You never get a second chance at a first impression.
It is important that potential buyers get a great first impression when they come to your home for an open house or see your listing online. Factors like cleanliness, brightness, and furniture placement all make a big impact on the home’s overall appearance. Making buyers feel comfortable in a new space is key to selling a home. We asked our Facebook friends for their best tips for staging a home to sell.
Here are five tips for staging your home:
“Make sure all furniture is about one and a half inches from the wall, this creates the illusion of more space. Clear all personal pictures. If the front door is worn, paint it an interesting color that is inviting and make sure the path to the home is welcoming.” – Michael L.
“You hope that you will have a lot of people in short period of time, freedom of movement is essential.” – CENTURY 21 Ilford
“Good photos get action. Make sure the lights are on and that you are using a good camera. Don’t use your cell phone!” – Kristy W.
“Everything off the counters! Toilet seats down. Blinds all the way up to show off recently cleaned windows.” – Wayne F.
“Stage with smaller furniture to make rooms bigger and go with light colored furnishings unless the area dictates darker classy designs.” – Peter C.
Find more great tips on our Facebook post, and visit CENTURY21.com for more home selling advice.
Last month I wrote a post on do-it-yourself beauty and personal care products. That touched a nerve with a lot of people: some loved it, some hated it; it seemed like everyone had something to say.
At the time I’d planned to follow up with a post on do-it-yourself cleaning products for the home, but I’ve decided to take a step back and look at the bigger question: What is a clean house worth?
Everyone puts some resources into keeping their home clean. Whether you spend hundreds of dollars a month on professional cleaning services or struggle to pay for soap, you’re going to have to shell out cash, time, and effort to have a healthy, clean, happy place to live.
Should You Do It Yourself?
For some, having your house cleaned by a professional seems like an unthinkable luxury. To others it’s just part of the cost of running their household, like paying the electric bill.
The thing to remember when deciding whether to do your own cleaning or pay someone else to do it is that you always have to spend something on keeping your house clean: money or time. Time is a finite resource, too, just like money. If you decide to do it yourself, you’re committing to spending a chunk of time every week doing chores. If you pay someone else, you get that time back in exchange for your money.
House cleaning isn’t cheap. In the area where I live, you’ll pay a house cleaner $70-$100 for biweekly cleaning of a moderate-sized apartment. If you want a really deep cleaning or have a large house, it can cost a lot more.
That price tag is worth it to a lot of professionals. They look at the value of their own time and decide that it’s worth their while to pay someone else to wash the floors and scrub the tub. The time they don’t spend cleaning their own house they can spend working or relaxing.
In the days before I had kids, I lived in a shared apartment with four other adults. We all worked full time. With five salaries coming in and no one with a lot of time on their hands, hiring a house cleaning service was clearly the right call. We never had to fight over whose turn it was to do those cleaning chores, and we were all happy to spend money rather than time on keeping the house clean.
As a stay-at-home mom, that equation changed. Suddenly I was drowning in time and scrambling to come up with enough money to pay my bills every month. Housekeeping services were one of the first things to go.
Every household has to do their own math and figure out how much time and money they’re willing to spend on keeping the house clean.
How DIY Do You Want to Be?
Even if you hire a cleaning service to take care of the big stuff, you’ll still do a fair amount of housekeeping yourself. There will always be spills to mop up, dishes to wash, laundry to do, and garbage to haul to the curb.
When you’re going about your household cleaning, you have a lot of choices to make. What products will you buy? What tools will you use?
There are probably as many individual answers to those questions as there are houses being cleaned. Here are some popular strategies that people use to keep costs down when they’re cleaning their homes:
Make your own cleaning products. I know, I know, some of you are tired of the hippie stuff. But this one isn’t mine. Trent at the Simple Dollar has done all the math on how much you can save by just making your own laundry detergent, and it adds up to a decent chunk of change.
Do away with disposables. Try using rags instead of paper towels to clean up messes, or buying refills for your handsoaps instead of whole new containers. Every time you can eliminate waste in your cleaning process you’re cutting costs as well as helping out the environment.
Buy in bulk. Cleaning products last for a long time, if not indefinitely. You can buy bulk containers of things like laundry soap, handsoap, and all-purpose cleaner. Typically, the per unit cost on these is lower than if you buy just a regular size bottle at the drug store. Watch out for shopping momentum, though. Only buy bulk items you really need and will use.
Use coupons. A lot of people make out like bandits byclipping coupons and taking advantage of sales to stock up on their favorite cleaning products.
Keep it simple. There’s a dizzying array of cleaning products on the market, making competing offers and boasting features you never knew you needed. Stick to the basics.
Have a Cleaning Plan
Cleaning the house can be an intimidating prospect. Where do you begin? How do you know when you’re done? Without a plan, you can wind up spending a lot more time, frustration and money than you really need to.
Some of the best cleaning advice I ever got was this simple truth: Do one thing at a time. Don’t set aside Saturday as cleaning day and think you’re going to rock the whole place into a state of pristine order like a team of professional house cleaners might.
Instead, pick one task or one room and get it done. Some people get a lot of mileage out of chore charts. (And, of course, there’s J.D. and his silly chore cloud.) In my house, we used to use a chart that listed out all the chores that needed doing. When someone did a chore, they’d initial the chart with the date, so everyone knew when the floors had last been swept or the windows washed.
After nine years of living together, my husband and I are past the days of chore charts. We both know pretty well what needs to be done and how often it needs to happen. We have our routines, and we’re comfortable with the cluttered-but-clean living space we share. The chart was invaluable for helping us work out those routines in the early days, though, and I’m thinking of bringing it back in a different form for my kids’ benefit.
How do you keep your house cleaning without breaking your back — or the bank?
The 2020 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report highlighted similarities and differences across generations of home buyers and sellers. This report takes a look at trends among generational groups within the following 7 categories:
Characteristics of Home Buyers
Characteristics of Homes Purchased
The Home Search Process
Home Buying and Real Estate Professionals
Financing the Home Purchase
Home Sellers and Their Selling Experience
Home Selling and Real Estate Professionals
Overall, Millennials made up the largest share of home buyers at 38 percent.86% percent of Younger Millennials, and 52 percent of Older Millennials were first-time home buyerswhile buyers from ages 40 – 54 (Gen X) consisted of 23% of recent home buyers.
On average, Gen X homebuyers bought the largest homes in size at a median of 2,000 square feet and also moved the shortest distance. The biggest motivations for people above age 55 who purchased a new home were: the desire to own a home of their own, being closer to friends and family, and living in a better area.
Sellers 65 to 73 years (Older Boomers) made up the largest shares of sellers at 23%. Those who were 55 years and older often purchased a similarly-sized, but less expensive home than they sold while moving further away.
Chapter 1: Characteristics of Home Buyers
Characteristics of Home Buyers covered trends among married couples, unmarried couples, single buyers, and buyers with children under the age of 18. Sixty one percent of buyers between ages 30 to 39 had at least one child under the age of 18 residing in their home. 👶
Do you have children? If the answer is yes, or if you are planning to in the near future, you should consider the following 5 key items when searching for a home:
1. School districts
2. Access to local services and amenities
3. Privacy
4. Safety
5. Storage
Chapter 2: Characteristics of Homes Purchased
Home Inspection:
39% of recent buyers who purchased new homes were looking to avoid renovations and problems with plumbing or electricity.🔌🔨🔧💡
Before buying a home, it is always important to check the exterior for any damages. According to the National Association of Realtors Report for 2020, windows, doors, and siding were very important factors that mattered to home buyers between ages 65 – 73. It’s always a smart idea to hire a professional to inspect the interior and exterior of a home before making an offer. Here is a list of 9 Important Exterior Items to Check When Buying a Home:
Foundation
Grade of Property
Settling
Downspouts
Roof
Chimney
Windows
Siding
Concrete Stoops, Patios, and Walks
** It is worthwhile to note that the damages on this list don’t necessarily mean you should cancel a potential purchase, but you should get information on whether or not these things will be fixed and how they might be accounted for in the price. If you have any questions or are looking for home inspector referrals, reach out to be connected to a Total Mortgage loan officer and we can make sure you get the quality in a home that you deserve!
COMMUTING:
Commuting costs were very important at 45% for buyers 22 to 29 years.
Deciding where to buy a home starts with finding a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and has a cost of commuting that you’re willing to accept. Most people are still working from home, however not everyone is so lucky.
Did you know that the average one-way commute time for most Americans is 26.1 minutes? 🚗 For people who work 5 days a week, that adds up to an average 4.35 hours weekly! This may not seem like a lot but reality kicks in when you start to consider gas money, mileage, funds for public transportation and more. So, if you are looking to buy a new home, make sure you choose a location that makes the trip to work worth it! 😊
Chapter 3: The Home Search Process
According to the National Association of Realtors Report for 2020, the most important website feature were photos for nearly nine in 10 buyers under the age of 55.If you are looking to sell your home, it’s important to have professional pictures and sufficient property information listed online. 📸 Detailed information about properties for sale were also very important to all age groups.
Now, you might be wondering; how long does it typically take to find a new home? According to the National Association of Realtors Report for 2020, buyers typically searched for 10 weeks and looked at a median of nine homes.
Chapter 4: Home Buying and Real Estate Professionals
Why you need a Real Estate Agent:
Are you a pro at negotiating? 🤝 Do you like doing loads of paperwork? 📄 Most likely the answer is “no” because ain’t nobody got time for that! In 2020, it was reported that the majority of home buyers between the ages of 22 – 29 and 74+ wanted an agent to help with paperwork. Agents not only specialize in negotiating and understanding contracts, but they also are power players when it comes to getting the paperwork taken care of.
Home Buying Process:
Do you know how the home buying process works? 🤝🏡💵If not, that’s okay! Actually, most people don’t fully understand how the home buying process works from start to finish. According to the National Association of Realtors Report for 2020, help understanding the purchase process was most beneficial to buyers 29 years and younger at 85 percent and for buyers 30 to 39 years at 69 percent.
Regardless of age, the majority of people really benefit from having assistance with the home buying process. To gain a better understanding, check out the graphic below. Now is the time to start making moves towards finding your dream home!
Chapter 5: Financing the Home Purchase
Saving for a Down Payment:
If you are a prospective first-time home buyer struggling to save money for a down payment, you aren’t alone. According to the National Association of Realtors Report for 2020, 13% of all buyers cited that saving for a down payment was the most difficult step in the home buying process. If you’re looking to buy a home but need help saving, check out these tips on How toSave for a Down Payment on a First Home: https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-save-for-a-down-payment-on-a-house-1289847
Student Debt:
Debt hindered prospective home buyer’s ability to save for a down payment by a median of four years and came primarily from student loan debt.
Most people don’t know this but you can still get a mortgage if you have student debt! A lot of first-time home buyers worry about qualifying for a mortgage while still owing student loans. In 2020, 24% of all buyers reported having student loan debt with a median amount of $30,000.
If you are someone who has student loan debt but want to purchase a home, check out this article on How to Buy a House Despite Student Debt: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/31/have-student-debt-you-can-still-get-a-mortgage.html
Build Your Savings:
Even without debt, saving money for a down payment can feel like a struggle. Are you wondering how you can alter your spending habits to increase your savings? According to the National Association of Realtors Report for 2020, it was most common for buyers to cut spending on luxury/non-essential items, and on entertainment to save for their home purchase.
Saving efficiently starts with small habits that stay consistent over time. Here are 10 tips to help build your savings:
1. Transfer a fixed amount into a special savings account every month.
2. Skip vacations for a year.
3. Lower your expenses.
4. Reduce your high interest rate debt.
5. Borrow from a relative.
6. Borrow from your retirement plan.
7. Sell some of your investments.
8. Get a second job.
9. Make a deal with the seller.
10. Look into down payment assistance.
Chapter 6: Home Sellers and Their Selling Experience
Equity:
CHA-CHING! 💸Want to know how to get the most equity out of selling your home? Recently sold homes were typically on the market for a median of three weeks and sellers made a median of $60,000 in equity from their sale. If you want the most value, check out these important tips: https://www.opendoor.com/w/blog/how-to-sell-your-house-for-the-most-money
Understand your local market
Choose the right time to sell
Set the right price
Understand how much it really costs to sell a home
Determine how you’re going to sell
Consider minor renovations that add value at minimal cost
Negotiate the best offer – not just the highest offer
Incentives:
Offering different incentives can help attract buyers and potentially increase the value you can get from selling your home! 🏡 According to the National Association of Realtors Report for 2020,34%of all sellers offered incentives to attract buyers. This varied across age groups where it was less likely for sellers 74 years and over to offer incentives and more likely for sellers 55 to 64 years.
Buy down their interest rate
Include furniture or window coverings
Credit for non-recurring closing costs
Offer buyers’ brokers higher commission
Credit for “Close By” date
Chapter 7: Home Selling and Real Estate Professionals
According to the National Association of Realtors Report for 2020, All generations of buyers continued to utilize a real estate agent or broker as their top resource to help them buy and sell their home. While the internet is increasingly incorporated as an important tool in the process, buyers needed the help of a real estate professional to help them find the right home, negotiate terms of sale, and help with price negotiations.
If you are someone who is looking to buy or sell a home, here are 5 reasons why it is wise to utilize a real estate professional: https://www.forbes.com/2010/05/25/why-you-need-real-estate-agent-personal-finance-commission.html?sh=6d0aede94496
Better Access/More Convenience
Negotiating is tricky business
Contracts Can Be Hard to Handle
Real Estate Agents Can’t Lie
Not Everyone Can Save Money
Please feel free to reach out to us at Total Mortgage with any questions!
A den is an additional room in an apartment that you can use as a multi-purpose space.
Apartments have different floor plans, rent prices and amenities. Depending on what you are looking for, you can pretty much find it when apartment hunting these days. Want a pool or an on-site gym? That’s an option!
One perk that is rising in popularity is the den. Everyone wants more space and dens are a unique way to get it. So, what is a den exactly and how might you use it? We will walk you through the 10 benefits of an apartment with this room and why you might want to rent one.
What is a den?
A den is defined as an extra room, usually without windows or closets. Dens can be found in both one and two-bedroom apartments. They are not considered additional bedrooms as they don’t have that designated closet space that a true bedroom features.
Does a room without windows sound dreary to you? Well, before you confuse a den with a dungeon, let us show you all the ways that an apartment with a den could be used. Essentially, a den is a bonus room where you can do anything you want.
10 benefits of renting an apartment with a den
What would you do with an extra room in your apartment? A den can be just that; it’s an extra room, albeit smaller than a bedroom, to do whatever you want! Here are some of Rent.’s suggestions on what to do with an apartment dent.
1. Built-in home theater
To be considered a den, the room cannot have any windows. This makes dens a cozy, dark space perfect for binging your favorite TV show or streaming the most recent Hollywood hit. With endless streaming platforms at your disposal these days, having a built-in theater room is an awesome perk of apartment living. If you’re a movie lover or Netflix and chill kind of person, an apartment with a den is a must-have. You can invite all your friends over for movies in your dedicated home theater.
2. Optional work-out room
Do you like to work out but don’t have a gym membership or on-site gym? Get some free weights, a Pelaton and a yoga mat and you’ve got yourself a small, personal workout room in the den. It’ll also be cool as there won’t be hot sunlight streaming in from any windows, so you can turn up that music and crank out a quick burn session.
3. WFH spare office
In a world where remote work is more common, you may need a dedicated office space. While some people use their bedroom or living room as a makeshift option, a den is the perfect extra room to transform into a focused work zone. In the den, you have a specific space to go to work and then at the end of the day go back to your main living room without feeling like you never left home that day. You can WFH and live at home without feeling burnt out when you have a den.
4. Meditation or wellness room
We could all use more R&R in a stressful world. If you rent an apartment with a den, you can transform it into a Zen meditation or wellness room. Get a comfortable couch or yoga mat, light a nice candle or essential oils and settle into some dedicated meditation time in your new den wellness room.
5. Private “man den,” “she cave,” or “theysment” space
Bears hibernate in dens, and honestly, that can sound kind of nice. So, why don’t you turn your den into a private space? Do you like to paint? Make your cave a painting studio. Do you like to play poker or chess around some drinks? No matter how you use it, a den is the perfect extra room to make it anything you want it to be.
6. Secondary living space
Are you simply feeling crowded in your apartment and needing more space? Then a den is a great option for additional living space. You can have your bedrooms, kitchen and dining areas and living room plus a den. Extra space in an apartment is always a pro. But, keep in mind you’ll likely pay more in rent for the extra square footage.
7. Peaceful reading room
Escape to a fictitious land by reading or listening to a book. When you turn your den into a peaceful reading room and library, you can go anywhere you want when you escape through the pages of your book. This dedicated reading space can be charming and like your own small bookstore. Get some cozy couches and plush pillows and your den is now your escape.
8. Game room
Do you enjoy game nights with friends? Well, turn your den into the go-to game room. Depending on the size, you could add a pool table or ping pong table here. Or, get a cool table and lots of board games for any sort of competitive gaming setup. Dens are ideal for game rooms.
9. Additional guest room
While it’s not technically a bedroom, a den can double as a spare bedroom for short stays. Get a futon so your guest can have a couch and bed to stay in. This additional room will enable you to host guests without giving up your precious bedroom space or main living room area.
10. More storage space
You probably have too much stuff, as we all do, so extra storage space is never a bad thing. Because apartments are smaller and often have fewer storage options, a den can double as a storage unit. Free up those closets and put your seasonal clothes in the den. Or, fill it with holiday decorations or food storage. Really, you can use it however you like because it’s extra space.
How to find apartments with dens
Does an apartment with a den sound appealing to you? Then it’s time to start the apartment hunt! You can search for apartments in your desired area, within your price range and with the desired amenities — like a den!
Walt Disney once famously said “I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true.”
And while he may have stayed true to these words in all aspects of his life, today we’d like to turn an eye to the homes he imagined into reality. More specifically, the whimsical storybook mansion he built for his family as his animation studio was gaining ground.
Especially since avid Disney fans can now celebrate 100 Years of Disney — the company’s year-long centennial celebration — in the Mickey Mouse creator’s own home.
Walt Disney’s house in Los Feliz, where he lived for almost 20 years and where he and his wife Lillian raised their two children, is currently available to lease.
It doesn’t come cheap though: the storybook mansion is being rented out for $40,000/month. Chase Campen with Compass is in charge of the listing.
“This property was chosen by Walt Disney as the place to raise his family, and also coincided with a transition of Disney Studios from fledgling enterprise toward entertainment giant,” Campen says. “It sits on an acre of land with incredible outdoor space and city views. Its historical pedigree only adds to the magical mystique.”
Speaking of magical mystique, the storybook mansion draws visitors in with its unique architecture from the second they lay eyes on it.
Mixing French Provincial, French Country Tudor, and Neo Gothic styles, the property located on Woking Way in Los Feliz, Los Angeles is a beautiful example of storybook architecture.
Related: Wonderfully Witchy: The Storybook Spadena House in Beverly Hills
The owner of the former Walt Disney house is Timur Bekmambetov, a Kazakhstan-born film director who purchased the home in 2011. And it would seem that creativity flows freely through the 1932-built house, as our sources tell us that the director has been inspired by the home to create a graphic novel and a movie script he is working on about fictional Disney characters who never made it to the big screen.
The storybook mansion has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 half baths across 6,388 square feet of living space, and beautifully appointed interiors that match the whimsical exterior.
The majestic home sits atop a gated drive with parking for 10. A rotunda entrance welcomes residents and guests alike into this magical place, from where they are ushered into the dramatic two-story living room that features vaulted wood beamed ceilings, wood-paneled walls, a brick fireplace, and original windows that look out over the backyard, pool, and downtown Los Angeles.
From there, one wing of the house offers an elegant dining room with French doors to the outside and an artisanally painted ceiling set amidst interlaced beams.
This leads to a gorgeous eat-in kitchen with a center island, marble counters, custom cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and stained glass windows — a perfect mix of modern convenience and old warm charm.
Opposite the living room on the other wing is the still-intact home theater where Walt watched dailies of his productions; the original elements have been preserved, and enhanced with a touch of modern technology.
Upstairs, the spacious primary suite rests above the theater, with city views, ample closets, and a bathroom with dual vanities, a large dual head shower, a centerpiece tub, and period tile.
The other wing features two generous guest bedrooms with a well-appointed bathroom between them. Completing the upstairs is a sunlit family room with vaulted ceilings and access to a former sleeping porch, ideal for an office space or gym.
As is to be expected, the outdoor grounds are incredible, featuring well-landscaped walkways, lush grass lawn, an inviting pool, trellis covered outdoor dining area, and an entire separate area that resembles a private park.
Walt Disney lived in this home longer than any other home from 1932 to 1950.
While his Holmby Hills mansion is most often associated with his persona, Disney’s house on Woking Way is where he raised his daughters and where got the inspiration for Snow White. Diane and Sharon Disney’s original playhouse still sits on the property.
Disney’s Storybook Mansion — also known as the Storybook Cottage — can now be rented for $40,000/month.
Snow White’s cottage in Los Angeles is every Disney lover’s dream
Bacardi heiress lists rare Disney World estate with themed ‘Star Wars’, ‘Frozen’ rooms
Timeless Elegance Meets Whimsical Charm in this $6M Storybook Castle in Los Angeles
Everything’s exciting in Nashville, even the apartment gyms.
Known as the cradle of country music and birthplace of bluegrass, Nashville is home to a diverse population of talented performers, producers and people from all walks of life. With such an assorted population comes a wide variety of workout preferences.
These are the best apartment gyms in Nashville to sling steel, sweat it out and start the process of meeting those fitness goals.
Source: Rent. / 505 Nashville
The fitness center at 505 Nashville is above and beyond. From soaring ceilings to treadmills with a view to the Italian-made Technogym equipment, the attention to detail is apparent from just one look at this luxury gym. Located in the heart of Nashville’s thriving Arts District, just blocks from the Country Music Hall of Fame, 505 Nashville offers residents the best of what the city has to offer inside and outside the complex.
The options for recreation don’t end in the fitness center either. The 505 Nashville complex also boasts tennis and pickleball courts in addition to an area for bocce and a rectangular pool ideal for swimming laps.
Source: Rent. / Brownstone SoBro Apartments
The fitness center at Broadstone SoBro Apartments is all about versatility. It provides equipment for all types of workout regimens. With everything from cardio machines and free weights to more specified equipment like a punching bag, Jacobs ladder and CrossFit rig, no matter what your workout style is, there’s something just for you at Broadstone SoBro Apartments.
It’s located in Nashville’s hip SoBro neighborhood, so if you’re lucky enough to call Broadstone SoBro home, there’s no shortage of options to get moving right at your fingertips. Whether you’re getting your steps outside or enjoying the view from an elliptical in the gym, you can’t go wrong at Brownstone SoBro.
Source: Rent. / Aertson Midtown
Aertson Midtown has a state-of-the-art fitness center. From the modern, light-filled design to the virtual WellBeats fitness system that provides workout, fitness and nutrition guides for people of all ages and body types, this gym is somewhere that everyone can feel at home.
Offering plenty of cardio machines with outside views, a Smith machine that makes benching and squatting without a spotter safe and free weights for days, this Midtown apartment fitness center empowers you to conquer even your loftiest fitness goals.
Source: Rent. / Abberly Foundry
Amidst the exposed brick, pool views and plenty of space to stretch, residents love to sweat and reach their fitness goals at the gym at Abberly Foundry. This complex provides residents with an elevated fitness center experience. Along with all of the traditional equipment you’d expect, the gym also features TRX bands, a punching bag and a dedicated yoga/dance area complete with a mirror wall and barre.
Located in the food and drink paradise of Watkins Park, Abberly Foundry is a great place to call home for active people that still enjoy a little outburst of indulgence on occasion.
Source: Rent. / 805 Lea
Smack dab in Nashville’s desirable SoBro neighborhood you’ll find the luxurious 805 Lea apartment complex. And inside that complex, you’ll find a fitness center with scenic views, Peloton brand stationary bikes and top-of-the-line weight-lifting machines that make working out less of a chore than ever before.
The fitness center at 805 Lea also features a mirrored wall to aid in monitoring form and a walkout terrace, perfect for when you need a breath of fresh air in between sets or want to do a round of walking lunges while you work on your tan.
Source: Rent. / Camden Music Row
Located in The Gulch neighborhood, Camden Music Row benefits from a great location and supplements that with plenty of lifestyle luxuries and recreational amenities within the complex. The fitness center at Camden Music Row leaves nothing to be desired by providing residents with everything they could possibly need to get their heart rates up and stay in shape.
Boasting a rooftop pool, dedicated yoga studio, stationary bike station and commercial-grade equipment, the fitness amenities at this high-end complex are designed to comfortably accommodate the residents of all 430 units and then some.
Source: Rent. / Bells Bluff
Located about as close as you can possibly be to the Cumberland River, Bells Bluff is a great place for nature lovers to call home. The recreational amenities at this riverfront apartment complex include scenic hiking trails with plyometric stations peppered throughout.
But you can’t always make it into the great outdoors to get your steps in and that’s where the exemplary fitness center comes into play. The fitness center at this Hillwood complex features stationary bikes with pool views, versatile machines with trampoline-style rebounders and a TRX station for those body-weight warriors. Beyond that, Bells Bluff boasts two pools with one specifically designed for swimming laps.
Source: Rent. / Olympus Midtown
Olympus Midtown features a state-of-the-art fitness center and cardio studio that rivals what you would get from an expensive monthly gym membership. As the name suggests, this complex is located in the middle of Midtown and provides easy access to many of the unique attractions that make Nashville such a desirable city to call home.
The cardio machines have outside views, the machines have enough space between them to promote a stress-free experience and the free weights are plentiful so you rarely have to wait your turn to complete your workout. To put it simply, the fitness center at Olympus Midtown is among the best you’ll find in Music City.
Source: Rent. / Atlas at Germantown
Located amid the Victorian buildings and chic restaurants of Germantown, the Atlas at Germantown apartment complex is one of the more desirable places for renters to call home in Nashville. It’s easy to see why with just one look at this 24/7, state-of-the-art fitness center.
With carpeting that dulls the loud thuds of any aggressively dropped free weights, high ceilings and plenty of windows providing natural light, the fitness center at Atlas at Germantown is a great place to work up a sweat with a smile on your face. With everything from resistance cables to medicine balls to flatscreen TVs on the walls, the team behind the creation of this gym thought of everything and will have you canceling your gym membership as soon as you sign your lease.
Source: Rent. / Aspire Gulch Apartments
The tagline for the Aspire Gulch Apartments is “Fresh. Stylish. Sophisticated.” and if the fitness center is any indication of how they have lived up to those lofty descriptors, they’re doing a great job. Located in Pie Town, this 360-unit complex excellently caters to its active resident population.
Boasting racks on racks of free weights, mirrors for monitoring form and machines that can support a full workout circuit in and of themselves, there’s no excuse to not hit the gym when the space is as welcoming and appealing as this.
Never miss a workout in Nashville
No matter how you like to get your steps in or how much weight you’re throwing up at the bench press, there’s an apartment fitness center in Nashville that is up to the task of being your home base while you build the body you want. Find your favorite on the list above and fill out your application today.
Featured image source: Rent. / Brownstone SoBro Apartments
We never tire of looking at magnificent midcentury modern homes—and we’re not alone. They’ve been favored on architectural popularity lists for well over 75 years!
Midcentury modern design began in the mid-1940s, right after World War II. Soldiers were coming home, starting families, and setting off the baby boom—and they needed new homes quickly and inexpensively.
The experimental technologies and materials—steel, aluminum, tempered glass, stucco, and plywood—developed during the war and beyond were quickly applied to residential structures to meet the needs of the growing U.S. population.
The style had staying power—and spread across the U.S. You might think the epicenter of the midcentury modern movement would be in swanky Palm Springs, CA, where the design was energetically embraced. Or perhaps in the Midwest, where architectural icon Frank Lloyd Wright helped originate the movement.
But a simple search on Realtor.com® reveals that original midcentury modern homes can be found throughout the country.
The prices are as varied as the locations. We found prime and well-preserved examples ranging from $2.6 million to $249,500.
If open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek spaces, and a cool-cat vibe are on your list of must-haves, take a look.
Price: $1,995,000 Handsome in Hollywood: Brimming with original features, this 1960-built home is nestled in the hills of Beachwood Canyon, close to the Hollywood sign and the Lake Hollywood Reservoir. Celebrity-filled hiking trails await right outside the door.
This one is a three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,502-square-foot beauty with walls of glass, transom and picture windows, sliding glass doors, and balconies.
Original features include glass-block walls, a concrete-block fireplace, beamed ceilings, and brick planters. This hillside home is already pending sale.
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Price: $2,600,000 Pretty and petite: Beautifully restored and located in the popular Sun Terrace neighborhood, this two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,338-square-foot home proves that good things really do come in small packages.
Every square inch of this “atomic ranch” has been stylishly renovated. For example, custom floors were poured to match the original terrazzo. We’re also crazy about those primary-colored floor tiles.
Other exquisitely updated features include a sparkling kitchen with high-end appliances, and a high-impact roof and windows. The house is further equipped with smart technology.
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Price: $535,000 Boise beauty: Built in 1961, the two-story home has been updated with modern features like a state-of-the-art kitchen.
The three-bedroom, two-bath abode, with 2,028 square feet of interior space, has been updated from floor to ceiling. Plus, the home’s 9,583-square-foot lot includes a hot tub, storage shed, and chicken coop.
The home is located in a quiet neighborhood near downtown Boise, so there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. It’s also close to the interstate and the airport, just in case you ever need to get away from this pretty little piece of paradise.
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Price: $335,000 Kansas cocoon: If you’re the type who likes to keep the neighbors guessing—this could be the time capsule for you! All the big windows are in the back, and that 1966-era, stone-front exterior allows for plenty of privacy.
The interior space measures 1,949 square feet, and there are three bedrooms and two baths. Downstairs, you’ll find a playroom and storage area, a two-car garage, and an additional storage shed.
The listing indicates that “lots of possibilities await,” so it may need a little work.
The 0.42-acre lot is located on a cul-de-sac, not far from Garden City shopping. The nearest big city is Wichita. You’d have all the advantages of small-town living while enjoying a big-time, sophisticated home.
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Price: $1,900,000 Old yet new: While the architecture was inspired by seminal home designers Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra, this spacious home has had all of its mechanical systems updated. It’s a miraculous feat of blending midcentury modern style with 21st-century convenience.
This five-bedroom, seven-bath, 6,716-square-foot home sits on a 2.7-acre hilltop lot. It features sweeping views of the the surrounding countryside via floor-to-ceiling windows. Its finer features include all walls with cross-bracing to hold firm in a storm, exterior fir wood siding, and marble walls and chimneys.
Built in 1960, and fabulously maintained and updated, the property comes with additional living quarters that could be used as a short-term rental, according to the listing.
And there’s more good news: Most of the midcentury modern furniture can stay in the home, for the right price.
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Price: $1,725,000 Perfection in Princeton: This immaculately restored and updated home features a garage that has been converted into a light-filled office space. The property also comes with a beautiful apartment with a separate driveway and patio.
The five-bedroom, 4.5-bath dwelling sits on a leafy, 3-acre lot close to downtown Princeton. Originally built in 1955, it has period features like an open floor plan, beamed ceilings, large expanses of glass windows and doors, and a fireplace.
Bonus: Your kids can walk to an excellent school via a footpath from the backyard.
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Price: $249,500 Well-rounded: The least expensive home on our list, this circular brick house has four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and tons of style.
That sturdy construction could be responsible for its holding strong since it was built in 1964, since hurricanes have been known to pummel the region. Residents stay toasty and safe in its curvaceous sunken living room with a full masonry fireplace. The open kitchen with a spacious dining nook is another of the 3,046-square-foot residence’s highlights.
Louisiana might not be the first place you’d think to look for such a Space Age abode, yet here it sits, right in the middle of Louisiana’s fifth largest city. The low price and retro style attracted a buyer, and the property is now pending sale.
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Price: $2,200,000 Unquestionably unique: This midcentury modern design will absolutely take your breath away with its soaring ceilings, redwood-and-stone finishes, and towering windows overlooking picturesque Margaret’s Falls.
Built in 1961 by award-winning architect John Michael, who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, it has six bedrooms and five baths in a roomy 5,453 square feet of space. The fenced, hilltop lot is spacious as well, measuring almost 5 acres of landscaping near the house, as well as private woods.
Highlights include a stacked-stone, double-sided fireplace, original stone floors, and clever built-ins.
Pets bring joy, love, and companionship into our lives, but they also come with a unique set of challenges when it comes to keeping our homes clean and tidy. From shedding fur to tracking in dirt, pet-related messes can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you own a home in a wetter climate like Seattle, WA or an apartment in sunny Scottsdale, AZ, with the right strategies and a little extra effort, you can maintain a clean and pet-friendly place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective cleaning techniques, practical tips, and useful products to help you keep your home spotless while enjoying the company of your furry friends.
1. Establish a regular cleaning routine
Maintaining a clean home starts with establishing a consistent cleaning routine. Create a schedule that includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Daily tasks may include sweeping or vacuuming pet hair, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning litter boxes or pet bedding. Weekly tasks can involve mopping floors, washing pet toys, and sanitizing food and water bowls. Monthly tasks should cover more extensive cleaning, such as deep-cleaning carpets and upholstery or washing curtains and pet bedding.
2. Invest in pet-friendly flooring and furniture
Choosing the right flooring and furniture can significantly ease the cleaning process. Opt for pet-friendly flooring options like laminate, tile, or vinyl, as they are durable and easy to clean. Avoid carpets, which tend to trap pet hair and odors. When it comes to furniture, select materials that are resistant to stains and can be easily wiped clean, such as leather or microfiber. Additionally, consider using washable slipcovers or pet-friendly blankets to protect your furniture from pet-related messes.
3. Tackle pet hair with the right tools
Pet hair can quickly accumulate and cling to surfaces, making it a constant challenge for pet owners. Combat this issue by using the right tools. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet hair removal. Look for models with powerful suction, specialized attachments, and filters that trap allergens. Regularly vacuum all surfaces, including furniture, rugs, and curtains. Additionally, use a lint roller or a pet hair remover brush to remove hair from clothing or upholstery.
According to Jomarie Booth & Melanie Deromedi of K9 Feline Master Cutz, “cleaning up the floors can be quick and easy, with a Hair Removal Rubber Broom. It works great on any type of flooring, we use it on carpet and tile. Our furry floors have never been so clean.”
4. Implement paw cleaning stations
Prevent dirt and outdoor debris from entering your home by creating paw cleaning stations near entryways. Place absorbent mats or rugs at the door, along with a bucket or tray filled with water to dip your pet’s paws in. “Use a patterned mat on the inside of your door ways. You won’t be able to see the dirt collecting,” says pet care providers Whitney and Keith from KW Walkers. Teach your pets to wait patiently while you clean their paws, ensuring that they are clean and dry before entering the house. This simple practice can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and mud your pets bring indoors.
5. Address and prevent pet odors
Pets can occasionally leave behind unpleasant odors that linger in your home. To tackle pet odors effectively, start by regularly cleaning your pet’s living area, including litter boxes, cages, or bedding. Use odor-neutralizing sprays or air fresheners specifically formulated for pet odors. ”If you know you’re going to be away for longer than anticipated, put down absorbent pads to prevent accidents on your carpets or floors,” states pet groomer Danielle Simms of HushPuppies Spa. Additionally, you can maintain proper ventilation in your home by opening windows or using air purifiers to keep the air fresh and circulating.
6. Manage litter box odors
Litter box odors can be particularly challenging to eliminate. Ensure you clean the litter box daily, removing waste and replacing litter as needed. Consider using clumping litter, as it simplifies the cleaning process. Place an odor-absorbing pad or baking soda at the bottom of the litter box to help neutralize smells. If possible, position the litter box in a well-ventilated area or use a litter box enclosure to minimize odors. “Keep cat litter contained,” says pet care professional Crystal Nuthall. “I keep the cat litter in a closet with a cat hole on the door. There is a motion sensor light and an air filter that is always running. I also keep a mat under the door to trap litter on both sides.”
7. Use pet-safe cleaning products
When cleaning your home, it’s essential to use pet-safe cleaning products to protect your furry companions from harmful chemicals. Opt for natural, non-toxic cleaning solutions or make your own by using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Ensure you read labels carefully and avoid products that contain bleach, ammonia, or other potentially harmful substances. Regularly rinse surfaces to remove any residue that may be harmful to your pets.
8. Groom your pets regularly
Regular grooming sessions can significantly reduce shedding and keep your pets cleaner. “Brush your pets’ fur frequently using a pet-specific brush or a grooming glove to reduce shedding and dander,” says professional groomer, Juan Abreu of Kontota. This helps remove loose hair and prevents it from accumulating around your home. Additionally, trim your pets’ nails regularly to minimize scratches on furniture and floors. Bathing your pets as needed also helps keep them clean and fresh, reducing odors and dirt they bring inside.
Keeping a clean and pet-friendly home requires dedication, consistency, and the implementation of practical strategies. By establishing a regular cleaning routine, investing in pet-friendly materials, using the right cleaning tools, and prioritizing pet grooming, you can effectively manage pet-related messes and enjoy a clean living environment. Remember, a clean home not only benefits you but also contributes to the health and well-being of your beloved pets. Embrace these tips, adapt them to your specific needs, and create a harmonious living space where you and your pets can thrive together.
The coronavirus outbreak has created an army of remote workers, and it’s left those in the commercial real estate industry facing a real challenge – how do they get people to come back to the office?
According to Coen van Oostrom, chief executive of a real estate firm called Edge, companies will need to adapt and upgrade their work environments if they’re to persuade employees to return to the office.
“You have to basically seduce your people to come into the office and work there instead of from home,” van Oostrom told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Monday. “We believe that it will be the end of the large batteries of people working on a big floor, side to side, even with screens in between. There’s no real need for that any more; you can do your work everywhere. … We believe that the office will be the place that you get together, where the culture is being built, where new people are being brought in and can learn and understand the way things are done in a company, but to do so you have to have a work environment that is amazing.”
Van Oostrom said he believes that workplaces will become more like a “clubhouse” where employees can come in for one or two days a week and spend the rest of their time working from home. However, he believes that those who opt to work remotely on a permanent basis will be missing out on certain opportunities, and that their jobs could well be outsourced in the future.
“If you’re not part of the inner circle of a company and invited to come to that clubhouse, then you’re going to have a very difficult time,” van Oostrom said.
He said that companies can help workers feel more comfortable about returning to the office through design changes. For example, they can install extra staircases to help people avoid using elevators too much and risking their chances of catching a virus. They could also install air quality sensors to ease people’s concerns.
Meanwhile, public health officials say one of the easiest ways to prevent spreading germs indoors is to increase the volume of outside air that comes inside a building. Just opening a few windows can help with this, according to an NPR report. Still, many office buildings are fitted with windows that cannot be opened, and there has been a trend in recent years to create air tight seals in buildings to boost energy-efficiency. So architects are now challenged to come up with new ways to boost outdoor ventilation in a post COVID-19 world that doesn’t accelerate energy consumption.
Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected]
Standing at the front of Danielle Rago and Darren Hochberg’s home in Larchmont Village, where a concrete sidewalk welcomes you, the ordinary path becomes something extraordinary as it takes you on a journey from the street, through the house, to where the sidewalk ends — at an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the backyard.
As nearly 3–year-old Oliver Hochberg races down the smooth path toward the enclosed backyard and ADU, it’s as though he is personifying Shel Silverstein’s beloved poem that promises magic “for the children, they mark, and the children, they know the place where the sidewalk ends.”
But it wasn’t always this way.
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“Calling all handy families, investors, and developers!” read the listing for the crumbling three-bedroom, two-bathroom home just a few blocks from Larchmont Boulevard.
Those words were followed by a bonus sales pitch: “There is also a detached structure that would make a perfect creative space, playroom, or mother-in-law suite. Bring your contractor and your imagination and create the space that you have been dreaming about.”
The listing caught the attention of Rago and Hochberg, who had been dreaming of buying a home in the popular neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, quaint single-family homes and easy access to Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles.
With the number of ADU permits issued in California skyrocketing as thousands of homeowners add ADUs to their single-family lots, it’s not surprising the listing would emphasize the possibility of converting the garage into an ADU.
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It certainly appealed to Rago, who has a background in architecture and is the co-founder of This by That, an agency that represents progressive architects. “I like that it needed a lot of love,” says the 39-year-old. “I was excited by the prospect of creating an unexpected family compound that would complement the other homes on the street.”
Eight years ago the family — which now includes 3-month-old Julian as well as Oliver — purchased a rundown Spanish home in the Fairfax District. After renovating the home, however, they found themselves weary of bustling Melrose Boulevard and were contemplating their next big project. “We were itching to move to Larchmont Village because we were thinking about starting a family,” says Rago, citing the neighborhood’s small-town vibe.
They loved the neighborhood but, like so many couples in Los Angeles, could not afford the homes that were available. “Everything was so expensive,” Rago says with a sigh. “We had to buy a home that needed a lot of TLC.”
Using the profits from the sale of their remodeled Fairfax District home, the couple purchased the bungalow in 2019 and reached out to designers Claus Benjamin Freyinger and Andrew Holder of the Los Angeles Design Group (LADG) to help them rethink the entire property.
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Having worked with them professionally, Rago felt the designers had the right mindset to help them create an experimental compound that would accommodate not just their family but their extended families for years to come. (The couple paid for the firm’s design services and received no discounts in exchange for Rago’s professional work for the company.)
From Day One, the couple knew they wanted to convert the garage into an ADU, not to bring in extra income to help pay the mortgage but rather as a way to take full advantage of the site.
The problem with ADUs, says Freyinger as he motions to the ADU on view through the living room’s dramatic pivoting window, is “they don’t always address the entire parcel of land.” Or worse, they sit vacant.
“We wanted to preserve the use of the whole site,” he continues. “This home and ADU are very ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’: Not too big. Not too small.” In other words: just right.
Gone are the days of congregating around a hearth or a fireplace, Freyinger says. Today’s homes are about creating welcoming spaces where people can connect with one another. So the designers added additions to the front and back of the dwelling and cut the house into four quadrants divided by two running sidewalks, west to east and north to south. Three small bedrooms are at the front of the house, while the larger communal spaces are at the rear of the house.
Today, the 1,426-square-foot nondescript house has morphed into a 1,950-square-foot contemporary home. The kitchen, considered the household’s nucleus, soars into double-height OSB-paneled volumes. Overlapping, wedge-shaped roofs extend to provide shade over outdoor living areas, and a sunny living room overlooks the 4-foot-deep pool and ADU.
The 620-square-foot ADU, which shrewdly includes a storage-lined breezeway that can accommodate the family’s sports equipment, toys, strollers and storage bins, cost $315,150 and includes one bedroom and a bathroom.
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In an inventive move, for outdoor entertaining the designers installed a kitchenette at the front of the ADU so that it faces the yard. When the folding glass door is open, the kitchen becomes a part of the outdoor area, which “really brings the ADU to life,” says Hochberg, who is 39 and works in finance.
On the other side of the kitchenette, facing the living room, there is a built-in desk that can be opened or closed, depending on the couple’s work-from-home needs.
Due to supply chain issues during the pandemic, Rago says they were forced to “make interesting decisions that brought a new dimension to the house.” In the kitchen of the main house, for example, they installed textured plaster ceilings when plywood was scarce. Likewise, the cabinets are composed of conventional whitewashed OSB panels with a pickled finish.
To save money in the ADU, they added simple concrete floors and purchased a folding glass door from Brea-based Win-Dor at a fraction of the cost of higher-end products like Fleetwood or NanaWall. The kitchenette features inexpensive OSB panels and porcelain countertops instead of quartz or granite. “We stepped it down a notch in the ADU,” Rago says, “but it still reads consistently with the main house.”
The couple, who met in the Poconos as 8-year-olds, view the ADU as an extension of the house. They occupy it regularly while working from home or hosting family.
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“I want to spend as much time at home with the kids as I can while they are little,” Rago says.
Rago and Hochberg’s compound is all about being together and the joy that dwells at the end of the sidewalk. It provides an indoor-outdoor experience where their kids can roam free in a drought-tolerant garden filled with sages, California poppies and grevillea, and they can spend time with the ones they love.
“We wanted a space for our family, who are all on the East Coast, so that they can come to visit us and our kids,” Rago says. “I wanted them to be able to stay for a week or two and feel like they are in their own home and not looking into our space and vice versa. Now, we can’t get rid of them,” she jokes.
The ADU may serve as an extension of the main house, but it also demonstrates, through its use of conventional materials and experimental architecture, that it’s possible to “chip away at the identification of the single-family home,” with its “conservative notions of architecture and the family,” says LADG co-principal Andrew Holder.
Perhaps most impressive is the designers’ ability to create something new while maintaining the small-town feel of the neighborhood. From the street, the geometric façade stands out, but it doesn’t overwhelm. And at the end of the sidewalk? Magic.