When the days are long and the years are short, unique kid-friendly activities are a must! If you’ve played every board game in the house and enough hide and go seek to last until 2021, crafts and new activities are a fun and engaging way for your kids to learn, have fun, and bond, all at the same time! Here are some that your family might enjoy…
Let me know which ones are your favorite! Tag me in your creations at @MelanieHane on Instagram!
If you are thinking of selling, I am here to help. Below are some of the recommendations that I give to my clients prior to getting professional photography done, and, of course, any open houses.
1. De-clutter! Every single room should be cleaned up and out. Make sure there is no dust lingering and that there are not tons of loose items everywhere. Less is truly more! Let the house shine.
2. Remove all personal photos.
3. Remove anything of value, i.e.: jewelry, small electronics, computers, prescription medications, passports, credit cards, cash, etc.
4. Remove anything that is attached to the walls or the ceiling that you may want to keep. Do this prior to listing your home. You can tell buyers that the chandelier in the entryway is not included, yet they may still want it… even if they do not like it. It is best to remove anything like this (even wall sconces, etc.) before anyone sees it.
5. If empty, stage the home.
6. Make minor repairs if necessary.
7. Enhance your home’s curb appeal. Some quick ways to do this are with landscaping, or perhaps a freshly painted front door, and even by buying the home wash hose attachment to ensure that the exteriors are immaculate.
8. Make sure that your address is easily visible from the street. You might want to buy new house numbers to showcase your address, or do repaint your current ones.
9. Price your home correctly. If this is a home that has not seen any TLC in many years, I suggest you don't do anything to it, and simply clear everything out and price it accordingly, which could mean under market value.
I hope this helps you as you begin the process of selling your home. Do you have a copy of my book? It elaborates on many of these and more. Request a free copy now:
Click below to view the latest market reports for your favorite Southern California communities…
Staying at home and social distancing is uncharted territory for everyone, but may we find comfort in all being in the same boat together. Below is an array of recipes that are full of nutrients to keep you healthy from the inside out — each also has minimal ingredients! I hope you enjoy these easy options. Tag me on Instagram @MelanieHane if you make them!
Courtesy of Rentspree.
In 2008, much of the economic downturn was focused on a severely overvalued housing market with a simultaneous sub-prime mortgage meltdown, resulting in cascading foreclosures in markets around the country. For many, the assumption is that a 2020 recession would likely unfold in a similar way, with similar impacts.
The good news, however, is that there is not always a correlation between economic recessions and the US housing market. Note this graphic from the Federal Reserve, which tracks US home prices against historical periods of recession.
Home price index through previous recessions
You’ll note that in both the early ‘90s and early ‘00s recessions, home prices held fairly steady. Many analysts feel that this will be the case for our current economic contraction.
Current leases will end and new tenants will need to be found to fill empty rental units.
Empty nesters who have downsized simply don’t have the room for returning college students and laid-off adult children in their smaller homes. They’ll be looking for rentals to accommodate their expanded households.
As job losses mount, young workers will be forced to give up their current rentals or take in roommates to make ends meet. They’ll either need more affordable options or larger rentals to accommodate roommates.
Investors looking for an investment that is more secure than the stock market should stay informed of all opportunities with rental properties. If you’re curious what is available and what would be a smart investment, (and where!) Melanie is here to help you find the property that will yield you the most income and be a timeless choice. Look to Melanie to provide you with a myriad of qualified listings as well as concierge-quality guidance on property management and everything else needed to facilitate your rental property.