While most people think of Spring as the time for cleaning and doing upgrades, many don't realize that Fall is the ideal time to spruce up your home - especially if you are thinking of selling! Fact is, if you are considering even waiting to sell in Spring time right now is the time to be getting things in order. You can already start looking up info on the new area you will be relocating to, talking to lenders and realtors in the area, and doing some general planning for making your move. But did you know there are some things you can start doing around the house to get it ready to sell too? It's true! Here are just a few ideas...

Take a look at the yard
While things are dying down it's a good time to look at the yard and consider taking out problem plants since they will be getting ready to go dormant. It's a good idea to make the rounds, take care of problem areas like limbs that might fall over Winter and other items to batten down the hatches for your own comfort during the cold months.

Paint the Door
It seems like a small thing but the color of your front door can make a difference! It's a great way to add a pop of color to your curb appeal. Beyond that look at the area around your front door and consider adding some lighting or other seasonal decorations to make it feel more welcoming.

Make it Cozy
You've likely experienced it in car dealerships and not even realized it. The smell of fresh baked cookies. It's something they sometimes do to entice the buyers in a subconscious way, and it can work! If you have potential buyers walking through consider baking some cookies that morning, or putting on a nice scent warmer to add to the welcoming feeling.

If you've been thinking about selling your home in Idaho but aren't sure if the time is right we would love to talk! There are any number of reasons why Winter makes a great time to move or just list your home so you'll be on the way come Spring. Call 208-462-4620 to chat today!

You've searched and searched and found just the right home for you! But this isn't the end of your journey, although you are almost there.
One of the next, most important steps, before the paperwork goes through is your home inspection. Unfortunately, with a the real estate market in Idaho being so hot, many buyers are forgoing home inspections. While some might say this can provide for a timing advantage on closing on the property, skipping the home inspection is not the best move as it can reveal major hazards within your new home.

But, do I NEED one?
Maybe, maybe not, but it's still probably a good idea. While most newer homes especially won't have any problems, especially if you are buying an older home there may be some problem areas to address. If there are major issues in the home it can cost thousands of dollars down the road - why take that chance when you can become aware of them prior to closing. The contingency put in place by your realtor is used in case the home inspection reveals issues, leaving the you (the buyer) the chance to back out within an allotted time frame or to renegotiate an offer. Having the inspection done can save you money on the closing as well as keep you from having more costs later.

What does the home inspection look at?
Your realtor should be able to recommend a provider of quality home inspectors in your area; a thorough home inspection will reveal a lot about your property even if there are no real problems found. Typically, depending on the size of the home, an inspection will take just 2-3 hours. While services vary, your home inspector will generally look at:

• Roofing
• Attics and basements
• Structural components
• HVAC systems
• Windows and doors
• Foundation
• Insulation
• Electrical systems
• Interior plumbing

Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions that you will make in your lifetime. So, having a full picture of the house prior to closing on your new home can help make sure you can be confident in the property you will own without worry.

We love our mountain community in Garden Valley! One of the things that makes our little valley great is the way that all the people come together throughout the year for special events to celebrate and help support one another. If there's one thing folks in the mountains know it's that we're better when we stick together and good neighbors make great communities!

Take a look at all the fun events left this year and come visit us in the beautiful mountains of Idaho!

For years your home has been your castle, your place of peace, your refuge against the world. But, after some time life happens and things can change so much faster than you thought. As the years go by it's natural for the needs of your home to change; what may have been a must have features can be more than you need. It may be time to downsize! While that can seem intimidating it doesn't need to be and you may be unsure if it's even the right time - after all, you've loved your home for years - so why change?

It's Just Too Big
Whether that means the home itself or the property it's attached to, after a while it can seem like a bit much. It might just be the size alone, empty rooms once the kids have moved out can make the house feel more empty too. Moving to a smaller home gives you the opportunity to relive all the good memories you had and make them a focus for your next home where you will make new ones.

The Price Is Right!
There's nothing wrong with a little monetary motivation - and the real estate market is still moving in Idaho! Even if finances aren't a problem, prices right now have been good enough that you may want to consider padding your nest egg by selling and downsizing.

Finances Are Tight
Money needs change as we age too, and no matter how well you plan there are always unexpected costs. A larger home usually means larger costs in utilities and taxes. If your home is taking up 30% of your take home income or more it may want to make the move sooner than later. Selling your home while the market is good is a great way to not only take care of current debts but to also have the means to plan for the future as well.

You're a Traveler
For some, our later years are the time when we are more active than ever, and for those folks travel often takes a more center role in life. If you're a snowbird, or find yourself constantly jumping from one bucket list adventure to the next you might be realizing how much time you spend NOT at home. Because of that the overhead, maintenance, and other costs of having a large home you're never at might not make sense.

Downsizing can be a smart financial move and give you a new lease on life, but we understand how much of an emotional decision it can be to leave your home behind. Isn't it good then to know you have trusted real estate professionals here at Garden Valley Properties? If you are considering selling your home in Idaho, put our decades of Idaho real estate experience to work for you - we will be sure to work closely with you to help find a plan that works for your next move!

Whether you're considering selling your home in Idaho, or are just moving in there's nothing wrong with dressing up your home a little bit! While you want to err on the side of caution with too much personal style if you're selling (maybe not two dozen pink flamingos...in the living room!) it's fine to show a little pizzazz and doing a little light staging can even help your home sell. And of course, if you're just moving in just moving your stuff in is the first challenge - after which it's time to REALLY figure out how to make your new home your own. In order to help get you started we've put together just a few quick tips!

Shop Your Own Home
This is especially true if you've lived in your house for a while, but one of the best ways to discover something to your own tastes just might be to look at the stuff you already have! Long time homeowners can brave the attic to see what treasures they may have forgotten they had and if you're just moving in doing this while you're sorting is a great idea.

PINTEREST!
It's easy to get lost once you start looking on this great little site. Search for Pinterest and sign up if you haven't already - you can find literally thousands and thousands of great decorating ideas, recipes, and other fun tips for making your home life amazing.

Paint It
No need to go crazy, but a fresh coat of paint can make old rooms seem completely new. If you're just moving in it's also a perfect time to do it before you get everything in place. Check around, even ask the person at the store, about current paint trends and ideas (check that pinterest site too!). Even just updating the accent colors in a room without going all in on full wall color changes can make a big impact!

Art Swap
If you've been in your home for a while it might be time to change out the pictures on the wall! There are any number of places online to find art prints, and even places where you can have your own photos turned into canvas prints. Changing the images in a space is a great, easy way to change the focus of a room and if you're just moving in it can help make it feel more your own too.

If you're tired of looking at those same old four walls - maybe you need to downsize...or maybe you want to UPsize! - our team of experienced Idaho real estate agents is here to help you! We know the Garden Valley and Treasure Valley markets like few others because it's the place we ourselves call HOME!