Articles Tagged "Homeowner tips"

Home maintenance is a must if you want your home to look its best and be in top condition. Our real estate agents will tell you, it's also a great way to add value before listing. Add to your comfort and improve the aesthetics and functionality of your Albany home for sale with this home maintenance checklist for the summer.

1. Take Care of Your Exterior
   Check for and replace any rotten boards on your deck. Reseal the boards to protect against any further water damage.

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Being able to play music in any room you're in or even throughout the entire house is a goal for many homeowners. With all of the advancements in technology, multi-room audio is now easier than ever before and can be achieved in a variety of ways. Here are a few systems our real estate agents see used most often.

• Sonos
  It used to be that Sonos was the brand of choice for any Albany homes for sale with ceiling or in-wall speakers installed, as there weren't a lot of other options for multi-room sound systems. While more options are available now, Sonos is still one of the best. Sonos doesn't use your wifi but sets up its own mesh wireless network, which keeps your bandwidth clear for other uses. Add a well-designed, intuitive app and the ability to install ceiling and in-wall speakers for a discreet, professional setup, and you'll see why Sonos is still one of the leading choices.

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Turning your backyard patio into a relaxing outdoor space is easy. By adding lush greenery, colorful flowers, and decorative pots, you can make your patio feel like a tropical oasis. Whether you enjoy backyard parties or reading a good book, our real estate agents know that beautiful plants add design appeal and relaxing atmosphere to any patio.

When buying patio plants, it's important to choose wisely. Just because you like the look, the plants you choose may not thrive on your patio. To create a sustainable outdoor environment, you need to choose the right patio plants for Albany homes for sale. Here are some things to consider.

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Oh, the frustration! Our real estate agents helped you find a great house with plenty of garage space, but now you're looking at an ocean of boxes and bins with no room to even park your car. It's OK. Take a deep breath and get organized. Before you opt to spend even more money on a storage unit somewhere, take some time to maximize the space you already have.

• Take Out the Trash
  You know you planned not to move junk into your new house, but exhaustion took over, and suddenly you have box upon box of unidentified stuff. Now is the time to rid yourself of it once and for all. Go through every container and sort the contents into toss, keep, and sell or donate. Just because something is "perfectly good," it isn't necessarily good for you. Get rid of what you don't need or truly want. According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, we only use about 20% of the items we keep!

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Butterfly gardens are popular additions to Albany homes for sale as they decorate backyard spaces and delight children. Not only are these insects beautiful to observe, but they are also an integral part of the ecosystem as they pollinate plants. Fortunately, butterflies are easy to attract with the proper setup. Our real estate agents have compiled a simple guide below to help you start a unique butterfly garden.

1. Select the Right Location
   Choose a sunny site in your backyard as butterflies love to bask and most plants that attract them love the sun too. Ensure that the winged beauties will receive sunlight for half the day.

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Living in an older home can sometimes feel like a catch-22. How do you infuse the comforts of modern-day living without compromising its character and old-world charm? Period homes, like these Albany homes for sale, offer a captivating glimpse into bygone days and come with charming architectural details that imbue them with a timeless appeal. That said, you still want your kitchen to be functional and energy-efficient.

Let's see how you can modernize your period kitchen while retaining those beautiful features that made you fall in love with it in the first place.

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If you often daydream of the beach but are miles away from the ocean, coastal décor can bring the charm of the seashore to your doorstep. When browsing through Albany homes for sale, you may wonder how to make your choice feel like summer all year round. Luckily, our real estate agents are fans of coastal interiors, and they share their best tips to evoke this style in your home below.

What Is Coastal Décor?

A coastal interior uses the texture and colors of seaside elements like the blue sky, white fluffy clouds, and sand to reflect the breeziness of the beach. Coastal interior designs differ between regions, depending on the style you desire. For instance, the Mediterranean coastal vibe features beautiful tile work, vivid colors, terracotta flooring, and warm and earthy textures.

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Come January, most of our holiday greenery and decorations are a memory, and our homes can seem rather dull without them. Furthermore, January is still a long way from spring and blooming gardens, so what are we to do in the meantime? Adding greenery by way of houseplants is one way to brighten things up—a fact which will come into particular focus on Jan. 10 for National Houseplant Appreciation Day.

If you're ready to liven up your new house found among Albany homes for sale, our real estate agents are happy to share some delightful ways to do so.

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Colder weather might mean more time spent inside Albany homes for sale. But that doesn't mean your DIY home projects have to come to an end. There are all kinds of things you can do to complete upgrades, improve energy efficiency, or even make your surroundings a little more pleasant. Crossing a few of these projects off your to-do list this winter will be well worth the effort.

• Keep the cold air out by sealing leaks and openings
  This is an excellent DIY project for colder weather because it will keep drafts out, making your time indoors a little cozier. And it can even help lower heating costs, limit noise, and prevent pests too. Check around windows and door frames, attic and crawl space access points, and around vents, fans, and electrical outlets. Those are just a few of the places cold air can get in. For a list of other places to check, visit Energy.gov. 
   

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Whether you're still looking at Albany homes for sale or have already found the perfect one, you probably can't wait to decorate your home for Christmas. The Christmas tree is the central decoration in many families, and it makes a home feel so cozy and warm. But do you put up a real tree or an artificial one? Here are some factors to consider if you're still deciding between the two.

• Does Anyone in Your Home Have Allergies?
  Some people are allergic to the pollen or sap of real pine trees. If you or someone in your home has ever experienced a pine allergy, you're better off opting for an artificial tree. Even if the allergy symptoms are mild when exposed to trees outdoors, they're likely to be more serious indoors where you have limited airflow. You don't want to spend the whole holiday season sneezing and rubbing your eyes because of your Christmas tree.

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Our real estate agents can tell you if there's one thing almost everyone wants in Albany homes for sale, it's plenty of storage. The living room is one spot some extra storage can make a difference. Since it's a common area, it's not unusual for clutter to quickly take over. You might have a variety of different things that you use in that area too, so staying organized is key. If you've been longing for some additional storage, try one or more of these ideas to add function and style to your living room.

• Look for multi-functional furniture and decor pieces. One of the best tips for the living room, especially if space is at a premium, is to look for pieces that serve more than one purpose. That way, you're not sacrificing function to add storage. You can still enjoy your living room as you usually do.

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One of our real estate agents' favorite annual events is coming soon: America Recycles Day on Nov. 15. It's the only nationally recognized day dedicated to empowering Americans to recycle more and buy recycled products. The day educates and encourages individuals to reuse as much as possible, be mindful of what they consume, repurpose items, and focus more on the recycling bins than trash cans.

• Know What Can and Can't Be Recycled
  Just because an item has the recycling triangle does not mean it is recyclable. There's green-washed recycling and there's real recycling. For instance, some companies will have a recycling program for their waste products, but instead of recycling, they'll take the items to another part of the country. You need to read the recycling rules for your area's recycling program and follow the guidelines as best as you can. Each city has its own specifics, but here are basic guidelines:
  
  
  • Paper: Paper is generally recyclable, including magazines, books, flyers, colored paper, and junk mail. However, the paper should never be sticky, wet, or mixed with other types of materials. Avoid waxy papers or those saturated with grease and food.

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Homebuyers considering some of the many gorgeous Albany homes for sale are often attracted to the majestic trees and lush lawns that surround them. But as the leaves transition from green to gold and red, they also drift to the ground, creating clean-up chores that can cut into your Saturday mornings. Our real estate agents wanted to share several helpful tools designed to keep that imposition on your time to a minimum. Here are some of their favorites:

• Leaf Vacuum
  A leaf blower may have been your favorite option until now, as they do work well to clear sidewalks and driveways. But you've got to love a tool that picks up those pesky leaves, not just pushes them around. Coming in at under $100, these ingenious devices can operate in either blowing or vacuuming mode, providing you with an additional option. They normally come with a vacuum tube and a zippered collection bag but may have other accessories. Several models offer variable speeds for maximum control. This device leaves us wondering why we didn't think of that!

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You don't need a real estate license to find your dream home, but it does help to become familiar with the real estate jargon you might encounter during the process. When searching for a home or applying for a mortgage, you may hear your real estate agent or lender use any of the terms or acronyms below.

Keep this four-part guide handy — you'll be fluent in the language of home buying before you know it.

When you're searching for a home

• Approved for short sale: A term that indicates that a homeowner's bank has approved a reduced listing price on a home, and the home is ready for resale.
• Buyers market: Market conditions that exist when homes for sale outnumber buyers. Homes sit on the market a long time, and prices drop.
• Comparative market analysis (CMA): An in-depth analysis, prepared by a real estate agent, that determines the estimated value of a home based on recently sold homes of similar condition, size, features and age that are located in the same area.
• Comps: Or comparable sales, are homes in a given area that have sold within the past six months that a real estate agent uses to determine a home's value.
• Days on market (DOM): The number of days a property listing is considered active.
• Listing price: The price of a home, as set by the seller.
• Multiple listing service (MLS): A database where real estate agents list properties for sale.
• Sellers market: Market conditions that exist when buyers outnumber homes for sale. Bidding wars are common.
• Short sale: The sale of a home by an owner who owes more on the home than it's worth. The owner's bank must approve a lower listing price before the home can be sold.

When you're applying for a mortgage

• Back-end ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine a borrower's eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares the borrower's monthly debt payments to gross income.
• Depository institutions: Banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. These institutions underwrite as well as set home loan pricing in-house.
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): A ratio that compares a home buyer's expenses to gross income.
• Housing ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine a borrower's eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares total housing cost (principal, homeowners insurance, taxes and private mortgage insurance) to gross income.
• Loan estimate: A three-page document sent to an applicant three days after they apply for a home loan. The document includes loan terms, monthly payment and closing costs.
• Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): The amount of the loan divided by the price of the house. Lenders reward lower LTV ratios.
• Origination fee: A fee, charged by a broker or lender, to initiate and complete the home loan application process.
• Pre-approval: A thorough assessment of a borrower's income, assets and other data to determine a loan amount they would qualify for. A real estate agent will request a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter before showing a buyer a home.
• Pre-qualification: A basic assessment of income, assets and credit score to determine what, if any, loan programs a borrower might qualify for. A real estate agent will request a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter before showing a buyer a home.
• Underwriting: A process a lender follows to assess a home loan applicant's income, assets and credit, and the risk involved in offering the applicant a mortgage.

When you're shopping for a mortgage

• Conventional loan: A home loan not guaranteed by a government agency, such as the FHA or the VA.
• Down payment: A certain portion of the home's purchase price that a buyer must pay. A minimum requirement is often dictated by the loan type.
• Fannie Mae: A government-sponsored enterprise chartered in 1938 to help ensure a reliable and affordable supply of mortgage funds throughout the country.
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA): A government agency created by the National Housing Act of 1934 that insures loans made by private lenders.
• FHA 203(k): A rehabilitation loan backed by the federal government that permits homebuyers to finance money into a mortgage to repair, improve or upgrade a home.
• Foreclosure: A property repossessed by a bank when the owner fails to make mortgage payments.
• Freddie Mac: A government agency chartered by Congress in 1970 to provide a constant source of mortgage funding for the nation's housing markets.
• Mortgage broker: A licensed professional who works on behalf of the buyer to secure financing through a bank or other lending institution.
• Mortgage interest rate: The price of borrowing money. The base rate is set by the Federal Reserve and then customized per borrower, based on credit score, down payment, property type and points the buyer pays to lower the rate.
• Piggyback loan: A combination of loans bundled to avoid private mortgage insurance. One loan covers 80% of the home's value, another loan covers 10% to 15% of the home's value, and the buyer contributes the remainder.
• Principal, interest, property taxes and homeowners insurance (PITI): The components of a monthly mortgage payment.
• Private mortgage insurance (PMI): A fee charged to borrowers who make a down payment that is less than 20% of the home's value. The fee, 0.3% to 1.5% of the yearly loan amount, can be canceled in certain circumstances when the borrower reaches 20% equity.
• Points: Prepaid interest owed at closing, with one point representing 1% of the loan. Paying points, which are tax deductible, will lower the monthly mortgage payment.

When you've chosen a home

• American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): A not-for-profit professional association that sets and promotes standards for property inspections. Look for this accreditation or something similar when shopping for a home inspector.
• Cash-value policy: A homeowners insurance policy that pays the replacement cost of a home, minus depreciation, should damage occur.
• Closing costs: Fees associated with the purchase of a home that are due at the end of the sales transaction. Fees may include the appraisal, the home inspection, a title search, a pest inspection and more. Buyers should budget for an amount that is 1% to 3% of the home's purchase price.
• Contingencies: Conditions written into a home purchase contract that protect the buyer should issue arise with financing, the home inspection, etc.
• Earnest money: A security deposit made by the buyer to assure the seller of his or her intent to purchase.
• Escrow account: An account required by a lender and funded by a buyer's mortgage payment to pay the buyer's homeowners insurance and property taxes.
• Escrow state: A state in which an escrow agent is responsible for closing.
• Home inspection: A non-destructive visual look at the systems in a building. Inspection occurs when the home is under contract or in escrow.
• Homeowners insurance: A policy that protects the structure of the home, its contents, injury to others and living expenses should damage occur.
• In escrow: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title searched for liens, etc.
• Title insurance: Insurance that protects the buyer and lender should an individual or entity step forward with a claim that was attached to the property before the seller transferred legal ownership of the property or "title" to the buyer.
• Transfer taxes: Fees imposed by the state, county or municipality on transfer of title.
• Under contract: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title is searched for liens, etc.
• Walkthrough: A buyer's final inspection of a home before closing.

When you own a home

• Equity: A percentage of the home's value owned by the homeowner.
• Homeowners Association (HOA): The governing body of a housing development, condo or townhome complex that sets rules and regulations. They charge dues used to maintain common areas.
• Property tax exemption: A reduction in taxes based on specific criteria, such as installation of a renewable energy system or rehabilitation of a historic home.
• Tax lien: The government's legal claim against property when the homeowner neglects or fails to pay a tax debt.

Find out what else you can do to prepare for buying a home here.

About the author

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and our real estate agents know you can't wait to start making that space officially your own. If you're like most people, you probably have a lot of projects in mind to help you do exactly that. But before you get started, take a minute to do these 10 things first. You won't regret it!

1. Change the locks and key codes
   You don't know how many people the previous owners may have given keys to, and changing everything will let you rest easier. Don't forget about the codes for garage door openers or security gates as well.

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When decorating your home, it's important to explore modern elements that adhere to your preferred aesthetic. One increasingly controversial item in the world of home decor is the installation of ceiling fans.

Some home decor enthusiasts feel ceiling fans are a potentially outdated, low-end addition. However, our real estate agents know that when used correctly, ceiling fans are a valuable addition to any home. Follow these tips to ensure your ceiling fans are a hit. 

• Avoid Outdated Ceiling Fans
  One reason that ceiling fans have a bad reputation is that outdated ceiling fans that appear old and rickety can negatively impact a room's appearance. Homebuyers searching for Albany homes for sale may associate an old ceiling fan with poor home maintenance or overall outdated features. They may even view the entire home as "old," even when it isn't.

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Improving the appearance of your landscaping can boost the curb appeal of Albany homes for sale and give your home that wow factor. Mulch is an essential part of the overall look of your landscaping. It gives everything a neat and finished look making your yard look well cared for. The right kind of mulch will help keep your plants healthy too.  

Mulch vs. Rocks vs. Ground Cover Plants

There's more than one way to finish off your landscaping, so here's how to know if mulch is right for your situation:

• Mulch is very common and appropriate for a wide variety of soil and plants. It gives your landscape an immediate finished look, and individual plants will be visible. Mulch helps control soil temperature, moisture, deter weed growth, and helps prevent erosion. Organic mulches decompose and add nutrients to the soil, so they will need to be replaced periodically. You won't want to use it in a steep-sloped area or where it can wash away easily.

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Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 20 percent of people were working from home. This figure has increased to a whopping 71 percent of people who report that they work from home at least some of the time. With so many people working from home, it's important to have a productive workspace.

If you don't have dedicated office space, you can transform your closet into one. Our real estate agents know that a home with an office space also appeals to potential home buyers. Check out these tips to turn your closet into a cozy home office.

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If your books are littered everywhere around your house, here's some good news: You don't need master carpentry skills, thousands of dollars, or a workshop full of tools to build a dreamy bookshelf. With the right supplies and a little bit of creativity, you can build a unit worthy of a great library. Use it to display your cherished reads, media collection, knickknacks, and anything that suits your fancy. Our real estate agents give you the steps below for building an easy and inexpensive DIY bookshelf.

• Design and Determine the Dimensions
  You can custom design your bookshelf to fit a particular space or make one that can work in various locations. Either way, measure the space where you'll place the shelf unit. Decide how tall and how wide you want it to be. Typically, bookshelves are 12" or 16", but you can build yours to suit your needs. When you plan the size, you want the shelves to support the heaviest objects you have in mind without causing a noticeable dip. The shelves should be strong enough to support a heavy load of books and other décor items. Also, decide if you want your bookshelf to have a closed or open back.

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Real Estate and Women: A Perfect Pairing

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year that no one will ever forget – and for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, that's not just because of the pandemic. Last year, we grew by double digits, expanded into new markets, and helped more than 6500 individuals find a place to call home. At the core of our surging success is our local leadership teams, which are made up of 22 individuals, 18 of whom are women.

As a top 2% Coldwell Banker affiliate, we are especially proud this year to celebrate Coldwell Banker's recent honor of the Women's Choice Award. The Women's Choice Award is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend.

At Coldwell Banker, we value women in real estate. I am beyond proud to work for a brand that empowers women to take on leadership roles and strives to make the industry better. Through our work with our Inclusive Ownership program and What Moves Her initiative, we are continuously exploring new ways to support leadership development, promote shared values, and provide resources for enhancing leadership tools and capabilities for women in the industry." – Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Not only is Coldwell Banker recommended as a brand to work with, but as real estate leaders in customer experience and quality, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties is an incredible place to work for.

Want to BE PART OF THE COLDWELL BANKER BRAND? Contact one of our local branch offices today!

Real Estate and Women: A Perfect Pairing

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year that no one will ever forget – and for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, that's not just because of the pandemic. Last year, we grew by double digits, expanded into new markets, and helped more than 6500 individuals find a place to call home. At the core of our surging success is our local leadership teams, which are made up of 22 individuals, 18 of whom are women.

As a top 2% Coldwell Banker affiliate, we are especially proud this year to celebrate Coldwell Banker's recent honor of the Women's Choice Award. The Women's Choice Award is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend.

At Coldwell Banker, we value women in real estate. I am beyond proud to work for a brand that empowers women to take on leadership roles and strives to make the industry better. Through our work with our Inclusive Ownership program and What Moves Her initiative, we are continuously exploring new ways to support leadership development, promote shared values, and provide resources for enhancing leadership tools and capabilities for women in the industry." – Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Not only is Coldwell Banker recommended as a brand to work with, but as real estate leaders in customer experience and quality, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties is an incredible place to work for.

Want to BE PART OF THE COLDWELL BANKER BRAND? Contact one of our local branch offices today!

As a seller, you're probably looking for that extra something to give your home an edge over the competition. Starting with some advice from our real estate agents is always a good idea. They can tell you about the market in your area and what buyers are looking for right now.

Like everyone else, many buyers in the market right now have spent far more time than usual at home over the last year. And they've realized that their current home just doesn't fit their needs. So how do you make your Albany homes for sale stand out to them? Taking advantage of the current landscaping trends is an excellent place to start. The outside of the house and yard are the first things a buyer sees, so they can make a big impression. It can also help them imagine themselves entertaining friends, working out, or enjoying their favorite hobbies outdoors in this new space. And that might be just the thing that motivates them to make an offer.

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Your new home's fireplace may be the part of your home that you fell in love with first, but if you've not had a fireplace before, you've got a few things to learn about your new love. Fireplaces are beautiful for creating treasured memories but require care. Not all the Albany homes for sale have fireplaces, but if you have or are looking for a home with a fireplace, keep the needs of fireplaces in mind. 

• First Look
  A home inspection should cover a fireplace, but if you didn't have your home inspected or if you've had your home for a while and this is your first time using your fireplace, a professional inspection can tell you what maintenance or repairs your fireplace may need. Your inspector should ensure that the masonry is intact, that the damper operates properly, and for any signs of deterioration before pronouncing your fireplace safe to use. The report will include any areas that require repair or maintenance.

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Home technology seems to get smarter and smarter every year, and with some truly innovative products on the market, there couldn't be a better time to start creating your own smart home. Choosing the right devices can be confusing and ultimately comes down to your needs, lifestyle, and budget. 

Our real estate agents have become experts on smart home technology after seeing some of the convenient devices in these Albany homes for sale. In fact, adding a few smart devices is a great way to stage your home for potential buyers. If you're looking to add some convenience and automation to your life in 2021, our real estate agents have several tips for how you can get started with smart home technology.

1. Start With a Smart Home Assistant
   Just getting started with smart home technology? The first thing you'll need is a smart home assistant. These products serve as the foundation of any smart home and allow you to verbally control other smart devices throughout your home. They can also do a multitude of other tasks such as set reminders,  play music, and answer questions. The two most common home assistants are Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and both are available with a speaker only or with a display.

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There is nothing worse than having to put on the tool belt and perform home repairs in the dead of winter. Our real estate agents suggest getting a jump on those last-minute home repairs before the last leaf hits the ground this autumn. It is not only a great way to avoid frosty fingers and toes, but it is also the best way to ensure your home is protected from the wind, rain, snow, and sleet that Mother Nature is likely to deliver when winter arrives.

1. Disconnect Your Hoses, Faucets, and Sprinklers. The sooner you take care of this, the better. Surprise frosts can and do occur in the region. Disconnecting hoses and faucets and blowing out your sprinklers is essential for protecting your plumbing system.

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Some of us have a little more time on our hands than we know what to do with this summer. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as we think of ways to beautify, improve, or just make more interesting use of our landscapes. Summertime is the right time in our region to make the most of great weather and get things done before falls sets in.

Our real estate agents are experts at helping homeowners enhance their properties. They can answer your questions about how to make your home stand out among other Albany homes for sale. 

Have a look at these easy projects where you can channel your creativity while making your property more appealing.

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Are you listening to what your air conditioning unit is trying to tell you? Like other appliances throughout our home, our HAVC system may display symptoms of malfunctioning long before it breaks down. Unfortunately, it's much easier for us to ignore these signs if we're not trained to recognize them. Our real estate agents would hate for you to wake up to a broken A/C unit in the middle of the night. We suggest that you keep your eyes and ears open for these 10 tell-tale signs of a problematic air conditioner.

1. Old Age
   When a cooling system is properly maintained, it can run well for decades. However, all elements of your home have an average lifecycle and your air conditioning unit will likely only last between 10 and 15 years. If you've had your air conditioner for over a decade, it might be time to replace it before it inevitably breaks down.

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Summer is just a few short days away. Our real estate agents understand that you are eager to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and relaxing evenings around the fire. We're right there with you, and we want you to have a fun, enjoyable, and safe time. While fire pits are pleasant additions to any backyard, it's essential to follow these safety tips to ensure that your relaxing evening doesn't end with a trip to an emergency room.

• Watch what you burn. Don't burn pressure-treated wood, plastics, or garbage in the fire pit. These contain toxic chemicals that can lead to respiratory problems, cancers, and a host of unpleasant side effects.

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As we do our best to make the most of our time at home, many of us are looking for inexpensive ways to spruce up our space. From spring cleaning and touching up your curb appeal to small interior decor updates, there are a lot of creative ways to update your home without breaking the bank. 

Here are a few fun projects that our real estate agents have tackled over the past few weeks.  

1. Rearrange the Furniture
   This is a great project because it doesn't take much time and won't cost you anything. Rearranging the furniture in your living room, bedrooms, or even the dining room can create a whole new look. Sometimes, just changing the angle of certain pieces can make a big difference, so go ahead and experiment!
   
   Best of all, if you decide you don't like the way it looks, you can always just put it back.

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If you're anything like our real estate agents, there's an excellent chance you will find yourself working from home a little more than usual this year. And, if you have children at home, that means greater competition for precious internet resources so that everyone can get their work, homework, and, of course, shopping is done on time. As they say, there's no time like the present to make sure your Wi-Fi is up to the task. 

Optimizing Your Wi-Fi

• Check Your Plan. It may be time to increase the speed of your service. If you're streaming a lot of videos, participating in videoconferences, or playing games on two-four computers, you'll want to have somewhere between 12-25Mbps. Remember that the more devices you have, the more speed you will need.

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Are you hearing bumps in the night? Does it sound like a screaming banshee has taken up residence in the attic? If you are hearing unusual noises coming from your house, take heart because you're not alone. Before you call an exorcist to investigate those spooky noises, our real estate agents recommend taking a look at the following common causes of the strange sounds you hear.

• Clanking, Screeching and Squealing from the Furnace
  Damaged components usually cause strange noises from the furnace. Broken belts, loose bolts, clogged filters, clogged igniters, and busted blowers will make loud noises until they annoy you enough to call a certified HVAC technician to repair them.

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When our real estate agents meet with prospective buyers, they often find that a big backyard is on their "must-have" list of home features. This is typically an easy goal to meet, as many of the best Albany homes for sale have plenty of outdoor space. 

Now more than ever, homeowners are starting to think about how to turn some of that backyard space into gardens. Once you know the basics, gardening is actually much easier than you might think! Start with these simple tips. 

1. Decide What Kind of Garden You Want to Grow
   Your first step will be to decide what kind of garden you want to grow. Do you want vegetables and herbs so you can create garden-to-table meals, or would you prefer a colorful and fragrant flower garden? If you decide on flowers, do you want brightly colored annuals that you'll need to replant each year or perennials that bloom for a shorter time but will return year after year? If you're not 100 percent sure, start small so you'll have the flexibility to change your mind later.

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New homeowners, set a reminder on your smartphone: January 6th is National Technology Day! Technology is woven into nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and our real estate agents want to help you maximize your connectivity around your new living space. Believe it or not, many homeowners aren't aware of the many recent tech advances that can turn any type of house into a fully-functional smart home. Bring convenience into your life and consider upgrading your new space with these home automation upgrades.

1. Smart Hub
   If you don't have an interconnected command center in your new home, put it at the top of your list! Many of the best tech companies, including Google and Amazon, will help you not only integrate smart technology throughout your home, but they'll also offer you an easy to use command center to control these systems. Your smart home hub can connect to other devices, giving you the ability to use a simple swipe of a finger or vocal command to utilize countless smart systems.

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Offering an added revenue stream and flexibility, Airbnb can be a tempting option for homeowners and homebuyers. Over the last 11 years, Airbnb has grown from a small startup to a global company that has disrupted the hotel and vacation rental industries. And with the growth of the online marketplace and sharing economy, Airbnb has become extremely popular and the profits may look incredible. But, is this really a good solution for you? Our real estate agents share some of the implications you should consider before renting out your home on Airbnb.

• The Legal Considerations
  Becoming an Airbnb host is not as easy as you might think. It's more than just buying an investment property, listing it on Airbnb, and hosting guests. Every city is different so it's important to find out which local regulations might apply to you. Airbnb has negatively impacted local housing costs and because it's not easy to find affordable housing, many governments have established rules in an effort to discourage short-term pricey rentals. These regulations might also include extra fees, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. You should inquire with your municipality about the possibility of renting out your property and for how long you can do it without actually being present.
  
  It doesn't stop with the city. Some homeowner's associations prohibit short-term rentals and impose penalties and fines on owners who do so. Check that your home insurance covers this type of investment and whether your mortgage lender allows you to sublet the property.

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Our real estate agents receive many questions from clients who have inherited a home. Over the next few decades, an estimated $27 trillion in total wealth is expected to change hands due to inheritance. A great deal of that will come in the form of homes.

While many older adults downsize their homes in the last decade of life, inheriting a property can still present you with many challenges. At a time when you may be dealing with final arrangements, you also need to figure out what to do with a house.

An inherited home can represent a windfall, but it must be handled carefully.

Before you know it, ongoing expenses from a new property can turn into a financial burden. The key is to take the right steps from the start and keep moving forward with a clear plan for the home. In many cases, that ultimately means putting it on the market.

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