Failing to check neighborhood guidelines. As a realtor, there are HOA rules and regulations that we look at per property that we come across. When buying a home, there may be regulations regarding the interior or exterior of your home. This also means there might be an approval process before you are able to dig, tear down or add on to your property. Some examples we have come across are: the type of fence you're allowed to set up, the color of the exterior of your home, to even the style of windows. All in all, finding out if there are rules or regulations is as simple as a phone call to an expert realtor.   Ignoring potentially expensive problems. Let's be honest, Pinterest gives those at home do-ers a LOT of ideas. But, not all those ideas are meant for YOUR home. Don't shrug off a support beam because it doesn't "fit your Pinterest board." In our mind, there are two aspects to a renovation: The stuff you want to do and the stuff you have to do. If you are ever unsure of what has to be updated, and what can be bypassed, call up a contractor, inspector, or utility worker to grasp a concept on the condition of your utilities.   Skipping Inspections. We cannot stress enough why inspections are so important. Just like you get an inspection before you buy a home, you should also get an inspection before you dive into your renovation work. Though the inspections are usually free - be prepared for the inspection to add to the home renovation cost. In the end, the inspection will give you an idea of weather or not you want to take on the renovation in the first place, and allow you to make the informed decision about the cost and what will need to be done so the renovations passes approval when the time comes to sell the home. All in all, yes it might cost more to do a renovation right, but it will save you time and money in the long run.   Not thinking big picture. Bouncing off the idea above - before you start - be realistic of the needs and cost of the home renovation. Make a list of the renovations you are looking into, and think of how you are going to use the renovation in your time left in the home. Also, think about what should be done now, and what can wait until a later date. Allowing you to take your time and not rush through renovation projects.   Not considering a home's long term needs. We know you live in your home now, but think about the future buyers when you're going to be ready to sell. Before turning that 3rd bedroom into a master walk in closet, adding wallpaper to the office, knocking down the walls, or tearing up all of the landscaping, think about the transformation and what it means in the long run.   Tearing down walls without preparing for what's behind them. There is more to tearing down the wall then just moving sheetrock and studs. Think about the electrical, relocation of piping, and the piece of flooring that will now be exposed. Especailly in older homes, issues may be uncovered after you get started.   Not getting multiple quotes. Don't hire the first contractor, roofer, or electiricion you meet. Get at least 3 quotes to get a feel of their skills and confirm the potential quality of a contractor. Being the cheapest in the business isn't always the best. These companies might be doing major work for, and their skill will imptact the long term value of your investment.   Not hiring a professional where needed. We know you love the home renovation shows, and Pinterest has a million ideas of "how to do it yourself." But, before diving into a project, really ask yourself, "what can I do, and what do I need to hire someone else out for?" There is no shame in knowing you need an electircian or a plumber to come out and help with your process to ensure it is done right.   Underestimating the value of a good paint job. Sometimes all a room needs to new carpet and a fresh paint job. This simple task can make a dark, musky room look bigger and brighter. Making this quick asthetic renovation can add dollars to your home value, and make a space more inviting.

Bottom line before we dive into this educational article: If you’re ready to get the homebuying process started, having experts in the industry will help you make educational and stratigic decisions. Our whole team is here to answer any and all questions, and help guide you from living in a rental to buying your first home. You've probably heard that getting pre-approved is a must for purchasing your home. Well, that part is true. But at Century 21 Atwood, we believe working on your credit score is your first priority for any first time home buyer. Building your credit: Your credit is one of many elements that determin what home loan you qualify for, and the mortgage interest rate you could receive. A higher score often leads to lower monthly payments in the long run. Paying your bills on time and keeping your credit card balance low are two key steps to building a better credit. As you get closer to buying a home, we do not recommend upping a credit card limit or getting a new line of credit as this will drastically change your credit score number. Auto transfer to savings for your house fund. One of the best ways to save is to set up autopay to a savings account. Setting up recurring transfers establishes a routine and builds your savings account for when you're ready to use it. Get Pre-Approved. Getting pre-approved gives you a good idea on your budget and how much you'll be able to borrow for the home loan. A pre-approval comes from the lender that will rake in your credit score, debt to income, and that savings account you have been putting money tword. This will allow the lender to get an understanding of what you could be approved for and your target price range of a home. Once you get this pre-approval, you can connect with your realtor and start browsing for home. Build a team of professionals. The best step to success and a fluild trascation is to connect with your trusted professionals. Having experts in the industry will guide you to make strong decisions based off your goals and finances. All while guiding you to the home of your dreams. Tying it in a bow, when you are ready to get the process started, connect with your local real estate professional - they can get you connected to a team of professionals, and answer any questions you have regarding the process.

Byron is a city in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States, approximately 5 miles west of Rochester on U.S. Route 14. It is surrounded by Kalmar Township. The population was 6,546 at the 2021 census. Local industries are in the form of farm services and printing. A grain elevator is situated next to the rail line that runs through town, which is owned by the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad. Schmidt Printing is another major company in town. Byron is also a bedroom community for nearby Rochester.   POPULATION & SCHOOLS According to the U.S. 2021 Census, the Byron, MN population is 6,546. The Byron community hosts a K-12 school district. "Our students come to us with a unique set of needs, skills, passions, and talents and will leave us to live in a global economy. In these complex environments, mastery of core knowledge alone will not drive their success. Our students will also need to be provided with deep relevant learning experiences that develop 21st-century skills and dispositions to ensure they are college, career, and life ready." - Byron Public School District.   EXTRA CURRICULARS Byron, Minnesota hosts a variety of activities from hiking trails, soccer parks, a zoo, golf courses, dining, and activities.   Byron is home to Oxbow Park & Zoo - a great place for individuals of all ages to hike the trails or have a picnic. The nature center offers insight to animal history and resources, and the out door zoo is a must see.   Local events promoted by the City and local businesses brings activites and information for all. Byron hosts community events like Good Neighbor Days each day boasts a variety of events like medalion hunt, city wide garage sale, art contests, family fun day, car show, and ends the event with a big fireworks show.   Byron is a prospering area that promotes small business and community growth.   EATS & DRINKS Byron is filled with small business spots. Sip on an iced coffee at the Bear Paw Coffee Shop. Sink your teeth in a burger at the Bears Den Sports bar, and grab a nice cold beer at Frank 'N Steins.    BYRON COMMUNITY GARDEN Another way of thinking about community gardens are as “community-managed open spaces." These differ from a park or public space where some other entity ultimately decides the purpose of the site and maintains it. Community gardens are where the residents of a community are empowered to design, build, and maintain spaces in the community.   The city of Byron, MN offers a robust community garden for residents. The SHIP's (Statewide Health Improvement Program) has made it possible for Byron to have a Community Garden project.  Just another little perk of this town!     HELPFUL LINKS It is not like we want you to leave our website, but we also want you to love where you choose to live! The links below offer handy resources into a deeper look at Byron, MN. Come back when you're done to see all of our other informational pages. Byron Public Schools Byron Good Neighbor Days History Center of Olmsted County

Rochester is a city in the U.S. State of Minnesota and is the county seat of Olmsted County. Located on the Zumbro River's south fork in Southeast Minnesota, according to the 2021 United States Census the city has a population of 117,134. It is Minnesota's third-largest city and the largest city located outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the home of the Mayo Clinic and one of IBM's largest facilities. The city has long been rated as one of the best places to live in the United States by multiple publications and is one of the most educated cities in the world.   Rochester, MN School Districts is split up into three sections. Section 1: CENTURY BOUNDARY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLBamber EastChurchill | HooverChurchill | Hoover NorthGage NorthGibbs EastGibbs NorthJefferson EastJefferson NorthJefferson SouthRiverside NorthSunset East MIDDLE SCHOOL Kellogg HIGH SCHOOL Century High   Section 2: JOHN MARSHAL BOUNDARY   ELEMENTARY SCHOOLBishopChurchill | Hoover WestChurchill | Hoover SouthElton HillsGage SouthGibbs SouthSunset Terrace West   MIDDLE SCHOOL John Adams   HIGH SCHOOL John Marshall   Sections 3: MAYO BOUNDARY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLBamberBamber SouthFranklinFranklin EastFranklin WestFolwellPinewoodPinewood EastPinewood NorthPinewood WestRiversideRiverside South MIDDLE SCHOOLWillow Creek HIGH SCHOOLMayo High

Who doesn't love a good mini golf game. Great for adults, teens, and kids! Compiled is a list of mini golf courses within 2 hours of Rochester, MN. In no particular order, these are some that we have personally played at - plus the links to a few sites are attatched. Don't forget to come back to our site to read more when you are done!   1. Piper Hills Golf Course 25233 534th St Plainview, MN 55964 (507) 534-2613 2. Gator Greens Mini Golf 439 Half Street Lanesboro, MN 55949 (507) 467-3000 3. Twin Creeks Golf 248 Twin Creeks DriveHokah, MN 55941 (507) 894-4483 4. Putter There Miniature Golf 1300 Midway PkwySaint Paul, MN 55103 (612) 619-1800 5. The Links At Dred Scott Minigolf 10820 Bloomington Ferry RoadBloomington, MN 55438 (952) 941-2444 6. Adventure Gardens Minature Golf 64 Portland Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 861-9169 7. Highway #8 Golf Center 8640 Green Lake TrailForest Lake, MN 55025   (651) 462-1162 8. Lilli Putt Mini Golf 1349 Coon Rapids Boulevard NorthwestCoon Rapids, MN 55433 (763) 755-1450 9. Long Lake Golf 2465 West Industrial BoulevardLong Lake, MN 55356 (952) 473-4813 10. Kendahl Miniature Golf 812 Sunnyside DriveCloquet, MN 55720 (218) 879-3314 11. Goony Golf 1066 County Highway 10 NortheastSpring Lake Park, MN 55432 (763) 786-4994

If you are thinking of living in the Rochester, MN area, and you LOVE GOLF, man, do we have the ultimate Golf location list for you! Between private courses and municipal, there is something for every avid golfer. Olmsted County is lucky to have luxury courses maintained and provided by both business owners, and the City of Rochester, MN. We included some of our favorites outside of Rochester, too! Such as Byron, Dodge Center, Plainview, Stewartville & more. In no particular order, see our list below! 1. Soldiers Memorial Field Course 18 holes over 5,706 yards with a par of 70 (Municipal)  244 Soldiers Field Drive SWRochester, MN 55902 (507) 281-6176 2. Rochester Golf & Country Club 18 holes over 6,560 yards with a par of 70 (Private)  3100 Country Club Rd SWRochester, MN 55902-6661 (507) 282-2708 3. Northern Hills Golf Course 18 holes over 6,335 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)  4721 W Circle Dr NWRochester, MN 55901-8904 (507) 281-6170 4. Eastwood Golf Club 9 holes (Municipal)  18 holes over 6,602 yards with a par of 71 (Municipal)  3505 Eastwood Rd SERochester, MN 55904-7804 (507) 281-6173 5. Hadley Creek Golf Course 9 holes over 2,800 yards with a par of 32 (Municipal)  2390 Hadley Hills Dr NERochester, MN 55906-2045 (507) 529-4119 6. Willow Creek Golf & Events 18 holes over 6,045 yards with a par of 70 (Public)  1700 48th St SWRochester, MN 55902-1503 (507) 285-0305 7. Willow Creek Golf Course 9 holes over 1,434 yards with a par of 29 (Public)  1700 48th St SWRochester, MN 55902-1503 (507) 285-0305 8. Oak Summit Golf Course 18 holes over 6,524 yards with a par of 71 (Public)  2751 County 16 Rd SWRochester, MN 55902-1736 (507) 252-1808 9. Maple Valley Golf & Country Club 18 holes over 6,270 yards with a par of 71 (Public)  8600 Maple Valley Rd SERochester, MN 55904-7130 (507) 285-9100 10. Somerby Golf Club 18 holes over 7,209 yards with a par of 72 (Private)  975 Somerby PkwyByron, MN 55920-1580 (507) 775-3710 11. The Links of Byron 9 holes over 1,910 yards with a par of 31 (Public)  222 2nd Ave SWByron, MN 55920 (507) 775-2004 12. Riverview Greens Golf Course 18 holes over 4,831 yards with a par of 66 (Public)  1800 Clubhouse Dr NE Stewartville, MN 55976-1104 (507) 533-9393 13. Zumbro Valley Golf Club 9 holes over 2,592 yards with a par of 36 (Public)  25202 615th StMantorville, MN 55955-6027 (507) 635-2821 14. Zumbro Falls Golf Club 9 holes over 3,268 yards with a par of 36 (Public)  60146 Highway 63Zumbro Falls, MN 55991-5085 (507) 753-3131 15. Pine Island Golf Course 18 holes over 6,603 yards with a par of 71 (Public)  920 8th St SEPine Island, MN 55963-9511 (507) 356-8252 16. Piper Hills Golf Course 9 holes over 3,086 yards with a par of 36 (Public)  25233 534th StPlainview, MN 55964-3213 (507) 534-2613 17. Dodge Country Club 18 holes over 6,164 yards with a par of 72 (Public)  18187 County Road 34Dodge Center, MN 55927-0429 (507) 374-2374

Rochester's 85+ miles of trails are bituminous or concrete surfaced and are available for pedestrian, bike, in-line skate, wheelchair, and stroller use. There are many walking/running events and work projects that occur on the trails each year. Places like Terra Loca, Little Thistle and Thesis Brewing will have fun bike runs or walks! A FEW OUTDOOR PARKS that we love are listed below. Remember there are over 100 parks in trails and Rochester. These are just a few! SILVER LAKE PARK Address: 770 W Silver Lake Dr NE, Rochester, MN 55906 Take a stroll or bike along the water. Rent a kayak, canoe, or boat from Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rental. Take a rest at a shaded bench. There are multiple areas at Silver Lake Park to appeal to all ages! One of our team members like to take walks here in the evening. "The whole walk from start to finish is about an hour if I go the long way. Making it a perfect outdoor exercise."   SOLDIERS MEMORIAL FIELD Address: 300 7th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904 A place to not only give respect & honor our veterans but to play and enjoy the park and sands, and corn field maze. Soldiers Memorial Field has a stunning Wall of Remembrance where you can honor past Veterans. Park features swimming, golf, football field, softball field, sand volleyball, tennis courts, playground, paved trail, picnic shelter + rentable space. Seasonal outdoor ice skating and indoor facilities.   FOSTER AREND PARK Address: 4051 E River Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906 A great park with a lake that measures about 18 acres. There is no lifeguard on duty, but the park offers areas to paddle board, kayak, canoe, or swim. Features wheelchair-accessible pier, a playground for the kids, a volleyball area, and unpaved trails. For those new to Rochester, we say Foster Arend's is located by the "Old Shopko." In today's terms, it is kitty-corner & north from Haley Comfort Systems/Chip Shots!   ESSEX PARK Address: 5455 W River Rd NW, Rochester, MN 55901 You'll see animals, plant life, and maybe even a deer. Trees, unpaved trails, and 160 acres of wooded land. This park, 10 miles north of 55th Street NW, Rochester, is the best area to hike the unoaved winding trails.   INDIAN HEIGHTS PARK Address: 1800 Terracewood Dr NW, Rochester, Mn 55901 Featuring 40 acres of park, visitors can enjoy views of nature, hiking, snowshoeing, and birdwatching. Which, in our opinion is the perfect all year around park. We live in Minnesota - we should enjoy the outdoors even in the Winter!  

Have you ever wondered, 'what types of inspections are there for a home?' Okay, probably not. But as a realtor, anything that involves your home is top of mind for us.Here is a super quick overview of the most common items that are looked over in a home inspection.- HVAC - furnace, ac, duct work, pressure- Chimney- Electrical- Plumbing- Siding whether that be vinyl, steel, wood, cedar, stucco, EIFS, hardyboard, fiberboard, MDF,etc- Intrusive - this can include the removal of material to see behind it- Multitude of professional engineer inspections - this can include foundations, footings and structure- Sewer scope- Well - Septic- Environmental- Soil- Roof- Attic- Foundation & WallsThe most common home inspection is a General home inspection which includes a general overview of all of the above.   How does a home inspection work? A professional home inspector will conduct a thorough top-to-bottom check of the house. Anything they can see and touch will be made note of. They will especially be looking for any sign of damage, or wear and tear. As a rule of thumb, they should be looking at all the outlets - ensuring all are secure and useable. They will flip all the light switches to ensure functionality, turn on ceiling fans & all appliances, and open and shut doors, windows, & garages. They will thoroughly inspect the siding and the roof of the home or any outbuildings like sheds. Inspecting the exterior for hail damage, dings, tears, rotting, or malfunctions. The sole purpose, is to give a general overview of the condition of the home. Why do inspections Matter? Suppose a home inspection report finds any unsafe materials or costly defects.  It sounds scary - but a home inspection is in the best interest of both the seller and the buyer.An inspection gives a detailed report of the home's condition. This allows sellers to properly price the home based on the repairs needed, or allow the sellers to make some repairs that may be asked of by the buyer before closing. Taking care of an inspection before listing, could (in some cases) save both parties time and money. The home inspection report allows a buyer to decide not to proceed with the home purchase, renegotiate the sale price based on the repairs needed, or ask the homeowner to make repairs in order to keep the contract intact. When can an inspection happen? As mentioned above - a preinspection does have its pros, but like everything, it is not perfect and it also has a con side.The sellers can do a preinspection before listing - Pros includeIncreased likelihood of obtaining a noncontingent on inspection offerGives an opportunity to remedy small repairs ahead of timeGives potential buyers peace of mindThe sellers can do a preinspection before listing - Cons includeA buyer may still want their own inspection - Yes, your initial inspection did cost money, and the buyer still may want their own inspection. This move often gives buyers extra peace of mind with their investment.As a seller you are required to complete a seller disclosure or seller disclosure alternative, informing any potential buyer about the condition of the home.Preinspecting the home could reveal large material defects of which you were not aware of. Now you have to disclose to the public. Now you may think, I will fill out the seller disclosure alternatives, so I don’t need to disclose these facts. However, realtors are held to professional standards which would require them to disclose any material facts they are aware of.The buyers can request an inspection as part of their offer. Along with other contingencies as their realtor suggests. The inspection happens after the accepted offer and before the closing.The timeline for the inspection to take place and all resulting negotiations are specified in the purchase agreement. This is typically a 3 to 10 calendar day window after the accepted offer. When would a buyer skip an inspection on a home?  A buyer may skip a home inspection for several reasons. It might be the time of the market where there are multiple offers on the home. Removing the inspection contingency will increase the likelihood of an offer getting accepted by the seller. The buyer's personal comfort level in home construction, maintenance, and cleanliness when viewing the home.  A potential buyer may be well versed in the construction maintenance in a home, for example, the buyer may be a handyman for a living, so there are few things that would concern him or her that they wouldn’t be able to fix themselves.A very detailed seller disclosure portrays honestly about the homes past conditions for the buyer and agent. With the information above there are different times and places an inspection can happen, whether a seller does a preinspection before the home is ready to list, or a buyer does one after an accepted offer. Your realtor is skilled to suggest what option would fit your situation. The conclusion -Always work with a PRO.

The term spring cleaning has been around for decades and for good reason. Not only does it feel good to get out of your house but it feels good to get things cleaned up, organized, and taken care of. Here are some of the best things you can do to get your house ready to sell this spring and some general maintenance tips you should take care of anyway even if you're not selling yet.#1 WindowsCleaning the inside and outside of your windows allows more sunlight into your home and greatly enhances the appearance of the home.#2 Washing the SidingEvery home has a particular spot where it just collects dirt and grime. Mine is a little shady area right behind the garage. Although this might not be visible from the curb it's still a good idea to clean it.#3 Freshen up the LandscapingAdding a few bags of mulch on top of your existing mulch or just a little bit of extra Rock to get it nice and clean while removing dead plant life, leaves, and other debris is a cheap and effective way to greatly increase the curb appeal of your home. The grass might not yet be green, but your landscaping can look fresh. Spring is also the best time to add fertilizer to your lawn.#4 Powerwash all you canA clean sidewalk, driveway, and entry, to the home, is the best way to get the best first impression.#5 Clean those guttersGet up on a ladder or get one of those fancy extension tubes that you connect to the hose and get those gutters clean. Make sure you're not missing any of your downspout extensions and that they aren't all bent and beat up. Replace as necessary. Inside the home, there are a lot of things you can do to prepare your home for the market as well. #6 Inside the Homethere are a lot of things you can do to prepare your home for the market as well. To start put everything away, and I mean everything. If it's on a countertop put it away. You'll find that only the things that you need to use every day need to be out on the counter. This is likely only your coffee pot. In the bathrooms, everything can be put away as well. Bathroom countertops are notorious for holding more things than you use daily.#7 Give Your home the deep clean it deservesOpen all the windows wipe out all the tracks. Clean all the appliances. Deep clean the bathrooms, the kitchen, and give all your floors and stairs attention too.#7 Give Your home the deep clean it deservesOpen all the windows wipe out all the tracks. Clean all the appliances. Deep clean the bathrooms, the kitchen, and give all your floors and stairs attention too.#8 Don't forget the furnace filterYou probably have an air conditioning system that uses the same fan to move the hot air in the winter AND cold air in the summer. Make sure the exterior condensing unit also gets the lawn clippings and dust rinsed out of it. Open up the house to give it some fresh air and get rid of any odors from being sealed up all winter.#9 General MaintainanceSwap out all the batteries in your smoke alarms with new ones. Replace alarms that are older than 10. No one likes the sound of a chirping alarm. Make sure the doors and locks all work as they should. The front door deadbolt should lock easily with one hand on the key. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can make a huge difference. #10 Prep workWhen prepping the inside of your home for sale, take a step back and imagine you are the buyer. That scuff on the wall that you've walked past for a while and that small bit of touch-up paint needed on the baseboards makes an impact on the buyer. Declutter and depersonalize. We want people to see your home, not your collection of shot glasses from every state you visited. Although you may not notice these things a buyer will. The small amount of time and effort into these little things can make a huge difference. These little things tell the buyer that this home was cared for and this home was loved. It lets them see how they could love this home too. #11 Add some colorBuyers have been staring at black and white all winter long, adding some fresh flowers inside and out brings life to your home. #12 and certainly not least, call usOne call to the professionals at Century 21 Atwood and we take care of the rest!For more tips on selling your home in any season or general maintenance tips, we are always here to help. And Remember to ALWAYS, WORK WITH A PRO!

A successful practice I use in my daily routine consists of principles called the Four D's. Do it. Delegate it. Delay it. Dump it. This simplistic ritual enables me to be SUPER-DAD, SUPER-HUSBAND, and SUPER-REAL ESTATE AGENT.   As an expert contributor, I am thrilled to share how the ease of the Four D's allows me to organize my thoughts, office space, home life, and daily tasks.   DO it. A build-up of daily tasks is inevitable. As a general rule of thumb, most things that weigh down your day are the simplest tasks. To put it in perspective, if it takes 15 minutes or less - do it. This practice gives an immediate sense of accomplishment, building motivation, and eliminating mental clutter to focus on larger or more important projects.   DELAY it. Being SUPER-DAD and WONDER-MOM does not mean everything has to be (or needs to be) done NOW. At the office, I organize folders by month. If a task can be delayed until a later date, into the selected month folder it goes. This practice allows me to focus my energy on immediate needs.   DELEGATE it. No - It is not pawning your tasks off to someone else. It is a tradition of working smarter and more efficiently.  You have never heard anyone say, "Sorry, I cannot go on vacation, I have to mow the lawn." Right?!  Think of the must-do tasks you can delegate elsewhere in your life. Saving time using the online order and pick-up system. Getting your work clothing dry cleaned vs. washing, drying, and ironing. Hiring the neighbor kid or lawn service to mow. Delegate your tasks!   DUMP it. The most vital practice of the Four D's. These are your ideas on the yellow notepad. You know, the ones you "write down so it gets off your brain.” Soon, your yellow notepad fills with 40 pages of overwhelming thoughts and tasks. Page 1 becomes mundane as you flip to pages twenty-three or thirty-seven. If it is unlikely those ideas are not worth the time, dump them. Eliminating tasks does not mean failure, it provides success to deciding what requires doing, delegating, delaying, or dumping. So, dump the unnecessary and write the items worth doing, then use the Four D's to windle down the list again and again.   Let's summarize: If it takes 15 minutes or less - do it. If it can be done next week or in a few months - delay it. Delegate it - Ask yourself, what can you delegate to make your time more efficient and meaningful? If it has been on your to-do list for months and takes time away from what you enjoy - dump it.    Time is money and time should be yours. I hope my expert advice of the Four D’s gives you solace and does not end up unchecked on page 1 of 40 of your yellow notepad. When you are spending more time doing what you enjoy and are ready to sell your home, remember to always, Work With a Pro.  

Owning a home in Minnesota brings the beauty of experiencing every season to it fullest.   It is winter here in Minnesota, which means we have to do a few extra "checks" around the house to ensure we are good to go for the rest of winter.   In October or November, you should have completed the fireplace and HVAC cleaning. Now that winter is here, and you are using your heat and fireplace, we have a few other areas of the home we should look at, too!   Windows and doors should be checked for any cold air sliding through or for cracks to determine which ones need to be replaced. If your windows are older or lack insulating properties, it may be a good idea to make note to replace it with a newer and more energy efficient one. Single-pane glass windows may be replaced with double or triple-paned versions. This will help to lower the cost of heating your home by reducing heat loss. TIP: If getting new windows is not in the forsight, putting that handy plastic covering to keep the cold out will do temporarily for the winter season.  All in all, we like to save money, and this will help keep the energy bill down. Shovel the snow away from the house - snow likes to build up, and when it melts and refreezes, it expands - causing tension around the base of the home and sidewalk or driveway. Ensure a clear path around the base of your house to help prevent any issues. Replace the furnace filter - if you followed our tips January to December, you know in January we tell you to buy enough filters for the whole year for easy swapping. Now that December is here, you are probably using your last filter - so when you replace it this month, add to your shopping list buy new filters! Check the Carbon and Smoke Detectors - we say it every month, and we will keep reminding you because it is that important. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that consumers test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month to ensure they are properly working. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, be sure to get one. These should also be installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.

As fall quickly approaches, many homeowners wonder whether they should sell their home now or wait until spring. Wondering what the answer to this question is? The answer is... it depends. Just because the summer has officially ended doesn’t mean that homes will not be sold for the remainder of the year. Real estate is being bought and sold 365 days a year, period. The fall season can actually be a great time to be selling a home. There are many pros to selling a home in the fall, but certainly some cons as well. If you want to sell your home in the fall, we need to address some of the areas that will need to be considered before listing. Remember, I am here to make it easy for you, so below I put together some tips that I feel should be considered when getting your home ready to list. Fall Inspections & Cleaning No matter the season, I will always suggest a pre-inspection of the home and a thorough cleaning. If you’re planning on selling your home in the fall, there are a few items that you should tackle prior to listing your home for sale. One of the most important components in your home is the HVAC system. It’s recommended by heating and cooling professionals that your HVAC system be inspected and cleaned yearly. Since a furnace is not run very often throughout the summer months and is run more often during the winter months, the fall is a great time to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned! One of the most common problems resulting from home inspections relates to a home's furnace. At the very least, it’s very common for a buyer to ask a seller to have the furnace inspected and cleaned prior to closing. Having your furnace inspected and cleaned by a HVAC specialist prior to selling your home can be beneficial as you can provide the receipt as proof ithas already been completed! Another important inspection & cleaning is the chimney. If your home has a wood-burning fireplace, it’s recommended you have it inspected and swept yearly. Similar to a furnace, since the fireplace is rarely used in the summer months and frequently during the winter, the best time to have it inspected and swept is the fall. Again, this inspection should be done by a professional chimney company. Curb Appeal Still Matters Just like clutter, curb appeal is an all-season feature that matters. One component that today’s home buyers want when buying a home is a nice outdoor space. A common mistake that sellers make when selling their home in the fall is they neglect the exterior. The number one place where homeowners who are selling their home in the fall drop the ball is forgetting to clean up their yard, or not removing debris. Some of the most important fall “clean up” tasks that should be completed when selling a home during the fall include;- Clean the gutters- Pressure wash the siding- Raking leaves- Remove loose sticks- Weed flower beds- Trimming flowers, bushes, and shrubs- Aerate the lawn Little things that make a difference in the overall appearance of the exterior of your home! Prepare Your Home for Showings No matter what Minnesota season we are in, this statement is firm. Clean out the clutter. One of the most noticeable things to a prospective buyer is clutter. Some most noticed areas that often collect clutter that should be checked are near the stairs, entryways, and closets. Make sure the stairs are clear and that all shoes, coats, hats, and mail is out of sight. Another big area to consider cleaning is the front of the refrigerator. Your child’s drawing from class is sentimental and hung on the fridge for all to see. You may have notes, grocery lists, and calendars magnetized and available for use. But, potential buyers care about what their future appliances will look like. Having a clean surface - even on appliances - makes a difference in how buyers see themselves using the space. It Gets Darker Sooner We all know that when Fall comes it gets darker sooner. Your big windows that let all the natural light in don’t do justice to what a home looks like during the day. The best way to solve this problem when selling your home is to ensure all the lights are on during a showing and the proper light bulbs are in place. Crazy as it sounds, the type of light bulb used will give a different vibe to the darker hours of showings. Ensure you have daylight bulbs in all your ceiling fixtures and lamps. This simple change gives your whole home a magazine-quality look, and makes your home look and feel brighter and bigger. Set the Mood It is important to understand that decorating and staging are not the primary reason a home sells, that normally relates to the price. However, preparing for a showing on both the exterior and interior in the correct way can make a major difference in the time it takes to sell your home. It can also affect the price a seller receives for their home.If you decide to sell your home during the fall, there are many decorating tips, staging tips, and ways to embrace the fall season. During the fall season, the warm color pattletes of Yellow, red, and orange come out! Don’t hesitate on getting your home decorated for the upcoming holiday but putting mums on the front step, or adding a splash of colored flowers to the tabletop as it can help potential home buyers envision themselves in your home during these holidays. Don’t go too overboard during the Halloween season, though. You won’t want to scare a potential buyer with a Goblin that pops out from the wall when they walk through the front door. _______________ Are you thinking of selling your home in Rochester, Minnesota?  If so, contact us, we’d be happy to share with you our advice on the ways to prepare your home for the local Rochester real estate market and also for showings!