Articles Tagged "Home Improvement"

Improved air quality in your home is essential for your overall health and well-being. Every time you open a door, outdoor emissions seep into your home. Other pollutants come from everyday building materials, appliances, heating and cooling units, and your favorite pet. Luckily with a few changes, you can improve your indoor air quality. 

Check out the list below for simple tasks to improve your home's indoor environment compiled by our real estate agents.

Click Here to Read More...

Not every project is meant for do-it-yourselfers to tackle. Some projects are dangerous or just not feasible for the average homeowner to complete. Plus, poorly completed projects can even negatively impact the resale value of your home. Before you grab your toolbox, make sure you call an expert when handling the following home improvement projects. 

1. Electrical Work
   Unless you're a professional electrician, electrical work is one project that always requires a professional. At a minimum, the fixture or outlet you're trying to rewire might not work properly. In a worst-case scenario, poorly done electrical work can cause a house fire. There's also a huge risk to you of injury or electrocution when you're doing the electrical work. Stick with a licensed electrician to ensure that work is done properly and safely. 
2. Removing a Tree
   If you want to add your property to the inventory of Las Vegas homes for sale, it's essential to get your yard looking its best. While the work associated with removing a tree doesn't seem difficult, there's a lot that can quickly go wrong. The average person may not be able to accurately judge where the tree will fall. Plus, once the tree is down, you have to consider how you'll remove it from your property. This can involve a lot of manual labor and numerous trips to the haul the wood away. Some cities even require a permit for tree removal, adding more time and effort to the project. Hire an experienced tree removal service who knows how to safely remove the tree. 

   Click Here to Read More...

With more people than ever staying at home, this year's spring cleaning is getting some extra attention. Whether you're trying to get your kitchen spotless before adding it to the inventory of Las Vegas homes for sale or you just want to make your home look great, learning how to clean stainless steel appliances the right way can make a huge difference. 

Luckily, a few of our REALTORS® are cleaning pros. They've pulled together this list of their top secrets for making your stainless steel sparkle. 

Before you start cleaning, you'll want to make sure you have some soft microfiber cloths. This is your best option as they're non-abrasive and won't cause scratches. 

Always avoid things that can damage the surface of your appliances, including steel wool, scouring powders, ammonia, or bleach. Instead, try one of these four simple and effective cleaning methods.

1. Vinegar and Mineral Oil
   This may sound more like a recipe for salad dressing than a cleaning technique, but stick with us! First, you'll want to gather your supplies. You'll need your microfiber cloths, white vinegar in a spray bottle, and mineral oil. Always avoid food-based oils, like olive oil or vegetable oil, as they can go rancid. You may also want to have some paper towels handy. Start by determining the direction of the grain (horizontal or vertical) on your stainless steel appliances and make sure that you clean in the same direction. Spray down the appliance with the vinegar and wipe it down using the soft cloth (or paper towels). This should take off the first layer of grime and start to reveal some shine. Once you've removed all the vinegar, dip a soft cloth in just a bit of oil and use it to polish the surface. Make sure to rub in the same direction as the grain. Keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way, and you can always go back for more. With just a little bit of elbow grease, all of the streaks and marks should disappear, leaving you with a shiny surface that looks brand new. 

   Click Here to Read More...

Who says you can't have a garden in the desert? Our REALTORS® love the convenience of eating fresh fruits and vegetables from their own backyard. Plus, making a raised garden bed in your Las Vegas home is super easy. Follow these 10 simple steps. 

1. Choose the Container
   Raised beds come in a variety of materials such as cedar, recycled plastic, and galvanized steel. You can also choose from semi-DIY, modular, and fully constructed beds. A depth of 10-12" is recommended to give roots plenty of room to develop.
   
   
2. Decide How Many Beds to Plant
   If you're a gardening newbie or have limited time, you might want to start with one. Three or four beds will give you a healthy amount of space if you plan to cultivate a good variety.
   
   

   Click Here to Read More...

Great landscaping is a vital component for any home. Not only does landscaping improve the curb appeal of your home, but it creates a relaxing space that your family will want to use. Las Vegas has a distinct desert climate that requires certain types of vegetation. Our REALTORS® compiled a list of plants that are ideal candidates for your Las Vegas home. 

1. Cacti
   No list of desert-friendly vegetation would be complete without the cacti. Since the cacti can store water in its stems, it's perfect for a climate with low amounts of precipitation. Cacti also add greenery to your landscaping. When the cacti bloom, they lend even more color to your landscaping. Different cacti species come in various sizes, making it easy to find cacti that fit the space where you want more vegetation.

2. Palm Trees
   Palm trees lend a luxurious touch to your outside areas. Though palm trees do require frequent watering when they're young, once they're a few years old, they're a hearty, durable addition to your landscaping. Established palm trees can withstand extreme heat and occasional frost. Some palms grow as tall as 60 feet, making them an excellent choice if you want to add privacy to your yard. 

   Click Here to Read More...

Spring will be at our doorstep before you know it, and you can bet our real estate agents are ready! The arrival of spring brings a lot of opportunities, but as a homeowner, one of the best things about spring is that it offers a chance to spruce up your landscaping.

Of course, over our many years offering Las Vegas homes for sale, we've learned that Las Vegas lawns come with a few unique challenges. Not to worry! Facing a challenge is a great way to encourage creativity, and these landscaping ideas will help you revitalize your property this spring. 

1. Go Native
   There are endless benefits to choosing landscape plants that are native to the region you live in. They're readily available and are perfectly suited to your climate, so you won't ever have to worry about whether or not they can survive. These days, nurturing native plants is considered not only a great way to make your landscape look its best, but also to help support your local environment. And in case you're worried that "native" gardening in Las Vegas means you're stuck with a prickly cactus garden, you'll be happy to know that there are countless varieties of native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers that will thrive in your yard. 

   Click Here to Read More...

There are many beautiful Las Vegas homes for sale right now, making it more important than ever to make sure your home stands out from the crowd. 

Our real estate agents work with many potential buyers, so they're familiar with the features they're looking for. One of the most common things they hear is that buyers want homes already equipped with smart home technology. While this used to be an added selling point, now it's becoming more of a necessity. 

Keep in mind, not all smart home tech is created equally. Before you start dumping money into the latest tech upgrades, check out this list of the smart home features that today's buyers really want! 

1. Smart Thermostat
   Smart thermostat technology has come a long way. The upgrades now range from a simple programmable thermostat to more complex options with separate zones, activity sensors, and more. Smart thermostats are convenient, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly, making them one of the most in-demand features among new home buyers. 

Click Here to Read More...

The new year is right around the corner, and now is the ideal time to start planning your home improvement projects for the year ahead. The following are five projects that our brokers recommend for maximizing your comfort and the market value of your home.

1. Invest in the Environment
   Eco-friendly upgrades won't just save you money on your monthly utility bills. They will make your home more appealing in an increasingly eco-conscious market. Switching old light bulbs out for LED's and installing a smart thermostat are easy steps. Other eco-friendly projects you can do include replacing old insulation with modern insulation that has a higher R-value. You could also consider installing more energy-efficient dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators. Purchasing new appliances, energy-efficient windows/doors, HVAC systems, etc. adds up. However, there are numerous tax credits and rebate programs available that significantly reduce the initial investment.   
2. Seal up the Leaks
   Air leaks are an easily fixed problem. Applying caulk or weatherstripping to leaks around windows, doors, and masonry can save you a bundle on your monthly utility bills. It is vital to use the appropriate sealant and adhere to installation instructions. Sealing up the leaks will help you stay comfortable throughout the hot summer months and year-round. More importantly, it is an inexpensive step to preserve the structural integrity of your home and protect it against pests and insects. 

   Click Here to Read More...

Owning a home is a significant responsibility that takes more than merely having the funds to cover the mortgage payment. When you're looking at Las Vegas homes for sale, it's crucial that you thoroughly account for the maintenance and costs that go along with the property. Don't be surprised when the bills come rolling in! The following are five "hidden" expenses that are easily overlooked by home buyers in Las Vegas.

Click Here to Read More...

Our real estate agents are asked regularly what buyers look for in Las Vegas home for sale. Of course, sellers want to make their homes as appealing as possible, and sometimes that means making improvements. Other times it means making sure the features you already have are showcased and buyers are aware of them even before they see the property in person. These exterior features are guaranteed to delight buyers and make them take notice.

• Exterior lighting. This is always on the top of buyer's lists. The right exterior lighting can make the property look stunning and add the perfect decorative touches. But even more important to buyers is the extra security they provide. Illuminated entrances and walkways provide safe passage for homeowners and visitors any time of day and discourage break-ins.

  Click Here to Read More...

Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home is one of the most effective and affordable ways to make it look updated, increase its value and help it sell faster. With so many different types of Las Vegas homes for sale, our real estate agents are well-versed in determining what works and what doesn't when it comes to color choices and painting. These five tips on painting your home to sell can make it stand out from the crowd and lead to a quick sale.

1. Keep it Neutral
   Both dark and bright colors can be a major turnoff for potential buyers, and believe it or not, so can bright white. Although traditional beige is considered neutral, it often contains strong yellow undertones, which make it hard to coordinate with cooler colors like green, blue and violet. One of the hottest neutral colors that's been popping up all over the place is "greige," which, yes, you guessed it — brings beige and gray together, creating a versatile neutral color that can be used in almost anywhere. Light, neutral colors also brighten up rooms and make them look bigger.

   Click Here to Read More...

If you want your home to be among the Las Vegas homes for sale this spring, then there's no doubt you're already thinking about the maintenance that needs to be done to your home. Making sure everything is tidy and in good repair will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. To help you out, our real estate agents share some items you should absolutely have on that spring maintenance checklist to ensure that your home is ready to sell.

• Spring Cleaning
  Sometimes the simplest answer is the best. If your house has collected dirt and grime on its exterior, get a bucket of soap and water and a long-handled brush and give it a good scrub. You could also have the exterior professionally pressure washed. And as long as you're cleaning things up, don't neglect the windows. 
  
  

Click Here to Read More...

A new year offers new opportunities, and for many on the Las Vegas area, it's a great time to start thinking about selling your home. Our real estate agents are here to help, and if you're thinking about getting your home ready to sell in the new year, these are the steps you can start taking today. 

1. Do a Deep Clean
   It's essential to clean your house top to bottom when you're getting ready to sell. Pay particular attention to the entryway, kitchen, and bathroom, which, as studies have shown, are the rooms that potential buyers look at with the most scrutiny.
   
   

   Click Here to Read More...

What do you do if your dream home just isn't in your budget? That's easy – buy a fixer-upper and turn it into your dream home.

Of course, finding a great fixer-upper and transforming it into a palace isn't always an easy task. That's why our real estate agents are eager to share some tips on how to navigate from fixer-upper to dream home.

Click Here to Read More...

5 Ways to Give Your Home Personality and Value

Every home remodel starts with a goal, whether it's to create more space, update the interior or add value to your house. One thing we've learned in many years of listing Las Vegas homes for sale is that not all remodels turn out the way the homeowner might have hoped. If you'd like to add personality while increasing your home's value, these home improvements offer the best return on your investment.

Click Here to Read More...

When you're getting your home ready for the market, it's easy to focus on making renovations and staging the interior, while neglecting one of the most important aspects – curb appeal. Whether a potential buyer is stopping at your open house or browsing an online listing of Las Vegas homes for sale, the first thing they will notice is your home's outward appearance.

First impressions are crucial, and boosting your curb appeal is one of the best things you can do to make a good impression. These easy landscaping fixes will make your home look great, and may even increase its value.

Click Here to Read More...

When you begin your search for Las Vegas homes for sale, consider buying a house that includes smart home technology.  Smart home technology is a term that refers to homes that have appliances, lighting and security systems as well as heating and air conditioning units that are connected and operated remotely by the owner through a smartphone, tablet or other electronic device. 

Here are five reason to consider smart home technology for your home in Las Vegas.

Click Here to Read More...