This is a very special time of year to reflect on the blessings in our lives and we want you to know how much we appreciate your friendship and loyal business. We thank you for always thinking of the Secrist Team when you buy, sell and when you trust us by referring your family, friends and neighbors to our care!
We are incredibly grateful for the success of this year and we have all of you to thank!
"May you homes be blessed with peace, love and cherished memories this Christmas and in the coming New Year!"
How to Design an In-Law Apartment That's Safe for Your Aging Parent
As the population gets older, a growing number of adult children are deciding to have an elderly parent move in with them. This allows family members of multiple generations to spend time together regularly, which has physical and mental health benefits for older adults. A multigenerational living arrangement also costs significantly less than assisted living or nursing home care. If you’re thinking about creating an in-law apartment for your parents, here are some tips on how to make it safe.
Focus on Accessibility
Limited mobility is a common challenge for seniors. Even if your parents can get around fine now, that can change in the future. Plan ahead so you won’t have to scramble to make renovations later.
If possible, put an in-law apartment on the ground level so your parents won’t have to walk up and down stairs. If the apartment will have a separate entrance, make sure that your mother or father will be able to get in and out safely. Outdoor steps can be dangerous, especially in rainy or snowy weather. Consider installing a ramp covered by a roof or an awning.
Your parents might use a wheelchair or walker now or in the future. Make sure that all the doorways in the apartment are wide enough. You might have to hire a contractor to widen doorways.
Install Safety Features in the Bathroom
Falls are common among seniors. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house.
Getting in and out of a bathtub can be difficult for a person with limited mobility. A walk-in shower is easier to access, and thus safer. If your parents have trouble standing, a seat in the shower can prevent a fall. Have a contractor install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet.
Provide Plenty of Lighting
As people get older and their vision deteriorates, the risk of falling increases. The in-law apartment must have adequate lighting, especially near stairs and in the kitchen and bathroom. If the apartment has an exterior door, install motion-activated lights near the door and along the walkway leading to it.
Make Sure There’s Enough Space to Move Around
The apartment should be spacious enough for your parents to walk around without bumping into furniture, counters or other objects. Keep in mind that your mother or father might need to use a wheelchair in the future. Design the apartment so that your parents will be able to navigate easily and safely.
Clutter can lead to falls and serious injuries. Design the apartment with plenty of closets, drawers, cabinets and shelves for storage.
Get Help From an Experienced Local Contractor
A builder in your area can give you advice on how to modify your house to meet your parent’s changing needs and comply with local building codes. Look for a contractor with experience converting homes so seniors can age in place with relatives.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
While winter isn’t the most common time to begin a home renovation, some rooms in the house make sense to renovate during the winter months. Some of these renovations are weather-specific, so you’re more comfortable at home during the colder months. Other renovations are also a way to get a head start on home projects during the off-season when contractors are more available. If you have an itch to tackle a home reno project this week, read on for the best home renovation projects to begin in the winter.
Update the lighting
Lighting upgrades typically fall under cosmetic updates, but updating your home’s light fixtures can give your home an instant visual revamp. Additionally, selecting larger fixtures that provide more light can help your house feel brighter and more illuminated during those cold, dark winter nights. Layering additional lighting options such as table and floor lamps and adding fixtures such as sconces and art lamps can provide the light the space needs while acting as a decorative piece.
Upgrade the hardware
Another cosmetic update, upgrading the hardware throughout the home, will make the home feel brand-new. Updating the door knobs and hinges, as well as the cabinet pulls and knobs throughout the house, will make it feel like your house got a new set of jewelry. A timeless finish such as polished nickel will keep your home feeling current for years to come.
Revamp the laundry room
The laundry room is typically isolated from the main gathering rooms of the home, so any construction dust and debris can be kept separate. If the laundry room needs cosmetic updates, this can be easily done in less than a week. When spring’s muddy season comes around, you’ll have a fresh, cheery laundry room.
Renovate the basement
Beginning a basement renovation in the early winter months means you can still enjoy this space as winter progresses. A thoughtful renovation can both improve the look and feel of the room and also give you more functional spaces to use during the cold winter months. Whether you’re adding a home gym, wine cellar, media room, golf simulator, play space, or office, a basement renovation will help the rest of the winter at home feel not only manageable but also enjoyable.
Upgrade the insulation
Adding insulation offers several benefits. New insulation will keep your house warmer and, as a result, help you feel more comfortable. It will also help reduce your energy bills and household energy consumption. After the insulation has been upgraded, your home will feel noticeably draft-free and warmer. A professional will be able to identify the areas of the home that need to be re-insulated.
Replace the exterior doors
While replacing the exterior door may be temporarily chilly during the installation period, new doors can pay off in the long run. New doors can provide better insulation, making your home more energy-efficient. They will also keep your home warmer, reduce your home’s overall energy consumption, and help reduce your energy bills. Additionally, when spring arrives, your home’s curb appeal will be noticeably improved.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
When you’re buying a home, there’s endless amounts of information available at your fingertips. From articles, advice from family and friends, social media content and more, everyone has well-meaning advice to offer as you begin your home search. However, while this advice may come with the best intentions, some may need to be verified. Read on for some of the most common homebuying myths debunked.
Buying a fixer-upper will be a lower investment
If you buy a fixer-upper with the intent to gut the property and renovate, you’ll have a brand-new home at a fraction of the price of new construction, right? Not always. Even with a thorough inspection, you won’t know a fixer-upper’s flaws until you remove walls. Before you offer a fixer-upper, it’s worth touring the property with licensed contractors so you can gauge the project’s estimated cost. While the contractor won’t be able to see in the walls, they can give you an idea of what the renovation may cost.
You can buy a home on your own without a broker
Representing yourself when you’re buying a home may seem straightforward. However, it could end up becoming a costly and time-consuming endeavor. Especially in the luxury home market, working with an experienced agent can introduce you to properties you may not otherwise see and be highly skilled at negotiating the price and other variables most effectively.
Fall and winter are bad times to buy
While spring is the most common time of year to buy a new home, it also offers the most competition. This competition can increase prices and result in limited inventory. Buying a home in the fall or winter means fewer buyers competing for the same properties. Sellers who list their homes in the fall and winter may also be more motivated to sell, which means a price that is in your favor and a faster home sale.
It’s important to wait for perfect market conditions
There is no such thing as the perfect housing market. If you wait for the market to improve, you may find yourself waiting too long and missing out on your ideal property. The housing market will always fluctuate. Home prices, inventory levels and mortgage rates are constantly changing, so the best time to buy is the time that makes the most sense financially and aligns with your timeline.
A condo is a better value than a single-family home
If you’re in the market to buy a home in the city or as a vacation home, you may be debating between a condo and a single-family home. While the cost of a condo may be more appealing, it’s important to calculate the HOA costs, assessments and other special fees that you may have yet to consider. These fees can add a generous sum every month.
You have to offer the asking price in competitive markets
In competitive markets, homes often sell above the asking price. While this is common, it’s not every instance. There are different ways to negotiate to appeal to the seller’s needs, such as catering to their timeline, offering a rent back or covering the cost of issues on the inspection report.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
Like any season, fall is a fresh start and you may feel renewed energy to complete much-needed home projects. Autumn is an excellent time to complete the projects to winterize your home for the colder months ahead. These home improvement projects can protect your home and keep you comfortable as the seasons and temperatures turn. Read on for some of the top fall home improvement projects.
Replace the Windows
Drafty windows can prevent a home from ever feeling completely warm. Additionally, they can drastically increase a home’s energy consumption and energy bills. As a first step, you can apply caulk or weather stripping. However, if the windows are 15-30 years old, they may need to be replaced with energy-efficient windows.
Reinsulate the Attic
Fall is the best time to fix the insulation so you can have fresh insulation before winter. Insulation should be replaced roughly every 15 years. You may notice signs the insulation should be replaced, such as feeling drafts, differences in interior temperature or unusually high energy bills.
Repair Driveway Cracks
Fixing any cracks in the driveway is an essential home improvement project to complete before winter’s freezing temperatures arrive. If you notice any small cracks, they can grow into a more significant issue in the winter, as the driveway service will contract and expand all winter as the temperature fluctuates.
Inspect and Clean the Fireplace
Fireplace season has arrived, and if you have a wood-burning fireplace, scheduling an annual cleaning is essential to burning safe fires. The residue from burning wood can build up, which can be a fire hazard and carbon monoxide poisoning risk. In addition to the cleaning, the chimney should be inspected for cracks and repaired if any are discovered.
Repaint the Exterior
Exterior painting needs to be completed when the temperature is above 50 degrees, so fall is an ideal time to complete this project. A fresh coat of exterior paint will keep your home looking fresh in the winter months and add a layer of protection against moisture.
Fix the Siding
Like exterior painting, repairing the siding before the winter will protect your home against the winter elements. Replacing or repairing the siding should be completed before the temperatures drop too much to keep your home warm and comfortable.
Clean the Gutters
If the gutters aren’t cleaned, autumn leaf build-up will lead to major issues in the winter. This build-up can clog the gutters and result in water build-up that can freeze when the temperatures drop. In addition to scheduling a gutter cleaning, have the gutters inspected to determine if they are working correctly and if they need to be replaced. Gutter replacement usually needs to be completed every 20 years.
Assess the Roof
If repairing the roof has been on your home improvement to-do list, there is no better time than autumn. A home’s roof works hard in the winter, so ensuring it’s in top condition can help prevent winter weather-related issues. Replacing missing shingles, repairing holes, repairing rot or fixing loose nails can all be part of the roof repair process.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
If you’re planning to take your luxury home to market, it takes working with the right team, from a skilled luxury real estate agent, a thoughtfully crafted marketing plan, an expert stager, and a professional photographer, to name a few. Listing a luxury home is slightly different than a mid-range home, as it’s a smaller, more discerning buyer pool. The home needs to be tailored thoughtfully to these buyers, and the marketing efforts need to showcase the experience of living in the home instead of simply staging the home’s features. Read on for ways to successfully sell your luxury home.
Partner With a Luxury Selling Expert
Working with a luxury real estate agent or team like "The Secrist Team" is the first step to selling your luxury home successfully. They should have proven professional experience in your local luxury market and can create a customized marketing plan to showcase your house.
Craft a Carefully Researched Offer Price
Once you find a real estate agent with experience and knowledge of the local luxury real estate market, crafting the offer price is essential. Crafting the offer price can be more difficult for a luxury home since there aren’t as many comparables as a mid-range home. If the home is priced too low, you won’t get what you deserve for the property; alternatively, if it’s too high, it can sit on the market too long, ultimately making it more difficult to sell.
Create Exclusivity
Regardless of the type of home, open houses can attract many visitors who are simply curious about the house. This curiosity peaks even more so with luxury homes. Creating exclusivity around your home is essential to eliminate the curious neighbors and bring in serious buyers. Private showings, broker open houses, and invite-only events showcase your property and bring in the people most inclined to make an offer. These events may include decor, entertainment, catering, and cocktails — all elements of a swanky soiree and can help your home sell.
Design a Buyer Profile
The luxury home buyer profile is specific. Every marketing effort should be designed with this buyer profile in mind. This hyper-specific marketing will reach the buyers who will most likely extend an offer. Your real estate agent’s luxury home selling experience should help craft this profile.
Sell the Lifestyle
Living in a luxury property implies that the home affords a particular lifestyle. Highlighting this lifestyle in the staging efforts can help buyers envision themselves living there. Staging the home in a way that tells a story, such as setting the outdoor dining table, lighting the outdoor fireplaces, and setting out glasses of wine and cozy throw blankets, can help buyers envision themselves hosting in the sprawling backyard. Or, staging the kitchen and dining space with plenty of appetizers, champagne, a curated playlist, and cocktail party accessories can help a buyer imagine their next cocktail party at home.
Sweeten the Deal
To help your home stand out even more to buyers, consider including some added perks. This will create additional value for buyers. This may mean including the custom sofa in the living room, the custom dining table in the dining room, the custom stools around the kitchen island, or the outdoor furniture set.
An aspirational marketing approach to the ideal buyer will help your home reach the perfect buyer for your property.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
Should You Buy a House Now or Wait for Interest Rates to Come Down?
If you’re eager to buy a home, but you’re concerned about high interest rates, you might be wondering if you should move forward or wait for rates to fall. It’s difficult to predict how much mortgage rates might come down and when that might happen. That’s why you should make a decision based on your own circumstances.
You Should Only Buy a House If It Fits Your Budget
Whether interest rates are high or low, you should only buy a home if you can afford the total cost of ownership. That includes a mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, plus homeowners association fees and private mortgage insurance, if applicable.
You should have money saved up for a down payment. You don’t have to put down20%, but doing so can let you avoid paying for private mortgage insurance and help you keep your total cost of homeownership down.
If You Buy Now, You Might Be Able to Refinance Later
If you determine that now is a good time to move forward with a home purchase, you can take out a fixed-rate mortgage and refinance to lower your rate in the future. Another option is to take out an adjustable-rate mortgage. You’ll be able to enjoy a low introductory interest rate, then refinance before the rate rises.
Before you refinance any type of loan, you’ll have to figure out if it makes financial sense. To do that, you can divide the amount you would have to pay in closing costs by the amount you would save on your monthly payments. That’s the number of months it would take you to break even. If you intend to live in the house for more than that length of time, refinancing can save you money in the long run.
It Might Be Better to Wait
Consider how much debt you currently have and how much you pay toward your credit cards and loans every month. If adding a mortgage and other home-related expenses would make you struggle to make ends meet, you should focus on paying off, or at least reducing your current debts before you buy a house.
Lowering your debt-to-income ratio can boost your credit scores and make you morel likely to qualify for a mortgage with an attractive interest rate. When you buy a home, you won’t be overwhelmed by bills, and you’ll be able to save for other priorities, such as retirement, your kids’ college education and a vacation.
If you haven’t saved up enough money for a down payment, it can be better to wait. While you work on saving more, interest rates and/or home prices might come down. If you do have a substantial amount in savings, you shouldn’t put it all toward a down payment. You should keep some money for moving expenses, furniture, repairs and maintenance. You should also have an emergency fund in case you lose your job or have an unexpected medical expense.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
What You Need to Do This Fall to Successfully List Your Home in the Spring
If you plan to list your home in the spring, preparing in the fall can help result in a faster, more efficient and less stressful selling experience. From photographs to decluttering to completing your maintenance checklist, crossing these items off your list will leave you prepared to list your home at the start of the spring real estate season. Read on for everything to do in the fall to successfully list your home in the spring.
Take Listing Photos
Taking professional listing photos in the fall when the grass is still green, the trees still have leaves, the landscaping is lush and the planters are full will showcase your home in its best light and captivate potential buyers. Waiting until late winter or early spring to take photos will result in pictures with bare trees, patchy lawns and an overall drab property image.
Take Family Photos
Taking professional family photographs in your home is a unique way to capture the memories of your time there. Taking a lifestyle approach to these photographs will allow the photographer to capture you doing the things you do in your daily life, like baking at the kitchen island, reading books together on the sofa, playing in the toy room and standing on the front step. A photoshoot at home is a sentimental way to commemorate your time at this house.
Declutter Room-by-Room
Decluttering can be an overwhelming process. If you know you’re selling well in advance, you can benefit from this additional time to clear out the items you no longer need in your home. From the basement to the attic and all the closets, cabinets and drawers in between, decluttering from top to bottom can help the packing process be less overwhelming.
Pack Up Seasonal Items
Any seasonal items you won’t use can be officially packed up. If you sell your home in the spring, you can pack any summer-related items since you’ll ideally be moved out by the following summer.
Assess Necessary Repairs and Put Together a Timeline
With time on your side, you can begin assessing your home to determine what should be repaired before you list your home. You can create a timeline for these updates to help you stay on track and have them completed before your home goes to market.
Schedule a Home Inspection
As the seller, you can schedule a home inspection before you list your home, so you don’t face any surprises when it’s time for a buyer to schedule a home inspection post-offer. While it comes with a cost, planning your home inspection can uncover any potential unknown issues hindering a home sale. Conducting a home inspection on your own home can give you insight into what you should repair so these repairs don’t delay or impede the closing process in the spring.
Complete Fall Landscaping to Prepare for Spring
Scheduling fall landscaping and maintenance can help ensure your spring landscaping is lush and healthy. Doing the work now will also help reduce the amount of work you need to invest in landscaping and curb appeal when your home is on the market.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
With the beginning of the school year on the horizon, the to-do list is long. Back-to-school shopping for clothes, shoes and supplies, fresh haircuts, meeting the teachers and getting your home ready for a smooth transition back to school all top the list. One way to get your home ready for back-to-school is to create a comfortable place for your children to do their homework. This space should be where they can relax, focus on their work, learn how to study and grow creatively and responsibly. Read on for ways to create a workspace to help your children transition back to school.
Keep it Close
Creating a homework space close to where you are will let you quickly help your child when they need it, and give them the peace of mind that you’re nearby. If homework time is often the same as dinner prep time, the homework space should be close to the kitchen. Or, if homework time is right after school, the study area may be best suited near your office or your home’s central gathering space. However, if your child is older and needs a quieter space, creating a homework space in their bedroom may be the best option.
Create a Quiet Space
Ensuring the space is quiet enough for your child to concentrate will help them focus on the task at hand and tune out the inevitable household noise. Creating a space adjacent but separate from main traffic areas will also give your child a chance to focus on their work.
Adequate Lighting
An adequately lit space for a homework area means no overhead lighting and several sources of task lighting. This could mean wall sconces surrounding the desk and a table lamp so your child can see their paper. You could also hang an art lamp or sconce above your child’s workspace so their space is comfortably lit.
Keep it Clutter-Free
Children love their collections of tiny things, but their study space should be clutter-free. Eliminating little toys, unfinished projects and piles of papers can lessen distractions and help facilitate an efficient homework session.
Add a Few Favorite Things
While you want to keep the space clutter-free, keeping your child’s favorite stuffed animal, a framed photograph or a knick-knack on the desk can offer comfort if your child struggles with homework time.
Keep the Supplies Stocked
A well-stocked homework can give your child a sense of ownership of the space. Depending on their needs, having a charging station, sharpened pencils, erasers, pens, crayons or markers, a printer, desk accessories and a water bottle will give your student everything they need to confidently complete their assignments, so they can get back to playing, practicing, competing and whatever else makes them feel well-rounded and happy.
Celebrate Their Achievements
Hanging a bulletin board to display your child’s accomplishments can give them a confidence boost every time they sit down. From A+ tests and assignments to art projects, team photos and more, these little pieces that weave the story of their days can help them stay motivated and engaged.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
Do you ever wish someone would come in and tell you exactly what to do in every room of your house? Consider this guide your blueprint to doing just that. Read on for your room-by-room decorating manual.
Bedroom
A bedroom should be a place of solace, rest and relaxation. Its creation should be intentional, focused on function and complemented by a soft, calming aesthetic.
Eliminate clutter:
A bedroom retreat should be a serene and calm space, which you can accomplish by starting with a blank canvas. Before bringing in anything new, remove clutter from surfaces and corners.
Create the layout:
Space planning will help you create the best layout to maximize space, comfort and relaxation. The bed, rug, bedside tables, dressers, other storage pieces, seating options and wall decor should all be considered as you design the floor plan.
Select a color palette:
The room’s color scheme will create a cohesive look. The 60-30-10 rule is a tried-and-true way to achieve a harmonious color palette ( 60% of the room should be the primary color, 30% should be a secondary color, and 10% should be an accent color).
Add something soft underfoot:
One of the most essential qualities of a relaxing bedroom is softness, so be sure the rug is large enough to extend beyond both sides of the bed.
Layer the window treatments:
Creating an optimal sleep environment starts with a dark room. Blackout shades or curtains will block the light and be a design element.
Choose lighting:
Various types of lighting will add ambiance and create a soothing space. A statement piece, such as a chandelier, sconces or table lamp, will let you control the level of lighting you want.
Home Office
A home office should help you feel inspired, calm and empowered. Turning your home office into a space where you want to retreat can transform it from a space where you watch the clock to a room that feels like your own oasis.
Select lighting:
Sunlight is a natural mood booster, which can be necessary during long work days. Ensuring ample sunlight can come through the windows will boost energy and even help you concentrate better. A mix of desk lamps, floor lamps, sconces and art lights can let you control the lighting level depending on the time of day and the type of project you’re working on.
Reimagine the furniture:
A traditional desk doesn’t always need to be included in a home office. For example, a round dining table instead of a desk creates an elegant look and a more flexible space. If you prefer to be more comfortable during long days of calls and spreadsheets, having a place to lounge, such as a sofa or a chaise lounge, may be best for you.
Have a video call background:
If you spend your day on video calls, creating a background can highlight your professional brand. Wallpapering a wall in your home office, having the correct lighting in place and styling bookcases to showcase the items that represent your best self will help you appear more professional.
Include ample storage:
Open shelving is perfect for displaying items that reflect your interests that may not otherwise have a space within your home. Alternatively, closed shelving is ideal for files, folders and other miscellaneous items.
Add soundproof accents:
Soundproofing your office can help reduce outside distractions. Wall-to-wall carpeting, layering rugs, installing draperies and hanging framed art and photographs are all ways to muffle sounds.
Living Room
A living room’s layout, colors, style, lighting, accessories and more are all essential factors in creating a thoughtfully designed gathering, hosting and relaxing space.
Determine the function:
Whether it’s a space for the family to gather for movie nights, a room to entertain guests or an area to play and relax, establishing the function of the space is the foundation for how the whole room will come together.
Create the layout:
Space planning will help you create a functional and helpful layout that maximizes the space. Thorough measurements of the room will help you assess where the furniture should go, how large the rug should be, where to hang art and other design decisions.
Select the furniture:
The best starting points are the rug and the sofa. The rug can help set the aesthetic for the room, and the sofa is typically the largest and most significant piece of furniture. Once those two primary pieces are selected, you can choose additional seating, tables and accent pieces.
Layer in lighting:
Every room should have a variety of lighting, including ambient, task and accent lighting. This could blend overhead lighting, table and floor lamps and wall sconces.
Accessorize the room:
Accessorizing the room is the final step. The most interesting spaces combine personal items, meaningful art, subtle family photographs and accessories collected over time.
Dining Room
A formal dining room can be the most beautiful room in the home. However, you may only use it several times a year. Rethinking how you use this space can be the key to making it more functional.
Make it casual:
If you host sit-down meals semi-regularly and want to keep your dining room, you can make the room more approachable and casual for a space you use more often, even gathering around the table for weeknight dinners.
Design an office:
The furniture should be multifunctional, with your dining room being an office by day and a dining room by night. The dining table can turn into a desk, with the correct desk chair, computer, table lamp and other workday necessities. Installing built-ins or mobile storage can easily conceal your workday essentials after the workday is over. When it’s time to set the table, you can easily reposition the dining chairs, tuck away your workday items, drape the tablecloth, set the tablescape and watch this room transform into an entertaining destination.
Set up a game room:
For the household that loves gathering to play your favorite games, setting up several game tables instead of a dining room can create a space for family game nights or even larger game nights when you host friends and family. Use the same chairs at the different game tables for a cohesive look and to seamlessly transition these chairs to dining chairs. If you need to use the space for a dining room, you can push the tables together, drape a tablecloth, set up the chairs and it will look like a complete dining set.
Create a cocktail lounge:
If you prefer swanky sips over a sit-down supper, transform your dining room into a cocktail lounge. Envelop the space in a moody, dark paint color and dark, textured wallpaper. Sleek yet comfortable seating and soft, warm lighting will create a space where you can entertain or escape during a quiet night at home.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
Unfortunately, it’s not only the temperatures that soar during the summer months. Energy costs often skyrocket as well as we seek to cool our homes. Here are several money-saving strategies from Georgia Power to help keep your electric bill in check this summer:
Watch your thermostat.
Keep in mind that raising the temperature on your thermostat by even one degree can result in a 3-4% decrease in energy usage. Try setting your thermostat to 78 degrees and use fans to keep things feeling cooler.
Help the air flow.
A clogged filter will force your air-conditioning unit to work harder and use more energy, so be sure to change standard air filters once a month, or pleated filters every three months. Also make sure air returns and vents are clear and that air can circulate.
Cut back on laundry.
Only do a load of wash when you have enough for a full load, and run your washing machine on a cold-water setting. Be sure to clean the lint trap in your dryer after every use to maximize efficiency, and hang dry linens and clothing outdoors when possible to avoid using the dryer altogether.
Avoid the stove.
Take advantage of summer weather to take your cooking activities outdoors. Opt for the grill over the stove and indulge in more non-cooking dishes as well, such as salads and sandwiches.
Keep it dark.
Close curtains and blinds during the peak sunshine hours of the day to keep your house as cool as possible.
Stock the fridge.
Set your refrigerator temperature to the manufacturer’s recommended level for optimal performance, and keep it full. Solids and liquids are easier to cool than air, so well-stocked shelves will maximize efficiency.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
Nothing beats the feeling of packing up and heading out the door for a long-anticipated vacation. Before you leave town, however, there are a host of preparations that must be tended to, from organizing the clothes you’ll need to bring to arranging care for your pets.
Did you know, however, that there are essential steps you should take to prepare your home for being left unattended? Not doing so could result in coming home to a disaster and the expenses that come with it. Denver-area home-service company High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers the following tips to make sure your home is properly prepped for your absence:
Service your HVAC unit.
One of the best ways to ensure your HVAC unit is running at maximum capacity is to schedule a preventative maintenance inspection. Servicing your unit will help guarantee your system doesn’t break down upon returning home.
Check for leaks.
Leaks can not only increase your utility bill, they can also cause water damage that can be costly to repair. Be sure to check the toilet, faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for leaks. It’s important to also check for pooling water around your water heater or moisture on walls near water sources. If a leak is discovered, contact a professional to have it repaired before leaving on vacation.
Adjust the thermostat.
When the home is empty, there is no reason to have the A/C running all day. Raising the temperature on the thermostat can help prevent the A/C from running unnecessarily—but do not raise it higher than 85 degrees. This can cause your system to use more energy to cool the house down when you return. If homeowners have programmable thermostats, switch them to vacation mode to improve efficiency.
In addition to taking precautionary measures to keep your home’s appliances and plumbing in good working order while away, be sure to also take measures to safeguard your home from criminals looking to take advantage of your absence:
Enlist a neighbor to collect your mail.
An over-stuffed mailbox or newspapers piling up at the bottom of your driveway are telltale signs that you’re away. Be sure to have someone drop by while you’re out of town to collect mail and packages, or ask the post office to hold deliveries until you’re back in town.
Leave a light on.
Be sure to leave on a couple of lights so your home is not completely dark while you’re away. Even better, put lights on a timer or install a smart-home device that lets you turn them on and off randomly from out of town.
Install cameras.
Motion-activated cameras at your front and back door or any other area that provides easy access to your home are one of the best crime deterrents. Smart-phone applications can send you notifications whenever someone is spotted on your premises, allowing you to notify law enforcement professionals on the spot.
Taking even just a few of the above precautions can protect your home and save you a world of worry so that you can truly unwind while on vacation.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
Should You Rent out a Room in Your House to Supplement Your Income in Retirement?
If you’re close to retirement age and you’re concerned that you haven’t saved enough, you might be thinking about other ways to generate income. Renting out a room in your home is one way to bring in extra money every month, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some things to consider and issues to explore before making a decision.
Do You Want to Be a Landlord?
The idea of generating rental income might seem appealing, but the realities of being a landlord can be stressful. You’ll have to advertise the room, meet with potential tenants and run credit and background checks to select a qualified applicant. You’ll also have to maintain the room and common areas, fix things that break and collect rent.
Do You Want to Share Your Home With a Tenant?
Many people who are retired and live by themselves become lonely. Having another person around can be beneficial – if the two of you get along. If the tenant turns out to be loud, messy, or annoying, life at home can become unbearable, and you won’t be able to go to the office to escape.
What Part of Your Home Would You Rent Out?
Your house’s design can play an important role in your decision-making process. If you rent out a bedroom that’s on the same floor as your bedroom, you and your tenant might have to share a bathroom. Renting a bedroom on a different floor or a master suite with its own bathroom would give you and your tenant more privacy.
Do You Understand the Legal and Financial Implications?
Renting out a room in your house can be complicated. You’ll have to comply with zoning rules, occupancy limits and other state and local laws and regulations. If you belong to a homeowners association, you’ll have to follow its rules. Your mortgage lender and homeowners insurance company might have requirements of their own. For example, you might have to purchase landlord insurance. Premiums will reduce your rental profits.
You’ll have to draw up a legally binding lease agreement. It should include the amount that’s required as a security deposit, the cost of rent, when the rent is due, amenities the tenant is permitted to use, and rules the tenant is expected to follow. Money that you earn by renting out a room will be taxable. You might be able to claim some deductions that will reduce your tax liability.
Think It Over Carefully
Renting out an unused room can seem like an easy way to help pay for expenses after you retire, but it’s not as simple as you might think. Research the laws in your area and contact your homeowners insurance company to learn about your responsibilities as a landlord. Once you have all the relevant information, you’ll be able to decide whether you should rent out a room in your house.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2023! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
When designing and curating a home, you’ll select the elements, pieces, colors and textures that resonate best with you. As you choose these various elements, it’s also important to consider how guests will feel when they enter your home. This may mean something different to everyone. Maybe you want your guests to walk in and instantly feel at ease. Or, you may want a home that feels high-energy and fun and where guests know they will have a good time.
Alternatively, you may want a home with a quiet luxury designed to impress. No matter the feeling you want your home to have, it’s up to you to set the tone as you create your spaces. Read on for the top elements guests will remember about your home long after they’ve left.
The Scent (or Lack Thereof)
The best scent a home can have is no scent at all. Eliminating odors throughout the house is the first step to creating a blank slate. Regularly cleaning the disposable, upholstery and carpet can help to keep odors at bay; additionally, keeping the sink free of dirty dishes, putting away shoes, regularly emptying the garbage cans and not allowing wet clothes or linens to linger are additional ways to lessen unpleasant odors. Once the home is odor-free, you can layer in your preferred scent, such as candles or diffusers.
The Sounds
Walking into a house with a curated soundtrack feels like its own experience. Whether your playlist is consistent and guests can always know what to expect, or if it’s a different soundtrack for every occasion, a house that plays good tunes instantly creates a memorable setting.
If There’s Clutter
Every household has some element of clutter. It’s a sign of a house filled with life and activities. However, there’s a difference between a few neat piles on the counter, clutter that fills every surface, shoes strewn all over and laundry that awaits folding.
The Scale of the Rooms
The average guest won’t be able to identify that the scale of your items is incorrect specifically, but they may feel like something in the room feels off. The correct scale means ensuring the rug is large enough for the space, the furniture and light fixtures are the proper size and the art is hung at the ideal height.
Unique Pieces That Catch Their Eye
Whether it’s a piece of statement furniture with a unique shape or bold upholstery print or pattern, unique art or one-of-a-kind decorative accents, these unique to-your-home elements will set it apart from your neighbors down the street.
The Entryway Details
The entryway or foyer makes a first impression, so this is the space to showcase your home’s design style and give a preview of what the rest of the home looks like. From wallpaper to statement lighting, your favorite art pieces and fresh flowers or greenery, this first impression can also make a lasting impression.
Upgraded Builder Details
There are many little details that go into making an ordinary house an extraordinary home. Unique hardware, such as kitchen cabinet pulls, can instantly elevate the cabinetry while investing in beautiful light fixtures instead of recessed lighting can completely transform a room. Or, if you’re updating the hardwood flooring, select a subtle pattern, such as herringbone, to elevate the space from the ground up.
Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2022! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!
