the warmer months may be more ideal for the overall home selling process, winter doesn’t have to be a dead end. Just like every other season, there are pros and cons—and it’s important to play to what everyone loves about the season. Add more pillows and throws to the living room to create a cozy ambiance, frame winter wonderland-esque pictures, and make use of warm-toned colors as much as possible.

Start from the outside. Sprucing up the exterior of your home may be easier when it’s sunny, the garden is prospering, and flowers are in bloom, but curb appeal in winter exists too. If snow is on the ground, make sure to shovel and salt your driveway and walkways. Add some winter porch decor—like a doormat, a lantern, or a pinecone wreath for the full winter effect. Don’t forget about the less glamorous work, like cleaning out the gutters and trimming the bushes and trees.

Light it up. We all dread the loss of natural light as we head further into winter, but don’t let that affect how your home looks. Open your curtains, blinds, and turn on the main lights in your house. The right lighting makes all the difference—and not just on Instagram.

Make the fireplace the focal point. If you have a working fireplace, play it up by decorating the mantle with pictures of winter scenes, and even light the fire to top off the cozy feeling of your interior. Place candles on top of the mantle as well, but don’t light them if they’re scented, as that may deter people from appreciating the ambiance.

Store away winter gear. No one wants to see dripping wet snow boots in the entryway, or hats and gloves lying around. Decluttering is important all year round, but in the winter, these items can be especially unsightly. Make sure to sweep up any debris that gets dragged in from outside. Don’t underestimate the power of a Swiffer®!

Staging your home in winter is just as important as staging in sunnier months. Make a positive impact with these tips!

Working 9 to 5 (with a Clean House)

October 23, 2019 by pwadmin

When you dedicate more than 40 hours a week to your job, oftentimes other obligations fall to the wayside—like the upkeep of your home. Although balancing your time is a juggling act, these tips will help you stay ahead of the cleaning throughout the week.

Start small.
When it comes to cleaning, small efforts can make all the difference. In fact, just simply straightening up before you to go bed—i.e. washing the dishes, folding and putting away laundry, and picking up after your family—will help you start the next morning off on the right foot. Because really, who doesn’t want to wake up to an organized living space?

Ensure that every minute counts.
With a busy schedule, time is of the essence. Since nobody enjoys coming home to a mess, there are a few things that can be done while you’re away at work. Before you leave, consider throwing in a load of laundry, and hanging it to dry once you return. Since most dishwashers have a heated dry feature they can run during the day. Another option is utilizing a robotic vacuum that can run on a set schedule.

Create, and stick to a schedule.
Like anything else in life, a schedule can help immensely with cleaning. Creating and sticking to a schedule will enable you to chip away at the chores throughout the week, and not feel completely overwhelmed on the weekends. Consider breaking down the tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal goals. Download this printable household cleaning schedule to keep your housework running like clockwork.

Make it a game.
If you have children, getting them involved can make a world of difference. To keep them interested, consider making the cleaning process a game. Simple things like hanging a chart on the refrigerator and offering an incentive once they complete a certain number of tasks will keep them entertained. Keeping it fun will help to teach them how to clean up after themselves, all the while making less work for you.

Practicing these tips will help keep your house in tip-top shape, regardless of your work schedule!

Stuck in the Renting Rut

October 10, 2019 by pwadmin

If you’ve been renting an apartment for longer than you’ve had a Facebook, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. But if you’ve been teetering on the fence of buying or renting, going over the pros and cons, all whilst watching your friends settle into their own place, it might be time to say goodbye to the landlord.

It’s normal to be afraid to take the plunge into home-buying territory, but with the help of a great agent and a little research, you can determine if the time is right for you.

If you have a healthy savings account.
Perhaps the scariest part about buying a home is making the financial commitment, but if you’ve managed to save enough (and then some) to put a down payment of at least 10 percent, you should feel confident in your ability to make the purchase.

If you’re ready to commit.
Another common qualm about buying a home is the uncertainty of where you will be a year or two from now. However, if you have a steady job and are happy with the location, there’s really no reason for concern.

If the price is right.
An agent can help you determine whether or not the price you are looking to pay is reasonable for your specifications and needs in a home, but ultimately, if the market is favorable and you’ve found the right deal, there’s no better time than the present.

If you’re sick of pouring money into someone else’s pocket.
It sounds harsh, but if you’ve been renting for three, five, or even ten years, you have been spending thousands of dollars on something that doesn’t even truly belong to you when all is said and done. Sure, a mortgage is likely more than your current rent, but you’ll have a place to really call your own.

To Rent or Not to Rent

October 10, 2019 by pwadmin

Today’s market shows that really no matter where you live, you are likely to have renters interested in your property. People are utilizing sites like VRBO and Airbnb in record numbers, but there are plenty of things to consider before putting your space up for rent this season.

Know the rules.
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that renting your home falls within the specific guidelines and regulations in your state and county. These rules vary greatly depending on what part of the country you are in, so you’ll need to make sure you are following protocol.

Clear your schedule.
Preparing your home for rental can be time-consuming to start, but once you get in the swing of things, it shouldn’t involve too much time and energy on your end. Some of the basic tasks you will need to consider are advertising, responding to inquiries, handling taxes, managing maintenance, and hiring service people (e.g. housekeepers and handymen).

Market your home.
Getting renters to want to stay in your home shouldn’t be difficult, so long as you know what people are looking for. When searching for a vacation property, most people consider its proximity to popular attractions, accessibility and size, available dates, and cost. Be sure to check the going rates for other rentals in your area, and focus on advertising your space’s closeness to must-do activities, fine dining, and kid-friendly spots.

Make it stand out.
Your home will likely be up against hundreds of other rentals, so you’ll want to make sure to emphasize special deals and amenities. If you have things like a pool, an HD television, a large movie collection, or beach equipment in the shed, you will want to highlight it so you let potential renters know that your space is one of the best!

Protect yourself.
Anytime you open your home to strangers you, are leaving your personal property and belongings in the hands of others, and, accidents do happen. If you plan on renting your space for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to consider taking anything valuable with you or placing it in storage. It might seem like a pain to have to remove these things, but it’s worth the hassle to prevent damage or added expenses later.

New Rent Control Law (1-1-2020)

October 9, 2019 by pwadmin

KEY PROVISION

· If a landlord increases rent by more than this cap between March 15, 2019 and January 1, 2020, the rent on January 1, 2020 must be what the rent was on March 15, 2019, plus 5% plus CPI

· Authorizes landlords who increased rent by less than 5% plus CPI between March 15, 2019 and January 1, 2020 to increase the rent twice within 12 months of March 15, 2019, but not more than 5% plus CPI

· Beginning January 1, 2020, requires landlords to have just cause in order to evict tenants for tenants who have occupied a unit for at least 12 months, or up to 24 months when an adult tenant adds onto a lease (change in roommates)

· Landlords will still be able to evict for at-fault reasons, e.g., failure to pay rent, breach of lease, criminal activity, creating a nuisance, committing waste, refusal to execute a written extension or lease renewal, refusal to allow owner to enter

· Landlords can also evict for no-fault reasons, e.g., when the owner or their family plans to occupy the property, if they want to remove the property from the rental market, if they intend to substantially remodel the property, if they are ordered to vacate by a government agency or court

· Requires landlords to provide relocation assistance via one month’s rent or rent waiver for no-fault evictions within 15 calendar days of serving notice, and to notify tenants of the relocation assistance

· Does not amend Costa Hawkins, so local governments cannot apply a local rent cap to units not covered by Costa Hawkins (i.e., single family homes, multi-family units built after 1995)