YourHome Archives

How to Find the Right Neighborhood for Your Family

by Monique Higginson | Mar 15, 2021 | Real Estate Tips, Relocating to Utah, Salt Lake City, YourHome

Before kids, your choice of neighborhood probably came down to: can I afford it? Is it close to work?

Now that you have a family, schools, safety, and access to amenities are just the start. How do you know which is the best family neighborhood in your city?

We’ve got you covered. Below are six great things to consider when looking for a neighborhood for you and your family.

Consider Your Lifestyle Needs

Some families are outdoorsy and active, always on the go. For that reason, the heart of the city may not be the best neighborhood for your family. Other families prefer the variety of music lessons and sports teams offered downtown.

Knowing what your lifestyle requires or what you want to offer for your kids as they grow up is key. Maybe your child has certain medical needs that require you to be close to a hospital. Please make a list of your family needs and keep it handy as you research where to move.

Take Advantage of the Internet

Trust us; the internet is going to be your best friend during this process. There are a few ways you can use it to your advantage.

First, research schools that fall within the districts of your top choice neighborhoods. Look at their school assessments. You want to move to a place with schools at the same level or better than the ones your kids are attending now.

You can even tour each new house you find by looking into virtual tours. See what’s available in different parts of town.

Visit Your New Neighborhood or Town

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, take a drive to those neighborhoods. Bring the whole family and spend a day walking around.

Visit the shops or local attractions to get a feel for what it’s like. Take a look at how clean the roads are and whether there are signs of vandalism.

Neighborhood visits can be extra useful in helping teenagers adjust to a new place. They can picture what their lives might be like, get a sense of how they’ll make new friends and what activities they’ll join.

Drive Through During Different Times of the Day

To get a true feel for the neighborhood when you visit, drive through it at different parts of the day. Morning traffic may be more than you’re willing to take on. All the theater, music, and sports activities may not start until 7 pm.

Contact the Local Police Department

Did you know you can research a neighborhood’s safety rating online? If you’d rather talk to someone in the know, you can also contact local police departments.

Local police can direct you to resources on crime statistics. Ask them for suggestions on neighborhoods with the highest safety ratings.

Evaluate Other Cost of Living Factors

Here’s where pesky things like income rates, gas prices, and commute times come into play. If you find a great new home that’s 45 minutes away, are you willing to spend more time and money commuting every day?

Is the minimum wage going to help your teens save for college or pay for gas? Are jobs growing and houses going up in value? Then you’re likely making a great investment.

Finding the Best Family Neighborhood

Don’t rush into your next move. The right home in the right location will be a place to make memories for years to come. Use these tips to feel confident that you’ve found the perfect family neighborhood.

So you’ve landed in the right neighborhood? Now you need to find the perfect house. To get started, contact one of our real estate agents.

The Spring Home Maintenance Checklist You Need Today

by Monique Higginson | Feb 18, 2021 | Home Maintenance, YourHome

Don’t just spring clean… Get going on your spring home maintenance today!

Spring is in the air and that means that you’re probably thinking about spring cleaning. Hold on though! You also need to be thinking about some key spring home maintenance items as well! Doing these 8 things at least once a year will save you time, money, and a big headache down the road. The goal is to prevent things from going wrong or catching little problems early BEFORE they become major problems.

We created a handy check list of 8 spring maintenance items you should be checking every year. As a matter of fact, you can probably get these done in one weekend and then you don’t have to worry!

1. Check your gutters and down spouts

Gutters and down spouts get all clogged up over the winter with leaves and debris. Get up on a ladder every spring and clear that gunk out. It will save you leaks, breaks, pools of stagnant water and a big repair bill.

2. Inspect your roof

Most roofs will last around 12-25+ years (depending on the material) IF, and only if they are inspected regularly and repaired. While you’re up on the ladder cleaning your gutters and drain spouts, take a moment and climb up on your roof. Look for loose roofing, pooled water, or curling shingles.

It can be very affordable to repair your roof regularly. If your roof ends up leaking during those springtime showers, it can cost you thousands in damages PLUS the money to repair or get a new roof.

It’s a good idea to check your roof both in the spring and the fall. Just to be safe.

3. Check seals on windows and doors

Check and repair any seals on window sills, door sills, and thresholds. Look for damaged or peeling caulk, splinters, loose panes and gaps. While you are at it, check and repair any screens – you’ll be glad to be able to open those windows and air out your home without bugs getting in! Here is a handy guide for how to caulk your windows.

4. Give some love to your deck

Already planning the first BBQ of the season? Better get that deck ready. Just like your roof, you want to inspect it every spring. Look for cracks, greying wood, loose joints and water seeping in. Every 3-5 years you’ll want to stain and seal your deck to keep it from weathering. A final step? Give it a good pressure wash to get it ready for that backyard party!

5. Filter out those dirty filters

Guys. HVAC filters get D.I.R.T.Y. They collect dust, pollen, pet hair and dirt. And then recirculate all those things back through your house if you don’t clean or replace them regularly. This is something you’ll want to check several times a year.

6. Don’t forget about your dryer and refrigerator

When doing spring home maintenance, don’t forget to check your dryer vent. It gets clogged up and makes your dryer work that much harder. Which makes your electricity bill go up.

And while you’re at it, check your refrigerator coils. Chances are they need a good vacuum. Not only are they really gross when they are covered in dust, they also make your fridge less efficient.

7. Drain that water heater

Your water heater should be 100% drained a couple of times a year. The reason? All kinds of minerals and sediment build up in the bottom. Which equals corrosion and water that doesn’t heat as fast as you’d like.

8. Test your smoke detectors

This spring home maintenance item can literally save your life. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and put fresh batteries in. While you’re at it why not make sure that your family knows what to do when an alarm goes off. A household fire drill goes a long way.

Need a hand?

Check out our list of trusted vendors, contractors, supplier and all around handy types who can help you if you run into problems (or they can just take care of this stuff for you). They’ll give you a hand with the whole spring home maintenance thing!

New Years Resolutions For 2021

by Monique Higginson | Dec 30, 2020 | Real Estate Tips, YourHome, YourLifestyle

At the end of each year, people are bombarded with holidays, family, gift-buying, and good food. It’s a joyful time when we allow ourselves to indulge in shopping, eating, and self-care. And that’s okay.

However, this is also time to start thinking about improving our lives after the holidays. What do your goals look like for the new year? What can you do to be happier, healthier, wealthier, or more successful?

Having trouble getting started?

No worries, Monique is sharing a few of her personal goals, so you can feel free to join in! Here are our top Market Source Real Estate, aka MSRE New Year’s resolutions for 2021.

Exercise More

Monique’s top goal is to exercise more. One of the most common goals people have for the new year is to get into better shape. Exercising more can lead to better heart health, improved immunity, more energy during the day, better sleep at night, and a slimmer waistline.

Come up with a practical workout routine you can follow in 2021. For the sake of longevity, start slow and build yourself up.

Eat Healthier

Another goal for Monique is to eat healthier food. She is vegetarian and always looking for healthier ways to eat on the go as a real estate agent.

Part of being healthier is putting the right foods in our bodies. An important MSRE New Year’s resolution for 2021 is to eat healthier regularly. Eating whole foods without added fats and sugars can help you lose weight, feel more energized, and more.

Engage More With Your Children

The pandemic has taken its toll on people throughout 2020. However, there is a silver lining. Being forced to stay home and social distance has allowed some families to reconnect. Monique has loved more time with her kids.

This year, she plans to lean into this unexpected benefit of COVID-19 and engage more. You can do this too with your children, spouse, and anyone else in your household.

Survive the Pandemic

If you’re like most other Americans, you spent much of this year trying to figure out how to survive the pandemic. Between social distancing mandates, heated mask debates, and the fear of contracting the Coronavirus (or actually contracting it), it’s been a difficult ordeal.

On New Year’s Eve, think about how you’re not only going to survive the pandemic but how you’re going to thrive despite it. That’s what Monique will be doing.

Pick Up a New Hobby

One MSRE New Year’s resolution for 2021 could be to pick up a new hobby. For example, Monique recently started golfing and would really like to spend more time pursuing this hobby. It’s fun, relaxing, and is a great sport for social distancing.

Think about your interests. Have you neglected an old hobby lately? Or perhaps, you’ve been itching to try something new?

Create a New Professional Goal

Finally, no New Year’s resolution list is complete without a professional or financial goal. Where do you see yourself by the end of 2021?

Do you want to advance in your career? Maybe your goal is to pay off a substantial amount of debt? Dream big and start making plans to achieve those goals.

Want to Smash Your MSRE New Year’s Resolutions for 2021?

Is 2021 going to be your year? There’s certainly no reason it can’t be. If you’ve got big New Year’s resolutions for 2021, attack them with full steam!

And if one of your goals is to change your living situation, we’re here for you. Whether you need help buying a new home or selling a home, we’ve got your back. We are an experienced team of real estate agents in Salt Lake City committed to helping people just like you.

Surviving a Bathroom Remodel

by Monique Higginson | Oct 27, 2020 | Home Maintenance, Real Estate Tips, YourHome

A bathroom is more than a commode. It’s a commodity. When buying or selling a home, the bathrooms are a big deal. And while remodeling a bathroom increases your home’s value, it can be a huge headache. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be.

Here is a quick guide to surviving your bathroom remodel.

Schedule Wisely

First, consult several contractors and ask them questions about their credentials. Once you’ve picked the perfect one, schedule your bathroom renovation for the time that works best for you.

Contractors are generally busiest during the summer, so consider scheduling a fall or winter renovation to gain your contractor’s full attention. Factor into your schedule that your renovation will take at least several weeks, and you may have to adjust your schedule if your contractor needs to perform additional repairs.

Pick the Right Layout

Examine the current layout of your bathroom with your contractor. Tell them what you want to change and keep, and consult their expertise.

Research common layouts for bathrooms and see if there’s one that works for you. Choose a layout that maximizes privacy, safety when leaving the shower and bath, and utility for bathing, showering, using the toilet, and using the sink. Leave plenty of open space, and make some room for storage.

Prepare Temporary Spaces

Make a temporary bathroom before work begins. Utilize your master bathroom or a bathroom in your basement or attic, and stock it with necessary supplies. If you don’t have a second bathroom, portable bathrooms are easily affordable, and even public bathrooms can meet your basic needs.

You will also need to prepare spaces for workers to move through your home, and places to store their tools and equipment. Clear the floors, hallway, and staircases around and leading to your bathroom. Provide a table for their tools, and make sure they can use the electrical sockets in and around your bathroom.

Renovations are still being made through COVID-19, and home improvement professionals are adjusting to the pandemic appropriately. Touch base with your contractor about necessary precautions.

Expect Setbacks

Setbacks occur during nearly every renovation. Don’t panic. Your contractor is a professional, trained to recognize and deal with problems, and they will fix anything that needs repairs.

Check-in with your contractor daily to see how things are going. Consult with a plumber, an electrician, and other home improvement experts to see if your bathroom problems will affect the whole house. If you plan to sell your home after renovations, tell your realtor about delays as soon as they arise.

If additional repairs need to be made, make them as soon as your bathroom renovations are done. This may be an inconvenience, but making sure they’re fixed will raise your home’s value and your comfort.

After Your Bathroom Remodel, What’s Next?

A bathroom remodel is an important step toward increasing the value and comfort of your home. By selecting and scheduling the right contractor, and choosing the right layout and temporary spaces, you can safely survive your bathroom renovation.

If you live in the Salt Lake area, contact us today to get the most out of your home. We can help with more than just your bathroom remodel.

How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel

by Monique Higginson | Sep 29, 2020 | Home Maintenance, YourHome

Remodeling a kitchen is a long project, one that seems to take over your life for many months. If you’re not planning, you’re living in the midst of a construction zone or you’re doing clean up.

It can be hard to envision the finished product, and far too easy to get discouraged along the way. If you’re struggling to see how you’ll ever get to the end, there is hope for you. There are ways to find sanity throughout the project and hold onto the finished product as a goal.

Keep reading for ways to survive a kitchen remodel.

Order Supplies Ahead

Be sure to talk with your contractor about the items you’ll need. Order enough that you won’t face a restock partway through the project. This can cause supply problems like backorders or unavailability if you have to match color or texture.

You’ll avoid delays and frustration if you order what you can before the project starts. If storage space is an issue, try getting a small trailer to store supplies outside your home.

Designate a Temporary Kitchen

Plan ahead for your kitchen project. You’ll need a mini-kitchen, or at least a place to prepare meals and store kitchen supplies.

You won’t stop eating while your kitchen is undergoing its transformation, so you’ll need a bare minimum of things like dinnerware (try paper and plastic!) and cooking tools (the microwave is your friend!).

Do NOT Pack Crucial Items

Part of setting up your temporary kitchen is making sure it’s well-stocked. Don’t pack the crucial items you’ll use every day.

Consider keeping your fridge out, or using a mini-fridge. You’ll also want things like your microwave, toaster or toaster oven, and slow cooker.

Make Easy Meals

Eating out more while you’re remodeling is a great solution. It can also be an expensive one, and one that your family will grow tired of quickly. Instead of working through every takeout option in the area, try meal planning for easy, quick options you can cook with your limited supplies.

Scrambled eggs and bacon can both be made in the microwave. Get fun spreads and toppings that don’t need to be refrigerated to dress up toast.

Use your toaster oven for modified grilled cheese sandwiches at lunch, and microwave soup to accompany them. Use your grill outside to handle dinner. Cereal is a great bedtime snack.

How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel without Hiccups: Snack Stash

Keep a stash of non-perishable snacks during your remodel. Put them in an easy-access place in your temporary kitchen. Large containers can work, yet the individually packaged ones are even better because you don’t need a serving dish.

Adults who are trying to prep dinner in the midst of a construction zone will appreciate a no-prep snack while they cook. It’s a lot easier for kids coming home from school if they know what’s available.

Remodel projects add stress to the family dynamic. If you keep quick snacks around, you’ll avoid extra stress that comes from being hangry, a science-backed problem.

A Brand New Space

By the time you get to the end of your project, you shouldn’t feel like you’ve been through a hurricane. If you use the tips above, you should be able to survive a kitchen remodel without pulling your hair out.

From ordering ahead to a no-prep snack stash, communication is key to getting the project done.

Home Organization Tips

by Monique Higginson | Sep 29, 2020 | Home Maintenance, Real Estate Tips, YourHome, YourLifestyle

An organized home is proven to aid in stress relief, management, and relaxation. But what’re some of the best home organization tips? Don’t fret. Here we’ll be discussing four of the most important things you should be focusing on when organizing your home.

Cleaning isn’t just for springtime. Make sure you’re confident in the steps you’re taking. Following a guideline might help in the long run. Let’s dive into the details.

1. Kitchen Sink Cabinets

It’s often forgotten, but the kitchen sink cabinet can be made good use of. In order to add some organization to the mix, think about plastic drawer units. We’re used to throwing things under the sink eventually creating a jumbled mess. Instead, opt for some convenience.

Label or mark each container so you know where everything is at first glance. It’s a good idea to use plastic containers in case the sink leaks and water spreads across the cabinet floor.

2. Organize Drawers

Organizing is a bit of a momentum-driven process. You might want to start small so you’re not overwhelmed. This could be something like organizing a junk drawer, spice cabinet, or color-coding a messy closet. This provides easy access to an otherwise cluttered area. Locating tools, favorite outfits, or spices for a meal can be an issue if you aren’t organized.

The entire process doesn’t need to be completed immediately. These little victories can help you build confidence and a mood for the organization instead of dreading the next large project.

3. Home Organization Tips for the Kitchen

We don’t often associate the kitchen with organization, but an organized one can create a nice flow in your home. It’s likely your kitchen is the messiest place in the house. That’s why a simple organization checklist can help immensely.

Consider labeling the contents inside your pantry or sorting the food in your fridge by zones. This may seem like an overhaul, but the organization in these areas can help remove daily clutter. Zones in your fridge and pantry can be sorted by lunch, drinks, condiments, leftovers, meal prep, and more. This creates a helpful pathway to completing meals without searching for ingredients.

4. Use Shoe Boxes

Using shoeboxes for home organization tips provides a function. These aren’t your standard cardboard shoe boxes, but rather a clear or transparent case for your shoes.

This provides a place for your shoes to be out of sight, avoid dust, and steer clear of damage from other shoes. It’s also a great way to show off your collection and make each pair of shoes accessible.

Managing Your Home

When it comes to home organization tips, the possibilities are endless. In order to properly manage your lifestyle and the complications that come with it, you need reliable information. Your home is apart of that bigger picture.

Don’t let your home organization lag behind the rest of the pack. That’s where Market Source Real Estate comes in. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or learning about your home, we have you covered.

We know in the real estate market there’s tons of information dumped on you. Market Source is here to simplify the process.

Give us a call today and manage your home and lifestyle the right way.

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