Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

You are here: Home / Archives for News/Blog / Homeownership

Homeownership

FRONT YARD TREES TO BOOST CURB APPEAL

by

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 14, 2021

FRONT YARD TREES TO BOOST CURB APPEAL

Here in the northeast, spring is an excellent time to plant trees in your yard. Besides adding beauty and curb appeal, did you know that landscaping can add value to your home? Nationwide studies show that trees and landscaping can add anywhere from 5% to 15% to your home’s value.

Like any other home improvement project, plan out the details of your planting and landscaping design ahead of time. A typical plan will include a budget (trees can be expensive), and choosing trees based on your location and on how much care and maintenance they will need.

Be sure to take into account how your trees will look in three, five, and 10 years. Plant and space your trees based on their mature height and width.

A mix of evergreens, flowering trees and deciduous trees provides color and beauty throughout the year. Some popular choices in the mid-Atlantic region are as follows:

Flowering and ornamental trees: Eastern Redbud, Flowering Cherry, Crepe Myrtle, Japanese Maple, River Birch, Kousa Dogwood

Evergreen: Spruce (Blue, Norway), Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, American Holly, Leyland Cypress

TIPS TO ENHANCE THE CURB APPEAL OF YOUR HOME THIS SPRING

by

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 7, 2021

TIPS TO ENHANCE THE CURB APPEAL OF YOUR HOME THIS SPRING

In real estate, first impressions matter. When a buyer appreciates the exterior features of a house, they are more likely to want to look inside as well. If you’re planning to list your home for sale this spring, now is the perfect time to venture outside and take some steps to boost the curb appeal for your home.

Here are some quick ideas to get started:

  • Remove dirt and debris from sidewalks, driveway, front porch or entryway. Consider hiring a professional company to power wash the exterior siding, doors and windows.
  • Take a close look at the front door. Is the color dull or faded? A fresh coat of paint will give an instant boost to the front.
  • Add eye-catching color by planting flowers in decorative pots around your front porch, steps, and around the mailbox. Choose from flowers that are already in bloom and brightly-colored annuals.
  • Freshen up the landscaping. Along with cleaning up the lawn, make sure to trim shrubs and trees, especially those along the house and foundation.

SPRING REAL ESTATE MARKET NOW EMERGING

by

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 31, 2021

SPRING REAL ESTATE MARKET NOW EMERGING

The spring real estate market will be full swing in the coming weeks. Traditionally, in New Jersey and other northeast markets, the spring market emerges in April, when the temperatures start to warm up and yards start looking greener. Homebuyers who delayed their search because of snow will start up again, especially those who want to move into a new home over the summer.

Because of continued high demand, the market is fast moving, with houses selling very quickly. Although more new sellers are expected to enter the market to take advantage of rising prices, inventories remain low in many locations in the region.

Buying trends are similar to last year: buyers want more space, more rooms, and larger yards. One of the main results of the pandemic is that many people will continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future, and maybe permanently in some cases. Homes with room for a home office – either an extra bedroom or another space that can be converted for a workspace – will remain in high demand as a result. Buyers should be prepared to move quickly, as high interest and multiple offers are expected to remain the norm.

WHY THE RIGHT PRICE STILL MATTERS IN A SELLER’S MARKET

by

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 17, 2021

WHY THE RIGHT PRICE STILL MATTERS IN A SELLER’S MARKET

As the real estate market chaos continues in locations around the country, many homeowners are tempted to jump into the action and list their homes for sale. Yes, everyone is hearing the same reports: bidding wars, multiple offers, going to contract in three days. But even now, sellers must remember that the most important step they can take to sell their house is to list it at the right price.

Pricing houses for sale at unrealistically high numbers will lead to disappointment and frustration. Houses that are priced too high for their condition and location won’t generate as much demand. That means few buyers, low showings, and more days on the market.

Working with a real estate agent who has expert knowledge of your location and access to critical market data, including the latest comparable sales and activity, will assist you in pricing your home correctly, so that it generates high interest from potential buyers while meeting your objectives.

WHAT MANY HOME BUYERS WANT MOST NOW

by

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 17, 2021

WHAT MANY HOME BUYERS WANT MOST NOW

Current home buying trends reflect changes brought on by the pandemic and its expected aftermath. Buyers are planning to spend more time at home in the future, particularly as companies continue to offer remote work options to their employees as a permanent option.

Here are some of the features that are currently in high demand:

  • Larger yards and outdoor living spaces. This includes decks, patios, and room for amenities such as a fire pit. People want outdoor space of their own to enjoy.
  • Updated kitchens tend to top buyers’ wish lists no matter the real estate trend. But buyers are looking for larger kitchens and upgraded appliances.
  • Rooms that can be converted to a permanent home office space.
  • Multi-purpose spaces for children who are learning at home. This includes room for computers, activity tables, or even gaming areas.
  • Energy-saving windows, siding, and HVAC systems.

Both first time home buyers and those looking to upgrade to a larger home are looking for similar features. These features are popular in both suburban and rural markets alike.

CHOOSING A SMART DOORBELL

by

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 10, 2021

CHOOSING A SMART DOORBELL

The smart doorbell is one of the most popular smart home devices on the market today. While features often vary depending on the brand, basically a smart doorbell is an internet-connected device that is equipped with a video camera. When someone arrives at your doorstep, the smart doorbell alerts your smartphone or other device and allows you to see and interact with your visitor, even if you’re not at home.

Smart doorbells offer both home security and convenience. The remote video and audio features are especially useful in this time of social distancing. For example, if you’re receiving a delivery, you can ask questions or provide instructions without opening the door.

When choosing a smart doorbell, some of the options or features you may want to consider include:

  • Wide-angle view camera
  • Night vision capability
  • Motion detection
  • Battery-powered vs hard-wired
  • Cloud storage of video recordings for later view
  • App and smart device support from Alexa or Google

Even the most budget-friendly options include some of these features, and many are easy to install. There are also models with more advanced features such as voice recognition and extra security sensors.