Charlotte NC Homeowner Tips Archives - Houses for Sale in Charlotte NC %

A Green Spring – Charlotte Homeowner Tips

04/06/2019 by Debe Leave a Comment

A Green Spring – Charlotte Homeowner Tips

It’s spring cleaning time — and time for all things growing and green. Speaking of ‘green,’ how green is your house? Upgrading some of your home’s features to be more environmentally friendly can improve your home’s value and save you some ‘green’ in the long run, too.

Green updating may cost a little more up-front but, they are worth it in the long run – both environmentally and in utility bill savings.

Here are a few green updates you can make to your home:

• Install ENERGY STAR® appliances

• Install solar panels

• Get a geothermal water heater

• Install energy efficient windows & doors

• Install plumbing that reduces water usage

• Use a programable, smart thermostat

• Use lightbulbs that are energy efficient (LED and CFL are the best)

• Don’t crank the air conditioner unless you really have to—use ceiling fans

*Note: Some of these improvements may qualify you for tax breaks.

Thinking of listing your Charlotte area home? Let’s talk! Call or text Debe @ (704) 491-3310.

5 Ways to Protect Your Yard from the End of Winter Temperature Drops

03/06/2019 by Debe Leave a Comment

5 Ways to Protect Your Yard from the End of Winter Temperature Drops

Each year, about this time, we have one or two freezing nights, just when you think spring has sprung! Each year, beautiful blooms, exposed to the freezing temperatures, die or are browned/damaged by the frigid weather.

When the below-32º temperatures are predicted, here are a few easy tips to protect your budding or blooming yard at winter’s end:

5 Tips to Protect Your Yard when the Temperature Falls

• Place patio chairs over larger plants and shrubs to protect them from the elements.

• Cover the branches of blossoming trees at night with trash bags – but, remember to remove them in the morning so the blossoms don’t cook in the springtime sun.

• Use cardboard boxes to insulate plants against frigid temperatures.

• If you’re anticipating bad weather, think about picking up some sturdy wire mesh that you can use to encircle plants and then cover them with plastic.

• Turn empty laundry baskets, kitchen pots or terra-cotta planters upside-down to cover young, sprouting plants – it will protect them from severe weather.

If you’re looking for a home with space for a spring garden, I can help! Contact me today at (704) 491-3310.

Cleaning House: How to Tidy Up and Declutter Without Professional Help

02/24/2019 by Debe 1 Comment

More from our DIY Series: Cleaning House: How to Tidy Up and Declutter Without Professional Help

Cleaning and decluttering are great ways to improve your home and your health, but they can be big jobs that take a lot of time and effort to complete. Many homeowners try to take care of smaller cleaning jobs throughout the week when they have a few minutes to spare and leave the bigger projects for the weekend. However, when you have kids or other obligations, sometimes those good intentions fall by the wayside. These days, more and more people are turning to professional help for whipping their homes into shape, but the good news is that there are several easy ways you can get started on your own without having to pay for assistance.

If you have limited time, it may be a good idea to create a cleaning routine that will allow you to get things done throughout the week. This might include dividing the chore between your family members, which will help take the bulk of the burden off your shoulders, or it might simply be an easy way to keep track of what needs to be taken care of. For example, turning Mondays into kitchen-cleaning days, Tuesdays for bathrooms, Wednesdays for laundry, and so on will allow you to stay on top of the cleaning tasks without overwhelming you.

There are several details to consider, which might include some of the following tips.

Decluttering your Charlotte Home — Decluttering in preparation for listing your Charlotte home.

Finding the Right Vacuum

No matter what kind of floors you have in your home, you’ll want to find a great vacuum that can handle any type of mess. Your pet’s favorite napping spot, high-traffic areas, and kids’ rooms might need a little extra love, so look for a vacuum that will work great on carpet, tile, and hardwood so you won’t have to switch back and forth between cleaning tools as you go. There are several on the market that won’t break the bank; do a little research to find the right one for your needs, and make sure you check out guides and read the reviews before you buy.

Clean Out That Clutter

You may have seen television shows that bring together a family with a professional clutter banisher, and often these shows focus on cleaning and organizing a single space. You can go through your entire house, however, and get rid of things you no longer want or need and tidy up. The key is to prevent the process from becoming overwhelming. Staying organized will help, so make sure you start by gathering all the materials you’ll need. Boxes, trash bags, cleaning supplies, and a large black marker will all come in handy. Mark each box so you can keep track of where the contents are going: trash, donation, or keep. Items that can be consolidated, such as photo albums that can be scanned and saved on a hard drive, can be packed away and put into storage; you can also go digital with collections.

Groom Your Pets

If you have pets, you probably know how hard it can be to keep things clean. One of the easiest ways to stay on top of cleaning around pets is simply keeping them properly groomed. If you have a long-haired cat or dog, take them outside to a secure area a couple of times a week and brush them well. During colder months, however, have a groomer cut their hair, as it tends to grow in thicker during that time. Keeping a towel or some pet wipes by the door to clean your dog’s feet after a walk will leave your floors looking new even during rainy season.

Use Storage Solutions

Many clutter and organizational problems can be solved with some clever storage solutions, especially if you have limited space in your home. Utilize bins, over-the-door organizers, and hidden racks that can be mounted inside a cabinet door to save room while keeping things neat and tidy, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and garage.

Cleaning your home and getting it organized doesn’t have to require a Herculean effort. With some simple tricks and techniques, you can stay on top of your home’s chores without all the stress. Get the family involved to make the process even easier, and think of some ways to incorporate fun so that everyone will get on board, such as playing upbeat music.

Thanks to Eugene Williams, DIY Dad Extraordinaire for contributing this article.

For information on decluttering for listing your Charlotte home, let’s talk! Call or text (704) 491-3310 or email me at SavvyBroker@me.com

Top Tips for Giving Your Bedroom a DIY Facelift

01/27/2019 by Debe Leave a Comment

Top Tips for Giving Your Bedroom a DIY Facelift

Is your bedroom overdue for a makeover? If your space is looking more weary than restorative, there are plenty of things you can do to breathe new life into your boudoir. Here’s how to give the space a whole new appeal, DIY-style.

Tailor-Made — By You!

Giving your home a customized look can be daunting, but there are some changes you can make with minimal skills and tools. For instance, shiplap walls provide a beautiful update most homeowners can tackle, and the look can work in nearly any design style. Try installing an accent wall to get started, and you can always expand your project later. Another idea is to change up your headboard. Wall-mounted headboards are all the rage, and it creates a nice, modern, floating effect. Looking for a smaller project that packs a wallop? Consider changing the hardware on your dressers. New drawer pulls, handles and knobs can make an old piece of furniture new again. Consider taking your old hardware to the store while you shop, to match up the size. That way, you can avoid having to patch the old holes and drilling new ones.

Upgrade Your Bedding

Little feels more refreshing than settling into a well-chosen bed at night. If you sleep poorly, wake up frequently, or experience stiffness or pain in the mornings, it could all be due to your mattress. Prevention.com notes that mattresses have a lifespan of just five to 10 years, and it’s also important that your mattress meshes with your sleep position. While it may not seem like a big deal, poor quality sleep can lead to all sorts of health concerns and reduce your quality of life. There are plenty of mattress options out there, so explore websites such as ConsumersAdvocate.org before you make a selection. That way, you can ensure you make the best choice for your comfort, and you’ll look forward to snuggling into your refreshed bedroom.

Restful Wall Color

One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to alter the look of a room is to change the wall color. Doing a great job will make you feel proud and content, so be thoughtful about the process. Ensure you prep the surface properly and choose good quality supplies for the best results. If you haven’t painted a room before or your skills could use some brushing up, you can review Martha Stewart’s step-by-step pointers for achieving a perfect paint job.

As far as colors, select shades which promote serenity and rest. Lavender, gray, sage, blue-green, and beige all tend to be relaxing and restorative. Feeling creative? You can spice things up a bit with a faux finish, such as sponging, glazing, or adding a lime finish. When it comes time to select your other decor and your accent colors, some experts suggest repeating the second hue at least three times throughout the space.

Add Patterns for Pop

Bringing your bedroom to life is quick and easy when you start mixing patterns. The key is to change up the sizes, use at least three patterns, and begin with the largest, boldest pattern first. For ideas, look at a favorite piece of fabric, your wall art, or gather cues from nature. Stick with consistency in the richness of your selections, and also be attentive to fabric textures. Certain textures, such as damask, panne velvet, and ruching, are strong enough to act as patterns.

Rethinking Your Rug

You might be surprised to learn what’s underfoot can make a big impact on how restful your bedroom feels. When it comes to selecting a rug that promotes rest and relaxation, Elle Decor recommends going big. Larger rugs help dampen sound, which means a quieter sleep environment. Also, aim for rugs with a natural feel, such as wool, cotton, or silk, and avoid patterns that are distractingly bold or large.

When it’s time to rethink your sleeping environment, you can do some great DIYs. Create a bedroom that feels welcoming, warm, and personal with some well-thought-out changes and simple updates. You’ll sleep easier in your new, improved space.

Thanks to our ‘DIY Dad,’ Eugene Williams for contributing this post. Visit his website for more wonderful DIY tips.

Debe Maxwell | RE/MAX Executive | The Maxwell House Group | CharlotteBroker@icloud.com | Top Tips for Giving Your Bedroom a DIY Facelift

What You Need to Know about the 2019 Mecklenburg County Tax Revaluation

01/25/2019 by Debe Leave a Comment

Charlotte homeowners have been bracing for big increases in the tax value of their properties since our last revaluation was done during The Great Recession. So, as you can imagine, the revaluation of real property is going to be considerably more than the ‘normal’ increases since we went from them being performed during the lowest of lows to now, the highest of highs.

Sales prices have continued to be on the rise, therefore our valuations are going to reflect that. Charlotte’s real estate market has boomed out of The Great Recession with some 70 new residents moving here each and every day.

Mecklenburg County’s property website has been slowed to a crawl as tens of thousands of residents close one eye to take a peek at their new assessed tax values. Thousands have lined up to file their appeal of the county’s valuation decision.

Why now?

Mecklenburg County reassesses property values every eight years, as does all of North Carolina. Because property taxes are a primary source for our local government, this scheduled re-calculation is a must to keep the County operating at its highest capacity.

Property taxes pay for things like public schools, community colleges, libraries, local government employees’ salaries, parks & rec, sanitation, sewer, police and fire protection, roads and other local needs. Each of these items can have its own percentage rate that is multiplied by the assessed value of your property to determine a portion of your bill. The taxes you owe for each item are totaled to determine your final property tax bill.

The Country has systematically put a price tag on every property within its borders. This value is used to calculate property tax paid to the city and county government. The property tax rate, also called a multiplier or mill rate, is a percentage by which the assessed value of your property is multiplied to determine your new tax bill. Homeowners in the city of Charlotte pay $1.31 for every $100 of assessed value — or about $5,240 for a $400,000 home.

You will receive your new valuation this month in the mail; there is no need to pay your 2019 bill at this time. Actual tax bills will go out beginning July 19, 2019. Your taxes will be due on September 1, 2019, and to avoid penalties or interest, must be paid by January 7, 2020.

The county tax assessor’s office prepared the Board of Commissioners that residential property increases would average more than 40%. I’ve spoken to many clients this week, all of whom are reporting a 33% increase in residential taxes. The new commercial tax valuations are the ones that are significant with many being 100% or higher.

Check your property tax value

If you haven’t checked the site yet or don’t know where to go to check the value of your property, visit the Mecklenburg County’s property records website and enter your address.

This will take you to a page that has the details of your home and a breakdown of the valuation (land, building, extras). The new value is in the top right hand corner. Note the hot link on the right hand side (red arrow under Assessment Details) will take you to the letter that the County is sending.

This information is valuable if you need to appeal or have the county correct any misinformation you find. Contained within the letter, you will receive an “Informal Review Form” and that MUST be completed within 30 days of receipt of your new valuation.

If you opt to appeal the valuation formally, you may file a Formal Appeal with the Board of Equalization and Review (BER) by May 20, 2019.

The new valuations (Notice of 2019 Real Estate Assessed Value letter) were mailed Wednesday, so they should start hitting our mailboxes today.

Next Steps

Contact the County Assessor’s Office at AssessorQuestions@MeckNC.gov or call (980) 314-4226 if you have questions regarding the new assessment. And, of course, I am not a CPA or tax attorney so, if you have further questions, please contact your financial planner, tax attorney or CPA.

Home Maintenance & Inspection Schedule – Annual Checklist

12/21/2018 by Debe Leave a Comment

Today is officially the first day of winter and we are reminded of the harsh treatment our homes receive from Mother Nature each and every winter season. Owning a home is a dream come true for many and keeping that dream home in its top condition requires a little preventative maintenance. Just as we have an annual physical with our physicians, consider yourself your home’s doctor – at least the one that oversees all maintenance!

You may not be able to do the work but, if you need a vendor to help with any of the items on the checklist below, let me know. I have a great list of vendors who often help my clients – and myself – with needed home repairs found during our seasonal inspections.

Call or text (704) 491-3310 if you need the name of a great contractor for your maintenance needs or if you would like a printable .pdf of this list, courtesy of Homes.com.

Have a wonderful winter & a fantastic New Year!