How to Set Your Table for Thanksgiving

After you take the time to make a delicious dinner, you wouldn’t want to ruin it with bland table decorations. This Thanksgiving make an impression on your guests with a beautifully decorated table! 

Start With A Large Table

This Thanksgiving, setting up your table will be the first step in getting ready for the big dinner. You will need to figure out how many guests will be coming and then make sure you have room for enough place settings. Traditionally, a large rectangular table will be the most comfortable and allow for the most place settings.  You can also set up smaller round tables for extra room. You will want to make sure that you have enough space for all of your guests. There’s nothing worse than bumping elbows with your neighbor when trying to eat! Its standard to have 24 inches in between people and 36 inches between the table and wall.  

Choose A Table Cloth or Table Runner

Thanksgiving dinner is one of the few times a year you can go all out in your table decorations.  Adding a table cloth or table runner will add an elegant touch to your dinner, try using a festive plaid or burlap to add a Thanksgiving feel instead of a traditional white tablecloth.  If you have a nice table and want to show it off, try using a table runner instead. A centered runner can help establish a festive color scheme for your table while still letting your table surface shine. If you are having a kids table or want a budget-friendly option, cover your table with brown paper and have everyone write one thing they are thankful for around their plate.  This is a fun holiday activity that will have the table decorate itself!

Choose Your Table Settings

You don’t have to spend a fortune on new china to create stunning table settings for your Thanksgiving dinner to look great.  Here’s how to create a fabulous place setting worthy of your Thanksgiving turkey! 

• Center the plate in the middle of the placemat or area that your guest will be sitting. 

• Place the dinner fork to the left of the plate and the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork. 

• Place the knife on the right side of the plate, with the serrated edge facing inward. 

• Place the dinner spoon to the right of the knife. 

• Place a glass above the knife, so it is above and to the right of the plate. 

• Place a folded cloth napkin on top of the plate, you can add a napkin ring around it to make it look nicer!

You can make your dinner setting casual or formal. We have included a chart below to make things easier!

Add in a Centerpiece

One of the last pieces you will need to complete your table is a festive centerpiece.  If you are limited on room, try adding in some small pumpkins, acorns or fall greenery.  If you have the room, you can create your own fall centerpiece! A bouquet of autumn-colored flowers and small squashes are both traditional pieces that will add texture to your table. You can accent your festive Thanksgiving table with some candles.   Centerpieces are a great addition to any table, but you also have to make sure it doesn’t overtake your table and that you make sure you have room for your guests. Nothing is worse than trying to have a conversation, but decorations are in your sightline.  When creating the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, keep your guests and tablespace in mind and your space will come together!  

With these four easy steps, you will have a table that will impress anyone! After you finish decorating, you can sit down and enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner. 

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Six Ways to Keep Your Home Safe When it's on the Market!

When you’re trying to sell your home, you want prospective buyers to explore a bit during showings, right? You want them to look around, get comfortable with the space and even imagine themselves making memories there. But how comfortable is too comfortable?

Because buyers often open closets, cabinets and other nooks and crannies when they’re touring through a home, sellers should take some precautions to protect their homes and personal belongings throughout the sales process.

Here are 6 ways that sellers can keep their homes—and themselves—safe during showings:

1. Be Wise About Your Wi-Fi
When you created that witty Wi-Fi password, you may have thought it would be easy to remember. If it hasn’t been so easy, so you’ve written it down somewhere on your router or in your home, you’ll want to hide it before buyers start strolling through. If someone memorizes your password, they may have easy access to any personal information you store online.

2. File Away Your Financial Information
Your banking info is certainly something that should stay private. If you’re in the habit of leaving bills—or even spare money—laying around on countertops, break that habit before buyers start strolling through. Your personal information may be completely safe, but you do not need anyone rooting through it.

3. Seal and Store Prescriptions
As we mentioned, buyers may open cabinet doors or drawers. This may include medicine cabinets too. To prevent snooping or even worse, make sure to properly seal and store any prescriptions before buyers have the chance to see or take them.

4. Lock Up Firearms
This tip pretty much goes without saying, particularly if you have children at home. If you own firearms, be sure they are safely locked away when your home is for sale. Frankly, they should be safely locked out of reach even if your home is not for sale!

5. Remove Valuables
Like your financial information or firearms, any jewelry or other valuables that are in plain sight could be enticing to someone—prospective buyers or even someone posing as a prospective buyer. Lock your valuables in a safe or ask a trusted family member or friend to keep them until your home sells.

6. Check Doors and Windows
Each time a prospective buyer tours through your home, you’ll likely be excited to trace their steps to see what parts of your home they may have found most intriguing. While you’re walking through trying to determine what prospective buyers liked best, check to make sure they closed and locked each exterior door and window.

Selling a home is stressful enough without worrying about having to protect it. If your home is on the market, take a few sensible steps to ensure that it and all your belongings remain safe all the way through your sale and closing.

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You Don't Need Perfect Credit or a 20% Down Payment!

It has long been believed that buyers must put 20% of a home’s purchase price down to qualify for a conventional home loan. Is this really the case? First-time homebuyers can find some relief from federal loan options. But, these buyers are not the only ones who can take advantage of options when it comes to conventional mortgages.

It’s true. A 20% down payment will likely ensure a lower borrowing rate and it will eliminate private mortgage insurance, or PMI, which is often paid monthly—on top of a homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment. But, the fact is that you don’t have to put 20% down to secure a mortgage. Actually, today’s home buyers have several options.

Here are three ways home buyers can avoid putting down 20% of a home’s purchase price to secure a mortgage:

1. Pursue a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
The federal government is willing to ensure a home mortgage if it is understood that the buyer will pay PMI. With this type of mortgage, buyers are required to put down as low as only 3.5% of a home’s purchase price. Instead of paying that money up front, these buyers pay a monthly fee—in addition to their mortgage payment. They continue to pay this PMI until they’ve met about 20% of their new home’s purchase price. So, if you don’t have 20% to put down up front, a government-backed loan may be an ideal option for your next home mortgage.

2. See if you qualify for a VA loan.
Military families have even more options than regular home buyers when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. Our nation’s veterans can apply for a loan through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—and these loans come with pretty much no strings attached. VA loans are conventional home loans that do not require any money down and they do not come with any PMI obligations. Often, VA loans also offer competitive, low borrowing rates. The only drawback for some buyers? These loans are reserved for military members and their families. If you think you might qualify, check into a VA loan for your next home purchase.

3. Shop around with private mortgage lenders.
Federally-backed home loans are not the only mortgages that allow buyers some leniency when it comes an upfront down payment. Private lenders also offer conventional home loans with lesser down payment requirements. These loan options likely will come with PMI, which is paid monthly but could be eliminated in a year in some instances. Private lenders may be stricter when it comes to a buyer’s credit score, income, and other qualifications. They also may not offer the lowest annual percentage rates to buyers who put down less than 20%. However, private lenders are still likely to offer home loan options for a wide range of qualified buyers.

The moral of the story is that today’s home buyers are not required to have a 20% down payment to purchase a home. If you are pursuing a home loan, review options from various lenders to find the mortgage that is best for you.

Down payments can be as low as 0%, 3.5% or 5%. And you surely don’t need perfect credit. Lenders will typical work with any FICO score above 630. I have great lenders who would love to work with you. I can help you accomplish your goals or just help put you on the path to home ownership. Questions? Let’s chat.

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How to Maximize Space in a Small Kitchen

Have you found your dream home, but the kitchen size is less than desirable? Don’t worry! There are so many different ways to organize your kitchen and surrounding areas to maximize space and minimize worry. 

Make Use of Open Wall Space

When you have a small space its important to make use of any space you have.  Open wall space is a great place to start. You should consider hanging hooks to store your pots and pans. If you are lacking in countertop space consider using a magnetic knife strip instead of a knife block.  You can also store lids to pans here as well. 

Add a Shelf Above Your Cabinets

Consider adding a shelf above your cabinets for optimal storage.  You can store small things here like plates, coffee mugs, or pans. This will free up space in your cabinets and leave your kitchen more organized. 

Purchase Drawer Organizers and Storage Bins

Throwing all of your kitchen supplies into a drawer will leave you unorganized and with little space.  Consider purchasing a drawer organizer for your kitchen utensils and bins to organize your pantry. This also might clear up some space on your kitchen countertops.  

Add Shelving on the Back of Cabinet Doors

Dishes and pantry items can only be stacked so high before cabinets start to feel totally unorganized. Most cabinets never seem to have enough permanent shelves, so the best solution to get the most storage is adding expandable shelves or even baskets that hang just below the shelf. 

Make Use of Cabinet Sides

If you have a cabinet that doesn’t touch a wall on both sides, you can utilize the open side for extra storage. Use it to mount shelves or hang smaller items, like cutting boards, magnetic strips, or a spice rack. This will take away clutter from your countertops and leave you feeling more organized.  
 

When you have minimal kitchen space to prep, work, and cook on, every square inch is precious.  These organization tips should help make room in your kitchen and leave you feeling like you have a new space.

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Creative Ways to Add Color to Your Home

Do you think your house feels a little dull? Want to change things up? Try adding a pop of color in with your decor!  Incorporating new colors into your home will totally revamp your space and add life without breaking the bank.  

Paint the Front Door

Painting your front door will add a pop of color to the outside of your home.  It will also increase the curb appeal of your home! The outside of the house, especially the front door sets the tone of your home and helps to add personality.  Make sure that you choose a color for your door that is inviting and brightens up your entryway. Popular colors to choose are a deep red or light blue. You could even try staining it a darker wood color to help it stand out.  

Add an Accent Wall

Try painting one wall in your home a different color than the rest. Accent walls are becoming more popular in home design. Painting one wall in your home a dark navy or pale blue will make your home pop.  Next, add in some wall decor. Gallery walls are a great way to showcase both your family photos and decorations!

Add Color to Your Kitchen Cabinets or Island

Whether bold or more subdued, your kitchen cabinets can be painted any color. Cabinets do not have to be traditional white or wood colors.  A new trend in kitchen cabinetry is to paint them an accent color.  You could even paint the base of your island a contrasting color of the rest of your kitchen for something different! 

Use Plants or Flowers to Add a Pop of Color

Plants and flowers are a great asset to any space in your home. They brighten the room and some plants can even purify the air, boost your mood, and are sure to make the space look great.  Popular indoor plants such as ficus, fiddle leaf fig tree or a jade plant are easy to maintain and a great choice for busy homeowners. Make sure they are getting some sunlight and are watered once a week to keep them looking healthy!

Recover or Paint Your Furniture

Chalk painting your furniture is a great way to add color to your home and is a relatively easy process. Adding a new color even to some old chairs can transform your room dramatically and brighten up your space. An older sofa or loveseat that may have faded, earned a few stains or seen better days but it still structurally sound can benefit from a new slipcover. Recovering or repainting a piece of furniture is a simple way to add a pop of color to your space.  

Adding color in any way will brighten up your home and make it feel like your own.  You can go bold by painting all your cabinets a fun color, or keep it minimal by adding in some greenery.  Either way, your home will look great with some new color additions. 

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How to Stage Your Home on a Budget

A common misconception is that it costs a lot to stage your home.  When it comes to selling a home, appearance is everything. Home staging can make all the difference. Most home sellers think they have to break the bank to stage their homes; this isn’t the case. It is possible to stage a home on a budget or even for free!

Declutter and Depersonalize Each Room

One of the first things you should do in home staging is to declutter and organize your home.  This is a free and relatively easy way to make your home appear larger and more appealing to a potential buyer.  You should remove all clutter from the common areas of your home and try and free up closet and cabinet space. After decluttering, pack your personal belongings like family photos and knickknacks.  All your belongings are great additions to your home, but buyers come to see your home, not your personal belongings. They will not be able to picture themselves in the space if all they see are your things. 

Move Furniture Around

Moving your furniture around can change the whole look of your space.  Relocate furniture that is cramping one room, and move it into another to add visual space. This will make both rooms appear larger and will sit well with a potential buyer. To prevent your interior from looking plain, you should mix furnishings, fabrics, and colors. You could do this by adding a slipcover to a couch for a cheap way to add a different look to your room.  You could also add a fresh potted plant into a neutral room for a pop of color!

Straighten Up Your Home’s Exterior

When people think of staging a home, they typically only have the interior of the home in mind.  The exterior of your home is just important in a buyer’s eye. That may mean pulling a few weeds and even giving some much-needed TLC to the garden. Making sure you have curb appeal is very important in home staging, because this gives a potential buyer their first impression of your home.  Whatever your buyer will see on their way into your home should look flawless.

Add in Some Decorations

The key to staging your home on a budget is to use what you already have to re-invent the spaces in your home, making them feel cozy and stylish. Use furniture, plants, and accent pieces to highlight desirable home features.  

Staging your home on a budget is very do-able and will make a great first impression on your buyers.   Typically homes that are staged sell twice as fast than homes that are not staged. Let’s discuss how we can make your home show better to potential buyers!

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Five Fall Activities to do in Pittsburgh

Now that it is fall and October is approaching, the leaves are falling and the weather is getting cooler it is time to partake in Pittsburgh’s favorite fall activities. There are a ton of new and exciting events happening in and around the Pittsburgh area you won’t want to miss out on.  Trust us.  

Steel City Fall Festival 

Join Steel City Beer Distributors for their first-ever fall festival.  The festival will showcase beer from some of the best breweries in the world.  Get your friends together and head out to Harrison Street on September 28. The festival will be held from 3-6 p.m.  

Phantom Fright Night

As the leaves turn and the days shorten, a darkness begins to fall over Kennywood and the forces that power one of the world’s fiercest roller coasters, the Phantom’s Revenge, grow stronger.  Phantom Fright Night at Kennywood has been a Pittsburgh Tradition for years and has even been recognized by USA Today as one of the best events in the country. Fright Night starts Fridays and Saturdays from September 27 – October 26 from 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM, plus Sunday, Oct. 13 and 27 from 6:00 – 11:00 PM. Admission is $32.99. 

Soergel Orchard’s Fall Festival 

Soergel Orchard’s Fall Festival has been a tradition in Wexford for over 30 years.  The festival includes hayrides, face painting, free food and more! The fall festival will be held from September 22- October 13.  Check out their website for more information.  

McConnell's Mills State Park

McConnells Mill State Park, in Lawrence County, encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge.  This is the perfect place to spend your weekend hiking. The park features beautiful changing leaves and views you won’t want to miss.  The park is open year-round, sunrise to sunset and is the perfect fall weekend getaway.   

Arsenal Cider House 

Spend your evening unwinding at Arsenal Cider House.  With three different locations in Wexford, Lawrenceville, and Finleyville, Arsenal Cider House specializes in hard apple cider, cider-style fruit and grape wines, and meades.  On Fridays at the Lawrenceville location, enjoy grub from a guest chef, including Chef Mark Loveland of Heavenly Cuisine Custom Catering who will be manning the grill and cooking up some fabulous food, like grilled chicken wings brushed in a unique sauce flavor made with their very own cider.  

Whether you want to enjoy a casual evening at a cider house, want to spend your Sunday at a pumpkin patch or want to be scared and spooked at Kennywood, there's something for you.  Don’t forget to share your photos from the events with us on social media!

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Falling in Love with Curb Appeal

Fall is in the air and that means crisp nights, football and pumpkins, but fall can also be a great season to boost your curb appeal and have fun decorating for the season! From planting flowers to cleaning your gutters, there are a ton of tasks that will help spruce up your home for the fall! 

Plant Fall Flowers 

Now that your summer flowers are starting to fade, it is a great idea to invest in some fall flowers that will match the changing leaves.  Mums are the best fall flowers you can plant because they typically bloom all the way through Thanksgiving. They are easy to maintain and do very well in the crisp weather.  Mums come in beautiful oranges and yellows that will pair perfectly with your pumpkins.  

Highlight Your Front Door 

Your front door is the focal point of your home. September is a great time to add a fresh coat of paint to your door, you can even think about changing the color to a beautiful color that compliments your home as well us updates the curb appeal.  Another great way to add a pop of color and beauty is to add a wreath with simple fall foliage. This will grab attention and instantly boost the curb appeal of your home.  

Clean out your Gutters

Now that the leaves are starting to fall, it's important to keep up with routine maintenance on your home.  Make sure to clear your gutters and downspouts free from leaves and debris to avoid possible water damage to your home.  It’s also a great idea to install gutter guards so you will have less cleaning to worry about.  

Clean your Exterior

Now that the trees are losing their leaves, your home is more exposed than ever and will show spots of dirt and wear and tear.  It is a good idea to power wash your home’s exterior or add a fresh coat of paint.  

Add Outdoor Lighting

The days are getting shorter and it’s starting to get darker earlier.  Fall is the perfect time to add outdoor lighting to your home. Outdoor lighting can brighten up your home up and make it appear more inviting.  Try illuminating your walkways, installing floodlights, or lanterns to brighten up your entryways. You can also take this time to replace any dim or burned out bulbs.  

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5 Reasons to Replace Your Windows

Replacing your home’s windows can seem like a task that is not your top priority, but the benefits you can gain will make a huge difference.  Over time, windows need to be replaced, just like your appliances or roof shingles. Don’t wait until the weather gets cold, now is a good time to take a look at your windows and determine if they will need to be replaced.  

1. Energy Efficiency

If you are starting to notice your energy bills are going up, you might want to take a look at your windows to see if they are the cause of the problem.  Window replacement is a common recommendation among construction professionals as a way to improve energy efficiency. According to a study on the energy performance of residential windows, new windows reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 22%.  Although new windows are an investment, they will save you money in the long run. Now is the time to swap out your old windows with double-pane, energy-efficient windows.  

2. Window Defects

If you start to notice any defects in your windows, such as small cracks or chips, it is a good time to replace your windows.  Leaving a crack will only cause more damage in the future. Some problems include air leaks, water leaks, and letting in small insects. Visible cracks also weaken the strength of your window.  Having a crack or broken window can cause a lot of problems down the road. It is a good idea to replace them sooner rather than later to save money.  

3. Security

Windows are an entry and exit point to your home so windows that aren't opening or locking correctly pose a security risk. Some signs that burglars might look for to identify vulnerable windows include old or wooden windows, windows with cracks, or condensation in windows.  You also don’t want small critters like bugs or chipmunks getting through window openings.  

4. Curb Appeal

Updating your windows might seem odd to increase your curb appeal, but instead of simply focusing on changing the outer appearance of your home, be sure to incorporate changes that add into your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency. For instance, if your window frames have rotted then you’re ready for new windows.  They will not only improve the functionality of your home, but the appearance too. Installing new windows will increase the value of your home and make it more appealing.   

5. Value

If you’re thinking of selling your home in a few years, replacing the windows can help your home stand out in a crowded market, plus raise its value before you list your home. Some buyers love buying homes that are not only move-in ready, but updated with modern amenities. New windows improve your home’s marketability and help you command a higher selling price. 

If you have old windows in your home or are planning on listing your home soon, now is the time to replace your windows.  

Have you heard about our New Neighbor Program?  Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty can offer its clients exclusive discounts from area vendors, including Window Nation, through our New Neighbor Program.  Want to know more? Ask your me today!

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The Do's and Don'ts When it Comes to Moving

Whether it is your first move or you are a seasoned professional, there is no doubt that moving can be stressful. From organizing to packing and all the tasks in between, you are likely wondering how you are going to finish or where to even begin. Luckily, we have all been there and are here to help make your move go smoothly.  Below, we are going to tackle the top moving do’s and don’ts to help you become a pro for your next move.  

Do set a plan before your move begins

When you are moving it is very important to be organized.  Putting in place a pre-move plan will give you peace of mind and make your move a whole lot easier.  Figuring out where to start can be the hardest part. Go through your home and make a list of the items that you will need to pack up and those the movers will.  After you make a list, you can easily go through your home and start crossing items off!

Don’t wait until the last minute 

Procrastination is one of the worst things you can do in a move.  There is no worse feeling than still having to pack when the moving company shows up at your door. Or be pulling all-nighters to meet your move out deadline. Make sure when you schedule your moving day that you are able to clear your schedule and set time aside before your move to pack and organize. 

Do get rid of unneeded items

It is a good idea to try and picture yourself in your new space and get rid of those items that you don’t need.  You might be tempted to just start throwing everything into boxes, but this is a great opportunity to take inventory of everything you own.  You can recycle or donate any unneeded items and make unpacking easier! 

Do label everything

Labeling is one more thing to add to your to-do list, but it is essential in the process.  Making sure that you are labeling all of your boxes and being organized is key to having a stress-free move.  When you go into your new space, you will be able to place all of your boxes in the correct rooms. This will make your unpacking process go smoothly.  You could even try buying different colors of duct tape and assigning a different color to each room. Use the tape to secure the edges of the box and you’ll know what room the box belongs no matter what side you can see.

Don’t overstuff your boxes

It is easy to throw everything into a large box and hope for the best, but make sure to never overstuff your boxes when packing.  It can result in making the boxes too heavy to carry, causing them to break, or damaging your items. Instead, try packing heavy items like books or pots and pans in small boxes instead of combining them in with other boxes.  Do you have a suitcase on wheels? Utilize it to move heavier items!

Do pack an essentials bag

Moving takes time and typically can’t be done in one day.  It is a great idea to pack an overnight bag with all your essentials so that you can comfortably spend the night in your new home. For an easier transition for your children, have them pack one box with all their favorite toys.  This will be the first box they can unpack in the new home and get them excited about their new space!

Don’t try to get everything done in one day 

When you finally in your new space, don’t try to unpack everything in one day.  Moving is a long process and can be very stressful. Take some time to relax in your new home and know that everything will come together!

If you go into your next move with the right attitude and tools you will be sure to have a positive experience.  It will be stressful and tiring, but with our tips, you’ll have a handle on everything!   

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