Cleaning and maintaining your house with children running around is hard enough as it is. The thought of putting your house on the market and getting it ready to sell while you and your family are still living in it may be enough to make you run away in fear. While it won’t be easy, it is only for a temporary amount of time. Let’s discuss a few budget-minded tips to help you out.

Declutter and Deep Clean

It should come as no surprise that the first step to getting your home ready to sell is to declutter and deep clean. No one walks into a dirty, messy house wanting to buy it for themselves. Tackle one room at a time, taking the time and effort to declutter every nook and cranny; there can’t be any junk drawers or overstuffed closets. Potential buyers will want to see every area of your home, including the little spaces and drawers that are usually hidden. You also need to deep clean every space from top to bottom. With children and your busy schedule, this can be a difficult task. It may be worth hiring a cleaning service to come in and get the job done for you (maid services usually charge between $116 and $235. Fortunately, using apps like Tidy, you can find affordable house cleaners who can tackle these big projects for a price your budget can handle.

Staging Your Space Wisely

Once you have a clean and decluttered home, you now need to stage your home. Staging your home means intentionally styling your furniture and décor in a way that makes it the most attractive to potential buyers. Paint over your child’s bright pink bedroom walls, choosing neutral colors all throughout your home. If any of your furniture is worn or damaged, this is a great time to donate, sell, or store it during the sale. Designing an attractive space may not be a talent of yours, so consider hiring a professional to come in and stage your home. If you want to save money and avoid paying someone to stage your home, there are many home-staging guides available online so you can handle this project yourself at a fraction of the cost.

Keeping Your House Showroom Ready

Now you have a beautifully staged, clean home. Unless you are fortunate enough to have a buyer the day you put it on the market, you will likely have weeks ahead full of showings. This means you must maintain this state of perfection during that time. If you are still living in the house with your family, this may be the hardest part of the entire process. Realtor.com offers some great cleaning hacks to keep your house showroom ready at all times, like keeping the countertops clean and focusing on the bathroom and kitchen. It is also helpful to keep cleaning supplies in each room, ready and accessible for a quick clean while you are in there. To help you keep those costs under control, look around online for savings, such as a Target coupon code, which can bring the overall price of those supplies into manageable levels.

It’s Showtime

With kids and a busy schedule, it’s best to arrange planned showings of your home as opposed to an open house. Hopefully, you will have advanced notice of each showing to ensure your home is ready prior to the potential buyers arriving. Of course, there will be times when your realtor calls and asks to swing by in 20 minutes to show your home to potential buyers. When this happens, it helps to have a plan in order. Keep an affordable plastic bin handy to quickly put away all toys and clutter, and turn on a diffuser with a neutral citrus scent. Most importantly, take your kids out of the house. It’s a great idea to have a prepacked bag with your child’s favorite activities to keep them entertained while you are away.

This time won’t be easy, and it will frequently feel a little chaotic and very stressful. However, just keep in mind that it is temporary and stick to your plan. Once your house sells, you and your budget will be thankful for all your diligent effort and preparation.

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Located in the desirable Whitehall subdivision and the DORCHESTER II SCHOOLS, this charming home sets itself apart from the rest with its long driveway, deep front yard, beautiful mature treed landscaping with irrigation, giving that true southern feel! The spacious family room offers plenty of space to entertain as it flows into the updated eat-in kitchen which features granite countertops, tile backsplash, s/s appliances incl gas range, and plenty of storage! Enjoy those special family meals in your separate dining room.

Upstairs, the nicely sized Master Ensuite has vaulted ceilings, generous walk-in closet and dual vanities. Opportunities are endless with the large bonus room which could be a 4th bedroom, media/play room or office! And, two additional bedrooms and guest bath round out the second floor.

Making your way outside, the home has a great, large, fenced yard! With a large, brick patio and lots of room to run, this yard is perfect for pets and entertaining friends and family. Your new home is conveniently situated to 26, 526, shopping, restaurants, Boeing, Charleston International Airport, Joint Base Charleston and even downtown Charleston! Start off your new year right with this home!

See lots  more pictures here:http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/details/hn0/0/

Situated just minutes to downtown Charleston, SC and I26, this stunning and exquisitely remodeled mid-century modern home, located at 19 Ashland Drive, Charleston, SC, offers an open floor plan and spacious yard for seamless indoor/outdoor enjoyment. From the expansive living/dining area with ultra modern dream kitchen to the BRAND NEW deck, you and your family will fall in love with the most detailed, unique features of this showstopper!

The light-filled chef's kitchen, which any person who loves to cook would love to have, has generous counters and unique storage space, a large island and top-of-the-line professional stainless steel appliances, including a 36'' Pro Series Stainless Steel Bertazzoni gas Range with Convection Oven, Smeg warming oven and pot filler.

The romantic master retreat includes spacious closet storage and a zen-like master bath which even has heated towel bars and Bluetooth speaker system!  The European fixtures will certainly wow you!

The awesome, unique loft, NOT included in the square footage but has heat vents, is perfect for an office/teen 'cave'/creative space or 4th bedroom. Other highlighted features such as elegant Brazilian Tigerwood hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting, built-in modern designed cabinets, along with the two additional, nicely sized bedrooms and European style guest bath round off this truly unique and striking home. The upgrades are too numerous so make sure to reach out to us for more information!

Between your huge backyard at the end of a quiet cul de sac (with NO HOA and no flood zone!) which offers a peaceful, country-like setting and all of the state-of-the-art features that you would normally see in high end, new construction homes, you will never want to leave this true architectural mid-century-modern architecture experience! West Ashley, SC's popular restaurants, shops, parks and biking trails are just within a 2.5 mile radius too! Don't miss this opportunity for unparalleled living and entertaining space whilst preserving the peacefulness and privacy of individual sleeping quarters! 

For details on this beautiful home, please click on this link:  http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=%0920000033+

Seniors know there is no place like home. That’s why an estimated 71 percent of people want to age in place as they enter their twilight years. Of course, in order to stay in their home, safety should be taken into consideration. The little household accidents that don’t mean much when you are younger can have serious health implications when they happen to a person over 65. As we age, our bodies grow frailer while our reflexes slow down. An unexpected fall can lead to significant injuries that can impede a person’s ability to care for themselves. A fall can even be fatal for a senior. Fortunately, there are things people can do to make their homes safer, prevent accidents, and facilitate aging in place for retirees over the age of 65.

Clean It Out

One of the best ways to make a home accessible for seniors is by cleaning out all the excess junk and removing unnecessary furnishings — especially low-profile ones like rugs, ottomans, and coffee tables that can pose a risk for tripping. Here’s a helpful strategy for decluttering: If the home burned down and the person lost everything, what would they replace as soon as possible? Make a home inventory — anything that the person could get by without much notice should be trashed, donated, or sold.

An easy place to start cleaning is the closet. As we age, we tend to favor more comfortable clothing options that are easy to get on and off at the beginning and end of each day. Go through and clean out formal outfits, things that are ill-fitting, and all those garments they’ve held on to for too many years. Family members and friends can come by and pick out the best of the vintage gems. Everything else can be sold, donated, recycled, or repurposed. Once you have the closet cleaned out, move on to other areas of the house until they only have the things they need to live comfortably day-to-day.

Household Renovations

Making a house safe for aging in place may take a significant investment in renovations. For instance, if the home has steps and stairs, safety ramps need to be installed so that seniors can safely climb up and down unencumbered. If their house has two stories, seniors with mobility aids may need a residential chair lift in order to get both up and downstairs.

Another area of the house that will need updates is the bathroom. Bathrooms are the most dangerous part of the house. Facilitate safe bathing by installing a shower bench and extendable showerhead. These also make it easier for seniors to maintain their modesty when bathed by a caregiver should the need arise. Grab bars by the toilet, tub, and sink are also helpful when it comes to getting up and down while in this very important room. It may also be helpful to install a slip-proof flooring that reduces their chances of falling.

Moving On

Sometimes, the houses where people raise their families are not the best options for aging in place after all. It may be easier to simply move to another home that is smaller and already outfitted with accessibility features. Depending on how much their current home is worth, it can even be more cost-efficient than doing renovations. Use online filters to help search for accessible homes for sale in your area. Make a checklist of all the things the retiree would like in their home, and use that list to weed out houses that do not fit the criteria.

After you’ve found a house that fits your needs and lifestyle, it’s time to search for a home loan that works best for your finances. For instance, many people look into conventional mortgages due to the benefits they provide, which include the choice between adjustable and fixed-rate loans and the ability to avoid additional mortgage insurance payments by putting 20 percent down at closing. However, keep in mind that you’ll need a good credit score (680 in most cases) and a debt-to-income that’s less than 45 percent to qualify. Some people opt to wait until they can meet these criteria so they can reap the benefits conventional loans offer.

Seniors who wish to age in place must prepare their homes for safe living. Start by clearing out clutter and only keeping the necessities in the home. Safety renovations such as ramps and shower benches can prevent accidents and injury. However, sometimes it makes more sense to simply downsize and move to a home that is already accessible.

photo via pixabay

As soon as you walk into this home located in West Ashley/Charleston, SC, you will be instantly wowed!  Brand new, beautiful engineered hardwood floors, gorgeous galley kitchen with granite counters and upgraded cabinets are just the start.  As you enter the living area, you will fall in love with the coastal feel of the shiplapped walls, beautiful fireplace and entry out to the screened porch which overlooks the neighborhood pool.

Upstairs you will find two nicely sized bedrooms with shared bath.  The master has its own sink/dressing area too for added privacy.

You will love the amenities that Ashleytowne Village has to offer, between the pool, dog park and community boat dock and ramp!  Boat and RV storage is available for an additional cost.

For details on this lovely home, go to:  http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=19027724

Call today for your exclusive showing!

If you are looking to live in an area that has that country feel yet close to beaches and shopping, you don't want to miss this wonderful move-in ready one-story home, situated in a lush, private, tropical setting on a cul de sac in the popular Summertrees neighborhood of Johns Island, South Carolina.  What is even better, this home is not in a flood zone or in a formal HOA!

Features of this home include an open floorplan with bamboo floors throughout the main area.  The large kitchen has granite counters and plentiful cabinets and counter space - couple with the floorplan, this home is perfect for entertaining extended family and friends!

The spacious master ensuite is located on one side of the home while the additional two bedrooms and guest bathroom are situated on the other side, offering plenty of privacy for everyone.

Enjoy the lowcountry weather on your screened porch which overlooks a beautiful garden oasis, complete with multiple fruit trees, which attracts all kinds of wildlife.

For details on this wonderful home, go to:  http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=19027861

Schedule your showing today!

Looking to either purchase your first home or downsize and want maintenance-free living?  Don't miss this lovely, move-in ready duplex in the Village on Central subdivision in Summerville, SC.  You will LOVE this great open-concept floorplan which makes living so much easier.  

Features include a nicely sized foyer that opens to a large living room/dining room combination.  You will find gleaming laminate flooring throughout.  During those chilly months, cozy up and stay warm in front of your gas fireplace and on those warmer summer mornings, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee out on your screened porch.  The well-equipped, eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar, overlooks the living room, which is perfect for entertaining and has ample cabinet space!  The vaulted ceilings in the living room and master bedroom allows plenty of natural light.  The spacious master ensuite has lots of closet space as well.  Living can't get any easier with the HOA maintained lawncare which includes your irrigation as well! 

Conveniently located to shopping, schools and downtown Summerville being only three miles away, this townhome is truly located in a highly desirable area that you do not want to miss!

For more information, go to:  http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=19027151

When your Realtor plans to do an open house, there are a few things that you can do to help make the day a success. And, it doesn’t have to cost half your equity in unnecessary upgrades and renovations. 

Here are a few often-overlooked ideas that range from free to a few hundred dollars that can help you net more from your investment.

Look at the outside 

Curb appeal. It’s a term often tossed around but not necessarily understood by home sellers. Your curb appeal is simply how inviting your home looks from the outside. Curb appeal includes everything from the color uniformity of your grass to neatly trimmed shrubs and clean shutters. Make your home a showplace by mowing a day or two before your open house, filling holes or fixing damage caused by dogs or children, and pulling weeds. Curb appeal isn’t just about your lawn. You can also add a new mailbox and outdoor lighting and give your front door a new coat of paint. 

Keep it clean

You will never clean your house well enough to make it look like no one’s been there. But when you’re ready to host an open house, that’s exactly the kind of clean you need. Your eyes (and nose) are acclimated to your environment—your buyers’ senses are not. Before your open house, hire a housecleaning service to get the nooks and crannies you’ll undoubtedly overlook.  

Light is right

Ideally, your home will be well lit with natural light, which doesn’t alter colors and produces a sense of openness. But, if you don’t have large windows or if your open house will take place in late afternoon when the sun has already set, you’ll need to take special care or to get your interior lighting just right. Lighting is a powerful interior design element, and your home’s ambient light should illuminate as large a space as possible to enhance visibility and safety. Choose a bulb that puts your home’s colors in their (pardon the pun) best light. You can find multiple options at your local hardware store for about $5 per bulb.

Just go already

Now that you’ve got the lighting, lawn, and look just right, your main priority is to vacate the premises. According to Bank Rate, sellers should never stay on-site during an open house. It will make buyers uncomfortable and may give you an inflated sense of your home’s actual value. Don’t forget to grab the dog on your way out the door, as your pup’s presence is also an undesirable distraction.

While no one thing on this list guarantees your house will be sold by the end of the day, they are all great ways to shift the focus to the positive aspects of your home. Inviting curb appeal and white-glove treatment can go a long way toward bolstering your home-selling efforts.

Image via Pixbay

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! This immaculate, lowcountry home is in one of the most desirable James Island areas. As soon as you are greeted by the gas lanterns at the entrance of this quaint neighborhood, you will feel like you are in downtown Charleston, SC! Nestled in a quiet cul de sac, you will immediately imagine yourself sitting in a rocking chair, sipping sweet tea on your expansive front porch or enjoying a morning coffee on your screened porch, watching the wildlife enjoying the pond. Inside you will find spacious living & dining areas with gleaming hardwood floors throughout, gas fireplace for those chilly southern winter nights & beautiful crown molding. The kitchen has a large island, beautiful granite counters & glass backsplash, upgraded cabinets - perfect for those who love to cook and entertain. Privately situated on the 1st floor, the large master ensuite has BRAND NEW HARDWOOD FLOORS. Upstairs, you will find two guest bedrooms and an additional bathroom. The detached garage, complete with a mini split unit to keep the space comfortable all year round, is insulated with spray foam and insulation on the garage door and perfect for a gym, man cave or home office! And, enjoy your own hidden retreat behind the garage, complete with a Belgard patio. You definitely don't want to miss this gem of a home which is minutes to downtown Charleston and Folly Beach!

For more information, go to:  http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=19023054

Contact us to schedule your exclusive showing at 1125 Sabrina Circle, Charleston, SC  29412

We all know land is becoming scarce in Summerville, SC as developers snatch up large parcels of land and build new homes on postage stamp sized lots.  So, when the opportunity for a lot in Historic Summerville comes up, anyone looking to build their dream home, needs to jump.

Well, here is your chance to build your dream home in the heart of Summerville! This partially cleared .29 acre lot, nestled between Main Street and West Carolina, is an easy walk to Azalea Park, the Farmers Market, some of Summerville's best restaurants, as well as the newly renovated Town Square!  A lot of this size, in Summerville, especially in the heart of downtown, is very hard to come by - Don't miss out!! 

Go to http://www.sccoastalislandhomes.com/search/results/?mls_number=19022051 or contact me for more information.