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Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

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HOW TO CREATE A RELAXING BACKYARD SPACE

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 11, 2022

HOW TO CREATE A RELAXING BACKYARD SPACE

With spring underway and summer around the corner, it’s the perfect time to create outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining. A few simple amenities can transform your patio, deck, or backyard. Here are some ideas that will let you enjoy your backyard spaces on both sunny days and starry nights.

  1. Go beyond outdoor dining sets. A comfortable sofa, low table and lounge chairs are perfect for entertaining or curling up with a good book. Add a rug and your deck will feel like an outdoor family room.
  2. Tranquil outdoor lighting. Lights are perfect for adding evening ambiance to your deck or patio. Deck lighting can be installed to illuminate seating and gathering areas, while solar stakes can light backyard walkways. Use string lights to add a fun atmosphere.
  3. Create a food and beverage serving area. A colorful gardening bench with shelves or a portable rolling cart can serve multiple purposes.
  4. Add a portable firepit. There are many budget-friendly and lightweight options you can use on either your patio or backyard. Choose from traditional cast iron, propane-fueled, or even smokeless firepits.

HOME UPGRADES THAT ADD VALUE IN 2022

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 4, 2022

HOME UPGRADES THAT ADD VALUE IN 2022

What kind of home improvement projects will add value to your home in 2022? You might be surprised
to find that some simple and budget-friendly upgrades can add both value and a “wow factor” to your
home.
Here are some upgrades to consider whether you’re planning to sell your home, or just looking to
remodel:

  1. A new front door can change the look of your home and add instant new curb appeal. Choose
    from classic colors such as black, red, and white, or select from popular blues or greens to add
    the most value.
  2. A kitchen facelift that includes new flooring, new appliances, countertops, and freshly painted
    cabinets can increase the value of your home without the extravagant expense of a complete
    remodel. A spacious pantry and an island with seating are currently hot ticket items for buyers.
  3. Luxury bathroom details are very popular right now. Freestanding tubs and walk-in showers are
    two of the most appealing features that will add value to your home.
  4. Buyers want extra living space for a home office or a multi-purpose room. Finished attics and
    basements can easily meet these preferences.

WHY REAL ESTATE DEALS CAN FALL THROUGH

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 27, 2022

WHY REAL ESTATE DEALS CAN FALL THROUGH

The process of buying and selling a home is complex. There are many moving parts involved in the transaction process. In some cases, not everything can be resolved, and a deal falls apart. It’s a good idea to become familiar with some of the most common reasons deals fall through, as some issues can be resolved by either a buyer or seller before the real estate process begins.

Here are some of the top reasons why deals fall through:

  • Complications related to the home inspection. Sometimes the home inspection reveals a major unexpected issue such as a structural defect, insect damage, or an issue with mold that that cause the buyer to walk away.
  • Unexpected issues related to the title. A title search can uncover issues such as outstanding liens, public record errors, taxes due, or child support payment issues.
  • Appraisal gap. If the appraisal of the home shows a value of less than the sales price, the bank may refuse to finance the property.

Fortunately, being prepared and working with an experienced Realtor can help resolve some common issues before they become deal breakers.

DECLUTTERING TIPS FOR STAGING YOUR HOME

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 20, 2022

DECLUTTERING TIPS FOR STAGING YOUR HOME

When you’re preparing your home for sale, decluttering is one of the most effective ways to show your home at its best. The process may seem overwhelming, but there are simple changes you can make for maximum impact. Here are some ideas to get started:

· Plan room by room. Create a checklist for each room and work on one room for 20-30 minutes each day. Don’t try to tackle it all at once.

· Sort items by category: keep, donate, or discard. Place items into storage boxes and remove the “donate” and “trash” boxes as soon as possible.

· Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops. Put away small appliances and personal care items. Decluttered counters will make these rooms feel larger and brighter.

· Pare down any extra furniture, bookshelves, heavy window treatments, and even throw pillows. Having too many items and accessories can make your rooms feel darker and smaller.

· Streamline your closets and cabinets. Don’t be tempted to hide your clutter in your closets and storage areas.

· File away the paper. Home offices are a hot feature right now. Show yours off to the best advantage by clearing away papers and boxes.

WHEN CAN I START PLANTING FLOWERS IN NJ?

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 13, 2022

WHEN CAN I START PLANTING FLOWERS IN NJ?

Spring has arrived on the calendar here in New Jersey – leaves are emerging on trees and daffodils are brightening many yards. You may be tempted to venture outside and plant spring annuals or reseed your lawn, but don’t start your gardening yet. Even though it’s April, a spring frost can ruin your efforts if you plant too early.

Temperatures in early April in NJ can fluctuate from the 30°F range to the upper 60°F.  Is there a way to estimate when it’s safe to fertilize your lawn or plant popular spring annuals such as impatiens, petunias, or marigolds?

Most local gardening experts say it’s safest to wait until after Mother’s Day to plant seeds or potted annuals in the ground to avoid any late frost.  You can also use the Farmer’s Almanac to find the last frost date for your specific area. For example, in the Princeton-Hightstown area, the last spring frost date is May 2.

However, you can safely plant a few vegetables in the colder April days, such as spinach, potatoes, and peas. These hardy vegetables won’t be affected by a late frost.

CURB APPEAL PROJECTS FOR A WEEKEND

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 6, 2022

CURB APPEAL PROJECTS FOR A WEEKEND

Whether you’re selling your house this spring, or you simply want to freshen up your look, consider spending some time on projects that boost the curb appeal of your home. There are a number of ways to easily spruce up the front of your house and yard to make a good first impression on both guests and potential buyers.

Looking for some ideas that can be done during a weekend? Here are some quick and easy ideas to get started:

  1. Paint your front door. It’s a quick way to update or refresh the look of your home. Current front door color trends include blues, greens, and classics like red and black.
  2. Replace your front door hardware. After painting, new house numbers and hardware will complete the new look.
  3. Update your mailbox. Plant some bright, easy-care flowers around the mailbox for even more appeal.
  4. Add some outdoor lighting. Solar lights can easily be added along sidewalks and walkways and can illuminate your front porch. 
  5. Create a front porch seating area. A couple of chairs, an accent table, and some planters are all you need for a cozy look.
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